The day of the Hayden party arrived, and Rory studied herself in the full-length mirror in the dressing room. A stylist had already done her hair in an intricate up-do and soft curls were framing her face, her make-up was slightly darker than normal. Her dress was a stunning strapless empire waist design that had silver, white and navy embellishments at the bust and then flowed down in a navy cascade; she almost didn't recognize herself.
"You look beautiful," Lane told her as she looked at her oldest friend. Rory had invited her, and they had spent the previous day at the spa getting waxed and polished and today they had done everything else. For a surprise Rory had gotten her a simple black floor length gown than Lane knew cost more than she would make in a year at Luke's, but Rory had insisted, if she was going to feel like a princess for this event then Lane would as well.
"So, do you," Rory replied with a smile as she looked at Lane. "Thank you for coming tonight."
"Of course!" Lane exclaimed. "You're my best friend and this is a huge night for you. You had to know that I would be here to support you!"
Rory gave her a watery smile and nodded her head. "I know its just… these events, well they suck and tonight everyone is going to find out… and you really don't know many people."
Lane laughed and gave her a hug. "Colin and Finn said they would keep me entertained and your girlfriends Rosemary and Juliet said they would stick by me as well."
"I'm glad," Rory sighed thankful that at least Lane would have someone to talk to. Before anything else could be said there was a knock on the door that Lane answered.
Logan was speechless the minute he saw her, yes, he had seen her dressed up before, but it was nothing like what he saw in front of him. She was stunning and she was his. "Wow Ace," he managed to choke out. "You look absolutely breathtaking."
"Thank you," she replied with a giggle. "You look pretty good yourself."
He walked over towards her and pulled her into him before kissing her softly. "We make quite the couple."
She tensed and he looked at her questioningly. "You're not supposed to be my date tonight, remember?" she questioned with a slightly bitter tone.
"You're my girlfriend and I love you," he told her honestly. "I don't care what my family thinks and if you think there is a chance in hell that I am letting some other guy think you are remotely available you are seriously mistaken."
"So, your family still has a problem with this?" came a questioning voice from the door and the couple turned to look at Edward Hayden.
"Unfortunately," Logan replied with a sigh. "But they have heard that the Hayden heiress is here tonight and that is who I should try and date."
Edward chuckled at the response and just shook his head. The family knew of the previous issues with the Huntzberger's and assumed that things had not changed, but they held some hope after the pictures of them were published. "Rory you will need to be prepared tonight. Shira will definitely try and attack you, so you need to maintain you grace and not let what she says get to you. But we want the confrontation to be somewhat public so that when it is announced who you are, she will be even more embarrassed. The same goes for you Logan. We plan on making the announcement in about an hour."
The couple nodded in understanding; the nerves that were already on edge just got worse at his words. Edward and Lane slipped out of the room to give them some privacy and as soon as the door closed Logan looked at her. "I love you Ace," he stated. "No matter what happens tonight, I love you."
She sighed and gently caressed his face. "I love you Master and Commander," she replied with a slight smirk hoping to break some of the tension.
A huge smile crossed his face before he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. "I knew it would stick one day," he said with a smirk, the laughter evident in his words.
"I don't want to inflate your ego," she teased. With the tension broken they walked out of the room to face the crowds.
The party was filled with talk about the Hayden heiress. Everyone had questions but there were only the rumors… she was stunning, intelligent, gotten into Harvard, Yale and Princeton without the help of her name, she was hardworking, talented. Rory thought it was funny as she listened to everyone talk about her without realizing it was her. Only a few people in this room knew it was her, there was even speculation it was Lane since she had never been seen before. Finn and Colin were true to their word and kept Lane away from the worst in society. Logan defied his father and stayed with Rory for most of the night, keeping away from the Huntzberger's and only talking briefly with the Hayden's. Knowing that the announcement was coming up he reluctantly left her side to talk with his parents.
"Dad, Mom, Grandfather," Logan greeted as he walked up to the group they were standing in. He acknowledged the others before turning back to his family.
"Logan," Mitchum harshly greeted and pulled him slightly away from the group. "I though we told you to not bring her."
"Rory is my girlfriend dad," he sighed. "That's not changing. She was also expected here, and it would have looked strange if I hadn't come with her."
"The Hayden's are important people! Your mother has already talked to Francine about introducing you to her granddaughter," Mitchum stated trying to keep his voice low but it was obvious a few around them heard the exchange. "That girl is not acceptable for what we expect of you."
"From the rumors the Hayden girl wants to work," Logan retorted.
"But she is a Hayden," Mitchum slowly stated like he was talking to a child. "It doesn't matter what she wants to do because she will have the wealth and standing to silence the critics. But I am sure the Hayden's won't expect her to do much."
Logan tried to not roll his eyes at the thought of Rory not working. The Hayden's wanted her involved in HIG and there was no way that they would allow her to sit idly by. Neither man noticed when Edward walked up towards them.
"Mitchum, Elias," Edward boomed as he walked over toward the men. "Glad you all could make it tonight."
"Of course," Mitchum replied. "Its not often that the Hayden's throw an event such as this. I don't believe you've met my son Logan."
"I don't believe so, nice to meet you son," Edward stated with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and he shook Logan's hand. "Yes, we haven't thrown an event like this in a while, but I am sure that will change soon."
"Ah yes, there are rumors about your heiress, will she be taking over the social obligations?" Mitchum asked in a calculating tone.
"I'm sure she will," Edward replied as he took a sip of his drink. "But she is a junior at Yale so it will be some time. And she also wants to establish a career," he paused and studied Mitchum for a moment. "She had actually wanted to be a journalist at one time, she is actually pretty good, even got an internship… But with Straub's passing, I'm getting older and her father… well he has never been one to conform to society. So we will see what happens in the future."
Mitchum had slightly paled as Edward spoke, studying the man's face for some hint of anything but his face remained impassive. "Well, if journalism is her dream that I am sure we can find something for her to decide if that is what she wants."
"I'll let her know," Edward replied, his eyes slightly narrowing. "But now we just hope that this announcement doesn't cause her to much stress and Francine is worried about her finding someone, especially the right kind of man, that will support her dreams." Pausing he shrugged his shoulders slightly. "Logan, I saw you with Rory Gilmore earlier, now from what I hear she is very ambitious, well Richard goes on about her writing."
"Yes, she is," Logan replied in a nonchalant tone. "She was just elected as editor of the Yale Daily News," he continued his voice showing his pride.
"Ah now, that would be some woman to join your family," Edward chuckled as he looked over at Mitchum. "Is there another possible journalist joining the Huntzberger's?"
"Well, the boy is still young," Elias chimed in. "And well she is just a Gilmore. We are all sure that Logan will find someone more suitable."
"More suitable?" Edward questioned. "From what I have seen she is very pretty and looking at her tonight she seems to fit in perfectly. Is it because she wants to work?"
"No, of course not," Mitchum interjected, slightly weary of where this conversation was going since Edward had just said the heiress had wanted to work. "Its just her work aspirations may prevent her from being a…"
"Suitable wife," Elias continued after Mitchum paused. "There is no way that she would be able to fit in with the family. Now your great-granddaughter, even though she wants to work, I am sure Logan and her would make a power couple."
"I am sure she is great," Logan stated trying to hide his annoyance. "But Rory is amazing, just as I am sure your great-granddaughter is sir," he continued as he focused on Edward. "I am happy with the relationship I have chosen."
"Yes finding the right person is hard but can be rewarding," Edward answered cryptically. "Well, if you gentleman will excuse me I must find my family to get ready for the announcement."
As he walked off both Mitchum and Elias spun to face Logan. "We told you not to bring that girl!" Elias hissed. "You may have just cost yourself a chance with the heiress."
"I don't want her," Logan scoffed. "I don't see why you all won't just try and get to know Rory, give her a chance!"
"A chance?" Mitchum retorted. "You would think you would have realized that she is only after your journalistic connections. We raised you to be able to spot her type."
"You are delusional," Logan retorted. "Rory couldn't stand me when we first met, it took all my charm to get her to give me a chance. She is not like other girls, she wants to accomplish things for herself, she is strong and determined and despite what you did," he paused and looked pointedly at his father, "she wont give up. She was elected as editor of the YDN because of her command and ability to relate to people. I have no doubt that if you were to actually give her a chance you would see that she makes me want to be better, it is because of her that I am actually writing, that I am attending classes but instead of seeing that she is good for me you are insistent on seeing only what you want." Pausing he studied the two men and noticed the slight shock on both of their faces, the interested listening from those around them. He gave them all a satisfied smirk before stating, "now if you will excuse me, I need to find my girlfriend."
Mitchum and Elias both watch as he strode away from them. "The nerve of that boy," Elias muttered. "He needs to understand that we know best for him."
But Mitchum studied Logan as he walked over to Rory and wrapped his arm around her, placing a soft kiss on her temple. The look on both of their faces was one of love and commitment, ignoring his father he walked off towards the bar.
Rory walked towards the bar as soon as Logan left her to greet his family. She knew something was about to happen and wanted a drink for the inevitable confrontation. As she made her way to the bar, she noticed both Francine and Emily walk in her direction. This was going to be interesting she thought to herself as she waited for her martini. It wasn't long after she received her drink that she saw Shira Huntzberger walking towards her, so she adjusted her direction to be slightly closer to Francine and some of the other DAR women.
"Rory dear," Shira cooed as she approached. "How lovely to see you again."
"Mrs. Huntzberger," Rory replied a tight smile on her lips. "How… nice to see you again as well."
"I was hoping we could go somewhere… private to talk," Shira pressed as she grabbed onto Rory's arm.
"Oh, I am actually on my way to speak with my grandmother," she replied in a demur tone. "I haven't had much of a chance to speak with her tonight."
"This won't take long," Shira pressed, her nails slightly digging into Rory's arm.
"I am sorry but truthfully I just don't want to be anywhere in 'private' with you," Rory relented as she pulled her arm away. "Not after our last meeting." From the corner of her eye, she could see Francine and the DAR gossips move slightly closer to them.
"Well then I guess I will just say this here," she stated her tone slightly lower. "Stay away from my son, you aren't good enough for him, you weren't raised in this society and don't know the first thing about it. You will never fit in, never be accepted. We all know the reason you were the 'belle of London' is because your family paid people off and you were invited to that wedding out of obligation, no one wanted you there."
"Mrs. Huntzberger, I was the 'belle of London' not because of my family but because of me and as for the Worthington's… we are great friends and Catherine and I speak regularly. You don't know anything about me or really my 'breeding' as you so eloquently put it before. I think I will fit it just fine, because despite what you may think, I was born into it." Rory's voice never raised and maintained an icy tone throughout her response. While she wasn't loud, she could tell from those around her that people had heard what Shira had said to her and her response.
"You're just a gold-digger," Shira spat out. "The Gilmore's have money but not our kind of money."
Before Rory could reply Emily walked over to the pair. "Rory dear," she cooed. "Your father was just looking for you."
"He was?" Rory questioned and glanced around the room.
Emily gently patted her arm and gave her a smile. "Yes, I think he was over there," she stated with a gesture. "You should probably try and find him."
"I will grandma," Rory replied with a smile. "Its always a pleasure Mrs. Huntzberger," she stated the sarcasm evident in her voice.
As soon as Rory was out of earshot Emily turned to face Shira, an evil glint in her eyes. "Didn't you just love the pictures of the kids from London? The way he looks at her, well it just makes me happy that Rory has found someone like that."
"Well, um, Logan is so young," Shira stammered a little unnerved by the look Emily was giving her and the invasion of personal space as Emily stepped closer.
"Rory told us about how you think she isn't good enough for your family. How you insulted her breeding and not to mention that internship that Mitchum set up for her," Emily made a slight tsking sound and narrowed her eyes. "Don't think we don't know about Logan's… reputation but he is welcome in our home and we will not interfere with that relationship because it is obvious those kids care for each other. I really don't see what your problem with Rory is, she has money."
"She wants to work Emily," Shira huffed out. "Its not like a family business she wants to be a journalist and it isn't a stretch to think she is trying to use Logan. And really Emily there is your money and then there is ours."
Emily shook her head slightly and scoffed. "Rory works for everything she has, she was valedictorian at Chilton, accepted to Harvard, Yale and Princeton based on her work ethic. She doesn't want anything handed to her. And if we were to compare her current wealth to say… yours when you met Mitchum we both know whose is greater. You were just off a greyhound when you met Mitchum at that bar and no one still can figure out why he chose you. I'm warning you Shira, leave my granddaughter alone." Without another word Emily turned and left a speechless Shira. But the ladies that were near them, the ones that heard the conversations were anything but as they spread the word about how the Huntzberger's didn't approve of the sweet Rory Gilmore.
Rory walked of leaving Shira and Emily to their conversation and downed the rest of her drink before grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She needed a moment to herself, so she walked into the bathroom and went straight to the mirror and looked at her flushed appearance. The nerve of that woman! Grabbing a towel, she got it wet and patted her face and neck. It had already been a long night and she knew it was only going to get more challenging as soon as that announcement was made. Then there were the Huntzberger's, that was going to be a wild card and she had no idea how they would act. Knowing she didn't have much time she fixed her make-up some and walked out of the bathroom and into the party to find her father. It was time for her entire life to change…
Logan watched as Emily Gilmore walked over to interrupt Rory and his mother's conversation. He had seen the anger is Rory's eyes and wanted to immediately go over, but this was something that she needed to handle but watching his mothers face as Emily spoke with her… that was priceless. Knowing she needed a few minutes he talked with Christopher and when he and Edward said it was time, he walked towards where Rory had disappeared and waited for her outside the bathroom. He didn't have to wait long and when she came out, he could tell that she was stressed, worried so he just wordlessly pulled her into his arms. "I love you," he whispered in her ear.
"I love you," she sighed and pulled slightly back to be able to kiss him. He returned the kiss but made sure it didn't escalate much, he was aware of where they were and what would be happening in a few minutes.
"Let's get you out there," he told her. "They were all ready and asked me to find you."
"I figured," she replied, and he could hear the apprehension in his voice.
"You got this," he told her. "We are going to walk out there; you are going to hold your head high and show to everyone that you are ready for this. You belong in this world Rory."
"I do belong," she repeated taking a deep breath, she let him lead her back into the ballroom and towards the front where the Hayden's and Gilmore's were both standing. When the saw her the Hayden's walked onto the platform and the audience quickly silenced and moved closer toward the stage.
Edward cleared his throat and started speaking. "Thank you all for coming tonight as we celebrate the next generation of the Hayden family. Her upbringing was unconventional, away from Hartford, but it shaped her into a strong, independent young woman that is determined to make her way in this world. Over the summer she spent time working at out London headquarters to learn about the business, what her responsibilities and she insisted on doing this without anyone knowing she is the Hayden heiress. One thing we have always admired the most about her is her determination to succeed without the help of our names, our status. Her time in London was successful and when she returned, she was ready to continue learning, preparing for taking Hayden Investment Group into the future." Edward paused and looked towards the Gilmore's and they moved to step onto the stage causing quiet murmurs to start. "Not only did my great-granddaughter excel in her work role, but she also stepped into the London society stage. She excelled in the legacy her great-grandmother left behind with grace and became the belle of London due to her generous and kindhearted nature. I, no we, are pleased to announce Lorelai Leigh Gilmore-Hayden, the heiress to not only the Hayden family but also the Gilmore's." Rory made her way onto the stage with Logan's help and she ensured a smile was on her face, she knew there would be photos of this moment in print somewhere. "I know some of you know her as just Rory Gilmore," Edward said with a slight chuckle, the murmurs escalated as the crowd watched. "But like I said, she is more interested that you know about her work ethic, her determination and not her prominent last names."
Those assembled broke into polite applause as Rory quickly greeted the Gilmore's, Francine, and Christopher before she walked over and placed a kiss on Edward's cheek. She looked over at Logan and after seeing his smile, his confidence, the butterflies in her stomach settled and she looked back out at the audience and offered a genuine smile. "Thank you all for this warm welcome," she started out as she studied the group, trying to hold back a giggle at the look on the Huntzberger's faces. "I was raised away from this world and was able to learn so much from those that I was surrounded with, all of them offering a colorful childhood that helped to form me and prepare me in an unusual way. When I stepped into this world, it was different and not without its challenges, but I have learned and grown. I have been accepted by…" she paused and looked over at the Huntzberger's, "most of you and that lack of acceptance has made me grow stronger. Over the years my family has allowed me my autonomy so that I could prepare to fully step into this role. I have met some amazing people," she paused as she looked over at Logan, "and they have helped me in ways that they will never know, and they accepted me, none of them knowing about my full lineage until tonight. So, thank you all for this welcome, for your acceptance, and I look forward to getting to know all of you as I continue on this journey." The room broke out into applause as she finished and she once again embraced her family before stepping off the stage and embracing Logan, him placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"I love you Ace," he murmured. "I am so proud of you."
"I love you," she whispered back. "Thank you for supporting me, supporting this." Before much more could be said the couple were quickly surrounded by people wanting to talk to the newly minted double heiress.
The Huntzberger's could do nothing but watch the scene in shock. They had insulted the Hayden heiress, they had insulted her in a room full of people, in front of the Hayden's, the damage had been done and now they had to try and control the fall-out. Rory was surrounded by people, by her friends, by their own children but they had to sit back and wait for an opportunity to try and fix this. An opportunity presented itself almost half an hour later and the three elder Huntzberger's walked over to the pair standing with Honor and Josh.
"Well Ms. Gilmore-Hayden, that was a surprise," Elias stated as he walked up to them. "That was some deception you pulled on us all."
Rory studied the man and slightly raised an eyebrow. "There was no deception," she replied with an icy smile. "I never lied about who I was and up until today I was just Rory Gilmore, but it was never a secret that I was also a Hayden."
"Hopefully we can all move forward," Mitchum stated, to Rory his voice sounded condescending. "Put the past in the past."
Before Rory could answer Edward walked over towards the group. "Rory dear," he stated as stopped next to her. "There are some people I need you to meet."
"Of course," she replied with a smile. She quickly kissed Logan and said good-bye to Honor and Josh before she walked off.
As soon as she was out of earshot Elias turned to glare at Logan. "Why didn't you tell us?" he harshly questioned.
"Tell you what?" he replied in a nonchalant tone.
"That she was a Hayden!" Mitchum exclaimed, his hold on his temper slipping. "Do you seriously expect us to believe you didn't know!"
"I didn't," he stated and took a sip of his drink. "I always just knew her as Rory Gilmore, she never spoke about her paternal family. You heard her speech, she was the best kept secret in Hartford society… always in plain sight."