I would really like to know your opinions on the Lois and Clark pairing in general.
Please Let me know what you think! Thanks For Reading :)
Chapter 5: Land of Unknown
London England, September 1843.
"If you break that vase, I'll have your head!"
"Y-Yes my Lady."
The maid coward before her petite mistress who stood barely over 5 foot but seemed much taller.
Lois gathered up her skirts and spun on her heels, marching down the hall.
Seeing another servant, she again lashed out at an undeserving victim.
"Dust those drapes correctly! Don't just fling them about!"
"Yes, milady."
"And wash the windows while you're at it."
"B-but…"
"What!?"
"But if I open the window to clean it the rain will get in."
Lois glared at the man in disgust.
"Then get a bucket!"
She stomped off, leaving the maid in tears and the footman swearing under his breath.
She continued down the hallway until she came to a door where another maid waited for her. Her arms piled high with towels and her little-starched cap quivering with dread.
She curtsied as Lois approached, keeping her eyes downcast.
Lois eyed her with contempt. She could never abide a coward.
Rolling her eyes, she retrieved the key ring from her waist and opened the door.
The maid curtsied once more and scurried inside with Lois hot on her heels. Setting the towels in the cupboard she bolted from the room, forgetting to ask if there was anything else her mistress needed.
Lois rolled her eyes again.
Stupid child.
She looked about the room and felt disappointment swell within her.
This will never do! It is far too juvenile if only there was time to make another room ready.
Her violet eyes scanned the chamber. Taking in the pink walls and bedding. It was small, it was childish, it was…all wrong!
Why had she chosen this one? The girl was 15, not 5.
Oh well, too late to do anything about that now.
Exiting the room, she closed the door behind her, leaving it unlocked.
Walking through her fine London house Lois felt an irritating despair begin to weigh down on her soul.
Everything annoyed her, the servants, her husband, even the house itself.
Lois had never been the most congenial person but lately, her bad moods had increased exponentially. To the point where even she was annoyed with herself.
She made life a living hell for all those around her, using her sharp tongue and quick wit to abuse anyone who so much as breathed in her direction.
The servants coward before her and even her husband had begun to ebb out of her way. Trying to give her some much-needed space for her tempers to roam free. But all that had done was make her feel more isolated.
The problem was that she was bored. Frightfully and painfully bored.
She had not been married a full year and already she found the proper and 'desirable' life of an English housewife so horrendously dull and mind-numbing that she genuinely feared for her sanity.
The only thing that had managed to distract her from this was the anticipated arrival of her husband's cousin.
She had scoured the house in preparation for her arrival. No detail was too small or insignificant to take her notice.
For a while, these preparations proved to lift her spirits. Unfortunately, the time it took for the girl to arrive was much greater than the time needed to plan her arrival.
So, boredom had reestablished itself and Lois was counting down the seconds until it could be lifted again.
Downstairs
Clark Kent finished counting the bills and held them out to the sobbing maid who snatched them from his hands. She bobbed an odd curtsy and sniveled her way out of the room.
Clark let out a heavy sigh as he sat down in his favorite chair.
That's the third one this week.
Keeping a maid employed at the London house of the Earl and Countess of Lonworth should have been an easy task…But it wasn't.
Despite the fact that servants in the house received daily wages most didn't last more than a day. The few who had made up a small regiment of servants who had more grit then a military platoon.
Gertrude was the latest in a long line of domestic servants who hadn't been able to handle his wife's domineering personality.
Clark smiled as he thought of Lois.
He adored his wife, she was everything he was not; determined, witty and even a little brash. Not that he wasn't capable of those skills but they were not his natural inclination.
He preferred a quiet existence.
He wished nothing more than to be a traditional country gentleman. No airs or graces. A man whose greatest joy in life was coming home at the end of the day to his well-run house, his beloved wife, and to sit by the fire reading the paper.
He was aware that these dreams were not shared by his wife. But, even though that did cause problems, he would not wish her to be anything other then what she was. He had been drawn to her fire and would never have wanted to see it extinguished.
The clock over the mantle struck four and he retrieved his gold pocket watch to verify the time.
They'll be here any minute.
Taking another deep breath Clark removed his circular glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Leaning forward he rested his chin on his fists and stared into the fireplace.
She had been so little the last time he had seen her, barely more than an infant.
Clark smiled as he remembered arguing with Dinah during his Aunt Hippolyta's pregnancy on whether their new cousin would be a boy or a girl. Dinah had won. He could honestly say that his disappointment had evaporated the minute he saw the new baby.
She had been a bright-eyed thing with raven curls and a pair of extraordinary azure eyes.
He could still see the toothless grin she had given him as her tiny fist grabbed his finger with surprising strength.
But she isn't a baby anymore.
His smiled faded.
They knew nothing of her now. Thirteen years they had thought her dead and now she had come back to life.
I wonder what she is like?
The Carriage,
For the millionth time, Diana straightened the folds of her skirt and reached up to touch her collar.
Bruce noticed her nervous behavior but was disinclined to say anything. He continued to watch out the carriage window, even though the torrential downpour made it impossible to make anything out.
He was glad he had insisted that Clark not meet them at the dock. She needed as much time as possible to prepare herself.
He didn't burden this time with the useless assurance that everything would be fine. He had no idea how this would all go and he knew that no matter what he said she wouldn't hear him. She was too busy thinking to hear anything he said.
As for her part, Diana barely knew he was there at all.
She tried watching out the window to distract herself from her crippling anxiety but that served only to depress her more.
Bruce was right, England was unlike anything she had ever seen and different from anything she had imagined. But it was not a good different.
The scenery blurred by in an array of dark, lifeless colors and tones. The sky darkened by clouds and rain poured down at such an intense rate she feared the carriage roof would not hold.
She wasn't exactly sure what she had expected, but some color at least would have helped. It was so awful and grey! Very different from the hot sun and endless sea and desert she had known before.
Turning her face from the window she again straightened her skirt.
The wool fabric felt scratchy on her skin but she'd had several months to get used to the texture…that didn't mean she liked it though.
She and Bruce had never actually gotten to have that conversation about ladies undergarments. She would have found the material immensely more comfortable if she had been wearing a barrier between her skin and the tight wool dress. But that was one lesson he had decided to leave for Lois.
Diana breathed a small sigh of relief as she once again straightened her sleeves.
At least this is one less thing to worry about.
She was quite pleased with the way she looked. Confident that in that department at least she was adequately prepared.
Diana had chosen the black dress because it was the best fit, though it was still tight. Also, it was the only one of her three gowns that had any form of embellishment. A small lace collar. She had thought herself pretty as she had dressed that morning.
Her brown boots were so well polished you could have seen your reflection in them. She had badgered Bruce into giving up his polish kit and had worked on them through the night.
Because she had grown a solid inch over the past months the toes of the boots were visible underneath her skirt. But she was unaware of what a fashionable blunder this was.
Yes, at least her appearance was correct, or so she believed.
Now the only problem was meeting them.
What would they think of her? Would they change their minds about wanting her back? Where would she go if that happened, it wasn't like she could go back to Dagra?
Maybe I could stay with Bruce.
She thought of what it would be like to forget all about England and Dagra. To spend the rest of her life traveling the world on his ship.
She smiled and peered at him from the corner of her eye.
He seemed oblivious to her, looking out the window.
No, he would never let me come…He likes being alone.
For the rest of the ride, she went over and over in her mind how to behave when she met her family, just like he had taught her.
By the time the carriage rolled to a stop her stomach was a knot of raw nerves that made her feel sick.
Bruce opened the carriage door and stepped out into the rain.
After a brief struggle, he managed to open an umbrella and create a barrier from the downpour.
"You can get out now." He said, looking back inside the carriage.
She didn't move.
Didn't even acknowledge his voice.
She had turned white as a sheet and her eyes had grown twice in size as she stared straight ahead.
Her heart was pounding so hard she felt it would beat out of her chest.
Her hands and feet had gone numb and her lungs struggled to fill with air.
I can't do this…I just can't do this…
She felt a strong warm hand holding her cold one and giving it a gentle squeeze.
She looked down and saw his black glove encircled around her pale fingers.
Diana dragged her gaze to his face and found him staring back sympathetically, a reassuring little smile on his lips.
"After you."
They exited the carriage and under the cover of the umbrella made their way to the door. Bruce beat the knocker against the wood until a maid opened it.
She did not wait for him to make introductions but motioned them inside out of the storm.
The maid said something but Diana didn't hear her.
Bruce took her by the arm and led her past the servant and down the hall.
Clark stood by his wife, an outward picture of domestic bliss as they watched the double parlor doors.
They opened and he smiled as he saw his best friend enter. On his arm was a girl of incomparable beauty.
Not for one moment could he have mistaken who she was. He would have known her anywhere, and tears sprang to his eyes as he looked at her.
She was every inch a Lennox.
Raven hair, like their grandmother, incredible azure eyes, like her mother, and her impressive height, which came from her unusually tall Princeton father.
He watched her face for her reaction.
Her eyes were wide with uncertainty as she took in the room.
But he saw it change as she looked at himself and Lois.
Immediately a cool calm came over her and she raised her chin into the air. She seemed to grow taller as a natural regality took hold of her. He could practically see her building a wall around herself.
Something had displeased her but he had no idea what.
No, no, no, it was wrong!
The one thing! The one thing she thought she didn't need to worry about and it was simply terrible!
The instant she saw her cousin's wife she knew that her clothes were hideous and completely wrong.
I bet Laurel has never even seen an English woman!
Lois's dress was in the latest fashion, despite the fact that she was in mourning.
Her black taffeta had long bell-shaped sleeves with white muslin undersleeves edged in fine lace. Her collar was high like Diana's but boasted a V shape at the neck instead of round. It was also accompanied by a lace collar dyed black.
The multi-tiered skirt, trimmed with black crepe, flared becomingly away from her body. Making her waist seem all the more minuscule. The bodice was a stiff upside down triangle shape that made the wearer's posture near perfect.
Lois also wore earrings, a bracelet, and a broach made from hard jet. Typical mourning jewelry.
Finally, Diana glanced at her hair. Unlike her own, which was in a long braid past her waist, Lois wore hers up. Parted in the middle with the sides swooped down over her ears and braided into a low bun at the nape of her neck.
The crowning glory of her simple, yet fashionable, hairstyle was a white lace day cap that sat neatly on her head. Two ribbons tied in bows on either side of the front with their tales falling down over her ears, and big surprise they were also black. The whole hat was far too frilly for Diana's taste and she didn't think it suited the smaller woman at all.
Still, she had to admit Lois was an attractive person, especially with those violet eyes. It wasn't surprising that her cousin had married her.
Diana had come from a world where a woman's beauty was a highly prized thing and entire marriages were based around it.
This isn't how this was supposed to begin. I must look so foolish to them.
Her embarrassment over her appearance grew and her pride swelled to the surface.
She was a Princess, she would not let them see her shame.
All previous decisions on how to be polite and correct flew out of her head.
In her mind, this meeting was already ruined.
"Clark, Lois, may I present Lady Diana Princeton. Diana, this is your cousin, Clark Kent, Earl of Lonworth," said Bruce.
Clark smiled warmly and held out his arms to embrace her, but stopped at seeing her frosty gaze. She nodded slightly in his direction.
The rude sting of the gesture didn't seem to have any effect on him, his smile was still firmly in place, but he did return his arms to his sides.
Lois bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. She admired the girl's pride and spirit.
"Please have a seat."
Clark motioned to a pair of chairs.
Bruce took Diana by the elbow and steered her towards the chair.
He took the one next to hers while Clark and Lois sat on the settee across the rug.
The four sat in uncomfortable silence for what felt like hours.
The longer they sat the more Diana's superior façade eroded and her nervous behavior began to resurface.
Bruce glanced at her hands and watched them twitch and rub together.
"I wish to see the sisters of Hippolyta," Diana commanded, breaking the silence.
Bruce wondered if anyone else noticed the thickening of her accent.
"Oh, um, well…ma-uh that is Martha, is still in the country…mourning my father…but we'll all see her in a couple of days. When we take you to Riverfoot…. Aunt Mary will be here tomorrow for dinner. Along with Uncle Benjamin and Dinah and Oliver…Uh did Bruce tell you about our cousin Dinah?"
"Yes."
"Oh…good."
Silence resumed.
"So Diana, did you have a pleasant voyage?" asked Lois.
"Yes."
Again silence…
The sound of the clock chiming five made them jump in their seats and glare at the mantel in alarm.
All except Mr. Wayne, who calmly pulled out his own pocket watch to verify the time.
Nodding in agreement with the clock's assessment he returned the watch to his pocket and rose from his chair.
Bowing in his hosts' direction he took his leave.
"I'm sorry to cut our visit short but I am afraid that I have business that cannot wait."
The other three leaped to their feet in equal dismay at the prospect of being left together without a common thread.
Clark edged towards the door, trying to cut off his friends escape, and Lois practically grabbed his arm to keep him from leaving. Meanwhile, Diana stood stiff as a statue, her eyes wide, filled with terror.
"Oh, surely not cousin!"
A small cough from Clark reminded Lois of her undignified demeanor.
"I mean, of course, we expected you to stay to dinner."
Bruce's face remained emotionless and reserved.
"Thank you, but no. I must take my leave."
He bowed again to Lois.
"Cousin."
Then turning to his friend he nodded.
"Clark."
For Diana he bowed with the utmost respect and dignity, even managing a small reassuring smile as he straightened.
"Lady Diana."
They remained frozen as he left the room.
Diana could hear the sound of his boots fading away as he left the way they came.
Bolting from the room she dashed after him.
"BRUCE! WAIT!"
He was already at the front door, accepting his coat and hat from the maid.
Increasing her speed she flew for him, terrified that he would walk out the door and be gone forever.
"WAIT!"
He stopped and turned.
Skidding to a stop she began to lose her balance as she tried to keep from knocking him over.
He reached out a strong arm to steady her.
She grabbed it and found herself gripping onto it for dear life.
Looking up into his clear blue eyes she felt her throat begin to constrict with the emotions.
"Please…" she whispered. "Bruce you can't leave me here, you can't leave me with them."
Slowly he pried her fingers from his arm and moved her back a foot.
She was losing control of herself and didn't feel her pride could withstand the humiliation of the flood of tears that threatened to overtake her.
"What am I supposed to do? Please, you have to tell me!"
Letting go of her hand he placed his hat his head and opened the door.
No longer caring of appearances she cried out in a hoarse voice.
"I'll never forgive you if you leave me here!"
He paused halfway out the door, his hand still poised on the nob.
Rounding he looked back at her.
He closed the space between them, towering above her.
She angled her head to look up to him.
He placed a large gloved hand on the back of her head, drawing it nearer to him.
Then, with profound tenderness, he pressed a small kiss to her forehead.
"Goodnight Lady Diana." He whispered.
He drew back and exited, closing the door behind him.
Tears burned in her eyes.
The sound of swishing fabric let her know she was not alone.
She tried to school her features into as dignified a setting as she could manage.
Rotating cautiously she turned from the door.
"I wish to go to my room now." She said in a small voice.
"Oh but it's only five, we still haven't had dinner and—"
"Uhum…Lois dear, Cousin Diana has had a long and trying day."
Lois face flushed and spark of anger shone in her eyes at being talked over.
"Of course. Beth will show you to your room."
With a snap of her fingers, Lois summoned the maid and a middle-aged woman of considerable girth appeared at her side.
"This way milady."
"Thank you."
Diana finally remembering to curtsy to her hosts before following Beth up the stairs.
Clark and Lois watched her disappear down the hallway before letting out a collective sigh.
"Well, that could have gone better," Lois stated.
"Indeed."
"I don't understand it. I mean I know it is all very new to her and all but did you see the look on her face? It was like she wanted us to be swallowed up by the earth!"
"Something definitely upset her."
"Well her clothes certainly didn't help. I imagine the poor creature was rather self-conscious about her appearance."
"Why do you say that?"
"Didn't you notice how she kept trying to pull her sleeves down? Or the way she fidgeted with her collar? Not that it did much good. That gown is far too short and entirely unsuitable. I will have to contact Madame Charlotte first thing in the morning to get her some decent clothes. I dare say it should help her feel a bit more comfortable."
"I hadn't thought about it, but I do think your right."
"Hmm," Lois grunted. As far as she was concerned that was an absolute truth.
"But I still don't understand why she seemed so frightened of us. After all, I thought she wanted to come to England."
"Well, I am sure Bruce has the answer…..he always seems too."
Lois had never been her dour cousin's biggest fan.
"Yes, but he wasn't much help tonight. I'll have to talk to him about it tomorrow. Shall I invite him to dinner?"
"If you must."
Clark smiled at his wife's begrudging hospitality.
"Always the eager hostess."
"Only if the company is agreeable."
"Well don't worry about it. Dinah will be here and that should take some pressure off."
"Thank heaven for that at least."
Dinah always had the ability to get people to talk and be at ease with one another.
"But where I would like to know was Bruce skulking off to hmm? You know he hates that grand coffin he calls a house, and the idea of social calls is ludicrous."
"Maybe it was a matter of commerce."
"Huh! Fat chance. The only business sense my dear cousin has is how to spend the fortune others earn for him."
Clark stiffened at his wife's callous words. He never understood why the two of them could not hold each other with the same high regard that he held for them both.
"Well, either way, it is his matter, not ours."
"Diplomatic to the end."
Lois muttered as she went to tell the cook to remove Bruce Wayne's plate from the table.
Clark wondered though, where had Bruce gone?