Astrid's POV

(1867 –Victorian era)

It had been two years since my father passed, and my uncle became my guardian. Two years since my coming out party, where many suitors flocked to my side after learning of the fortune I was set to inherit.

Their constant vying for my attention and the jealous glares from the other ladies at the parties had gotten irritating. It was at one such party that Matilda and I retreated to the balcony so that I could get some fresh air.

I take a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Oh Matilda, I just wish those men would stop acting like prancing peacocks."

I hear Matilda let out a laugh as she comes to stand beside me. "Well milady, how else would they attract the attention of a lady."

"They could try actually listening to said lady's opinions." I ground out. "I just wish they were more normal, just like......"

"Just like that young man who saved you from those ruffians a few months ago." Matilda finished for me and I nod.

"Yes, we still correspond through letters. I just wish there was a way I could thank him properly." I tell Matilda. "At least he appreciates an opinionated woman." I huff out.

"Oh milady, you are absolutely smitten by that young man aren't you." Matilda queries. "You know your uncle would not let you associate with anyone below your class."

"I know Matilda and I thank you for keeping our correspondence a secret." I tell her sincerely.

"You know I would always keep your secrets milady. I was you governess as well as a good friend of your mother." Matilda replies.

That party was one of the many I had to attend for the season. I had turned down all of the suitors and was currently back home in Hofferson Hall.

A knock on my door brought me back from my musings.

"Enter." I said and I saw Matilda walk into my room.

"Milady, your uncle has send me to tell you that we will be having some guests over for dinner. He would like you to dress in your finest dress."

I nod. "Do you know who these guests are Matilda?"

"I am uncertain, but most likely they are business partners of your uncle." Matilda responds. "I do believe milady that your uncle has something planned. It will be best to be careful."

That evening our guest were shown inside where uncle Olaf and I greeted them in the parlour.

"I bid you welcome dear guests." Uncle Olaf began. "May I introduce you to my lovely niece Astrid."

"Astrid may I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. de la Ranged and their son Edwin." Uncle Olaf introduced.

I curtsy and say. "It is a pleasure to welcome you into our home. Please make yourself comfortable."

"What a lovely niece Olaf. This will be a great match." Mr. de la Ranged commented as he, his wife and son took a seat. Inwardly I think 'A great match. Uncle better not be doing what I think he is.'

Matilda and I were approached by Edwin as uncle was busy entertaining Mr. and Mrs, de la Ranged.

"Greetings milady." Edwin said while keeping a respectable distance.

"Greetings Mr. de la Ranged." I commented looking a bit bored.

"Please Astrid, call me Edwin." He told me.

"I believe sir, that you are overstepping your boundaries. I have not given you leave to call me by my name. Such an act would suggest intimate familiarity." I replied shooting him a glare.

"Oh my dear. We will certainly be getting intimate. Very intimate indeed. The contract has already been finalized." Edwin commented.

"What contract?" I ask curiously.

"Why the one for our marriage of course. So I see no reason that we could not refer to each other in a more intimate way."

I slowly stand up and smooth out the skirt of the gown I am wearing. "If you would excuse me for a minute Mr. de la Ranged." I tell him and walk towards my uncle.

"Uncle, there seems to be a bit of a problem that requires your attention." I tell him calmly. "We should adjourn to the study."

"Of course my dear. Why not have Matilda entertain our guests for the moment." Uncle said and then we excused ourselves.

I closed the doors behind us as uncle entered the study.

"Now my dear what....." Uncle began but he was interrupted as he had to duck out of the way of the vase that I threw at him. The vase hit the wall and shattered into pieces.

"What the devil. Control yourself girl." Uncle yelled.

"Tell me uncle. When were you going to tell me of this marriage contract." I hiss. "I am perfectly capable of choosing my own husband."

"For the last two years you have rejected every suitor seeking your hand." Uncle Olaf replied. "You are 20, nearly 21. You are to be married and have children. I will not have an old spinster in the family."

"And that gives you the right to dictate who I marry." I ground out.

"Once you reach 25 no man would wish to be your husband Astrid. I am simply looking out for your future." Uncle Olaf said smoothly. "I am still your guardian, and as such I have secured this profitable marriage for you."

"No uncle. You are looking out for your future. Do not think I don't know what you are doing." I tell him. 'It would appear that I am out of time.' I think to myself.

"I might not be able to refuse this marriage but there are some terms I will have." I tell him and continue before uncle has a chance to argue.

"Firstly, I will set the date for the wedding, which shall be in July. I have always wanted a July wedding." I tell him. "Secondly, during that time Mr. de la Ranged will have to court me. I currently know nothing of my future spouse except that he is your business partner."

After some thought from uncle he relented and gave into my demands seeing that I would then accept the marriage.

We returned to the parlour and Matilda and I excused ourselves citing that the evening had taken a toll on us and that we would like to rest.

Once in my room I explain the situation to Matilda.

"What will you do now milady. If what you say is true than your inheritance shall become your husband's property upon marriage." Matilda asked as I was busy getting out of my gown.

"I expect that is exactly what my uncle wants. With the de la Ranged's being business partners he can still control the business from the shadows. That is why I told uncle the wedding would take place in July. It will be one month after I turn 21." I tell her quickly. "I will only have control of my assets for a month but that should be enough."

"What do you plan to do milady?" Matilda asked curiously.

"Possibly something crazy Matilda." I comment while slowly running my hand over the children's book on my dresser. It was a picture book story about two penguins going on an adventure. It was the story I had loved as a child and which my mother would happily read to me at bedtime.

"My mother always did say that Fate had an odd way of working things out in the end." I commented softly. "For now we plan."