Forbidden Dreams (Gwayne Hightower AU)

6

The next day was a grim one.
A family's friend, Doctor Tyrell, lost his daughter and also his unborn grandson within an awful night.
Tyrell was one of the best surgeons in the local hospital. Still, he couldn't save his own daughter.
Gwayne recalled how happy the man recently had looked, proud to welcome a grandson to his wealthy family.
But something went wrong with the birth.
And the dream of a joyful event had suddenly turned into the worst nightmare.
The Hightowers went to visit him in his near mansion to offer some support in that darkest hour.
Tyrell already lost his son abroad some years earlier. He didn't deserve to lose also his precious daughter.
It reminded that also for the upper class death was waiting around the corner.

"Such a shame, to be robbed of the joy of being a grandfather. And for her the joy of being a mother".

Gwayne downed some whiskey, but it wasn't enough to wash away the sourness he felt since he had heard of the tragedy.
"At least she's resting with her little angel. Imagine if she survived her dead child".

"At least Tyrell would still have his daughter".

"You're right, Oscar" Gwayne murmured defeated. He wished to offer him some drink, but Oscar Tully was still too young and his father, the Superintendent at Scotland Yard, would butcher him for leading his precious son to the wrong way.

"You look awful for someone who just escaped a marriage he hated" Oscar commented studying his face.

"I'm glad I'm out of it. I'm just... tired of all these deaths".

"I've heard you got yourself involved with someone else" Oscar pried.

Gwayne held his inquisitive gaze and snorted "Is your father spying on my private life now?".

"It's not so private if it happens in public streets".

Oscar was too smart. Or Gwayne was too dumb. Surely one of the options was true.
But Gwayne adored the young Tully. He was the nephew he wished to have, instead of Alicent's kids.
Being linked to the investigative police gave Oscar the chance to know most of the interesting events that occurred in London. That was far more entertaining than the boring gossip of the upper class.

"So is your new crush just a distraction or something more?" Oscar asked without sounding too nosy.

Gwayne poured himself another drink, filling his glass. He glanced around to make sure nobody was within the earshot.
"You'll call me crazy, but I've declared my intention of marrying her just yesterday".

Oscar let out a gasp of surprise "Crazy? Well, that's fast. Replacing one bride with another. It might be even advantageous. Is the wedding still within the month?".

Gwayne rolled his eyes "Jesus, no. I haven't even told my parents yet. And that's the main trouble, I suppose".

"So you planned all of this on your own? You're a brave bastard. I want to be like you. Choosing my own bride and fuck what my family says".

Gwayne grinned. He loved how the teenage boy could speak his mind in such a bold way.
"You'll ruin your family if you follow my steps".

"Good. I want a family on my own. Not making the old fellows proud of someone I'm not proud of".

Gwayne patted his shoulder with his free hand "You're going to love her. I hope you can meet her properly soon".

"Careful. Or I could turn into a bride thief" Oscar teased him with his elbow "So you are truly into her?".

"Yeah, I fear I am" Gwayne admitted softly "Although I've met her just few days ago".

"Good. You've known Joanna for a lifetime and she despised you".