April 1770
Brian jumps off the carriage once it slows to a stop in front of River Run and helps Ellen down. He sees Fergus in the distance, tending to their horses and luggage. Ellen looks exhausted, and no wonder. She notices Fergus and waves off Brian's concern, heading towards Fergus.
He's not surprised they made it back before them considering the speed Marsali had been going at when they left Cross Creek while Lord John had set their own carriage at a more sedate pace. Brian is simply glad that Murtagh is safe.
The whole Cross Creek saga was a mess, Brian is just thankful that Bonnet was killed in the explosion. He hopes.
Fergus says something and Ellen nods, frowning. Brian decides to leave them be and follows Lord John into the house.
——
Brian and Lord John find Jacosta in the drawing room with Marsali and Germain.
His great aunt seems delighted with Germain, and he gurgles obligingly as she dandles him on her knee.
"He's got my colourin'." Marsali is explaining gently, sitting close. "But he has Fergus' straight nose, ye ken?"
"Hello Aunt." Brian calls as he enters.
"Brian? Good t' see ye." Jacosta smiles.
He walks over and kisses her on the cheek but not before stroking Germain's head. His nephew grins at him.
"Is yer sister here?" Jacosta asks.
"No, she wanted to say hello to Fergus first, for now you have to bear with Lord John and I."
"Lord John." Jacosta pleasantly greets.
Lord John walks closer and gives her a nod. "Afternoon Madame."
Lord John and Jacosta begin to talk so Brian turns to his sister-in-law, grinning. "Got to say, those carriage driving skills, impressive."
Marsali smirks and shrugs. "Ye'll ken know weel what I am capable of."
"Noted."
They're interrupted by the happy squeal of Germain as Lord John picks him up.
"Oh, no." He hears Marsali mutter.
——
By the time Fergus and Ellen join them, Marsali is laughing and apologising to Lord John as Germain pulls on his cravat, while the Englishman assures her that he is not in the least offended by the child's presumption.
Ellen goes dutifully to greet Jacosta and Marsali comes over to take Fergus's hand, leaving the baby to torment Lord John further. Brian notes his brother's complexion is paler than usual. He looks almost shaken. Marsali is muttering to him in concern.
Lord John surrenders the baby to Ellen as she stands again, looking grateful to be relieved of his tormentor.
"And how's my favourite nephew?" She coos, lifting Germain up to look at him. "You've gotten so big!"
Marsali moves close to Ellen but not before giving her husband a searching glance. "Aye, he'll be a terror, this one." She speaks.
"Watch your earrings, El, seems he wants to tug on anything he can reach." Brian remarks, shaking off his worries and basking in the happy moment.
"I'm afraid he's got no manners to speak of...." Marsali adds apologetically.
Germain decides to prove his mother right and reaches towards Ellen's earrings. "Mine! I want!"
He doesn't seem pleased when the adults laugh and chuckle at him instead of giving him what he wants.
——
A/N: Please comment on how you enjoy this story and what you think.
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