Elizabeth Wentworth's Story

“How could you agree to that?!”

The sound of the young woman’s voice filled the hallway as the sound of her footsteps, heavier than normal could be heard heading towards her quarters. The voice and footsteps belonged to a twenty two year old Elizabeth Wentworth. She was a beautiful girl but it was clear that at the moment she wasn’t happy. Tears were streaming down her face as she almost ran into one of the maids carrying who was making her way down the hallway. Elizabeth didn’t even bother to apologize to the girl she was in such a state over the news that she had heard. Normally she would have apologized profusely to the girl. Elizabeth was a nice girl and she respected the staff, they were like family to her.

As she reached her room Elizabeth opened the door and very quickly closed it behind her, turning the lock. She had known that things were not going well with her father’s business, there had been staff cut backs and all other sorts of cut backs around the estate like food shortages and fires not burning in every room. Elizabeth just hadn’t known that it had been this bad. As she sunk down on her bed she heard a knock at the door.

“Elizabeth it was either that or I would lose everything. This way you will be taken care of” Richard said by way of explaining his actions to his daughter. However there was no response from the other side of the door and he eventually gave up and retreated to his room for a drink.

It was quite normal for women or young girls to be married off for many different reasons but Elizabeth had never thought that it would be her. She had thought that her relationship with her father was different and up until today he had always said that she had a say in her future. He had proposed men before but Elizabeth had never fallen in love and therefore wouldn’t marry them. It had been okay, she had been happy to take her time even if she was getting a little older than most. However today her father changed his mind. He had got into debt with one of the richest men in the area and had exchanged her hand in marriage to clear his debts. It was something that Elizabeth would never forgive him for. As much as she hated this idea and would not go happily she knew that it was her place in life and that she didn’t have a say in it.

That night Elizabeth cried herself to sleep. How could she marry a man that she had never met? What would he be like? Elizabeth knew that he was older than her and she had also heard stories that he was a hard worker. She also knew that he had two daughters who were not that much younger than she was. The thought of this scared her just as much as marrying this unknown man. What if the girls hated her? Life would be so much harder if they did. All these questions could only be answered with time and it appeared that the next few days would be a waiting game to see just when he summoned her.

The horses neighed as the horseman pulled the reigns, restraining them to a halt. It wasn't much comfort from the harsh and cold European fall wind that Hamilton was inside the coach, he dreaded that his men were freezing their noses off. He quickly got off without waiting for the footman to open it for him. His men rushed to help him but he just brushed them off and said, "I am not an gray and old man neither am I a lady, I suggest you round about and towards the Wentworth's stable and make sure the horses are well fed. I'd ask the man to have some warm soup and tea be brought over." He then buttoned his coat and knocked at the beautiful brown wooden door.

He had to admit, the Wentworths have acquired a good taste when it comes to designing their home, it is such a pity if they had to sell it to pay for a small amount of their debts. He knocked once and the door was opened by a timid servant who looked like she haven't been eating much herself. He hoped that her masters are not treating her unkindly. The woman bowed as he let her enter and shyly spoke, "Lord Wentworth and Lady Elizabeth would be down shortly. Is there anything I can get you?" She had showed him into the visiting parlor where the fire was as inviting as ever, it crackled and spitted as the servant added a single wood. Looks like they are saving on wood as well, The Duke thought.

"Just see to it that my men are warm and fed, I have asked them to bring the horses to the stables. If you'd be so kind as to assist them as well?" He spoke kindly, a trait often admired by his people. The woman blushed and nodded, shortly she curtsied and excused herself.

It was a last minute change, Hamilton had sent a word to the Wentworths that he preferred having dinner over their residence rather than inviting them over, he still doesn't know how to tell his two princesses about his decisions much less his brother. He shook his head at the idea of him returning home very late as usual, reeking of the smell of prostitutes, tobacco and alcohol. He didn't know what had gotten in to him to act worse than a child.

His thoughts were then interrupted as he heard a man clear his throat, he turned his face towards the entry way and saw Richard Wentworth in what appeared to be a wrong way to try to look as if he was in his prime. Hamilton couldn't help but look at him from top to bottom and then nodded as a sign of greeting. "My Lord Shieffield, my daughter will be joining us in a while." He walked towards the other end of the parlor and pulled out a intricate box, it revealed several Cuban cigars as he carried them towards the fire where Hamilton stood. "For the meantime, how about a good puff?" He offered the box towards him, Hamilton couldn't quite read what was registering in the man's face. It was like he was hoping he wouldn't take any and at the same time wanted to boast he still has some good stuff left to entertain the likes of him. Unfortunately, the Duke was not a man of vices. So as he placed his hand on the box, he closed it and shook his head slowly.

"Ah, how about some fine whisky?" The man was shocked when he refused the first offer and tried to impress him again. He shook his head again and took a seat, not waiting for the man to offer him the chair. "Not whisky then eh? Well how about we dine already. I'm sure Elizabeth is on her way down the stairs."

This time Hamilton nodded, he wasn't the type who'd beat around the bush. He stood and waited for Richard to lead the way towards the dining area. Unlike in his mansion, it was only the frail girl who waited on them. He gave her a questioning look as she bowed down and answered, "Your men are getting their selves warm in- in the waiting area. I- I made sure they are well, M'lord,"
"Very well, I assure you that you would be rewarded accordingly," He spoke and sat next to Richard.
"Ahhh Gwendolyn, could you please tell Elizabeth that we are already waiting for her?" Richard asked after. The girl nodded and excused herself once again.
On his seat, Hamilton waited for his bride to be.