A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 23 : When It's Time To Leave... Leave (Ep 5)

Hermione's feet were aching as she spoke to the very last guest in her line. There was no telling how long the reception had been going on, but the good thing about being the bride was that she could simply leave when she was over it - and she was. She needed a moment alone, a few moments, or moments alone with Draco,

This was a reception to celebrate their happy day, and yet, she had not spoken to him since they had climbed down from their carriage.

A few moments alone, was that too much to ask? And yes, she knew that they would be spending weeks together, months really, off in the country enjoying their honeymoon, but she wanted time with him now, away from everyone else.

After this, no more following the rest of society. She would be insisting, in the future, on them making their own path, and that meant no longer having long receiving lines that kept them apart.

She was just about to head upstairs, with or without Ginny, when she felt a hand on her lower arm, and Miss Brown of all people approached her.

"Miss Brown," she said politely, not really certain what the girl could want.

"Your Grace," she said quickly, dipping into a curtsy.

Goodness... how things had changed. The girl had been polite to her the last time they had spoken, but not this polite , and that had been weeks ago. What on earth could she-

"I owe you an apology, your Grace," the girl said quickly, her voice but a whisper.

"Whatever for?" Hermione asked, a bit of nervous energy bubbling in her stomach in fear of what the apology might entail.

"I said some cruel things about you once," Miss Brown said, her cheeks coloring. "I was jealous, you see. I wanted to make a name for myself, and then I-"

Hermione took a step back, blinking. Was Miss Brown insinuating... no. No . Of all the people in London... no.

Not frumpy Miss Brown. Not...

"Please do not continue," Hermione said, shaking her head. "If you mean to say what I think you mean to say, again, I urge you to not continue. Your apologies are not necessary, and-"

"But I've wronged you," the girl insisted. "And I wanted to say thank you, because-"

"Miss Brown," Ginny said, coming from out of nowhere. "My brother was just looking for you."

"He was?" Miss Brown asked, her voice sounding rather excited.

Wait, which brother... when... what was...

"Please excuse me, your Grace," Miss Brown said, giving her another dip. "And again, my apologies and my thanks. Without you, I never would have met-"

"Yes yes," Ginny said, cutting the girl off.

"Wait," Hermione said, wanting to chase after the girl.

Was... Had Miss Brown just insinuated that she was Lady Whistledown? And which brother?

"I bought you a few minutes," Ginny said, as though Hermione should be grateful. "Go on upstairs. There's a gift for you on your bed. I'll be there in a moment to help you change."

Hermione was in a daze as she went up the stairs towards her bedchamber, well, her old bedchamber. She would never stay in this room again - any time they returned to London, she and Draco would of course reside in Malfoy Manor, or perhaps more like at Nottingham House. Her time at Potter House was coming to an end.

One last time, she would enter her room.

Looking over the balcony, Hermione looked for Miss Brown, and spotted her with a bit of red hair. Yes, alright, a Weasley brother, although not the tall twins.... no, the hair was well brushed, combed... and he looked... familiar but not...