She transmigrated to the English countryside in the nineteenth century, but her starting circumstances were an absolute disaster:
a father who died young, a mother near death, a brother who hated her, and her life in ruins.
Margaret looked at the year, 1878, and sighed.
After her mother died, with no dowry or property, she would be facing the prospect of being thrown out of her home by her brother. How was she supposed to survive in the nineteenth century, when women had little protection for their property or personal rights?
Before she could think of a solution, one came knocking at the door.
After the neighbors came to visit, Margaret's mother, with only a breath left in her on her sickbed, clasped her daughter's hand and said excitedly, "My dear, Mrs. Holmes and I have arranged everything. You and her eldest son, Mycroft, must get married as soon as possible!"
Margaret: "...Wait, who is her eldest son???"
Margaret, who figured that a reliable man would do for a temporary arrangement: At least I'll have a place to stay. I can work toward earning money and becoming independent later.
Mycroft, an older bachelor who had just been told by his superior that a politician needs a stable family life: At least she's quiet, easy to get along with, and not averse to me.
Four years later
Margaret: "Divorce isn't very practical under current laws. How about we agree to live separately, with our finances and private lives kept apart? I can pay you 2,000 pounds as a separation fee."
Mycroft: "...? Is it because I came home from a business trip and stepped through the door with my left foot first?"
Ten-year age gap
Couple: Mycroft Holmes
OOC warning! Cliche, melodramatic tropes ahead!
There are a ton of headcanons. If those might bother you, please close this story. I won't accept mean-spirited or bizarre writing advice.
Theme: The importance of women's rights and financial independence
