A Duel with Destiny

Rowena lived in a little village with her father, a doctor, when the Marquis of Swayne is injured in an accident and taken to their house. While recuperating, they fell in love.

"I love you as I swear I have never loved a woman before," the Marquis said. "But I cannot offer you marriage."

Rowena's whole body became cold and she felt as if there were a block of ice in her heart.

"Such love is wrong... and wicked," she spoke beneath her breath.

"How can it be wrong when we love each other? I am willing to devote my whole life to you. Why should you ask for more?"

"Yes," said Rowena with a touch of anger in her voice, "how dare I? Well, my Lord, I do dare. I dare to tell you that the love you offer is not good enough for me!"