The Ordinary Days

A/N: Chapter three is up! There are no warnings for this chapter as nothing explicit or mature happens. Just enjoy our favorite ship being weird and awkward around each other. :)


Chapter Three

Even though he was in the nicest suit he owned, Steve could not help but feel adequately underdressed when he approached the front door of the Carter residence. The large oak double doors were equipped with brass door knockers that Steve used to tap three times and then a gray-haired butler immediately opened the door.

"Hello," said Steve with a little awkwardness as the butler stood in excellent posture before him, "I'm Steve Rogers and I'm here to dine with the Carters?"

"Very good, Mr. Rogers. If you will please follow me?"

The old butler led Steve through the foyer into a grand sitting room. Steve gaped at the sheer luxuriousness the furniture and wall decorations exuded; the sofa alone probably cost more than he could make in a month. There was no one else in the room so Steve sat carefully on one of the armchairs that faced the roaring fireplace. He waited for a few minutes before hearing a door open and he immediately stood up as he saw Peggy rush into the room, closing the door behind her.

"I barely have time to catch you before my family come downstairs," she explained quickly. "We need to get our story straight before they all start questioning us."

"Okay," agreed Steve as the two of them sat down on the plush couch. Her elegant forest green dress fanned around her when she sat and the hem of it brushed Steve's knee, which made him swallow.

"We'll say that we started courting in secret a few months ago," Peggy began, clearly having planned this out beforehand. "We met at the market when I was shopping and you were dropping off a delivery and we hit it off. Then we would talk whenever you'd drop off food from the Barnes' farm at the back door, and you led on that you wanted it to become more serious. So I said you needed to meet my family first."

"Alright," said Steve, nodding slowly.

"If you let me do most of the talking, I don't think my father or sister will get suspicious. Thankfully my mother won't need to be convinced of anything."

"Why not? Does she…does she know the truth about us?"

Peggy nodded solemnly. "She knows everything."

"Hmm," said Steve with a contemplative smile.

"What?"

"I told my mother everything, too. I guess there's some things you can't hide from mothers."

Peggy's eyes widened slightly and Steve quickly added, "She won't say anything, though. She's not a gossip like the other ladies in town. She's better than that."

Steve barely caught it but a flash of sadness came upon Peggy's face.

"Are you sure you still want to do this, Steve?" she asked earnestly, eyes full of guilt. "It's not too late to back out. I wouldn't be cross with you if you did."

Steve shook his head and said, "I offered you my help, and you accepted it. I may not dress like one," he said as he gestured toward his suit, "but I like to think I'm a gentleman. I'm not taking back my word."

Peggy looked like she wanted to argue so Steve interrupted her, asking, "What will we say if they ask us why we kept our relationship a secret?"

Peggy hesitated, remembering that her mother's suggestion was to say it was because of Steve's lack of money. "Well, my mother had an idea about that."

Steve looked quizzically after her so Peggy opened her mouth to elaborate but stopped suddenly when the door that she had come through earlier opened again. A teenage girl with blonde hair and a pale blue dress entered the room.

"Hi, Steve," said Sharon as she plopped down on an armchair. Steve gave her a weak smile.

"Where's Mother?" asked Peggy in an inpatient tone.

"She's on her way down."

"You have to call Steve 'Mr. Rogers' in front of Mother," Peggy admonished. "You know how she is about that sort of thing. She doesn't know you've already met and he's older than you."

Sharon sighed dramatically and turned to Steve. "Be glad you're not a gentleman, Steve, otherwise you'd have to deal with this 'manners' nonsense."

"Sharon -" started Peggy dangerously but stopped herself from chiding further when Mrs. Carter entered the room.

"Oh, Steve, you got here quicker than I had expected," she breathed as she approached him. He immediately rose and tried to stand as straight as he could, towering at least a foot over the petite woman.

"Thank you for having me for dinner, Mrs. Carter," he said with a nervous smile.

"It's our pleasure, dear. We're all excited to meet you. Now where's Mr. Carter? Isn't he down yet? I swear, that man shouldn't take longer to get dressed for dinner than us girls."

Mrs. Carter glanced pointedly at Peggy, who merely shrugged as she stood up and went over to Sharon to whisper something harshly to her. Steve noticed Peggy's mother immediately gave off an air that she liked to be in control of everything around her, which made him gulp when he thought about the fact that she knew about Steve and Peggy's lie. When she had learned of it, had she perhaps convinced Peggy to accept his marriage proposal, knowing it would keep her honor and allow her to stay near her family? Or had she been against it and tried to talk her out of it because he was merely a fatherless farmhand with barely any money to his name? Either way, Steve couldn't help but feel that their plan had been manipulated by Mrs. Carter on some level.

His musings were abruptly interrupted when the door opened a fourth time and the final Carter entered the room.

"Am I the last one down?" Mr. Carter asked his wife, fiddling with his shirtsleeve. "These damn cufflinks haven't been cooperating with me today, I'm afraid."

Mrs. Carter cleared her throat slightly and reached for his sleeve to help him fix his cufflink, saying, "Steve is already here, dear. He was ready before we all were, evidently."

Steve felt that statement was somehow a jab toward him but he didn't let it phase him. Mrs. Carter released her husband's shirtsleeve and Mr. Carter approached Steve to shake his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," said Steve, focusing extremely hard on not squeezing Mr. Carter's hand too hard.

"Likewise, Mr. Rogers," he replied with a good-natured smile. Steve noticed that Mr. Carter surreptitiously eyed him up and down. "You're not the same Steve Rogers who delivered for the Barnes' farm before the war, are you? I seem to remember that kid was a lot skinnier than you."

Steve gave a weak laugh and said, "The war made me grow up a lot, I suppose."

Mr. Carter nodded solemnly. "War will do that to you, lad. Now, is everyone here and introductions have all been made? Shall we go into the dining room?"

The patriarch led his family (and Steve) into the dining room where they all sat before a meticulous yet opulent table. Mr. Carter sat down at the head while Peggy went to one side of the table to sit next to her mother, subtly gesturing to Steve that he should sit on the other side next to Sharon. For a moment Steve considered that he would be more comfortable sitting next to Peggy, but then remembered in polite society it wouldn't be proper for two courting individuals to sit next to each other at the dining table. He was suddenly worried that there were other rules and expectations of polite society that he should be expected to know, especially considering the Carters were a proper English family, so he kept a close eye on Peggy in case she made any other gestures or looks at him.

The five of them enjoyed a delicious feast with several courses and Steve had to wonder meagerly if they dined like this every night. He thought about the paltry meals with his mother that were usually in the realm of soups and casseroles, with perhaps a nice dessert every once in a while if they could afford it. The Carters, however, could very clearly afford decadent roasts, wine, and vegetables that Steve had never before tried in his life, making his confidence wither as the night wore on.

The family bantered back and forth about the war, town politics, and who Mrs. So-and-So's daughter was marrying while Steve added in a few meager comments here and there. Steve's belief that his and Peggy's decision to get married was a good idea lessened significantly because the dinner indicated he would be bringing Peggy down to a life that was much different than she was used to. She seemed very at ease in the intelligent conversation between her family about social and political matters which Steve felt would be very few and far between for her once they were married. Steve liked to keep up on news but he wasn't one for an intellectual debate most of the time.

He couldn't tell if she was the type of girl to mind that, though; some people just did not care about money and social standings and all that, but the truth was he simply did not know Peggy well enough to determine how well (or poorly) she would adapt to being a farmhand's wife. He caught glimpses of Peggy's ease with conversation, trying hard not to stare, but finding it difficult to not draw his attention to her smile when she shot back a witticism at her father or her soft brown curls that bounced a little when she turned her head back and forth like she were watching a tennis match.

"So how did the two of you meet?" prompted Peggy's mother, drawing Steve out of his reverie. Mrs. Carter's eyes darted pointedly between the two of them as she took a bite of cake.

"Oh, um–" began Steve, but Peggy cut him off.

"We met one day at the market," she explained in a casual tone, not looking up from the cake she stabbed at with her fork. "Steve delivers for the Barnes' farm and so we'd see each other there from time to time. Then when he started delivering for Mrs. Miller we'd talk whenever he came by the kitchen with orders."

"You two were meeting in the kitchen this whole time and your mother and I never knew about it?" asked Mr. Carter in a tone that Steve couldn't discern.

"Mrs. Miller was always around so nothing unsavory happened, Father," chimed in Peggy with a wry smile. "You know how she is."

"Indeed. Which makes me impressed by the fact that Steve was willing to keep coming back to the kitchen knowing Mrs. Miller would be around."

He shot a good-natured smile at Steve, who felt a little relieved that Mr. Carter seemed to be on his side. This boded well for the end of the dinner when he would ask his permission to marry his daughter, but Steve still couldn't help but feel nervous at the prospect.

"The only thing I'm perplexed by, though," brought up Mr. Carter, "is why you two kept your courtship from us? Especially when it sounds as though you two might be getting serious?"

Steve and Peggy glanced at each other from across the table with slightly widened eyes. Peggy had been cut off earlier before she could reveal to him what her explanation was, so Steve never got to hear it. Peggy hesitated so Steve started talking as an idea came to his mind.

"Well, sir, to be completely honest with you, we hid it because I didn't think I would ever be good enough for her," he concocted, thinking fast. He could see Peggy giving him a nervous look across the table but he continued. "Of course, I don't come from a lot of money and only make a simple living helping out on farms, so we thought it best to see if we became anything more serious before revealing ourselves to you and Mrs. Carter. But Peg–er, Margaret and I thought it better that I make my intentions clearer. So I apologize for being so secretive, Mr. Carter, but it merely came from a place of internal shame, not a desire for secrecy. You have my word on that."

Peggy looked taken aback by his sudden admission of his lack of status to her parents, but she gave him a knowing smile, as if she sensed it took a lot of courage to say what he said. Steve looked over at Mr. Carter who nodded slowly while chewing his food, as if he were pondering something.

"I don't think anyone should care about a person's lack of money when it comes to love," chimed in Sharon, breaking the awkward silence. "Don't you agree, St–er, Mr. Rogers?"

"Uh…Well, I guess–"

"Sharon, what have I told you about asking personal questions like that at the dinner table?" interrupted Mrs. Carter with a pointed look at her youngest daughter.

Sharon merely huffed as she stabbed the last piece of cake with her fork.

"Now Steve, how is your dear mother faring these days? Has her health improved?" asked Mrs. Carter, as if his whole admission mere seconds ago had never been uttered.

"Um…She can be touch and go these days," he replied as he picked his fork back up. "But she's enjoying the improving weather."

Mrs. Carter nodded approvingly, and the rest of the conversation shifted to a much lighter tone after that.


Following dessert and coffee, the ladies headed into the sitting room while Mr. Carter signaled Steve to stay back a moment.

"Do you drink brandy?" asked Mr. Carter, pouring a glass for himself after it was brought in by the butler. "It's my go-to, but if you'd prefer something else…"

"Oh I don't drink, sir," revealed Steve. "I just don't…like the effects it has on me."

The truth was that alcohol had no effect on Steve whatsoever because of the experiment he had undergone, but it was usually too difficult to explain that to people. So instead, he kept his reasons vague.

"No need to explain," said Mr. Carter, swirling the freshly poured drink a little. "Some people rely on it too strongly, I think, so it's refreshing to hear of a man who doesn't need the stuff to have a conversation."

He sniffed the glass and leaned back in his chair, taking a small sip. "I remember you leaving for the war and coming back rather quickly. Did they send you home on injury?"

"Honorable discharge, sir," Steve recalled, shifting a little uneasily in his chair. "I had served my country doing some research work with a scientist and then when I was deemed 'no longer useful,' they said I could go home."

"Hmm. I had wondered that. Everyone in town had their beliefs as to why you came home within the year. But anyone who knew you didn't suspect anything dishonorable, so I was told," he added hastily.

"If you were curious you could've asked me yourself, sir," said Steve with a small grin, which made Mr. Carter chuckle.

"Yes, I suppose you're right, and you would've told me the truth back then, too. See, I like your honesty, Steve," he said, leaning forward in his chair. "It's rare to find a man these days who strives to live an honest life, even if it means you're not living in the grandest of circumstances like we are."

Steve swallowed, feeling increasingly guilty about the fact that Mr. Carter was talking to him about honesty without knowing about his and Peggy's lie.

"Well," mused Mr. Carter as he took another sip of brandy, "for what it's worth I'm glad my daughter has the good sense to know a good man when she sees one. I can't say the same for her past beaus, unfortunately..."

Steve took a deep breath. "Actually, Mr. Carter, there was something I wanted to ask you, and to be completely honest I'm not quite sure how you're going to react to it."

Mr. Carter gave Steve a tiny smile and set the glass of brandy down. "I'm listening."

"I wanted to ask your permission to marry Peggy–er, Margaret, that is. You see, we've grown very fond of each other over these last few months and even though I know I don't live the most…opulent or lucrative lifestyle, I can still provide for her and buy her things to make her happy. I would promise to take care of her and give her whatever she requires if it's in my power."

There was a moment of silence between them that felt like forever for Steve while Mr. Carter sat pondering. He was nodding slowly, looking down at his brandy, and then suddenly looked back up at Steve.

"Do you think money is all I care about in regards to Peggy's happiness?"

"I…Uh, well, I don't think…"

"You see, when you've raised someone as headstrong and independent as my daughter, you'll learn that the richest man in the world would never make her happy if she didn't truly love him. I will admit, I find your whole courtship quite odd given that you two have been seeing each other for months and I am just hearing about it now as her father."

It took all Steve had in him to not break down and tell him that it was all a lie. Instead, he merely nodded sheepishly.

"But I know Peggy, and I know she wouldn't waste her time with somebody she didn't love with her whole heart. So that means, yes, you have my permission."

Steve was stunned, but managed a small sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir."

"Don't mention it. Now I know kids these days are rushing into marriages and all sorts because of the war, but just try to remember to take as much time as you need, alright son? I know my wife and she could probably throw together a society wedding in a matter of days, so don't let her rope you into that."

Steve gulped. "I will, sir."

The two men stood up and shook hands. "You seem a good man, Steve. I have no doubts that you'll take care of my Peggy."

Mr. Carter clapped him on the shoulder and then motioned for him to follow him into the sitting room. The women were sitting around a small card table and all three of them looked up when they walked into the room. Mr. Carter smiled.

"Well, my dear family, I am going to turn in for that night. Sharon, don't you think it's time you turn in as well?"

Sharon looked like she wanted to argue, but took the hint and got up to leave with Mr. Carter. They all bade each other goodnight as Mr. Carter and Sharon turned and left the room, closing the door behind them.

"Well?" Peggy asked immediately as she and her mother looked at Steve anxiously.

"He gave us permission," declared Steve, still in disbelief as the two women sighed in relief.

"Thank the Lord," said Mrs. Carter under her breath, which caused Peggy to roll her eyes.

"So now what's the plan?" asked Steve, not sure whether that question was for Peggy or her mother so he looked at both of them.

"We need to announce the engagement and set the wedding date," said Mrs. Carter immediately. "The sooner the better. I'd say next weekend should give us enough time."

"That…that soon?"

"Steve, this can't wait," chimed in Peggy. "As soon as we announce the engagement it'll turn people's attention toward that instead of any rumors about me. We don't want a long engagement period for any questions to linger."

"I'll start making plans in the morning," said Mrs. Carter. "You two should get some rest. Good night, Steve. Welcome to the family."

Steve wondered if Peggy was going to stay back so he could talk with her more, but she also wished him goodnight in a quiet voice and followed her mother out of the room. Steve made his way back out of the house through the massive oak entry doors he had entered through only hours earlier and he dimly realized that he had entered those doors hours earlier as a single man and is now leaving through them as Peggy Carter's fiancé.