FanStory.com - Love's mores by zanya

The pallid sunlight rays of March shone through the window of the morning room. Lady Elise worked on her needlepoint. Mama, Lady Amber, was due to depart to London. Papa was visiting his estate in Norfolk.

To the rear of Anherst Manor the equerry saddled the horses.

'Soon I shall be alone at Anherst,' Lady Elise murmured.
'How happy I shall be to choose my own path.'

'Whom are you addressing?' Lady Amber called from her boudoir.

Leaving the door ajar, she was privy to her daughter's utterances.

Elise replied, 'I shall be free to meet the man I love.'

' Squire Edward from Danley Hall?'

' Mama, that would be preposterous. My heart longs for Marquis James. His mourning period for his wife, Lady Eleanor, is ended.'

'Papa will never permit such a union.' Mama replied.

' Papa cannot destroy our true love.'

'Darling Elise,' you would be penniless. Papa holds the purse strings.'