PROLOUGE
"Riza!"
The sound of her name tore her concentration from the book in her lap. She turned to see her father standing in the doorway.
"Yes, father?"
"I've got good news," he smiles and holds up a letter. From her chair, she cannot see who it is from. "Good news about a potential husband."
Riza struggled to make her sigh inaudible as she closed her book and turned to give her father his full attention as he made his way to the armchair directly to her left.
"Lord Bradley is looking for a wife," her father said with a smile. "And he is very interested in you."
"I thought Lord Bradley was married."
"He's in the process of a divorce as we speak. His wife is no longer in her childbearing years and she has failed to produce an heir- male or otherwise. I received this letter today. He plans to attend Grumman's party this weekend in hopes of meeting you."
"I see," Riza replied, not fully knowing how to respond. "If that's what you wish, I will meet with him."
"That's very much what I wish," her father said.
"I understand, father."
"Good." Berthold stood up from his seat, clearly uninterested in conversing with Riza beyond this topic of conversation. "I don't think I have to stress how important this party is." His voice was firm.
"I will not disappoint you, father."
"You better not," he said sharply before leaving the room, paying no mind to Riza in front of the fire, consumed by her thoughts.