The debt
A/N This is a sequel to my oneshot 'Echoes'. I recommend reading that before embarking on this story. It was 6 years ago that I published that oneshot and it has taken me this long to finally sit down and finish what I started. This is unabashedly Marian x Fosco. I hope you enjoy.
Prologue
'My dearest Miss Halcombe,'
Marian's heart dropped in her chest as she read the flowing script of the letter. She knew who the author was before even reading the signature. The elegant handwriting dripped with his character, the words she could actually hear him speak, as though he were standing behind her, hands on her shoulders, whispering them in her ear. She longed for the blissful ignorance and subtle bewilderment of five minutes ago, to return to before she opened the mysterious envelope. She knew with utmost certainty the subject of the correspondence and it was with a heaviness she read further.
'My dearest Miss Halcombe,
I do hope that you are well. I would be most honoured if you would care to accompany me to a formal event that is being held by Lady Thornby in London on the evening of the 14th July. It will be the most luxurious ball you have ever attended and I wish for you to be there with me.'
Marian narrowed her eyes as she continued to read.
'A beautiful gown would be most appropriate but I will ensure to provide you with the means to shine like the stars. I am certain that you are very busy and have many other claims on your time, however I would like to draw your attention to our conversation in Paris of a few months ago. I know you understand.'
She gritted her teeth. Veiled threats. Yes, she certainly did understand. The rest of the letter was made up of instructions as to the inn he was staying in and what time she was expected to arrive. He would sort out a room for her since it would be far too late for her to return home after the event. She scowled at that. At the end of the lengthy correspondence he had signed off:
I anticipate your arrival eagerly my dear.
Fosco.
Marian put the letter down slowly and stared at it. She couldn't tell anyone. She would have to deceive Laura and Walter and go alone with no one to know where she went. She knew Fosco knew that too, but she couldn't bring anyone else into this. It was between her and him. She had caused the mental anguish of her sister and now was dedicating her life to make up for it. With a sigh Marian got to her feet. She better start making preparations.
