Chapter Text
MOMO
“Miss Yaoyorozu,” her footman greeted, and bowed before presenting her letters on a silver platter.
“Thank you.” Momo accepted the letters and took a seat at her desk, sorting through them with quick and knowing glances. The paper rustled in her hands, the paper smooth and familiar, however, one letter caught her attention. The seal jogged her memory, knowing right away that it was neither for business or any of the peers that she corresponded with regularly. Her dark eyes lit up, a small smile formed on her lips.
Momo read the address.
“Oh!” She exclaimed in joy as her guess was proven correct. Carefully, she popped the wax seal and took a seat on the lounge, poured herself some tea, and began to read. The smile on her lips grew into a grin as she read the letter in her old friend’s sweet voice.
My dearest Momo,
Do you still remember me?
It has been a few years since our last correspondence. I hope you have been in good health since then. The last letter in my possession from you was that you have fallen ill. I could not respond at the moment as I had been ill myself. It was a terrible time, but oh, I digress. I do not wish to write you such horrible things!
She sipped a little too much and coughed to clear her throat. However, a chuckle escaped her lips. It was much like her dear friend to get distracted, and only wish to speak of good things. Her positivity had always been a welcomed ray of light on any day, and only one of her many endearing qualities.
My mother told me that it is proper for young ladies to write, and I believe I have been improving so. Growing up is rather difficult, but it is a challenge I take to heart!
Indeed. Learning to become a proper lady—and soon-to-be wife—is a challenge that Momo took seriously. Balancing a book on one’s head for an entire tea session is a feat one could not scoff at. However, as Momo knew her childhood friend well, her thoughts waded into remembering that her friend struggled to walk with a stack of heavy books atop her head. She chuckled once more and resumed her reading as she sipped her tea.
My tutors and governess often praise me for my progress and improvement. My lessons have gone splendidly. If you remember, I was quite the rambunctious child with a horrendous slouch, however, my posture is now elegant, and I have mastered the art of coyness.
Momo’s smile widened into a grin. Her friend had always been a brilliant girl. A little shy and meek at times, but she had a heart of gold. Reading her letter reminded her of her bravery and determination, as well.
My parents’ old friends are pleased to see my growth, and the compliment I get the most is that I am the very picture of good health. The country’s fresh air and open spaces truly did wonders for me.
The memory of her friends’ round and squishy cheeks being pinched at by both their friends and the older mamma’s made Momo laugh, but as her gaze skimmed through the next words, her expression turned from shock to delight.
I am visiting London this season. My Mamma tells me that I am of age, and it is time I find a good husband. I have heard that this will be your first season in the marriage market, too. I find it quite odd as I heard that young ladies could have entered far younger than us. Of course, I do not mean that in offense! I only wonder why a beauty such as yourself has not sought to marry sooner… I hope that you and I can see each other again, and perhaps chat over tea! I will be sure to call on you once I arrive.
Your friend,
Ochako Uraraka
“Oh, my dear Ochako.” Momo giggled.
The young lady had no time left to ruminate on the letter as her footman came in and informed her that she had a caller.
“Oh? Which gentleman do I owe the honor to?”
“Not a gentleman, but a Miss Ochako Uraraka for you, Miss Momo.”
A light gasp slipped past her lips. “Oh. Do send her in!” She rose to her feet and straightened her skirt. “Please ask them to send a fresh pot of tea and biscuits.”
The footman left to do her bidding and Momo was left with her chest bubbling with excitement. After so many years, she would be reunited with her childhood friend! She fiddled with her skirt a little more, hoping to look presentable. She only ceased when her friend finally entered the drawing room.
True enough, Ochako did appear to be the very picture of health. Her round soft cheeks were tinted, with a pink and healthy glow, her hair pinned into an elegant bun, with some loose chocolate locks framing her pretty face. She grinned from ear to ear and rushed to Momo, engulfing her in a tight hug.
“My dear Ochako!” Momo greeted her, breathless from the sudden hug and excitement. “How I’ve missed you so.”
Her friend held her tightly and squealed. “Momo!” She pulled away and grinned. “How I’ve missed you. Oh, let me look at you,” for a moment, Momo stood still, but could not help the ever-growing smile on her face. “You look as lovely as ever.”
“I should be saying that about you!” Momo laughed. “You look beautiful, as always.”
“Thank you!” Her cheeks tinted pink, and she took a step back. “Beautiful enough to catch a husband, I hope.”
Although she had spoken as if it were in jest, it still shocked Momo. She was too stunned to speak and observing propriety, invited her friend to promenade with her at the nearby park instead. The fresh air and sunlight felt nice and warm on her skin, but tied her bonnet fast onto her chin, accompanied with a parasol.
The topics of conversation, apart from the weather and the fresh air of the country, quickly evolved to Ochako’s studies and the company she had kept. Momo, in turn, spoke about herself and her progress. At times she would drop some cheeky gossip. The two of them walked arm in arm, chattering about a million things at a time. But it all went back to the innocent statement that Ochako had made earlier.
“Pray tell, why have you suddenly come to the city? I take this to mean you are now well and your illness has passed?” Momo smiled kindly, and although she knew Ochako looked healthy, anything was possible.
“I… missed the scenery.” She averted her gaze for a moment then, righted her posture and looked at her in the eyes. Not being able to withhold truths from her friend, she relented, “I have come to seek a husband and marry well.”
Dark eyes widened. Then perhaps it wasn’t a fleeting thought that Ochako had spoken aloud earlier. “O-oh, I see…” even if Momo knew Ochako had no reason to lie to her, she was still a little surprised. And truthfully, puzzled. “I see.”
“Why are you laughing at me?” Ochako worried her lips. “I-I’m serious!”
“I apologize, I did not even notice I was laughing.” Momo giggled. “I just did not think you were the type to want to marry so soon.”
Ochako turned pensive and nodded. “I did not think so as well. But… it is proper for a lady to marry well, is it not? And I—I wish—“ her lower lip trembled, tears welling at the corner of her eyes.
“What ever is the matter?” Momo stopped walking and turned to face her friend. “You can confide in me, I shall not betray your trust.”
She nodded and quickly wiped at her eyes with a white handkerchief. “I—I came here to marry, and I must marry someone wealthy because my parents… our lands have experienced famine and they have gone through great lengths in order to bring me to the city and live well enough to entertain callers, have dresses for balls, servants to care for me, and… my dowry.” She sniffed. “I came alone because that was all we could afford at the moment.”
The words spilled out of her mouth so quickly that it took Momo a moment to absorb and collect her thoughts on the matter. She had not known that Ochako and her parents were suffering so. Her heart broke for her friend. For coming back to the city, alone and with such a burden was no easy feat for her tender heart. Momo wished to offer comfort, but as she had never been in lack, thought against it in fear of being insensitive. Instead, she offered her hand to her friend, hoping her presence and a listening ear was enough for Ochako to know that Momo would stand by her.
“But… my parents said they will do their best to come. It’s only right they do, at least my mama. I heard that the mamas are crucial to having a good proposal.”
“Of course,” Momo agreed. “If there is anything I can do for you, please, you only need to say so.”
“You are too kind!” Ochako blushed. “But… would you know of any gentlemen who are looking for a wife?” It was much like Ochako to get to business, never one for missing her goals or letting go of fruitful opportunities. It brought a smile to Momo’s face. Sometimes, there were certain things she did not wish to change, and one of them was Ochako’s endearing qualities.
She let her mind wander for a while, and when her thoughts landed on a handsome gentleman she had the pleasure of being acquainted with, her cheeks flushed. She hid her face behind her gloved hand for a moment. “It is also my first season,” Momo admitted, “But I think I know just the person who would.”