Mrs. Sommers placed her hand over her heart as her mouth flew open, in stunned silence.
"There is not going to be a wedding."
"That is nonsense!"
"Mother---please---let me finish."
"I will not marry someone I do not love."
"You can love her, if you choose!" She rose from her chair.
"You have to listen to what I am saying.
She grabbed his arm tightly in desperation. "Please do not throw away your future, based on a lack of passion."
Austin pulled gently away from her grip. "Do you love the man you married, mother?"
"Yes, of course I do."
"Allow me the same opportunity."
"You believe I have always loved your father? Love grows, and it will grow for you if you give it time."
"Love has already grown in my heart for another."
"Do not speak it, Austin."
"I will say it! I love Hayley and I always will. Forcing me to marry someone else will not make me stop loving her."
"I have already explained the matter to you."
"You are referring to the feud between you and her family."
"The feud belongs to you because you are tied to it as long as you have our name."
"You have had a tolerance for her and her family. If you hate them so much, why would you have allowed them in this house?" Austin sat down in the chair heavily.
"They are mere servants and I want more than that for my son. The Stanton girl is the best one for you, I know it." His mother knelt down beside the chair and stroked his arm. "Of course you are upset now, but you will soon forget, once you take your bride."
"I will not marry the Stanton girl. She is already aware."
Mrs. Sommers slapped his face suddenly and hard.
She stood up and spun around and buried her face in her hands. "How dare you, do this to me."
"I have done nothing against you."
"I will not allow you to do this. You will go to her and beg her to forgive your temporary sanity."
"It is Hayley, I went to."
Mrs. Sommers gasped loudly.
"Don't worry mother. I only told her of the broken engagement."
"You must forget about a future with her."
"I planned to reveal my feelings, but I have to know what my future is going to be, if I do take her as my bride."