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The Price of Pride

11

"As soon as we are permitted, you say?"

The butler confirmed the last words of his report, crossed his hands in his back, and waited for the next order. Menalippe Kapodistrias snorted loudly.

"I can't believe the insolence of that girl," she growled. "As soon as permitted? Pah! As if I held them prisoner in my own home! I did not ask for her to come. She can pay a call to whomever she wishes for however long she wishes. The longer the better, I'd say!"

The woman stood from her chair, paced around her room. She felt agitated and angry. Annoyed, too. She did not care for her neighbors' opinion and she most certainly not want strangers to show uninvited at her house. And Fitzroy, above all! The late Lord had been a pest and a nuisance. From what she heard, the son was better, but barely. No, she had chosen this place for its solitude, she would not let her peace be disturbed again. The only reason why she had agreed to shelter the Bana-Mighdall twins was her old debt to their mother. Diana Troy was not part of the arrangement.

"Hadrian Troy," she spoke the name like a curse. "That girl truly is your daughter. If Hippolyta was there, she would have never caused me trouble." She stopped pacing, slammed her hand over the wall. "That coward could never protect his own people." She rambled angrily. "He ran away from his country, failed to protect his wife, and now that his child is in trouble, he sends her to me! And she dares to say, 'as soon as we are permitted'? The ungrateful chit should be thanking me."

"I don't believe the young lady is aware of the situation in London," the butler spoke up. Menalippe glared at him. He held her gaze. "Many times she has attempted to approach you, my lady," he reminded her. "She genuinely wants to speak to you."

Had it been any other employee, Menalippe would have fired him without notice for speaking up against his employer. Unfortunately, time had proven that Glaucus had good instincts and an accurate voice of reason. The mistress of Stirling Manor paused in her pacing, sighed, and turned to face the portrait hanging on the opposite wall. Hippolyta's unmoving eyes stared back at her judgingly. The corners of her usually impassive mouth seemed to have inched downwards.

"Is that what you believe?" the woman whispered.

She missed her old friend so terribly, hated as much the man who had taken her away. The only reason she had left Greece was to follow her. When Hippolyta had passed away, she settled in Scotland to remain in isolation. As the sole mistress of her fortune, she could enjoy her independence. Her tastes fitted poorly that of the Ton, she had removed herself to live her own life. The presence of these three misses was threatening that peace.

"Is she still awake?" she asked instead.

"Yes, madam, I believe so. Miss Troy regularly haunts the library before heading to bed."

The attempt of humor did not amuse her. She paced again, glanced once more at the portrait, and eventually said:

"Go fetch her. I shall speak to her now before I change my mind."

Mr. Glaucus bowed and left the room. For a moment, Menalippe was left alone with her thoughts. She had avoided London for so long, avoided wandering so close to Hippolyta's brood. She feared pain and disappointment. She feared she would find traces of her friend in her children, and feel the guilt of having abandoned them for so long. Even Persephone had given up on trying convincing her to visit.

A knock brought her back to the present, and Diana Troy was announced. Menalippe forced her features into stone and granted her access. The door opened, and the young woman entered. Once again, she sought details of her old friend on her daughter's face. The curve of her eyebrow, of her jaw, the shape of her mouth, her nose and her eyes…

Alas, nothing, absolutely nothing resembled Hippolyta. That face was her father's through and through. Even her eyes -so quiet and inquisitive and so, so piercing at the same time –were Hadrian Troy's.

"You asked for me, aunt?"

And she knew then, that she couldn't do it. She could not converse of her dearest friend with that man's daughter. Not when there seemed to be so much hope in her eyes, not when he must have corrupted her mind with lies. Menalippe did not have that strength, not tonight. Instead of giving her an answer, she went to her desk, pulled the drawer that contained her correspondence. Hippolyta's letters were tied with an old string, untouched for years.

"Take these," she said coldly. "And keep it for yourself. Give them to Mr. Glaucus once you are done."

Diana Troy's disappointment was obvious, but as if sensing she should not push her luck, she complied.

"Thank you, aunt," she replied. After a short hesitation, she added: "I hope that whatever…resentment you feel will fade before my departure. I truly wish to get to know my mother's friend."

Menalippe's irritation grew further. She glared at the younger woman, furious that she would dare sound concerned. Hadrian Troy must be so very proud of her.

"Get out," she hissed.

Hadrian's daughter curtsied without a word, but her eyes did not avoid contact. Insolent, she thought angrily. Impertinent girl.

"Goodnight, aunt," the girl said with an even tone. Menalippe did not deign reply and kept glaring until the door was closed again. Only then, did she allow her shoulders to sag, and glanced at her friend's portrait. The girl hadn't seen it, as it was not visible from the doorway. She wondered how she would have reacted, had it crossed her sight. Next time, perhaps, she would test the reaction. Next time, she thought, after all the letters were read. After the girl read the truth.

POP

"You seem out of sorts. Are you not happy to call on Lady Fitzroy?"

Alexa's question pulled her out of her musings. Diana offered her a tired smile.

"I have been reading last night," she explained. "I did not have a good night sleep."

"Well, you still have some time before we arrive," Artemis mumbled. Her face had evolved into a pale shade of green. "You might as well rest now."

Diana hummed in agreement, closed her eyes, and settled more comfortably on the seats. She tried to ignore the shaky road, focused on her tired mind, and let her thoughts wander. The previous evening, aunt Menalippe had given her a stack of letters written by her mother. The contents had been…enlightening. She had always known her parents' marriage hadn't been a love match. She hadn't expected how traumatizing the situation had been, for Hippolyta. She had been a young woman yearning for freedom, yet had been forced to marry a stranger a decade older, had to move countries for the sake of her new husband's business, had to adapt to a new society with rules she loathed. She had suffocated in Themyscira, far from her beloved countryside, far from her sister, her friends, and her poor English drawing a barrier between her and other ladies. Her first pregnancy had been difficult, the birth dangerous, her recovery long and trying. And her father had been absent, a shadow in the background at best. Hippolyta had been lonely for a long time, with no-one to confide into.

But what had cut her sleep was the last letter. It had been dated shortly after Donna's birth, barely a few weeks before her death. Some lines suggested her mother had melancholy, and her moods were more and more unstable. Diana refused to consider the possibility that she might have taken her own life. Her death had been ruled as an accident. Not…anything else.

An accident, she repeated to herself. Just an accident.

Her mind remained in turmoil for the rest of the journey and she found no rest.

Eventually, the carriage stopped in front of a handsome manor, with clear walls wrapped in ivy and the greenery welcoming to visitors. After spending over a week in a rather austere place, Diana drank the sight eagerly. The host was expecting them on the steps, dressed in a pink dress and bearing a huge smile.

"There you are!" Lady Fitzroy claimed enthusiastically. "I hope you travelled well!"

Artemis refrained to reply too early, as her stomach hadn't appeared to settle yet, but Alexa happily thanked her for her hospitality.

Diana, though still distracted, forced a smile on her face.

"It is a pleasure to meet again, Lady Fitzroy."

"Pish posh, Miss Troy, I told you to call me Dinah. Please do come in."

The three guests followed their host inside. Just as the exterior, the interior had been subtly decorated with taste and elegance. Classic paintings, statues, clear papers and plants were spread all over the room with the oddest harmony. When remarked upon the décor, Lady Fitzroy declared:

"None of this is mine, I sent my maid ahead to arrange our arrival –she has much better taste than I." As she walked, she made nodded towards one of the maids. A silent order was given as the woman bowed and left at once. "Let me show you the gardens; we shall have tea there." She paused and glanced at Artemis. "Will ginger tea be acceptable to you?"

The redhead nodded gratefully.

They crossed through the manor and arrived at the back. The gardens were smaller than expected, a table and four chairs was set in the middle, and the center wide enough to be comfortable. The ladies were seated in no particular order, and soon after, tea was brought. Lady Fitzroy served and smiled and chatted about unimportant things. While Diana felt a little disappointed about the substance, she bore it good-naturally, as it had allowed her mind to be dully distracted.

"And how fares Lord Fitzroy?" Alexa asked after the subjects of the weather, the excellent tea and the countryside were crossed out. "Is he out riding?"

"Indeed," the Lady confirmed. "He is teaching our son horsemanship." She smiled fondly. "Roy is very fond of horses. I heard you enjoy riding too?"

Although the question was widely asked, Diana had a feeling it was directed at her. Perhaps her imagination was playing tricks on her, but she thought Lady Fitzroy observed her in particular. She brushed the suspicion aside, as she could not fathom what attention she could have drawn.

"Riding is one of our guilty pleasure," she replied and, as she thought of Jason, added with a mischievous smile. "My brother and I are very fond of racing."

The woman's eyes sparked.

"Ah yes, you have a twin brother. My dear Oliver mentioned he was reprising your father's role. Must be quite a hardship for him, to learn all at once."

Diana hesitated. She had yet received a letter from Themyscira, but knowing her brother, she could only assume how their father's teaching could go. By her side, the twins were carefully listening as well.

"Jason is a fast learner," she eventually replied. "I have no doubt he will make us very proud."

It was a half-truth. Jason could prove himself proficient when a matter interested him. Unfortunately, his father's business did not. Therefore, he must be forcing himself in a counterproductive manner. She hoped her absence would indeed be a motivator, as her father suggested. A letter was indeed in order, she thought wryly. Hopefully the news would be good.

"I am glad," Lady Fitzroy said lightly. "It can be delicate, when a sibling ends up being the head of the family. The strain can be a little too much –and the expectations! An acquaintance of mine was thrown to the hedgerows because her relationship within her family was…uncomfortable, at best. She had to marry in haste –her husband left for the colonies, I barely have news anymore." She paused and added in a mock-whisper: "My family's fortune was to be inherited by a cousin upon my father's death. I was lucky to meet my husband when I did." She smiled fondly. "Such a silly man, at first. But once I saw past his bravado…very lucky indeed."

"How did you meet?" Alexa inquired, her romantic sensibilities already awakened. Diana bit back a smile, as she could tell Artemis was very close to groaning in despair. Lady Fitzroy seemed thrilled to be asked.

"Very commonly, I must say. A common friend introduced us. It was love at first sight," she added dreamingly. "He was so very handsome, very charming. He tried to make me laugh –nothing is more adorable than a man attempting to find his words to make a lady smile, and failing miserably." She sighed, her fingers playing with the hem of a ribbon. "Have any of you ladies have an interest in the other sex?"

Silence fell upon the table. Alexa looked embarrassed, Artemis suddenly glared at the table set and Diana…would never admit that she had immediately thought of one particular man.

"Ah," the older woman said with a knowing smile in front of their silence. "I suppose that is an indelicate question. Please forgive me." She put her cup down. "Shall I make you visit the house?"

"A perfectly acceptable arrangement, ma'am," Artemis immediately replied as she put down her own cup.

This time, Diana's attention was directed on her friend –since when did Artemis act like she had a secret beau? Alexa stood in turn, arranging her dress consciously, and blatantly avoided her questioning gaze. Lady Fitzroy led them back inside and led them through the multiple rooms. As a temporary tenant, she had insisted on learning the history of the place. The previous owners had left a few portraits, each with its own list of achievements. A descendent of a famous Jacobite, a loyalist to the King of England, a former Clan Chief fallen in disgrace –

"It seems they were all extraordinary people in their own way," Diana pointed out, wondering if some were not made up.

"Indeed," Lady Fitzroy replied, amused. "But I shall leave the locals to their legends. It is not as if our own ancestors had never embellished a few stories of their own."

The visit continued in good humor, until Alexa pointed out the sudden obscurity outside the window. Heavy clouds had gathered in the sky, regrouping like a mass of puffy darkness slowly heading towards the manor. By the time the ladies had gathered to observe the sudden change in the weather, the first drops had hit the glass.

"Oh dear," Lady Fitzroy muttered. In the afar, three riders were approaching the house at quick pace. Diana recognized two grown men and a child –most likely Lord Fitzroy, his son, and a servant. "It appears that I should prepare rooms for tonight. And send word to your aunt."

"Are you certain the carriage will not make it in time?" Artemis asked, and Diana realized Lady Fitzroy intended them to stay the night.

"As my guests you are under my responsibility. I will not have you risk your life and a coachman's in terrible weather. Believe it or not, I have travelled through Scotland under such circumstances. It is absolutely not pleasant, and dangerous." She turned around and addressed to a groom standing nearby. "Send someone to Lady Kapodistrias's house to warn them that her charges will be staying here overnight." She glanced outside again and grimaced. "Perhaps more."

"But Lady Fitz-" Diana started protesting as the groom bowed and left the room. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling the Lady was up to something. And her instincts had never wronged her before.

"My mind is made up, we shall enjoy a pleasant evening together," she retorted firmly. "And please, do call me Dinah."

POP

Their father was dining with them tonight. Lyla did her best to smile as he approached. His hand appeared firm on his cane, chin high and proud. He smiled back at her and took place at the edge of the table. Persephone sat by his right side. On the left, Jason followed suit, looking thunderous. Donna remained impassible and quiet, her eyes firmly set on her plate.

Lyla tightened her hands into fists as the servants brought the first course. The tension was growing unbearable. Her father spent entire days locked in his office with Jason. Jason, whose leg hadn't quite healed, was trying his best to familiarize himself with the family business. Persephone and Donna received the few callers who pressed themselves at their door and spent their days fending off the rumors about an approaching union between the eldest Miss Troy and Mr. Luthor.

Donna claimed it was a good thing Diana had left. According to her sister, is she had known of the situation, Diana would have spent days hunting down the source by her own means. Or perhaps worse, confront the man in public and tell him exactly what she thought of him. While this could be funny, the consequences would not. Donna was using her contacts in town to limit the spreading, with little success. Lyla had written to her most trusted friends as well and was waiting for returns. But the rumor would not quell, and Lord Troy's absence in London encouraged their running.

She hated this. She hated that their future depended on the whims of a man who terrified her. Their one encounter still gave her nightmares, and she couldn't thank Donna enough for her nerves of steel. And with Jason's good sense hanging by a thread. She often heard him and father exchange loud arguments, whenever she stepped by his office. He never did well under pressure, especially coming from father. He always progressed faster when Diana helped him. And nowadays, he needed to prove himself, and fast. Lyla felt it, deep in her guts; he was going to make a mistake. He was going to make a horrid mistake in attempt to prove himself, and the family would have to bear the consequences. There was only one person who could talk reason to him, and she was back in Scotland with their aunt.

The meal carried on in tensed silence. She ate little, spoke even less, and by the time dessert was over, she asked permission to retire immediately. Mistaking her eagerness to leave for an escape, her father allowed it. Under the sober gazes of her mother and siblings, she hurried upstairs. Her maid had not yet arrived to help her change, so she immediately pulled the paper and the ink. She mended her pen, dipped it and immediately started writing.

'Diana,

Our father believes it is best that you remain in ignorance, but I feel you do need to know. I beg you to return to Themyscira, at haste. Jason's education with our father is not going well. He needs you by his side. He needs your support. Please, sister, please heed my plea. So much is at stake now and the last I want is to put you in danger, but I believe we can cut down the rumors of your engagement to Mr. Luthor with the proper precautions. Jason needs your presence, else he will fail to replace father.'

Footsteps happened in the staircase; her maid was coming up.

'I shall explain more when you return.'

She hastily signed the letter, folded it and sealed it. It was next shoved it in her drawer, along with her pen and the other papers, and she shut it seconds before the maid opened the door.

"Miss, you shouldn't be writing at this hour!"

Lyla stood from her desk, praying her maid would not notice her nervousness. She forced a smiled on her face.

"I apologize, Sarah. Will you help me with my nightgown? I will retire now."

It would do no good to let anyone know what she was about to do. They would certainly oppose, or protest. But she was scared and without Diana, nothing would be solved.

This is for the best, she convinced herself. Her eldest sister would soon return, and everything would be normal again. This was for the best.