Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

18

"She's so very plain, a viscountess shouldn't be that".

"Personally he should've chosen the other Miss Carter, perhaps he married that one out of pity".

"She cannot possibly make him happy - she just simply isn't as accomplished as her cousin".

"I still think her purpose was to steal him from right under Peggy's nose. It's obvious - perhaps she lured him to her bed and he had no choice but to wed her".

The sneers, stares and opinionated statements were rife as Jocelyn stood alone at Lord Vision's Ball. Of course all eyes had been on the Viscount and his new wife.

Wife.

She'd not really had time to even adjust to the title herself, let alone being referred to as Viscountess. Society, so it seemed, didn't accept her - even with the titles she'd gained. They had all been in favour of Peggy, and had been under the impression just as much as she had been, that Steve would have married her.

He had generally been good to her though, and aside from the disappointment a few weeks ago with not being able to go riding together, she'd wanted for nothing - in fact she'd not even asked for anything, even when he'd stated she could. Of course, new dresses and jewellery came with the title, but even then he'd had them made for her without her asking. Perhaps it was his way of apologising, perhaps it was just pity. She did not know. 

Even in a room filled with people, she felt the loneliest. Steve was somewhere talking to Bucky and Tony, her aunt and uncle avoided her from the moment she'd walked in - and Peggy? Peggy had stared daggers at her from across the room..

Instead, Jocelyn stood by herself, hands clasped tightly together in front of her, and watched as people danced. She could still sense the stares and talk about her though. Speculation. She hated gossips but tonight they were out in full force.

She didn't even want to be here.

The doors to the garden were open and so she took the opportunity to slip away - not that anyone would notice or care. Darkness had fallen but outside the lamps were lit and she found somewhere to sit without being a bother.

The term 'money does not buy happiness' was certainly truthful. Not that she had expected it to. She just wished for a friend.

A young blonde woman walked outside and looked around, then fanning herself before spotting Jocelyn, her lips turning into a smile. "Viscountess Jocelyn Rogers". She said it all in one, her accent thick and her look playful. "Are you hiding?"

"I wouldn't call it hiding, just, keeping out of everyone's way?"

"Bullshit". The blonde smiled and came and sat next to her. "I tell you it is craaaazyyy in there - everyone dancing and drinking. Vision knows how to throw a party". She rolled her head so as she now looked sweetly to Jocelyn. "Yelena Bolova".

She'd heard the name. "Oh, Miss Romanoff's sister?"

"That's it, you are very clever - too clever for those bitches inside". Yelena grinned as Jocelyn grimaced at the curse. She'd been brought up properly, and had been taught not to use such impropriety. "I've heard what they say about you, talk, talk, talk, it's like they have nothing more exciting to do than to speculate". Yelena rolled her eyes.

"Yes. It seems I am to be the topic of conversation for a while".

"And where is your husband?"

Joss shrugged. "I don't know, probably talking about things that shouldn't concern me. I'd just like to go home though".

"So go?" Yelena stated. "You don't need him to tell you when it's time to leave?"

"True". Jocelyn replied. "But I should stay. It's the least I can do as he's been good to me". On saying this, she now noted Steve walking out to look around for her - eyes coming to rest on her form and Yelena's.

He gave her such a warm smile that her heart fluttered. "There you are".

"Yes. Here I am". Jocelyn said sadly, Yelena now getting up and excusing herself.

"Don't be a stranger Jocelyn Rogers". She smiled and slipped back into the ballroom to rejoin her sister and friends.

Steve watched her go and turned to his wife. "Nat's sister seems to like you".

"Well then I suppose she is the only one".

He frowned. "Joss? What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "I'm feeling a little unwell. I should like to go home". It was a lie but she just wanted to leave.

"Do you need me to come with you?" He asked, now concerned.

"No. I'm fine to go alone - after all I'm used to it by now", her tone was a little bitter and he came to sit next to her.

"Joss...tell me what's wrong". He could guess what was upsetting her but he wanted to hear it from her. 

She looked at him, eyes a little glazed but trying her best to fight the tears. "Why did you marry me? Why didn't you choose Peggy? Everyone is talking about me, speculating. It's embarrassing, I knew I wasn't worthy of making a match such as this but I can't understand why you chose me".

He toyed with a lock of her hair and cupped her cheek. "I married you because I wanted more than a wife. I wanted a friend. A companion. I wanted someone who wasn't purposely throwing themselves at me. No matter how accomplished, I didn't care and still don't about that. But what I do care about is you".

"But you don't love me".

"I didn't love Peggy, and to be honest I couldn't imagine doing so now. Not now I have you on my arm".

"But could you though?"

"What's to say that I don't feel anything already?"

Jocelyn looked at him, knowing that he wasn't lying. "You do?" 

"I do, and I don't want to see you upset just because a few people don't have anything better to do than talk. You're my wife. Mine. And when you want me to, I will make you mine even more". 

A short moment of silence passed between them before she finally spoke. "Take me home Steve, take me home and make me yours".