Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

16

A majority of the guests were Steve's friends or acquaintances, and aside from the Stark Ball, Jocelyn had never seen so much wealth under one roof. 

They had married in the church not too far from Brooklyn House, and the wedding breakfast had been held back at the estate. She had been introduced to Lady Romanoff, Lord T'Challa, Lady Wanda and her husband Lord Vision, and many more. These people would be who she would now frequent with, and she wanted to make a good impression. So far, it had been fine. She had found Lady Natasha to be agreeable and most likely a future ally. Her sister had been unable to make the day, but she would meet her soon enough. 

Of course her aunt, uncle and Peggy hadn't attended, which she didn't mind. Micheal had been there smiling broadly next to her mother as she had walked down the aisle. At least she had him before he would leave for wherever he decided to venture to first. 

Currently he was in conversation with her parents, but every so often Jocelyn caught his eye wandering. Scanning the room for something, or someone...

"You're gonna have to tell me your secret to putting up with Rogers - when you find it that is". Came a voice from behind her, and she turned to see Lord Stark with a glass of lemonade, then offering her the other he held. "Congratulations Viscountess, I didn't think I'd ever see the day that Steve would actually get married". 

"It would appear I feel the same way about myself. Thank you for coming". 

"It was a nice day, Pepper was talking about the two of you meeting when you're next in town. I know that you're going to be living here? Again typical of Steve to wanna be a recluse..." 

Jocelyn looked a little surprised. "That would be wonderful, and yes we both have it in common that we prefer the countryside over town. That's not to say that we won't extend an invitation to you and Pepper to come visit us, dine together perhaps?" 

"Any invitation you give, we'll be there". Tony nodded and looked around the ballroom at some guests who were dancing, others congregating in small groups around the side of the dancefloor. "Today was a good turnout - better than any ball Pepper and me could throw". 

"I doubt it my lord, but thank you all the same".  Jocelyn smiled and then noticed Hattie watching Micheal, before heading outside to the gardens. "If you'll excuse me, there's something I need to take care of". 

Crossing the room, she walked outside and found her maid a little way into the gardens. Along the gravel path, flaming torches lit the way and Jocelyn navigated her steps, seeing Hattie in a private alcove. She looked at her mistress, a look of terror crossing her face. 

"I'm sorry Miss, I was just..." 

"Waiting for Micheal?" Jocelyn smiled and sat next to her. "You should go with him y'know?" 

Hattie looked at her, shocked. "I...I can't. I can't leave you". 

"Yes you can, and you will. Go with him - marry him. You can't give up a chance like that to stay here and serve me tea. I know what I'd chose if I were you". 

"Your aunt and uncle..." 

"Will get over it. Just as they will get over the fact that I have married the Viscount. I'm not suggesting you go Hattie. I am telling you to". 

Hattie smiled and looked at her. "You're sure?" 

"If I wake up tomorrow morning and find you both gone, then I certainly won't be sending a search party to find you. If my aunt and uncle ask? I will simply plead ignorance. Just write to me every so often and let me know you are ok". 

Both women looked up as Micheal now appeared, seeing Jocelyn and grimacing. "Oops". 

"Hattie is going with you, that's all you need to know. You have my blessing at least". Jocelyn stood up and he hugged her.