The Duchess of York

I had always dreamed of my wedding day, when I was a young girl playing with my dolls, I would set up little twigs and flowers among my mothers garden to create what I imagined as the perfect venue. In my head my groom would shed a tear as my father walked me down the aisle, our friends and family watching us with excitement and love. I never wanted anything flashy, yet as I looked around the large estate garden that would be my wedding venue I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. I was getting married tomorrow, and all I wanted to do was run away. My soon to be Groom, whom I had known since our families arranged our marriage when I was only six years old, definitely did not want to be my husband. The soon to be Duke of York, Dominick Collins was known to be a ruthless businessman and playboy. When we first met I had believed I gained a friend, a potential partner in crime as we ran across my family grounds in Winchester. We spent a week of our summer vacation together that year and I was extremely excited to know that my future husband would at least be a friend. Our next meeting changed everything for me, his 18th birthday party was harshly engraved in my memories. The Duke’s ballroom was a sight to behold, gold was on every wall paneling and a large chandelier seemed to call to the middle of the room. The ceiling had art depicting an ancient battle with what looked like a terrifying mutated dog with a knight's blade slashing at his head. It was beautiful in its own terrible way. In modern times our titles held little meaning but people still respected the old money we came from. Even though this event was for a birthday, many people only attended for the potential business schemes and to hopefully raise their own social status. It didn't take long after my family was announced to find the star of the night and I won't lie he was handsome, his light brown hair slicked back to show off his sea storm blue eyes and set jaw had halted my heart. His polite smile turned cold as he glared at me in recognition puzzled, I felt my heart begin to pound the moment my father began to lead me to Dominick and the Duke. Mr. Collins and my father shared a firm handshake, their words were lost to me as my pulse thudded in my ears. A sneer pulled at Dominick's features, forcing my gaze to the floor as my mouth became dry. "Margaret" my name rumbled from my father next to me, I forced my head up as a practiced smile graced my features. I dipped into a partial curtsey as I greeted the Duke. "Your Grace, I am grateful for the invitation to your son's birthday celebration, it is an honor to be here" I tried to make my voice light and sing-song, but I could hear the clip to it. The Duke chuckled as I raised my head again, he held a smile on his face but his eyes were the same fierce storm as his son's. My eyes wandered back to Dominick who had now mimicked his father's features, he grasped my hand tightly as he brought it to his lips in a chaste kiss. Our fathers conversation again drowned away as I stared at the man in front of me, a cruel smile flitted across his expression as he dipped to kiss my cheek. "Maggie, who knew that the ugly duckling would grow up to be an uglier duck." Dominick's quiet rough voice rushed over me like a thousand blades straight to my heart, I couldn't help but flinch away from him. His grip on my arm restrained me from running away and my years of finishing school warned me against making a scene, as the daughter of an Earl it could spell disaster for my family. His voice sounded against my ear again. "Don't even think about it. Unfortunately we are to be engaged when you turn 18, and I can’t have you ruin this for me. Do you understand little duck?" I felt my cheeks flush and I knew that none of our audience would come to my rescue. Trying again to move away I looked up at the charming smile Dominick had plastered on, his eyes truly showed the malice in his words. This was not the little boy I used to play with in the garden, this man hated me and I couldn’t understand why. Finally he let go of my arm, and I all but ran from the ballroom. A hand on the small of my back brought me crashing back to the present, to this beautiful garden being decorated for what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. I looked up to see Dominick glaring down at me and I couldn't help the tears that threatened to spill over but I was determined not to let them fall in front of him. I turned 21 in December, our parents arranged the wedding for the following March 4 weeks before Dominick's 24th birthday. It became routine for us, he would greet me with a kiss on the cheek and cruel words whispered in my ear, only for me to hear. "My little duck, remember to look somewhat pleased. You are about to become the next Duchess in line, you can have a happy life if you stay out of my way." His still rough voice floated over me, searing into my skin, I pulled on my practiced smile as I met his eyes, the storm seeming to rage in his eyes. Despite his behavior towards me, I found his eyes almost mesmerizing. I understood what women saw in him, until he opened his mouth. I forced as much sugar and sarcasm into my voice as I retorted, "I wouldn't dream of it love, I serve at your pleasure." I quoted my mother as she went over my wifely duties in the weeks prior. A new emotion darkened Dominick's features as he let out what seemed like a growl, I heard the gravel behind us shift as someone walked towards us. I turned to look with Dominick as a blonde woman with high cheekbones and a dazzling smile came up to us, Eliza. She had been Dominick’s lover for about three years, and I was sure they would continue to be even after we said our vows. Bile rose in my throat as I thought about my future, and I suddenly found the gravel underneath my plain sneakers fascinating. I never thought myself to be the ugly duckling Dominick called me at every chance, yet as he moved away from me to passionately kiss Eliza I felt my confidence plummet. Eliza's honey voice made me look up at her as she smirked at me. "Oh Maggie, I didn't see you there." She clung to Dominick, her black cocktail dress showing off her tan legs and hugging her in all the right spots. Was this woman a model? I sent her a glare as I turned towards the main estate. She didn't need to tell me twice, I would love to put as much distance between Dominick and myself. Why couldn't they just get married? They deserve each other. I opened the door to what had been my room for the last week as we prepared for the wedding. Of course I knew why Dominick wouldn't marry just anyone, it had to be me, if he wanted to take over his fathers company he had to marry me. There was a damn contract and everything, we just had to say I do. I let out a frustrated sigh as I spotted the over the top dress in the corner of the room. Mother had insisted that I should look like the true aristocrat that I was supposed to be. I glanced at my reflection, red hair long and unkempt, my boring muck green eyes flicked over my slim stick like figure. I wasn't model material like Eliza I was just boring old Maggie, I lifted my chin as tears gathered in my eyes. No I wasn't beautiful, but I was smart, creative, and as Dominick Collins would soon find out, more stubborn than he would ever be ready for. I would just have to set up my own contract, my own conditions to this sham of a marriage.