regency au } { of surprise daughters and christmas dinners

[braveandstupid]

Miranda: [they arrive early in the morning just before Christmas, as they had gotten a late start, even if it was a shorter than coming from Norway. She inches closer to the window as they get closer to the sommers estate, to try and see if there's anyone out front]

Sam: [and Lord Winchester would be the lucky duck. He is still getting used to big crowds, and while he is comfortable at the Hale Manor, the tiny estate of Elena's aunt is too small with too many people. So he will brave the cold and dress in his furs while sitting outside and reading.]

Miranda: [the carriage pulls to a stop and she leans out the window and hisses at her brother in law] Sam!

Sam: [and he will look up and see the carriage approaching, and then the familiar face. He will tuck the book into a pocket in his furs and walk closer] What are you doing here?

Miranda: [presses her finger to her lips] Its a surprise. Where is everyone?

Sam: Inside. Your mother is helping your aunt with the feast, and your father and uncle Jeremy are playing games with the youngers.

Miranda: In the great room?

Sam: Yes. Would you like me to fetch them for you?

Miranda: No! I want to surprise them. Thank you, though.

Sam: Okay. [tilts his head] Is Grayson with you?

Miranda: No, he had to go home. [she leans back so that he can see the other passengers] This is Lord Andrew Sumpter and his two children, Sarah and Brian. Everyone, this is Lord Sam Winchester.

Andrew: [and he is familiar enough with Sam's brother, Dean, from tourneys when they were younger.] It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Winchester.

Sam: As to you, Lord Sumpter. I did not realize you were invited.

Miranda: Sam, I really feel you're missing the point of a surprise. [teasing]

Sam: [and he sighs. Things do still go over his head because his nose is always in a book] You should go in then before your family hears you out here. [he knows better than to talk about the werewolf stuff in mixed company]

Miranda: [nods as she goes to slide out of the carriage, gesturing for the servants to get the presents and heading in in search of the werewolves first]

Clara: [but unfortunately there is one baby werewolf who'd going to out her every time] Miranda! [runs for the door]

Derek: [and his head will lift at that, taking a smell of the air and a smile growing on his lips as he moves to get up]

Thomas: [and his face will brighten and he's up, right on Clara's heels]

Miranda: [her sister catches her around the waist and Miranda returns the hug tightly] I missed you so much.

Clara: I missed you too. I thought you weren't coming.

Miranda: Fortunately plans changed.

Thomas: [and he is going to wait patiently for his turn to hug her, bouncing from foot to foot.] I'm so happy you're here. Momma's making a big turkey!

Derek: [and he will move into the doorway, graying around the temples and a bit slower than he used to be, but still regal] I hope the plans were changed in a polite way.

Miranda: [and he will get his turn next] Well good because I am starving. [she glances over to her father] It wasn't even my idea. So yes?

Andrew: [walking in, Sarah holding onto his pant leg and Brian asleep in his arms] I am the guilty party for her visit, my Lord. I hope you don't mind.

Derek: I do not mind at all. I'm grateful for having my daughter here, as well as your presence, Lord Sumpter.

Miranda: They've had a long journey. Hopefully Aunt Jenna has a spare room?

Clara: I'll go ask! [and she'll run off to the kitchen]

Thomas: I'll tell Momma and Tali you're here. [and yup, following Clara like her shadow, as always]

Derek: I'm sure there is one. Otherwise your uncle Jeremy may have one. We will make it work. [and he will envelope his daughter in his arms, holding her tightly, taking in her scent to have reassurance that she is okay. Wolves]

Miranda: [leans into him and closes her eyes because she's missed this and is just happy to be home] Hopefully I didn't miss too much.

Derek: Nothing much at all.

Miranda: Good. But we should also probably get every one inside as it is cold.

Derek: Yes. Why don't you and Lord Sumpter take a spot by the fireplace to warm up? I will find you both some blankets, and a few pillows for the little ones.

Miranda: That sounds perfect. [and she will hold a hand out to Sarah to lead the way]

Andrew: [and he will follow close behind, setting Brian down on a pillow once Derek brings them over, tucking the toddler in tightly.] Thank you, My Lord.

Sarah: [is just blown away by seeing more physical affection between family members in two minutes than she has in her entire life. And Derek is very tall and unknown so therefore intimidating. So she's going to just very quietly sit by her father and watch as even more comes because from somewhere in the back rooms comes:]

Elena: Talia, don't run.

Talia: [is totally running and slides into the doorway like Tom Cruise in Risky Business, beaming at the sight of her sister] You're here!

Andrew: [and he will see Sarah inch closer and lean down to whisper in her ear] Lady Miranda has a big family. You don't have to be shy.

Talia: [glances over at that after hugging her sister, and she gives her a bright smile. Patience was reserved and discerning, Miranda was bold and occasionally brash, but Talia was the gentler of the three, sweet and kind with an open heart. she kneels down in front of Sarah and holds out her hands] I'm Talia. What's your name?

Sarah: [hesitates for a moment, before reaching forward and taking them] Sarah. Your name is pretty.

Talia: Thank you. So is yours.

Sarah: [she smiles at that, but her eyes are still darting over to the other faces in the room. Talia catches her looking at Derek and smirks, before leaning over to whisper]

Talia: Don't worry about him. He may look scary, but he's secretly a big softie.

Derek: [trying not to chuckle as he listens in, but he is focusing on his daughter at the moment]

Miranda: [is where Talia left her, watching as well with a small smile, though one hand is playing with her hair one of the few tells that she still has that something is weighing on her]

Talia: Do you like cookies?

Sarah: [immediately brightens and nods]

Talia: Me too. In fact, I know where there are some in the kitchen. Want to come with me to go find some? [and then she glances to Andrew] If that's okay.

Sarah: [eagerly looks over at her father]

Andrew: Since it is Christmas, I think it should be fine. But only if you bring me and your brother back one. For each of us.

Sarah: Okay! [and she takes Talia's hand and the two of them go off to raid the kitchen]

Elena: [and this is when Mom finally catches up to the rest of the group, looking slightly older than her husband, but still young enough] Welcome to Mystic Falls, Lord Sumpter. I'm sorry we weren't here to greet you, but we didn't know you were coming.

Andrew: [stands as the lady enters, leaving Brian in the pillows] Thank you, Lady Hale. Miranda had expressed her desire to be with her family for Christmas, and I couldn't allow her to be sad for the holidays.

Elena: Well, all of us would have been equally sad without her, so you have our gratitude. And I'm sure Miranda is glad you arrived in time for the Lockwood Christmas Ball.

Miranda: [her jaw drops slightly, and then awkward because she ... completely forgot about the ball]

Andrew: [and he will be confused, looking at Miranda a moment] Well, that does sound like a wonderful event.

Miranda: [looks apologetic] I may have ... forgotten about the ball in my excitement to get home.

Elena: [glances over with a bit of a smirk] Oh did you? Your favorite event of the year?

Miranda: [gives her mother a bit of a look in return, obviously close] It is not my finest moment, I'll admit. But there were a lot of preparations to make.

Andrew: It is fine, my Lady. I am sure I have something appropriate for a ball. If not, we can go to town and see if there is something at the market for both of us.

Elena: [her eyebrows go up at that] Of course. The Lockwoods usually pay handsomely to have a tailor open the day of, just in case anyone may need it. It was a tradition Tyler's mother began and his wife continued.

Andrew: Well then, it is settled. [he will smile at Miranda] I cannot in good conscious have you miss your favorite ball.

Miranda: [and she will smile a bit at that, because she appreciates it but also she is not doing this in front of her parents so...] I'm going to go find Aunt Jenna and see about the rooms. [and away she goes]

Elena: [glances to her husband with a bit of a smirk]

Derek: [returns it, happy to see it] We can watch the little ones tomorrow while you go to the tailors, my lord.

Andrew: That would be nice. They have lacked for playmates for a long time, and they do enjoy exploring new places.

Elena: Well we do have an excess of small children and new places. [she goes to sit over on one of the nearby couches] And I'll admit, it would be nice to see you in court again. I understand you have other responsibilities, but you have been missed. [your father and brother, less so.]

Andrew: It has been hard being away. [he lives with them, he understands] But now that my son is older, I think I will be able to return this spring.

Elena: Good. I'm glad to hear it. [and she holds out her hand for her husband, stop lurking in the corner, Derek]

Derek: [he is not lurking. But he will take her hand, going to her side and then behind her, wrapping his arms lightly around her waist to hold her]

Elena: [good. she likes you closer] So how long will you be staying with us?

Andrew: Through Christmas, perhaps longer if your daughter wishes. My family home is very closed in and not good for the children in the winter, so this trip will give them a chance to stretch their legs and laugh a bit.

Elena: We have a similar problem up north, but our problem is too many children.

Andrew: But they are worth it, I am sure

Elena: Oh, absolutely. Even if they're driving us crazy at the time.

Derek: We need another manor soon if they all choose to stay within our walls.

Andrew: It may be worth the investment, if for nothing else than guest rooms for the holidays. [grins]

Elena: [laughs] Quite true.

Andrew: I do hope we are not an inconvenience being here.

Elena: Oh, not at all. We're happy to have you. In fact, I'm fairly certain Jenna had a room prepared for Grayson, and we have cots for your children.

Andrew: Thank you. I am greatly appreciative to your hospitality.

Elena: After you were so gracious to Miranda all summer, it's the least we could do.

Andrew: Miranda and Grayson were both bright spots at our home. I enjoyed their company.

Elena: Good. I'm sure Laura will be pleased to hear that as well.

Andrew: Do you by chance have a place I can clean up?

Elena: Yes, of course. Let me show you. [and she will get up to guide him to the nearby bathroom]

Derek: [and he will stay behind to keep an eye on the little boy in the pillows who is out to the world.]

Sam: [and he comes inside, shrugging the snow off his cloak before hanging it up, and then heading to the fire to warm his hands, just barely avoiding the little boy before Derek grabs him and pulls him to the side] Careful.

Miranda: [comes back in once they've left and blinks in surprise, before moving to scoop up Brian and move him to one of the nearby chairs] Where's Andrew?

Derek: Your mother led him upstairs to where he could clean up.

Miranda: Ah. [and she settles Brian gently, before going to sit on the lounge, playing with her hair again]

Brian: [snuggles up more, sucking on his thumb]

Derek: [and he will go to sit next to her, putting an arm around her shoulder] So how was your time?

Miranda: [she takes a deep breath before shrugging] His father and brother are insufferable, but Andrew was very nice. I spent most of my time with him and the children.

Derek: Well, Andrew is the one we care about most in your view. You would not be marrying the others.

Miranda: I'd be kind of marrying them.

Derek: Well, if you want tips on dealing with that, you should talk to your aunt Cora.

Miranda: [blinks at him, confused] But Noah and Jody are lovely.

Derek: Yes, they are. But Stiles doesn't get his lordship from them. That is from his uncle and his three cousins, which are who I am talking about.

Miranda: Oh. I don't remember them.

Derek: Which may be a blessing in disguise. Stiles' cousins are all female, and his eldest cousin tried to kill him before his official marriage to your aunt.

Miranda: ... What??

Derek: [nods] She didn't want to lose her spot as heir. In fact, she is the reason why your uncle is no longer the heir. He absconded to her infant son for his own safety.

Miranda: I had no idea.

Derek: They don't talk about it now. It's been a long time, but that is why it is rare for them to travel to Austria.

Miranda: I see. [a pause] Well, Andrew doesn't have any such loophole. He inherits all of it when his father dies.

Derek: Plus, the brother will eventually marry, and he will want his own land if Andrew does inherit it all. Marriage does have a way of changing people.

Miranda: If the louse were capable of convincing any woman to marry him, I would be impressed.

Derek: [chuckles] I am sure the same thing used to be said about me. [because he doesn't hide his past from his daughters or son]

Miranda: [she glances back at him before shaking her head] He's not like you. And I know I'm probably biased, but ... there's a difference. [in the way she heard the ladies of Mystic Falls comment about him when he was younger, versus the way she hears women talk about George now]

Derek: [and he will hug his daughter close, kissing the top of her head] Thank you for that. But there is always room for hope that some brave woman is out there willing to whip him into shape.

Miranda: [nods as she leans into him for a moment] If he does ask me to marry him, we're going to have to tell him about our family.

Derek: Of course. Do you think he will understand?

Miranda: That I don't know yet.

Derek: Well, your mother knew of our kind before I asked her to marry me. Which surprised me, because I didn't know she knew. But your uncle Stiles did not.

Miranda: How did he take it?

Derek: Ran off into the woods scared for his life.

Miranda: ... But he came around, I hope.

Derek: Of course he did.

Miranda: [she nods. she's not going to comment on how she hopes Andrew will take it because that would mean she would have to admit to having feelings, and even if she's being slightly obvious, she's still not ready to admit to her father that he was right yet. she's still nineteen, after all]

Derek: Do you want Andrew to take it well? [because he knows his daughters better than they think. Even the one who thinks she got the least amount of attention of them all]

Miranda: [asking her a direct question like that is cheating, Dad] I don't know yet. Maybe.

Derek: [he is well aware. But he had to learn to say his feelings, and now so shall you] Do you feel you need more time to make a choice?

Miranda: He hasn't asked me anything yet. [though he's made his intentions quite clear, there's been no proposal]

Andrew: [and hey, this would be the perfect time to return to the room, right? Thankfully, he is human and didn't hear them over the noise in the kitchen] Sorry for disappearing like that, Miranda. [his eyes go to where Brian used to be and he stops, not seeing his child]

Miranda: No, it's fine. [she points to the chair where she left him] We didn't want him to get accidentally stepped on.

Andrew: [will follow her finger and visibly let out the breath his was holding] Ah, that would be best. I should check on Sarah. Find out where our cookies are.

Miranda: [she nods] Aunt Jenna has moved a pair of cots into what would have been Grayson's room for you, so whenever you're ready to settle in, I can show you the way.

Andrew: [he has to debate now - put Brian to bed proper, or find his daughter. The sleeping one first] Yes, let's get Brian to bed, then hunt down the sugar fairy.

Miranda: [nods and gets up to lead the way]

Andrew: [and he will go to pick Brian up gently, hugging his son to his chest and going to follow]

Miranda: [and she will lead him back upstairs, towards the guest quarters. he's going to wind up surrounded by Hale women because that is unfortunately Grayson's lot in life, but it will be a large, comfortable room all the same, with two small cots placed in the corner] I'll have the servants deliver your trunks here as well.

Andrew: That will be fine. [and he will settle Brian down into bed] Your family is very gracious.

Miranda: We like to be welcoming, if nothing else. And you did get me here, so I think you certainly earned some of it.

Andrew: Considering my family, I could use all the extra points I can acquire.

Miranda: [smiles a bit at that, before leaning against the door frame] I would understand, if you would rather forgo the ball.

Andrew: No, I think it would be fun. I don't believe either of the children have been to a ball before. Are children allowed?

Miranda: [she nods] Not in the main area, but they make space for them in another part of the manor. Lady Caroline insisted when she and Lord Lockwood moved back into the manor and took over the duties there.

Andrew: It will do them good to be around other children their age.

Miranda: It will. And I do apologize for .... springing it on you. I truly did forget.

Andrew: [and he will get up and take her hands] It is okay, Miranda. However, if you are not ready to show me off to your town, I will understand that.

Miranda: I didn't say that. [she straightens a bit, her tone shifting from apologetic to just slightly flirty] I just didn't want you to feel like you had to escort me if you didn't want to go. It can be hard to tell with you.

Andrew: Well, at my home I have to school my features around my father. I can be more open here. [he smiles at her tone] And I think I would object to anyone else wanting to escort you.

Miranda: Would you?

Andrew: I believe I would. Unless it is your lord father. Otherwise I may become jealous.

Miranda: [smiles a bit at that] Then I hope you like to dance, Lord Sumpter. This is my favorite event for a reason.

Andrew: I may have some talent in that department. [teasing smirk]

Miranda: Good. [she tips her head to the side, glancing down the halls to make sure none of her siblings are lurking before she continues] Though I'm not sure we've done anything that's worth being jealous over.

Andrew: You have spent a lot of time with us, and my children are quite fond of you. As am I. I would not like to think of another suitor trying to gain your favor while I am hoping to gain it myself.

Miranda: [pushes up a bit from where she's leaning on the doorframe] I've found that sometimes jealousy can be a bit of a motivator.

Andrew: So you want me to be motivated to be jealous?

Miranda: Not exactly. [she pauses as she takes a step closer] But more ... while I'm sure that my father admires your ... restraint ... sometimes I wonder how much you're actually holding back. [just toeing that line, as quietly as possible]

Andrew: I am not like my brother, Miranda. But I also do not want to dishonor you. [his teeth run along his bottom lip, because he has been very restrained because he doesn't want her father to think he is like his brother either]

Miranda: I know. And I appreciate that. But there are some areas of gray, between there and here. [but then there are footsteps on the stairs and Talia and Sarah emerge from the stairwell]

Talia: There you are!

Sarah: [holds up the two cookies in her hand] I brought the cookies!

Andrew: [he gives Miranda a look that they will continue this conversation later, and then kneels down to his daughter] Thank you. And how many have you had?

Sarah: Not a lot.

Talia: We were very restrained. [they were not very restrained, but Talia made sure it wasn't enough for Sarah to make herself sick]

Miranda: I'm going to go check on dinner. Let you all get settled. [and with that she will slip away because yes, this conversation will be resumed later]

Andrew: Come on, Sarah. Let's go clean you up. [and he will take her hand, then nod at Talia] And thank you for taking care of my daughter, and your restraint. [smiles]

Talia: Oh, it was my pleasure. I'm going to follow my sister. [and off she wanders after Miranda]

Sarah: [waits until they're in the room, before tugging on her father's sleeve] Is Lady Miranda going to be our new mother?

Andrew: [and he will lift his daughter to sit on the bed, then kneel in front of her] She might. Would you like her to be your new mommy?

Sarah: I like her better than the other women Grandfather has tried.

Andrew: Well, in the end it's not grandfather who makes this choice. It's you, Brian, and I. And then she has to say yes.

Sarah: Do you like her?

Andrew: [smiles] I do. I like her a lot.

Sarah: You smile more when she's here. And I like her sister. She would be a good aunt.

Andrew: She has two others, and a brother. I think you will like them all.

Sarah: I like it here too.

Andrew: Do you? How is it different from grandfather's?

Sarah: [she pauses for a moment, because she is only five so it's tricky to put it into words but ...] They like me.

Andrew: [and he nods, his hand running along her cheek] Well, who couldn't fall in love with you when they meet you?

Sarah: [and that makes her beam, her dumb grandfather forgotten for the moment]

Andrew: Oh, and tomorrow night we are going to go to a ball! Isn't that exciting?

Sarah: [eyes widen] A real one?

Andrew: Uh huh. Did you bring a good dress, or do we need to get you one tomorrow?

Sarah: I think so!

Andrew: Good. I think you will have a lot of fun.

Sarah: [and she's just the happiest little girl] See? I like it here.

Andrew: [leans in] I like it here too.

Sarah: [and they will go clean her up and she will crash and pass out from her sugar high right next to her brother]

Andrew: [and he will head downstairs. He can make the children plates if they wake up hungry later, but he knows dinner will be soon]

Miranda: [yep, there's a great big feast in the grand dining room with all the Hale children, the Gilbert children, the Sommers-Saltzman children, as well as servants and other local friends, because it's Christmas Eve and everyone should celebrate]

Andrew: [and that is a LOT of people he doesn't know, and he stiffens a bit as he stands in the doorway]

Derek: [looks up, and then motions to his daughter to go rescue her suitor]

Miranda: [glances over and gives Andrew a small smile, before pulling out the chair next to her and gesturing for him to sit. she's wedged between her Uncle Jeremy and an empty seat, and across from Talia and Clara]

Andrew: [and he will make his way over, grateful to sit next to her.]

Jeremy: [will look across his niece] Lord Sumpter. Glad you were able to make it.

Miranda: Are Brian and Sarah doing alright?

Andrew: [he nods to Jeremy, then looks at Miranda] Both out for the evening. Brian may wake up for something later, but Sarah had her fill of cookies and is now dreaming of the ball.

Miranda: I'm sure she's so excited.

Andrew: She is. She even says she has a dress for it.

Miranda: Good. She deserves to have a little fun.

Andrew: She says she likes it here. Better than home, in fact.

Miranda: Well, I don't blame her there. That manor feels like a tomb at times. [a beat as she reaches for her wine] No offense intended, of course.

Andrew: You aren't wrong. I also think she is taken with your sister.

Talia: Well, I am equally taken with her. [smiles] She's a sweetheart.

Andrew: [leans in a bit to Miranda] She actually asked if you were going to be her new mommy. So I think she is also quite taken with you.

Clara: [TOTALLY PRETENDING SHE CAN'T HEAR ANY OF THIS]

Miranda: [smiles softly at that, her head ducking] I'm glad to hear it. I'm quite fond of her as well.

Derek: [nope, can't hear that AT ALL. Excuse the small smile growing on his face as he gives a knowing look to his wife]

Andrew: [and he will smile, and then go to focus back with the rest of the people at the table before drawing notice]

Elena: [gives him one right back, as they continue their conversation with Jenna and Alaric]

Miranda: [and she will be in the middle of doing introductions for the people he hasn't met yet, when the final Hale sister bursts through the entryway, covered in snow]

Patience: I'm sorry! I'm late, I know, I'm sorry. Suzanne wouldn't let me leave until everything was perfect.

Sam: [trailing behind as he had gone off to fetch her, and he will take her cloak so she can see her sister]

Derek: [standing up] You made it just in time. You did miss the arrival of our unexpected guests though.

Patience: I know! [and she's making her way around the table to hug her sister tightly] I missed you so much.

Miranda: I missed you as well. [and then a pause as she pulls back] Lord Andrew Sumpter, this is my sister, Patience Winchester.

Patience: [and there's her usual congenial smile when it comes to dealing with people she doesn't know well] A pleasure, my lord. Merry Christmas.

Andrew: A pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Winchester. [and he gives her a small bow, having stood up with Miranda as Patience approached]

Patience: [nods and waves them away as she goes to find an empty chair] Please, sit, eat. We can catch up after.

Derek: [and once everyone is seated, there will be the blessing, and then he will start to carve the roast, and dinner can begin!]

Sam: [and he is going to end up just talking to Alaric about books and theory for most of it because nerds]

Andrew: [and he has... never been to a family dinner like this and doesn't know what to do with bowls being passed around and all the food options. Everything is meager and utilitarian where he comes from]

Miranda: [and she will explain the more unique dishes, and encourage him to try a little bit of everything as they come around, but otherwise it will be a lot of laughter and teasing, as family is prone to do]

Andrew: [and he will, and eat way too much and it's a bit overwhelming but not more than tourney balls]

Miranda: [and eventually the families who aren't staying the night will disperse, and with the wine and food, in addition to the traveling, she is ready to climb into bed to be ready for presents in the morning. but she will walk with Andrew to her room, since they're in the same wing] Did you enjoy dinner?

Andrew: I did. I've never seen so much, or tasted things that rich. Your family is just amazing.

Miranda: I'm sure they will just be happy you feel welcome.

Andrew: I do. And to echo my daughter, I really like it here.

Miranda: Good. Though this is only the Sommers side of the family. You still haven't met all of the Hales yet, and my Uncle Peter is much harder to impress.

Andrew: I am sure. [and they reach his room and he will turn to face her, taking her hands] I am really glad you invited us to come along with you.

Miranda: I am too. [she gives his hands a small squeeze] And I hope you are looking forward to the ball tomorrow as well.

Andrew: I am. When do you want to go into town to obtain a dress?

Miranda: Sometime between presents and the ball itself. [she smirks] Our timetable is going to have to be ... flexible.

Andrew: [and he will smile back] I can be very flexible when needed.

Miranda: Good. Then ... I will see you in the morning. [and she will step back to head towards her room where her sisters will likely be waiting for her to do some late night gossiping]

Andrew: Yes. [and since they are in her family's home and they aren't married, he will lean in and give her a soft kiss]

Miranda: [it catches her by surprise, but it is not unwelcome as she closes her eyes into the kiss, one hand coming up to rest against his chest]

Andrew: [and he wants to draw her closer, to just get lost in those lips, but he will pull back after a moment and leave her wanting more] Goodnight, my lady.

Miranda: [boy he is good at that] Goodnight. [and she will flee across the hall to her room before she can do anything to ruin the moment]

Andrew: [and he will head into his room, check on the kids and then head to bed with a smile on his face]