Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

11

Peggy had not come out of her room for the rest of the day, and soon Jocelyn found herself at her door, knocking on it before walking in. Her cousin was sat on the window seat and glared as soon as she saw her.

"You know, I've come to the conclusion that he's only marrying you out of pity". Peggy started, "I mean, why else would he?" Looking her up and down with the same judgemental expression she would give to anything and anyone.

"Maybe he is". Jocelyn shrugged, "but just know that I didn't not plan this Peg - I never would intentionally hurt you".

"Intentional or not, you have". Peggy spat. "I'm all but betting you threw yourself in that lake just to get attention, and for him to save you".

Jocelyn was done. "Perhaps you should've thrown yourself in there instead!" She snapped. "Maybe a near death experience might have made you change your snarky attitude!"

Peggy stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"You have never once cared about me, only yourself. I've always strived to help you, make you happy. I spoke to the Viscount about you when we first met - told him how accomplished you are, how wonderful a wife you would make. I gave up my time to chaperone you, even though I didn't want to. There was no need for you and your friends to always make subtle remarks about never finding a husband, because I knew that. I knew no man wanted me. I knew that they found me different - but it would appear the Viscount noticed me and appears to not care about what others think. I am sorry he did not propose to you, but I am not sorry for accepting the only proposal I will ever have in life".

That felt good, although now the words sank in? She was feeling bad.

Peggy scoffed at this. "Once a burden, always a burden - and that is what you will be to him. As I said, he is clearly marrying you out of pity. He's shown no romantic interest in you whatsoever".

"He doesn't need to. If he is content in marrying me just because of duty then so be it. I am the one he chose after all".

She turned and walked to the door, needing this conversation to be over.

"You'll be miserable, all alone on that big estate. I truly hope you are lonely in your marriage". Peggy now dealt the final blow.

Jocelyn turned and looked back at her. "Not much of a difference to my life now then. I really hope you find someone as equal to the Viscount, truly I do ", and she walked out. Now she would have to avoid Peggy at all costs before the wedding. Her aunt had sent a letter to her parents that same afternoon. Perhaps she could go home just until she was married? That would help.

Michael was waiting in her room as she walked in, a big smile then crossed his face. "Bagging the Viscount, you little minx". He grinned and then dramatically bowed to her. "Viscountess..."

"I didn't do anything to encourage him. Peggy is angry and rightfully so, but it's not my fault he asked me for my hand". She sighed, smiling slightly at his dramatics.

Micheal snorted. "She'll get over it, I'm sure another man will soon come along and catch her eye. Before the Viscount came along, father was talking about the possibility of a match between her and Lord Souza - my guess is that she'll look to him now".

"I hope so. I feel bad enough that people will think I stole her fiancé".

"Technically he wasn't so they have no grounds to think that. Ok, yes this will be the gossip of the year, but soon someone else will take that place". He saw how crestfallen she looked and put an arm around her. "Hey, look on the bright side, you will be the envy of every woman in this town. You will be the new Viscountess Rogers".

She forced a smile out. "You will be at the wedding, won't you?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Joss".

**

Sarah beamed as her son looked animated whilst talking about his new bride. So, it had been the cousin of Miss Carter that had brought him so much joy and not the lady that everyone had been thinking of - including her. It had only been when he'd returned early from the ball that he'd asked her advice and told her of his confusion about it that all had become clear.

"She is amiable?" Sarah had asked.

Steve nodded. "Yeah, very - she likes drawing, reading, gardening, says that she can't play the piano well but she does. And..." he trailed off. "Men apparently think Jocelyn's not beautiful, purely because she's shy - even she's been led to believe that, but she is. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and because she gets compared to her cousin they all say that she's not". He paused again. "In my opinion, she'd make a better Viscountess than Peggy".

Sarah smiled calmly. "I think that she has been the one to make you smile all this time, and I think you know what you have to do".

Now he was pacing the room, talking to her once more about Jocelyn while she listened on. "Steven, come and sit down". She patted the vacant space next to her on the small sofa and he did. "I'd really love to meet your bride - I will write to her and see if she would like to visit our estate before the wedding".

Ah yes, they were due to return back to their countryside home any day now. He'd only put off delaying because of the engagement.

"You'll love her mom - you really will".

"That I have no doubt about - in fact..." she stood up. "I believe I shall go call on her personally to give her the invitation".

Steve didn't stop her, in fact it was a good idea. Have Jocelyn meet with his mother and hopefully bond before the wedding. "I need to go and talk to Sam and Bucky - I'll see you later". Giving her a kiss on the cheek and walking out.

Sarah watched him with a small smile. Now, it was time to go and meet the woman who would be the next Viscountess