THIS STORY IS MY OWN CREATION! ANY KIND OF COPYING OR PLAGIARISM OF MY STORIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY FORM OR FASHION. I OWN THE COPYWRITE OF THIS STORY!

Master Andrew steps into my room, looking at the dress he had made for me. "Come on, Mitzy, it's time to go. We can't be late."

"Yes, sir, I'm ready," smoothing out my dress slowly.

I grew up with his youngest son. We would play together; he would sneak me to the secret passages teaching me how to read. I grew fond of him, but we were just really good friends. As I got older, I would see him sneak glances at me, which told me he was fond of me, but he was the son of a Duke. He found me this morning telling me that if I returned, he would find some way to convince his father to let him marry me. I kissed his cheek before we departed, then we load up in the carriage as I look at the home in which I was born and raised.

Master Andrew lays a hand on my arm. "Don't worry; you may return. I won't take you but this once. I know my son is fond of you, but this is what the king ordered of every eighteen-year-old maiden. They are allowed to be married after the auction if they are not sold."

Dropping my eyes to the floor, my voice is soft, "I know you wouldn't let us be together, sir. He is the son of a Duke, and I'm just a servant."

He grabs my hand, looking into my eyes. "That has no matter to me. You are a brilliant woman, beautiful, kind, and he is first in line to the estate. If you don't sell, he has already told me what his plans are for you. He has shown you how to have manners, how to read, along with how to act in our social circles. I'm not an idiot; I know he has danced with you at balls, acted like you were his date while you two are very close."

Blushing brightly, "Yes, sir. I owe a lot to Nathan. He has been so kind to me all this time."

"That is the way I have raised all my children; they know not to mistreat our workers. If a worker does need a punishment, it is because they have done really bad. We haven't had to punish a servant in the entire time I've been over our manor. They know if they treat people correctly, then they will do everything properly."

Looking out the window at the trees going by, "Yes, sir, I have enjoyed my time with your leadership. I don't think I can find another person that is as kind as your family."

We arrive at a huge house where the door is opened for us. He gets out first, offering me his hand. Eyes are turned as I exit the carriage; I don't look like a servant in the dress I'm in. People know Andrew, plus how he treats his servants as we walk inside, where they guide us to a line of women standing in line with their masters behind them. We are put on a number that is tacked on the wall as I keep my eyes down. We are supposed to do this unless asked to look at a gentleman. I look to my left and right at some of the other women, where many are in old clothes, torn up; as my eyes land on some, you can see some that have marks on their bodies. I shudder as I look at them. I have many men look at me as Andrew is holding my hat; I see a pair of eyes that makes my heart leap.

"Son, why are you here?" his dad speaks.

Nathan smiles as he stops for a second. "To maybe get me a bride." He winks at me as he walks down the line.

"He is full of surprises. I didn't realize he was coming to this." I blush hard, dropping my head. My hopes are up that maybe he can buy me.

Another young man walks up, looking at me as my heart races. "Andrew, good afternoon. Is this your maiden for today?"

Master Andrew smiles at the gentleman. "Hello, Nicholas. Yes, she just turned eighteen last month. She has been a servant in my household since she was born. She can read, is very smart, and is a big sweetheart. She has been to many of our social events along with being around all our big events."

Nicholas raises my face to look at his "She is beautiful. Probably the prettiest one here in line."

Master Andrew swells with pride. "Yes, she is. I'm hoping someone would get her that would continue treating her the way she has been raised. It would kill me if she were sold to a mean master."

Nicholas flashes a smile that has a little bit of an evil hint to it. "Yeah, your one of the nicest masters around. We will have to see what she goes for."

My heart sinks as he says this; he must be interested, then walks away without looking at any of the other women.

Master Andrew signs as he watches him walk away. "He is the richest Duke here. He has a ton of money, land, and manors."

Asking in a shaky voice, "Is he nice?"

Andrew shakes his head sadly. "Not like my family. He's not mean but also not extremely nice. He knows he is rich where he can throw it around but has been known to be a huge rake."

"So he's been with women before?" hoping he is not going after me.

"Yes, a lot of them, but most were mainly whores" his voice drips with a little bit of disgust in it.

"So, you don't like him too much, huh?" whispering in a low voice now.

"Not in the husband type of way. He is probably here for a mistress or someone to entertain him in his bed chambers."

Fiddling with my hands slowly, "I hope he finds another one to do that. I don't want to become someone's whore only."

Andrew pats me on my shoulder. "Relax, my son is here while you know we have a lot of money. For most of these auctions, women go for under twenty-five dollars. I have heard tales at events where some people have been to them."

We are then turned slowly ushered into the big room with a huge wooden stage as I take a deep breath to wait my turn.