The Price of Pride

10

The carriage rattled as it ran over a bump in the road. Lois bit back a curse as she glared outside the window.

"You seem livid, my dear. Is something the matter?"

She redirected her glare to the man sitting across her. Clark Kent, her annoying fiancé, met her eyes with the appropriate worried look his tone implied. The man had never seemed afraid of her threats, which both peeved and forced her grudging respect.

She had never thought she would marry one day; her prospects might not be dire, but her passionate hobbies had put off more than one suitor. That was until Mr. Kent arrived from the colonies, from a family that contained, according to his tales, enough strong-willed women to fill England. He somehow managed to not only quickly gain her professional attention but her heart's too. Uncle Perry might have not been thrilled at the circumstances of their engagement –and to be honest, neither was she –but he had seemed relieved that she had found one man capable of understanding –and managing –her.

"You know very well why I am angry," she retorted sharply. "The one time I succeed in infiltrating Lord Fitzroy's ball –with Bruce's willing help nonetheless –the ball gets cancelled!"

She didn't miss the angry glint in his eye when she used her dearest friend's name. He would need to get used to it, she decided uncharitably. Mr. Wayne and she had history and she would not keep her distance.

"There will be other opportunities, if Mr. Wayne is such a friend, he can issue another invitation."

Lois rolled her eyes.

"Mr. Wayne and I are friends, but we use each other shamelessly. If I nag him long enough, he might concede defeat." The carriage slowed and stopped as they arrived at their destination. The thought of harassing Bruce was a tempting one, but as long as his help wasn't crucial, she would not contact him. Friends they might be, he was still a powerful man who could make her life very difficult, should she push him too far. "We will have to seek another means to solve that mystery."

The door opened. Clark left first and gave her his hand to help her out. They both walked up to his house and entered in silence. Although they were still just engaged, her uncle had allowed them to live under the same roof. They had barely crossed the threshold that a blonde girl with a flurry pink dress was already running down the stairs.

"You have finally returned!" Katherina 'Kara' Kent exclaimed happily. Lois's bad mood slightly lifted. Her first introduction to the girl had been tumultuous at best –especially since they met right after she and Clark had been first compromised. Their relationship had grown for the better, as Kara lacked friends in London and sought for female company. Her future cousin gave the man a heartfelt embrace before giving her one –although a little shyer.

"Have you behaved in our absence?" her fiancé asked with a smile. Kara beamed.

"I received guests the last week, and I am quite certain I did everything according to that British etiquette."

"Guests?" Lois echoed. "You mean aside from your usual…friends?"

'Friends' was a very loose term, as most people calling were hardly acquaintances. Most sought for the eccentricities a young lady from the colonies could bring. Thankfully, Kara was no simpleton and could handle herself in front of strangers. Clark would have never agreed to leave her behind in the first place otherwise.

The only valet of the house came to take their coats, and the three headed straight to the dining room.

"Yes! Do you remember Barbara Gordon, whom you introduced me to a few months back?" Kara's eyes glinted madly, as if to remind her that any consequence of their meeting would be her fault. "She recommended that I speak to this Miss Troy –Lyla Troy, a very sweet girl from the countryside. She and her sister came to call two days ago." Kara sighed. "Sweet girl indeed, but very sick. The poor thing was very eager to discuss every kind of matter. She is very well-read for a girl who almost never leaves her house. Her sister though," Kara frowned. "A little cold and brisk, though polite I suppose. Lyla apologized for her behavior before they left –she said Donna was feeling out of sorts. Easily believable, the girl gave out the impression of having bitten into a particularly sour lemon the whole time she was here."

Lois frowned upon hearing the name.

"Miss Troy you say?" she inquired casually, although she didn't miss Clark's suspicious eyes narrowing at her. "Any relation to Lord Troy of Themyscira?"

Kara's expression lightened.

"So you do know her? Or at least of her?"

"I am distantly acquainted with her older sister," Lois replied. Or at least, she was determined to be in the future. Those rumors about Bruce eying the eldest Miss Troy were too tempting to follow. And if Bruce was attempting to heed her towards Luthor, a man Clark had been tailing for a long time, perhaps there was another connection to be made. "How is she?"

"Miss Diana Troy, you mean?" Kara asked in confirmation before happily giving out the information she was privy to. "She has left with her friends to Scotland, the Bana-Mighdall twins, after the incident with the eldest and General Ludendorff. Dreadful man, if I may. They are related to a Lady Kapodistrias." She paused. "Lyla mentioned she was a lonely woman who preferred solitude to company, and she was very much hoping her sister would return with plenty of stories to tell. Very mysterious indeed. Speaking of mysteries, Miss Gordon left a letter to Clark, from her father."

The man took it, opened it and inclined it so that Lois could peek. The constable and her fiancé had an understanding concerning Mr. Luthor. The tradesman was unfortunately too powerful to be investigated on openly; so, should he behave oddly in any way, Gordon had agreed to send Clark on the trail to investigate and bring back evidence. In return, he would not give away his information to any other paper. Her heartbeat accelerated as she read. Luthor had been seen meeting a few men, and said men had suddenly vanished from the population. As Gordon suspected said men to be frauds, he was requesting Clark to follow up on their situation. What threw Lois into frenzy were their names. Coincidentally, the same names on the list Bruce had given her earlier.

She reviewed his late behavior: breaking his contract with Miss Kyle, his fascination with Miss Troy, and now interest in conmen? A predatory smile grew on her face. First, find out if Luthor had anything to do with Miss Troy. Then, investigate those missing men. Excitation was already erasing her previous disappointment. Attending balls were one thing, getting involved in the taking down of a miscreant, one her fiancé hated nonetheless, felt far more…stimulating.

"Lois?" Clark called her out of her thoughts again. He bore this knowing expression, the one saying he knew she had a plan in mind, a plan with actions he would very much disagree with if he was privy to her thoughts. They had ended up engaged due to one of those plans, after all.

"I will give you two hours to rest, my dear," she purred, and had to bite back a laugh when he visibly gulped. "We have a lot of places to be."

POP

Diana pulled the reins, smoothly calming the eager mare. In the afar, she could hear Artemis and the butler that Aunt Menalippe had ordered as a chaperon catching up with her. The horse came to step, following the border of a rather impressive cliff. Trees and bushes and the sight of such a broad landscape took her breath away. Although she loved her home, Scotland had a particular atmosphere that brought her peace.

They had arrived a week ago, and Diana had never felt so bored. Artemis and Alexa were dear friends, but they had never stayed in close quarters for extended times and their different interests had become glaringly obvious after only two days. Alexa could lose herself in books and poetry for hours, drawing and painting while reciting verses. Artemis enjoyed walking and talking politics, but her opinions tended to take radical turns and arguing with the redhead never ended smoothly. Neither sister had great knowledge or interest in the matter of trade. The house was indeed far too isolated to consider visiting the closest neighbor. So far from any kind of distraction, and although she could draw a little and enjoyed reading, Diana missed social interactions.

Back in Themyscira, she could at least sneak in her father's office, read the newspaper and discuss various subjects with whichever sibling she stumbled upon. She was also curious about anything she could learn about her deceased mother, but aunt Menalippe barely showed herself. The one activity the three young ladies commonly enjoyed was riding outdoors, which Diana applied to with fearsome dedication. Thankfully, her mare seemed not to mind long runs and the weather, though cloudy, granted them enough freedom to remain sane.

Today though, the sky was growing heavier. It did not take long for the riders to acknowledge the upcoming rain. She bit back a grunt at feeling a drop against her cheek. Their outside venture would have to be cut short. Though she was not afraid of getting her dress a little wet, the maids might not enjoy the supplementary work.

As she was about to guide her mount back, she heard an odd noise in the afar. Her ears peeked, her eyes soon followed. She spotted a brown dot further up the road, as well as the familiar trumping of horses. Travelers so far in the land? She wondered. As her friend and their chaperon arrived, she turned towards the butler and nodded in the direction of the newcomers.

"There is a coach over there." The horses whined loudly. They could hear the slowing pace until it stopped barely in sight. The chaperon narrowed his eyes as he took in the full appearance of the carriage.

"I do not recognize the crest," he said.

"You might not, this is Lord Fitzroy's crest," Artemis informed; a light frown marring her face. "I thought he would be staying in London for the season."

Diana knew a little of the Lord through her relations. Fitzroy was said to organize the best parties and invite many people involved in scandals. She had spoken a little with Lady Fitzroy in the past, but hardly long enough to form an acquaintance. Hadn't Jason mentioned he would be attending one of their evenings? Now she was growing more curious about their presence in the middle of Scotland.

She turned towards Artemis and the butler.

"Shall we go greet them?"

Diana had every intention of stopping. According to Artemis's sudden regain of enthusiasm, so did she. The two young ladies ushered their horses in spite of the butler's faint protest and galloped towards their destination. As they reached the coach, she noted that the travelers were indeed the Fitzroy Lord and Lady –along with a boy, most likely their son, and the coach driver. Lady Fitzroy looked pale while her husband stood by her side and seemed to attempt to comfort her. Their son was distracted with a horse. Upon hearing their arrival, the group –safe for the Lady, turned to face them. Diana didn't miss how Fitzroy started to reach inside the couch, before relaxing his movement upon recognizing a young woman. She wondered if they had come across highwaymen to act so edgy, or if caution was the master word.

"Greetings," he said, bowing slightly when they stopped. His eyes sharpened when he took a closer look at Artemis. "Miss Bana-Mighdall; what a surprise." He turned towards Diana and paused. "I am afraid we have not been introduced."

Diana stepped down from her horse and curtsied.

"Miss Troy of Themyscria, my Lord."

"Indeed?" he said. She wasn't sure she liked the amused glint in his gaze. "We have heard quite a lot about you."

Before she could reply, another voice interrupted:

"Stop teasing her, dear." Lady Fitzroy seemed to have recovered from her ail. "Miss Troy, it is a pleasure you meet with you again."

Her husband seemed about to speak, but she silenced him with a look.

"Are you leaving town for a while?" Artemis inquired.

"Yes, the fresh air of Scotland was calling upon us," Lord Fitzroy claimed with an exaggerated movement. "And so we decided to take advantage of our secondary residence."

Lady Fitzroy rolled her eyes discreetly.

"You have a secondary residence in Scotland? So close to Gretna Green?" Artemis echoed dubiously. Diana held back the urge to roll her own eyes. Her dear friend's bluntness would one day be her downfall, she was certain of it.

"It is a temporary residence; the London life was growing tedious," Lady Fitzroy intervened before her husband could open his mouth. "Will you remain in the area for the rest of the season?"

Diana though she could hear the following undertone: we know about your little scandal but are too polite or sly to mention it openly.

"We are visiting a relation of mine," she inputted before her friend –whose complexion had turned red –could retort anything untoward. "I hope we will have the pleasure of seeing each other again."

"Good company is always appreciated," Lady Fitzroy nodded sagely. "Whose relation are you staying with, if I may ask?"

"Lady Kapodistrias, my Lady."

"Please call me Dinah," was the warm reply.

Diana smiled back. She had liked what she had seen of Lady Dinah Fitzroy upon their first meeting. She remembered wondering if the elegant and friendly woman was indeed the wife of the man who had no qualms inviting scandalous personalities to private balls. The company was rare and who knew, perhaps aunt Menalippe would condescend to show her face for over a quarter hour if she had guests. The more she thought of it, the more she wished Lady Fitzroy would call. Perhaps the isolation muddled her good sense, but she longed to have another conversation partner. Even one as odd as Lord Fitzroy would do. Who knew, perhaps she would discover some hidden depth in the man's personality. Could he act different in the private sphere?

Not unlike Mr. Wayne, her traitorous thoughts teased her. He can be very charming when he isn't flirting outrageously.

Oh hush, her guilty conscience retorted sharply.

"It would be our pleasure to call," Lady Fitzroy went on and turned towards the little boy. "Roy dear, please fetch my reticule." The boy reluctantly abandoned his horse and ran back inside the carriage. "I will leave my card, so that if you intend to call, you shall be brought in immediately."

The butler, who had not stepped down from his horse, discreetly cleared his throat. Diana reluctantly recognized it was time to go.

"We will take our leave, and let you resume your travels safely," she announced and added with a smile: "Rest assured, Dinah, we will call as soon as we are permitted."

POP

The streets had never seemed so busy lately, Richard thought as handed his coat and hat to the butler. The clock was ticking close to five pm, later than he had expected to show. His godfather would have been waiting for over half an hour by now. He cursed the lateness due to a last minute intervention of another of hid godfather's employee. Jason Todd had come straight out from one his Bruce's orphanage, eager to step into the world. His godfather had hired him as a courier and the young man had proven himself well suited for the task. Perhaps was he too effective even, as attested by the letters he had delivered right before Richard left the office.

He arrived at the club, hurriedly handed off his coat and hat to the butler and headed straight to the common room. He spotted Bruce from afar, sitting in his favorite corner, sipping a glass. He appeared deep in thoughts, his eyes focused on a painting across the room, but the young man knew perfectly well he was most likely recalling the day's events –or just straining his ears.

"Apologies, I got held back on the main street," he said as he approached their table. He spotted the second glass on the low table. "Is that mine?"

"Brandy," Bruce offered. "I assumed you would be having a rough day."

"And this is the best comfort you could have given me," he replied gratefully. "I came as soon as I got your word." He emptied the glass in one ungentlemanly sip and cleared his throat. "Do tell, Bruce, what made you request my presence here?"

His godfather was not smiling.

"Did you enter an engagement with the Bertinelli's daughter?" he asked at once.

Richard blinked in confusion. Bertinelli? He didn't know anyone bearing that name. Unless-

"You speak of Helena Bertinelli? I danced with her once at the last ball I attended, but we hardly spoke more than ten words, all about the weather. Why is that?"

"She claims an attachment on your part," he pointed out. "I suggest you take great care of your next interaction with her in public, should your paths cross."

The young man snorted and leaned back in his seat.

"Unless she is after a poor reputation, I shall certainly not pay her any attention." He gave Bruce a side smirk. "Being your godson helps." The older man rolled his eye but didn't contradict him. The mamas of the ton had learned early on that a compromise would absolutely not encourage the man to marry their daughters. The same courtesy was applied to Richard, though not to the same degree.

"Nevertheless, the Bertinelli are a family you should not offend," the older man replied seriously. "We have several partnerships ongoing; it would not due to have them angry because of some…misunderstanding."

The smile slowly left his face as he considered his godfather's words. True enough, the Wayne name was loosely tied to the Bertinelli in the matter of international trade. It would make sense if a marriage between a daughter of the family and himself was to be prepared. However, Richard had no knowledge of this. If Bruce had come to warn him in person, then the rumors must have just begun spreading. Discussing in the open in a gentleman's club meant he was not taking the matter too seriously. Richard could sense a few men whispering after hearing their exchange. It seems their conversation would be carried amongst others, clearing his name. Speaking of gossip…

"Mr. Todd dropped these before I left." He took the letters from his vest and handed them over. "One express from your friend, and a note from Miss Lane, I believe."

"An express?" he repeated, intrigued. The sender was Lord Fitzroy. Bruce tore the seal and quickly read. The worried lines on his face smothered as he reached the bottom. "They have arrived safely and she is renewing her invitation to join them. Apparently, she has found an adequate lady to introduce me to."

"She is aware that you are only interested in one lady, correct?" the younger man couldn't help put input mischievously.

"We had this conversation many times over the years," Bruce replied dryly. "Dinah knows better than to force any of her acquaintances upon me." He focused on the other letter. "What does Lois have to say," he muttered, and opened it in turn.

The note was covered with hasty scribbles, too thick for Richard to read from afar. He leaned back against his chair, observed the older man's reaction. When nothing obvious came, he distracted himself with eavesdropping. The next table was occupied by two Lords he knew from sight, and well-known gossips. The young man strained his ear to listen, wondering if any juicy piece of information would catch his fancy.

"-lost another sum of money. Careless management from that man; everyone knew this miraculous investment was a con."

"He made up well enough, if he truly is to marry Miss Troy. She has a good dowry, last I've heard."

Richard tilted his head backwards, intrigued. The new angle helped him hear better.

"Have the bans been published yet?"

"Soon enough; I heard the father has been a little ill, therefore they are waiting for him to recover before making the announcement. Mr. Luthor was overly compassionate about his future father-in-law's condition, the last I met him. I wonder if his son was ill as well –we haven't seen him recently."

The young man frowned and redirected his attention on his godfather. Bruce was still staring at the letter, but the expression on his face informed Richard that he was listening to every bit as well.

"Which Miss Troy is he supposedly engaged to already? The eldest is a beauty but still unmarried, and the second one has begun her season, or so I heard-"

"The eldest, of course. Have you seen her smile?"

The sound of folding paper distracted Richard. Bruce slowly put the two letters in his vest, his expression sober. When he spoke next, he sounded angry:

"Send Todd to gather as much information as he can through his connections. Use yours as well and cover for me. I will be unavailable for a fortnight."

He stood and bolted out of his chair. Richard almost stumbled as he hurried to follow him.

"Where are you going?" he asked, barely catching his breath.

"To Scotland."