Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

6

With her maid in tow, Jocelyn needed to her out of the house, Peggy was expecting a call from the Viscount and no doubt they would go walking together. She didn't want to be subjected to another afternoon of chaperoning, and had slipped out before her Aunt could find her.

She was looking in the window at Carrington's when someone cleared their voice from behind her. "Afternoon Miss Jocelyn".

Her fingers gripped the handle of her parasol tightly and she turned to face him. "Good afternoon, my lord. Are you on the way to see my cousin?"

He nodded. "I am - and what are you doing today?"

"I was going for a walk, perhaps a little shopping".

Steve smiled and glanced to the window. "A good choice of chocolate".

"They are my favourites - sometimes Micheal and I sneak downstairs during the night and pour ourselves a glass of milk and eat a few".

"You're close to Micheal".

She nodded with a fond smile. "He is like a brother more than a cousin - And he looks out for me more than most".

"Such as your Aunt and Uncle?"

"Oh...well, I didn't mean that they don't - it's just that my aunt is so busy hoping that Peggy will secure a good marriage, and my uncle has matters to tend to like I suppose you do also...Micheal is talking about travelling but is hesitant to go as Uncle has said it's a waste of time".

Steve nodded slowly as he understood. "I've been travelling myself, you learn a lot of culture, experience things you won't again. He should go".

Jocelyn looked surprised. "Do you think? He really wants to - I shall miss him though".

"Maybe I'll extend an invitation to mine - talk to him away from your uncle".

"Would you? I'm sure he'd appreciate the support - I've told him to do what he feels right but he won't. He never really puts himself first".

Steve nodded, knowing the feeling. Since his mother had married his stepfather he'd been thrown in learning all matters of his estate and new fortune. His education had been to the highest of standards - and he was grateful. His mother had also done a fine job while he was gone, managing everything. In truth he'd needed the break before he'd go mad. Money could buy a lot of things for sure, but happiness? That was a different kind of fortune that he knew that perhaps even he couldn't afford.

"I'll talk to him, see what he thinks, tell him about the countries I've been to".

"Have you been to many?"

"Not many, but enough". He replied and then looked at his pocket watch. "I need to go, have a good afternoon Miss Carter".

Jocelyn watched him go and then continued looking in the  shops and taking some tea in the tea room before she thought it safe to venture back home. Calling hour would be over by now, however when she returned she still found the Viscount most likely being held hostage by her mother and cousin, who was showing off her skills in piano playing.  He seemed to be enjoying it though, so she decided to leave them to it.

He left around a half hour later, promising to see them at the Stark ball in a few days.

Michael's presence now lingered behind her, also watching as their visitor left. "So...what do we think?"

"It looks to be a good sign considering how long he's stayed".

"That would be mother's doing - she told Peggy to keep him waiting when he arrived and she did for a whole fifteen minutes, it was a risk but it seems to have paid off". He smirked, "he's also asked me to have dinner with him and some friends tomorrow evening".

Jocelyn grinned. "Look at you, making your way up in the ranks of social society. I think you two will get along fine".

"Let's hope. Of course I'll be talking about Peg and keeping his mind on her".

"You do realise that if he likes her enough, then you won't need to - and I believe he does. Enjoy your evening without having it be a part of the match making process. You might find that it's quite refreshing".

He laughed at this. "I guess you're right. I'll give you all the details when I return".

"Try to be sober for aunt's sake".

"I can't make any promises".

"Yes, and a lot of ladies know that". She threw back, knowing that many were fawning over him as much as they were the Viscount.

With a parting laugh, Micheal left the room, leaving Jocelyn to her own thoughts. She really hoped that he would listen and go travelling - but if he did then she wouldn't really an ally. She would simply have to survive without him.