Derek has not been himself since the funeral. He has been withdrawn and isolated. I am terrified that I am really losing him this time. He continues to lock himself away in his study for most of the day, but he does come down for meals and when it’s time to retire. He has not been intimate with me since his father's death, but we had not consummated the marriage either. Everything was changing now, and I cannot tell whether it is for the best or the worst.

"Your Grace," Lillian said softly, peaking her head into my room. "His Grace insists it's time to move into your new room."

"Lillian, me name ain't 'Yore Grace' it's Imogen." I said, standing up quickly. "Will my husband be there as well? Moving things and such?"

"Yes, mum, he will." She said timidly.

"Ye fancy Derek, don't ye?" I said, giving her a knowing smile.

"Yes, mum." She whispered. I walked over and took her hand in mine.

"It's alright, Lillian. It's hard not tae fancy 'im. But you’ll find your own young' man tae fawn over one day, I promise." I told Lillian, getting a timid smile out of her.

"Yes, mum." She mumbled, her cheeks turning pink.

"Imogen, an' don’t forget it." I scolded lightly. I took her arm and lead her to the Dowager and former Duke's rooms. Two master bedrooms, connected by an inner door. We would have no use for the Duchess' room until we have a baby of our own.

"Derek," I called to my husband as I entered the Duke's room. "Will we be moving into this room or the Duchess'?" I asked, walking up and wrapping my arms around him. Derek looked at me with emotionless eyes as he kissed my forehead.

"We will be moving our things into the Duchess' room." He announced to the servants. "Then set to work on making this a nursery."

"Derek, look at me, please?" I asked softly, taking his chin between my forefinger and thumb. He looked me in the eyes. HIs beautiful, pale blue eyes had hardened before even setting gaze on my face. "Please tell me what's wrong? You don’t smile anymore."

"I am fine, Imogen. It's been three weeks since my father’s death." Derek said coolly. "You need to learn to curb your accent, Imogen. It's unfitting for a Duchess." My chin trembled. I thought he wanted me to be close to my roots.

"But, Derek, I thought ye wanted me tae keep me roots?" I said, backing out of his arms. How could he say such things to me? I thought he was falling in love with me. "I don’t understand'."

"Become an Englishwoman, Imogen. I will not tolerate this behavior any longer." Derek said, leaving the room abruptly. What happened to my husband? I pressed my hand to my mouth as I went to Adalynn's room. She knew how to be proper. I needed her to teach me how to be proper and an Englishwoman. I knocked on her door twice before she answered.

"Enter." She called out in a monotone voice. I turned to knob to the door and entered the dark room. The Dowager Duchess was in full mourning garb, similar to mine. She played the role of a grieving wife well. "Ah, Duchess, come to visit the mourning pauper?"

"No, ma’am, I've come tae ask for your help." I said timidly. "I need tae be proper, for Derek." A smile formed on her wide lips.

"And you've come to the right place." She said in a chirpy voice.

*

*

*

It took me a few weeks, but I had finally lost my accent. It is now the beginning of February. None of us had shed our black clothes, but Derek had lightened up on restrictions. Before now, we were not allowed visitors or to sing and be merry. Now, Colin has come almost weekly to the residence to spend time with the family. While he has been our only visitor, I still enjoyed a familiar face. I missed my friends and my family, though. I get letters from everyone, but I need to see my dearest friends, Alannah and Kieran, my life long childhood friend.

"Imogen," Colin exclaimed, grabbing my waist and spinning me around. "You've lost weight, why?"

"I have started wearing corsets." I said softly. "Apparently, my waist must be as small as my thigh."

"What's happening to you, Imogen?" Colin said, setting me on the ground. "You've changed so much since December."

"Derek does not like the old Imogen. I was too rough and Irish." I said my face as blank as I felt. "I am practically English now. Except for my hair and freckles," Colin cupped my face in his hands and kissed my forehead.

"He's destroying you." He mumbled. "Tell Anna I will see her at Luncheon." Colin said before making his way to the stairwell. Adalynn said I could no longer have my accent. I worked hard to make it go away, Derek should be happy I did this for him. I have put away my clothing from my past, everything from my past, and embraced the fashions, everything, of my future. I do not understand how Bambi and Annabeth wear these corsets. I can barely breathe. I pressed my hand to my chest as I walked into the sitting room. Edna and Edgar were playing on the floor while Annabeth watched them. Bambi and the boys were being tutored now that the festive season is over.

"Imogen, who was that," Anna asked as sat next to her.

"Colin." I said breathlessly, literally breathlessly. "He will join us at Luncheon."

"Are you alright?" Anna asked, placing her hand on my lap.

"Yes. I am just not used to my corset yet." I mumbled. There was a knock on the door and I was sure that Mr. Williams had gotten it. "We are quite busy today."

"Your Grace, there are two people in the foyer for you. They insist you come to them." Mr. Williams said, giving me a warm smile.

"Mr. Williams, will you walk with me?" I asked, standing on shaky legs. The lack of oxygen I was experiencing was not good, but Adalynn insisted that I would get used to it. I took Mr. Williams' arm and let him lead me to the front entrance.

"Miss O'Boyle, why do you feel the need to change for Master Derek?" He asked.

"Because, Mr. Williams, Derek does not enjoy my roots, I aim to please my husband." I whispered.

"Master Derek cares for you, Miss O'Boyle." Mr. Williams said. "I do not know what possessed him to say such a thing to change you."

"You are very kind, Mr. Williams. You remind me of my father." I told him. I took a shallow breath as I laid my eyes upon the two familiar figures in the foyer.

"Alannah, Kieran!" I exclaimed, running to them. I embraced Alannah first, and then Kieran. "You missed my wedding, Kieran." I mumbled in his ear. He kissed my cheek with a smile.

"I'm so sorry, Im, I had to work. That ring on Ally's fingers didn' get tier by itself." He said, taking Alannah's hand.

"Finally," I exclaimed. The corset was more constricting than I thought. "Excuse me," I said, moving to grip the table. It was too tight.

“Sir,” Alannah called Mr. Williams as my knees buckled. Kieran caught me and laid me on the ground. "She's fainting!"

"It’s too tight." I mumbled, scratching at my dress. Alannah was right, I fainted.

I woke to too many people in my face. The first I saw was a complete stranger in my room, a doctor. In the corner were Kieran and Alannah; with Adalynn Behind the doctor were Mr. Williams, Annabeth, Colin, Bambi and Derek. I sat up a little and pulled up the covers of my bed.

"I am so sorry." I said, my cheeks flushing. "I did not mean to startle any of you."

"You will be just fine, Mrs. Goddard." The old doctor said, patting my hand. "Do not lace your corset so tightly next time. Or next time we will not be so lucky."

"Yes sir." I mumbled. He chatted for a few moments with Derek before leaving the room. I looked down at my lap as my friends and family crowded around me, except for Adalynn and Derek.

"Can you please excuse us?" Derek asked. One by one they filed out, after giving me a kiss on the cheek. After they had all left, Derek stood at the foot of the bed, observing me. I wanted him to speak to me, like he used to.

"Derek, stop staring at me." I muttered. "You act as if you've seen a ghost."

"I am." He said harshly. "I almost lost you today. What the hell possessed you to do that to yourself?"

"You, you did!" I exclaimed. "I am trying to please you, husband, and yet I am still doing everything wrong!"

"Imogen..." He trailed.

"I am trying to be the perfect wife, Derek. Everything you could ever need and more. I even asked Adalynn--"

"You asked Adalynn to help you?" Derek cut me off. "Dammit!" He cursed, storming from the room.

What was he keeping from me?