Chapter 27

While news of the coming marriage did bring some cheer back into the house, it was outweighed by the reality that Harley would be married to a scoundrel and that he most likely had to be paid to marry. Even Miss Persephone who had been obsessing over getting her daughters married couldn't be as enthusiastic as she wanted or wished she could. But the relief that the uneasiness disappear and after a few days peace and harmony returned to the Princeton household. That is…until they got a letter from Harley.

They were all eating breakfast when Hades told them the news.

"I received a letter from Harley this morning," he began. Everyone perked up and looked at him with either shock (Diana), hope (Cassie), confusion (Lois), anger (Shayera), and nervous anticipation (Persephone). "She's informed me that she and her new husband will be visiting us today around lunchtime."

"Really?" Cassie asked with hope in her voice. Hades nodded. "Mother." Persephone turned and gave her a sad smile.

"Yes dear," Persephone responded.

"Do you think they could stay and live here locally?" Cassie asked.

"Um, dear I don't know if that's a good idea," Persephone answered sincerely.

"Regardless of whether it's a good idea or not, it's not happening," Hades stated. "Mister Napier has been transferred to a regiment in the north. So it'll be impossible for us to live close together."

"Good riddance," Shayera muttered resulting in glare from Cassie.

"I know you don't like Harley but you don't need to be nasty about it," Cassie said bitterly.

"I was referring to Mister Napier," Shayera responded coldly. "Honestly if it wasn't for the fact he's married to her, I'd give him the beating of a lifetime, and then I'd hid the body where no one will ever find the body."

"Shayera Hol Princeton!" Persephone outraged. "He may be a scoundrel deserving of punishment, but he's now a member of the family and you must respect him."

"Luthor's a member of the family and I don't respect him," Shayera mumbled which only infuriated Persephone even more. Before she could snap back, however; Hades gently put his hand on hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. Persephone understood the jester and responded accordingly. She took a deep breath and calmed down.

"Shayera, while I agree with your sediment, it is highly inappropriate to say such things at the breakfast table," Hades said firmly. "Understood?" Shayera sighed.

"Yes Father," Shayera responded begrudgingly.

"Good," Hades said. "Now, Lois would you please pass the salt?"

The Napiers arrived in a modest carriage at about one o'clock. Harley exited first with a bright smile and cheerful expression while her husband at first glance seemed full of good cheer but if one examined his expressions long enough, you'd see the disdain in his eyes.

"Cassie!" Harley exclaimed before running up and embracing Cassie. Cassie hesitated before returning the embrace. "It's so good to see you again."

"You too Harl," Cassie responded sincerely. "You too." Harley let go and returned back to her husband's side much to Cassie's dismay.

"Well, who would've thought?" Harley said with a smile and pride in her voice. "I'M the first one to get married." Shayera glared at Jack with the corner of her eye and the elder two did their best to keep their expressions pleasant while Cassie could only smile sadly.

"Now let's how mom and dad are doing?" Harley said playfully. "I bet mum's been so depressed since I left. Come on, Jacky let's go!" She dragged her husband into the house leaving her sisters outside. Shayera looked ready to murder someone, Cassie was on the verge of tears, and the elder two felt a mixture of pity, concern, and sadness. She didn't know. She didn't know that the only reason she was married was because of a man's lust and a well-priced bribe.

"Should we tell her?" Shayera asked. Diana shook her head.

"No, or at least not yet," Diana said. "She'll find out soon enough on her own. There's no point causing more hurt than necessary."

"I'm gonna kill him," Shayera stated angrily. "Who wants to help the body?"

"Shayera, while I'll admit the idea does sound appealing I'm vetoing this so you don't go to jail for first-degree murder," Lois told her.

"Well, a girl can dream, right?" Shayera retorted.

"Shay, if you ever get around to doing it, I'll help you hide the body," Cassie told her.

You ready?" Bruce asked Clark who was putting his things into a suitcase.

"Almost," Clark responded. "I just have a few more things I need to pack."

"Good, we should be able to leave at two o'clock then?" Bruce asked. Clark nodded.

"Yes and I already sent the others ahead to put the furniture and such back into the house," Clark informed him. Bruce raised an eyebrow.

"You're settling in so soon?" Bruce questioned. Clark nodded.

"Even if Lois says no I did like Netherfield better than our place in London," Clark admitted. "More space and clean air. And I've always wanted to live in the country."

"Well, it is a beautiful place," Bruce responded.

"Indeed," Clark agreed. "Though there is something I've been meaning to ask."

"What is it?" Bruce asked.

"Why did you leave so suddenly to London?" Clark asked. Bruce stiffened and curled his lip.

"It's not my place to tell," Bruce started. "I went to help a family deal with a personal matter and that's all I can say for now." Clark opened his mouth to say something but decided against it.

"Understood," Clark responded. "Though I will say it's the angriest I've seen you in quite some time. Last time you were that angry is when Jack attempted to elope with Barbara." Bruce gritted his teeth at the mention of Jack's name. Clark noticed but decided not to comment. "Anyway, there is one more thing I need to know, and I think you do as well." Bruce raised his eyebrow but didn't stop him. "What are your feelings regarding Miss Diana?" Bruce became ridged and was about to respond but Clark cut him off.

"Don't bother lying. I know you care about her. I saw the way you looked at her. It's the way my parents look at each other and the way I looked at Lois. The way you sneak a glance, the way you defended her against Pamela, multiple times, the outrage at her family's misfortune."

"I never said…" Bruce started.

"You didn't have to," Clark told him. "I may be overly optimistic but I'm not ignorant." Bruce sighed and turned his back to his friend to prevent him from seeing his stone-faced appearance crack. "Am I right?"

"It's too late now regardless of whether you're right or not," Bruce stated. "I've ruined any chance by my previous actions."

"You mean with me and Lois?" Clark guessed. Bruce nodded.

"And if I'm honest, I wouldn't blame her either," Bruce responded. "I know I wouldn't forgive myself either if I were in her position."

"Does she know about…" Clark started. Bruce shook his head.

"No, or at least she shouldn't," Bruce answered. "I didn't do it to get in her good graces."

"Then why did you do it?" Clark questioned. Bruce to speak but no words came out. "Do you love her?"

"Even if I do, it's too late," Bruce said before chuckling. "It's kind of ironic. The one time I need a good first impression is the one time I purposefully screw it up so badly I doubt I could ever redeem myself. My only hope is that she doesn't hate me for all eternity."

"But there's no way to know if she hates you if you don't ask," Clark told him. "Try Bruce, for your sake. For once." Bruce sighed before chuckling.

"You really don't give up, do you?" Bruce retorted with a smirk. "I'm going with you, but no promises if it goes horribly."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Clark said.

Almost done! I should have this story wrapped up sooner rather than later. Though with school starting up again who knows. I'll the next update out on Wednesday.