Lessons Learned and Reviewed

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

"He was," Spencer could think of his late brother with some few regrets, but the grief had eased into something less painful and more wistful. "I miss him daily. He was an excellent advisor to me, and I only hope I can find a man equally skilled to aid Theo when his time comes. May the Triad make that a long time from now," he added. He was in no great haste to leave the world, especially as they were coming upon troubled times, he felt sure. It was no way to begin Theo's reign as Duke of Indigane.

Amused at how Fiona spoke of children, he could not help a subtle tease. "Then you are not looking forward to the day your children present you with your first grandchilden? Tsk, Fiona... does this mean you won't be a loving and doting grandmother?"

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

She was not ready for him to leave the world, either. If anything, she wanted him to stay around for all eternity, but ... that was a silly wish. It made her smile wistfully. Maybe something would change, just maybe. For now, though, she would banish those thoughts from her mind. Instead, she focused on him and thought on his question with a dry and sardonic chuckle.

"Oh, come now, Spencer, you know me. I'll ... pat them on the head, give them a sweet or some such and send them on their way. That is what grandmothers do, is it not?" She was amused at the prospect.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

"I wouldn't know," he replied with a rare and rakish grin. "I never knew my grandmothers, and I've never been a mother or a grandparent myself. I suspect I'll prove a miserable failure as a grandfather when the time comes." It was a bittersweet thought to the Duke; his children were grown now, soon to marry and begin families of their own. A somewhat lonely thought as well, too. "But for now, it is a moot point. We are neither of us in any near danger of incipient grandparenthood."

Studying her for a moment, Spencer smiled gently. "What else is weighing on your mind, Fiona?"

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"By the Triad, the day that Serah or Gerald give a grandchild is the day I'll start sprouting grey hairs," she promised with an amused smirk of her own and then eyed him a moment. "That's right, you told me that. I knew mine. I have been told that I remind people of my grandmother, but I doubt this current generation remember her a great deal." It was still strange having a nephew that was older than her but that was the nature of her family!

"Too much, I imagine." She smiled at him in thanks for the question, "Is the Court season over yet? I could do with a nap."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

"Grey hair isn't so bad, Fiona." Spencer had more than a few himself now, though he could not attribute them all to his children. They caused him plenty of worry, true, but that was the nature of parenting. "I recall her well, and you resemble her in some ways." He meant the words in a complimentary fashion, as the lady had been formidable, every bit the leader Fiona herself had become. "Besides, you have established a legacy all your own. Surely that is something to be proud of?"

When she inquired about the Court season, he let loose one of his rare, rolling laughs. Fiona was one of the few who knew him to laugh so openly. The way she said it simply struck him as hilarious in its irony. "I fear not, my friend, but we'll survive it together and hopefully no worse for the wear."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"I've no shortage of pride, my dear Lord, so there is no worry for that, either. I should take it as a compliment, but I also enjoy knowing that I have created something for myself, as well." The smile was genuine and warm as she reflected on it. She did still have her regrets, but they did not weigh down her mind as much as they could. That gave her a considerable amount of comfort, as well.

The laugh surprised her, but pleasantly slow. It was not all that often Spencer allowed himself to laugh and it made her feel, well, rather good about himself. Feeling the laughter roll over her gave her a sort of warmth she did not get to feel all that often. "You mean the nap, right?" She teased lightly and then nodded. "I know. We will."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

"Shall I tuck you in, my lady? Sing you a lullabye until you sleep?" The teasing came naturally, the more for hearing her laugh. "I promise you, I can be an excellent nursemaid when called upon. I'll even see your bed properly warmed before you enter it so you sleep all the sweeter." His eyes held a twinkle that in another might be deemed wicked, but surely not from one so urbane.

He laughed again, enjoying their accustomed and familiar banter, able to see the Fiona that was dearest to him in her face now. She looked less strained and weary, her eyes brighter for her smile. A hand reached out to pass over her hair gently before he could halt himself. "Do you feel a little better now?"

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"Why yes, my lord. How could I possibly decline so premium a service?" The smile grew on her lips, the eyes twinkling in much the same manner as his. Even at his most urbane, Spencer could be a delightfully wicked flirt. "I would see you properly compensated for such, as well." What that truly meant would be up to their hearts and minds to decide. However, Fiona refrained from going further. The line, as much as she hated it, was still there. She wanted to curse propriety, however.

Her head tilted to receive the comforting hand, "Thanks to you, yes."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

Amused at their banter, he exerted himself to the flirtation of yore, feeling a few years tumble from his back in the process. Their positions were not without their burdens, but it was always enjoyable to share a dance of wits with so skilled a partner. Spencer was well aware that had fate proved differently, they might well be married, and she the mother of his three children rather than Felice.

His fingers caressed her still golden hair, savoring the silken strands gently as his eyes met his. "Then I have done my part. You know how I hate to see you upset or unhappy, Fiona."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

Fiona stood on her toes suddenly, moving as though she were to press a kiss to his lips, but she knew that was not proper. It would not be acceptable for the two of them. Instead, her tender lips brushed against cheek. "You've always done more than just your part, Spencer." She murmured quietly and then lowered herself back down.

The heart felt lighter for the action and the smile on her face made that obvious.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

Satisfied she would rest easier in mind, if not heart, he proved bold in turn, leaning down to briefly capture her lips in a fleeting kiss. They were no longer children, or young adults promised to others, but mature people who answered to no one save themselves. Drawing back before it grew overly intimate, or revealed a promise he did not know might be wanted, Spencer smiled and stepped back. "As have you, my Lady. As have you. But I think I should escort you back to your pavilion before we cause a scandal, though no one would believe it of us."

Certainly not of her, and definitely not of him. The idea held a sweet temptation, but he was far too much the gentleman to indulge himself so. She deserved nothing less than honor and dignity.

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"I would appreciate that," she gave a grateful nod though there was a faint twinge of disappointment. Just once, she would like to have a night with him. Granted, one could argue that one night would not be enough, but Fiona would rather experience and cherish the memory than never experience at all. Still, she appreciated the strength of his resolve and loved him all the more for it. Bowing her head, she accepted his arm and walked with him out of the pavilion.

Yes, she loved him. She always had and she always would.