Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤38 Meeting the Hawthornes

The late afternoon sun bathed the estate in a warm glow as final touches were added to the dining room. Golden light filtered through the tall windows, illuminating the polished mahogany table set with silver cutlery and delicate china. Fresh linens lay meticulously folded, their soft edges contrasting the sleek shine of polished silver candelabras placed along the center of the table. Footmen moved quietly, aligning each setting with careful precision under the watchful eye of Bernie, whose attention to detail bordered on the fanatical.

Maria stood near the window, taking in the view of the gardens as servants prepared the dining room behind her. A gentle breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the faint, sweet scent of roses from the garden and a hint of fresh lavender placed near the mantelpiece. She felt herself easing into this life, feeling an odd sense of belonging amid the hushed elegance and the quiet authority with which she'd begun to conduct herself.

Stephen, entering the room from the corridor, found his gaze naturally drawn to Maria. She stood with an ease and grace, one he hadn't seen when they'd first met. She was different now-there was a calm confidence in her posture, a growing strength that he both admired and found slightly irresistible.

"Getting comfortable already, aren't you?" he teased softly, the corners of his mouth lifting as he walked over to join her by the window.

Maria turned to him, one eyebrow raised. "And who was it who encouraged me to settle in?" she replied with a smirk. She took in his appearance, the subtle attention to detail in his attire-a crisp waistcoat, tailored perfectly, and a faint glimmer of rings on his fingers. It was clear he'd prepared just as much as she had for the evening ahead.

He gave a mock bow, one hand resting theatrically on his heart. "Ah, of course. Only the finest words come from my lips, don't they?"

Maria let out a quiet laugh, though her expression grew thoughtful. "This evening feels... more important than I anticipated. It's more than just dinner, isn't it?"

"Bernie seems to think so," Stephen said with a shrug, though his eyes held a glint of intrigue. "These Hawthornes... well, let's just say I'm curious to see what they'll reveal tonight. Connections in society can be valuable-but treacherous if you play them wrong."

As if summoned by his words, Bernie appeared from the hall, carrying a small stack of letters, each meticulously sealed with an embossed crest. He paused, looking at both of them with a satisfied nod. "Ah, the both of you looking ready to host London's finest-or, as is the case, those who may present themselves as such," he said with a slight smirk.

He handed the letters to Stephen, who raised an eyebrow. "More invitations?"

"Acceptances," Bernie replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "People know the Hawthornes have been invited, and their intrigue has piqued interest. As anticipated, your dinner has quickly become one of the week's most sought-after engagements."

Stephen chuckled, a sly smile forming on his lips. "Well, if we're to have an audience, we may as well put on a show."

Bernie inclined his head in agreement but offered a word of caution. "Careful not to let too much slip. The Hawthornes are shrewd; they'll be looking for any signs of... vulnerability." His eyes flicked briefly to Maria. "The impression you give tonight will echo through your dealings with society in the weeks to come."

Maria nodded, absorbing Bernie's advice. A flash of determination passed across her face as she looked at Stephen. "Then we'll play the part. I'll make sure they see exactly what they expect of us."

The faintest hint of pride crossed Stephen's expression as he took her hand. He looked back to Bernie with a mischievous glint. "You're speaking as if we have something to hide. The two of us here are practically saints." He grinned, catching the slight flicker of amusement in Maria's eyes as he spoke.