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theinheriteddutchess · 2 days ago

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An Indecent Proposal

Part 2

Summary: You continue your public courtship with Lord Rogers

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Word count: 4.070

Warnings: self arranged marriage, light smut, fake courting, regency era. Viscount!Steve Rogers, loss of virginities, both of them yes.

Masterlist * Lord au Masterlist

Part 1

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

It turned out Lord Rogers was too sickly that Sunday and suggested staying in his carriage. He was clearly ashamed about his health, but you did not mind. It was a lovely day, and in fact, now you sat beside him in full view, you knew this would only help show everyone courting was happening. And that it was very serious. Lord Rogers, inviting you into his carriage? Helping you settle next to him and making sure you were comfortable? Even if your umbrella helped shelter him against the warm sun as well, they did not need to know.

“Have you been very poorly?” You asked him. Feeling concerned. He did look quite pale.

He blushed and looked displeased. “Not too poorly,” he mumbled.

“Then I hope you will feel better soon. But I must applaud you for being strong enough to still meet me. Had I been sick, I would not know how to get out of bed. I must admit I do not get sick very often, but when I do I feel dreadful. I fully expect soup to be presented when I do, I am very fond of it. My mother used to tease me so, when I had fallen ill. The cook had to make a lot of soup and my mother herself is not as fond of it.”

He nodded. “I will keep it in mind. I myself am not able to digest much when I am ill,” he shared, perhaps relieved you did not look at him any different.

“That is unfortunate, one mostly feels better after some food, but if it is not helping I will take your lead. Is it not too warm for you?”

“No, the sun is nice, and your umbrella is helping not get any sunburn.”

You smiled. “Then I’m glad I am here.”

He smiled back, and you spent the whole hour getting to know each other better, while ignoring curious eyes set upon you.

***

More visits happened. Letters were exchanged. The messages weren’t very romantic in your opinion, Lord Rogers either had no idea how to woo a lady in written word, or he deemed it unnecessary with you. You kept up the correspondence since it made your situation look good. A letter back and forth twice a week set tongues loose, even if most of the message never progressed further than “I hope you are well” and “Perhaps I could call upon you the day after tomorrow?”

You wrote him a poem of one of the great poets and he seemed to recognize it instantly, in return he copied another of his own choosing and it mostly caused amusement to burst inside you reading words of eternal love and devotion since neither of you felt much for the other. Still, it was entertaining to pretend to be caught up in a romance and play the part.

You appreciated his sense of humor quite a lot, and the more you got to know him, the more you believed him to be a decent man and a surprisingly funny one.

Your family started eyeing him pretty soon after he visited the second time. Your mother dropping subtle hints Lord Steven was unmarried and wealthy enough for any wife to live comfortably. That his house used to belong to Lady Barnes and it was quite lovely. She used to be friendly with Lady Barnes’ mother when she was still alive and visited at times, and it was always looking so lovely with a reasonably sized garden, and his income exceeded every other in the county.

You let her talk, knowing once an engagement was made she would be very pleased and none the wiser.

It was at the next ball Lord Rogers danced with you twice. He was still not very good at it, but he tried his best, even if a blush of exertion appeared on his cheeks and he seemed so out of breath, you decided he might not live through a third and requested to perhaps sit down and have a taste of the punch.

The second dance had done its part and eyes were cast upon you, whispers behind fans, and murmurs just slightly too loud to pretend to not be aware of what was said. Lord Rogers seemed smitten with this particular Lady and she was not opposed.

***

And thus it continued, invites for dinners and walks in private gardens, carriage rides and visiting plays where you would sit next to each other. To be honest, you were getting impatient. You would be glad once he would propose and things were set. Both of you would cause disapproval if you would break your promise after, meaning you could finally breathe a little easier.

Your parents went out of their way to make Lord Rogers welcome, without seeming too eager and you were pleased your father seemed to like the fellow. His judgement could be absolute and rigid and once ruined, he would not change his mind. You wondered if he pitied the short man, but instead he listened raptly when Lord Rogers spoke and often took his advice about matters of the estate. He was impressed and because of it, so were you. He continued to surprise you.

Lady Barnes, on her part - becoming a friend during these months, as you often met each other since Lord Rogers was close to Lord Barnes - tried to discuss all of his better qualities. She would point out a painting in her house he had made and asked if you did not agree it was lovely and so detailed, and look at the colours of the background ensuring the subject in front stood out more! And his keen mind made him unmissable in his days in the army, ensuring great wins during his service.

You listened to all her praising words and hummed and aaw’ed with each quality Lord Rogers seemed to display like any good soon to be betrothed woman would. Yes, indeed, he was very talented and very keen, but you had already known that, of course, with every meeting he impressed you more! And Lady Barnes seemed pleased with your answers, a smile turned your way as she went on to the next thing Lord Rogers excelled in.

The day of the proposal was met with grey weather. It would not be of concern normally, however, Lord Rogers was known to catch colds quickly and he did not recover from them quickly. If it rained, he might decide to stay home to avoid it. You worried endlessly, it might be postponed. But your fears turned out for naught, for soon in the morning after breakfast, his carriage showed up and he stepped out. You believed he was even in a new costume, looking quite dapper in blue. You always loved the color on him, since it made his eyes turn even brighter.

You rushed to your parents and informed them you had seen him arrive. They seemed not as surprised since he was a regular visitor by now, but they did not know what was to come. After all, your father was supposed to be the first to know about an engagement and give his approval first.

As soon as he entered your home and the room you were all staying in, he declared it was lovely to see everyone and if you were well. Then he continued to ask your mother about her garden and your father about his health. You were impatient, listening to well meant wishes and polite questions. It seemed to take a good long while until he asked your father for a private conversation, and you did not know who seemed to be excitable more, you or your mother.

It did not seem to be a very long meeting. A few minutes before they both reappeared and your father called your mother out of the room to go look at something. That’s how he told her; to ‘look at something’ and you realised he and Lord Rogers were more alike than you had thought at first. Perhaps your own impatience for fake niceties had been transferred through him. With the flimsy excuse, your mother quickly walked out and you were left alone with the man of your desires.

“Well,” he started awkwardly. “Your father gave us his blessing and believes I have high hopes of receiving a most pleasing answer.”

You tried to suppress your laughter. “We both know what my answer will be, but for clarity’s sake, please ask me formally.”

“Will you marry me?” He told you instantly.

And you nodded “Very much so.”

And that was it. Your family was called back and a celebration was quickly arranged. Lord Rogers left much later after that, unable to detach himself from the well intended congratulations and questions of your parents. Though he took it in good stride.

Now you were engaged, all that was left was to arrange the wedding and after that you would be truly free. It did not take long, and on the day itself you appreciated the dress you were wearing and the bouquet you held matching its colors, and how happy everyone seemed to be for you. It was merry all around you with everyone making it as festive as any other wedding.

Lord Rogers appeared to never look better as you gave your vows and listened to the long verses the clergyman gave who tied you together.

And then you were in your new home. As Lady Rogers. Viscount Steven Rogers’ new bride. Steven, who seemed slightly bashful again. It was as the night approached, you understood. The bed so prominently in the room, and both of you standing in front of it staring at it. It seemed to appear bigger as time went on. You turned your eyes away.

“I will need help untying my dress,” You informed him. The dress, though lovely, had many ribbons and buttons and was a little tight for you to move comfortably in it.

His cheeks reddened and you watched him as he seemed to make a decision to simply do what was asked. His fingers slowly helping you take off the dress. And then he halted again. You watched him again expecting something, but as he did not react further you understood it was you who needed to take action.

“Do you want me to turn away as you undress? “ Your fingers removed the rest of whatever you were wearing and relieved your hair of its pins and flowers.

His blush deepening, he turned around to remove his own clothes. You could not fault him his discomfort, for as much of your bravoure, you were not as certain as you appeared.

However, you would do as promised, perform your duties and try your best for a child.

You laid down on the bed and waited until he was finished. A gasp told you he was, as you looked up and he stared at you. It would be shameful if his expression wasn't one of wonder. His eyes spoke of appreciation and not shock, or displeasure, as you laid still until he was ready to join you.

When he did, he laid next to you carefully, far enough to not touch you. “I must admit I have never laid with a woman before.” He admitted quietly.

“I am glad we can learn together,” you replied. “My knowledge is only so much of what I was able to read or hear and I heard one might have very different experiences.”

“I do not know where to start.”

“Perhaps you should kiss me first.” You suggested.

As he leaned in, you focussed on his eyes right above you. A truly lovely color, and his full lips you liked to look at very much, lips that gently pressed against yours. It was pleasant. Very much so that once he retreated you were brave and kissed him again. He was surprised, not expecting you to return it. Or even want to.

“That was nice, I think?” You told him, more of a question since you weren't sure if he felt the same.

“Yes, very nice.”

“I might enjoy kissing,” you then informed him more certainly. “I think you can do your duties now.”

He turned red again and coughed. “Bucky told me a woman might receive me better if I…” he stopped talking, too embarrassed to continue. Your interest was piqued, Lord Barnes and Rogers had talked about the wedding night? What had they discussed? You were not informed before, your mother looking at you with worry but turning her eyes away like it would be unbearable to even mention it.

“Can I touch you?” He simply asked and you nodded silently. It was the reason for the marriage wasn’t it? To please your husband. He did not need asking.

But when his fingers touched your skin and gently caressed it and moved over your body you were stunned. You had expected him to move above you and do the deed, for it to be displeasing or endurable, but it was not. His fingers were gentle and eager. And when he moved them to your most private parts, you needed to take a moment to remind yourself to be still and let him, it suddenly started to feel really good!

Your sounds urged Lord Rogers, Steven, on. His keen eyes watching everything, from the way your body looked and moved and reacted, to the sounds you let out and what seemed to excite you most. It was only after you seemed to float, that he moved on top of you and it was then you experienced your first true discomfort. A pain you had not expected anymore. Steven halted as you cried out, concern in his eyes as he asked you if you were alright, if he needed to stop. No, you shook, a moment please. The thought of him moving at all, even away, concerning. But as you waited and the pain lessened and he realised, he asked if he could move again. Hesitant, you answered yes, and with the first thrust you urged him to stop again. It was not as painful as the first but it was still not desirable. Again he waited, again he asked permission, and eventually after several thrusts, it was not as unpleasant as you had started to believe. You had noticed the look on your husband's face as he moved, however, and it seemed the ordeal was not as awful for him. He in fact seemed eager to move, and to move faster. You watched his body move, his thin frame holding up quite well with all the exertion he displayed. His cheeks displaying a healthy glow and the noises he made were somehow adding to what was now much more tolerable. In fact you were starting to feel a familiar feeling again. His movements reaching spots inside you quite liked. You informed him, and he tried to move in the same direction again.

“Oh!” You exclaimed. “That feels quite good, do it again.”

And on it went, with both of you asking if it was okay and what felt better. It was very satisfying to notice you both seemed to feel that rush where your body seemed to tense and let go. A wonderful feeling. And as he seemed to exhaust himself after and could not hold himself up any longer, he laid down on top of your chest, his breath blowing air on your dewy breasts, cooling them down. He could not seem to get up immediately and laid there gasping.

“Sorry,” he told you, ashamed.

You stroked his back comfortingly, it was even nice to lay like this. “It is alright. I do not mind.”

He accepted your touch, his breathing getting calmer as you caressed the man who was your husband. Who you were going to spend the rest of your life with. Who might have already given you a child.

Suddenly you felt a pressure in your lower regions again, and you froze. “My lord? Steven….is that?”

He groaned. “I apologize, your touch just feels so nice and I’m still inside you, I am sorry for the inconvenience. I will take my leave now,” he tried to pull back but you stopped him.

“I wonder if it will hurt less now,” You spoke, remembering the look of him when he completed his task. You could admit you enjoyed watching him take pleasure from your body. “If we continue we will know.”

He watched you in awe, but then nodded eagerly. He kissed you, a sweet grateful one, and started moving again, slower than the first time, like he wanted to make sure it would not hurt again. It was still a little sore, but not as much as it was the first time. And you now knew what to expect. Your eyes watching Steven as he became eager again, your hands deciding to wander on their own. He did not protest and the look of happiness as you continued helped you quickly feel that euphoria again.

***

Marriage life wasn’t much different than before. You woke up, ate breakfast, wrote for a few hours, ate luncheon or visited friends for tea, and either had dinner with your husband or made yourself ready for a party. The difference was that you now were the one in charge of running the household and any hosting you might do in the future, and going to bed and waking up with your husband. That was a big change.

You were not used to having another body next to you. Seeing his hair mussed in the mornings, and remembering the previous night. Lord Rogers - Steven - enjoyed marital duties more than you had expected. From observing other couples, love quickly dulled and was replaced with content, or resignation. And you believed lying together would be strictly for producing an heir. However, Steven liked touching you and enjoyed giving you pleasure. He often asked what he could do to make you more comfortable and if you liked certain experiences. You were quick to answer honestly, urging him on in the right direction and exploring him yourself.

You noticed your mind being stimulated to find out this new change in your life and wanting to find out more about it. You became bolder in your pursuit for knowledge and Steven was all too happy to let you figure out what worked best. He was expressive to aid you in learning, and together you often withdrew to bed earlier than expected and slept in longer than necessary.

It was a joy that Steven liked discussing things so openly and thoroughly. You had believed him to be shy and awkward before, but now you had found out a new side of him. One that resonated and matched yours quite well. He was practical, and straightforward. Keen to observe and learn. Together your conversations were often quick to be resolved and clear to each.

You could not have expected a better partner.

It helped writing your stories, for you had new knowledge and could express yourself better. Romance you were not as well known or as comfortable with before, but knowing how it felt to kiss and caress, how it was to look in someone’s eyes and see the same feelings exchanged back, it changed your mind about your willingness to write it. Steven was a good subject to use and you found yourself unknowingly describing parts of him in your characters. His eyes, his smile, his strong will, all captured on paper.

Your husband had created a room for you where you would not be disturbed or caught. The servants did not know better than this was where you retreated to write to dear friends or relatives living too far to visit. Where you read and maybe embroidered. Where Lord Rogers held his documents so they were not to disturb the desk or its drawers. He had another desk in the house, but no one questioned their Lord in his own house. Both of you did not want gossip to spread. One could not fully trust servants to hold back information to another. It was good to not forget and be cautious.

It was unfortunate that as a higher classed person one was not allowed to work or have their literature published. It was how society lived, and you had to accept that. But only on the surface. You remembered the lady who turned ill and had withdrawn for public, she had seemed to be bored of the gent and their endless parties and gossip. Perhaps you would have liked her had you met, but she might not ever return. At least you had Lady Barnes as a new friend, as your other friends now lived further away, and had lives of their own to live. Marrying Steven had raised your status slightly and for some it meant they could not be as informal as they had been before. It was the difficulties of your reality you had to adapt to. As well as needing to make new friends. Though Steven himself did not seem to have many friends himself. He mostly visited Lord Barnes, and seemed not to wish for more than that. The two of them ever close even after both marrying.

So it was fortunate Lady Barnes and you got on pleasantly, now you saw so much more of one another.

She seemed happy with her husband, her love still so clear for anyone to see. He doted on her. Though he was missing an arm, neither seemed to mind much. She helped him when needed, and the strength left in his body made it seem like it was not the disability people had formerly believed it was. He was an excellent shot, and his other arm could lift more than most men near him. His wife looked at him like he was the most beautiful creature on earth. You often wished you could experience that, but you were content.

Steven was a pleasant husband and a pleasant conversationist, he was kind and fair to those who deserved it. But he was not fooled by the sides of people that were less pleasant. He did not accept thievery and unfairness. Plenty of times you heard him argue loudly how the poor needed help, not punishment. He turned away easily from even the most upstanding man, if that man pronounced cruel words and had an opinion that did not suit him.

His morals were strong, and you learned much through him. Your parents, you believe, were fair, but Steven took it further. He believed in helping those in need and he often tried to convince others to help those who were less fortunate. He also believed that wealth was no excuse for misconduct. Something not everyone liked hearing, for they did not wish to think about being punished themselves, not when they so easily could avoid it with a bit of money showing up in the right hands. But he did not deter.

You admired that in him. You found yourself visiting tea parties for charity, joining the women’s board to discuss what could be done to better others. It was not as fierce as your husband’s demeanor, the women often suggesting a baking sale to raise money, while you would not have minded protesting and sending letters to those in charge of making actual changes. It was so unlike what you thought you were capable of, but you enjoyed raising money nonetheless, and you enjoyed discussing with your husband about what you could do to improve the lives of those in the county. To visit the poor and deliver fresh produce or even medicine if one had fallen ill. You found yourself looking for his approval and enjoyed when he gave it, feeling warm and satisfied he was pleased with you and your efforts.

Your writing expressing more about justice and doing what was fair and right, no matter where you stood in life. You wrote with a passion you had not previously realised you were lacking.

You liked sharing dinner with your husband, discussing the day. His voice was strong when he was passionate about something, his eyes shining with intensity when he was upset or glad. With a healthy blush coloring his cheeks, he was quite lovely to look at.

Taglist:

Part 3

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#steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #regency era #regency au #lord!Steve Rogers #Steve Rogers x female reader #viscount!Steve Rogers #regency #lord au #Chris Evans fanfiction #an Indecent Proposal

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