Dawn of Grace

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Father picked up a set of papers from the side table and waved them at Elise. With his tone a deep growl, he slapped the papers with his other hand. “You’d best remember that this marriage is going to be beneficial to all involved. George is seeking to gain a foothold into society and make the right connections. Marrying into this family will avail him that.” He pointed his finger at Elise. “It’s your responsibility to be that stepping stone.”

How appropriate was Father’s analogy. She certainly felt as though she was being used, and George intended to walk over her to get what he wanted. But Father was wrong about one thing. This marriage wasn’t beneficial to all involved. The only one involved in this charade who would not benefit was herself.

Elise rose from her chair and stood with her shoulders erect and her chin held high. It was now or never. She disregarded the tightening of her stomach and the moisture popping out on her forehead. “Father, I do not love George Penwell. I don’t even like him. In fact, the very thought of him touching me makes my flesh crawl. He’s shifty-eyed, and I don’t trust him. I can sense nothing good in the man, and I do not intend to marry him.”

Mother gasped and her eyes widened. She seemed frozen in place. But Father jumped from his chair and pointed a thick finger at her. “Don’t you dare defy me. This decision is not up to you. I’m the one who makes the decisions in this house and don’t you forget it. You will do as you’re told. If you’d turned out to be the son I wanted, you’d be seeking a match beneficial to this family just as I did.” He flung his hand in a gesture toward Mother. “Since you turned out to be a female, the best you can do is to be married off to George Penwell to help reinforce our financial position.”

Boldness mushroomed through her, and she clasped her hands in front of her. “Father, I do not wish to be insolent or disrespectful, but I am not marrying George Penwell.”

The color in her father’s face went from red to purple, and the veins in his neck throbbed visibly. Father had as much as declared he didn’t love her and only sought to use her for his own gain. The way he treated and spoke to Mother would be her own lot if she married George. She wasn’t so naive as to think otherwise. Her senses scrambled to find a solid reason for her refusal. “I–I’m in love with someone else.”

“Rubbish! This has nothing to do with silly, irrational female emotions. This is your duty to your family.” He took a step toward her and swore. The curse words made her cringe, but even though her stomach clenched in fear, she couldn’t back down now.

“I’m–I’m in l-love with Fenton Hastings. We’ve been s-seeing each other, and…we’re going to be married next week.” The untruth caused her courage to waver. She couldn’t depend on God’s help, not if she lied.

Father shook his fist at her and bellowed. “I won’t allow it! I won’t allow a child of mine to defy me!”

Fear threatened to strangle her, but she swallowed it back and grappled for every ounce of backbone she could find. “I’m of age, Father. I don’t need your permission.”

His lip curled back into a snarl. “You do if you live in my house.”