Hello my darlings. I would like to thank those of you who have followed and favoured since my last update.
I would also like to say sorry for the long time this chapter was in coming. Life got in the way I'm afraid, and I wasn't sure what it was I wanted to write. Anyway here is the next chapter, I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural.
The following afternoon found Gabriel once more making his way up the steps of his parents' home, though this time less due to the fact his horses had decided to take him there rather than Whites, and more because his mother had summoned him. And he could not ignore a summons for her, even if he was worried about why it had come. Because you never knew with that woman. She could want to discuss further training she felt Penny needed, or she might demand he set a date for their wedding and start sending out invites. Though if it was the latter he knew he was going to have to think of something to put her off. But so far he had come up with nothing. Oh he really hoped it wasn't that option.
Then of course there was the possibility that she had somehow found out the truth and was about to read him the riot act. Though he was sure if that had been the case it would not be his mother summoning him but his father, ready to give him the very disappointed look as he made Gabriel agree that marriage to Penny was the only way to redeem his honour. Oh god lord, he really hoped that wasn't why he was here.
But pushing that thought from his mind Gabriel smiled at Brighton as he opened the door for him before he could knock. He handed over his hat and overcoat without a care in the world, and then made his way to the front room where he was told his mother was waiting. At least it wasn't his father's study then, so it cannot be the last option he had thought of.
Making his way into the room he smiled warmly and greeted his mother as he always did before turning to his fake fiancée and bending to place a kiss onto her knuckles as she presented her hand to him.
"Hello my love. How are you this wonderful day?" He asked with a wink at how she glared at him for the endearment. But he couldn't stop himself, he loved it when she glared like that. She had such an expressive glare.
"Wonderful? It is overcast and I believe it is going to rain Gabriel." Anne interrupted before Penny could say a word. She was sure that the young lady was about to give her son a set down for his forwardness at calling her his love. And as much as she knew she would enjoy watching the two of them banter with words, Gabriel was here for a different reason. She would give the couple time alone later where Penny could make her displeasure known to her future husband.
"Alas so truth mama. But seeing Pen here has brightened the day better than the sun itself could if it were to show. No doubt that is why it hasn't, it knows she will always put it in the shade." Gabriel replied moving gracefully to sit in the chair that was closest to the lady in question, but where he could also watch his mother's every move. He knew better than to turn his back on her. She could be lethal when she wished to be.
"I agree. But that is not why you are here." Anne responded moving to provide her son with a cup of tea and offer him the selection of cakes she had had Brighton bring through for this discussion. Always best to feed her son something sweet when she wanted him to turn his mind to her way of thinking. And that was why he was there.
"No? Then care to share my reasoning, or should I say yours for the summons?" Gabriel asked taking the cup offered and a selection of the goodies. He knew from seeing them that his mother wanted something. It was the only time she ever got cook to prepare his favourites.
"I wish to discuss when you are going to announce your engagement to the ton. Families are already returning to town, and people planning the invitations for the balls, routs and musicales. They need to know that Penny is to be included in any invite for myself or you." Anne stated simply. There was no point beating around the bush with this. They needed to get it settled as soon as they could. Time was marching on and the season proper would be on them in a little over two weeks.
"I am planning on placing the announcement in the paper the morning of the Hemsworth's ball." Gabriel replied with a smile, knowing just how his mother was going to take that news. Not well was his bet. But she surprised him somewhat on that count.
"Cutting it a bit fine are you not Gabriel?" Anne asked with a raise of her eyebrow the only show of her displeasure. The fact that Gabriel was planning on announcing his engagement the morning of the first ball of the season did not sit well with her. Though she could see that in his mind at least it would be the most dramatic of times. The announcement in the morning papers and then the ball where Penny would make her first appearance in the evening. Oh yes she could see how that would appeal to her sons flare for mischief. But he needed to understand that this was more important than his entertainment at seeing how everyone reacted to the news, and the woman on his arm without proper warning. Nor would it be fair to Penny to be put through that circus.
"Do you really think anyone would refuse her entry even without an invite?" Gabriel asked back refusing to get drawn into giving his reasons. He did not want to mention Penny's uncle to his mother, did not want her to know what sort of man he was. Nor the fact he was placing the announcement as late as possible so that man could not make the gossips of the ton form an opinion on his fake fiancée before they met her. Before he had a chance to make them form the opinion he wanted them to have of the lady who would be on his arm.
"No. but my friends will come calling before then. How am I to explain Penny's presence to them without them thinking I forced the poor girl on you?" Anne replied back, conceding he had a point before making her own. She knew the ton, and if they were only introduced to Penny as Anne's guest, and then discovered her engagement, there would be questions raised by the more malicious ladies. They all knew she had been trying to get Gabriel married for years after all.
"If you could force some poor girl on me mother, we both know you would have done it years ago." Gabriel replied with a chuckle to take the sting out of his words. His mother had introduced him to many ladies over the years, but he had always managed to get out of forming any sort of attachment to any of them. He was a master at it, there was no way anyone would believe she had succeeded with Penny. Especially as he was going to make the ton believe he was head-over-kneels in love with her. No that idea would never rise in anyone's mind once they saw him with her.
"Gabriel Haynes. Behave yourself." Anne snapped, though she gentled the reprimand with a smile for her eldest son.
"Yes mama." Gabriel submissively replied, though he had cheeky smile on his face which completely ruined the effect. But taking a sip of his tea Gabriel did turn his mind to the questions and the words his mother had not said. Mainly that he knew she would not want to lie to her friends. He couldn't make her do that, not as he was already lying to her about him and Penny. He needed to give her something. Therefore placing his cup back into the saucer he spoke once more.
"Why not tell them who she is. Introduce her as your guest, but hint that she will soon be family." He suggested in a serious voice.
"Why not just make the announcement now? She is more than ready to face those who will come when they hear of your betrothal." Anne countered with. She wanted everyone to know that he was off the market, that Lady Penelope Coburn had managed where all other ladies had failed. She had won his heart. She wanted Penny to have the respect and good favour she deserved by being the Marquess of Dare's fiancée.
"I believe Gabriel is putting if off for my sake Anne." Penny interrupted. She had sat there and listened to the two speak as if she wasn't in the room, though she knew that Gabriel at least was well aware she was there. He had looked at her regularly throughout the discussion. Though not to ask her to rescue him, but more… to make sure she was happy with what he was saying. Happy with his plans of when to announce their engagement. And she was. More than. She knew her uncle whereas Gabriel had only heard about the man. And she knew he would come knocking if as soon as the announcement was made, trying to demand things from the Duke and his family. She did not want that to happen any more than Gabriel did.
"How so my dear?" Anne asked turning to look at her with a gentle smile, thinking that maybe Penny was rather overwhelmed with all she had been though since coming here. Overwhelmed with what it meant to be engaged to a Marquess who was going to one day be a Duke.
"I do not want my uncle to find out about our engagement until it is too late for him to do anything about it. I would not put it past him to demand things from your family in return for my hand, though he does not have any claim over it." Penny answered completely honestly. Gabriel's parents needed to know what it was they were going to be dealing with when he came. And while she had mentioned something to the Duke over breakfast the previous day, she wanted the Duchess to understand as well. And looking into the kind woman's eyes she couldn't help the lump that formed in her throat at the knowledge that it was she who was bringing this to their door. And at the end of it, she wouldn't even be part of their family as they believed she would be. She was causing them trouble without them getting anything in return. Though hopefully Gabriel would find the lady he wanted to marry during the season. That would make up for the deception surely?
"I understand Penny dearest, but we can manage your uncle, have no fears about that." Anne replied softly taking the girls hands in her own to show that together they would stand against the man. She did not know the new viscount, but from what her husband had told her, he was not someone she wanted to know. He could do nothing to them, he did not have any power within the ton, not against her family. And her family now included Penny and her sisters.
"I would not put it past the man to spread rumours, and I will not have anyone speaking ill of my fiancée. Once they meet her they will know that anything he says it nothing more than the words of a bitter and twisted man. I will not allow them to form opinions before that time." Gabriel growled out before Penny could state her case further. She had said enough that he knew he could speak plainly about the man he had never met but was very much inclined to hate. In fact if he had his way that man would be thrown out of society and barred from all good homes. But for now he needed to make sure they were ahead of him in presenting Penny right to the ton.
"Ah. That does indeed shed a different light on things." Anne replied before a frown appeared on her forehead as she thought of the best cause of action to keep the malicious rumours at bay. She knew a ladies reputation could be ruined with words alone and she would not let that happen to the lady under her care. She suddenly understood exactly why Gabriel had planned to make the announcement at the very latest time possible. It was actually a rather good idea. "Very well. I shall let it be known among my friends that I am town and available for visitors in two days' time when your dresses have arrived. I will then make sure all know that Penny is not just my house guest but also one I will soon call daughter." Anne nodded to Gabriel, letting him know she was on board with his actions, that she supported him and Penny in this.
"Thank you mama. Any chance you could also drop hints that I will be having guests staying with me for the season?" Gabriel asked going from serious to cheeky in the blink of an eye. They had sorted out Penny's situation and it suddenly occurred to him that they needed to let the ladies of the ton know of the house guest's Castiel had fostered upon him. Not that he thought he needed to do much with them. He would leave his brother to entertain the Winchesters.
"Guests Gabriel? Just who have you invited to stay in your home?" Anne asked both eyebrows raising this time, though more in surprise. Her son was not one for having guests. Most of his friends had homes of their own after all. Just who was visiting him?
"Not me Cas. He has invited Major and Captain Winchester. They both wish to support Pen as they knew her brother well." Gabriel replied smiling sincerely at Penny, hoping she knew who they were and that they would be at her side when she made her bow to the ton. Just like he and Castiel would be. The more the merrier in his mind.
And Anne hearing the names knew exactly who it was Castiel had invited to stay at his brothers. Major Dean Winchester, his closest friend and one who, if the stories were to be believed, had saved her sons life more than once. He was a man she had wished fervently to meet since the war ended and they all came home. It seemed she would soon have her chance.
"I am sure that many will be happy to welcome two war heroes into their homes. Have no fear I will make sure that presence in your house, and the reasoning behind it, is known to all." She said smiling, though Gabriel could see she had that calculating look on her face. One that made him very glad he wasn't a Winchester right then. He wondered briefly how long it would take for her to drive the poor men away. But no matter how long they stayed, he was going to enjoy watching her, and by extension the ton, get their claws into them. Oh yes that really was going to be fun.
"Good. Now I feel I need to plan a visit to Whites. I have some friends I wish to inform of my change in status as it were." Gabriel replied sitting forwards as if preparing himself to leave. To do as he had just said he would.
"Take your father with you would you? I am sure he has some people he wishes to share the news that his heir is finally marrying, with." Anne responded, already thinking that her husband was in the best place to make sure that any rumours the new viscount spread about Penny were dismissed and the man was dealt with as he should be for trying to ruin a young lady. A young lady who was to become their daughter.
"I will go and see him now." Gabriel agreed preparing to stand, but he was stopped in his movement by his mother speaking once more.
"No. I will go. You stay and finish your tea." She replied smiling to herself at how she had managed to get the couple some time together as well as making sure her husband knew exactly what his role was to be. Therefore as she walked out of the door she pulled it closed behind her so it rested on its frame. Not properly shut as would be against all sense of good breeding, but enough to give those inside some privacy.
"Ah the subtlety of my mother." Gabriel commented as he saw how she had positioned the door. If only he and Penny really were engaged he would take full advantage of this time and take her in his arms for a kiss, but they weren't so he could not. Shame really, he could imagine she would be a fiery kisser. As ready to fight him with her lips as she was with her words. No, do not think about that Gabriel. They way led nowhere good, and nowhere you should be going in your thoughts with respect to the lady with you. Therefore turning his mind from kissing, he once more picked up his cup and asked in a friendly tone "So how have you been? You and your sisters settled adequately?"
"More than. Your mother has been most kind to us all." Penny replied with a genuine smile as she spoke of the Duchess. She had not expected her to take her and her sisters so much to her side. Her to be as warm as she had been. After all she was only a viscounts daughter, Gabriel could do much better for a wife than she.
"I am glad." Gabriel responded enjoying the relaxed smile on her lips, and her gentle tone. The way her eyes turned more brown as she spoke of his mother's behaviour. It's seemed the duchess of Ravenscliff had won over Penny's heart. That was good, he wanted her and her family to be happy while they were there. Wanted them to feel relaxed and enjoy the time where they had no worries. Not that he would let them have any worries for the rest of their lives either, but this was a major change for them all. He was glad it was going smoothly.
"Major Winchester is coming to town for the season then?" Penny asked into the comfortable silence that had descended upon them. She did not know the man well having only met him once, but she knew she would never forget his face, nor the look in his eyes as he sat drinking tea in her front room. Or what had once been her front room, it wasn't anymore.
"He is. Why do you ask?" Gabriel asked nonchalantly as he felt his back straighten and he bristled at the idea that Penny wanted to see Dean. That he meant something to her. His mind became a sudden swirl of questions as things that had happened and words that had been spoken rearranged themselves in his mind. Was a connection between Dean and Penny the reason why the man had been so against this plan of his and Castiel's? Did they have feelings for each other? But if so, why had they not just simply married? Or was it that Dean could not afford to do such a thing? Could not afford to take on a wife and her sisters? Just what was Major Winchesters situation anyway? That was something he needed to find out if he was going to be introducing him to the ton. Because while at first he had had no problems with doing that on Castiel's word alone, now he had to wonder just who the man was. And just what he wanted from the lady who was currently his fiancée.
"He was the first of the men your brother brought to me to ask for my hand in marriage." Penny replied with a mischievous smile at her words. She wondered how much Castiel had told Gabriel about their interactions before he had come to offer his proposal to her. It would be interesting to find out, as well as the idea of dropping Castiel in it. Not that she disliked the man, on the contrary she enjoyed his company. But she did think it would be fun if some of his machinations came back to him. He was far to controlled in her mind.
"He what?" Gabriel asked alarmed, before forcing himself to relax back, though he failed to put a twinkle in his eyes as wished to. But at least when he spoke again it was in a much calmer, more vaguely interested tone. "Is that something you feel you would like to consider once we are done with our charade?"
"No." Penny laughed. The idea that she would want Major Winchester was ridiculous in her mind. She could never marry a man like him. A man who held so much darkness and pain. Because she knew she was not the sort of woman who would ever be able to pull him away from it. And that was what the Major needed, someone who could bring him out of the horrors in his head and experience the world as it was now.
"Well if there is someone who catches your eye, please do tell me. I want you to have a chance of something when this is done." Gabriel forced himself to say. He had to remember that she was not in fact his, no matter that that may be how he felt deep inside.
"Thank you. But I feel my plate is going to be full with my introduction to the ton as your future bride." Penny replied properly, though inside she was frowning at how his words had made something squirm in her gut. Something tightened and hurt at the reminder that this was not real from his lips. That they were not what they were claiming to be, at least not to each other, and they never would be. He would find himself a perfect bride from a good family, and she would disappear as quickly as she had come. At the end of the season she would not have him. But she would have a house for her family and money so that they could live in the comfort they were accustomed to. Yes, she needed to concentrate on what she was getting out of this deception, and help Gabriel in any way she good so that he could achieve his goals.
"Speaking of brides, do you have any ideas of who it is that you wish to pursue?" She asked in a friendly tone, hoping that she could be of more help than just a lady on his arm as he looked over his prospects.
At that Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, but found the only word that came to his mind was you. And he could not say that, so instead he answered with a breezy "No." thus ending that line of conversation as he did not elaborate. Instead he turned into his mind at how his first answer had been the one woman he knew he would never be able to have. Because he had arranged it that way. And he would not go back on his word. His honour would not allow him to change his mind about this being a convenient arrangement for them both. No, he could not pursue the lady that soon all the ton would think was his fiancée. He would have to find another, even if he did wonder if that was going to be as possible as he had first presumed. Not because he was supposedly engaged, but more because of who it was he was engaged to.
And Penny watching him frowned as she saw strange thoughts filter through his eyes, too quick for her to understand them. She had no idea what was going on in his head, the only thing she could think was that he was going through what he wanted from a wife. She wished he would share his list with her, but from his curt answer to her previous question she assumed that that was one step too far in his mind. He had after all, told her that to him this would be a real engagement, that if she did not break it at the end of the season they would be married. No doubt he did not want to discuss the possibility of other ladies with the woman he had given his word to. The woman who could still become the next Lady Haynes. It saddened her that he did not trust she would keep her word, but she understood. She just wished…
She would like for them to become friends over the coming months, after all he was going to be her beneficiary for the rest of her life. Her comfort and that of her sisters was going to depend on his clemency. And she would much rather be friends with the one who held the fate of her family in his hands. Maybe when it was done that could develop, or maybe during the time they would be spending together in the season they could become that way. Yes she would like that, and it gave her something to work towards. She was going to make Gabriel Haynes, the Marquess of Dare her friend. If nothing else it would give her something to do other than thinking of the ton and what they thought of her as she moved through his world. Give her something other than the stares and questioning glances, which would surely come her way, to think about.
