Chapter 5:
Though initially Inuyasha had started out with all his friends, in the end he was left with only Sesshomaru. This was because midway to the Grillions Kouga went into one of his legendary fits and declared that dog-breath had no right to be married before him and he needed to nurse his broken heart before he could face Bishop for the marriage license. Therefore, he excused himself and went off to the nearest gentleman's club to ' nurse ' his broken heart with a few drinks.
Miroku accompanied Kouga to support him in his weak and vulnerable stage .In other words he went to get a few drinks at Kouga's expense. Miroku could never resist a free drink.
That left the two brothers who walked in a companionable silence till they reached the said hotel.
Kagome had spent a happy and peaceful night, totally oblivious of the highbred stares of several dowagers who resided in the hotel and the over inquisitive nature of the chambermaids. When she woke she was a bit disoriented. For a while she looked around the unfamiliar surroundings and then as she remembered the events of the previous day her face spilt into a wide grin.
She bounced out of the bed and went to the antechamber where her brand new wardrobe resided .At present it comprised of only two gowns .One a rather demure (but rather expensive) gray silk gown with a high neck and lace trimmings at her sleeves. The other was a rather dashing Pomona silk gown with lots of flounces and a rather long train .She fingered the gown wistfully but remembered that Inuyasha had warned her not to wear that particular gown because as beautiful as it was, it was certainly not what a shy demure maiden on her way to finishing school would wear. Sighing she donned the other one.
She had just finished brushing her hair when there was a discreet knock on her door .One of the chambermaids opened the door to let in the two dog-demon brothers into the personal parlor that was attached to the suite that Kagome was currently residing in. Kagome heard Inuyasha demanding where she was.
Kagome rushed out greeted Inuyasha "Hello Inuyasha .I hope you slept well."
"Feh "Inuyasha snorted, "Kagome, this is my brother Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru this is Kagome."
Sesshomaru merely inclined his head a little to acknowledge Kagome. Kagome however, was blessed with the friendliest of natures eagerly shook hands with the stoic dog-demon.
"I am so glad to meet you."Her smile was wide and sunny "I had a suspicion that none of Inuyasha's relatives would like me because Lady Tashio would definitely not approve of me."
If Sesshomaru had Inuyasha's rather colorful vocabulary he would have given Kagome a very informative idea as to what he thought of Lady Tashio. But he chose instead to nod gracefully and answer.
"This Sesshomaru approves of you human."
Kagome's smiled widened."Thank you Sesshomaru."Then she turned towards Inuyasha "Have you had breakfast Inuyasha?"
"Feh .Yes."
Kagome's face fell. Inuyasha hated to see Kagome sad .He did not know why he felt that way, but he reasoned that it was because he was getting married to her that kicked in these rather uncomfortable emotions in him. So he added.
"But it was only tea .So order something."
Kagome brightened up "Okay."She bustled out of the room to ask one of the chambermaids to bring up some breakfast.
Inuyasha felt relieved .The uncomfortable feeling in his stomach was gone .He concluded that getting married sure did weird things to a person.
"This Sesshomaru sees that you have inherited Father's weakness for humans."Sesshomaru's cold voice recalled him from his research.
"Feh. Kagome is a nice girl."
"She is human. But this Sesshomaru does not blame you. The weakness of our great and terrible father runs in your veins."
"Take care Fluffy .I will sprout the same nonsense when I see you with that Rin girl."
Rin was rather odd girl who had made her debut the previous year .She was quite pretty to look at, with lovely innocent eyes and a very sweet smile .For some reason she had taken a liking to Sesshomaru and had the disconcerting habit of following him around whenever they met. But the strangest part was that Sesshomaru whose icy glances send scheming debutants and matchmaking mothers scurrying from him, actually tolerated the girl and her incessant blabber. Inuyasha had the sneaky suspicion that Sesshomaru liked Rin. When he had approached Sesshomaru for the clarification on this matter, Sesshomaru merely gave him a contemptuous glance and turned away.
As expected Sesshomaru ignored Inuyasha's previous comment "But this Sesshomaru approves of your decision."
"Feh."
"This Sesshomaru will be happy to substitute as the father of the bride."
"Feh. What? Why?"
"This Sesshomaru is your brother Inuyasha .It is this Sesshomaru's duty to support you." Sesshomaru said quietly, though if one noticed carefully an infinitesimal gleam of mischief could be seen his cold amber eyes. ' And besides nothing would anger your mother more than knowing that it was this Sesshomaru who aided and abetted her son in this clandestine misadventure.'
Inuyasha looked suspicious, but before he could say anything Kagome reentered the room and gave them a warm smile before informing them that breakfast would be served presently.
Breakfast passed uneventfully, after which Inuyasha informed them that he would go to the Whites, which was the place Kouga had retired to ' nurse ' his wounded heart and drag him and Miroku to see the Bishop before they were too drunk to move .He explained this to Kagome and concluded by saying that Sesshomaru would accompany her to help her purchase her brand new wardrobe.
If Sesshomaru had allowed himself to show his emotions, he would have looked horrified at this declaration. He had no idea of fashion and he loathed shopping. He decided to put on his murderous expression .It scared grown men, surely it would scare a human girl and he would be spared the torture called shopping. Kagome however seemed impervious because she squealed happily and declared.
"It will be so much fun Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru was startled. Very badly one might add, because his silver eyebrows rose by half an inch.
He would kill his brother the next time they met..If he survived that long.
But he was pleasantly surprised when Kagome confided in him that she knew nothing of fashion and begged to be guided by him. Since he knew nothing about fashion as well, he took her to the largest boutique in the city and ordered the comely proprietress of the establishment to provide Kagome with the necessary articles as befitted her station as the future Lady Tashio. This affair was concluded rather quickly .It was partly because Madam Sophia, the prophetess of the charming boutique saw in Kagome a very important customer and mostly because Sesshomaru upon entering had informed her in his usual cool manner.
"Madam, there are no budgetary constraints. But, be quick."
There was a rumor circulating that Sesshomaru had killed a man because he had displeased the powerful dog -demon. Sesshomaru's cool attitude, cold voice and colder eyes had sent shivers down Madam Sophia's spine .So, when Sesshomaru look a place on one of the smart leather bound chairs and began inspecting his long perfectly manicured nails, she gulped and came to the decision that the rumor must be true .I mean, why else would he be named 'Killing Perfection '. She urged her seamstresses to hurry up.
That matter quickly and efficiently settled; both Kagome and Sesshomaru reached the hotel lobby where they were supposed to meet with Inuyasha. Inuyasha was not there, but there was a sealed letter that was addressed to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru broke the wafer and read the note. It seemed that Inuyasha had scribbled the note rather quickly.
' Fluffy ' It ran ' Never should have trusted the mangy wolf. This is going to take more time than I thought. Meet me at the church in Hanover Square with Kagome at four O' Clock. I will go there directly after I have acquired the marriage license.
Love etc.
Inuyasha.
PS: Tell Kagome I love her.
PPS: Didn't want to write such a shit load of mush, but Miroku says it is necessary .I think he is drunk. '
Sesshomaru explained the contents of the letter to Kagome and inquired what she wanted during this interlude.
"I could wait here "Kagome offered, though her tone clearly indicated that she would find such a situation odiously dull.
Sesshomaru found Kagome more tolerable than other females, human and demon, with the exception of Rin. Though he would never admit to anybody, he did really like Rin, but that was another thing. Kagome did not put on any airs, her approach was fresh and her scent was pleasant. Sesshomaru found her company quite bearable .He pondered for a while.
"This Sesshomaru has thought of a plan .Let us partake a small luncheon, then this Sesshomaru will take you to see the animals at the Royal Exchange."
Nothing could have appealed more to Kagome's youthful tastes and if Inuyasha did not already occupy the number one spot in her heart, she would have certainly put Sesshomaru there.
By the end of this adventure a good relation had sprung up between Kagome and Sesshomaru. This translated as, Kagome kept babbling and pointing out the sights that appealed to her, and Sesshomaru leaned back into the seat of the hackney carriage listening to her with an amused gleam in his otherwise emotionless eyes instead of sending her those freezing glares that shut up the most talkative of persons.
They were a trifle late in arriving at Hanover's Square because somewhere in the one sided conversation Sesshomaru had made the unfortunate reference to the Pantheon Bazaar. Kagome was very excited to visit this enchanting thoroughfare and Sesshomaru did not want to disappoint her. Thus they reached their destination in a hired hack that was reasonably full with bandboxes.
Inuyasha was waiting for them rather impatiently on the steps of the church. Both had taken great pains to turn out in their best suits and Inuyasha had actually tied his hair into a neat ponytail. Miroku had his hair neatly tied as usual and sported, for he was a Tulip of fashion, besides a number of rings, a sliver fob and a nice ivory bound cane.
"Feh " Inuyasha moved forward to help Kagome alight "You are here. Pay the hack off. Don't know how long this will take."
Sesshomaru was flicking dust off his spotless suit, he raised his eyes "No, Inuyasha. Keep the hack. There are some things inside it."
Inuyasha peered inside "Oh my God. What possessed you to bring the entire market here?"
Kagome put a small-gloved hand on Inuyasha's hand "Oh Inuyasha please do not be mad. Sesshomaru took me to see the Pantheon Bazaar, I am sorry I am late. But I did not buy the cat even though I liked it so much. Sesshomaru said that you would not like it at all."
"Oh my God."Inuyasha ejaculated, realizing the narrow escape he had had. For even though the hack was nearly full with bandboxes, he congratulated himself that at least it did not contain any livestock.
He turned instead and escorted Kagome up the stairs asking the hackney cart driver to wait. He extended a hand towards Miroku "Kagome this is Miroku."
"So I am "Miroku moved forward and took possession of Kagome's hand "And might I say I am blinded by your beauty."
"Feh. Ignore him."Inuyasha freed Kagome's hand and began to lead her inside."He says that to every girl he meets."
"You wound me deeply Inuyasha."
"Feh."
"He is strange."Kagome whispered to Inuyasha.
"Feh .I know."Inuyasha whispered back.
"Where is Kouga?"Sesshomaru asked looking around.
"Feh."
"Couldn't handle a marriage."Miroku elaborated, "The sight of the marriage license was too much for him. Went away to the dumps again. However he wished the both of them all the happiness in their married life or something that sounded remotely likes that."
"Feh."
Inuyasha was disinclined to think too much on Kouga's problem and ushered them all inside the elegant structure.
The marriage ceremony passed pretty uneventfully. Kagome was given away by an extremely uncomfortable looking Sesshomaru. However in the middle of the ceremony the bridegroom realized that in his hurry to procure the marriage license he had forgotten to buy a ring .He glanced at Miroku's direction who looked like a frightened deer. Then with rare presence of mind he tugged off one of the heavy signet rings that adorned his fingers and handed it to Inuyasha .The problem of the ring thus solved the marriage proceeded without any further interruptions.
After the marriage was completed Inuyasha helped Kagome into the carriage and turned towards his friends to invite them to watch theatre with them in the evening.
For a while both were speechless. Sesshomaru because he was usually always silent and Miroku's idea of an evening after marriage did not involve anything remotely concerned with watching theatre with his friends.
"Come on Inuyasha .You just got married."He said hesitatingly "I am sure Lady Tashio wouldn't want a party."
"Feh .Why not? Can't spend the entire evening looking at each other. Dare say Kagome will like it as well."
Miroku highly doubted that. But he was wrong because when the case was presented before Kagome she heartily supported Inuyasha's decision and begged them to come. Thus Inuyasha made an appointment with them at six O' clock at the Globe.
Miroku watched the carriage disappear before turning towards Sesshomaru "What do you make of this Sesshomaru?"
"Foolish half-demon."
Miroku agreed heartily "You know I was thinking."
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. Miroku scratched his head "It will come to me presently."
"Foolish human."Sesshomaru tossed his hair and turned to go.
"Say what. Since we are near the Lilimers, we could as well go inside for a drink."Miroku offered.
Sesshomaru did not answer but set off in the general direction of the Lilimers. Miroku followed him readily. Both were thinking on the absurd misadventure they took part in.
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Inuyasha had decided to stay at The Royale until a suitable accommodation could be arranged for him and his fair bride. Therefore his lordship's butler, a balding and rather short man, Myoga was asked to prepare the chambers for the Viscount. Yoga's barely veiled disdain at the work of the staff, his skilful and tasteful rearrangement of several ornamental pieces on the shelves, his cool and unnecessarily polite attitude gave the staff the idea that they were to wait on one of the most proper nobles, which only the arrival of the eccentric couple would dispel. The chambermaids later confided that the master was more approachable than his butler.
Inuyasha first order on arrival was for a bottle of sherry and raffatia. After he had poured himself some sherry, he proceeded to bring out a velvet box from his suit.
"Here "He offered the box to Kagome "I am sorry that I forgot to buy you a ring, but I will buy you one tomorrow. Meanwhile take this."
Kagome gingerly took the box."What is it Inuyasha?"Curiously she opened the box gazing with amazing incredulity at her very first pair of diamond earrings.
"Oh Inuyasha."She exclaimed happily throwing herself on Inuyasha's chest and hugging him "Thank you so very much."
"Feh .It is nothing."Inuyasha patted Kagome's back awkwardly, surprised to find that her smile did strange things to his heart."Control yourself wench .I will get you much nicer things when the blunt is my own. Meanwhile why don't you get ready? We have to go to the theatre."
"Yes .I know."Kagome nodded happily "But I want to wear these earrings you gave me .So Inuyasha." She looked at him shyly "Will you please pierce my ears for me?"
"What!"
Inuyasha found himself disinclined to pierce Kagome's ears and suggested that she suspend the earrings with a silken thread and assured her that no one would know the difference. Kagome was persuaded to follow the course of action suggested by Inuyasha and went into her chambers to change.
When she burst into the room in her dashing green silk gown Inuyasha gave a small start and acknowledged that she looked very nice. There was a faint blush on Kagome's cheeks as she accepted the compliment and assured Inuyasha that it was only the dress that made her look nice. Inuyasha readily agreed to this. Then Kagome showed Inuyasha a green sarsnet trimmed with swans down that was to go with the gown and informed him that it cost a trifle dear. Inuyasha waved aside such mundane considerations and proceeded to escort his young wife to the theatre.
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Sesshomaru and Miroku were waiting for them at the Globe. After a long and boring, not to mention one sided discussion, during the course of which Miroku aired his opinion and Sesshomaru looked bored and occasionally exclaimed ' Foolish human ', at the Lilimers, both had somehow managed to come to the same decision that they should procure a gift for the new bride.
Sesshomaru got Kagome an elegant bracelet that was also a family heirloom .It belonged to his mother .It was his way of saying that he approved of Kagome. Miroku got her a nice mantle clock, which he presented to her with a great deal of pomp. Kagome immediately clasped the bracelet on her hand and promised the mantle clock a place of honor in her drawing room.
After that was completed they went inside to the viscount's personal box to watch the theatre .The play was simple and witty, though some parts were not so clear to Kagome. But Inuyasha and Miroku seemed to enjoy it enormously and even Sesshomaru had a small-amused gleam in his eyes, so Kagome threw him into acute discomfort by asking enlightenment from him. Inuyasha sensing his brother's discomfort rescued him by telling her gruffly that a lady never asked such questions. Miroku however was more than eager to elaborate the point to Kagome, but a light growl from Inuyasha checked him midway.
There were many acquaintances of the Viscount in the crowd .He waved and bowed to many of them .It was clear that the Viscount's box was attracting much attention .At the interval between two scenes there was a discreet knock on the door of the box and a elegant gentleman entered .His sleek black hair was brushed back and carefully pulled into a long ponytail at the nape of his neck. There was an air of decided elegance around him and at a glance he appeared to be an exceptionally handsome man.
"Inu, my dear boy."His voice was rich "I thought that you were in the country .You gave me no word that you have returned to the town. Have I offended you in any manner?"
Inuyasha gave a hearty chuckle "Naraku, you are such a joker .Of course you have not offended me. It is just that I have returned to town only today."
Naraku smiled, his red eyes rested on Kagome's face "Inuyasha will you not introduce me to your lovely companion?"
Kagome flushed .She did not understand why she couldn't like this elegant stranger .His manners were well polished and refined, he was decidedly handsome, but Kagome felt that his handsome face was drawn with cruel lines and his red eyes held a sinister gleam in their depths.
"Of course Naraku."Inuyasha smiled "This is my wife Kagome and Kagome, this is a very good friend of mine, Sir Naraku Onigumo."
Kagome was determined to like any friend of Inuyasha, and since Inuyasha seemed to be on quite friendly terms with Sir Naraku, she felt that she might have been imagining things. She therefore favored Naraku with a gracious nod and a small smile.
The gleam in Naraku's eyes deepened "Married? Did I hear correctly? I do not remember seeing any notice in the paper. Surely, you are funning Inu."
"This Sesshomaru assures you half-demon, Inuyasha is not joking."Sesshomaru cut in with a contemptuous glance in Naraku's direction "This Sesshomaru's brother and Kagome got married in a private ceremony this very afternoon."
"Yes, she is in deep mourning."Miroku felt it was necessary of add a few details "Did not care for a large ceremony. Only a few friends and family."
"Rubbish."Inuyasha cut in impatiently "The truth is Kagome and me made a runaway match .So, there you have it."
"Ah." Naraku's lips curved upwards into a small ironic smile "Well then, might I be allowed to offer my felicitations to you."His eyes rested a while on Kagome's face "My deepest felicitations."
"Feh."Inuyasha waved his greeting aside "Anyway, we are going to the Marcy's for dinner. Care to join us?"
"Forgive me Inuyasha."Naraku said smoothly "But I have a previous engagement .So, if you will excuse me, I will take my leave now."
Miroku watched Naraku exit with a dark expression on his brow "Shouldn't have invited him Inuyasha."He said somberly "He is a bad man."
"Feh "Inuyasha snorted "Don't know what you have against the fellow .He is actually quite a pleasing company."
"You know what my uncle Marmaduke Mushin says .He says that Naraku is an ivory turner!"
"Feh. Mushin is a drunk fool."
"He may be an alcoholic, but he is a very knowledgeable fellow."Miroku countered hotly.
Sesshomaru watched Kagome's eyes move between Miroku and Inuyasha, her eyes clearly indicated that she understood very little of their conversation. He, naturally, understood what Miroku had wanted to say. Miroku wanted to say that Naraku introduced young men with a considerable inheritance to deep play in several shady gaming hells and generally relieve them of their wealth. In other words he sucked them dry. He was tempted to remind Inuyasha that his initiation into deep and hazardous play in several shady gaming hells was under the auspices of a certain Sir Onigumo, it was certainly something one did not discuss in front of a Lady.
Therefore he interrupted.
"Silence Inuyasha. This Sesshomaru sees the curtain being lifted."
Both friends thus ceased their argument and turned towards the stage, all disagreement forgotten as they began to take interest in the proceedings of the stage.
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Always Smiling : Thanks for your review .Yes ,I know that the way Sesshomaru talks is werid ,but I kinda like the way he talks .So ,there you have it .Keep reading .
Cyberdemon : I suppose they could have waited ,but I think that that I mentioned that Inuyasha is really desparate for his inheritance .Anyway ,since they are going to get married anyway ,why bother waiting .Thanks for reviewing .
Ittlemscrzy : So ,everyones has seen Kagome .Thank you so much for the review .
AndiVoice :Thanks for reviewing .You are right Sesshomaru shouldn't use 'Baka ' if he is somewhere in London or in the time period I set this in .Thanks for pointing it out .It was a logical error on my part which I will correct as soon as possible .
Keep reading !
Keep Reading !