Description
Lord William looked at Elizabeth, his expression pained. "There's something else I need to tell you," he said, his voice low. Elizabeth felt a sense of unease wash over her at his words. She had a feeling that she wasn't going to like what he was about to say. "My mother has been pressuring me to marry Maryanne," Lord William continued, his eyes filled with sadness. "She's threatened to disown me if I don't." Elizabeth felt her heart sink at his words. She had always known that Lady Margaret was a formidable woman, but she had never realized just how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted. "I'm so sorry," she said, reaching out to take his hand. "That must be so hard for you." Lord William nodded, his eyes filled with tears. "I don't know what to do," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love you, Elizabeth, but I can't bear the thought of losing my family." Elizabeth felt a sense of despair wash over her at his words. She had always known that their love was forbidden, but she had never realized just how difficult it would be to overcome the obstacles in their path.
Chapter 1
