Disclaimer: I own nothing from sailormoon so don't sue.
A/N: Thank you! And enjoy this one. I have a feeling you will. :D
Chapter 7: Unexpected
Delving deeper into the massive library, she passed several shelves of philosophy, science, mathematics, Greek mythology, history and poetry. Though not entirely fond of poetry, Serena paused and pulled out a volume, a sudden curiosity to find out what the fuss was about. Tucking the slim volume under her arm, Serena browsed past several shelves of books before coming to a halt in the folklore section. She loved folklore. Pulling out several volumes, she traveled back up the library to the desk she had spotted earlier.
As she slowly walked up the aisle, her mind drifted back to the letter she had received two days ago from her close friend, Lita Carlisle. The news in the letter had stunned her. Lita Carlisle, was now married to an Earl of Sudbury and had written to inform her that she would be hosting her first ball in five days. Lita married? Hell, Serena didn't even think the girl would settle down, seeing as her attraction to a man changed as quickly as a blink of an eye.
Shifting her armload of books to a more comfortable position, Serena let her mind drift to the invitation she had been given. She was definitely going to the function that was for sure. It had been nearly six months since she last saw Lita and was eager to see her again. Though with no intentions of going alone, she had decided that she would take Evelyn, who quickly agreed. She made no attempt to ask Darien, as well, she didn't think it was necessary. It wasn't entirely deliberate on her part not to ask him. But she had reasons in not doing so. One, he had been busy of late with business matters and two, why would he want to come? He was no gay dandy and seemed easily bored with functions of little importance. She wasn't going to waste her breath on a question she already knew the answer to.
Sighing loudly, she secretly prayed Evelyn wasn't gushing to her parents about her trip to London. Her father-in-law would come upon her with questions she did not want to answer. Ready to flop into the massive chair behind the desk, she paused, the distinct click of the opening door echoing through the room. Standing immobile for several seconds, she dashed back to several shelves where she disappeared from view. She did not understand why, but for some odd reason she had a sudden urge to hide. Peering through the gaps between each shelf, she watched silently as the door swung open revealing her husband and a tall, handsome man.
Strolling into the library, Darien was followed quickly by his best friend, Andrew Dunmore. Looking at the desk and indicating that his friend make himself comfortable, Darien moved towards the brandy cabinet and poured the amber liquid into two tall glasses. Approaching the sandy haired man with a glass in each hand, Darien handed one to him before settling himself behind the desk with a groan. "Nothing better than a comfortable chair," he said with a grin. Nodding his head in agreement, Andrew took a sip from his glass before clearing his voice.
"Darien, you know how I mentioned gas lit street lamps a couple of months ago?"
"Yes?"
"Are you interested? A list of names of the gentlemen who are interested in the idea have been drawn up. It would be a pleasure if you would join. A very profitable venture indeed, if I say so myself," Andrew finished confidently.
"Gas lit street lamps did you say? The same ones in London?" Darien asked while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"The very ones."
"And how many counties do you intend to install such devices?"
"Well, we haven't come to a decision on that. But as many as we can. Footpads are growing more dangerous by the minute. Can't have the people fearing for their lives," Andrew replied, while taking a long drink of his brandy. "The night is a dangerous time."
"Yes, you're right. The number of footpads nowadays are growing at an alarming rate. Very well, to ensure future safety of the people, I will join. Though, I shall have to suggest this to my father-in-law, see if he's interested. Which I think is very likely," Darien said with a grin. However, the grin was short-lived as the silence of the library was interrupted by the sound of a muffled shriek and a thud.
'Damn it all to hell,' Serena thought quickly as she knelt down and started to gather the fallen volumes. So much for remaining hidden. Hearing the heavy footfalls approaching in her direction, she quickly got to her feet, ready to face her husband.
Coming into view, Darien raised a brow as Serena gave him a small, tight smile. "Uh, so sorry about this. But, well... I am finished here and won't bother you any longer," she said quickly as she made an attempt to walk around him. Regarding her slightly flushed face, he took her heavy armload of books without a word and walked back up to the front of the library, leaving Serena little choice but to follow. Chewing on her lower lip, she stood watching Darien unload the books on top of his desk, his friend watching in amusement. Pausing at the volume of poetry he looked at her, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Byron?" he asked, as Andrew stifled a bark of laughter. Resisting the urge to glower at him, Serena shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, he is the current rage among the young ladies. Just curious to know why he's such a hit," she admitted, her eyes coming to rest on Darien's friend, who was now staring openly at her. Quickly averting her gaze when the handsome man gifted her with a dimpled smile, she rushed forward to collect her books, frowning when Darien raised a hand.
"I hear you and Evelyn are going to London in a couple of days."
"That is true, sir." she answered simply.
"And I hear you are attending a ball,"
"That is correct. Evelyn told you?"
"Oh, she was too excited to keep her mouth shut. Such functions gets her giddy all the time," he said with a brief smile.
"So I've realized," she replied, groaning inwardly.
"Seeing as you haven't asked me to come, I've taken it upon myself to come along anyway. Before you protest, let me assure you that I am not simply coming for the sake of coming. I have multiple business appointments I have to attend to in London and am also hoping to catch your father." Darien finished, while piling the books on top of one another.
Frowning, Serena sighed as he placed the books in her arms. "And how long do you intend to stay in London, sir?"
"Not long. Once business is settled, I suppose." he said simply as he stared into her face. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Oh no. Of course not. Well, hope you're packed in time when we depart for London."
"Don't worry madam, I won't even take one hour." Gaining himself a small smile, he watched as she turned and hurried towards the door, struggling slightly with the armload of books. Watching as the door closed behind her, Andrew turned to him and grinned.
"I congratulate you, dear friend. She is lovely. I was expecting her to be less so, judging from your description of her."
"Well, I guess she is lovely...in a way," Darien murmured quickly ignoring the cheeky look on his friend's face.
"Come now, Darien. It's alright to say so. I think she's far from the room now," Andrew said with a laugh, earning himself a glare from his friend.
Dropping into his chair, Darien picked up his glass and drank deeply. Setting it down, he directed his gaze on his friend's face and frowned at the solemn expression. "What is it now, Andrew?"
"A thought has just come to me. How is Anne? Have you managed to cut the strings from her?"
"Not as yet, but as the first and most important of my business appointments, I intend to inform her and end the affair right there."
"Does your wife know of her?"
"No. And I hope she never does."
"Let's hope Darien. That woman is a devil. I would hate to think of what she would do,"
"I will deal with her when the time comes. Have no fear friend, that woman will be out of my life in no time."
"Good luck to that. I truly hope you succeed."
"So do I, Andrew, so do I." Darien muttered, as he drained the rest of the amber liquid.
London, three days later...
Watching as the massive townhouse came into view in less than six hours, Serena sighed happily at the familiar sight and stretched her muscles slowly, careful not to disturb the sleeping beauty beside her. Moaning softly in pleasure, she scratched furiously at her flea bitten arms and gazed out the window, watching the limited servants pour out of the house, their faces lit with excitement at the return of their friend and mistress. She had sent them news of her impending arrival two days ago and was surprised to see how quickly they prepared themselves for her arrival. But then again, there was hardly anyone residing at the address.
Watching her scratch at her arms for the last two hours, Darien let out a sigh, and reached out suddenly pulling one arm towards him. Inspecting the hot, angry red lumps he raised his eyes to meet those of his wife. Then lowering his head, he blew gently along the lumps, the cold air temporarily easing the heat. Widening her eyes in surprise at the act, she pulled her arm back swiftly, cradling it gently as it stung and burned from her scratches.
"Really, sir. There is no need for that." she muttered as she quickly glanced back out the window, her cheeks flushing a light pink. It was a kind act, that she had to admit. But somehow, the sight of him blowing on her heated skin was a little too intimate for her. She wasn't accustomed to such gallantry. Damn Shadow Queen and her fleas. She had a hell of time eradicating the little beasts.
Noting the slight flush of her face, Darien leaned back in his seat also a little embarrassed at the unexpected act of gallantry. After several minutes of silence, he cleared his throat. "How did you get them?" he asked quietly, careful not to wake his sister who chatted non-stop for the last four hours, unconsciously boring both him and Serena to death.
"Where do you think?" she shot out, pulling down her sleeves over her arms. Feeling a wave of guilt, Darien tugged at his neck cloth uncomfortably. Opening his mouth to say something else, the carriage came to sudden stop, jerking Evelyn violently from her sleep.
"Are we here already?" she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as the carriage door opened. Nodding her head in excitement, Serena bounded out the door and down the carriage before the footman could assist her and went running to greet her household.
"Welcome back young mistress! I dare say, you look much lovelier than the last time I saw you," an armless man said gaily as he was rewarded with a hug and sloppy kiss.
"You say that all the time, Tom," Serena said with a laugh as she went on to hug the other staff of her household. As Darien and Evelyn stepped down from the carriage, Serena quickly went through the introductions, and was silently pleased that they did not seem offended by her handicapped staff. As they were led to the entrance of the house, Evelyn linked her arms with hers and smiled. "We are going to have a good time, are we not?" she said with a glint of mischief in her eyes. Nodding her head in agreement, Serena laughed.
After being shown to his rooms, Darien quickly donned his hat and greatcoat and raced down the hallway to the carpeted stairs, his mind occupied on the meeting with Anne. He had planned the appointment in advance. Today, he was going to get it over and done with. The affair ended today. Strolling hurriedly past the recieving room, he was stopped by his sister who took hold of his hand and led him into the room. "What's the rush, Darien? Going somewhere?" she asked while tugging on his hand.
"As a matter of fact I am, Evelyn," he said softly, pulling back slightly as she let him go, her face falling in disappointment.
"Then you won't come shopping with us?"
"Afraid not sister. I've got a business appointment."
"Business appointment? Already? Surely that can't be right. We have only just arrived," Evelyn pouted. "It's only three o clock."
"I know it seems sudden, but I had arranged this appointment in advance. Sorry, next time my dear," he said regretfully, as he placed a kiss on her cheek.
"As long as you're here two days from now." Evelyn said, placing her hands on her hips.
"And why is that?"
"The ball, Darien. Surely you are coming?" Blinking in realization, Darien formed an O with his mouth and nodded.
"Of course I'm coming. Let your sister-in-law know. Don't want her thinking that I'm not coming," he added as he turned back, waving a hand in departure.
Later that evening as the carriage pulled up in front of the house, Darien climbed down feeling tired, frustrated and slightly worried. The meeting with Anne was not good. Though he had ended the affair by doing a considerable amount of yelling, reasoning and pleading, he was alarmed when Anne marched straight over to the dressing table and ripped up the notes of money he had placed there. After that was done, she proceeded to scream like a wild banshee, throwing any object she could find at him. Fearing himself at the hands of a Bedlam candidate, he fled, never being more disturbed in his whole entire life. As he strolled back to the waiting carriage, he could not shake off the feeling of foreboding.
Approaching the townhouse a little past seven, he bounded up the steps and was greeted by the armless butler. Giving the man a tired smile, he proceeded down the hall where he was informed that dinner was currently being served by a passing maid. Not in the mood to eat, he hurried up the stairs. With his amazing sense of direction, he memorized the way to his bedchamber and quickly entered it. There he stayed for the rest of the night, not coming out until the very next morning.
Being the first one at the breakfast table, Darien smiled at the serving staff, admiring the way they were able to complete the tasks. When they departed the room, he was the first to go to the side tables where he busily loaded his plate with eggs, bacon, sausages and bread. Ignoring the open stare from his sister, he settled himself down, not looking up once as he ate. Stifling a giggle, Evelyn shot a look at her sister-in-law who was also digging heartily into her breakfast. 'So very well suited,' Evelyn thought as she placed a hand over her mouth to cover the giggles.
However, the peaceful silence of chewing mouths was suddenly interrupted when Tom, the butler came rushing in, his face wearing a hopeless expression. Looking up, Serena frowned at the panting butler. "What is it Tom?"
"You must come quickly, mistress! So dreadfully sorry to disturb you, but there is a young woman at the door. She refuses to leave and demands to see Master Sanderson!" he said breathlessly, as Serena shot a look at Darien who was staring at the butler in disbelief.
"She wishes to see Master Sanderson, did you say Tom?" Serena asked quietly, the butler nodding frantically. Rising from her chair, she set her napkin down. "You may relax, Tom. I will go and see her. We'll leave Master Sanderson to his breakfast," she finished with a hint of steel in her voice before following the butler out the room.
Looking back at forth between her brother and the empty doorway, Evelyn rose from her chair. "Aren't you going to see who your visitor is, Darien?" she asked, noting the grim expression on his face. "I..." he started before he rose from his chair and strode quickly towards the door.
"I wish to see Darien!" the red-headed woman yelled, as she tried to push her way through the burly footman who was formidable. "You will let me in, or I swear you will be sorry!"
Striding quickly towards the ranting woman, Serena placed a hand on the foot-man's shoulder and moved him aside.
"You will stop this nonsense at once!" she demanded, effectively silencing the woman's rant. Staring coldly at the beautiful woman, Serena folded her arms beneath her breasts. "Who are you?" She demanded.
"Why, you don't know do you? I am Darien's mistress. And you, are his wife? Well. I expected better," she sneered, the footman at Serena's side lunging forward. Holding him back with considerable force, she smiled. "Thank you. That was very kind. But I'm afraid you must leave. Unlike my beloved husband, my footman is just about ready to throw you out onto the pavement. I'm afraid light skirts aren't his thing."
"You bitch!" the woman screeched. "Darien! Are you just going to stand there? Do something!"
Heaving a sigh, Serena turned from the drama, refusing to look at her husband who stood looking awkward and stricken. Brushing against his shoulder, she continued down the hallway, her hands fisting by her sides. She knew she shouldn't care. But try as she might, it was hard not to envy the woman.
A/N: THANK YOU for reading!
