The next few weeks were hell on earth. I was only allowed outside my room for social events and tea time.
Duke Orla refused to give up but over time my suitors gradually dwindled from two dozen to about eight. Since I was so uncooperative, barely showing the minimum required social politeness, most of them gave up in order to hunt easier prey.
My suitors now included Duke Orla (the most persistent), Al (who I had only seen in passing at a few higher end events—who was he anyway?), the second son of the Marquis of Carrabaas, the first son of the Earl of Candleton, Viscount Wilhelm (which my mother barely allowed since he was a rank below us), the third son of the Duke of Renaya, the much younger brother-in-law of the current Marquis of Quiste, and the Earl of Eddingburrough.
