Raven remembered the day Duke Norwhal came from London to meet Linda. He had traveled many miles to visit and secure their betrothal in person. His first name was Dashon, and he was an awfully frail fellow with brown hair and dark brown eyes. He spoke softly, though, and appeared to be a gentle young man.

He was quite rich, too, which was evident in the lovely silks and fragrant spices he brought as a betrothal gift. He had plenty to spare as the heir to a trading empire. More than that, though, the Duke seemed to be a romantic.

So, definitely not Linda's type.

*

“So then, my dear, what say you? Would you care to visit the docks this summer? My uncle has the best boat with which to sail upon, you know,” the young man said with excitement.

“Well, I am not overly fond of water excursions. I would much prefer a visit to the local library,” Linda replied coldly.

Her fiancé’s face immediately fell with disappointment, though he quickly recovered. “Very well, then! The library it is. I do not mind reading myself, although I do not claim to be an expert with the written word. You see, my father always preferred me to learn the business, not to meddle with my own pursuits. However, I greatly admire your love of reading, my dear. It does a woman good to expand her mind through books. I hope you will always continue in what you enjoy, even when are living in London. There are so many bookstores and places to find reading material. You shall certainly love it!”

Raven had to fake a cough into her napkin to keep from laughing out loud. Poor boy. His nervousness was quite evident in his endless speech. It was very unfortunate that Linda had already deemed him unworthy of her attention.

After about an hour, the Duke was called away, back to his business and the rest of his duties. Linda bid him farewell like a good fiancée, but upon returning to their room her true emotions rang clear.

“Oh, Raven, can you believe that pathetic fop of a man is to be my future husband?" Linda snapped, brushing through her hair angrily.

"He seems rather nice, Linda, just give him a chance,” Raven replied with a laugh.

"Never! I do not want a man like him! I want a hero, someone dashing and brave! I want someone who can take me on adventures and show me exciting things!"

Raven rolled her eyes. "He offered to take you on a boat.”

Linda huffed with displeasure. “That is not the same!”

“Why are you so picky about everything, Linda? You are lucky to have such a good man standing before you! Most ladies must settle for harsh or uncaring husbands when they face arranged marriages!" she reasoned.

Her sister shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, I do not plan on settling,” she retorted.

Raven suddenly felt her anger rising at such an entitled and selfish way of thinking. After all, if they could trade places, she would certainly accept a man like Dashon!

"You know, some of us will never have a good man with a fortune thrown in front of them. Some of us will have to marry for survival and never even get to dream of love. Be grateful for what your father has set up for your future!" she snapped.

Linda turned to her with shock, a look of realization evident on her face. Then she turned back to the mirror, looking lost in thought over their very different situations in life "Do not worry, Raven. I will find you a good man in London, someone handsome and rich. He will come racing back here to sweep you off your feet once I speak about your beauty and charms! Then you shall move to the city with us."

Raven smiled at her sister. She truly appreciated such kind words, though they were but empty ideas. "Make sure he has strong arms, then,” she laughed.

Linda giggled, her eyes regaining that fanciful sparkle that often led her off on one of her fantasies.

“Oh, yes, he will be very strong, Raven! And tall, as well as devilishly handsome. He will be a sailor, or a businessman, perhaps. Maybe even a naval captain!"

Raven shook her head with laughter and went back to brushing her own dark hair in the mirror. They both knew, however, that there was little chance of her going anywhere in life once Linda left to marry.