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 12: Plots Abound

Leo looked at little startled by the behavior of the man before him. When Ward had come into his office he thought it was to inquire after either his latest prototype of the revolving pistol chamber or advice about making investments. What he hadn't expected was Grant Ward coming in rather irate and requesting permission to marry his sister.

"So you want to marry Daisy? You do realize that she doesn't really like you right?" Leo started, trying to dissuade his friend without upsetting him further.

"It is an advantageous match. She is young, naïve and willful. I am sure she would thank you for it when she is older," Ward tried to reason with his friend without realizing that Leo wasn't going to agree to the marriage.

"It is an advantageous match for you certainly," Leo responded reluctantly. "A bit less so for Daisy. She has her own substantial fortune. Our grandfather granted her the estate she has and a sizable sum of money in her own right. By the rights bestowed on her in his will, when she comes of age she will have her own independence."

"But she would be marrying the son of an Earl. That is a step up in social standing," Ward stated as if this made all the difference.

"Not for Daisy. Her connections go well beyond an Earl. Her great uncle is the Emperor of China, her uncle is the equivalent of a Duke, her mother is the granddaughter of an Emperor and a second rank Princess of China and the wife of a Baronet. Daisy also has a substantial fortune, something you lack. Honestly, even if those all weren't there… I don't have the authority to agree to any marriage, with or without Daisy's agreement. My father is the one with that authority and he will be returning to England in a few months," Leo finally sighed out.

"So the reason you are saying no is because you can't actually authorize a marriage anyways?" Ward seemed annoyed now.

Leo simply nodded just as Jemma entered the room. Ward then swiftly exited, clearly irate about the situation. Jemma sighed, "I came to rescue you. He was firmly refused by the way. What did you tell him to get him to leave?"

"That my father had to approve the match, I didn't have the authority to do so. It would technically be a legitimate argument if father hadn't given his permission already to do just that. A little white lie can be of no harm. Worse comes to worst, if Daisy does make a match before Father returns I am sure the man can be persuaded to wait until our parents return before making the announcement. It is hardly unusual to want to keep these things quiet until the entire family knows," Leo pointed out.

Jemma nodded and smiled, "You're a good brother. I know it is hard to stand up to a friend with powerful connections but you did the right thing."

"I didn't really stand up to him as I deflected his attempt. It is likely that he may stay persistent. We must all maintain a level of vigilance. I would hate to think my friend capable of it but with the company he keeps, if he attempts to force a match, it might not end well," Leo sighed. "Daisy and Natasha are not to go out unattended and we will have to keep a close eye on them during balls. Daisy more so than Natasha."

"Daisy would never do anything inappropriate," Jemma pointed out.

"That doesn't matter. All he would have to do to affect a compromise is to be found alone with her," Leo pointed out to his wife. She had lived in a much simpler environment growing up and hadn't faced the Ton in force until after marrying Leo.

Jemma nodded her understanding, "Perhaps we can get Mrs. Barnes and Marchioness Wilson to assist us. They are both exceptionally equipped to protect Daisy's virtue."

"That isn't a bad idea. I will leave that to you and Aunt Vicky. I need to attend to business. The spring plantings for Tillsbury, St. Agnes and the other estates aren't something to be neglected if we want to maintain our lavish lifestyle," Leo joked. The truth was that the family often earned far more than they garnered in their income. They actually lived quite modestly given the wealth of their estates.

Jemma then focused on just that. She and Lady Victoria began to organize a shield of shorts around the heiress that was Daisy Coulson. When Daisy went out riding it was never without her companion, Miss Morse, and Natasha as well as one of her bodyguards. When receiving visitors, particularly Col. Ward, who had indeed not given up his endeavors, there were no less than two other women present in the room.

Daisy seemed to find this all very amusing as Jemma had even advocated, rather against her own earlier assessment of the activity, for further education on self-defense in early morning exercises. It also meant that the Colonel was extremely limited in his contact with the young lady. This protection was even extended to the point of Maj. Triplett claiming her hand for every first and dinner set as soon as it was known she would attend a certain ball. After that her friends' husbands and her brother would all each claim a remaining early set in order to limit the opportunities for the Colonel to dance with her.

Daisy, Jemma noted, had acquired a few new admirers which narrowed chances for the Colonel as well. Mr. Lincoln Campbell, Mr. Lancelot Hunter and Col. Alan MacKenzie were all also giving Daisy a good deal of attentions, though the latter two seemed more interest in friendship with her and Mr. Hunter had quite frequently made an effort to ensure Miss Morse was involved in the conversation, much to Jemma's amusement.

As another month passed, Jemma's astute study of Daisy's gentlemen 'suitors' as society had dubbed them, Jemma determined only Maj. Triplett and Mr. Campbell were seriously interested in Daisy for a life partner. Col. MacKenzie seemed to value Daisy's intellect but had no desire for marriage and thus only wished for a good friendship.

In fact, the man had ingrained himself in Daisy's group of friends rather firmly. When no other visitors were around, he even discussed 'fighting techniques' with Daisy, Natasha, Peggy and Stephanie. He was also becoming a quick friend of Leo, much to Jemma's amusement. He had a good understanding of mechanics and thus had begun to assist Leo with his revolving pistol and rifle. Jemma had a feeling that as the disowned the second son of an impoverished noble, Col. MacKenzie sought kindred spirits and had found them in the little circle of friends that had formed around Daisy and Leo.

Mr. Hunter was much more obviously not a suitor as he had recently asked Miss Morse for her hand in marriage. I fact that had surprised no one. Daisy, being fond of her longtime companion and educator, offer the woman a few of the silks from China so that Miss Morse might have a lovely wedding dress. Mr. Hunter was a moderately wealthy gentleman who had little care for the opinions of society and was following his heart. Their courtship seemed to contain a bit if spice due to their temperaments but Jemma thought they were a good match.

Mr. Campbell was an impoverished gentleman rebuilding his family's estate using heavy investments in trade. Jemma wasn't sure if he was interested in Daisy for her exotic nature or her fortune but she guessed it was a bit of both. With her estate, he could sell his own and live comfortably or rebuild it properly with her dowry, but her personally seemed to draw him in just as much.

Col. Triplett was actually the least surprising to Jemma and probably, at least in her opinion, the better option of the two. He, unlike Mr. Campbell, knew of Daisy's more peculiar leanings and seemed to, much like Col. MacKenzie, encourage her to be herself. He also wasn't in such desperate straits. His family's home was in a prosperous condition and while he was a second son, his career was supported by his father. In addition, though this information was not publicly known, a few years' prior, his mother's brother had left him a decent sum of money that he had invested wisely, as he did with much of his earnings.

Col. Ward was becoming increasingly frustrated. Maj. Triplett had actively begun to court Miss Coulson's attentions and affections, much to his everlasting rage. The number of men courting her had increased and unlike his previous competitor, they would not be so easily disposed of. He cursed Gen. Garret for so public action against Mr. Koenig as it backed him into a corner now. What was worse, his wretched brother had actually withdrawn all support, as he had so often threatened, with the birth of a son.

General Garret, while scathing in his ridicule of Ward's impatience, informed him that all was not lost. He did point out that the family in question was insistent that the young adults make the final choice in whom they marry. It was a ridiculous position to take in his opinion but it meant that if Daisy had refused him, her father wouldn't agree to the match without the risk of scandal, however distasteful the behavior was, involved.

Ward wondered a little on how the general knew so much about said family but knew the man had connections everywhere. As such, he opted for the least horrible scandal that he arrange. Miss Coulson was increasingly prone to taking to balconies when the heat of a full ballroom became overwhelming, now that the weather had turned to the fairer due to it now being full spring. Being in the first circles meant they both had access to almost every ball given by virtue of being invited on principle. He knew of several upcoming balls where balconies were private enough that it could be used to stage a compromise with the assistance of a willing servant.

Daisy laughed at Natasha as the young woman paid extremely close attention to her maid's work on her hair for that night's ball. Natasha had become increasingly meticulous about her appearance since two weeks prior, when Dr. Banner had finally requested permission to formally court her. Leo had had to send a letter to Mr. Romanoff for the couple that included all the particulars about the gentleman and Lord Carter had also sent a letter with his assessment of Dr. Banner's character being above reproach. Natasha's own personal letter to her father was sent with Leo's and the reply received from her father was that he had no objections on the matter and to send the man to him when he proposed to work out the legal details.

"Just you wait, you have been acquainted with Maj. Triplett going on six months now. When he requests courtship or marriage, I am going to be just as cruel to you as you become obsessed with your appearance," Natasha retaliated.

Daisy blushed. She also resisted the urge to deny the undeniable. It wasn't until the death of Mr. Koenig and learning that it might have been because of her that she began to focus on the Major. She felt a little guilt at not paying him closer attention before then but at the same time was a little grateful as well since it meant that he hadn't been targeted instead.

When she finally did speak, it was in a teasing tone, "But why would I change my appearance when I finally catch him? Obviously if he likes me as I am, it is better not to change it."

"It isn't about changing it silly. It's about insuring that it is at its best. I haven't completely secured Dr. Banner yet. I must ensure he sees all that he can have if, and only if, he marries me. At least I know he isn't after my fortune too. Do you know Duke Ross's daughter, Lady Elizabeth Ross, whose dowry is 50,000 pounds and a Stropshire estate of 10,000 a year, recently began attempting to gain his attention and he completely ignored her?" Natasha practically gloated.

"Oh please, Lady Ross is engaged and her interest in him was entirely a childish attempt at rebelling against her overbearing father. She is only 17 and doubtless only looking for a rescuer from an unwanted marriage. The only thing that proves is that Dr. Banner isn't insane," Daisy teased, knowing that Natasha wouldn't take offense.

"Yes, but I overheard the girl talking to a friend about attempting to persuade him to elope if he showed even the slightest inclination towards her. Besides, many a great man have been tempted by far less," Natasha pointed out. Daisy merely smiled and nodded.

"All done, diànxià," Xia informed Daisy before bowing low and leaving, followed by Natasha's maid who had also just finished.

"I still find it odd that the Chinese servants refer to you as diànxià. What does it mean?" Natasha asked as they stood and began collecting their accessories for the evening. Natasha smiled a little at the hair ornaments that she and Daisy both wore, each concealing a blade that would scandalize all but the most forward and liberal minded members of society.

"A literal translation would be 'beneath your palace'. It is an honorific for a member of the imperial family. It is also completely ridiculous but since the servants are actually provided by the Emperor, I can't really tell them not to call me that," Daisy sighed.

"I didn't know that," Natasha was confused as the two bodyguards stood on either side of the door to the carriage as Leo assisted the ladies into it.

"It makes me uncomfortable to speak of. My great uncle is particularly invested in my safety. I was nearly kidnapped by a man suspected to have worked for the current French Ambassador when I left a visit with the Empress. It was a matter of pride over the idea that a member of the imperial family could be harmed by a foreigner. My guards are actually imperial guards on loan until I am married, my chef and maid are to stay with me regardless of circumstances. Their families are all being very well compensated for in exchange. My uncle is also to remain until I marry," Daisy explained softly so that her brother wouldn't overhear the conversation.

"Huh… That is a lot of precautions," Natasha pointed out.

"It is supposed to be a show of Imperial power. It doesn't matter if there isn't even the slightest hint of an actual threat. They are their because he is showing his position on his opinion of my safety. While I was in China after the attempt, which was a miserable failure I might add, I wasn't allowed out of the house without a squad of guards in a reinforced carriage," Daisy sighed while recounting the information she hadn't shared. "My last week before leaving was spent in an imperial palace on the coast with a full company to see me off. It was beyond ridiculous. I am actually a little suspicious of my cousin, the Imperial Prince's supposed 'affection' for me because it would be a convenient excuse for my leaving with little real issue. The pretending it was for my health with the underlying factor of my cousin being in love with me was too convenient just after such an attack."

"So the real reason you returned to England was because the French Ambassador attempted to kidnap you?" Natasha was stunned by this revelation. She also didn't blame her friend for not revealing it before now.

"As best I can guess. My parents were insistent that it was because of the Imperial Prince but I am not really his type. He prefers blonds," Daisy whispered back. At this point the carriage stopped and they were forced to end the discussion.