July 1, 1895 — Swann home, Bartonburg

Verity had been back in Bartonburg for less than a month and she was already pining for the warmth of the Italian sun. Summers in Scotland were pleasant enough with its bustling social season and rustic charm, she supposed, but nothing would ever compare to the ancient city she now thought of as home. However, with Jemima set to deliver in the coming weeks, Verity had determined she would remain on British soils until the new year at the minimum. Jemima's baby was to be her first niece or nephew and, even if her relationship remained what it was with Ford, she hoped to have a close relationship with them.

Still, it pained her to realize her dreams of motherhood would likely never come to fruition. Everett was as kind a husband as Verity could have ever prayed for, but they still had never crossed the line into a romantic relationship. They were friends and roommates, a team even. Verity even sometimes believed she might love him. And yet, they remained in their separate bedrooms across the hall from one another.

At least he was kind to her, many other men in his position wouldn't have been.

She had finished discussing the week's menu with the housekeeper and was considering what other errands needed to be accomplished when footsteps echoed from the parlor. "Oh, hello," Verity greeted her husband with her same friendly smile. "I thought you were at the office already."

---

Sisse Thompsett / Everett Swann

  

It was rather terrifying how quickly the last few years had passed him by. Everett had done his best by Verity and while their marriage was still a marriage in name only she no longer seemed to cower away from him. In fact he knew there was a friendship there now. He admired her, thought she was beautiful, and was a confidant for her. But he had never approached her that way. He had promised he wouldn’t and so he stayed away. If he loved her he didn’t admit it to her - or to himself. Instead he spoiled her and continued on with his work. The work she both knew about, such as the office, and the other work, that happened behind closed doors and in dark hidden woods, and every so often in Italy.

He’d even gone so far as to purchase permanent accommodations for them in Italy once he’d realized how much she loved it there. Now she’d been back for a month from Rome and already their home seemed so much brighter with her in it.

“I did.” He explained as he entered the room flashing her a smile. “Had a meeting canceled and thought I’d come home and have tea with you?” And perhaps find a way to roach the fact that he’d just done something a bit frivolous and rather unlike himself.

  

---

Thank you MJ <3

"Oh, yes. That would be lovely," Verity beamed. Everett already spoiled her endlessly what with how easily he supported her whims and the flat he'd purchased for them in Rome. So for him to take additional time from his day to sit and have tea with her was an unnecessary but wonderful delight.

She needn't even glance in the housekeeper's direction to know the request had been heard and was already being completed. Still smiling, Verity led them into the parlor and took her usual spot on the sofa. "Were your clients able to reschedule? I hope everything is alright with them...?"

---

  

---

set by mj

Everett followed Verity into the parlor, "It appears they were able to settle things without my assistance." Everett told her settling down on the couch across from her. "I'm sure the courts will be happy for one less case to hear." Although he wouldn't have minded the extra client. That said he wasn't heartless, if they could resolve things without him well then that was that.

They discussed her morning for the next few minutes until the housekeeper left the tea with them. Verity was pouring it when at last Everett braved the subject he was about to set before her. "Er, Verity, dear, I believe I may have made a very foolish investment." He's cheeks pinked a bit as he accepted the glass from her, looking up at his wife. He could handle courts and ruffians, but his wife still did intimidate him. Perhaps it was because he so fervently wanted her to be happy, or perhaps because of the ice that had coated their early days.

  

---

Thank you MJ <3

It was by sheer luck alone that Verity didn't falter and spill tea onto the new parlor rug.

A foolish investment.

With all the funds she so freely spent, Verity had never once thought to question him on his spending or the status of their finances. She did sometimes silently ponder how they seemed to be so wealthy given that he was only a lawyer, but she was too comfortable — and admittedly too selfish — to risk the life he'd afforded her. However, if he was mentioning a foolish investment ... if that life was to be altered ... her stomach sank.

She didn't want to be poor again like they had been when the Greengrass family first moved to Bartonburg. She didn't want to have to magically alter her wardrobe to keep up with modern trends and sell off the flat in Rome (frankly, she'd sooner abandon Bartonburg altogether than sell their Italian lodgings). Verity waited until she was seated once more, her expression tight and unreadable as she asked, "a foolish investment? What sort?"

---

  

---

set by mj