Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

1

As soon as she'd headed into the ballroom at the Barton's home, Jocelyn Carter took a step back as the men began to flock to her cousin. It had been the same since last season. Peggy had a high volume of potentials suitors, and yet none of them had been prestigious enough for her to make a decent match. Jocelyn herself had been out for three seasons, and still no suitor had yet to call upon her. She had never been good with conversation, and it had been a drawback to her securing a husband. No man wanted a shy wife - that was what she had heard. Also, standing next to Peggy? There was simply no contest. Pretty Jocelyn simply became plain to the eyes of all. 

Whilst her cousin was oozing with confidence and accomplishments, she was not. 

At least - not as many. 

Slipping away from her Aunt and Uncle, Jocelyn made for her usual spot on the sidelines - watching as men filled their spots on Peggy's dance card. 

"Ah, the usual rabble out with the hopes of capturing my sister's affections". Micheal, Jocelyn's older cousin, now sidled up beside her with two glasses of lemonade - passing her one. "Who are we placing our bets on tonight?" A mischievous smirk was on his lips. 

Jocelyn sipped her drink. "I have no idea..." Looking around and then seeing some excited chatter from the usual gossips. Their eyes wandered to a particular direction as a man now walked in accompanied by a couple of friends. He was tall, with dirty blondish hair, bearded and overall handsome. "Who is that?" She now gestured in his direction.

Micheal looked and then raised his brow. "Well...well...it seems Viscount Rogers is back from his travels early. I heard he wouldn't be returning until next month...even then I'm surprised he's here. He never comes to these things". 

That would be why Jocelyn hadn't seen him then. 

"And I'm guessing that he's not married". 

"Nope". Micheal mused, "although if he's here? I'm guessing that he will be by the end of the season". His eyes watched as the Viscount spoke to a few people, nodding every so often, before one of his friends whispered into his ear, the pair now looking to Peggy. "Oop...looks like he's now spotted my dear little sister". 

"It wouldn't be hard to". Jocelyn muttered to herself and continued to watch as the Viscount now made his way over to Peggy - her Aunt and Uncle now making the introductions.  "Aunt looks like she's about to faint". 

Micheal grinned. "Yes, quite possibly because this could be the most amiable match that Peggy may ever make. The Viscount is going to have women thrown at him this season, but if Peg plays her cards right? She could take the title of Viscountess...it's a good thought". 

Jocelyn shrugged. "I don't really care for titles". At this point, she was all but ready to simply give up in finding a husband. Men paid her no attention anymore after the art of conversation was all but dead in the water from the first hello. 

"No, but your parents do. You'll make a match Joss, it may just take longer than planned". He smiled at her kindly, although she knew that even he was thinking that she would enter into a life of spinsterhood. 

"You don't have to pity me. I'm content with simply watching". She replied. "Go on, don't let me stop you from having fun this evening, I can see a group of ladies lining up to wait for you..." She looked to three of them who were watching Micheal, waiting to see if they would have his name on their dance card, or even if he would pay them any notice at all. 

He looked to her. "Are you sure, I don't like that you linger here all evening". 

Jocelyn just shrugged it off yet again, just as she always did as if it didn't matter. With her Aunt and Uncle so focused on securing Peggy a suitor, all attention would remain off of her. "Go on, you're teasing them by making them wait any longer". 

"That's the fun part cousin, the thrill of the chase". He winked and then strode up to the ladies waiting for him, greeting them cheerfully. "Ladies..." 

She simply shook her head and drank the rest of her lemonade, eyes now falling onto Peggy who was now taking the floor to dance with her first suitor. Jocelyn then looked for the Viscount who was standing with a drink, watching her cousin intensely, and did so all the way through until the danced ended. 

"Ah, there you are". Aunt Amanda now appeared by her side. "Have you seen that the Viscount has taken an interest in Peggy, so much so that the next three dances are reserved for him". Now fanning herself with the fan she always brought with her to these gatherings. 

"Wonderful". Jocelyn replied with less enthusiasm than she should have. Amanda didn't notice though, still watching her daughter. 

"How beautifully they move together, I've always thought she would make a good match for an Earl or a Duke. A Viscount is good enough too, especially him. He's a very wealthy man".

Jocelyn gripped her glass tighter. "Yes, I gathered. Would you like some lemonade, Aunt?" 

"Oh, yes...yes do run along and get me a glass Joss. Although I may need something stronger by the end of this evening". 

"I'll be back in a minute". Jocelyn said, weaving her way through to find a servant with some drinks, taking one and returning to Amanda. "Here..." She passed the drink to her, although her Aunt's thoughts were elsewhere currently. 

"Could you imagine? She could be the Viscountess Rogers...imagine what that could mean for this family". 

A lifetime of hearing just how wonderful Peggy was in her role as Viscountess? Just how beautiful their children were, how accomplished they would be at a young age - just like her. It would bring the family new fortune, more so than they already had. 

Jocelyn just smiled sadly to herself, knowing that she would never make as good of a match as the Viscount. 

"Yes...yes I could..."