Obedient Wife

By Alison Beamon

"Pardon me." He said to Margaret as he reached for Madeline's hand.
"My dear, Madeline, would you honor me with this dance." She saw the outrage in her sister's face.
"I cant, my Lord." Crispin must have taken her denial as an admission that she did not know how to dance. When in truth she did not want to awaken the wrath of her sister.
"Oh but it is very easy, come I shall lead you." There was not another moment of arguing, he pulled her past Margaret and she took in the way that the other couples moved aside to let him pass. Madeline was terrified. She had to let Crispin know that this was not going to work. She was not sure how to tell him that her sister was determined to have him. When he came to a stop they were in the middle of the ballroom. She could feel all the eyes upon them. With the greatest of ease he moved her across the dance floor.
"Why can't you?" He asked when it was obvious she did know how to dance.
"Because my sister has set her cap for you, and I can not interfere." Madeline was shocked at the honesty that rolled off of her tongue.
"Truly?" He asked and she could not understand why he would be shocked by the admission.
"Without jest, My Lord." She licked her lips because they had suddenly become very dry. The look that crossed his eyes sent a shiver to her toes. It had to be her lack of experience with men that had her believing that he was about to kiss her. As quickly as the thought dawned it passed.
"Do you two think you can plan my future without my consent?" He asked and she wondered if he was angry.
"Not we two, My Lord, for I take no pleasure in the thought." Again the honesty slipped from her tongue.
"Trying to protect her from me are you now, Maddy?" Their was a twinkle in his eye and she was glad to hear the song start to fade down.
"No, for I fear it is you who needs the protecting." No further words were spoken as he led her back to where her sister stood. Margaret was angry, of that Madeline was sure but it was not her fault. Bowing he laid a kiss on her hand and released her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1070863076
• ISBN13: 9781070863078
• Release Date: May 2019
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"