His Forced Bride

one in the world was either mad or getting there. As she sat on the piano, her fingers running along th

smooth simple melody she played. Some days Lili wondered what it would take

at too narrowly in his thin face, as well as the most unflattering habits of hunching himself to appear broader than he was. He wasn't

six inches Miriam Covey stood an inch shorter than her husband, she was a beauty wit

some business fell through today" Mother consoled,

hat Miriam" he grunted and Mother

ew of your father's associates to dinner, look as pretty as you

ook pretty"

her parents picked up bickering again. Liliana sighed and prayed that if she ever got married it would be

****

s and spoons as the house staff got ready for the big dinner, Mother had sent them up twice to check that she was getting along with her preparation unwilling to risk them being sent a third t

her mother called, her vo

hurried out of her room and straight into a tall lanky body, gl

utiful, what are you d

ho are you," she asked pul

e of you

can come with me" she answered, he smiled, his ey

tly, they walked down the stairs, in companionable silence, it was surprisi

our name," she said s

r asked" s

now I'm

, she turned to stare eyes wide

t mean the

mingly enjoyin

t who is your fami

s true though the rivalry between the Coveys and the Davenports had existed for as long as she could remember, both companies were in construction an

bout to bury the hatchet

going to be

not to expire from boredom as they discuss business" he muttered sticking out his tongue in disgust, Lili snort

you plan to get dressed" Mothe

to the other guests, she's expected more people but there was only Calvin and an elderly gentleman she

dear this is Mr. Allen Davenport and his wif

into his seat, Lili smiled and sat as well, Calvin taking the seat b

fun" he whisp

ble to ignore most of the adult conversations, after dinner Mother led them to the living room, the men sipping at whisky,

nner," he said, Lili smiled at the extremely formal greetings, the

and more prosperous in the future, it's with that i