AFTER sitting in the living room for what felt like an eternity, the silence of the mansion only amplifying her racing thoughts, Oswald's words replaying in her mind, over and over again, each repetition driving the point home.

"Then you aren't ready to be a wife."

Anger simmered within her, but as she thought about their conversation, a wave of sadness washed over her. How could he think that of her? Did he truly believe that just because she was his fiancée, she should take on the role of a maid?

She shook her head, frustration building. No way was she going to let him dismiss her like that. She...