A Gilded Million

Chapter 1.

A knock at the door interrupted her daydreams, as she sat in the window seat of her room overlooking the prestigious 5th Avenue,

"Miss Blaire, I'm here to dress you." Blaire closed her eyes and breathed heavily through her nose,

"Come in.." Blaire Cornelia Harrington is 22 years old, the second child of Frederick and Ruth Harrington, and their first born daughter. Frederick Harrington is a railroad tycoon, who made a fortune and became a founding member of New York high society, otherwise known as the knickerbockers. Blaire had spent her entire life learning the ins and outs of being a proper lady, etiquette, philanthropy, music, art and, of course, fashion. 

Her mother, Ruth Harrington, had been raised in the foothills of Virginia on a farm before marrying her father. Due to her simple and poor upbringing, Ruth dreamed of more for her oldest daughter, not just wealth, but prestige and honor. New York society wasn't sufficient, which had led Ruth to searching for a match for her daughter across the pond. 

Months and months of searching had brought Ruth a multitude of suitors, all seeking the massive fortune Blaire brought with her in the form of a dowry. However, none of the men carried titles that satisfied Mrs. Harrington. But finally, after years of searching, she had found the one. He was a young man, only 28, but the first son of the Duke of York, which meant he would inherit the title and his wife would be a duchess.

"Miss Blaire, your mother has requested that you join her in her parlor after your morning walk," Alice quietly advised. Alice is Blaire's lady's maid. Almost always around, though not always noticed.

"I'm afraid to admit that joining my mother in her parlor sounds worse than, well, just about every terrible thing I can think of," Blaire lamented as Alice tightened her corset. Alice did not respond, which left Blaire to her thoughts as she finished dressing. Blaire, to the outside eye, was the picture of perfection. Absolutely darling and well trained in every way, but she longed for more than being a wife and selecting a philanthropy. She loved art and music, finding more enjoyment being alone in nature or riding her horse in the countryside than pastimes she was expected to enjoy.

Alas, her days were relatively repetitive. Breakfast, dressing, a morning walk, lessons, needlepoint, reading, lunch, and then the afternoons alternated between dull ladies' discussion meetings or philanthropy events. She had never been allowed to attend society functions, such as balls or galas, due to her mother's peculiarity regarding matchmaking. 

By the time Blaire made it back to the stately 5th Avenue home after her walk, she knew her mother would not approve of tardiness. Removing her hat and gloves, Blaire knocked on the oversized doors that led into her mother's parlor, before stepping in,

"Good morning, mother. You asked to see me?" Her mother looked up from a letter she had been working on,

"Ah, Blaire. Did you have a pleasant walk?" Blaire sat upright in a chair across from her mother's desk,

"Yes, the weather is particularly lovely today. But..you wanted to speak with me about something?" Ruth turned fully in her chair before moving to sit closer to her daughter,

"Yes. I have had some news in regards to plans for your future. The Duke of York has agreed for his son to request your hand in marriage." Blaire's eyes widened and brow furled at her mother,

"Whatever are you speaking of? You requested that someone request my hand in marriage?"

"Yes dear. It is a wonderful match. It will provide you with a title and a life of security. It is everything I could wish for you." Blaire stood from her chair and began to pace before turning back towards her mother, an exasperated look plastered across her face,

"Mother, I don't want a business agreement that takes the form of a marriage. I want love. I want what you and father have. I don't even know this man! What if he's horrible and cruel? He hasn't even asked me to marry him. You've asked him to ask me! I haven't even been to a social event. What if there were someone here I was meant to fall in love with?" Ruth scolded her daughter,

"Blaire Cornelia, stop your antics this instant. It is unladylike for you to be carrying on like this. Sit down at once!" Her mother paused, "The decision has been made. The Duke's son's formal request will be arriving in the post any day now. The wedding date has been set for the 6th of June." Blaire obeyed her mother and sat back down, reclining into the chair and sighing,

"If the wedding date has been set already, when will I meet this Duke's son? Will I at least have the opportunity to turn him down if I feel he is a poor match?" Ruth rose and strode back over to her desk to finish the letter she had been working on,

"You will meet the man at the altar on the day of your wedding. They are busy men and will not be able to make the voyage until then. The matter is decided. You will marry. You are dismissed, Blaire."

Without a word, Blaire stormed out of the room, hoisting her skirts up in order to allow her more freedom to run up the grand staircase in the foyer. Once back in her room, she slammed her door shut, hoping the entire house shook with her fury, before throwing herself on her bed. She stared out the window in silence, wishing she were a bird and could fly away from the restrictions of her life.