Well, in the end, Linda, although she had put on a brave face throughout the wedding itself, was less than enthusiastic during the after party. Her betrothed showered her with gifts, nearly all of his attention, and of course, all his skillful dancing. Her sister, however, kept trying to sit down and avoid him whenever she could, saying she was tired or hungry. So he gave Raven a few turns on the dance floor, and for those few odd minutes they got a chance to talk alone.

*

“Well, dear sister, I hope you are having a grand time! I fear my dearest Linda has become unwell, and it pains me so,” Dashon said with evident disappointment.

Raven smiled as he twirled her, knowing the man had a very good soul. “Indeed, I am having a most lovely time. Please pardon my sister's constitution tonight. I do believe her to be nervous,” she said politely.

Duke Norwhal smiled at her encouragement, looking renewed in his joy. “Well, she need not be nervous! She has absolutely nothing to fear from me or from London. Ah, she shall be treated like a princess—a queen, even! Linda will lack nothing from me,” he exclaimed loudly over the music.

Raven smiled warmly. Her sister really was being so silly. She was so lucky to have found such an agreeable husband! "I do not doubt this, sir. And I suppose now I need not implore you to take care of her."

Dashon smiled and shook his head. "Indeed, you have nothing to fear at all, even though I would do anything to gain your approval. Linda cares for you so much, I can tell you both are very close,” he said.

Raven nodded sadly. She knew that would not be the case for long. “You have my approval and my praise, good sir. I shall sleep well at night knowing Linda is in your care.”

Dashon smiled with pride at her words as he spun her around again. Then, after the dancing and the food and the music, Linda retired for the night and Raven followed her sister to the honeymoon suite for a few last words.

“Oh, Linda, must you be so stubborn? Dashon is such a nice man! Why did you avoid him so much tonight?" she demanded.

Linda scoffed. “Oh, please! You know I hate parties! I much prefer a good book."

Raven scowled with growing anger. "You are acting childish, a very unladylike trait. I would have assumed you of all people would frown upon such acts."

Her sister suddenly slammed her fists down on the nightstand. "Do you not understand, Raven? I hate this man! Sure he is good and nice and such, but he is taking me away from you! Away from my home, away from everything I have come to love!" she screamed.

Raven gasped with surprise, but before she could speak Linda continued.

"If not for Duke Norwhal and this marriage, I could stay here, and you would not be sent away! I know my parents' plans, Raven. I know your fate. Now that I’m leaving there will be nothing I can do to stop it!" she exclaimed, coming to tears near the end.

Raven felt her heart ache with warm affection.

"Linda, do not blame Dashon. If it had not been him, your parents would have found someone else. Just enjoy your new husband-to-be. He will take good care of you. He called you his queen!" she said, ending in a girly giggle.

Linda snickered, her face relaxing ever so slightly. "A queen, huh?" she muttered.

Raven nodded. "Yes, and many other good things. Do not worry, Linda, I will obtain work for myself as a governess and save up the money to come visit you in London. You will see, all will be well."

Her sister nodded, looking slightly comforted.

“Now, get yourself ready for your husband. Hopefully he has been too tired out for an actual honeymoon, but in the event he is not, you must act ready.”

Linda sighed with a pout. “If not then I will cry and say I am too tired. If I am his Queen, he will allow me to sleep in peace.”

Raven laughed. “Alright, do as you wish. I will see you in the morning as we start our trip.”

Her sister came over and embraced her tightly. Then Raven kissed her forehead and departed for the night.