The Debt (Now on Radish)

Chapter 9

Derek has not been himself since the funeral. He has been withdrawn and isolated. I am terrified that I am really losing him this time.He continues to lock himself away in his study for most of the day, but he does come down for meals and when its time to retire. He has not been intimate with me since his father's death, but we had not consumated the marriage either. Everything was changing now, and I cannot tell whether it is for the best or the worst.

"Your Grace," Lillian said softly, peaking her head into my room. "His Grace insists it's time to move into your new room."

"Lillian, me nayme ain't 'Yore Grace' it's Imogen." I said, standing up quickly. "Will my husband be there as well? Moving things and such?"

"Yes, mum, he will." She said timidly.

"Ye fancy Derek, don't ye?" I said, giving her a knowing smile.

"Yes, mum." She whispered. I walked over and took her hand in mine.

"It's alright, Lillian. It's hard noot tae fancy 'im. But yoo'll fin' yore own youn' man tae fawn over one day, I promise." I told Lillian, getting a timid smile out of her.

"Yes, mum." She mumbled, her cheeks turning pink.

"Imogen, an' doon't foorget eyt." I scolded lightly. I took her arm and lead her to the Dowager and former Duke's rooms. Two master bedrooms, connected by an inner door. We would have no use for the Duchess' room until we have a baby of our own.

"Derek," I called to my husband as I entered the Duke's room. "Will we be moving into this room or the Duchess'?" I asked, walking up and wrapping my arms around him. Derek looked at me with emotionless eyes as he kissed my forehead.

"We will be moving our things into the Duchess' room." He announced to the servants. "Then set to work on making this a nursery."

"Derek, look at meh, please?" I asked softly, taking his chin between my forefinger and thumb. He looked me in the eyes. HIs beautiful, pale blue eyes had hardened before even setting gaze on my face. "Please tell meh what's wrong? Yoo doon't smile anamoore."

"I am fine, Imogen. It's been three weeks since my fathers death." Derek said coolly. "You need to learn to curb your accent, Imogen. It's unfitting for a Duchess." My chin trembled. I thought he wanted me to be close to my roots.

"But, Derek, I thought ye wanted meh tae keep me roots?" I said, backing out of his arms. How could he say such things to me. I thought he was falling in love with me. "I doon't understan'."

"Become an Englishwoman, Imogen. I will not tolerate this behavior any longer." Derek said, leaving the room abruptly. What happened to my husband? I pressed my hand to my mouth as I went to Adalynn's room. She knew how to be proper. I needed her to teach me how to be prpper and an Englishwoman. I knocked on her door twice before she answered.

"Enter." She called out in a monotone voice. I turned to knob to the door and entered the dark room. The Dowager Duchess was in full mourning garb, similar to mine. She played the role of a grieving wife well. "Ah, Duchess, come to visit the mourning pauper?"

"No, mam. I've come tae ask fer yer help." I said timidly. "I need tae beh proper. Fer Derek." A smile formed on her wide lips.

"And you've come to the right place." She said in a chippy voice.

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It took me a few weeks, but I had finally lost my accent. It is now the beginning of February. None of us had shed our black clothes, but Derek had lightened up on restrictions. Before now, we were not allowed visitors or to sing and be merry. Now, Colin has come almost weekly to the residence to spend time with the family. While he has been our only visitor, I still enjoyed a familiar face. I missed my friends and my family, though. I get letters from everyone, but I need to see my dearest friends, Alannah and Keiran, my life long childhood friend.