Some 'Exciting' News

[Antonia Zabini]

Despite her best attempts, Antonia's search for a husband was not going well. Since the man who'd courted her following her debut, she hadn't had any prospects that were nearly as strong. Some of that was down to the fact that she was terribly picky about her men. She wanted someone who rich, handsome, and reasonably intelligent who'd dote on her as much as she wanted. Antonia thought that wasn't asking for much in theory, but actually finding a man like that who was interested in her too had been a challenge.

As she edged into spinsterhood territory, she'd relaxed her standards a bit, but not enough to make a difference. Being twenty five and unmarried was her own fault and she chastised herself for it daily. If she didn't find a favorable match soon, she'd have to resort to a cousin and that wasn't ideal. At present, she was in her room mulling this over and trying to pull together a scheme to ensure her future.

Antonia was considering the running list of eligible men she kept in a journal when the housemaid appeared to say her mother had sent for her. Curious about what her mother wanted, Antonia set her book aside without complaint. She followed the girl to her mother and was immediately surprised by the older woman's affectionate words and gestures. Antonia knew very well her mother would do anything for family, but Capricia Zabini was rarely the soft and tender type. She was even more curious about the woman's motives now. "Mother," she began with a smile of her own. "What can I do for you?" Surely the woman must want something with her. Whether Antonia would like it or not remained to be seen.

@'Capricia Zabini'