Part 17

He had never been much of a drinker. In fact, he had never been inside an establishment like this one before. The modest means with which Daniel Humphrey lived did not allow for excesses such as this. The small amount that his parents could scrape together was spent putting food on the table. They had lived so humbly that over time, the poverty had taken its toll on the young couple. The young Scots musician Rufus Humphrey soon found himself left alone to care for two children.

As Daniel moved among the ton, he witnessed the excesses and sometimes the depravity. Attending school with children born into such an aristocratic world was enough to give him an appreciation for the life he had. No matter how poor they had been, Rufus had instilled in his two children a sense of loyalty and honor that could not be faulted. Until, of course, his little sister Jennifer discovered a hunger for a world she would never be a part of. At the tender age of fourteen she had met a boy from that world who claimed he loved her, and she had jumped at the chance and ran away with him.

Sometimes at night, Daniel wondered how Jennifer looked like now, or whether she was still alive. Did she have children? Did she achieve her dreams? He wondered if they would one day pass by each other in the street and not one of them would be the wiser.

It was his grace, Bartholomew Bass, Duke of Devonshire, that drew him out of a pool of talented, promising young solicitors and gave him more responsibility than he could ever hope to have. And so Daniel had been carrying an inordinate amount of guilt for the past half year for violating his trust. It was not a huge matter of concern for Serena. However, despite her insistence that she was not an aristocrat—not having been born into a title herself—Daniel knew that she would never understand his world view. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and never had to struggle for much of anything. To Daniel, integrity was the only thing he held to such esteem. Loyalty could never be questioned by an accountant who would open his books and compare it with those of the other young men who competed in the race.

It left him with one choice alone. He needed to bow out of a highly esteemed post with the duke. There was no way he could look himself in the mirror if he was still under Lord Devonshire's employ but maintaining a relationship with his stepdaughter. His loyalty had already been questioned by his decision to keep Lord Charles' decision to take Lady Blair—an act that was for naught since Serena spilled the beans on it the same day.

An overflowing mug was placed on the table, spilling ale on the old wood. Daniel looked up and saw a young woman with black curly hair smiling at him. "You look like you're in trouble," she said easily.

It was her job to build rapport, he knew. She would want him to tell the story so that she could keep him drinking and paying. "This is fine," he managed.

The woman narrowed her eyes. She extended a hand. "Vanessa."

He took her hand and shook it. "Daniel Humphrey."

"You're like me, but you're not," she observed. "I can hear it in your voice—education…" Daniel nodded. "And disdain." She chuckled. "You're a ton brat. Someone rich and mighty paid your pay through university."

He wanted to take offense, but he had too many problems to do so. "That will be all, Vanessa. Thank you."

And then a flash of recognition hit her. "I remember you! I saw you before, in the duke's townhouse. You are Lord Hartington's man."

And that was where his loyalty had come into question the last time. "I was really Lord Devonshire's secretary, leant to his son for a trip abroad," Daniel clarified. "You are Nathaniel's…" he trailed off, unwilling to offend.

She was, for her part, unwilling to expound. Vanessa sank uninvited into the chair in front of Daniel. "Why so down?"

And because they were the same but also not, Daniel drank his ale. He now understood what was so special with ale, and drank down half of the contents. "The woman I love is now with her fiancé, to a ball I would never be invited to."

Vanessa nodded. "That sounds about right."

"They are perfect together." Daniel glanced at her. "You should see them. Golden statuettes like something out of a Greek mythology painting. Boticello has nothing on that beauty."

Vanessa's lips parted in recognition. She may not be educated enough to recognize the name of Boticello, but she could imagine what he thought. She had nightmares of the two as well. "You are in love with Miss van der Woodsen?" she asked hesitantly.

Daniel nodded, immersed still in his own world. "No matter my education, or that I have become secretary to one of the most prestigious families here in London, I would never work myself up to deserve her."

And then she reached for his mug of ale and drank the rest of it herself. Daniel stared at her in shock. "And Lord Nathaniel is consumed about saving his family name that he is unwilling to marry someone he does not love," she shared. Daniel recognized the desolation in her voice as similar to his own. "First, Lady Blair. And I understood that he was bogged by a ten year old vow. But Miss van der Woodsen? It came out of nowhere and he is now resolved to marry her."

Daniel leaned back and studied the woman in front of him. In her worn clothes and the sweat of the pub clinging to her neck, he could not imagine her beside Lord Nathaniel Archibald for longer than the amount of time it would take to deliver his ale. Still, stranger things had happened.

"Quite the opposite for me. She insists that she wants to throw it all away, ruin her reputation and run away to Gretna Green."

"Well?" Vanessa demanded. "That is a boon. Go and run away," she urged him.

He shook his head. "We will run out of money and she will loathe me." His parents had been romantic as well, and run away and wed when they both knew they would never make enough to raise a family. But they were both artists and the prospect sounded wonderful at that time. Rufus discovered that ideals such as that did not hold when his wife started hating the life they had and despising her family for causing it. "Right now she looks at me as if I can give her the moon and the stars. But that is only because she is sitting comfortably inside her gilded cage."

~o~o~o~o~o~

Chuck had been cautious about having them attend the Danvers' ball. It was, after all, Lord and Lady Danvers who brought rumors to England regarding Chuck's scuffle with Aaron Rose in Eleanor's masquerade ball. He could not even begin to imagine how they found out. The only people who could attest to the event were himself, Daniel Humphrey, Lady Blair and Aaron Rose. Daniel and Blair had been busy caring for him at the time, and so it could only have been Aaron Rose who leaked the information that could only hurt him more.

Chuck moved his shoulder some when phantom pain from his old gunshot wound throbbed. He did not discount the possibility that Aaron Rose was behind his shooting in Paris, but that was a fact that he never once mentioned to Blair. And nor would he ever. The business of protecting her fell on his shoulders, and he would not cause one drop of worry if he could prevent it. He would be the protector, and she could, in their impending marriage, focus on ensuring that their child grew strong inside her.

He looked down at the woman beside him. Even now her breasts swelled beautifully from above the modest décolletage of her gown. He placed a hand on her belly. It had not changed yet. He was anxious to feel it curve under his palm. It had become a habit since they discovered her condition, and she did not complain. Instead, she placed her hand to cover his.

"Do you feel well?" he asked, his voice husky, as if unwilling to disturb the relative peace they found inside the carriage. Chuck was grateful that Nathaniel brought his own to escort Serena and her grandmother to the ball. These small moments alone with Blair were something of a treasure to him.

"To my surprise, very well, my lord," she answered, huddling closer to his form. "I have started to suspect that baby was making me so sick to announce his presence, for he has become so cooperative now."

"You have not been sick the whole day," he said in agreement. "So baby just wanted attention very early."

Blair looked up at Chuck. "But I would be happy to stay sick if we can have a healthy boy for you, my lord."

At that, he sucked in a breath and took her lips for a passionate kiss. "I want to shower you with all of the world, my love," he vowed.

"What will I do with all the world?" she replied softly. "I only ever need you."

The short ride to the Danvers' was soon over. Almost reluctantly, Chuck stepped out of the carriage and reached for Blair. They walked to the foyer and to the top of the ballroom staircase.

As they were announced, everyone looked up. It was Blair's debut into London society. She felt the stares and saw most everyone turn their heads to the sides to whisper or to listen while their eyes did not move away from her. She stiffened beside Chuck, and reached for his hand. He squeezed and leaned over to her ear. "You are Lady Waldorf, only daughter and heiress of Lord Harold Waldorf, comtesse du Montaigne." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And though they do not know it yet, you are the marchioness of Hartington, my lady, the next duchess of Devonshire. Show them what that means, Blair," he encouraged.

She took a deep breath and turned to him, then gave him a devilish, confident smile. Blair squeezed his hand back and descended the steps with him by her side.

At the bottom step, she released his hand. He watched in awe and with pride as she glided through the crowds and stopped from one group to another. The huddled women eagerly called her attention, and Blair nodded to them as she passed.

Chuck grew concerned when he saw Lady Castlemaigne pull Blair towards her group. Serena had warned him about her and her small group of friends, and how harshly they spoke about Blair after news of their flight from Paris reached the London ton. He made his way towards them and caught the tailend of their conversation.

"How was Florence, dear?"

"Florence was idyllic," Blair answered vaguely. Chuck suspected she had hedged many times before. "The villa was beautiful and the climate was perfect."

Kitty Anderson asked next, "Is it true, my dear, that Lord Charles' villa only has his staff. Or was your mother with you two, and we did not hear of it?" He saw Blair tense once more, perhaps because she recognized the truth behind the question. She gave a tight smile. Before she could respond, the woman continued, "Of course Lady Rose was with you." She tittered. "You would certainly not have stayed alone with a man of Lord Hartington's repute."

Mrs Roberts nodded. "Certainly not you, Lady Blair. You had been in society all your life. Surely your mother drilled all the implications to you."

Chuck saw Blair tighten her smile and grow pale.

"Truthfully, I do not believe a household of staff can be considered being alone with Lord Hartington. And as for your comment of his repute, ma'am," Blair responded, emphasizing on the lack of a title that she could use, "I assure you that my lord is the perfect gentleman. You would only be so lucky as to spend two weeks alone with him!"

Chuck stopped beside her and placed a hand on the small of her back. He turned to the women who gathered around Blair. "Lady Castlemaigne, Miss Anderson, Mrs Roberts," he greeted. "I had been searching for you. Will you make it to our nuptials on Saturday?"

Lady Castlemaigne humphed, then fanned herself. "At Hanover then?" she inquired haughtily.

Blair's eyes narrowed, and Chuck nodded. "St George's."

The lady glanced at Blair, then shrugged. "We will be there."

When the three moved away, Blair turned to Chuck and demanded, "Why invite them, Chuck? They do not care about us. They were speaking ill of you."

He looked down at her enraged expression. "And though I am thankful to have a wife who will steadfastly defend my honor, I do want you to feel welcome here, my love. London will be home. We cannot afford to have you offend them early. We will build you first. And when you're all that they adore, we will tear them down."

"Every one of the biddies who would speak ill of you," she decided.

He smiled at her eagerness. "Now there is something to look forward to when we are an old married Society couple. Now mingle," he said softly. "I hope that you would not encounter anyone who would speak badly of me. I do not think I can rescue them from your wrath."

Chuck watched fondly as she disappeared into the crowd. He felt the tap on his back and turned around to find Nathaniel.

"Have you spoken with the doctor?" Nathaniel inquired. "It is not often that a young woman falls sick in a sunny afternoon, when she had been well the entire morning."

Chuck grinned, wanting to exclaim that one did when they were expecting. He kept quiet though. In a ballroom such as this, even a whisper could be as loud as a scream. He and Blair were still enjoying the secret, and it was so much more special that the only ones who knew of their child were the two of them. "She is well. Perhaps it was the heat."

Familiar, haunting strings floated to their eyes. Chuck turned around slowly towards the grand piano at the corner of the room. There he saw Blair's fingers moving over the keys swiftly as she played the song he had sung to her the day before, when they found out about the baby. He saw her look up from the keys without stopping the music. She met his eyes and smiled. To Chuck, it was as if everyone else in the room vanished, and they were the only ones there.

"She is amazing," Nathaniel observed. "She had always been amazing. She was stellar at Fur Elise at age eight. And now… what is that song?" he thought aloud. "Is it a French ballad?"

"Song to Celia," he answered. "Ben Jonson."

Nathaniel gave his friend a sideways look, then chuckled. "I will not ask how you knew it. Blair probably played it over and over until you were near sick with boredom."

Chuck grinned. "How well you know her," he commented, keeping the irony out of his voice as he said it. Nathaniel Archibald did not need to know that it was Chuck who, in a fit of overwhelming emotions, had first sung the poem to his bride.

After the song, Blair rose to her feet to receive the polite applause of those who gathered around the piano. She nodded her thanks, and smiled when Chuck applauded from afar. She looked up when Serena stopped in front of her. "I need to talk to you." Blair nodded, and walked with her to the corridor.

Serena looked around to check if there was anyone who could eavesdrop. When she was reassured, she said, "This is between us."

"Of course." Blair squeezed her friend's hand. "You seem troubled."

"It is about love," Serena shared.

"Mr Humphrey?" Blair clarified.

"I am running out of patience," Serena said in a swift gush. "He is completely unwilling to take a chance." And then she sighed. "You are fortunate you have my brother. He does not hesitate at all."

This made Blair smile. "I did not think so at the beginning, when maman picked him. I suppose that is one thing I should thank my maman for." And then she asked, "Has he said why he hesitates? Perhaps he has a sound reason."

Serena shook her head. They rounded the corner, and found themselves walking behind another young woman. Serena pointed to the flapping sleeve. And the she recognized her.

"We should help," Blair suggested.

"No!" Serena hissed. "Do you not see? It is one of those women we saw in the park."

Blair grimaced. "It hurts my eyes to see such a fashion disaster."

Serena shook her head. "Well I am leaving," she announced. "I still have a reputation to protect, unlike you who are set on my brother. You are as good as married, anyway." She slipped away.

Blair called to the woman. "Katerina? Alicia?"

The woman turned around and frowned. "Alicia," she provided. "May I help you?"

Blair shook her head. "Your sleeve is torn and almost off. I can help you."

Alicia gasped and touched the sleeve, then felt the torn thread. "Oh no."

"If only we had something to hold it together?" Blair asked tentatively.

At that, Alicia brightened. She opened her small bag of rogue and powder. "There is something here that we can use. My patron left it on my bed this morning. I was about to return it, but I think we can put it to use this once."

Blair watched as Alicia pulled out a white satin ribbon from the bag. Her heart leapt to her throat, and she froze.

Alicia held out the ribbon to her. Blair stared at the small embroidered B at the end. "Will this do?"

"It will do," she whispered. Calmly, she took the ribbon from the redhead's hand, and then wove it through the large lacy gaps of the bodice and the sleeve. When she was done, she tied it tightly, then patted her handiwork. "Good as new."

Alicia inspected the work, then gave Blair a brilliant smile. "It looks nice," she commented.

Blair nodded and said, "Do you know where the bathroom is? I think I will be sick." Alicia pointed to the direction, and Blair hurried away.

Meanwhile, Serena made her way back to the ball. As she passed, she heard someone call to her. She turned around and noticed Lady Danvers waving. "Great," she muttered. "This was the woman who spread the news of Chuck's escape, and the main reason that she was trapped in an engagement to Nate. She made her way over to the older woman and smiled. "My lady," Serena greeted.

"Darling, I heard you had to catch Lord Nathaniel after what your brother did."

"Lady Danvers, Lord Nathaniel is a fine gentleman. I am certain he will be a finer husband," she responded in her cool, practiced manner.

"Pity that. You could have had more prospects."

Serena shook her head. "Who can possibly be a better prospect for me than Lord Nathaniel?"

Lady Danvers leaned close to Serena and said, "This is what I know." Serena rolled her eyes, because the gossip was about to spill. "Lord Marcus Beaton is becoming a count!"

Serena frowned. The gentleman in question had been two years older than Chuck and Nate, and went to the same university as the two. His family even had the estate right beside Hartington. He had been an acceptable enough fellow, but never became part of Chuck and Nate's inner circle that consisted of the eldest sons, the only heirs. "That cannot be. Lord Marcus' brother is the count. Lord Marcus is no more than a second son, who will likely have to work for his brother."

"Well, his brother was killed, and left to Lord Marcus his estate along with his young daughter to raise." Lady Danvers said in a hushed voice. "You are aware that the girl's mother died two years ago."

Serena slowly nodded. "Lord Marcus is an earl now, and looking for a wife to raise his brother's daughter?"

"You will be perfect for the role, my dear. You get to be countess."

"Not interested, Lady Danvers. I think I should stay and be Nathaniel's bride instead." Serena laughed softly and went her way. At least Lady Danvers had the chance to reveal her juicy new discovery.

She stopped when she spied her stepbrother. She quickened her pace to tell him of what she had learned from Lady Danvers. After all, Chuck always liked to know any developments in Society to rearrange his own business priorities. She almost made it to him when Chuck strode towards the redhead that she and Blair had encountered in the corridor. She stepped forward to hear, but remained out of sight.

"What are you doing here, Alicia?"

"Looking for a new patron, my lord. You do remember that you let me go," Alicia pointed out.

Alicia was Chuck's mistress! Of course Alicia would be up and about, displaying herself to the Society gentlemen. A mistress does that when she was available again, to attract the fine gentlemen of the ton to her wares. It would have been easy to secure an invitation to the ball as well. Only Almack's was strict in attendance.

"Where did you get that?"

Serena squinted and saw the satin ribbon holding the sleeve in place.

"It is holding my gown in place. Thank heavens someone was around to help me fix it."

Alicia nodded towards the direction of the corridors. Chuck saw her, his Blair, standing there staring at them with expressionless eyes.

tbc