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Chapter 6

‘My son flaunts himself with almost every lady in this town. But I do not believe for one second that young Anne here would be gullible enough to fall for his fake charms.’ George protested in Anne’s defence.

Anne’s shame began to drain from her face. She stood tall in between the two of them, wondering what would be said next. Bertha began to cackle, it was a sound worse than lightning. Anne tried to hide the obvious smile that was forming on her face the minute she noticed George taking her side over his own sons.

‘What? Surely you cannot mean that! Sheldon is a wonderful young man, a pillow of this society. I am ashamed that my own niece would even think to offer such—’

‘That is quite enough Bertha. I will not hear anymore of this. It is my son who is in the wrong as he should not have pursued the papers in the first place! You should think more of your niece. I see her as a lady with more class than the likes of my son. I was rather surprised to see them together at my dinner table.’ George continued. The door remained wide open, letting the cold breeze slip through. But not even the breeze could compare to Bertha’s bitterness.

‘Why do you speak of your own son in such a manner George? I am shocked at your behaviour!’ Bertha exclaimed, not knowing what George would say next.

‘Believe me, if you knew him as I do, you would know why I think so little of him. Now I must go, I only visited to clear the air but I can see whose side you are on Bertha and it is not your nieces. Good day.’ George said. He looked disappointed and he turned around to leave.

‘Wait! You are still coming over tonight though? For the dinner? I have invited you and some other locals to meet with the Lord Mayor of Oxford.’ Bertha said with a wide smile returning to her face.

‘What! That is tonight? You failed to mention this to me and Wilma?’ Anne asked angrily.

‘Some things do not concern you, my dear. It’s just me, as the head of the house and 5 or 6 local rich men and our local Mayor. No young girls allowed. I doubt you would even know where to look or what to say!’ Bertha laughed as she spoke.

‘I will attend Bertha. But only on the condition that Anne joins us. Otherwise, my son and I will withdraw.’ George said, folding his arms and looking rather smug.

‘What! But—’ Bertha went to reply but George began to walk down the garden path.

‘I expect to see her there madam! See you in a few hours.’ George said, his voice began to blur into the distance.

Anne stared at her despicable Aunt and wondered why she loved to make every situation worse. She couldn;t believe that the amazing George wanted her at a dinner with the Mayor of Oxford. Bertha had never looked so angry. It seemed that no matter what, Anne always found a way to outdo her.

‘Why is Sheldon invited after all he has done to the family?’ Anne asked with frowning eyebrows.

‘Have you not learnt a thing in your life yet? These dinners and meetings have nothing to do with who we like or what people have done to us, it’s about reputation and influence. We need both Winchesters at this dinner. They are the richest in Oxford after all. The Spenbourne’s are nowhere near the richest anymore which is why I am hosting this dinner. Do you not know how societal classes work? This could be good for us. One right word to the Mayor of Oxford and we could find ourselves slowly climbing back up the ladder of wealth.’ Bertha continued to speak near the staircase. She leaned her expensive clothing onto the doorframe of the front door.

Anne sighed. She found it almost impossible to understand how her Aunt Bertha could switch from showing no care towards her at all to suddenly trying to give her lessons that may help her understand the world she lived in.

‘But we are rich, are we not? We live in this massive mansion, you have just gained wealth from my fathers will. And you must have some influence already if they are letting you host an important dinner tonight.’ Anne asked.

Bertha seemed almost impressed with her intelligence and her constant great perception of each situation.

‘You are smarter than you look, aren't you? Your father’s money did not turn out to be much. I had to pay my debts off with that, there is only a little left. The only wealth we have now is that of the outside world. Nobody knows of our money troubles and everyone still respects us. That could change if people begin to notice that we are slowly slipping down the class system. If we act like them, they will believe us to be them. So if you must accompany me tonight at my dinner party, be on your absolute best behaviour. No upsetting Sheldon or flirting with the Mayor or anything like that. Just sit there and look pretty, yes? Nobody likes a young madam with an opinion.’ Bertha told her. She finally walked away and left Anne to her thoughts.

Later that day, Anne put on her best satin navy blue dress to impress the rich important men. Wilma had suggested that it wasn’t fair for only one sister to attend but Anne stood her ground. She knew she had a right to be there but she still didn’t understand why George wanted her there. After all, she had only met him twice and not for very long on both occasions.

She went to the dining room, trying to hold her breath in the hope that it would help somehow. She was overwhelmed when she saw the Lord Mayor of Oxford sitting there with a glass of fine wine. But Anne soon noticed that only the Winchester’s and the Mayor had turned up. Aunt Bertha came rushing over to her the minute Anne appeared in the door.

‘We have a situation. I invited 6 and only 2 have turned up! I have no idea why, perhaps it was the stuff about you in the paper this morning. I knew you would ruin things for this family!’ Bertha yelled in a whispering tone.

‘And what if it is because the word of our lesser fortune is finally starting to spread? I doubt the Lord Mayor would come all the way here if it was about the papers!’ Anne replied. She stormed past her Auntie and sat in her seat at the table. George smiled the minute he noticed Anne had done as he requested.

‘I thank you again Madam Spenbourne for going to all of this trouble to wine and dine me. I hope we can discuss some important Oxford business.’ The Mayor said as he drank more.

‘I do apologise once again Lord Mayor, there are supposed to be more of us to greet you than this. There were erm a few mix ups with the invites.’ Bertha announced awkwardly.

The Mayor laughed it off.

‘More wine for us though, ay? Now, let’s get down to business. So the church on—’ The Lord Mayor began to speak before Sheldon stood up and interrupted.

‘Before we begin, can I make a quick announcement that I am sure will bring great joy to you all.’ Sheldon said with a wide smile on his face. Anne could hardly make eye contact with him. She wondered what else he would say to tarnish her name. Everyone sat patiently and waited to hear the news.

‘I, Sheldon Winchester am officially betrothed to the beautiful Anne Spenbourne. Here’s to our futures!’ Sheldon announced. Nobody except the Mayor clapped and drank with him. The room fell silent afterwards. Anne could only feel deep anger and pain at the pit of her stomach. What sort of game was he playing?

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