FFfAW #91: The Cad

photo-20161128154638337

The Cad

Words 168

 “Victoria! The Duke’s here.”

Victoria crumpled the letter. “I refuse to marry that cad Mama.”

“Do you want us to rot in debtors prison? Come along now. He has the money and the means. That’s all that matters.” With that her mother thrust her into the summer room.

The Duke stopped his pacing and bowed low. “Victoria. You looking stunning.”

Eyes glittering, lips curling, she bobbed a curtsy.

He flinched but he went down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”

Victoria hesitated, but couldn’t dissemble. “I love another.”

The Duke straightened. “Richard?”

“Whom you scared off with your cheap tricks and threats.” She raised her chin. “I demand satisfaction.”

His lips twitched. “You want to duel?”

Victoria ground her teeth. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to run a sword through you.”

“You just did.” He coughed. “Just think, what better way to punish me than to marry me?”

“You still want to marry me?”

“I am not Richard to be scared off so easily.”

***

Written for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by Priceless Joy and photo by Louise – a story in 175 words or less. Thank you Priceless Joy for hosting, thank you Louise for the photo. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

I am a huge fan of Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen and Victorian era romances so when I saw the photo, I couldn’t resist 😀

I wonder if it worked? Do let me know. Thanks!

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Dahlia

Email me at mysilverstreaks@gmail.com or tweet me @mysilverstreaks

26 thoughts on “FFfAW #91: The Cad”

  3. I quite like the sound of him. Sounds like he’s got something about him anyway! I think it worked well, the dialogue was good, the mention of debtors’ prison sounded like exposition, though that’s hard to avoid in so few words. I liked the characters – both have come spirit about them and I wonder if she will hold him to a duel – that would be a great scene to write!

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    1. Now that you mention, that does sound like an exposition. No doubt few words are a factor but in retrospect I can see that I could/should have created a compulsion without going into the details. Thanks Lynn for making me think 🙂

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      1. It is so hard to do in so few words though. I know I tend to try to pack too much story into shorts and struggle to trim them down. And it’s just my opinion of course. Still a really strong story 🙂

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      3. My pleasure. I like constructive feedback too – it’s good to hear what other people see in my stories, what they don’t ‘get’ when I feel something is obvious. It can be a real eye opener

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