< Speak Now >

She smiled. "Can I?"

"You may," he smiled and offered is hand. "May I have a dance?"

She placed her hand in his with a nod. "You may."

Andrew smiled and took her out to the dance floor, dancing slowly with her.

she smiled at him. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, love," he smiled at her.

"I didn't think this place was this beautiful." she smiled, looking around the ball room.

"I told you, you'd have to see for yourself. Whatever I told you didn't do it justice," he smiled.

She nodded. "Is it always like this?" she asked.

"Not as decorated, but the floors stay waxed and everything dusted," he nodded.

"Definitely a step up from the pub." she smiled.

He chuckled. "You'll have to show me how you dance soon. I'm curious."

she nodded. "I'd like that." She smiled.

He smiled and twirled her a few times, then dipped her a little, smiling. "I will ask you for another dance," he whispered, squeezing her hands as he bowed to her and went to dance with Abby, who giggled and winked at Amy.

Amy smiled and let go of him, letting him dance with others.

Some of the other girls noticed his interest in Amy and told him they wished him well and were looking forward to his rule. Those girls left after a thank-you dance from Andrew. He was glad not all girls were like Ashley. The girls who had wished him well were from high-class families. He had been afraid that all high-class girls demanded more and more power.

As the night wore on, amy was one of the only ones left. She waited patiently for the time to come for andrew to announce who he wanted.

By the end of the night, only Amy and Abby were left, really. Andrew had refused to dance with Ashley. "I've made my decision," Andrew smiled.

One of the maids nodded and hurried to get his father.

Amy smiled, not really knowing what to do.

His father grumbled, being taken away from his game of solitaire, but came nonetheless.

"Father, I've made my decision. Amy is the maiden I will take as my wife," Andrew told him, taking Amy's hand.

Ashley showed up behind his father, a small smirk on her face. "The town harlot?"

"Harlot? You're choosing a harlot as your wife," his father frowned, outraged.

"She isn't a harlot - Ashley is spreading rumors, father."

"Prove it to me," he frowned.

"Ask anyone who she knows," Andrew snapped.

"Uncle, Amy is a close friend of mine. She is not a harlot, what Ashley tells you is false," Abigail spoke up.

"Look at her. You think that's belly fat? Shes pregnant." Ashley said.


Amy held onto Andrews hand, scared to say anything.

"With my child," Andrew admitted, taking a step forward out of anger at Ashley. "I will marry her, I will raise our child."

"you damned well better, boy," his father yelled, outraged still. "That will be the last irresponsible thing you do. Perhaps having a child will teach you some responsibility."

"Are you sure it's your child?" Ashley asked. "She works at a pub. She has slept with men before you."

Amy held onto Andrew's hand tightly, trying to keep him from doing anything and also from fear. Everything this woman was saying was true but this was Andrew's baby. She knew that for a fact.