Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

5

"Don't you have a home to go to?" Steve asked as he walked into his study and saw Bucky lazing across his armchair and drinking some wine.

"Why would I when yours is so much better?" He smirked. "So? How'd things go with Miss Carter?" Craning his neck to watch Steve go and pour himself a drink from the cabinet where his secret stash was kept. Thankfully Bucky couldn't get that, as it was locked at all times. "Your mom said that you took her flowers?"

Steve rolled his eyes. "Because that's what you're supposed to do if you're trying to impress the woman who could be your future wife", he explained and leant back against his desk. "You and my mother talk waaaaaay too much when I'm not around".

"I'm like the other son she never wanted - what can I say?" Bucky replied. "Just think, if it weren't for the Viscount marrying her and actually leaving everything to you, even though your not his son, you could be back overseas by now..."

"You don't need to tell me to be grateful, because I am - every fucking day" Steve sighed and downed his whiskey. His mother had been lucky enough to secure a marriage on coming over from America. It was a risk considering she was widowed and with very little fortune for them to live on, but she'd managed to grab the attentions of the man who would be more of a father to him. His own had simply died and left them almost with nothing to their name. Hence why Sarah Rogers had needed to take matters into her own hands. It was a match unheard of, but where many had disagreed and had tried to turn their back on her - she had instead climbed higher and higher until she had come to be respected by those of a higher status than her own.

Whatever the Dowager Viscountess Rogers said, was heeded by those who had once tried to shun her. His mother never cared for society much and it was rare that she attended balls - choosing to keep to their estate in the countryside. Their London residence was barely inhabited at all, except by Steve when the season begun. Even then he'd rather be anywhere but here, however he'd promised her that he would try to find a suitable wife. In surprising turn of events - she'd accompanied him to the city - but kept to the house, occupying herself in her own way as usual.

So far Miss Carter was proving to be the best candidate. She had charm and was a favourite amongst the men - however it was her father who was the one he would truly need to win over.  He'd heard that many before him had failed, hence why she was still unwed.

"You still haven't answered my question". Bucky now broke him from his thoughts. "How'd it go?"

"Oh, yeah...it went well. I think..."

"You 'think'?" Bucky now sat up. "Tell me you actually made conversation and didn't freeze up".

"What? No!" Steve looked a little outraged. "If anything I enjoyed listening to her. We went for a walk round the park, her cousin chaperoned".

Bucky frowned. "Cousin?"

"Miss Jocelyn, you know her?"

"Oh! The one who just stands by herself a lot at parties? Yeah, I think I do". Bucky said. "I've heard she's not exactly marriage material".

Steve frowned at this. "Why not?"

Bucky shrugged. "Apparently men have tried to talk to her, but she's a little strange and doesn't really reply, and when she does apparently she makes no sense".

"She made perfect sense to me when I had a conversation with her a couple of days ago?"

"She's been out for a few seasons anyway, if someone wanted her then they would've married her by now". Bucky carried on. "Shame, she's pretty in her own way, but her cousin has a lot more to offer in wife material I guess - what do you think? Do you think you'll marry her?"

That was a question that would remain unanswered for now. "Maybe. After spending some more time with her then I'll know..."

**

Jocelyn had taken it upon herself to arrange the flowers that Steve had brought for Peggy in a vase, cutting some of the stems down before sliding them into the water. She'd arranged so many flowers that Peggy's suitors had brought her whenever they came to call, that it was almost a ritual. Her cousin didn't really appreciate them as much as Joss did - and most of the time they'd be stood wasting away before dying fully.

Jocelyn could relate, because that was how the marriage mart felt in her position. Withering away until dead in water.

"Oh they look lovely, don't they Peg?" Amanda now came to admire the flowers, looking to her daughter who had all but been dancing around the house ever since they'd returned home.

"I don't care about the flowers - he's so very interesting, he listens to me, we walked, laughed, and the bonus is that he's in creditably handsome. I heard from someone that a lot of the ladies are jealous he's been to call on me and not them".

"Because the Viscount recognises beauty, inside and out". Amanda replied, "and you are exactly what he is looking for - don't you think, Jocelyn?"

"Hmm?" She looked up mindlessly from the flowers

Amanda just shook her head, "you have your head in the clouds today - I was saying that Peggy is exactly what the Viscount is looking for".

She came to her senses and nodded. "Oh, yes - of course she is". Of course her cousin could have pretty much any man that she wanted if she bag her eyelashes at him enough. "There, don't they look pretty?" She now showed off her craftsmanship in flower arranging.

Peggy nodded but once again seemed disinterested. "You keep them - there's too many in here and they're giving me a headache. Besides it's not flowers I'm focused on receiving"

No, of course it wasn't. It was a question.