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“If not a prince…only a duke would do. This man I was to marry would not care about my likes or dislikes, or my dreams and fears. The only thing of importance was that he would be well pleased with my beauty…and I would be contented with his perfect title, his lands, and his wealth. I asked her what if we did not like each other?" she glanced around the table, noting her mother’s growing horror, the duchess’s curious look, and her father’s narrowed eyes. The duke himself had a frown on his face as he glanced between her and Simon.
“For many years I longed for this marriage…for my prince…and I’ve found him. His name is Simon Astor. I love him with my entire heart, and he loves the woman I am, with all my willful stubbornness, odd notions, for he sees beyond my beauty. He sees me…and loves all parts of me.”
The duchess’s jaw slackened, and she sat up straighter in her chair.
Her mother gazed at her as if she was a frightful creature. "You wretched, ungrateful child," her mother sobbed.
“I will not be pressured into a marriage with a man whom I do not love.”
“The engagement has been announced!” her mother cried. “The scandal—”
"I do not care about the scandal," she said, moving from around the table and slowly walking toward Simon. "I care about the man I love, living my life with him. You tried to take my choice from me, Mamma, and without a care of my happiness. You beseech me to wed a man I have no regards for in vain, for I will not succumb to such a life. We do not need to run away, my love. I am proudly choosing to walk by your side. I am of age to consent to marry you. While my parents' acceptance would be lovely…I…we, do not need it."
He drew her into his arms and hugged her. With a choked sob she returned his fierce embrace. Acute awareness of his hands resting against her back, the far-too-intimate nature of their embrace slithered through her. Then he kissed her, deeply, uncaring their families looked on.
Distantly she heard her father comforting her weeping mother, but Miranda hardly cared.
“Marry me,” he murmured against her lips.
“Yes,” she said laughing, and raining kisses over his face.
“This behavior is totally unseemly!” her mother wailed.
“Let’s go,” Simon murmured.
And trusting him, she slipped her hand in his and walked toward their future.
The End
