Author's Note: I can't convey how grateful I am for all of the love and support this story has received. Thank you so, so much! I love to hear what you think, so please review!
Beta'd by lastincurableromantic
After dining with the family of one of Harriet's old friends, a circumstance which blessedly removed most of the Gardiners' attention from herself, Rose had repaired rather hastily to her room upon arriving at the inn. Though she had promptly climbed into bed (she was, after all, quite honestly knackered), she had lain awake for hours, her mind and heart far too absorbed in the day's events to allow for sleep.
Yet despite her lack of rest and her struggle with mornings in general, Rose awoke the following day with an uncommon amount of nervous anticipation and energy. Consequently, she shied away from the full breakfast that had been prepared for them, her stomach balking at the thought. Aunt Harriet, however, with a bit of coaxing, persuaded her to nibble at a slice of toast as she drank her mandatory cuppa.
Since Mr. Smith's party was expected to arrive today and they would undoubtedly need a day to settle in, Rose and her aunt agreed that Miss Smith would probably pay them a visit tomorrow. They decided, therefore, to spend the day leisurely exploring and visiting in the village. Rose had finally settled enough to try and read a bit, though her mind drifted. She growled with frustration when she realized she had just read the same paragraph several times over without processing any of it.
The sound of a carriage pulling up caught their attention. Rose and Mr. Gardiner looked up expectantly as Aunt Harriet peered down at the street below. "What a beautiful carriage! A bit unusual, I'll admit. Rose, you must come and see it."
Rose, who had already begun to make her way to her aunt's side, pulled back the curtain slightly so that she could peek down, and suddenly inhaled sharply. The carriage was handsome and stately but not ostentatious; one might have declared it to have an understated beauty if not for the color. It was painted in a rich shade of blue with bright white trim, and she immediately knew to whom it belonged.
"They're here," she whispered, feeling her pulse pick up speed, her hands automatically fluttering up to smooth her hair and dress. The thought that they might come today hadn't even occurred to her. Her golden hair was only partly pulled back, the rest hanging down in soft waves about her shoulders, and her ivory dress was an everyday one, simple and comfortable. In short, she looked quite lovely, but she felt, well… discombobulated.
Aunt Harriet looked curiously between the fine coach below and Rose, who was clutching the poor curtain almost desperately. Her nervous energy was now so pronounced as to be almost tangible. Sure enough, the door opened, and the long, graceful form of Mr. Smith emerged, followed by a much more petite figure. Gently prying Rose's fingers from the delicate material, she squeezed the young lady's hand reassuringly, knowing that that was what she needed now. Later, perhaps once her niece realized it herself, she could tease her about how far gone she already was over this enigmatic man.
"Well, then." Harriet spoke confidently, encouraging Rose with a small smile. "We should be honored. Miss Smith must be quite eager to meet you, coming to visit when they've only just arrived in town."
Rose managed a weak smile in return, drawing a little comfort from her aunt's composure, but she still fidgeted and fretted far more than she normally would have done. What if he'd built her up too much, and Miss Smith was disappointed in her? And why did it matter to her so much, anyway?
The door to the sitting room swung open and a servant entered, announcing their guests. Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze instantly met Mr. Smith's. For a moment she got lost in those dark brown depths, in the openness, adoration, and uncertainty shining out at her, catching her off guard just as it had yesterday. But unlike yesterday, this meeting was expected (if a bit early) and entirely proper. To her chagrin, Rose found herself blushing at the remembrance of yesterday's unconventional encounter and hurried to assist in the required introductions.
Miss Susan Smith was a slight, pretty young woman with her brother's deep chestnut hair and eyes. To Rose's relief, her gaze, while curious, was not as close or intense as her brother's; indeed, despite the rumors of her pride, Rose sensed that she was only unsure and shy, judging by the joyful spirit she saw dancing in her eyes. Rose warmed to her almost immediately, her eagerness to put her at ease melting away her own hesitation.
After a few minutes of polite conversation (and much covert observation), Mr. Smith turned to address Rose, hesitating slightly. "Mr. Harkness is due to meet us here and would very much like to see you. If you wouldn't mind, that is."
Rose was about to reply that she would indeed like to see him when the man himself came charging into the room. A delighted grin lit his face when he spotted her, and for a moment she was positive he was going to sweep her into a hug. Stopping himself just short, a hint of sadness crept into his merry eyes before he could hide it, and she couldn't help wondering if he was thinking of her sister. Instead, with an affectionate smile he brought her hand smoothly to his lips. "Hello again, Miss Rose."
What might have remained of her anger or frustration evaporated as Rose tried, unsuccessfully, to bite back a smile. As he stepped back, Rose saw him cast a sideways, almost mischievous glance at his friend. Following his gaze, she beheld Mr. Smith glaring daggers at him in return, his jaw tense. Through her surprise she recalled him acting in a similar fashion once before, and a moment later it finally clicked. He was jealous. Over her.
An involuntary laugh slipped past her lips; she couldn't help it. The thought that he would feel that way about such an innocent gesture was both ridiculous and kinda sweet. His eyes shot up to meet hers, and whatever he saw there must have pleased him, as he immediately relaxed. His scowl gave way to a mildly indignant expression which, upon drawing laughter from both Rose and Susan, changed quickly to a boyish grin. He still cares about me, Rose marveled, the thought stirring something deep within her that she couldn't quite name. It was relief and admiration, respect and wonder, and perhaps something more. And it felt wonderful.
Conversation picked back up around them as they dragged their gazes away, her heart fluttering gaily. Feeling several sets of eyes upon her, Rose turned her attention back to Mr. Harkness. "Did you enjoy your stay in London, then, Mr. Harkness?"
"Sure, it was great. Always somewhere to go, and interesting people to meet," he quipped lightly, though he couldn't hold her gaze.
Sensing his discomfort, Mrs. Gardiner sprang into action, eager both to divert him and to learn more about the charming young man who had caused so much drama in her family. Rose smiled as she listened to them converse about life in London, sure that her aunt and uncle would be quickly won over.
Turning towards Miss Smith, who had been quietly following the conversation, Rose smiled and said, "I really am happy to meet you at last. I have heard so many lovely things about you, but there's nothing quite like meeting someone face-to-face, is there?"
Susan eyed her with an admiration that frankly flustered her more than a little. What had she heard that caused her to look at her so? "You are so right. I have longed to meet you as well, Miss Tyler."
"I know you only arrived this morning, but… I assume you saw your present?" Rose queried, remembering Susan's purported fondness for music.
"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, her eyes radiant as she looked from Rose to her brother, who had silently joined them. She bounced slightly just thinking of it, and her smile was infectious. "It is beautiful, and the sound! I do hope I shall get to hear you play," she surprised Rose by saying.
"Me?" she squeaked. "I mean, yeah, of course, if you want, but I'm afraid it will seem rather, um… simple next to your own."
Susan shook her head in disbelief. "My brother says that hearing you play was one of the greatest pleasures he's had, and he only ever speaks the truth. Sometimes gets him into a bit of trouble, too," she teased, nudging him in the ribs.
Her cheeks warm at the unexpected praise, Rose glanced up to find Mr. Smith's eyes averted and his ears rather pink. A rush of warmth flowed through her. Looking back at his sister, she replied shyly, "I promise to play if you will. You are very lucky to have such a good man for a brother."
His eyes flew back to hers, startled and then intent, as though he was trying to see through them into her soul.
"Yes, I am." Susan replied, her words breaking through the quiet intensity of the moment.
Their visitors stayed for a short time, and it was decided that Mr. Gardiner would come to fish at the estate in the early morning, with the ladies arriving a little later in the day.
Just before parting, Jack drew her a couple steps back from the others, seemingly so they might not be overheard. "It really is fantastic to see you again, Rose," he declared with his old familiarity, his face sincere. "It's been too long."
She studied him for a moment before replying. "It really has," she agreed.
"The last time we met was at the Torchwood ball," he reminisced, smiling fondly to himself. "The 26th of November - nearly eight months ago!"
There seemed to be something so akin to longing in his voice that Rose felt a quiet hope spark to life inside her. Perhaps he had not so easily forgotten Donna after all.
Aunt Harriet and Rose both woke rather excited about returning to the magnificent estate, this time by invitation. Rose was brimming with other emotions as well. Now that she knew Miss Harkness might actually have had reason to be jealous, she was curious as to how she would be received by her and her sister. Of course she was extremely happy to see Mr. Harkness and Miss Smith again, especially since she now could vouch that there was nothing more between them than friendship.
And as for Mr. Smith… well, the thought of seeing him again made her nervous, but not in a bad way. Not entirely, anyway. It was new, this nervousness, as she certainly had never felt this way around him when she loathed him, and she felt excited and shy, too. Remembering the warmth of his gaze, the spark she'd felt when he took her hand, and that brilliant smile that she wanted to see again and again, her heart beat fast with anticipation.
But perhaps you will not see him at all, she reminded herself, feeling rather silly at getting so carried away. Get ahold of yourself, ya ninny, and don't make this into something it's not. He's been amazingly kind and gracious, but perhaps that's all this is, an attempt to make amends.
Upon arriving at the estate, the ladies were led into an elegant sitting room, where Miss Smith greeted them enthusiastically. Miss Harkness and Miss O'Brien were also there, as well as Mrs. Annesley, who had a kind, careworn face and who had stayed with Miss Smith in London.
The view from the room was of the woods and hills behind the house, the lawn in between interspersed with sprawling oaks and chestnut trees. Rose found her attention wandering that way when the conversation lulled, which it often did. Reinette and her sister were coolly civil, offering only the most necessary attentions, and Susan was obviously diffident in the role of hostess. Fortunately Mrs. Annesley was both intelligent and friendly, conversing easily with Mrs. Gardiner and Rose and showing herself to more of a lady than either of the disdainful sisters who liked to claim that title.
Rose found herself the object of their scrutiny, especially that of Miss Harkness, who finally condescended to speak to her. "All your family is in good health, I trust, Miss Tyler?"
"They are, thank you," Rose replied succinctly, refusing to acknowledge or respond to the contempt in her tone.
Reinette smiled tightly in response, nodding her head ever so slightly. A welcome respite from the forced pleasantries arrived in the form of a light snack of delectable pastries and fresh fruit, which were first admired and then enjoyed with great relish by all.
As they were finishing their repast, the familiar form of K-9 came loping into the room. He headed straight for Susan, who, forgetting her company for a minute, exclaimed joyfully and hugged him close round his neck. He soon noticed the other ladies in the room and bounded over to Rose, nuzzling her hand affectionately.
"I've never seen him act that way with a stranger," Reinette remarked, an unhappy note of disbelief in her voice.
"Oh, but we met yesterday, didn't we, boy?" Rose murmured, gently scratching his muzzle. Looking up, she saw the other woman's mouth fall open in shock.
"Yep. Took me completely by surprise, they did," Mr. Smith declared, sending a disarming smile at Rose as he entered the room. Seeing him again, even though it had only been a day, made her both inordinately happy and decidedly more jittery.
Miss Harkness quickly reined in her displeasure and stood, crossing to Mr. Smith and placing her hand delicately upon his arm. "What an unexpected surprise! I'm so glad you have come to join us, Mr. Smith," she purred, looking up at him from beneath her lashes. Rose felt something within her grow hot and recoil at the sight of her rather familiar touch. It's my own fault for letting myself get carried away, she thought, feeling her defenses start to rise again.
That was, until she noticed his reaction. He looked startled and almost uncomfortable, though he was trying his best to hide it. "Erm," he began awkwardly, pulling slightly at one ear as he slipped just out of her grasp, "well, we have been having a grand old time fishing. But then I heard that Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Tyler had arrived and felt I should come add my welcome to my sister's. Although technically you've been here before, and of course you were quite welcome then as well, but formalities, you know…"
He smiled at his guests, trailing off self-consciously. Both Mrs. Gardiner and Rose smiled back and thanked him for his kindness, Rose noting that he had become endearingly verbose, as was his habit when he was nervous. And since when had she started noticing his habits? she wondered.
Susan seemed to take courage from his presence and spoke up. "My brother tells me you have been touring the countryside. Do you like it?"
Her eyes sparkling, Rose replied earnestly, "Oh, I love it! It has been like a dream, being able to travel like this. Exploring new places and wandering to my heart's content, just breathing it all in. 'S gorgeous."
Susan seemed delighted by her response, her eyes flitting to her brother, who listened raptly, his eyes trained on Rose's face. Smiling, she said, "I'm so glad, Miss Tyler. My brother loves to travel, too, you know, and sometimes takes me with him. On adventures," she declared, smiling up at him fondly.
Rose's heart melted just a little more as she watched them together. "How wonderful! I'm sure you must have lots of stories. Do you think you might tell me about them sometime?"
Susan eagerly agreed, seconded by her brother, who seemed only too happy for these two to get to know each other better.
Only a short distance away, however, Miss Harkness sat fuming inwardly. She had thought herself rid of this impertinent, common girl, yet now here she was again, trying to worm her way back into the affections of Mr. Smith, a man far above her station. How she had managed to win him over to begin with remained a mystery to her. And now she was trying to befriend his sister, too! It was too much to be borne. Her mind seizing any excuse to break up their cozy chat, she said sweetly, "Miss Smith, would you be so kind as to grace us with a song? I long to hear you play upon the exquisite instrument Mr. Smith has so sweetly procured for you."
When no one objected to this plan, the group adjourned to the music room, known affectionately as 'Susan's room.' K-9 followed them in, curling up serenely in front of the piano. Rose sat in the chair nearest the instrument; although she sometimes liked to just close her eyes and lose herself in the music, she also enjoyed watching the pianist's hands fly gracefully over the keys. So, happily perched and with an encouraging smile for Miss Smith as she began, Rose did not notice John Smith seat himself in the sofa adjacent to her, nor the way his brown gaze rested upon her as often as they did upon his sister.
Reinette did, however, causing resentment to bubble up within her. Acting on instinct, she lashed out at Rose, truly ignorant that her words would cause distress to more than their intended target. Her voice cutting across the glorious tune, she cooed with false sympathy, "Miss Rose, is it true that the militia have left Meryton? What a loss that must be for your family! Especially of a certain Mr. Saxon?"
The lilting melody tripped to a halt, and Rose instantly sprang from her seat, rushing to Susan's side. Laying a gentle, comforting hand on the young woman's trembling shoulder, she murmured, "How silly of me! Of course you cannot play without someone to turn the pages for you." Her eyes misted slightly at the look of gratitude on Susan's sweet face, and she focused on that, rather than the fierce anger simmering within her.
Mr. Smith, who had snapped upright at the mention of that name, now marveled at the sight before him. Rose's compassion and protectiveness tugged at his heart, sending a delicious warmth through him as the tension slowly left his body. Though he would have thought it impossible, he found he loved this woman even more.
As Susan's trembling subsided, the song flowing out freely once more, Rose brought her eyes up to meet his, feeling the familiar weight of his gaze. She gripped Susan's shoulder gently, her balance made suddenly precarious by the undisguised love and admiration she saw there. A sweet smile of contentment and longing graced his features, and she returned it, something deep and unspoken passing between them. I'm falling for him, she realized, surprised that the idea didn't shock her as much as she would have thought.
Miss Tyler and the Gardiners left shortly thereafter, Mr. Smith seeing them to their carriage. He was loathe to let Rose leave, though of course she must, and he contented himself with the knowledge that he might see her at least twice more before they left, if he wanted.
Oh, how he wanted.
Once again taking her hand to help her into the carriage, he held it far longer than was necessary, or indeed proper, but he found he didn't care. She made him care less about a lot of things, to be honest, and focus instead on things that truly mattered. Of course he would always strive to honor the memory of his parents and make them proud, but he could also admit now that they would have cared more about his happiness than he had allowed himself to since their death. With this new assurance, he felt a sense of release, no longer bound by the dictates and expectations of society. When it came to his heart, his happiness, his future, it all came down to her, and no one else. He loved Rose Tyler madly, in a way he never had loved before, and he began to hope that he might actually have a chance at winning her heart.
Returning to the others, he overheard Reinette in the midst of cutting Rose down, foolishly applying to him for support when she saw him enter the room. "Miss Rose Tyler looked quite changed from the last time we saw her, and not for the better, I'm afraid. She has grown so tan and thin. Cassandra agrees that we would not have recognized her."
Tamping down the fury he felt at her words, he replied coolly, "It is a quite natural result of her traveling, with so much walking about under the open sky." A note of admiration crept into his voice at the thought of their shared enthusiasm for adventure.
"I must say, I never found her pretty," she persisted, oblivious in her jealousy to the fact that her cruelty would only hurt his estimation of herself. "Her features are too common and unremarkable to be called attractive. Her smile is far too wide, though I suppose her nose is tolerable. And her eyes, which have been called lovely, do not strike me as such. They are far too keen, too candid for a lady, and her overall attitude of impertinence and stubborn independence is simply intolerable."
A stony silence met her criticisms, but still she did not relent. "Why, you yourself shunned her at first, Mr. Smith, and quite rightly. We were all surprised to hear that she was considered a beauty. Although she seemed to grow on you over time," she continued, her voice full of contempt.
His sister looked both surprised and hurt, as though she desperately wanted to defend her friend but hadn't quite found the courage. John felt the sting of truth in Reinette's words, long since ashamed of his initial dismissal of her. But the storm within him brewed ominously, rising to defend the woman he loved. This stopped now. "It is true," he affirmed, his barely contained fury making his voice unnaturally rough, "but that was only when I first met her, and resulted from my own foolish pride. For many months now I have considered her as one of the most beautiful women I have ever known."
Having said his piece, he turned and strode from the room, leaving an awed silence in his wake.