The Debt (Now on Radish)

cнapтer 1

The carriage jostled for the umpteenth time today. Baby Keegan stirred in me mum's lap, Bridie whimpered in my arms, and Margret and Aiden were in their world of imagination. But I, I was not. I watched as our driver took us past peasants working the fields, people like us. My brothers, John and Alastar, rode on horseback. I could see my little brother's dark head of hair bobbing up and down as Johnny held onto him and the reigns. The only person missing is me Da. He died from Scarlet Fever three weeks ago. I never said good-bye to him.

Now, I am off to settle his debts. I am to marry the next Duke of Suffolk. The current Duke and my Da struck up a deal before he and my mum had any children. Upon my Da's death, the Dukes oldest child is to marry Da's oldest child. I must admit, this was not the way I wanted to meet my husband. I wanted a proper courtship, to steal away with him and have secret kisses, but alas, it is not meant to be.

"Imogen." My mother whispered. I turned my head towards her and gave her my best smile. "You don't have to do this."

"And let the family get kicked off of our land?" I questioned, stroking Bridie's hair. "I would rather spend my life in a loveless marriage, Mum." My mother is not an Irishwoman like myself. She was the daughter of an Earl and Countess, betrothed to a Lord at age sixteen. She met my father a month before her parents allowed her a season. She says that it was love at first sight, while Da used to joke is was just gas.

My Da was twenty years old and beneath my mother. My grandfather disowned her after finding out mum married da. My uncle is the current Earl, but has no heir. Johnny is to go to mum's childhood home once he turns sixteen so he may get a proper education and become the next Earl of Windsor.

"Be careful with your words, Imogen. Your Da liked to say that the Moon Goddess has a way with people's love lives." Mum said, stroking Keegan's hair.

"Mum, we are good Catholic people. God will give me what I am rewarded. Nothing more, nothing less." I replied.

The rest of the ride was silent. Maggie and Aiden had fallen asleep along with Keegan and Bridie. What would he be like? Would he be tall, handsome, kind? Or would he be ugly or horrid or a bastard? My mind kept wandering to my Fiancé. I was honestly nervous about my future. I wanted to like him, maybe fall in love with him one day. That would be the icing on the cake.

We arrived at the Manor at dusk. The Duke, his wife, and children were waiting for us at the front of the Manor. All of the children had woken up and had their outfits straightened out. Good first impressions. Mum and Keegan were first out of the carriage, followed by Maggie, Aiden, and Bridie. Alastar must have joined his twin in line, as Johnny took my hand and helped me out of the carriage. I was awe-struck when I saw the Goddard Family standing in front of me. They were a handsome bunch.

The Duke was greyed quite a bit, but his wife had dark hair without a stitch of grey. Next to them was the oldest, my Fiancé. He had very blonde hair with stunning blue eyes, and was standing next to an equally stunning girl. There was another girl, with dark hair and blue eyes, next to a boy around Aiden and Alastar's age. He had dark hair and dark eyes. Then there was another boy, with blonde hair and dark eyes, next to two little ones with dark hair and blue eyes.

"Mrs. O'Boyle, welcome to Avebury Manor." The Old man said, stepping towards us. "My name is Aaron. I did a lot of business with your late husband. I am truly sorry we had to meet like this." He took my mum's hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it. He turned to me and smiled.

"You must be Miss Imogen." The Duke said, taking both my hands in his and giving them a tight squeeze. "Your father spoke highly of you. I have no doubt you and my son will make a fine match." He turned and motioned for the oldest boy.

"Miss Imogen, my son, Derek Goddard. Derek, your bride, Miss Imogen O'Boyle." My soon-to-be-father-in-law said. Aaron slid my hands into his son's and smiled. My heart skipped a beat when our skin made contact. What the devil...

"Miss O'Boyle, it is a pleasure to meet you." He said in a monotone voice. Did he not just feel his heart stop?

"I can surely say the same, Mr. Goddard." I said breathily. My statement earlier was mistaken. He was not stunning; he was breath-takingly beautiful. His eyes were the shade of the sky and his hair was like the color of the flax that went into making whisky. He had dimples when he smiled at me, which made me fawn over him. He was devilishly handsome.

"Please, call me Derek, Ms. O'Boyle." Derek said, giving me his charming smile.

"Imogen, please." I replied, smiling back. His father cleared his throat and I instinctively backed away.

"You must be famished, Imogen. Derek, why don't you escort her to the dining room?" His father suggested. Derek held out his arm and I shyly took it, allowing him to lead me into the manor.

Once the adults were seated, including Johnny, we were served our suppers. Maggie, Aiden, Alastar, Bridie and Keegan, as well as a few of my Fiancé's siblings, were not allowed at the dinner table this evening. We had an arranged marriage to discuss.

"Derek is to inherit my title when I pass." The duke stated as his servants brought out the dinner. "My wife, Adalynn, will step down from her title as Duchess, and you will become the Duchess of Avebury."

"B-but don't I need t' have noble blood, sir?" I asked nervously. The old man smiled and shook his hand. He reminded me so much of me Da.

"No, my sweet girl, Adalynn was a farmer's daughter when I met her. I had recently lost my wife and was in dire need of a nanny for my youngest few, and eventually, she became my wife." Aaron explained, smiling at his wife.

"We must discuss the wedding, my dear." He admitted. I nodded and looked at Derek. His face remained impassive, which worried me greatly. "The wedding will take place the first Sunday of next month. I hope that during this time, you and Derek will court each other, get to know each other better."

"Of course sir," I replied as Derek said, "Yes, Father." Why did he say it like this was a chore? Didn't he at least want to get to know me?

*

*

*

*

*

Hello lovelies!

Imogen up top

New update. I will try and update Meeting Ophelia soon, I'm just so freaking busy. Next chapter for this may be in Derek's POV, maybe.

So, I may lose my voice tomorrow. I am getting sick and I just yelled at the best game of the season so far. I played, like, forty out of sixty minutes of the entire game. Yay!

Lots of Love,

DoctorWho