This is a fan made story. I don't own the rights to SHIELD, any of its characters or any characters within the MCU… Much to my disappointment. This is a Regency Era based AU and I will be pulling characters from all over the MCU. Fair warning. Constructive criticism is welcome but if you don't like it simply because you don't like the line of thinking, please don't attack me for it.
Chapter 11: The First
Stephanie's wedding went off without a hitch. She, however, was not seen for a full week after by either Natasha, Daisy or even Peggy. After that week she returned to their attentions, though she now glowed almost constantly with happiness. The new Mrs. Barnes had declared there was nothing in the world that could have made her happier than her marriage to James Buchannan Barnes. Peggy had responded that everyone who had known her would have been able to tell her that years ago.
Now, the season was in full swing and invitations came flooding in with an increasing rate. Jemma had to go through these with Daisy and Natasha to pick and choose which should be accepted and which declined. Peggy got married in March as expected and she became the Marchioness of Fury, Lady Margret Wilson. Her friendships with Daisy and Natasha meant that their social standing increased as well, often bringing the attentions of nobles to them.
Natasha remained steadfast in her interest of Dr. Banner despite the increased attentions from higher ranked individuals. Daisy, while tolerating their presence, found most of these men to be simpering dandies without much thought beyond the idea of expanding their own wealth with her estate and fortunes. Daisy in particular seemed to draw the attentions of second and third sons who were with little inheritance to look forward too due to their parents' extravagant spending. Her having a healthy estate and large dowry was a tempting prize.
The more balls she attended, the more grateful she found herself that Maj. Triplett's family traveled in the first circles of society. The Major was a great relief for his already intimate acquaintance of her family. She would eagerly accept his offer for the first dance whenever he asked, especially if there was a possibility of Col. Ward also attending the ball as well. With attending balls, dinners and other such events almost daily, Daisy felt increasingly frustrated with the majority of the men of society. When she had first arrived back in England, her hope was for greater freedom compared to her life in China.
Now she knew that as a single lady of good fortune, that would not be the case. She actually was beginning to wish they had remained at St. Agnes's after the holidays but knew that had never been an option. Just after Peggy and Lord Wilson left for their wedding trip she was visited by her aunt.
"I know that your friends are marrying off but I want you to not worry about the same just yet. This is only your first season. While the crush and the business of the schedule can be exhausting if you aren't used to it, you should try to enjoy it a bit more," Lady Victoria stated. "I know that you feel there is a certain level of expectations on you but you are young and have ample time for marriage later. If you focus solely on your marriage prospects you will take all of the fun out of the season. When you are asked to dance, focus on the joy of dancing, not on the quality of conversation provided."
Daisy sighed before nodding her understanding. She knew that she had been focusing on the marriageability of the men who paid their attentions to her and not on simply enjoying the excitement of the season, especially since the death of Mr. Koenig. Her friends' marriages had also made her feel like she had a duty to marry as well. All of this was, as her aunt pointed out, completely ridiculous. Her grandfather had ensured that whether she married or not was not important. She would be financially independent as soon as she reached her majority in two years. As for her family, none of them were pressuring her to marry since they knew that it would be her life impacted by marriage and respected that fact.
"Of course, Aunt Vicky. I seem to have gotten side tracked by what society expects without remembering that my family would allow me more freedom. How are Charles and Justine?" Daisy had spent very little time with her cousin and his wife since the Christmas and she was now feeling a little guilty about it.
"They have retreated to Copperkell until after Justine's confinement. The doctor said that due to the amount of her increasing it is possible she is carrying twins, especially since her mother bore twins as well. We can only hope for the good fortune of our family that at least one of the children will be a son," Daisy's aunt seemed pleased by the idea of grandchildren despite the fact that she didn't look her age and therefore not nearly old enough for being a grandmother.
"Ah, yes, that is probably wise. I will pray for a safe delivery for all," After this, her aunt discussed a variety of topics, some more serious than others.
"Oh, did Leo tell you? We received a letter from Papa just the other day. He said to expect him and Mama by midsummer. Apparently, the Regent has finally decided on a new ambassador to China. Papa seems to be relieved. I don't think he likes the distance between himself, mama and the rest of the family. Especially since Uncle Zhang isn't there to act as a go between between him and the Emperor," Daisy smiled at the idea of her parents joining her family back in England.
"That is good to hear. I always worry for Phillip and Melinda being so far from home. I presume Leo is overjoyed by the news," Lady Victoria responded with a genuine smile.
"Yes. He is overjoyed. I think he can't wait until Jemma meets Mama and Papa," Daisy nodded.
"No doubt. Well, I must be going. I have others that I must visit today," Lady Victoria left, now a little less worried about her niece who had looked increasingly unhappy.
"It has been two months. She could hardly still be mourning that jumped up tradesman. Not that I know of why she wouldn't be in any doubt of my attentions now," Col. Ward reasoned to the General Garret.
"Perhaps not a proposal, seek a courtship. Lady Victoria will caution against a hasty marriage," Garret responded, knowing that the girl's aunt would be a major influencing factor.
"We have been acquainted for more than four months. There is hardly anything hasty about it," Ward dismissed the caution.
He would propose on the next day. His brother had already been making life more difficult for him and had recently declared that he had no intention of further supporting his military career and at his rank, without further support, he could go no higher. Not without significant risk to himself.
Daisy and Natasha had been invited to go riding with Maj. Triplett and Dr. Banner. Natasha was convinced that she was close to having the man declare himself. Regardless of the difference in their stations and his lack of fortune, Natasha had found that she was truly attracted to the gentle doctor and was determined to attach herself to him.
"How have you been enjoying your season?" The Major asked, making small talk while Natasha and Dr. Banner were riding ahead of them but still within sight.
"Filled with a lot of emptyheaded men incapable of carrying a good conversation. I think the only worthy acquaintances are yourself, Dr. Banner, and my friends' husbands," Daisy stated boldly. She had become increasingly fond of the intelligent Major.
"I am not sure if that is meant as a complement to myself or censure of the men of the Ton in majority. Surely Col. Ward isn't so bad," Maj. Triplett chuckled.
"Can it not be both? As for the Colonel, he is too busy telling me of his expectations of how a proper lady behaves and not actually attempting to actually know anything about myself. Could you imagine his reaction to my morning exercises? Doubtless he would be scandalized by the idea of a lady being capable of defending herself," Daisy chuckled.
Triplett nodded, conceding her point, "Honestly though, he really wasn't always so ridiculous in his behavior. Before General Garret became the head of the War Office, Col. Ward wasn't nearly so… pompous…"
Daisy chuckled at the description, "Well, as I don't recall him before his meeting the General, I don't feel like I could defend him at all."
"Hasn't he known your brother since you were 13 though?" Triplett questioned as he glanced at Natasha and Dr. Banner.
"My brother, certainly. I only ever met him once before we returned to China though, leaving Leo to his college education. We were only in England for three years and my encounter with him was only a week long before our return to China. Furthermore, I was still in the school room, my interactions with him were minimal at best. That is added to the event being 6 years ago and it is hardly surprising that I know little of him before his connection to General Garret."
Triplett nodded his understanding. He had found himself increasingly drawn to the unique young lady. However, he was worried that he could be mistaken about her friendly demeanor. Daisy might just view him in a good manner due to his relation to her friend, Miss Triplett or because he accepts her odder activities.
"I suppose that is understandable," He finally responded, as they rejoined Miss Romanoff and Dr. Banner to return back to the Coulson's home.
When they arrive, it is to see a carriage pulling up to the house. All but Dr. Banner immediately recognized the carriage as Col. Ward's. Both men bid their farewells to the ladies and rode off. Natasha and Daisy reluctantly turned their horses down the path to the sables behind the house and dismounted, leaving their horses to the care of grooms.
They then entered the house and moved to quickly change with the assistance of their maids. When they finally arrived in the drawing room where their guest waited, it was to find him sitting with Jemma, Leo and Miss Morse having tea.
"Miss Coulson, Miss Romanoff. How wonderful. Your brother said that you were out riding and I worried that I would miss you," Col. Ward stood, smiling a little too eagerly for Daisy's liking.
"Yes, we saw your carriage just as we returned. My apologies, we weren't aware that you would be calling today," Daisy stated, pouring tea for herself and Natasha before taking a seat in a chair rather than on the couch that Col. Ward occupied.
"Not at all. I visited without warning," the Colonel stated before turning to Leo and Jemma. "I was hoping, if it isn't too presumptuous to do so, that I might have a private audience with Miss Coulson."
Jemma sighed knowingly and looked to Leo who nodded. Natasha stiffened, knowing full well how Daisy felt about the Colonel but at the same time knew that it was her who had to make it known to the man now, "Just a few minutes and the door shall stay open. Miss Morse, if you would be so kind as to remain just outside for propriety's sake?"
The others all stood and exited, Miss Morse being last of them and she carefully left the door open and sat in a chair just outside.
"Miss Coulson, I have, over the past few months, shown you a distinct amount of attentions. You are an intelligent, vivacious young woman of good standing and I am a gentleman born to a noble family of good breeding. Furthermore, I have long been a friend of your brother. I believe that a match between the two of us would be viewed favorably by all. Also, I have found over the past months that your beauty has drawn me in and enthralled me and have come to think of you with great fondness," Col. Ward's words left his intentions clear but in a way that Daisy was certain without any real feeling. "As such, I ask for your hand in marriage."
Daisy felt rather peculiar about his proposal. She had shown him no interest and often went directly against what he suggested was proper for a young lady and yet he would still propose. Daisy sighed gently before standing, "Col. Ward, while I recognize your feelings, I apologize but I cannot accept them. I believe that our temperaments are such that would be ill suited to each other and it would be an unfortunate mistake to make such an alliance while aware of such a factor."
"You're rejecting me? Even though you are aware that I am the son of an Earl and have many advantageous connections? Even knowing now that I care for you?" The Colonel didn't seem willing to accept Daisy's response well.
"I am. I believe that no amount of favorable connections or care on your part could negate the knowledge that we are in fact quite ill-suited in temper and that I do not reciprocate those feelings," Daisy stated firmly but not cruelly.
"I see, if you will excuse me," Col. Ward turned and quit the room. Daisy could only hope he would quit the house all together. When Miss Morse re-entered the room followed shortly by Natasha and Jemma, Daisy was disabused of this hope.
"He is speaking with Leo. You refused him, correct?" Jemma asked gently, Natasha needed no confirmation of this.
"I did. He seemed to think that his connections held greater weight than the fact that our tempers don't suit and that I don't love him," Daisy responded.
Natasha chuckled, "You act coldly and it earns you a proposal. I all but declare love to Dr. Banner and he still hasn't taken the hint to even request a courtship."
"Hmm… Perhaps Leo can demand the good doctor make his intentions known. You were left in his care after all so it wouldn't be so unreasonable. I wouldn't want you to be led on only to have it end in disappointment," Jemma offered a solution to one of the problems at hand.
"Give him another week. I don't want to pressure him into something he doesn't wish for or scare him away," Natasha responded after a moment of thought.
"Please, Leo is about as scary as a puppy. I doubt he could scare anyone away. On that note, Jemma, you may need to go rescue him from the Colonel," Daisy pointed out.
Jemma chuckled before nodding to do just that.