The Price of Pride
6
I am not a goddamn courier, Richard thought thunderously as his horse rode through the impressive gates of Themyscira.
Three days ago, his mission to uncover more of the Troy's history had fallen flat with the express sent by his godfather. After returning to his country home on a whim, Bruce had apparently taken in the Troy heir and his sister after both had a riding accident. Now, the two siblings would be staying under his protection for the following days, until Jason Troy's remission. Richard had then decided he would wash his hands of the situation. After all, his godfather was a grown man and could make his own decisions. If he wanted the young lady to remain under his roof and risk rumors, he could deal with it.
Very early this morning, he had received another express from Bruce, asking him to stop by Themiscyra to deliver important news. Though Richard understood the need for secrecy after reading the letter, he still did not enjoy having to leave at early morning to pay a visit to complete strangers. No matter if they might become his family in a close future.
He paid no heed to the beautiful scenery around him, far too eager to deliver his message and ride back to Gotham manor. The presence of the Troy siblings had quelled his urge to join his godfather at first. No matter if he suddenly arched to escape the city, he needed not to invade Bruce's flirting turf. And yet, he was returning with an open invitation. Curiosity could not be held back. His mission was clear: deliver the message and return to the country manor. With some luck, he would be seated in his favorite chair by the fire by the end of the day.
He slowed his horse as they approached the mansion. Workers came and went, greeting him with a light nod as he trotted past them. Upon arriving by the main door, he spotted two young ladies walking down the alley leading from the gardens back to the house. Richard dismounted and boldly walked ahead. The stallion followed him like the perfectly trained horse he was. As he approached, he couldn't help but admire their form. The younger sister, a pretty blonde with big eyes, watched him approach warily. The older sister, a brunette with curves and curls, held his attention longer. Their eyes met and for a brief moment, he cursed himself for not stalking Mrs. Beaumont's tea salon earlier.
"Good morning Miss Troy," he addressed the dark-haired beauty first before turning to her sister. "And Miss Troy." The two girls curtsied in return. "We have not been introduced, but I am afraid circumstances won't permit it, so I shall introduce myself. Richard Grayson, at your service."
"Grayson?" the blonde said while the brunette raised her eyebrow at the same time: "Mr. Wayne's godson?"
He was grateful they knew him by reputation. It would make discussions easier.
"I am here on behalf of my godfather," he announced next. It pained him to see the ladies suddenly rapt with attention. The eagerness in their eyes was…heartbreaking. "He sent good news, your brother is awake and aware."
Miss Donna sighed deeply in relief while Lyla's cheeks regained colors.
"He will live then?" the eldest inquired. "Good. I was afraid my bluff would not be credible."
Miss Lyla dug her elbow in her sister's side. The older sister winced and flushed at her slip, whatever that was.
"Your bluff?" he repeated, curious.
The two sisters exchanged a glance. Eventually, Miss Donna gave in and explained:
"Mr. Luthor seemed every eager to meet with our brother. I hinted he was temporarily ill. I am glad it is actually true."
Richard frowned uncomfortably.
"Mr. Luthor came here?" he repeated. Both girls nodded.
"The morning before today, precisely," the elder said.
"He seemed happy that Jason could not receive him," Lyla added. "But he grew cold when Donna hinted it was temporary. He left as soon as Mr. Charon appeared."
Bad news indeed, the young man thought uneasily. It seemed that his godfather's instincts might have served him well again. After a moment of inner debate, he announced:
"I came to speak to your father."
The two girls exchanged embarrassed glances.
"Father is…not well," the youngest confessed. "Ever since he read the letter about Diana and Jason's misadventures, his chest hurts terribly when he is awake."
"Mother is to return very soon," Miss Donna took over. "Lyla and I usually keep watch, but he encouraged us to take a breath of fresh air."
Oh-ho, Richard thought. The situation might be worse than anticipated.
"You told nothing of this to your sister?" he inquired.
Another glance shared between the girls.
"We thought it would be better for people to assume our father and brother are to return soon. If Diana welcomed guests, it would raise questions. On the other hand, if I keep up appearances, visitors will believe their absence to be a temporary situation. Everyone in Town knows our sister would never leave the family in time of need, and Jason's condition has been efficiently quieted."
Richard stared at the young woman in awe. She could not be older than eighteen, and was already making sensible decisions when the customary leaders of the family were absent.
"You are very brave to act as you do," he said. "Although why you would admit this to me, I have to wonder."
"My sister is in Mr. Wayne's care. You are very much aware of the situation my family is in," Miss Donna replied calmly.
"I could pretend to be Richard Grayson," he pointed out.
Miss Lyla suddenly looked worried. Miss Donna didn't even flinch.
"No-one knows where my siblings are, and one would be a fool not to recognize you." She spoke the words calmly, but he still spotted her reddening ears. Richard wondered with amusement if she had only pretended not to recognize him. "Now that you tell us Jason is awake and will recover, she needs to know what is truly going on. Will you go to Wayne Manor later today?"
Richard pondered over his next course of action. Bruce had underlined the importance of the message he was supposed to carry out.
"I most likely will. I am truly sorry ladies, but I truly must speak to your father."
Donna shook her head.
"As I told you, his health is very bad. If you bring bad news, better tell me. If he can sustain another shock, I shall announce it to him myself."
She stared at Lyla. The blonde girl pouted but took the hint. She stepped away, keeping close enough to play a chaperon yet not overhear their conversation. Miss Donna was bold, he had to give her that. Perhaps he ought to care for his own attitude; he did not want to leave a poor impression.
Why would I think such a thing? He wondered, annoyed at himself. It's not like I am trying to get into her good graces or anything. She's just a…comely young lady. And I am a young man. With Bruce Wayne as a mentor. Who has excellent taste in women. And Miss Donna is-
"Please Mr. Grayson, can you truly not say anything?"
Richard stared at her and thought she had remarkable eyes. He could not quite make their color, but he knew they were the finest he had ever seen. And right now, they stared back at him unflinchingly and anxiously. Damn, he could not lie to such an earnest expression. And if her father might not stand a second shock…oh well. Bruce would not thank him for injuring Lord Troy. He might as well tell her. Perhaps she might need comfort afterwards. And he had plenty of practice at comfort. He would never take advantage of an aristocrat's daughter, of course, but indulging in charming company could do no harm, now could it?
"You see," he began, "my godfather believes Jason's accident wasn't truly one…"
POP
Diana had been reading for the past hour, keeping a distracted eye on Jason as he slept again. He had woken once or twice already, but she could not find the strength to leave his side until he returned fully conscious. Mr. Thompkins' assurance that he would recover his wits did make her feel better, but she still resented the waiting. A light knock on her door disrupted her concentration, and Mr. Wayne's head popped in.
"Richard –my godson –just arrived from Themyscira. He brought back letters for you." He pushed the door open and stepped in. Io sat straighter, a severe expression on her face. Diana ignored her in favor of the letters he was holding.
She stood and closed the distance between them in a few steps. They had not often met in the past three days, as she took her meals in her brother's room and he was often away on his own business. Still, Diana always anticipated the few moments they found themselves together. Though he still flirted with her, their conversations were friendly and perfectly acceptable. The lack of proper chaperon could be somewhat unsettling, but they never stood alone. A maid or a footman would always find something to do wherever they stood and Io would keep a severe eye whenever he entered Jason's bedroom.
"They are from your sisters and father. I hope you find good news," he added as she took the letters.
Her fingers brushed his bare hands in a split-second contact. Diana schooled her features the best she could and thanked him heartily. Mr. Wayne walked back out, but not without sending her a wink before closing the door. If looks could burn, the poor man would have turned into a pile of ashes under Io's scandalized glare.
"He is taking far too many liberties with you, Miss Troy," the woman pointed out haughtily. "And you are allowing him to!"
"Mr. Wayne flirts a lot, but I am quite safe from him." Diana retorted. "You ought to remember he has welcomed and tended to Jason admirably."
Without further ado, she opened the first letter, the thickest. The elegant handwriting belonged to Lyla and covered two pages. She began reading immediately.
'My dear sister,
So much has happened since your departure. We have done our very best to quiet the whispers and gossip, but you ought to know the situation. Father has taken ill upon the reading of your accident.'
Diana gasped in shock. Her father, ill?
'The courier carrying the reply to Mr. Wayne's letter had barely left that he fell and could no longer move. Donna and I have tended to him best we could and scrupulously followed the physician's instructions. You will be relieved to learn he has recovered enough to answer business letters now. His hand is not quite stable yet, so he requires my help and I write as he dictates. Mr. Charon keeps a close eye on his decisions and monitors his actions. Though father is mentally aware, he still tires easily. Your presence by Jason's side is undisputable, but I selfishly wish you were here to handle him and welcome the occasional visitors.'
She nearly folded the paper and ordered Io to pack her trunk. Jason was recovering now, her family –her sisters –needed her more. Poor father, she thought guiltily. He ought not have to learn of Jason's precarious situation this way. Now she understood better why he, or her sisters, had declined visiting the past three days. She forced herself to keep reading.
'Mother will arrive in the early afternoon. The express has missed her on the way to aunt Menalippe's. I can already feel Donna's relief at not hosting anymore. Artemis and Alexa came to visit, wondering why you have not returned to call on them yet. Donna loathed hiding our current circumstances, and I believe your friends did not believe her excuses. Still, they have left reluctantly after Donna promised you would write to them soon.'
Diana grimaced, already expecting Artemis's indignation about having been left out of the recent events. She understood Donna's caution thought; while the Bana-Migdall matron had always been kind to them, she thrived on this kind of gossip.
"The oddest thing happened yesterday. Mr. Luthor has paid a visit to Themyscira, asking to see our brother. He claims you will be his intended after a promise made with Jason. I am uncertain of the veracity of a promise, but Donna and I did not believe you betrothed for a moment. Jason would never, ever force you into marriage, especially to such a man. You ought to have seen Donna, she was so very strong when I was so very scared. She pretended Jason was awake and recovering and Luthor did not like it. I can still see his eyes, Diana. They reeked of evil when he heard our dear brother would pull through…"
Diana shivered at the thought of her younger sisters facing the odious man. She had never held a conversation with him, but she had caught him watching her at balls and other events, and his eyes always made her feel sullied. She had once thought no man could be worse than General Ludendorff, especially when the man had been forcefully pursuing her, but one glance at Luthor had convinced her otherwise.
The reason for Luthor's visit stirred her anxiety on another matter. Twice now she had been confirmed a rumor that Jason had made a promise of marriage on her name. She needed to confront him soon to know if such rumor had a fund of truth or not. Diana wished she had the frankness to question him earlier. As it was, his mind had not quite recovered yet and he often drifted off after minimal exchanges. Mr. Wayne's physician had assured them that the situation would change for the better, but Diana could only hope it would turn out well.
"Jason would not dare," she whispered determinedly and returned to her reading.
'Mr. Grayson, whom you must know as Mr. Wayne's godson, came to visit us and told us of Jason's slow recovery. He is a very handsome gentleman with good manners and a kind smile.'
A spot of ink enlarged the dot, indicating Lyla had paused in her writing a few seconds. Diana wondered what she had been about to add.
'He has offered to help in whatever manner he could. I believe Donna made an impression on him; he has yet to tear his gaze away from her.'
Diana snorted, as she hadn't missed what Lyla hadn't said. Mr. Grayson must have been a handsome man indeed if he had caught her youngest sister's attention. Lyla had rarely been exposed to the opposite sex, and as Mr. Wayne's godson, he must hold a certain amount of charm. She would not be surprised if her youngest sister mentioned him in further letters.
'He next locked himself with father and Donna in his study. They spoke for what felt like hours. When he left, father looked grim and serious. Mr. Grayson assured us he would stop by Themyscira today, so I hurriedly wrote these few words so he could give them to you.
Something is going on, Diana. I do not know what and I loathe remaining ignorant. Donna will not share her knowledge with me. I can only fear the worst while praying for the best. Please speak to father or Donna and allow me to help in any way I can. You have always been the one they listened to.'
Diana put down the letter. While she was glad to have finally received news from her household, she had not expected so much to happen in her absence. It made her feel guilty; she had neglected her duties to her family by putting Jason's health above everything else. That, and, well, she had to admit Mr. Wayne's presence had distracted her quite a bit. Staying in his house had given her the opportunity to observe him amongst his own people. In spite of his numerous absences, his servants liked him and the few tenants she had come across spoke highly of him. Was her opinion changing after one week of living under the same roof?
The rest of the letter was a mixture of farewell greetings and well wishes. Diana set it aside and reached for her father's missive. She noticed it was from his hand, albeit trembling. Lyla was not pretending when she evoked their father's illness.
'My dearest daughter,
I have always thought you to be the reasonable one of the family. And yet, when I received Mr. W's message, the news of you and your brother's follies gave me more pain than you can ever imagine. An accident is so quickly happened, and you and J are my eldest. I will not remind you of the importance of your safety for the wellbeing of this family.
L must have written about my bed rest. It is, I assure you, a direct consequence of your actions. My health is not as good as it used to be, and the shock of hearing J's life in mortal peril did not help.
Part of this situation is my own fault, I suppose. Your stepmother has encouraged me to tell you earlier, but my pride has refused to listen.
My heart is weak, Diana. For years, it has been declining. It is partly the reason why I am introducing J as my heir now, even though I still seem in excellent form. My end might come swifter than expected, and I have to be prepared. Jason has to be prepared.'
Diana put the letter down, the sting of bitterness resurging in her chest. In spite of her father often acknowledging her sense of business, her brother would inherit everything. Why, why hadn't she been born a boy? The question of who would take over would not be, and none would doubt her skills because of her sex. Still cursing against fate, she went on reading.
'You and I know he is not ready to take over my place. Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of teaching him our ways myself. You must oversee his progress, Diana. Make him listen to your suggestions, and show him how to successfully work in this world.'
"As if that mule would ever listen to me!" she snapped angrily and kept reading.
'If Mr. W has not mentioned his suspicions, demand he explains what he knows. He is an intelligent man who knows his business. Should you have any interrogations about the business, turn to him. We have to keep up appearances with our business partners, else they might look elsewhere. I put a heavy burden on your shoulders, my child, but I know you can stand it.'
Diana put down the letter, ill-at-ease. What has Mr. Wayne to do with suspicions? And a heavy burden! How was she to teach Jason the many subtleties of trade when himself was still recovering? She loved her brother, but knew he would never follow her advice. He was young and completely inexperienced. She had been involved in her father's business for two full years now, while Jason had indulged with his friends the freedoms given to young men. She stood up and warned Io she was leaving for a while. Her maid didn't try to hold her back. She must know she needed some time alone.
Son
Richard was…unlike himself, Bruce thought with a frown. The young man had just eaten the cook's special treat, and now he was humming –if not smiling –for no reason. Or at least, for no reason that Bruce was aware of.
"What did Lord Troy say?" he inquired eventually. While he would not usually mingle with others' business, he felt quite protective of the young woman currently staying under his roof.
The smile vanished on his godson's face.
"He did not appear overly surprised. He did mention that Jason and Luthor seem to have an interest in the same offer –a lucrative offer, shall I add. Everyone knows who is the most desperate for money."
Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"Why Luthor in particular?"
"He came yesterday to call upon Mr. Jason Troy. Miss Donna sent him on his way."
There was something about the way he pronounced the young lady's name that alerted Bruce immediately. Richard momentarily grew absent and the dreamy smile returned to his face. He had the same dummy expression when he had first spoken of the exotic Miss Kory Amber, an actress he had spent months dallying with before she decided a baron to be of more interest. Biting back a smirk, he went on:
"I assume she held her ground just like a Troy would," he said.
"Luthor is a scoundrel of the worse kind, she was very brave," Richard went on absentmindedly.
"And did you offer her the best comfort?"
His godson glared at him.
"I am not a cad, Bruce."
The 'unlike you' went unsaid. He took no offense; he knew exactly what kind of behavior he broadcast, and did not wish to hide it.
"Shall you call on her then?"
Richard looked at his shoes.
"She is still going through her first season," he replied. "Perhaps I should attend balls more often. I am already entering the sensible age of twenty-two, after all. It would surprise no-one that I am getting an interest in starting a family."
Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"Are you already considering matrimony?" Richard opened his mouth- "Don't answer that, it is none of my affairs and truthfully, I do not want to know. You can be worse than a damn romantic spurting bad poetry when you are besotted." The younger man looked affronted. Bruce merely smirked. "Back to Luthor and the Troys, if you please."
Richard muttered something that sounded uncomplimentary but went on:
"Something stuck me as odd, when Lord Troy described the business offer. The man –Charlie McAllen, had an oddly similar offer I had from the two idiots a few days back."
"The infamous business you believed to be a sham?"
Richard nodded.
"I suspect this McAllen and the two others are connected. Lord Troy thought the offer too obvious to be true. He was afraid his son would be making a serious mistake by investing in such a venture."
Bruce crossed his arms and leaned back against his desk, thinking.
"I am curious about one thing. Luthor is usually more attentive about these offers. Why would he fall for a scheme? You said the drawings were worth looking at, but not necessarily revolutionary."
Richard grimaced.
"The two idiots did suggest that they had more partners waiting for an answer. Perhaps they were expecting me to inquire as to who was interested. If Luthor tried to discourage the young Troy and realized he was intending to pursue that offer, and that he heard I was interested too, he might have deduced the offer to be genuine." He bit his lower lip. "I would have to ask a few friends of mine on Luthor's latest actions."
Bruce snorted.
"Go straight to my town house and search through my office. I ask my usual contacts to keep a close eye on my most…threatening competitors. Although I was about to send my favorite inquisitor on young Troy's trail: now I have a more specific inquiry to make of her."
Richard rolled his eyes.
"You and your women! How can you keep them loyal is a mystery."
"I happen to value their worth and generously compensate their efforts." Bruce thought of at least one woman who might not be truly happy with him. "Although Miss Kyle might not agree."
"Now that is a woman whose resentment I can happily deal with," his godson said. "You have allowed her too many liberties these past months."
"Be happy then, for I have ended our contract."
Richard narrowed his eyes at him. He was not stunned, but definitively intrigued.
"I wonder what brought this change," he said slowly. "Or rather, who? Could it be that I am not the only one considering matrimony?"
Bruce did not take the bait. Instead, he headed to his desk and pulled a decanter and two glasses. It was early in the afternoon, but he felt he needed some strengthening.
"Brandy," he offered. Richard nodded. "Is there anything else I ought to know?"
His godson thought a few moments and told him his own personal impressions. The most worrisome was Lord Troy weakened by a heart attack. His wife had returned and seemed competent enough to keep unwanted company at bay. Neighbors and friends were growing curious at the man's lack of presence; though he was considered a little eccentric, he always showed in his club now and then. Bruce considered speaking with Diana, as she had received letters from his end, and asking her point of view. He did not doubt she might seek him out for further information in turn; after all, she had not met Richard –and he had seen her family with his very eyes.
He was silent long after the younger man stopped talking. Eventually, Richard stood.
"I will return to the town house," he announced. "I want to review what you have on Luthor."
Bruce nodded.
"Do you mind delaying your departure for an hour? I need to write a letter to Miss Lane –and I would rather have you deliver it in person." Before Richard could counter that half an hour's delay would do, he added: "You need to sleep off your brandy. I will have the carriage ready."
The younger man glared at him but agreed. Upon leaving the room, Bruce was slightly puzzled at hearing him muttering something along the lines of 'not a goddamn courier', but let it slide for a later date.