The Deal

You arrived at the Havisham House, a knot in your stomach pulling tighter than your corset. You weren't sure which was responsible for your shallow breathing, the garment or the realization you'd soon be face to face with your potential suiter. Nay, buyer. Drowning in unpaid debts, your family stood to lose everything. Your father told you since you were young, to survive in this world, one must be willing to sacrifice. Having nothing else to give, he offered up his only daughter. Your hand in marriage for a price. Arthur Havisham was intrigued by the deal.

He was a beautiful boy from a notable family. A long line of businesses tycoons and wealthy proprietors carried the Havisham name. Money passed from hand to hand from generation to generation. Arthur was to be next in line but under one condition. As his father's last will stated the inheritance shall be granted only after Arthur sires a son. The only thing more important to the old man than money or the brewery was lineage. The Havisham name should be carried out for generations. That weight now rested on Arthur's shoulders. Always impatient, the young man couldn't be bothered to take the proper time to court a woman. And why should he when blessed with expendable money and privilege? Through whispers and murmurs around town, your father had learned of Arthur's situation and decided to seize the opportunity. After all, who better to look after his little girl than a Havisham?

You hoisted your dress above your ankles, taking a careful step down from the cab. Your father offered his hand to escort you to the sprawling home with well manicured greenery. His smile was remorseful. He hated to give you up, but it would keep your mother and little brother housed and fed. Your father clung to the hope you'd find yourself with a kind-natured, well-to-do man whom you could learn to love. Someone to take care of you and allot you the lavish and ornate life your father always felt you were destined for.

"You're making your mother and I very proud." Your father cooed, sensing your anxieties as the door grew closer with every step. You offered only a nod. If you spoke, you might break. "Everything will workout, dearest. Love will find the two of you. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But it will" You gave your father a slight smile. Maybe he was right. What if instead of a nightmare, a fairytale life waited for you just beyond that door?

You were greeted and granted entry by a small red haired lady. A hired servent. "Please, come in!" She beamed. "Master Havisham has been expecting you." She brought you out of the cold and into the foyer. The size of the single room was almost that of your family home. By the stairs stood Arthur, looking very much the Prince Charming archetype. He approached you, a regal air about him. Your heart beat quickened. Up until this moment, the potential arrangement felt bleak and dreadful, but the idea of calling such a beautiful man your husband excited you. You straightened your posture. Your first impression had to be perfect. You hoped you looked satisfactory for the handsome man.

"Mr. L/N, so good to see you again." Arthur and your father shook hands. Your father seemed every bit as smitten as you were by his natural charm. "And this must be the lovely Miss Y/N." Gently, he took your hand in his, placing a delicate kiss on the back of yours. The press of his lips on your skin was electric. "She's even more beautiful than you described." Arthur's gaze rested on you, taking notices of all your feature. You blushed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Havisham." Your voice was silk and received with smile that radiated sweetness and warmth.

"Let me assure you, Miss L/N, the pleasure is all mine." You were swooning at his words.

"I suppose I should leave you two to get better acquainted." You father said with a slight nod. The servant woman led him away to another room to allow you more privacy. The minute your father's presence left, Arthur's sweet smile turned dry as merlot and soured on you. His brow lowered almost completely altering the soft appearance he presented in front of your father. He seemed much more stern now.