Isabella Awakening Ch. 02

Marisa hurried out calling for her trunk to be carried to the waiting carriage. She left immediately, leaving Isabella wondering what her mother thought could be achieved in so little time, but even more worried about what her father had in store for her. No doubt another strategic marriage. At thirty-four, Isabella felt angry that she had not been consulted and depressed at the thought of another ill-suited husband. But she would not, could not, confront her father. She knew that defiance on her part would wound him deeply and, for all his faults, she loved him and wanted him to be happy.

The week dragged for Isabella. If it weren't for her scrimshaw dildo, she would have cried with boredom. Marisa's return, although eagerly awaited, was uneventful. She said nothing to Isabella about what had transpired, only giving her a nervous smile when she knew that Alberto could not see them.

It was the following day, over lunch, that Alberto broke the long-awaited news to Isabella. He had "negotiated" her marriage to a Spanish merchant by the name of Don Marcello Della Brosco, the second son of an associate in Barcelona. Alberto assured Isabella that Don Marcello was a fine man, although somewhat sickly, and that he would make a fine and respectable husband for her. Through his little speech Marisa sat with her head bent, not daring to meet the eyes of either her husband or daughter. Isabella was calm and allowed her father to finish before responding.

"Father, I thank you for your concern for my future and accept your arrangement." She said, as if in formal public reply. Alberto started to relax and smile, but she continued, "However, I accept it with sorrow and regret. As your dutiful daughter, I will obey, but as a woman I resent your apparent right to trade in my body and services. I am over thirty years old, Father, and this will be the last time you ever make a decision on my behalf. I feel it my duty to inform you that if, after a year of marriage to this Don Marcello I am not satisfied, I will take my own measures to seek fulfillment."

Alberto listened to his daughter and she could see his anger slowly rise as she spoke. He was ready to explode by the time she finished, but Marisa suddenly intervened to prevent catastrophe.

"Isabella. You have every right to express yourself and I hope you will reflect further on the care and love with which your father has arranged what I am sure will be a most suitable marriage. You must leave us now and go pray and give thanks at the Cathedral."

Isabella took the hint and left immediately, leaving her father fuming but speechless at the table.