Viscount (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

25

"She's still not with child? My, my, the Viscount clearly should've chosen better".

"He missed out on the other Miss Carter, a shame - I suppose he had such high hopes for an heir".

"Clearly she is not doing her duty enough or properly. If she were fit to be Viscountess then she would've born him a child by now, or would at least be about to".

The remarks did not go unnoticed by Jocelyn. She knew that they were coming, but it stung harder than a bee to hear her life being gossiped about still by judgemental men and women. Although she had yet to see Peggy or bother to speak to her, she was already feeling humiliated. Especially now a group of women were coming her way.

"Lady Rogers! You are looking nice this evening". One, who's name escaped Jocelyn, now smiled falsely. "Are we to all expect some happy news soon?"

Jocelyn shrugged. "It would depend on what you ladies would class as 'happy'".

The women giggled. "You are funny, Viscountess. I meant whether you would be sharing that you are expecting? Surely it should happen now that you have been married for some time? Lady Sousa is looking positively radiant, is she not?" The same woman now looked over to Peggy who was cradling her perfectly rounded stomach and speaking to some guests.

"Yes. She is - I am pleased that she and Lord Sousa have been blessed with such happiness. She deserves it".

"Very true, and I shouldn't worry. Perhaps you should try different ways? You could be doing it wrong when...well...you know". Another in the group winked knowingly.

Jocelyn just nodded, feeling defeated. "Yes...perhaps I should". Was all she could reply, not feeling that any comeback she made would be taken notice of.

"We have to keep our husbands satisfied you know. Do our duty. After all, what point is there in being married if one cannot even do that". The first lady smiled again, although Jocelyn could tell that the malice was behind it.

She wasn't aware of Lord Sousa behind her until he actually spoke. "Just as though there is no point in vicious gossip". He said, looking at Jocelyn who just stared at the floor. "No husband wants a woman who excels in that".

The women just mumbled something and went along their way to go elsewhere. Daniel now turned to Jocelyn. "Are you well, Viscountess?"

She nodded, although she didn't let him see the tears that were stinging the back of her eyes. "As well as I can be, my lord".

"Daniel, remember?" He smiled kindly and looked to where the women had gone. "Take no notice of them".

"A little hard to when I am the sole topic of conversation at every one of these things". She sighed, "I came here to show that they will not get to me with their comments, but they do...perhaps they're right. I'm not strong or fit enough to be Viscountess".

"And does Steve think that? Because I'm pretty sure that he doesn't". Daniel said and took her to one side. "You have nothing to prove Jocelyn".

She shook her head. "I still have everything to prove Daniel. I want nothing more than to hold a baby in my arms and feel that for once I have achieved something. It hurts. Everything hurts. The comments, the sneers, seeing Peggy as she is. I want nothing more than to just hide away from everyone and wish for something to go right in my life for once. Perhaps this is simply my curse for marrying Steve instead of Peg".

Daniel looked around to find Steve but was sure that he was in the other room with some of his friends. "It's not a curse". He turned back, "if you hadn't of married Steve then I'd have never had any chance with Peg whatsoever. And I'd been waiting for her for a while".

Jocelyn looked to him. "What is she like? With you? Is she...loving?"

He smiled and nodded. "You'd be surprised at just what she's like. I know you two have never really bonded. But if you saw what I see then you'd perhaps think differently of her".

"Then I am glad for you".

"Would you like me to find your husband?"

She shook her head. "No...go on, get back to your guests, I am fine - and Thank you".

He bowed his head to her and went off to speak to a few more people. Only moments later, Peggy was by her side. "Place your bet cousin, boy or girl".

Jocelyn glanced to her and then her stomach. "Boy...although any healthy child would be a blessing".

Peggy sighed. "I am so tired, I am aching. My dresses are being let out left, right and center". Now she fanned herself. "You are lucky you are not in my position. It's positively exhausting".

"Yes". Jocelyn replied quietly. "I am very lucky indeed".

"No matter though, I'm sure you'll get there eventually". She pointed to her stomach. "Just be thankful you can still wear nice dresses without looking like a whale. I feel like one, goodness I cannot wait until it's all over".

Same here. Thought Jocelyn.

Peggy headed off, still cradling her stomach and Jocelyn then decided she'd had enough - calling for the carriage and getting in. "Could you tell the Viscount I've returned home - I am a little tired". She told the footman who nodded, the carriage then rolling away.

Jocelyn sank back into the seat and closed her eyes. She was tired. Tired of everything, and as the carriage continued down the street she began to accept that perhaps it was just meant to be her and Steve. And she would rather have him, than nothing at all.

She was still awake when he returned home some time later, and now he looked at her as he walked into the bedroom. She had been crying, and was silently doing so as he walked over to her and held her close, stroking her hair while she sobbed into his chest.

"It's ok sweetheart, I've got you".