THE COLONIES ~ 3 ~ THE OTHER BROTHER

After our trip through the market, Ali and I left Spencer at the Hastings estate and ventured back toward my home for our afternoon tea. As soon as we arrived we were ushered into the grand hall which is commonly reserved for special occasions.

"Lady Hanna," my hand maiden smiled as she whisked me through the to the west wing, "a special surprise awaits you."

"Oh my," my voice echoed in the cavernous archways, "pray tell, what is it?"

"Sir Rivers is here with his son," she replied. "I think they want you to marry on your sixteenth birthday."

"I can't wait," Ali smiled. "We've been dreaming about this wedding since we were girls. Aren't you excited?"

"Of course!" I gushed. "I only hoped Clay might have grown a couple inches more."

"You have four more months," Ali replied. "Men grow at an alarming rate at his age. Remember my own brother? He doubled in size the summer before his eighteenth year."

"You're right," I told her. "Where would I be without you?"

Ali hardly had a chance to respond as we rounded the hallway and were affronted with the vision of Sir James Rivers seated across from my father and mother. In the armchair by the mantle, was a grizzly figure that I recognized from the square earlier that day.

"Lady Hanna," Sir Rivers smiled and took my hand kissing it delicately just above the knuckles.

"Sir Rivers," I curtsied. "Pleasure."

"May I introduce my firstborn son," he said gesturing toward the slump found by the warm fire. "Sir Caleb Rivers. Please excuse his attire. It has been a long journey from the colonies."

The cretin who had spent the better part of his morning hiding betwixt my skirts now stood before me in the same tattered garments. He approached me and tilted his hat before offering a farce of a bow.

"Lady Hanna," he smiled slobbering on the back of my hand.

"Sir," I said through gritted teeth as I gave a polite curtsy.

"Darling," my mother smiled. "Please sit. Alison, you as well. We always adore your company."

"Thank you," Ali replied sitting by my side.

Imitating our governess as best she could, Ali looped her finger through a tea cup and delicately suspended the matching saucer underneath. Then she took a look sip and placed it back on the table. Meanwhile I felt Sir Caleb's eyes bore through me. It was frightening.

"You girls arrived just as we were arranging the nuptial festivities," my father told me. "How would you like to be married on your sixteenth birthday?"

"Father," I smiled politely. "May I speak with you in the library?"

"Of course," he replied.

He took my hand, all the while staring daggers at me, and led me through the corridor into the library where he shut the oak doors.

"Hanna," he said sternly. "That was thoroughly embarrassing."

"Forgive me Father," I protested, "but I will have you know I am embarrassed at the prospect of marrying that wretched pirate."

"He's not a pirate," my father said indignant. "He's the son of Sir Rivers and future heir to the Rivers fortune. Not to mention, his mother is from the House of Grimaldi."

"He's illegitimate!" I shrilled.

"I understand your panic," he replied, "but I have an agreement with Sir Rivers and you shall marry his son, aside from his parentage. His father favors him and holds him in high regard. That is what matters."

"You cannot be serious!" I retorted. "How will my union with this miscreant help the people of Kent?"

"There are some things you will simply never understand," my father replied, "but things are changing for England and marrying this man is in your best interest. Besides, you have no other option. You were destined to marry Sir Caleb. There are no other suitors."

"You are insufferable," I spat at him.

"Listen here," he grabbed my arm. "I am your father and your duke. I am uninterested in your opinion. You shall do as ordered and you well pay me respect."

"I understand my duties," I retorted, "but I lost my respect for you when you bargained my hand in marriage in exchange for an alliance."

"Darling," he laughed. "Speak not of which you do not understand. Now, compose yourself and meet us in the grand room for tea when you can behave appropriately."

He unlocked the door and stepped out leaving me to my thoughts. It was inevitable. He had left me with no other option, thrown away my hand in marriage. When I was ready, I stepped past the oak doors and reentered the grand hall. I took a seat beside Alison and she slyly slipped her fingers through mine and squeezed my hand.

"It seems," Sir Rivers tried to break the tension, "that we have all agreed. Lady Hanna's sixteenth birthday shall service as the happy occasion."

"Splendid," Mother smiled. "We will be delighted to host the festivities here at the estate."

I felt Sir Caleb's eyes on me once again. His piercing stare caused a shiver through my spine. He was wretched and I was not about to stand idly by as he dictated the rest of my life.


I know the chapters are short but I am so behind on updates. I promise it's getting good real soon! From now on 20 reviews for a new chapter and if I get 25, I'll start including a preview at the end of each chapter :)