Johnny paced the length of my room. My trunk must have been delivered and unpacked while we were eating because nothing was in it. Mama must take it back with her then. I didn’t think I would be traveling often after my wedding.

“He felt cold, Ginny. They all did, except for that Annabeth girl. She adores you.” Johnny spoke, proceeding to bite on his thumb.

“If he knew he was marrying you, wouldn’t he be more excited, or at least a little more gracious when accepting his guests?”

I shook my head as I sat on the bed, unlacing my shoes.

“Who’s to say he hasn’t fallen in love with someone else? I could be ruining his happily ever after for all we know. He is justified to be unhappy, Johnny. If he is not Papa, I will be happy.” I rationalized, placing my boots at the end of the bed.

“And they weren’t all cold. The younger children took to the babies like they had known each other for years. And the Duke was most accommodating.”

“The Duke is waiting for you to give him grandsons so his legacy may live on for centuries.” Johnny muttered cynically.

 I rolled my eyes and flicked at the buttons on the front of my dress.

“You are too young to be cynical.”

“And you’re too young to be married, but that isn’t stopping you!”

“You know why, Johnny. If it’s not me, it’s you, it’s the twins or Maggie or Bridie or Keegan. I must honor the agreement or Mother is sent to debtors’ prison. I won’t have that, Johnny. It’s my responsibility.”

Johnny scoffed as he turned to me. We both knew what would happen if I refused. We couldn’t afford to refuse this offer. It’d be foolish of us to do so.

“What am I supposed to do? To feel? I’ve already lost Da, now I’m losing you. I do not care to lose anyone else, frankly. And this man is in no position to move. He’s an heir, you know!” Johnny exclaimed. I smiled sadly.

“I do know. But you will visit and write me. You must. I won’t allow it otherwise.” I defended, opening my arms to him.

 We remained silent as we embraced. As we did so, I could faintly hear shouting in the joining room. We pulled apart, our eyebrows raised. I motioned with my head towards the wall and we eased our way over, pressing our ears to it. The voices were still quite muffled, but I had a feeling it was my fiancé.

“I feel like an idiot.” The muffled voice announced, leaning against the adjacent wall. “She doesn’t want to be here—”

“Well of course not!” A woman shouted. “The two of you are being forced into a horrid situation! And your façade was not so inviting today either, Derek.”

“Annabeth, don’t start.”

“I will start! She is supposed to be your wife, and you looked at her like she was horse shit you just stepped in. I know you’ve been home for barely a month, but this is hard for her too. She’s entering our life—our standards and rules and etiquette. You’ve judged her since she stepped foot on the property. You need to woo her.” Annabeth scolded. I could only imagine what she looked like; something close to a fierce goddess, with the wind whipping at her clothes.

“And how do I do that? Besides, I have bigger issues to think of, like our darling step-brother Jack.” Derek mentioned. Johnny turned to me with a cocked eyebrow.

“Who’s Jack?” He whispered. I shushed him, pointing to the wall. He rolled his eyes at me, turning his attention back to the wall.

“Adalynn wants him home for the wedding?” Annabeth screeched. “Don’t tell me Papa allowed this.”

“He’s family, unfortunately. Father sent word for him shortly after I returned. He’ll be here by the end of the month.” Derek noted.

“Do you think she’ll like mother’s ring? I want to propose to her, properly. Perhaps ‘woo’ her that way.”

“I think you need to get to know her. And more importantly, keep Jack away from her. He’s more than willing to wedge himself into her good graces.” Annabeth said, moving across the floor.

“Stop stalling and go already. Tell me about how it went in the morning.”

“So, I’m assuming I’m leaving?” Johnny questioned.

 I gave him my best “mother” look I could muster. Johnny simply rolled his eyes, moving away from the wall.

“Fine, but don’t think I won’t wallop him if he tries anything with you. You may be marrying him, but you’re still my favorite sister. I’ll do anything for you.” I smiled as I kissed his cheek.

“Go, get some rest. Check in on Maggie for me. She’s having a rough day.” I ordered as he left the room.

Just as the door closed, the knock I anticipated came. I scurried across the room and pulled open the door, doing my best not to look excited.

“Erm, Hello,” He murmured, clasping his hands in front of himself. “May I come in?”

“Yes, of course!” I exclaimed, moving aside to let him in.

 Derek was quite tall, with great muscle underneath his clothing, or at least that was my assumption. He walked like he floated on air, but had the poise of a king. In short, he took himself too seriously.

“Are you enjoying your room? Annabeth and Bambi were hellbent on making it homey for you. They said that my ideas lacked… a feminine touch.” He chuckled, leaning against my bedpost.

I smiled, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

“It is much more than I’m used to, I’ll admit. But, it’s lovely and I would love to thank your sisters for doing this.” I admitted, wrapping my arms around myself.

Derek smiled, taking a tentative step closer to me.

“Tomorrow, perhaps? I’d rather take the evening to become better acquainted with each other. I feel as though we got off on the wrong foot.”

I smiled and nodded slightly. I lead him over to the marvelous window seat. I hadn’t had much time before to look out the window, but in the morning, I would take time to take in my new home. Derek joined me on my perch and we began to talk about everything and nothing. I had hardly known time had passed; he made me laugh and forget every worry I’d ever had.

My first impressions of him had been wrong. He was so extremely courteous, kind and loyal. We talked of our families, our beloved siblings and lost parents. He told me of his time in the United States, fighting against the American Army. I had nearly forgotten the time until my clock chimed, signaling that it was just after two in the morning.

“Until breakfast, Imogen.” Derek murmured, rising to stand.

 I stood with him, walking with him until we reached the door. He placed his hand on the doorknob, fully prepared to leave, but turned towards me with a pensive look about him. Derek leaned in and pressed a kiss against me cheek before leaving out the door. I sighed, turning to dive straight into my bed.

*

The next few weeks flew by. Annabeth and their younger sister Bambi took to helping plan the wedding. Albeit, they really took hold of the whole thing. I didn’t really mind, it gave me more time with my siblings. It gave me time to say good-bye before they grew up without me. Mother assured that they would not forget me, but they would. Especially Bridie and Keegan. I’d be but a distant memory to them.

But among other things, I was being thrust into a world I was unused to. I was still getting used to having a maid. Her name was Lillian and she was not much different than me. She helped me to feel more normal while Bambi and Annabeth tried to teach me proper etiquette. That was a feat in itself. I felt like I was stumbling over myself at every chance, but Bambi and Annabeth were so supportive.

“We should go shopping,” Annabeth announced, standing from my bed.

Bambi rolled her eyes as she continued to read her book.

“What for? My clothes are just fine.” I stated, smoothing out my skirts.

Even though Mother said I didn’t have to, I still wore my mourning clothes. I felt so guilty for not being able to say goodbye to Pa, and I’m sure he died restlessly.

“Silly, we’re holding a ball for your engagement! And Lillian told me you have no ballgowns for the occasion.” Annabeth explained, coming over to me. “We can invite Derek, make it a bonding moment.”

I sighed. There was no way I was going to get out of this.

“Fine, we can go shopping.” I conceded.

 Annabeth squealed as she ran to get Derek.

“Oh dear, you’ve just given Annabeth her ultimate dream.” Bambi commented, snapping her book shut. “Her own real-life doll to dress.”

“I do not think I will be buying anything unless it is practical.” I stated, fixing my hair.

 I quickly noticed that my new sisters chose to wear their hair in fancy do’s while my sisters and I chose to wear it down or in a simple braid bun. I craved nothing more than to melt into the background. I’ve never been comfortable being the center of attention. I liked working in my mill in Dublin. I was one of a few hundred girls, working for the same purpose: a better life. It was comforting to be among people like me. The thought of being in Derek’s world terrified me. New people, bubbly and bright people who looked at me like dog shit.

The knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts. Bambi rose from my bed as I opened the door, facing the bright and bubbly twins. Annabeth clapped her hands excitedly as she entered my room. Derek stood in the doorway, a faint smile on his lips. He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before addressing the room.

“Are we prepared, ladies? I heard we’re heading to town. I’d like to go before it begins to rain.” He announced, offering me his outstretched hand. I took it and allowed for his sisters to exit my room.

Bambi and Annabeth were truly two different creatures. Bambi thoroughly educated and never without her nose in a book. She had dainty wire-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, undoubtedly from extreme strain from reading. Annabeth, on the other hand, was the definition of fashion. Her interests did not distract from her personality, though. Her sharp tongue and expansive knowledge of foreign affairs, maths and politics most definitely came from her time studying with her brother.

We went to town in a small carriage, with Annabeth talking animatedly about the wedding, upcoming balls, and all other arrangements. I tried, so desperately, to be engaged in the conversation. But I just was not interested. It was out of my element to even have to think of these things. I made the textile that would eventually be made into the gowns she loved, but I never dreamt of owning one.

“Imogen,” Derek murmured, leaning close to my ear. “Are you alright? You seem lost in thought.” I hummed in response, turning my head slightly in his direction.

“I’m quite lost in her words, to be honest.” I admitted quietly. “Dresses and balls and shopping are not things I am normally concerned with.”

Derek nodded as he took my hands.

“We shall figure this out together, wont we then? It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one in the dark.” He assured me.

I smiled as we neared the village. It was beautiful and quaint and quiet as we entered it. Annabeth took charge once we came to town, waiting until we reached the center to halt the carriage.

“Oh, Imogen, you’ll love this shop! It’s just darling,” Annabeth cooed as we exited the carriage.

I hummed in response, clinging to Derek’s arm. We descended upon Annabeth’s intended target, a shop called Madame. Just from the window I could tell it was extravagant, nothing practical at all. As Annabeth went in search of the dressmaker, Derek turned towards me.

“Do not let Annabeth pressure you into buying anything. I… There is a dress back at the Manor… It is yours if you wish it to be. Annabeth thinks it is too plainly, and Bambi claims the bust does not fit her own.” I took his hand and smiled as we stood in our bubble.

“I’d be honored, Derek.” I murmured.

Annabeth returned with an infectious grin upon her face as she returned with the dressmaker. I groaned. Bambi was right.

Dress shopping was horrendous. After what turned out to be nearly an hour, I had grown frustrated at their words and prodding. Textiles, textures, bodices, etc., were constantly uttered at me. But those words meant nothing to me. I had a wedding gown already packed with me. What more did I need other than my calico dresses and night shifts? We ultimately settled on my dress for the wedding, which was a mere two months away. I was so eager to return to the manor and retire until supper was served.

Instead, Annabeth suggested we walk the town, so I may gather my barring. Derek and I trialed behind his sisters, chatting about our days. He talked, mostly about the ledgers and accounts he helped his father manage. He asked about my siblings, if they would miss me terribly.

“Derek, who is this ‘Jack’ your step-mother continues to mention? I have yet to meet him.” I questioned.

Derek stiffened at the mention of his name. I suspected that they were not on the greatest of terms with one another.

“Jack is my step-brother, Adalynn’s son.” Derek stated. “We served together, in the colonies. He’s not the kind of man I thought he’d be.”

I bit my lip, sensing that Jack wasn’t a subject he cared to talk much about. Derek took my hand and forced a smile, trying to comfort both our nerves. I wanted to believe that everything would be alright in this family; no more grand schemes or drama. Just happiness.

“Tell me about your friends, Imogen.”

I smiled, thinking of my dearest friends. I had met Alannah, Colleen, Enya and Ida at the mill. They were good, hardworking girls who taught me everything I ever needed to know. Enya and Ida married not too long after I had arrived, but they didn’t stray far from the factory. Their husbands worked on the other end of the city, meaning that the girls stayed close to Alannah, Colleen and I. They helped me process everything that I had gone through, including this arrangement. At first, they thought it was like a fairy tale, but in reality, they knew it was as bad as any forced thing.

“They are… different. I met them while I worked at the factory. We shared a room, all five of us. They’re my dearest friends in the whole world. I think that I was the oddest girl out of the group, but they took me as their own. They know about our situation, and I’ll admit, they’re very skeptical of you, my lord.” I chewed on my lip as we came around to the carriage.

“And what of your friends, Sir? Surely, it’s not just you and your siblings all the time?”

Derek smiled, slowing our pace so we could steal a few more peaceful moments. I wondered if the rest of our lives would revolve around our never-ending families.

“My dearest friend, Collin Crawley, lives not ten miles up the road. He spends much of his time traveling, much like now, but he’ll be home by the wedding. We met at school, and I must say, we caused that poor headmaster to retire early. Collin has two younger sisters and at the time I entered school, Barney and Caiden were too young to play with. It was a natural attraction of loneliness, I gather.” He explained as we neared the carriage.

“He sounds delightful,” I murmured as I climbed into the carriage.