Wyrd (HTTYD fic)

Chapter 15

Astrid's POV

I was born in 1847 to Fredric and Annabelle Hofferson, the Count and Countess of Berkishire. We lived in Hofferson Hall which my father build as a wedding present for my mother.

My mother had gotten sick when I was 6 and the doctors told my father that she could bear no other children. That was the time where the first born son would have inherited the entire Hofferson fortune. But due to my mother's illness father was left without an heir.

The other family members were suddenly coming over a lot, bringing with them their sons, hoping that father would name one his heir.

Mother died when I was only ten but she had already thought me her secrets. Her teachings would lay the groundwork for my present situation.

When mother died my distant relatives became all the more persistent for my father to choose an heir or to remarry. I remember one such conversation well.

It was late at night and I had escaped my chaperone Matilda and hidden myself in an alcove behind the heavy drapes in father's study hoping to find out why father and uncle Olaf were shouting at each other.

"Fredric be reasonable." Uncle Olaf yelled. "You cannot be thinking of doing this."

"Why not Olaf. Others have done so before." Father stated while taking a seat in his favorite leather wingback chair.

"This will ruin the Hofferson name." Uncle shouted and started pacing. "I still don't see why you can't simply remarry."

I heard father let out a sigh. "You know why Olaf. Annabelle was the love of my life. I will not replace her."

"You need an heir. At least think of naming one of the lads." Uncle Olaf pleaded.

"Olaf. That is enough." Father shouted. "Those boys only want the fortune. I have yet to see one of them impress me. And I already have an heir."

"I meant a male heir. You can't possibly think that Astrid would be suitable. She is a slip of a girl."

"She is a Hofferson Olaf, or have you forgotten. I have no doubts that Astrid would be up to the task." Father stated. I heard the clinking of glass and thought that he was pouring himself a drink.

"Do you seriously think that any man would wish to do business with a woman." Uncle Olaf grounded out. "I am thinking of this family's future."

"No Olaf, you are thinking of this family's fortune. If I name one of my nephews heir they will only think of themselves. My daughter would be sent to live somewhere else with only a pittance of an allowance. I will not have my only flesh and blood be treated like she is a nuisance."

"You are a fool Fredric. You might have doomed this family." Uncle Olaf said and stormed out of the study and slamming the door in his wake.

"No Olaf, but I'm afraid you will." I heard father whisper to the now empty room.

(1865 –Victorian era)

Father had refused to name one of my cousins heir and when he died of hyperthermia in 1865 everybody thought that uncle Olaf would inherit the Hofferson fortune because he was the second son.

They were in for a shock however when during father's will reading it came to light that I would inherit the entire fortune and manage the family business.

However I was only 18 at the time and could not inherit until I was 21 years of age. So for the next three years uncle Olaf would manage my inheritance because he was my appointed guardian until I reached the age of 21.

After father's will was read many family members looked at me with hateful glares. Whispers ran through the room about how I would ruin the family because women were considered the weak and frail. This simply made me mad.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. When I turned around I saw that it was uncle Olaf.

"Astrid." Uncle Olaf said. "You needn't worry. You may leave all the business affairs up to me."

"With all due respect uncle." I begin, now facing him. "I have no intention of leaving the business affairs to anyone else." I tell him. "Once I am of age I plan to take over and fulfill the responsibilities father left to me."

"Astrid. I don't think you could handle it." Uncle Olaf said gently.

"Uncle Olaf. I have made up my mind. Once I am of age I shall take up my title as Countess of Berkishire and I shall take over my father's business." I tell him in a determined voice.

"This is a man's world Astrid." Uncle Olaf whispered to me.

I simply stare at my uncle before replying. "Well uncle, then they had better learn to make room for a woman."

I then decided to leave the room, not liking the stares and whispers I was receiving. My chaperone Matilda was following close behind.

Once the doors to the room closed Matilda addressed me. "Miss Astrid, do you really think that was wise?"

"Oh Matilda. It probably wasn't but I had to make my uncle see that I would not let him have free reign." I tell her quietly as we move through the halls.

"But he is your guardian now. I fear he might do something to prevent you from taking over." Matilda remarked.

"He will soon learn that I am no meek woman Matilda." I tell her.

"Yes milady, and that has me worried." Matilda mumbled behind me.