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Author: Desdemona
Spoilers: None, it's AU.
Summary: Buffy is hired as a governess to Lord Angelus McKenzie's
young son, Connor.
Rating: NC17 overall.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. The concept sprang to me after watching
Sound of Music, I don't know why they're not that similar, but I have
no affiliation with any of these productions.
Distribution: Want. Take. Have. Just let me know if you're going to
post it. As always it is free to my site, Land of Denial, Beth's
place and BA University.
Author's Notes: // means thoughts. I didn't really study that much
Irish history. There was a movement called Catholic Emancipation and
it was run by Daniel O'Connell, but I made some obvious alterations
to the key players.
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~1~
Dublin, Ireland. 1826. Home of Lord Angelus McKenzie.
The doctor stepped from the room with a grim visage. The night had been long and hard for all of them, but nothing would compare to the trials facing his lord. She was dead. He couldn't save her and God had willed her to join him in heaven. She could stay only long enough to deliver her dear son. She had never seen the tiny boy, but she would always live on in both the hearts of the men in her life. Lady Darla McKenzie was dead.
"Is everything alright?" the dark haired lord asked as he approached. "I'm afraid your lady has not passed through the ordeal, milord. She was taken from us before I could do a thing for her. She wished that we tell you the name she chose for your son. She wished to call him Connor" the aging doctor announced grimly. A strain had entered the lord's features, his eyes darkened slightly and his frame had wilted. "And my son? How fares he?" the young man questioned. "The young lord is healthy and is resting quietly in the far room at the moment, milord" the doctor explained. No sound was uttered as the lord nodded and turned on his heel, stalking from the hallway and with a resounding slam exiting into the night.
Dublin, Ireland. 1826. The Lionhart Tavern.
"You dirty cheat!" the drunken lout exclaimed in rough tones. His gravely voice grating the ears of all those around him. "I did nothing of the sort, gov'na" the young spirited man returned, standing to lessen the distance between him and the older quarreller. "You, Riley Finn, are a cheat. You stole my coins off this here table, as if you'd stole them from my very purse" the drunk Captain Bringham cried to all those who listened. "I won these coins just as fairly as this honest gentleman did" Riley exclaimed gesturing to the even younger boy to his left. The young man shrank under the heavy stare of the captain. "I pity your young wench of a wife, Finn. She'll be left without a husband and without a coin to her name after you've been dealt with" the Captain announced and lifted a heavy pistol from his belt. "How are you so sure you can kill me?" Finn returned, never baulking from a fight in his life. He'd also never realized his match had been met. "You've wasted you're last words, boy" Bringham exclaimed then fired. The loud crack of the lead ball leaving the pistol echoed through the pub, and shocked silence was kept as Lieut. Riley Finn sank to the ground, grasping the seeping hole in his chest. "Dirty bastard" the Captain muttered as he lifted his pilfered coins from the dead man's grasp and left the tavern for home. Captain Bringham whistled a jaunty sea tune as he walked in the starry night.
Just outside Dublin, Ireland. 1826. Home of Lieut. Riley Finn.
"Buffy! Buffy! Open the blasted door, girl!" a young woman screamed while pounding on the heavy oaken door. "Sadie, what is it?" the blonde asked once she'd flung open the door to see the young barmaid from The Lionhart. "It's Riley, mum," Sadie announced sadly, "he's been in another brawl, and this time the Captain shot him." A shaky hand raised to Mrs. Finn's lips. "Good Lord, Sadie, tell me you're speaking in jest. My husband is not dead by the hand of another, and not in some lowly quarrel in a tavern" the young Mrs. Finn asked. "I'm afraid so, mum" Sadie offered gravely. A single tear ran down Buffy's cheek. "Please have them bring his body home, Sadie. I will prepare him for burial, myself" Buffy announced before closing the door on the younger girl. // What am I to do? We have not a cent to our name, and all because of his fool hardy gambling. Why did I not listen when mother warned me? Now, I must pay the price.//
All the village seem to know in mere hours of the horrors that night had brought to her tiny household. Riley could no longer support her on his meagre salary, and despite the small whispers of old biddies spewing gossip of his short comings, his name had still invoked a certain level of respect. But now that respect was devoid of her, every aspect of his indiscretions were open to the public. The tavern harlots claiming they'd carried his seed when his own wife couldn't, the rumours of his swindling were verified and anyone who'd ever held any hand out in friendship were now as eager as the rest to see her leave of the village. And so she packed. Mrs. Elizabeth Finn knew when she was not wanted, and so with bags containing all the belongings she could carry she left the tiny hamlet to find a job in Dublin. With merely a few shillings in her hand from the sale of her wedding band she climbed into the carriage for the short but poignant ride ahead of her.
~2~
Dublin, Ireland. 1826. Home of Lord Angelus McKenzie.
"The babe deserves some one better to care for him than myself, milord" Cameron Carmichael explained to his employer. The solemn Lord Angelus looked up from the papers he was studying. "And what do you suggest I do, Mr. Carmichael?" he inquired with a false politeness to his speech. "Would a governess be out of the question, milord?" the butler suggested. "Allowing a foreign woman into my home to care for my son? To educate him? How would I know if she were here to swindle something from me? How would I know if her credentials were as accurate as she professed?" the Lord ranted from behind his large mahogany desk. "I suppose you would have to interview her, sir" the butler remarked. The papers caught his master's attention once again. "Put an announcement in the local papers, make sure it states I wish to have someone of the highest credentials. And, Cameron, I suggest you pray that this works or you too will be out of a job" Lord Angelus remarked casually as he dismissed the butler with a wave. Cameron smiled tersely and exited as told. There was no point in arousing the ire of his employer any further.
"I'm sorry, Miss Finnigan. I do not think you'll be meeting our expectations" Cameron remarked wearily. The notice had been put out a week ago and countless applicants had arrived at the door, but none had the qualifications that Lord Angelus required. After only two interviews with nearly illiterate women Lord Angelus had decreed that all further interviews would be conducted by Mr. Carmichael, as it was his suggestion. So far, Cameron had seen fat women, slim women, clean women, filthy women, unintelligible women, crude women, and no one had he felt highly enough to rest his own career in her hands. He walked the latest, Miss Finnigan, to the door and opened it to find a pretty blonde women standing on the step about to ring the bell. After Miss Finnigan had brushed past the girl Cameron announced, "we will not be doing an further interviews today, miss, I'm very sorry." "Oh, please, sir. I beg you to give me a chance to prove my worth" she pleaded. Her green eyes sparkled with hope, and her small hands were clasp in a sign of prayer. She reminded him greatly of his late wife, Evelyn. "One more, Miss..." Cameron told her. She smiled broadly, correcting him, she replied, "I'm Mrs. Elizabeth Finn." "Well, Mrs. Finn, do come in" Cameron remarked gesturing for her to enter. As she passed him to enter the house he took note of the clothing she wore. Her green dress was old, but not exceptionally so. She carried herself with the grace of a lady, while she appeared most comfortable in the grand estate the Lord inhabited. "Are we to meet in the front parlour?" she asked politely. He smiled and nodded, closing the door and leading the way. Once they were both seated on opposite divans he began his questions. "Have you any experience with young children Mrs. Finn?" Buffy got a far away look in her eyes. Pictures of the past danced through her brain. A young toddler with a head full of soft brown curls and beautiful blue eyes so different from her own. "I raised my sister from infancy until her fifth year. She was taken from us by the Scarlet Fever" she explained. Cameron nodded solemnly, "I'm very sorry, my own wife was taken by illness not long ago." She smiled sadly, "I'm very sorry for your loss." He smiled in return before continuing on, "were you educated?" "Have you passed a recent medical check up?" "Are you able to complete basic household tasks?" To all of these questions she answered `yes.' "If you do not mind Mrs. Finn, may I ask why you are not at home with Mr. Finn?" Cameron inquired. She decided to answer him bluntly, "My husband was recently killed, and left me not a cent. He spent all our money on his gambling debts." "I will show you to your room Mrs. Finn, and send for your bags at once," Mr. Carmichael announced with a broad grin. She returned his grin with one of her own. "I will not disappoint you or Lord Angelus" she told him. "I trust you, Mrs. Finn" Cameron returned. "Please call me Elizabeth, Mr. Carmichael" she remarked. "Then I insist you call me Cameron" he replied. She nodded happily and followed Cameron up the stairs and into her new home.
"Who is she Mr. Carmichael?" Angelus questioned when Cameron told him the joyous news. "A Mrs. Elizabeth Finn. She is educated, and healthy. She knows how to care for young children and she can do small household duties as it is required of her, sir" Cameron assured him. "I hope for your sake that she is acceptable" the Lord returned. "She is quite comely as well, milord," Cameron remarked with a twinkle in his eyes. "I'm sure she is. Some old widow I assume," Angelus dismissed. "A widow she is, but I would wait and judge her with your own eyes, milord" Cameron told him with mirth. "We will meet at dinner. That is soon enough," Angelus continued. "As you wish, milord."
A soft knock caused Buffy to stop her nervous pacing. She'd never actually expected to receive the job, she was nervous and excited all in one. She could not stop moving. Answering her door a young man of maybe sixteen years was there holding her bags. "Thank you" she said as she directed him as to where to put them. "My father said he thinks you will fit in nicely here" the young man stated. "Thank you... I'm afraid I do not know you're name" she remarked with chagrin. "I'm Arwyn, mum" he told her, a soft blush suffusing his cheeks. Buffy smiled to him, offering her hand she replied, "I am Elizabeth." After a meek handshake the young lad scuttled from the room, his cheeks crimson from his awe. She was a beauty to be sure. Soon enough the Lord himself would be panting after her like a puppy. With that amusing thought, Arwyn made his way down the quiet halls, leaving Buffy to unpack her meagre belongings. Her drab dresses were unpacked and her serviceable shoes were placed at the foot of her bed. Her undergarments were safely tucked away and her toilette was placed on the bedside table. The only luxury she'd provided herself with was the sliver hairbrush and mirror set that had been a wedding gift from her stepfather. Were Giles to see her now. A soft sigh escaped her lips at the thought. Before her mind could run away to the dark thought that would follow, another knock at her door sounded. "Come in" she called. This time, Cameron opened the door, and stepped in carrying a precious bundle swaddled in a white blanket. The young lord was a tiny thing, with piercing brown eyes and a tuft of dark hair decorating his head. At a mere two months the young lad did little but sleep, eat and soil himself but with the keen eyes he possessed she doubted he would remain inactive for long. "He just awoke from his nap" the butler told her, passing the baby into her waiting arms. Connor McKenzie stared at his new governess with alert eyes. Promptly the baby snuggled instinctively into her cleavage and place his tiny thumb in his mouth. "Your presence is requested at dinner this evening. The Lord would like to greet you. One of the kitchen maids, Amelia, will come up in an hour or so to take Connor for the night. Lord Angelus will expect you downstairs promptly at seven o'clock" Cameron declared. "Thank you, Cameron."
At five thirty Amelia arrived for Connor as promised. Buffy had talked to the young Lord for the hour, rocking in the chair seated by the window in the nursery. She had refused to leave until Connor and been put to bed and so Amelia complied. Once Connor had been bathed and put to sleep Buffy allowed herself the time to prepare herself. The only suitable garment she owned was a silk gown that was at least five years old; however, it would have to do. She bathed quickly and then donned the chemise and corset that accompanied the gown before pulling the golden silk over her head. The dress was a rich golden yellow with a swatch of black lace that hung over her shoulders. The dress sat just off her shoulders and exposed her cleavage in a tasteful way, so unlike the other ladies of court, and the full skirt provided her the luxury of concealing her less than adequate shoes. After brushing her hair to a lustrous shine the clock in the hall chimed seven. Buffy quickly slipped on her shoes and flew from the room, quickly yet gracefully descending the steps. At the base she saw Cameron waiting by the door. Walking toward him she smiled brightly and got a warning look in return. She shrugged her shoulders in a helpless gesture and entered the dinning room with Cameron closing the door behind her. Lord McKenzie lifted his gaze as the door closed, and kept a careful mask to disguise his surprise. Her beauty was astounding. She was young, and voluptuous, barely tainted by a man's hand. She moved with grace and the walk of a true aristocrat, and as she sat he had the vaguest feeling he'd seen her before. "Mrs. Finn, it is a pleasure to meet you" Angelus commented. She nodded, "I am humbled in your presence, my lord." An egotistical smile would have lit his face a few months ago. A person remarking upon his greatness had only fed his obese ego, and when that person was beautiful woman it had only amplified the feeling. Lord Angelus McKenzie had been a man of intense appetites. He had fed an ego and libido the size of no other. Now he was sullen and did little to remove himself from his home. As two young serving girls entered and placed plates in front of them Angelus asked "Shall we dine?" She smiled graciously and nodded. Angelus lifted his spoon to eat his soup but ate very little as he watched with fascination as his new governess quietly sipped her soup in the ways much like the court. She was educated in lady like manners, that much was true.
Through the rest of the meal and into their conversation later in the evening she surprised him. Not only did behave like a lady, but was also able to think like a quite well informed one, and above all of this, her beauty was mystifying. "Would you care for a drink, Mrs. Finn?" Angelus inquired standing and heading to the sideboard to pour himself one. She glanced at the large clock that sat above the mantle in his study. "Ah, no, my lord. I should take my self to bed. I had no idea of the hour. I will barely get a minutes rest before Master Connor awakes again for a feeding" she stated. Angelus nodded solemnly, "As you wish." She smiled softly and stood from her chair. She sank into a great curtsy before him, giving a view of her ample chest to him. "The evening was lovely, my lord" she whispered. "That it was Mrs. Finn," Lord Angelus replied urging her to stand. She quickly and quietly left the room only to be halted in the door frame by his voice. "Mrs. Finn?" he called. Buffy turned to face him, "is there something you wish, my lord?" "Mrs. Finn is quite a mouthful, do you not a have a first name I could call you by?" he asked. Her face broke into a soft grin, "It is Elizabeth, my lord. You may call me Elizabeth."
~3~
Buffy undressed very quickly and due to the frigid cold invading her room she dove under the covers of her bed at first chance. She thought back to the evening with Lord McKenzie. She'd been so nervous, she thought that he would immediately see through her and insist she leave his home, or laugh in her face. He did not. By the end of the evening she felt like a thousand lifetimes had passed within his soft brown eyes. She was already in love with her new employer. He spoke with knowledge and grace about issues of importance, unlike some many other of his status would. He was a gentleman she could see. He did not adorn himself with the lavish comforts many of his station did, and his rooms suggested the quiet elegance the owner possessed. Elizabeth Finn, was in love, and nothing could stop it. Not even the thoughts of the best of times with Riley could stop the emotions coursing through her. With a sigh Buffy nestled further into the covers and closed her eyes, inviting sleep to claim her and bring her dreams of her gentle Lord.
As she foretold she slept very little before she heard the soft cries of Master Connor in the next room. Pulling herself from her bed she slipped on a tattered robe and some slippers, before passing through the heavy door connecting her room and the nursery. The baby was crying and his face was becoming more and more red as he was forced to wait. "What ever is the matter, little one?" she asked the baby. His crying lessened as she lifted him from the crib, and placed him in her arms. "Are you hungry little Lord Connor?" she whispered while she pulled a bottle from the box of such things that was in the room. She had order the box to be placed there earlier in the day for occasions as this. She checked the bottle for temperature and then placed the nipple in her charge's mouth. He sucked greedily. She moved herself to the rocking chair once again and watched him eat. Once he finished she burped him on her shoulder as her housekeeper had showed her long ago. As she rocked the young master back to sleep she did the same for herself.
The soft rays of dawn and the singing of birds awoke her hours later. Baby Connor still slept on her shoulder so she stood carefully and deposited him back into his crib. The house was just beginning to wake as she moved back into her own chambers to complete her toilette and dress for the day. Her dark gray wool dress was practical for caring for the young lord, but was far from stylish. The neck of the dress was high and stiff, for Riley had known men still found his wife quite attractive. Her hair was pulled back into a severe bun at her nape. All in all, she appeared as the typical governess, drab and unnoticeable. However, she could not hide the beauty of her face or the shape the dress clung to. Despite her intentions, she was still every bit the beauty she'd appeared as last night. Her contemplations were interrupted by the cry of her charge in the next room. She swiftly put aside her thoughts and started her day. It began with changing the babe's soiled clothes.
At ten o'clock the young baby was sleeping once again and his governess was finally able to get herself some breakfast. However as soon as she closed the door to the nursery she heard the soft sound of Connor's beginning cries. She returned to the room, finding the future Lord McKenzie crying out his anger. Once he was lifted into her arms and placed against her shoulder again he quieted and resumed his sleep. Buffy frowned unhappily but left the room with the baby in her arms to head for the kitchen. She was hoping to receive a light repast. She passed through the quiet halls and stepped into the much louder, and busier kitchen. All eyes turned to meet her as she and Master Connor entered. "Oh Lordy, I suggest you get out of here mum," Amelia remarked as she bustled over, " Lord Angelus will not be happy if he sees you took the babe from his room." "But I have yet to eat still," Buffy responded as Amelia tried to bustle her from the room. "We will bring it up to you mum, but I suggest you go back upstairs before the master sees you" Amelia insisted. The door was promptly shut behind her and Buffy stared at it quizzically before doing as she was asked. She moved slowly through the house and was mounting the stairs again when Angelus stepped from the parlour to see her. "Mrs. Finn, what are you doing?" he called anxiously. She turned and stared down at him, "I was requesting a meal in the kitchen, but I had to bring your son with me. I hope you do not mind." "Please return to the nursery, Mrs. Finn. Your meal will be brought to you" he answered and strode stiffly from the room. Amelia entered from the passage to the kitchen as Angelus entered his study. "I warned you, mum" she offered with a sympathetic glance. Buffy waited for Amelia to join her before she continued up the stairs and they all entered the nursery. As Amelia set a small table, Buffy placed Connor back in his cradle. "Why does Lord Angelus wish that Connor remain only in the nursery?" Buffy inquired once her charge was asleep again. "It pains him to see the lad," Amelia explained, "Lady Darla died giving birth to him you see." Buffy nodded, and smiled sadly, "I will have to apologize later for my indiscretion." Amelia gave her an appraising look before uttering her next comment, " No one around here is that sad to see the Lady dead. She was a heartless one, she was. She never cared for anyone but herself, not even Lord Angelus, but he loved her as a good husband should." A look of pity graced Buffy's face for her noble employer. "Even said that little Connor was not the Lord's at all.... Now don't go pitying Lord Angelus though. He will read it from you and hate you for it" Amelia told her. "Thank you Amelia" Buffy called as the young dark haired beauty left the room. "I will come back for the trays in an hour, mum" Amelia returned before shutting the door behind her.
After a long afternoon of playing with Connor, Buffy was exhausted. She wanted nothing more than to simply sleep away the night. When Cameron knocked on her door to invite her to dinner, she regretfully declined telling him how little sleep she'd receive the night prior and how tired she was now. Cameron had left her to do so and once he was gone she'd fallen into a deep slumber almost immediately. She was unsure of what awoke her but with her room shrouded in darkness she see the lines of light as they crept in from the door that was ajar. A lone figure broke the light and Buffy scrambled to cover her thin nightgown with the bed sheets as best she could. "A beauty you are, Elizabeth" Angelus drawled from his place in the door frame. "Do you check on all your servants at indecent hours of the night and in various states of undress?" she returned. "You're spirited as well I see," he returned in a demeaning fashion, "but, no, I only visit the comely girls, particularly the ones tending my son." "You flatter me, my lord" she returned smartly. In the dark she could not see his smile but hear it in his voice. "I try, Elizabeth" he replied. "I am very tired Lord Angelus, may I rest in peace?" she inquired. "Yes, Cameron told me you were tired, but I decided to see for myself" he announced. Before she could reply any further the sounds of Connor's cries came through the open door adjoining her room and the nursery. "I have to tend to your son now, my lord, but thank you for checking upon me," she returned sarcastically. Angelus cocked his head to the side as she claimed a robe before leaving her bed. "You intrigue me, Elizabeth. There is something you hide from me" he deduced. "I hide nothing, my lord. Now, please excuse me" she denied and swiftly stole from her room into the nursery to check on her young charge. Angelus remained in the doorframe a moment longer before leaving for his own rooms down the hall.
~4~
Days turned to weeks and Angelus continued to keep random vigils of her within his home. Despite his wishes and as the weather had warmed considerably Buffy decided to take her charge on a small outing. On her day off she had noticed a practical gown that was within her price range. With her accumulated pay she loaded the baby into a small carriage and took him outside to the grounds. The young boy was swaddled warmly in heavy blankets to ward off the remaining chill and a note was left in the nursery with her whereabouts. Buffy quietly strode through the streets avoiding the crowds as she pushed the carriage. In mere moments she had reached the store and pushed the buggy inside so she could make her purchases. The door blocked out much of the sounds from the street and she directed the shop keep to the dress she wanted. It was a soft lilac colour and made of a light fabric she could wear though the upcoming summer months. On the neck a dainty flower had been embroidered and there was a matching bonnet with the same flowers on the brim. "You will look quite lovely in it, I am sure" the gentleman at the register assured her. He glanced at the baby in the stroller, "That's quite a handsome lad you have there, miss" he complimented. "Oh, he is not mine, I am his governess" she corrected. "I see, still, quite a handsome lad" he told her. She smiled and accepted her packages before languidly moving back toward the manse that was her home. She admired the fresh produce being sold in the streets and allowed little Connor to take in his first taste of sunlight. The young boy revelled in it. He watched with keen interest at the activity surrounding him.
Finally they entered the gates of the McKenzie estate once again, and Buffy navigated the carriage up to the door, only to have it swung open by an irrate Cameron; quickly grabbing her arm and ushering her in. "I cannot believe you would do something so foolish. I did not tell you, but it was my job as well as yours that you just threw away, Mrs. Finn" Cameron berated. "Whatever are you talking about?" she asked her own ire rising which made Connor uncomfortable and he began to fidget. "Lord Angelus was looking for you this morning, and found your note in the nursery. He was livid to say the least. You were not to leave the grounds with Master Connor without his permission" Cameron told her his temper on the verge of bubbling over. "I will take Connor up to Amelia, you are to see Lord Angelus in his study, Mrs. Finn" Cameron declared as he pushed her toward the room and took Connor upstairs. The baby grunted and whimpered unhappily but could not escape it, just as Buffy could not escape the massive mahogany door. With new resolve and a deep breath she knocked on the study door.
"Enter" his deep voice called from the other side. "Lord McKenzie" she greeted in a whispered and sank into a curtsy. Most lords had a sense of ego, and she hoped to appeal to Lord McKenzie's while begging for her job. "Close the door behind you Mrs. Finn" he ordered. She did as requested before taking the seat at the other side of the desk. "You were entirely irresponsible today, Mrs Finn. You risked my son catching anyone of many diseases by taking him from this home. And you could have been hurt and then what, how would my son fair alone? He would be lost and possibly killed in the city without me ever knowing" Angelus ranted self-righteously. However, rather than berating Buffy he was only arousing her ire. In his next pause she spoke, "How would you even know if it was your son I took from the house, you've never even seen the lad in the entire four months I've been here, my lord." He turned and gazed at her sharply, "what did you say?" She did not back down from his stare, she continued, " Your son has smiled for the first time, and you have missed it. He has been learning to sit up and even crawl on his own, but you have missed it. And all of this is lost to you, because of your own foolish pride. Your wife has died and your son must pay the price." Angelus was silent as he sunk into his desk chair once again. "Have you even looked at him?" she finished in a softer voice, "he really looks remarkably like you. I never met your Lady but I do not see anyone in small Connor but you." Angelus remained silent and she stood to leave. "I will pack my belongings and be gone, my lord" she announced with yet another deep curtsy. "You will continue with your duties," Lord Angelus whispered, "until a suitable replacement can be found." Buffy nodded and slipped from the room. A tear slid down her cheek as she thought of returning to her hamlet once more.
The shadow stood in her door frame yet again, but her fear was less. His visits were to be expected, however not this early. He always arrived at her door, he would watch her sleep and she would yet again be disturbed by the fire that lit his eyes as he watched her. However, tonight his eyes were oddly forlorn and far from as piercing as usual. "My lord?" she asked the dark shadow of her employer. She saw a tear glitter in the dying light as it ran down his face. She quickly rose from the bed, ignoring her robe and slippers. She quickly pulled him into the room and began lighting the lamps as he closed the door. Usually he'd have been preoccupied by the way the gossamer fabric of her gown clung to her, but he had more melodramatic thoughts this evening. "What troubles you, my lord?" she asked as they were seated in the two chairs by her hearth. "Darla was never the woman I wished to marry. She was loose and vain, but she was bred well, and my father insisted. I myself was quite a wild rake and he felt the only way to settle me into the life of a Lord was to marry me to some noble woman. Little did he know he'd picked the most ill suited one for the job. Once he died and I became Lord McKenzie I did as he wished and I settled to care for the finances, but not my fair Darla. She was bored, and began any number of discretions, but I assume it was her punishment to die as she did. She never lived to control the McKenzie fortune," Angelus told her. "Still, you loved her, and she betrayed you, then left you with her son" Buffy reasoned. "He is my son. She confirmed that before she died" he declared. A soft cry was heard from the adjoining room. "Your son has awoken, may I leave to care for him, my lord?" she asked, not knowing if he would allow her. "May I accompany you?" he asked instead, startling her. She nodded and lead him into the nursery carefully lifting the tiny boy from his cradle and pulled a bottle out from where they rested. The little boy looked at his father in question. His small mind could not remember the face and so he clung more tightly to his governess and whimpered softly. She gave him the bottle which Connor grasped eagerly and tried to navigate to his small mouth. With a little help he was successful and he began to drink in earnest. "That is quite remarkable" Angelus announced as he watched his son feed. Buffy smiled softly to him, "would you care to hold him?" A panicked look entered his face and he took a small step back. Seeing his movement toward the door she grabbed his arm in her free hand. "Come, sit in the rocking chair by the window" she told him. He did so with her following him. The small boy in her arms watched in amusement the actions of the people around him. Once Angelus was seated she directed him how to hold his arms and then carefully laid Connor in them. With this she also stepped much closer allowing Angelus to make out the peaks of her nipples through the gown as they hardened in the cold air. A part of his own anatomy began to harden at the thought. However, his son was securely in his arms now and the small boy took his attention away from the fetching governess. Angelus looked down into his son's deep brown eyes. Connor looked back at him nervously, and then glanced to his governess who looked on happily, before looking back at him. "I am quite cool, if you don't mind, I would like to get a robe from the other room" she announced. Nodding his head Angelus lifted his eyes to watch as her hips sway gently as she walked from the room. Soon enough she had returned and then Connor finished his meal. Lord Angelus passed back his son and watched as she burped him then put him back in his cradle. "We should go my lord" she whispered and ushered him from the room. "Will he awaken later in the night?" Angelus asked once they had returned to her room. She shook her head, "he will sleep through the night now, my lord." Angelus nodded and turned to leave feeling much better than when he came. "Will you bring him to my study tomorrow afternoon?" he asked before he left. Buffy smiled happily, "I would be happy to my lord." He looked her over again, she wore a threadbare red robe and black satin slippers that appeared to have once been much finer. Her figure was now covered but he could still remember her lush breasts and gentle hips from through the gossamer gown. "Goodnight Elizabeth" he uttered with a slightly rough edge to his voice. "Goodnight Lord Angelus" she bade in return as he left the room, shutting the door behind him.
~5~
At the second hour in the afternoon Buffy ventured with her charge down to his father's study. Cameron saw them and his eyes grew as big as saucers. //What is she doing now?// He watched with interest as she knocked on the study door where Angelus had kept himself since lunch and was promptly admitted. //What on earth is happening?//
She knocked on the mahogany door once again, but this time with far less trepidation than yesterday. "Enter" he called again and she quickly opened the door. "I brought your son to you, my lord" she announced as she entered. Angelus quickly stood and strode around the desk to meet them. "Is he well today?" he asked with a small smile lighting his face. "He is as healthy as always, my lord" she returned. Angelus offered his arms tentatively and was rewarded when Buffy placed Connor there. The boy was still apprehensive and checked back at his governess, but he did not cry. Buffy pulled a few small toys from a pocket in the apron she wore and handed them to Connor who grinned happily and began to shake his rattle. Angelus settled in his chair behind his desk while Connor played happily in his lap offering a grin to his governess. The small boy was immaculately dressed and his hair had been brushed. He was looking his absolute best for his father. "We will be hosting a ball for the spring season, in a few weeks, Elizabeth, I was hoping you would be able to make an appearance" he requested. She became uncomfortable immediately, "Oh no my lord, I could not," she tried to think of an acceptable reason for not attending, "I... I have nothing to wear." "I am sure I can provide you with something for the evening, Elizabeth" he told her with a half smile. "Who will care for Connor while I go traipsing about in the ballroom?" she remarked. "I am sure Amelia can spare a few moments in the kitchen to watch Connor for you" he told her. "I could not" she replied firmly. "If that is what you wish, Elizabeth" Angelus replied trying to hide his disappointment. He had been hoping she would permit him at least one dance. Connor was still observing the exchange and trying to bring attention back to himself he let out a happy squeal. Both the adults eyes returned to him, and he grinned happily. "I was thinking that perhaps Connor would like to try some soft foods today, my lord" she remarked, "Amelia said she could mash some cooked carrots for Connor to try with his dinner today." Angelus nodded, unsure of what the significance of this was. Connor busily rapped his rattle against the desk top as the adults sat in difficult silence. "Would you like to take Connor back to the nursery now?" Angelus suggested. Buffy looked up at him, "If you wish, my lord." Angelus nodded and stood carrying Connor back to his governess. Connor opened his arms to be accepted by Buffy and once in her arms turned to look back at his father. "Will you wave to your father Connor?" Buffy asked him. Another large grin split his little face and he raised his hand still holding the rattle and shook it in a goodbye. Angelus laughed softly at the baby. "Goodbye Connor" he said as the baby kept waving. "Shall I bring him back tomorrow, my lord?" Buffy asked Angelus. "That would be lovely Elizabeth" he replied. She nodded and gave him a soft smile before exiting the room with her charge. "Consider my offer, Elizabeth," he called after her.
For weeks Buffy had been bringing Connor down to visit his father and slowly the boy was becoming more and more accustomed to his father, and his father to him. Soon the two would play on the floor together as she did some mending or as she looked over the arrangements Angelus had made for the party. He'd been asking her advice and she happily resumed doing something she once loved. Her father had thrown fantastic parties, parties she had arranged. Her home had been home to many of the most important parties of the season. She would spend an hour or more pouring over the arrangements Angelus was making before she took little Connor back upstairs for dinner and bed. However, tonight was the night of the ball, and Buffy could already hear the carriages arriving and the musicians beginning to play for the guests. She rocked her charge to sleep in his cradle before venturing back to her own room. There on her bed lay a swath of fabric. Stepping closer to the bed she realized it was a gown, a fine gown of peach lace and satin. On top sat some satin slippers, gloves, and the mask that was required at the Venetian masquerade Angelus was hosting. She smiled softly, he had not taken `No' for an answer. For three weeks he'd asked her to this soiree every chance he'd had. She shook her head but went to the armoire and pulled her best chemise and corset from it. After donning that, she swept the peach confection over her head, marvelling at how well it fit. The peach bodice with lace overlay clung to her waist and emphasised her chest. Her satin sleeves clung nicely to her arms, and the peach satin skirt hung off her hips and fell to the floor. Buffy pulled on the silk stockings that she owned and the silk gloves Angelus had provided before she pulled on the peach dancing slippers. She stood in front of the full mirror and spun. It had been so long since she'd got to deck herself out in such finery. Donning the white feathery mask, she strode from the room and descended the stairs. Her hair was piled on her head, and a few stray curls hung down her back, not intricate as most but certainly acceptable.
~6~
The party was in full swing when she stepped into the ballroom. For a few days, men and women had been wandering through the room setting up the tables for desserts and champagne as well as polishing the floors and cleaning the walls and windows. Her eyes were enchanted with the decorations though. She'd not seen such things in a good while. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling casting glittering shadows on everything, and gold filigree sconces adorned the walls. A hand caught her elbow as she took in the scenery, and startled she turned to see who it was. A gentleman stood at her side. "Could I escort the lovely lady into the party, it's been a great while since I have had a comparable beauty on my arm" he requested with a slight bow. She in turn curtsied, "It would be a pleasure, sir." The man took her arm and gallantly lead around the edges of the festivities to the table adorned with small finger foods. "Why would a lady such as yourself be at a function like this all by her lonesome?" he asked her, "Is there a smitten young lord somewhere in this crowd that you hope to entice? Or perhaps an old biddy of a mother finding a beau for you?" She smiled under the half mask she wore. "I was married, good sir, but I am on my lonesome tonight" she replied. At this proclamation her escort fell into a full courtly bow, "Well, then my lady I must insist upon a dance, if only to parade you to those looking for a young beauty as yourself." She laughed gaily and offered her hand. The gentleman took it and swept her onto the floor in a courtly waltz. "You dance divinely, my darling" he remarked. Buffy replied only with a smile as she danced happily.
//Will she come?// Angelus watched anxiously from the seat he'd occupied most of the night. He had no enjoyment in these formal parties. He threw them only for appearances sake, and because Darla had insisted. Give him a good tavern and a good group and he'd be far happier, but he was more than anxious for this party. Elizabeth would attend he was sure of it, and now it was only a matter of time. A waltz was playing on the dance floor, as a flash of peach caught his eye. He quickly stood, ignoring the young brunette who prattled at his side. Angelus craned his neck to catch another sight of her. And she had arrived, she was dancing with Lord Wesley of England. The man most notorious for lusting after young noble women from whom he could leech their fortunes. Angelus scoffed slightly, little did he know the young lady in his arms had no money to her name. However, the sight of her in another man's arms did unnerve him. He quickly pressed his way into the crowd he'd been avoiding all night and stood at the edge of the dancers watching as she danced so divinely. Her beauty was immeasurable to be sure. She outshone all the belles at this ball, even if her breeding was less than theirs. The waltz soon ended and she turned to clap for the orchestra, and before Lord Wesley could claim her for another dance Angelus stepped onto the floor. "May I have this dance, Elizabeth" Angelus asked his governess. She smiled under her half mask and stepped into his arms. "Thank you for the gown, my lord" she said as they began to swing around the dance floor. "When you said you needed something to wear I couldn't help myself" he returned with a half smile of his own. "It is a beautiful gown but I would think far too much to spend on a governess" she told him. "I do as I please and it pleases me to you outfitted as such. Were it practical I'd have you in a dress as this one every day, Elizabeth" he told her. "Ah, but it is not practical, my lord. Just look at me, Connor would ruin this dress in a day" she joked. Look, Angelus did, the dress was everything he'd hoped it would be. It clung to her cleavage just perfectly, and hugged her narrow waist, the gentle flare of her hips started the full skirt which encased what he knew to be slim and delicate legs. She was radiant, to say the least. "I could see that would pose a problem," Angelus remarked but his eyes linger on her cleavage rather than her face. "Amelia is gesturing to us, my lord" Buffy announced. Angelus lifted his head to see the mousy kitchen servant standing in the corner, gesturing them over. Angelus sighed unhappily and moved his hand to rest at her hip as they walked to her. "What is it Amelia?" Buffy asked once they had arrived. "Master Connor won't stop crying mum, and he won't go back to sleep. Margaret thinks he may sick, mum" Amelia told them hurriedly. Buffy glanced quickly to Angelus. She threw off her mask, before flying from the room and heading up the stairs. Angelus followed only slightly slower.
When he arrived in the room Buffy was rocking Connor in her arms and cooing gently as he whimpered pitifully. "He is very warm" she announced. Angelus hung just outside the room as the three women; Elizabeth, Margaret and Amelia all bustled about trying to gather things to soothe the young boy. "I will go make the lad a batch of my medicine. Brings a fever right down it will" Margaret declared before exiting the room. Amelia watched in silent worry as Buffy continued to softly sing to Connor. The baby drowsily closed his eyes and let her rock him back to a less than peaceful sleep. "You should probably change out of that fancy dress, mum. Before it gets ruined" Amelia suggested. Buffy looked herself over then nodded. "I will return in a moment Amelia, please don't wake him" she called as she left the room and ran almost directly into Angelus. "Lord Angelus, you gave me quite a fright" she announced before passing him again. "Where are you going?" he called after her in a panic, "Connor needs you, you can't leave him alone" Angelus stated while following her into her own chambers. "He is resting and Amelia is watching him at the moment" she returned calmly as she struggled with the clasps to the gown. "Could you help me please?" she asked and presented her back to him. Angelus set to work loosening the gown while he spoke, "Is he very ill, should I call for a doctor?" She finally stepped from the gown and moved to the closet for one of her day gowns. "I suspect it is only a cold, my lord. He will be well by morning" she told him as she dressed in another of her gray woolen dresses with stiff collars. "I will call off the party" Angelus announced. "That is not necessary," Buffy returned, " you can enjoy the festivities. I will care for Master Connor." "I will call off the party and I will help you. I want to do this" Angelus insisted. She nodded solemnly, "very well." "I will return in a few moments" he called as he swept from the room.
At dawn, as promised Connor was sleeping soundly his fever having broken only a few hours earlier. Buffy and Angelus were curled together on the small bed that waited in the corner of the nursery. Sometime during the arduous night, he had shed his jacket and his cravat and Buffy's hair had come loose to cascade over her shoulders in honeyed waves. Angelus groaned softly as he awoke opening eyes and looking around the nursery in confusion. He remembered the night before, Connor had been sick and had been awake and crying for most of the night. At midnight Angelus had dismissed Margaret and Amelia to get some rest as he and Buffy remained to care for Connor. It was amazing that his son had not cried himself hoarse, but the long hours of screams were apparently less painful for Connor than they were for his father. Now, he lay nestled against Buffy's back as she slept in his arms. Had this been a different occasion the thought may have been delightful but right now Lord Angelus McKenzie was too tired to care. Cuddling his governess against his chest more comfortably, Angelus drifted off back to sleep.
Buffy awoke to warm lips caressing her neck. A masculine purr echoing in her ear. She turned her face to him allowing access to her lips. An offer he accept as his lips travelled to her own. Her eyes still closed to this wonderful dream she returned this kiss, opening her mouth to accept his questing tongue. Soon they were involved in a fiery kiss neither could have predicted, and then Buffy realized how real this truly felt. Slowly, infinitely slowly, she opened her eyes to see the face of her employer hovering above her, his own eyes still closed in pleasure. Quickly she wrenched her lips away and struggled out from under his weight. She panted harshly as she looked back at him on the bed. He was now wide awake and as surprised as she was. "Elizabeth," he started but was cut off by her. "This did not happen. Never beyond this room will I speak of this. I am terribly sorry" she remarked and flew from the room, and with the slamming of her bedroom door awoke Connor who cried at his disturbed slumber. Angelus listened as the locks turned in her doors. Carefully, he stood and retrieved Connor who snuggled back to sleep on his father's shoulder.
~7~
At two o'clock Angelus waited anxiously in his study. Usually Elizabeth would be on her way down with Connor, but he doubted if she would actually bring Connor to him today. However, a knock on his door interrupted him. "Come in" he called hoping against hope that the knock had been from Buffy but it had not sounded like her. The door opened and Cameron escorted an older woman into the room. "Lady Chase is here to see you" Cameron announced, having noted the confused look on his employer's face. "Ah, yes, thank you, Mr. Carmichael" Angelus bid as the butler silently exited the room. "How can I help you Lady Chase?" he asked politely as he offered her a seat. She sat down primly in her chair. "I've come with a proposition for you Lord McKenzie" she announced, "my daughter is quite enchanted with you and I would like to see her married off rather soon. She is in her prime, you know, and will have none but you. I heard of your Lady's death, and offer my condolences, but please hear me through..."
Buffy had finally worked up enough courage to take Connor down to see his father. She carefully tucked a toy or two into the pocket of her apron and lifted Connor into her arms to take him downstairs. She descended the steps and walked down the dark quiet hallway to the study where Lord Angelus spent his afternoons. She knocked softly on the door and no answer was returned. She nearly sighed in relief, but the door was wrenched open by Angelus himself a moment later. "Ah, Mrs. Finn" he greeted, she frowned, he greeted her so formally. She looked past him and saw Lady Chase sitting at the chair in front of his desk. That woman was interested in only one thing that Buffy knew of. She wanted to marry her daughter off to the highest bidder, but Cordelia Chase would have none of it. For as long as Buffy could remember, the vain girl had wanted only one man, who had married another. She never said who it was, but she did say she'd never marry unless it was to him. Apparently she had changed her mind, or perhaps not, but Lady Chase was trying to pass her daughter to yet another handsome lord. "I see you are quite busy, Lord Angelus, I will bring Connor to you some other time perhaps" Buffy announced with a slight edge to her tone. Lady Chase turned a the sound of another voice. "You!" she exclaimed. Buffy panicked and stared at the elder woman. "I am sorry my lady?" she asked hesitantly. "I know you, do I not?" Lady Chase asked. "No, I know for certain we have not met" Buffy lied and quickly turned taking Connor back upstairs.
Angelus sat by the fireplace in his rooms. Lady Chase had made an interesting offer. She was raising her daughter's dowry by the minute. Anything to marry her off, making Angelus wonder who exactly the young Cordelia Chase truly was. However, his mind was also drifting to another young maid. One with soft blonde curls and deep green eyes and skin tanned a warm golden hue. She haunted him since this morning. So soft and pliant beneath him when he woke, she was now evasive and cool. When he'd gone to the nursery to play with Connor she'd left the room claiming to have to clean her quarters as they were filthy, but he knew they were far from dirty. She was avoiding him, she only returned when he'd announced that Connor was tired and needed to be put to bed. Then she had quickly and efficiently bathed and dressed him before barricading herself in her rooms again. Perhaps, she was not as haunted by him as he was her. She appeared to only wish to forget the kiss they'd shared and leave it be. Angelus however was not so eager to do that. He roughly kicked at a scrap of wood that had escaped the blaze. Sighing tiredly he lifted himself from the chair. In the morning he would accept Lady Chase's offer.
Tiredly she sighed as she contemplated what had happened in the last twenty four hours. She thought of the ball where she'd fit so perfectly into Angelus' arms, and then his willingness to stay up with his sick son. He'd changed since she first met him. He was trying to be part of his son's life. She thought finally to the kiss they had shared that morning. It had been horribly erotic and uncomfortably right. That kiss had felt more right than any kiss she'd ever shared with Riley. Lord Angelus was everything her husband had never been; sweet, kind, passionate, devoted, and loving. Riley had ignored her and caged her while he lived his life from pleasure to pleasure. Angelus was everything she'd hoped for and Connor was heavenly, but she didn't belong here. She was living a lie. She was never honest with him, but had she been honest he never would have believed her. Things were becoming more and more complicated, perhaps it was not wise for her to stay. God knew she couldn't stand Cordelia, particularly as a mistress. Yes, it was time she moved on, and left Lord Angelus McKenzie to his own devices.
Morning brought with it a plethora of changes. Changes which no one could predict. Angelus was eating quietly in his private chambers when a knock at his door sounded. "Enter" he called angrily, due to his lack of sleep. She and her soft pliant lips had consumed his dreams, leaving little time for actual rest. The door opened and his angel entered. Her dress was mousey and old but it could not hide her radiance. "Good morning Lord Angelus," she spoke, "I just came to inquire if you had made any steps in finding my replacement." "Your what?" he asked, startled, nearly toppling the table as he stood. "My replacement. You dismissed nearly a month ago if you'll remember. I am merely staying until another is found," she reminded him. It was the day she'd taken Connor to town and left him frantic in worry. Then, on her return, she'd enlightened him to his neglect of Connor. "I see, I have changed my mind. You will stay on as governess," he replied taking his seat once more. "Well, then sir, I would like to announce my leave" she remarked calmly. "You wish to leave us- me- him" Angelus asked sharply. She nodded sadly, "I feel it is best." Angelus stared at her in wide eyed shock. "I hope you can find another governess, soon Lord Angelus. I will stay on, only until you do" she told him before exiting as quietly as she entered. Angelus remained at his table until Amelia came to clear it. "Are you well, milord?" she asked. "No, not at the moment Amelia, but I am sure I will be fine" he whispered. Silently the young girl cleared the table and left again. // She will leave and I will never see her again.// Buffy watched most days as Miss Cordelia Chase entered the house and quickly was escorted to the study where Angelus had hid himself. Cameron had told her the day before that a new governess was being brought from Yorkshire to watch Connor, but she couldn't arrive for two more weeks, and so Buffy was forced to stay longer than she'd like. Slowly she was pulling away from Connor. She did not want it to seem as though she disappeared. Today she stood at the top of the flight of stairs as Cordelia entered, but the girl was not along. Another woman in a wide brimmed hat entered behind her. Cameron took Cordelia's cloak first then waited as the other woman doffed her coat and hat. Buffy watched in amazement as the fiery red hair emerged from under the wide brim. The yong girls eyes raised and met Buffy's. "Buffy?" she mouthed. Buffy shook her head in warning before Cordelia could see what was happening. Willow gave her a sad look as she was forced to follow Cordelia into the study with Angelus.
~8~
"Good Afternoon, my love" Cordelia greeted as she strolled into his sanctuary. Angelus smiled in return but his smile did not reach his eyes. He gently kissed Cordelia's hand, before turning to be introduced to her friend. "Angelus, this is my dear friend Lady Willow Osborne. She has just arrived for the wedding" Cordelia announced. Angelus placed a soft kiss on the hand of Cordelia's friend. "It is a pleasure Lady Osborne" he returned. Willow smiled softly, "Please call me Willow, only my mother is Lady Osborne." Angelus smiled taking a liking to his betrothed's friend. "I would love for Willow to meet your son, in fact, I would love to meet your son. Could you have him brought down?" Cordelia asked sweetly. She was well aware that Lord Angelus McKenzie had a son by another woman but it could easily be arranged for a fall out between father and son, to pass the money on to the next heir. She had in fact already done the same thing between her brother and father thus insuring her future. Angelus agreed and sent Cameron up to fetch Elizabeth and Connor. "He should be awake now" Angelus assured them as they waited. A few moments later Cameron returned holding Connor and a few toys in his arms. "Where is Elizabeth?" Angelus asked, seeing his butler bring his son and not the governess he so longed to see. She had stayed out of reach of him for weeks now, and he had not been keeping up with his visits to Connor. They were just too uncomfortable. "She was busy cleaning the nursery, my lord. She wishes it to be spotless for the new governess" Mr. Carmichael explained. Angelus nodded, though with a touch of sadness entering his eyes. The sadness was not lost on either the brunette or the red head. Willow had also noted that the governess was Elizabeth, Buffy's full name, and she knew how Buffy adored children. "I am terribly sorry but I feel the need to freshen up, excuse me" Willow announced as she quickly left the room. By the time Cameron had stood to escort her to the lavatory she'd disappeared.
Willow crept silently up the stairs and onto the second floor, listening carefully as she heard a soft tune echoing down the hallway to her left. Willow quietly walked toward the voice, and toward the open door that spilled fresh light into the otherwise dark hallway. She stopped to see Buffy on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. "Buffy?" she whispered quietly. Buffy Finn stood and spun toward her best friend. "Oh, Willow how good it is to see you" she exclaimed and enveloped her friend in a hug. "And you, Buffy" Willow returned as they parted. "Why are you here? You detest Cordelia" Buffy exclaimed. Willow rolled her eyes skyward and sighed, "It is true, but alas Daniel does not. He is an old friend of the Chase family, and so I must accompany her to keep my husband happy." Buffy smiled sympathetically. "I thank the Lord that I will be leaving before she becomes mistress of this household" Buffy returned with a smile. Willow laughed, "I can not see you taking orders from that spoiled filly, Cordelia Chase." Buffy joined in the laughter. "Do not tell Giles" Buffy insisted quite seriously. "Why?" Willow asked, perplexed at why her friend refused her own father. "My mother was right, I should have listened to her. Married for wealth rather than for a foolish thing called love that would never last" Buffy told her. "No, never. Your mother was wrong, " Willow denied, "well, she was right that Riley was never worth marrying, but you should marry for love Buffy." The blond shook her head, "no, Willow, perhaps it is only my pride, but I insist. I got myself into this mess and I will get myself out of it, I do not want Giles rushing in here." A dark shape scuttled away from the shadows, pleased that her competition would soon be out of the way.
"It was lovely of you to drop in again Cordelia" Angelus remarked insincerely. She smiled happily and kissed his cheek before exiting the house into the clean spring air. Willow was waiting in the carriage already, and Cordelia's plans that would soon be coming to fruition were dancing through her head. "I am truly sorry Buffy, but he is the only man I will have, and I can not lose him to you" she muttered as she descended the steps. Carefully, she stepped into the carriage and the two visitors were whisked away.
At eleven o'clock Angelus lifted himself from his chair and trudged upstairs to bed, but as he passed he noticed the lights were still lit in the nursery. Carefully, he pushed the door ajar and peered inside. Elizabeth sat in the rocking chair which she'd pulled beside his son's cradle. She watched him sleep. "Elizabeth, what are you doing?" he asked. She looked up at him, "the new governess arrives the day after tomorrow" she replied in lieu of a true answer. "He will miss you very much" Angelus told her. "And I him," she whispered in return. "Then why do you insist on leaving?" he asked. She looked up at him and he could see the tears welling in her eyes. "You once said I was hiding something from you, and I denied it. That was a lie. I am pretending to be something I am not. I love this young boy as if he were my very own, but I refuse to lie to you and every one in this house any longer" she commented. Angelus looked at her defeated form. "Who are you Elizabeth Finn? Simply tell me who you are?" he requested. She laughed mirthlessly, "You'd never believe me if I told you." She resumed her vigil over his son while Angelus watched her from the doorframe. "Good night Angelus" she bade, ending their conversation. Quietly he stepped from the room and continued to his own. The night was silent as he walked, it appeared the house was in mourning for her already. The sombre quiet was perfectly fitting to his mood.
"Where is she?" an angry voice demanded as the front door was opened. It was barely past noon when the incessant rapping at the door had started and an irate man stepped into the McKenzie household. "Who are you looking for, sir?" Cameron asked politely to his unexpected guest. "My daughter" the angry man howled. The yelling brought Lord Angelus from his lunch. "Can I help you sir?" he asked. Sir Rupert Giles turned to the man, "are you Lord McKenzie?" Angelus nodded only to get a swift punch from the older man. He straightened to face the man, "can I ask what that was for?" he growled. "You keep my daughter from me, you keep a duchess as your governess" he railed angrily. "Stop" she called sadly from the top step holding Connor on her hip. "Go back to the nursery, Elizabeth" Angelus called at the same time that Giles remarked, "oh, my sweet Buffy." The two men turned to look at each other. "Giles what are you doing here?" Buffy asked as she descended the stairs. "Buffy, darling, I came to take you home" he announced happily. "Who told you where I was?" Buffy continued. "Why, that sweet girl Cordelia Chase did. She told me she recognized you and had to tell me immediately" Giles explained. Before Buffy could continued further Giles swept Buffy into a hug, though she still held Connor in her arms. "Please, come home my darling. The house is so lonely with only myself in it," he begged. "Giles, I can take care of myself" she said. "As you have proven already my dear," Giles told her, "but this is not fit for a lady of your station, the next Duchess of Sussex." Angelus eyes widened. Everything seemed to make sense, her graceful walk, her eloquent speech, her education. Not only was she his equal in status, but his better. A silent tear slid down her face. "I have missed you so, Giles" she whispered brokenly. Quickly he enveloped her in a second hug pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. Gesturing to a young boy waiting at the door he called, "Geoffrey, please be so kind as to get Lady Buffy's bags from her room. I'm sure this gentleman here can help you" Giles volunteered Cameron's services. Quickly the two servants left for her room to collect her things. When she broke away from her father she placed a soft kiss on Connor's head. The little boy was watching wearily. He did not recognize the elder who was so attached to his governess. "Goodbye my Connor. I will miss you, but I have to go" she whispered as she passed him off to Angelus. The baby began to squall immediately and stretched his tiny hands out to try and get back to the closest person to a mother he'd known. Swiftly, she placed a kiss to the silent Lord's cheek. "Goodbye Lord McKenzie" she whispered, with tears still coursing down her face. She returned to Giles side and the older man whisked her from the house. Once Geoffrey had returned with the bags and loaded them into the carriage they left. Angelus watched sadly from the front parlour window. "Shall I take Connor from you my lord?" Amelia asked quietly. Angelus simply shook his head and carried the small boy up to the nursery himself where the two spent the remainder of the day savouring the small touches that reminded them that Buffy, Duchess of Sussex, was ever in their home.
TBC…
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