Disclaimer: Inuyasha does not belong to me.

…

Wildflower

Chapter Two

…

"So what's this I hear about your new house guest, Harte?"

Miroku looked up from his paperwork. "Why, good morning to you too, Westington. How do you do?"

Inuyasha threw himself into the chair next to his long time friend and settled his black booted feet atop the desk. He yawned just as Miroku pushed his legs off.

"My new house guest happens to be my wife's beloved younger sister."

Inuyasha stretched, running a hand through his chin length silver hair. "Have I met her?"

"She was at the wedding. Whether you met her or not would have depended— "

"The one with the blue eyes?"

"So you were still sober, then." Miroku nodded.

"You wound me, friend. I was quite sober at your wedding, thank you very much. So sober in fact that I sometimes have nightmares that I was the one getting married."

Miroku laughed and took in his disheveled appearance. "Tell me you did not just come from someone's bedroom?"

"I do not kiss and tell," Inuyasha evaded, but his twinkling gold eyes said it all. He had all the looks of a thoroughly satisfied man.

"You disgust me."

Inuyasha snorted. "You used to be me."

"I am a happily married man."

"You're leg-shackled!"

Miroku smiled. "One day you will understand."

Inuyasha shook his head, cringing at the idea. "Let us hope that day never comes. Unfortunately however, I must be going. Sesshoumaru's due to arrive any moment now and mother wants to throw a bloody welcome home fete."

"It sounds more like a mother's scheme to get her sons married or leg-shackled as you so aptly put it. We received an invitation this morning."

Inuyasha cursed. "Leave it to her to turn an ordinary fete into something ridiculous."

"The first of many, I assure you. I'll see you tonight. Be sure to save me a dance."

"Shut up, Harte."

…

Sango swept into Kagome's room, tsking when she discovered her younger sister still haphazardly strewn across the canopy bed.

"Kagome!"

Her response was an undecipherable noise which was then followed by further burrowing into the soft white pillows.

With an impatient huff, Sango grasped the ends of the coverlet and yanked them off. "Get up!"

"Oww!" Kagome shot up, rubbing her calves where her older sister had just pinched her. Shooting glares, she fumed most unladylike. "What the devil, Sango!"

Hiding a satisfied smirk, she said, "It's nearly ten. Do get up and prepare yourself for the day already. When father said you'd be staying with us, it didn't mean spend all your time in bed."

"But the pillows are just so soft and plush, and—"

"You were up late reading, weren't you?"

Kagome gave her a secretive smile. "Wouldn't you like to know…"

Sango rolled her eyes. "Please get up and make yourself presentable. It's a beautiful day out and I wanted to take a walk. You'll accompany me, won't you?"

Kagome sprung into action. Fresh air, well, as fresh as London air could get, would be most welcome. "Give me a few minutes?"

Sango nodded before adding, "I'm glad you're here…"

Her blue eyes softened, arms coming around to hug Sango tight. "What are sisters for? Besides, you'll finally get to show me off. The elusive younger sister of Lady Kent who many question even exists."

"Don't make me regret my words."

Kagome laughed, pecking her cheek. "I'm absolutely famished. Be a loving sister and ask Cook for a plate of something delicious? I promise I won't be long."

And true to her word, she was down the grand staircase a mere fifteen minutes later in a periwinkle day dress and loose, wavy black locks.

"Good morning, Mushin!" she called, dashing by the butler with a charming smile. It melted his heart and reminded him why he always looked forward to the younger LaQuinn's visits. She was very much a breath of fresh air, so unlike the London harpies his Lady Harte had the misfortune of obligingly entertaining.

Kagome's glittery blue eyes lit up when she saw the impressive and utterly mouth-watering array of food. Turning a playful glare on Mushin, she shook her head. "Are you trying to fatten me up? All I needed was one plate, not twenty!"

Mushin grinned. "I may have gone a tad overboard, but there should be—"

"Shush, old man. You know I would have been perfectly happy with a plate of eggs. You and Cook spoil me."

"Naturally."

Kagome took a seat and began helping herself. "Please join me, Mushin. I hate eating alone."

He looked horrified at the suggestion, making Kagome roll her eyes. It wasn't as if she was asking him to give her a limb. "My Lady should be arriving any moment to offer you company."

By the time Sango arrived however, Kagome was polishing off the last of her brunch with a gulp of tea. She looked so polished and refined that Kagome had to sigh in envy. Sango and Kikyo were so bloody perfect and proper and everything she wasn't.

"If his Lordship should return before we do, please let him know we went out for a stroll," Sango imparted before leaving.

"Of course, my Lady."

…

"How fares Beaumont, little sister?" Sango asked as they walked arm in arm through the park.

"As comforting as ever. You really must visit more often."

"If it weren't for my obligations here—"

Kagome scoffed. "Obligations? You mean suffering those nonsensical women you call friends?"

Sango slapped her sister's wrist. "Hush. They aren't all so insufferable."

Kagome held in her laughter, but it still managed to shine through her eyes. "Right." She didn't believe a word of it.

"The Westingtons are throwing a fete tonight. You must come," Sango implored, switching the subject.

"Is this to be one of those droll affairs? Where I sit like a good little girl and nod my head, pretending I give a damn about the latest fashion in ribbons or who was seen dancing with whom? Because if it is…"

Sango was sorely tempted to throttle her younger sister. While she missed her candidness, this wasn't the most ideal setting to be tossing unladylike words. "Watch yourself," she chided.

"Afraid I might damage our reputation?" Kagome teased. "Mother was worried about the same thing but I assured her I'd be on my best behavior. I've quite grown up I'll have you know."

Sango raised a skeptical brow. "Perhaps. Mother wrote and she believes you have begun to see reason."

Kagome rolled her pretty blue eyes. "She'd like nothing more than to marry me off."

"She wants to see you settled."

"I can't."

"When you meet him, you will think otherwise."

"Will I fall madly in love?" Kagome asked quietly. "You know I will not marry without love."

Sango smiled, squeezing her sister's hand. "It is different for everyone. But yes, you will. You are most lovable."

Kagome laughed. "Others would not agree."

"Then they do not know you."

"Or they do not appreciate my shortcomings. I am not so patient or elegant as you and Kik. Nor am I as refined as mother. I am—"

"Rash? Uncouth? A hellion?" her sister supplied.

Kagome scowled. "Sango!"

Her older sister giggled. "I am right, you know."

"Perhaps," Kagome conceded with a playful smile. "But only when I wish to be. I am quite agreeable most other times."

Sango gave her sister a fond smile and squeezed her hand. "I always considered you a wildflower amongst roses and daisies. You hardly ever let anything get you down and are so fiercely independent. Quick witted, strong, and in possession of a beauty and character all your own. I oftentimes wonder if you recognize your own allure, little sister," she divulged. "I suppose you get your constitution from Father. You and he are very alike."

"Were those compliments?" Kagome asked cheekily.

Sango tsked before greeting a small group of fluttering butterflies. "Good afternoon, ladies."

"Good afternoon Lady Kent. How do you do?" the eldest of them asked.

"Perfectly well, Miss Botan. I see Lady Shoga isn't too far behind," Sango said, glancing beyond the trio towards their elderly, plump chaperon who lingered by a bush of roses.

The middle sister, Momiji, sighed dejectedly. "Mother insists. It isn't proper for us to be on our own apparently."

"We must observe the rules of society and act accordingly, or else we'll bring shame upon Mama and Papa. We cannot have that." Hitomi spoke with a grave insistence, a wisdom well beyond her fourteen years.

Kagome observed the three proper young ladies with a keen eye. Dressed in what she assumed was the latest fashion–a bit frilly, but adorable getups with bows and ribbons– they proved what she had always pictured in her mind of what proper, delicate young ladies of London society would look like. So fresh and innocent, rosy-cheeked and bright eyed, and positively giddy with the Season just around the corner.

"If I might be so bold to ask Lady Kent, who is your pretty companion?" Botan inquired, a bit in awe as she glanced at Kagome with curious brown eyes.

"You'll have to pardon my older sister. She seems to have forgotten I am here," Kagome answered with mock hurt.

"This is your younger sister, Lady Kent?" Momiji exclaimed before her face reddened in embarrassment.

Sango and Kagome both laughed, putting the young girl at ease. "She is. This is Lady Kagome LaQuinn," Sango officially introduced. "Kagome, these are the Medeley girls. Miss Botan made her debut last Season while this will be Momiji's first."

"You must be excited, Miss Momiji. I've heard such grand tales of the London Season."

The middle Medeley girl perked up instantly. "I've already acquired all my gowns from the modiste and Mother has planned everything out. It is her wish to see both Botan and I make a good match this Season, so we shan't disappoint her. I have all the confidence that we will find suitable, handsome, charming men who will sweep us off our feet, dance with us until we can dance no more and send letters of love and admiration…"

It was amusing to watch the young girl suffuse with an enthusiasm unparalleled by no other Kagome had ever come across. These young girls lived for the Season. They were bred to have one goal in mind. To find a suitable husband, which in essence meant a man who was rich, charming, handsome, and rich. Nevermind love. Young girls always fancied themselves in love, but infatuation was not the same.

"You and your sister will do splendidly," Kagome assured.

"Thank you for your kind words, Lady Kagome. Mother has the utmost confidence we will fetch ourselves worthy husbands," Momiji agreed, avidly nodding her head.

"I believe you three should be on your way. Lady Shoga looks most impatient and it appears as if her bad hip is bothering her. Be dears and make sure she gets some proper rest. Send your mother my regards," Sango said, ushering them along.

"We will, Lady Kent. It was a pleasure meeting you Lady Kagome." They curtsied and waved their goodbyes before departing, helping along their grumbling chaperone.

"Do they all possess a similar disposition?"

Sango grinned as they resumed their stroll, now heading for home. "Most, but not all. After a while, you grow accustomed to their high pitched twittering. Wait until you meet their matchmaking mamas. They're a frightening lot."

"I can barely tolerate Mother badgering me about marriage. The last things I need are mamas on the prowl thinking me their daughters' competition." Kagome balked. "Though I assume we've now established that I am real and on my way to spinsterhood?"

"Quite. The Medeley women are notorious gossipers."

"Isn't that lovely…"

"Not to worry. Momiji and Botan seemed quite enamored by your appeal. They are no doubt singing your praises at this very moment."

"I'd prefer they not sing at all. It was my every intention to keep this visit quiet and peaceful until I could depart for Beaumont."

"You will be disillusioned, dear sister."

Kagome frowned. "That's what I was afraid of…"

…

Sesshoumaru Westington had always held an indifferent attitude towards London society and its Season. It was a necessary evil he had reasoned. Despite aggressive matchmaking mamas and fluttery young chits, it was an exercise in patience, will, and strategy. Strategy being the best ways to avoid and outmaneuver said matchmaking mamas on the hunt. When he wasn't in London, which he hadn't been for the past year, he was traveling and surveying his Father's properties across the countryside. It was always a welcome reprieve from the confinements of high society.

Standing in his parents' London home and watching the servants bustle about in preparation of a fete she was throwing but had so conveniently forgotten to mention, Sesshoumaru was beginning to question his decision to return. Perhaps he should have told no one, thus giving his mother little time to prepare. At this moment, she was chirping orders left and right, all in a tizzy and practically glowing with excitement. Ridiculous.

"Brother!"

He turned around just in time to welcome his sister flinging herself upon him. "Rin…"

"Oh, I missed you terribly!" she cried, giving him a narrowed look once she pulled away. "What took you so long?"

"I had affairs to deal with."

"Affairs of the heart, I hope?"

"Do not be daft. Father's affairs."

Rin smiled, dark honey eyes bright with anticipation. "This is my second season out, Sesshoumaru and I can say with the utmost assurance that it will be the best yet! Now that you are home, you'll make it even more exciting!"

"I'm sorry I missed your debut."

She waved it off. "It is of no consequence. I am simply happy you've returned. As you can see, it gave Mother an excuse to throw a fete, though I'm afraid it has grown into something much more pronounced."

"I am not surprised," Sesshoumaru said distastefully, glancing through the large open windows.

Rin laughed. "Do not be deterred. Mother's only invited those whose company can be tolerated…and perhaps a few eager debutantes and their escorts."

"Again, I am not surprised."

"When are you ever? She wishes you and Inuyasha would stop your wandering ways and settle down already."

"Hnn." His mother could keep wishing. He had no desire to be leg-shackled to one of those twittering chits with half a brain. "Where is Inuyasha?"

"He should be along any moment now for lunch. He only ever comes around when there's food involved."

"I do not," Inuyasha retorted as he entered the room. "You are half the reason, little sister."

"Yes, so that you may torment me," Rin sniffed, glaring at her other brother.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, sighing. "Welcome home, brother."

"Still up to your wily ways, I see."

Inuyasha smirked. "I find bachelorhood becomes me. And you? Did you not find a nice, tame country bumpkin to your liking?"

"I find bachelorhood becomes me," Sesshoumaru echoed with a little smirk of his own. Though they had their differences and their disagreements, they were brothers after all. There was a mutual respect between them, albeit tenuous at times.

"You'll both break Mother's heart," said Rin before she yelled from the window, "Mother! Your bachelor sons have arrived and they are up to no good!"

"Rin dear, do not shout from the window! It is not ladylike behavior!"

"Yes, mother!" she called sweetly before whirling on her two brothers and taking them arm in arm. "Come along. Lunch will be on the terrace. I have much to tell you both about the Aynesworth ball."

"No need. I was there, remember?"

"For all of fifteen minutes! There was many a young lady who would have loved to dance. Mother was furious."

Sesshoumaru threw his younger brother a withering look. "For shame, Inuyasha."

The younger Westington scoffed. "Lady Medeley was on my tail. I refused to remain there a moment longer. It was a death trap!"

Rin giggled, understanding her brother's plight. It hardly mattered, anyway. That he made an appearance at a debutante's ball – at the threatening insistence of their mother than in any real want of a wife – was good enough. Both her brothers were two of London's most eligible bachelors. They were desperately sought after and considered prime catches among the ton.

But they were adamant in their refusal of marriage. Sesshoumaru was almost thirty and Inuyasha seven and twenty. They dallied, but kept their distance. Played, but did not form attachments. Their mother worried. Their father remained unconcerned. And Rin believed they just hadn't found the one.

Love was elusive after all. There was hope for them yet.

…

...to be continued...

...

-demimonde