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Chapter 7 - SEVENTH

They talked for what seemed like a long time to Sango. Mostly small talk, she had agreed with him earlier about changing the wedding plans. She had balked at the idea first; she didn't want to seem eager. She still couldn't figure out what it was about him that she liked. He spoke very formally to her, but there was a strength that emanated from him. He seemed distracted. He often had this faraway look that was a bit infuriating. His attention should be here with her. But when he did look at her his eyes burned amber.

"Are you alright my lord?" Sango asked.

"Yes. My apologies I just remembered an appointment I have in a few minutes with my man of affairs. Now that we have settled the change in our wedding plans I must notify him. You should inform your mother of the change of plans." Inuyasha took her hand and kissed it. "Would you do me the honor of attending the theater with me tomorrow evening?"

"I would like that." She gazed into his eyes. "Shall I ask Kagome to accompany us?"

"If that would please you." He said it like a purr. He then kissed her hand again.

Sango suddenly thought, 'If you would please me.' Ashamed of the turn her thoughts had taken, she blushed, "Until tomorrow." She said.

He left through the garden portal, she stood there for a minute then headed towards the house determined to have a long talk with Kagome.

Sango walked in through the door connecting their bedrooms. She found Kagome curled up in the window seat. She looked up as she entered.

"What was that about?" Sango sat on the bed.

"What was what?" Kagome didn't feel like talking. That never stopped Sango before.

"You know what I mean. Lord Sesshomaru." She said expectantly.

Kagome sighed. "Lord Sesshomaru asked me to marry him." She paused. "I refused him."

"Why? He's very handsome and very rich. You should be flattered."

"I am, but I barely know the man. All I know about him is that he was of some assistance to me last night. He is handsome but his expression is somewhat cold. That's only from the limited amount of time we've spent in each other's company." She paused "Sango, I think I want to marry for love."

Sango's heart almost broke. Kagome had a look of despair in her eyes that she couldn't figure out.

"Kagome, you know I love you like a sister, but you need to realize that this offer is probably the best you could ever hope for. You would be a countess. For someone of your background and social standing that is amazing. I know he's a stranger, but you need to secure your future." Sango sighed and softened her tone. "I'm marrying a stranger and I must confess I don't dislike the idea ever since I've met him. Maybe you need to be in Lord Sesshomaru's company more and maybe you'll grow to love him. I just want you to be happy."

"I know." Kagome couldn't explain to Sango the panicked feeling she felt when he had asked her to marry him. Kagome felt a tug at her heart that was more powerful than logic. After a few moments of silence she said,

"I'm sorry but I just can't marry him. I can't explain it."

"I understand I felt something like that when my parents told about my arranged marriage. But you know I don't mind the arrangement at all. I find Lord Inuyasha fascinating. I find myself thinking about him more and more. He asked if we would go to the theater tomorrow night. You have to come." Sango pleaded. "Mother is scheduled to attend a card party tomorrow and she won't be able to accompany us. So you see you can't refuse."

Kagome could never say no to her friend. "I will go. Now I want to have some rest before dinner."

"All right I will see you at dinner. I have to go tell mother of the change of plans. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you." She came back into the room. "I have agreed to marry Lord Inuyasha three weeks after the engagement ball."

"Why the haste?" Kagome asked.

"He didn't see the logic of a long engagement. After all he believes that we will do very well together." Sango winked at her and then left.

Sango made her way downstairs in search of her mother. She was about to look for her in the study when she saw Lord Sesshomaru come out of it. He didn't notice her watching from the end of the hall as he made his way towards the front door.

'What was he doing in the study?' Sango thought to herself.

She walked to the door and knocked.

"Enter" Her mother was sitting behind the large mahogany desk.

"Mother was that Lord Sesshomaru I just saw leaving?" Sango asked.

"Yes, I couldn't have been any more surprised than when James announced that the Earl requested an audience with me." Lady Matsamura said.

"What did he want?" Sango sat on one of the chairs.

Lady Matsamura paused for a moment.

"Well I guess there is no harm in telling you. You just need to keep this from Kagome for a while." Lady Matsamura paused. "He offered a large settlement for Kagome's hand." She paused again and clasped her hands on top of the desk. "I have accepted the offer on her behalf. The contract will be finalized in a few days. We will inform Kagome of this then."

"Oh mother, I don't think Kagome wants to marry a total stranger." Sango sighed. After the conversation she just had with Kagome she felt concerned that this was the last thing she would want. She would feel cornered, and who knew what she would do then.

"I acted in her best interest. As her guardian I have a responsibility to her. I will see her married and settled. I just never in my wildest dreams ever thought an earl would be interested in her." Lady Matsamura defended her actions.

Sango had a sudden thought and she hoped she was wrong.

"After the contract is signed Kagome has no way out of it, does she?" She said hesitantly.

"If Kagome does not want this marriage, which I can't see why she wouldn't want it, we would be obliged to make restitution in the amount of 10,000 pounds."

"Oh dear" Sango didn't know what else to say.

"Now you know. Please don't tell Kagome about this. I will tell her when the time comes." Lady Matsamura watched her daughter for a moment. "Is there something you wanted?"

"Oh yes, I have come to inform you that Lord Inuyasha called upon me earlier. He and I discussed our wedding plans. He would like to move the wedding date up to three weeks after the engagement ball and I have no objection to it."

"I don't see why the rush. I would have to make arrangements, but I guess it could be done." She said going through the details in her head. "Alright if you wished to speed up your wedding date I will make the arrangements."

"Thank you, mother." Sango said rising. "If you would excuse me I must dress for dinner."

"Run along and don't worry everything will be alright in the end."

Lady Matsamura said as Sango left the room.