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English
Series:
Part 2 of An Adventure
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Published:
2020-07-27
Completed:
2021-07-28
Words:
2,577
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8/8
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32
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295
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An Inconvenience Rightly Considered

Summary:

The road to true love never did run smooth. Gerald is not quite certain whether he wants to smack Katarina upside the head for her incredulous slowness or kiss her senseless until she figures out just what it is he wants from her. After all, since sense seems to be of no use, maybe its opposite will have the desired effects.

Wherein Gerald Stuart brings the horse to the water and makes it drink.

Notes:

Chapter 1: Pitch

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

There is a faint light coming from the balcony. Gerald knows he should not be leading Katarina down this particular path, unless he wishes to set tongues wagging. It is an isolated, surrounded by hedges and quite out of sight strip of cobbled pathway most amenable to a rendezvous. The half-hoped for realisation does not dawn on Katarina, but that Gerald has long since suspected, even before he set his plan in motion.

Lambent eyes stare up into his face, a world of trust nestled in her gaze. This is either the greatest mistake he will ever make or his most notable success in the realm that is courting his fiancée. Surely, even she cannot fail to grasp the meaning of his gesture, he tells himself as he directs her attention to one of the flowering trees, its bough weighed down by great clusters of blooms. Katarina gasps, hands coming together in a silent clap. “I could plant one of those. Hardly practical,” she says, turning to look at him with a delighted expression, “but I can make room.”

“When the flowers have fallen there will be fruits,” he points out, aware that she holds his gaze as though in a trance. It takes quite a bit not to smile; she startles easily. They are close now; close enough that the sweet soft undertones of her perfume advance teasingly upon his senses. Close enough that the air between them sizzles with as of yet unacknowledged awareness. Close enough that he can almost taste the sugary richness of the toffee she ate but a short while ago. So close that it will be as nothing to reach for her.

He is as startled as her by the time his hand settles on her shoulder. But she is leaning into him. Thus he reciprocates. A warm puff of air plays against his lips and his other hand cradles her cheek.

“Katarina, there you are!”

They jump apart at the shriek. Gerald turns a fierce glare upon a red-faced Mary Hunt. What he wouldn’t give to have her sent far, far, very far away. Perhaps with the diplomatic corps. Indefinitely.

Katarina, bless her heart, remains clueless. “Goodness, Mary; you’re all flustered. Were you looking for me?”

Notes:

You wanted Gerald's POV. You got it. Sister fic to An Adventure Wrongly Considered.

Hope y'all enjoy.

Chapter 2: Genius

Chapter Text

"Shall I help you out?" Geoffrey has the most ridiculous expression on his face as he says that too. It is made all the more ridiculous by the fact his head is lolling at an awkward angle. It's almost as if his brother is trying to not care and to care at the same time. It would be amusing, were Gerald capable of more than a dark scowl at this very moment. As it is, he turns the full force of his glare upon his brother. Not that Geoffrey is much affected. "Fratricide is frowned upon," the eldest points out mildly.

 

"And a good thing that is," Ian notes, looking up from his book for the first time this evening. "Might I suggest you attempt winning the lady over instead of sitting here, planning Alan's death. Makes you seem a bit of a dull dog, if you catch my meaning." Ian smiles, a wry twist of lips before hiding himself behind that book again. 

 

He almost surprises himself when he snorts. Truly, it is such an inelegant reaction. He would much rather have his hands around Alan's throat just about now. "Much you know." But he won't kill Alan. Katarina likes the dolt for some reason. Gerald suspects her soft heart cannot help but go out to the unfortunate souls around her. It would be admirable indeed if every Tom, Dick and Granny could keep from falling head over heels in love with the blasted girl.

 

It is then that inspiration comes to him. Katarina is ever desirous of a project. So he will give her one. Something that will keep her close by, within his grasp and, most importantly, away from her menagerie of pity-consuming suplicants. His mood lifts and he stands to his feet. There is much to be done. 

 

He almost doesn't catch Geoffrey's words once he is out on the hall. "Ian, you sly thing, were you trying to goad Gerald?"

 

Chapter 3: Limits

Chapter Text

Rarely is Gerald at a loss for words. It is very true he is not a man of many words to begin with, per se; he believes in economy of speech not only because a careless mouth can ruin well-laid plans, but also because he had no desire to share his innermost thoughts without a very small circle comprised of perhaps two or three individuals, Katarina included. More than that, however, he prefers to hear others speak, in particular when they offer useful information. As such he feels he should be thrilled at the fact he is gaining something rather than losing out.

“What, precisely, do you mean?” His voice is soft. It is a trial to keep it so. It is unbelievably difficult to keep his usual undisturbed mien as well. He thinks he will pay more attention to Lady Sophia in the future.

Ruby-red, framed by thick lashes, her eyes are as arresting as her speech. “Ordinarily, I would say not a word.” He almost snorts at that. “But I cannot in good conscience keep quiet, so I feel I must speak. Can you promise to make her happy?” The blooming roses on her teacup are cast in deep shadow as she leans slightly in. “If not, it would be kinder to let go.” A small smile touches her lips. “Would you not agree?”

He does not have to explain himself. And certainly not to one of Katarina’s little conquests. Added to which one can never promise to make another happy; one could try, naturally, but success is not guaranteed. He wonders if all of Katarina’s friends are this simple-minded and very nearly sighs. “Kindness is a matter of perspective,” he answers in the end, reaching out for his own cup. He takes a sip, watching his silver haired companion over the rim.

Chapter 4: Ingenuity

Chapter Text

This is his chance. The setting is perfect with a low moon hanging heavy in the sky and the shining stars burning like thousands of tiny candles. The faint scent of roses clings to the intimate moment, offering silent encouragement. Katarina’s eyes are on the great vast open field above. For a moment he fears she’s drifted away as she always does when it comes to the point.

But this time, when his hand brushes hers ever so gently, a whisper of a stroke, her gaze turns to him. And here she is. Finally, Katarina stands where he wants her to, by his side no less. The time for wards has swept past them. He screws his courage to the sticking place and reached out for a firmer touch, well aware this could be the making or breaking of all his hopes.

Gingerly he cups her face between his hands, wishing etiquette would allow him to make do without gloves, but his lips still meet hers unobstructed. As his is the slow conquest of seduction, he merely teases for the time being, content to feel the shock of her warm breath along with the soft hitch she makes when realisation finally dawns on her.   

That she hasn’t run screaming for the hills is heartening. Still, Gerald shan’t make the mistake on thinking himself the winner on so little. Yet to capitalise on this most recent victory, he presses his mouth to hers again and prods just a bit harder than before. Enthused at the sigh that meets his efforts, Gerald dares to lower his hands to Katarina’s waist and prays whoever listens that they are not interrupted.

In fairness, it is a miracle no one has descended upon them yet.

He draws back, greeted by a hazy smile. Gerald mirrors Katarina’s reaction, the edges of his grin sharp enough to cut.    

Chapter 5: Oversight

Chapter Text

If looks could kill, he’d be lying in a pool of his own blood. Gerald grits his teeth and reminds himself they are quite inconspicuous in full view of the whole realm and he cannot run the little rat through lest he inspire a great deal of opprobrium, even if the little bastard is doing almost everything in his power to make the occasion as uncomfortable as humanly possible.

A calming breath later, he dares a look at Katarina. The queen of nervous decorum, she gives a shy smile, bright eyes darting about the chamber, as though seeking the support of those around. He very nearly melts, but somehow manages to hold onto his charm long enough to notice, unruffled, that Mary too sports a murderous look. He leans slightly into Katarina just to goad his rival that bit further, ready with a whisper, for the simple pleasure such closeness produced. “What do you think of the night, so far?”

She jumps in her seat and the wine in her glass rises perilously close to the rim. “Everyone has been so very nice.” Her voice is about as tremulous as her wrist, but she is, thankfully, able to rectify the glass so as to not dump the rest of her drink on him.  

“Have they?” His lips curl into a genuine smile at her wide-eyed innocence. She is so wonderfully trusting. Glancing Mary’s way once more, he cocks an eyebrow, daring her to act; wanting her, even, to leap out of her seat and challenge him. But she won’t.

Secure in his victory, he pushes away from his lady-fair and awards the watchful gazes resting on him in that moment his best effort at a beatific smile. The world is his. With all its infinitely rewarding facets his triumph brows deeper and deeper into his heart.

He can almost overlook the glances exchanged between Alan and Mary. Almost.       

Chapter 6: Sway

Chapter Text

The never-ending social whirl keeps grating on his nerves. All he wants to do is take Katarina by the hand and abscond in some in some cozy corner where the world can narrow down to just the two of them and he won’t need to mind any other living being in existence. “I am merely saying we could do with an outing. A lovely few days in the countryside,” he points out, thinking of all the hours he may spend with her in such a setting, without the interference of her devotees. The mere notion sends a chill running down his spine.

“That is quite the notion. We could all use some relaxation.” But perhaps he shouldn’t say too much and simply arrange the whole affair quietly; Katarina, bless her sweet heart, would blurt it out unthinkingly and then where would they be. His mind conjures a thousand scenarios ripe for chaos and he pushes them back into the dark well from whence they sprang. “We could even try to cheer Alan up.” From the frying pan into the fire; Gerald would rather spend his time learning to plant turnips. But to shoot Katarina down do callously is simply not possible.      

“We ought to leave him to Mary.” The two of them have been similarly sour in their acceptance of how matters turned out. Those two should open their eyes and take a good look at one another; it will be very much like looking into a mirror, and considering their character, that is the next best thing they could stumble upon beside true love.

“I do not know; he truly does seem to be under the weather.” Blast. She has her heart set on helping Alan, it would seem. “At least we can try, can we not?” She gives him her best pleading look before her face falls. What can he do then but hasten to assure her he will help Alan.

Chapter 7: Options

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

He can do it. Truly, he can. The assurance rings hollow, the sound muffled just beneath the rush of awareness as his brother turns to see him. Alan’s wariness is a clear thing. “What did you want?” He holds up the folded bit of parchment, his tone not quite hostile. Still, Alan is not a man to be trifled with. Gerald will not make the mistake of underestimating him.

“We should talk.” He invites his brother to take a seat, electing to remain standing himself. “Katarina has high hopes for our jaunt in the country. You will nothing to disappoint her.”

“Now wait just a minute,” Alan protests his voice holding a sharp edge, “I have always tried to please her.”

Peaceably, Gerald admits to the fact. “I am only saying we should get along. For her sake.” She’ll be easier if their quarrel is put behind both. Holding his hand out in amicable invitation, he waits for his brother to cave. After all, he does not doubt the veracity of Alan’s feelings, merely wishes they were directed somewhere else. “May the best man win.”

Alan grips his hand tightly. “That is rather fair-minded of you.” The hold keeps for a short moment longer, before their hands pull apart.   

Gerald is glad his twin never catches onto the carefully rehearsed nature of their meeting. It seems equally improbably that he’s noticed the positioning, though he will realises before long that his towering is no mere posturing but the herald of victory as far as Gerald is concerned. He lets his brother up and smiles. “We are not children, to squabble incessantly.”

“As you say.” And that is the end of that, Gerald considers, drawing away from his sibling.

He has done it. Won’t Katarina be ever so pleased? The rest of his plan she won’t hear about until much, much later if it can be helped.

Notes:

One more and we're done :D

Chapter 8: Advance

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The fire burns merrily in the grate, bathing the chamber in a most romantic light. There is little sound other than the popping and crackling of splitting wood. The silence, ever deceptive a mistress, does not mean the room is bare of life.

The two figures seated together near the fire do not speak nevertheless. Gerald cannot guess the reason behind Katarina’s silence, though with her head pillowed on his shoulder, mouth relaxed and eyes tightly closed, he does not think her in one of those far-away trances she gets every so often. For his own part, Gerald engages in a persistent gathering of courage. He wants to make himself clear to this woman because, in spite of his best efforts and the very obvious fact that she is nowhere near indifferent, he gets the sense Katarina operates still under the misconception that their time together is a duty. He’s been thinking of how to best put it, but he think perhaps he had best be blunt.

The lovely lady at his side opens her eyes finally, fluttering lashes doing a small dance before she turned her gaze in his direction. His lips part. The speed of his heartbeat picks up. His cheeks heat. “I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he starts, noting the way her attention sharpens on him.

But before he can make his grand confession, the door swivels on its hinges with a loud screech gutting not only the atmosphere but his own pluck. “Naughty, naughty,” Mary teases from the doorway. “You two, sneaking around like this is not permitted. Come along now, everyone’s waiting.” He hears Alan call from somewhere down the hallway.

Katarina’s laughing protest should irk him. But then she puts her hand in his as they sit up. Warmth explodes in his chest.

Perhaps she knows already, after all.      

Notes:

Et voilà la fin.

Thank you everyone for reading and leaving me so many kudos. I enjoyed this little experience. :)

All the best.

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