InsaneJournal

Mothering Sunday
Who: Bryony and Marcus
What: Post-Mother's Day Comfort
Where: Pineview Hall (briefly), Marcus's flat
When: Sunday March 15th, late afternoon
Rating: SFW

As the youngest child, Bryony's present was the last to be opened. The whole family had moved from the dining room after their Sunday lunch and were sitting in the living room with tea and biscuits - or just tea, in Bryony's case. Iris unfolded the black-and-white infinity scarf and pursed her lips slightly. Bryony knew better than to mention that it was in Montrose Magpie colours - let Iris reach that conclusion for herself, or not. "It's lovely," Iris said, putting the scarf immediately to one side. "A pity it's not really scarf weather anymore, and by next year that monochrome look will be so out of fashion." There was silence for a moment; Bryony uncertain what to say and no one else apparently willing to jump in for her. Conversation returned slowly, though Bryony kept out of it until Rowan stood. "Happy Mother's Day," he said, moving across the room to kiss Iris's cheek, "but I've got to go." He made no excuses, offered no explanation. No one expected him to. Bryony put her teacup aside and got to her feet. "Me too." She brushed imagined crumbs from her robes, until a sharp look from her mother stilled her hands. "You're not going to stay for dinner, Bryony? Surely you've got no reason to rush back?" Bryony looked between Iris and Ephron, knowing she had to leave but not willing to give the true reason why. "Uh," she stammered. "Aunt Hecuba - she needs me to make dinner. I promised." Iris looked as though she wasn't going to fall for it, Aunt Hecuba was more than recovered enough to make her own meals by now, but Shauna cut in. "Let her go. Allegra and I have a nice surprise for you." Bryony wasn't even insulted, only grateful to be able to leave.

After polite, but rather cold, kisses all around, she slipped out to the kitchen. "Miss Capper!" squeaked Tilly, the senior house-elf. "We has not seen you in a long time. Was lunch acceptable?" Bryony smiled, glad that at least one being in the house was glad to see her. "It was delicious, Tilly, but I need some food for dinner - for me and Mr Flint." Grinning, Tilly nodded and immediately set to work making up a picnic basket. Bryony didn't need to remind her not to mention it - Iris had made it clear all on her own after the engagement 'fell through' that she didn't want Marcus's name mentioned in her house.

A handful of minutes later, Bryony apparated straight to Marcus's flat, still in formal robes but picnic basket in hand. "Marcus?" she called, as the wards shivered around her. She wasn't sure if he'd be back from St Mungo's already, but if not she could wait. Maybe even apparate to Hecuba's and change into something more comfortable. "I think Tilly made us a feast." The house-elf always did whenever Bryony used Marcus's name - apparently she was convinced he was still 'a growing boy'.