LADY MALFOY
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.
Author's note: KUDOS to Cassgrass for beta-ing this chapter!!!
Also, Thank you for your wonderful reviews, guys. Here is the new chapter, enjoy and don't forget to review. I just love them.
Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC . Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. I will add furthur warnings as story progresses.
Chapter 4: Blaise's solution
"Sir, a letter from Mr. Malfoy," said the male servant to Blaise who was working in his study.
Taking the letter, Blaise dismissed the servant.
I accept was all the letter said when he opened it. Blaise raised from his seat and the left the study in search of his friend.
Blaise found Harriet helping Susan plant new shrubs in the gardens of the Zabini's residence.
"How is the gardening coming along?" Blaise asked in a way of announcing his presence to his wife and friend.
"Perfectly well, Mr. Zabini," Susan answered shyly blushing a little.
"Excellent," Blaise said cheerfully but then turning serious said to Harriet, "Harry, I would like to speak with you in my study," Blaise requested, gazing at her.
Harriet frowned at his blank expression.
"Of course. We are finished here anyway," Harriet replied moving to rid her hands of dirt.
"Thank you for your help, Harriet," Susan said with a smile.
Harriet returned her smile.
Once Harriet and Blaise settled themselves in the study, Blaise said, "Harry, I might have a solution to end your parents financial woes."
"Really?" Harriet asked hopefully.
"Yes, though I am not sure that you will like it," Blaise said averting his eyes.
Harriet frowned and then urged, "Whatever it is, just tell me, Blaise."
"Well, you see, I have a friend who is in a tight spot. Due to certain events that had occurred in his past he had lost faith in marriage. He had declared himself to be a Bachelor for his entire life. But because of the family obligations and for him to become a Lord from an heir, he is required to marry," Blaise told her.
"I don't understand. What has your friend got to do with my family?" Harriet asked confused.
"Nothing yet but if you were to marry him, he will be able to fulfil his family obligation," Blaise replied.
Harriet looked shell shocked.
"Harry, he has enough money and power to solve your family's financial crisis without hurting your parents' pride," Blaise insisted.
"Yes but why does he want to marry me? Does he even know me?" Harriet asked disturbed.
"No, I don't think he knows you. And he didn't choose you, Harry, I chose you for him," Blaise admitted.
Harriet stared at Blaise with her brows furrowed.
"Harry, I will be honest with you. You are both my good friends. You both told me your problems. And this is the only solution I could come up with that would solve both your problems at once. If you married him and remain his wife for next three years, he would be able to gain the title of Lord and for your cooperation, he would help your family out of impending poverty," Blaise confessed.
"Why doesn't he believe in marriage?" Harriet asked dazed, her face drained of all colour.
"The reasons are his to tell. All I can say is that a certain event that had happened in his life caused him to change his views on marriage. He is quite adamant about it but I am sure once you become part of his family, he would delve the reason to you," Blaise replied.
After several moments of silence, "Will this be his second marriage?" Harriet asked quietly.
"No, he has never married and he is about my age," Blaise told her.
"What will happen at the end of three years?" Harriet whispered.
"That would depend on him. But I sincerely hope that he would change his opinion after being married himself otherwise you will go separate ways," Blaise admitted lowly a slight shame colouring his voice.
"So, it would be a fake marriage?" Harriet asked in a hushed tone.
"For all appearances you will be his wife. Only you, he and I would know that it will be a temporary arrangement," Blaise said to her.
"Will I umm… ah… ahem I have to bear his children too?" Harriet asked uncomfortably, staring at her lap.
"No, he does not want any heirs. I believe he plans to declare his nephew as his heir. Harry, he is an honourable man. He will do nothing that you don't agree to," Blaise said firmly.
They stayed quiet for few minutes each lost in thought. Suddenly, "Will he divorce me?" Harriet asked in horror.
"No, I don't think so. Divorcing would bring bad reputation to his family. You will remain married but not together. You do understand, don't you Harry?" Blaise asked staring sympathetically at her.
"Won't my family be shamed if my husband leaves me? Won't my parents, brothers and sister and their children in the future be vilified by society because of my actions?" Harriet asked with a troubled expression.
"You have my word, Harry, if he still wanted to leave you after three years we will come up with a plan so that your family wouldn't face any kind of degradation in the society," Blaise assured them.
When Harriet's expression didn't change, "Harry, I feel like betraying you with this proposal because at the end of it, everyone will be happy except you. I will pray to the Lord that he will continue to keep you. But that is all I can offer," Blaise said glumly.
"Why did you choose me, Blaise?" Harriet questioned staring intently at him.
"Because his family has to accept the woman who is going to become his wife. I strongly believe that you have all the qualities they are looking for. And because I understood the incredible desire you have to save your family from suffering," Blaise answered honestly.
"How? My family has no social standing or wealth. Your friend obviously seems to come from a rich family. How will they accept a girl from a family that is below their station? Even if they did, won't they expect a huge dowry from my father? Will he take away the financial help he will provide to us in the form of dowry?" Harriet asked distressed.
"He will make his family agree to this union. No, he will not ask for a dowry. He is a honourable man, Harry, he will keep his end of the promise," Blaise said certainly.
Again, Harriet stayed silent for few moments looking over the gardens, a pained look on her face.
"Do I know him?" Harriet asked.
"No, I don't think you do. I confess that when he came to me with his problem, I suggested this plan to him. And apart from his riches, he has enough qualities for several women to agree to this arrangement. But as his friend and well wisher, I don't want him to end up with a gold digger and someone who might cause problems if he wanted to be separated from her or try to take advantage of the situation. That is why I recommended you because I trust you enough to know that you would never do that to him. I had to reveal your family problems briefly so that he could understand what he would have to do in return for your help. For that I am sorry. I didn't reveal your identity though; I told him I would if and when you accepted this proposal. The same goes for you too," Blaise explained.
"Think carefully about it, Harry, it is a huge decision that'll impact your whole life. All I can promise is that your family will never have to face any financial problems. You can tell me your decision in a couple of days," Blaise told her.
Harriet nodded and stood up.
"Goodbye, Blaise." Harriet curtsied before leaving.
"Harry, I know a person's soul matters to you more than their appearance but for what is it worth, he is quite handsome," Blaise admitted with a small smile.
As Harriet walked to and reached the door, she heard Blaise continue to say, "I would have never involved you in all this if I didn't trust him to take good care of you while under his roof."
"Harriet, are you leaving?" Susan asked when she saw Harriet walking towards the front door.
"Yes, I need to get back home before the night falls," Harriet responded.
"Of course, I will ask Marcus to drive you home," Susan said walking outside.
"No, I am quite fine walking. You don't need to bother," Harriet said quickly.
"But it looks like it's going to rain. This way you'll reach home faster and it is no bother at all," Susan argued with a smile.
"Marcus, please drive Miss Potter to her home," Susan said to their driver.
Harriet sighed in resignation.
"Thank you, Susan." Harriet curtsied and left.
For the entire drive, Harriet could do nothing but think of Blaise's proposal. Five days after the end of August, Harriet waited anxiously for Mr. Thicknesse to take away their land and cattle, their major source for food. When no such thing happened, Harriet sighed in relief understanding that their father somehow found the money to keep Mr. Thicknesse satisfied for the time being. But for how long Harriet didn't know.
'Will they have to live forever with the fear that today Mr. Thicknesse might make good on his threat?' Harriet thought in dismay.
Arthur and Molly managed to keep quite about their financial crisis from the family for the entire length of August. But as September approached, Molly let, their only servant, Alice go since they no longer could afford one. Molly lied to the children saying that Alice had to leave because she found a family that paid considerably more than them. None of the children were happy about it. Having no servant meant more work for the women in the household. And Ginny had her displeasure known quite loudly.
It had been ten days since Alice stopped working for them. The washing and cleaning she used to do was now divided among Molly, Harriet and Ginerva. Harriet noticed in dismay the loss of weight in Molly that was probably due to stress and extra chores.
Ron had still not found any work. He absolutely refused to do any physical work in the factories that Arthur's friends had offered him.
Fred and George sold amusement items in the market streets that they made in the house. But that didn't bring much income since they had the chance of selling only on days when there was no rain. Whatever they did earn was spent in buying material for making more items.
"What? No meat even today," Ron grumbled loudly as Harriet helped her mother set the table for dinner the evening she arrived from Zabini's house. "I am tired of eating bread and vegetables everyday, Mother."
"Me too," Ginny agreed wrinkling her nose at the sight of boiled potatoes.
"Well, then you should start earning your keep, young man. Maybe then I will be able to cook meat for you," Molly snapped angrily before disappearing into the kitchen.
Ronald shut his mouth immediately and Ginny looked about ready to cry. Arthur followed Molly inside and after few minutes, he managed to coax Molly to join them for dinner.
"I apologize, Mother," Ronald muttered, noticing the distraught expression on her face and started eating without complaint.
"I am sorry too," Ginny said getting up and hugging Molly.
Dinner was a tense and sombre affair despite apologies. Harriet spent most of the night tossing and turning as she thought of the impending doom on her adopted family and Blaise's proposal.
Next day after finishing her chores, Harriet walked to her favourite spot under the willow tree in the riverbank trying to escape the gloomy atmosphere of the Borrow.
As she approached the tree, Harriet saw Hermione already occupying the place, sobbing quietly into her handkerchief.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harriet asked in concern, crouching down and placing a hand on her back.
Hermione looked startled at her presence but then quickly wiped her tears. Unable meet the intense gaze of Harriet, Hermione turned away, sniffing.
"Please tell me what's wrong," Harriet pleaded.
"Mr. C… Cormac McLaggen arrived… this… this morning to our house," Hermione said, her voice hiccoughing.
"Isn't he a far relative of your Mother's?" Harriet asked frowning.
"Yes, Mother… introduced us at… my cousin's wedding last year," Hermione nodded and then a moment later added, "He asked for my hand in marriage."
"What?" Harriet exclaimed wide-eyed.
"My father declined though," Hermione admitted quickly.
"Well, that is good then, isn't it?" Harriet asked frowning again, unable to comprehend the reason for Hermione's despair.
"My Father declined his proposal because of his lack of wealth and social standing," Hermione explained bitterly. "Mr. Laggen left immediately in a fury."
Harriet's expression cleared in understanding.
"Oh Hermione, Ron is still young. I am sure he will find himself an occupation that your Father would find satisfactory enough to accept his proposal," Harriet assured her, consoling.
"Well, he hasn't even given me any indication of his interest in me," Hermione said with slight anger.
"Hermione, do not doubt Ron's affections for you. And you know very well that he cannot court you without your Father's permission. I believe he hasn't done so because he can offer you nothing but his love at present," Harriet said indignantly, on her brother's behalf.
"What if, in the meantime, some other young man, with wealth and social standing, comes to Father asking for my hand in marriage?" Hermione complained, bursting into sobs.
"Oh, Hermione, don't cry," Harriet hugged her closely as she cried. "I will talk to Ron."
'What of my dreams? Especially the dream for a family with a loving husband and children,' Harriet thought that night as she lay on her bed.
'After three years, I would never be able to marry again nor have children. Can I accept such a proposal knowing that I will have to spend the rest of my life in solitude? What would the Weasleys do if they ever learnt of my betrayal of their trust? Will they still accept me? What if they banish me from their home? Where will I go? What about society? Will it still accept me?'
She continued her pondering.
'Am I doomed to abandonment for my entire life? Father and mother will never be able to forgive themselves, or me, if they found out of this arrangement.' A cold sweat broke through Harriet's body at the mere thought of abandonment. Despite Blaise's assurances, Harriet could not believe that they could come up with a plan so that both families could escape humiliation in the future.
'What of the family if I don't accept the only opportunity to bring them out of poverty? We can't survive this crisis for long.'
The Weasleys had no relatives left who could pass on their wealth to them. It wouldn't be long before they lost their small property. Even then the debt won't clear.
'Will we lose this house too? There will be nothing left to sell so that the twins could set a shop. And what of Ron and Hermione? Even if Ron found a job, Hermione's Father could still reject his proposal due to our social status,' Harriet thought in horror as she imagined the heartbroken faces of Ron and Hermione.
Then, turning to Ginny who was lying on the bed beside her she thought, 'And Ginny, where will Father get the money to pay her dowry if a good match comes along? She will have to remain unmarried because we cannot gather a decent dowry for her. She already despises the fact that her parents cannot afford to buy her nice clothes. She might come to hate Arthur and Molly if they couldn't afford to get her married.'
'Can I watch the Weasleys, who took me into their house and showed care and affection when my own relatives did not, destroyed knowing that I could have helped them,' Harriet thought as tears slid down her cheeks.
And these thoughts kept swirling around Harriet's mind all night again.
Author's note: Some explanations are in the order, I think.
Like I said before the women had no rights in 19th century. Their lives were a little better than slaves.
During that period, Divorce was just introduced. Even there men had more rights than women. Then divorce was only granted if the man could prove his wife's infidelity. Whereas a woman could get divorce only when she could prove her husband's infidelity and cruelty.
A divorced woman was treated harshly by the society and possibly by her maiden family. That should explain Harriet's reaction.
As to Harriet's fear of bearing children.
Well in that time, when a woman separated from her husband, the custody of children went only to husband because man earned or owned all the money in the family. A working woman barely earned enough to feed herself. In other words, women totally depended on men, first father and after marriage, her husband.
After being abandoned herself, Harriet could not bear the thought of leaving her own children.
I meant no offence to my male readers, I am merely stating the conditions in those days.
UP NEXT: Explanations of Harriet's past !!!
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