Chapter Text
You took a deep breath as you stood outside the door to your father’s office, wiping your hands on your skirt, trying to gather the courage to knock on the door and speak to the man inside. Surely he wouldn’t mind too much, he wasn’t an unkind man. And your request was nothing too terribly overbearing, so surely he wouldn’t mind. Surely.
Your shaking hands spoke to your thoughts that seemed to shout the contrary. You shook your hands out before going to ball one into a fist. You hesitated a second longer and then knocked before you could chicken out again.
Your father called for you to come in quickly, and you gave him a smile as you entered his office. Your hands were still slightly shaking, but you hid them in your skirts. "Hello, papa," you say with a smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting you too much, I just have a brief request to make of you."
He put down his book and examined you carefully. "My dear daughter, ask away. I will do my best to answer any questions and grant you whatever requests I can."
You smiled at him again, relaxing a little. It was silly of you to have been so worried about what your father would say. He was not a bad man, your father. Merely a little...overprotective. He loved you, and you knew that. But sometimes it made you worried that he thought you were powerless or foolish when in reality you had a good head on your shoulders. "I was wondering, if perhaps, I might be able to go to London with my dear friend Cassandra? She's invited me, as her mother has fallen ill and is unable to attend any of the balls with her. She would like the company, and extended the invitation to me."
Your father raised an eyebrow. "And would it be just you two together on this trip?"
You quickly shook your head. "Oh, no of course not, papa. Her own father has business in London, so he would be escorting us there and to most of the balls. For the others, Cassandra's aunt lives there and will be chaperoning us. There will be no impropriety, I promise."
"You know how I hate to let you go," he sighed but gave you a fond smile. "However, I know you will have a good time there. How could I ever deny you this happiness?" He reached out to grab your hand, which he patted fondly. "Your mother will attempt to get you an entirely new wardrobe for this trip, so you'd best keep this as quiet as possible."
"Oh, papa, thank you!" you say, and fling yourself at him in a hug. "You're the best. I'll tell Cassandra that I can come right away."
You curtseyed and then ran out of the room, smiling from ear to ear. You could hear your father's light chuckle from behind you. Oh, this was sure to be a wonderful trip!
You put a bonnet over your hair swiftly before running to Cassandra's home, knocking politely on the door and stepping back as her family butler swept the door open for you. "Miss," he said kindly. "Miss Sandsmark is in the waiting room. I assure you she will be delighted to have you here.”
“Thank you,” you say, and give him a small curtsey before booking it into where Cassandra was sitting. She had a teacup in her hand and was lightly sipping from it, a book splayed out in front of her. You could tell she was attempting to multitask, which made you smile.
“Cassie!” you exclaimed happily, and she looked up. Instantly, her face lit up.
“Oh! Surely you must have good news if you come here looking this excited. Has someone been proposed to? Or perhaps your attractive cousin has come back into town?”
You laugh at her wry smile. “While that would be good news for you, no, unfortunately not. Kon is quite firmly stuck at his estate. He and his father have been arguing a little, so he’s having a moment of rebellion.”
“A shame,” she says, shaking her head. “When he does come again, I expect to be the first to know.”
“But of course you will be,” you say with a smile. “I always tell you all the good gossip first. And that definitely makes it on the list of good gossip.”
“Now,” she said and sat up a little, placing her teacup on the tray in front of her. “Tell me what exactly has gotten you in such a good mood.”
“I’ve just spoken to my father about your invitation, and he has given me permission to go!” you say happily, and she lets out a delighted gasp.
“Oh, this is good news! We will have the most wonderful time. All of the balls that we’ve been invited to… it will be wonderful. And it’s at the end of the season, so all of the men who have been avoiding the desperate mamas of society are forced to arrive and meet the ladies so as to have prospects.”
“I had quite forgotten about the season,” you said sheepishly. “I was mostly excited to go to balls with you. But I do think that it will be fun to observe the gossip, and perhaps dance with an interesting man or two.”
“Dancing with men is quite a reason to go, indeed,” Cassandra said, eyes glimmering with mischief. “Of course, I know quite a few good ones and my dear Aunt Diana knows even more. She’ll surely introduce us to some of the finest of her acquaintance.”
“I’ve heard so much about your aunt, I positively can’t wait to meet her.” You say, smiling. “She sounds like such a wonderful woman, you never have anything negative to say about her—or her husband!”
“They’re a love match, and I dearly love to see it. They make me happy. Make me believe in love, just a bit!” She laughs, and you do too. You love Cassandra, and you know that she wants nothing more than to be a member of a love match. Her parents hadn’t been one, so she loved to see the relationship between her aunt and her husband. She often would tell you about them, always with a fond smile on her face.
“I’m sure you’ll find a love match yourself,” you say with a smile. “You’re far too beautiful not to.”
“You flatter me,” she said and gave you a smile. “Well, I dare say that this good news deserves a celebration. Let me call for a small treat before you head back to your home.”
“Brilliant,” you said with a grin, “Your cook makes the most delightful biscuits.”
You and Cassie sat and talked for a while, discussing some of the gossip around the town as you devoured the food that her cook had made for you. When they were gone and the conversation was dying down, you leaned back against the seat you sat on.
“My dearest Cassie, this has been delightful,” you said, “But I’d best go and prepare for our trip.”
“Of course,” she said, and you both stood up. She took your hand. “I’m so excited to go to London with you!” Then she paused and gave you an intent look. “Oh, and you may want to commission at least one or two new dresses. I have it in good standing that my dear aunt has invitations to the Wayne family ball.” She winked, and you gasped.
“My mother will never believe me,” you said in awe. “Goodness! Yes, I’ll have to prepare for that. Thank you for the advance notice, Cassie.” You squeeze her hand and give her a glowing grin. “We’re going to have the best of times.”
Sure enough, after you’d told your mother about the ball you would be attending, she forced you into the carriage to get a new dress, babbling about how this could be a truly wonderful opportunity.
“The Waynes have such a wonderful manor, and I hear that His Grace has an income of one hundred thousand pounds—a year! Truly splendid.” You could practically see the stars in her eyes. “Oh, darling, you must be on your very best behavior, and perhaps try to meet one or two good men. Marriage is of the utmost importance at your age, you know.”
You rolled your eyes. “Yes, mother.”
You knew of the Waynes—that the head of the family, the Duke of Gotham, had been a wise and benevolent ruler, who had made it a point to stop down on all of the crimes that ran rampant in his Dutchy. He frequently donated to the poor and needy, and you’d heard nothing but good things about him. He had several sons, most adopted, and had recently married the illustrious heir to the al Ghul family, which had only boosted his prestige and wealth.
But that was all very common knowledge. Outside of that, you thought that perhaps one of his sons was a high-ranking navy official, and another was rumored to be a member of the King’s innermost secret society of information. But beyond that, you knew nearly nothing about them. You knew not their names, their titles, or what they might look like. So the idea that you could snag one of them seemed foolish.
After your errands with your mother were done, you came home with a new dress and two newer, more extravagant ones being made. You hoped that it wouldn’t be too much of a strain on your father, but when you’d expressed your concern to your mother, she had waved you off.
“Darling, we’re fine. Don’t worry about our finances, the estate is doing quite well and so is your father. You deserve to have nice things—especially if you might catch the eye of some high-ranking Lord!”
You flushed at the thought of romance. No, it was not likely for it to happen to you while you were in London, though you desperately hoped that perhaps Cassie would be able to find her love while you were both there. You would do your best to convince the men that she was the true best pick there.
As you arrived home, your father was waiting in the drawing room for you. You greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, and your mother did the same. “My darling wife and daughter, I have good news,” he said, holding a letter. “Your cousin has just sent me a letter—he is also intending on going to London for the remainder of the season. He’ll stop here just before he heads off, and I do believe the timing is set so that he’ll be able to join you for your own journey.”
“Oh, how wonderful!” Your mother clapped her hands happily. “I feel much relieved knowing that dearest Kon will be there to travel alongside and protect you.”
“Not that you’ll need any protection, of course,” your father said, leveling you with a stern look.
“Of course not,” you said with a smile. “It will surely be the safest of journeys. You know Cassandra and I are not the type to get into wild adventures.”
That was a small lie. Cassie loved to adventure and explore, and while you found it thrilling occasionally, you were mostly her impulse control before she did something she would greatly regret. Like swimming in the small stream even as the skies were darkening with rainclouds. Or touching mysterious metals that were dulled with rust.
“My darling daughter, away to London for the season,” your mother said, swaying happily. “Surely you’ll find a husband while you’re away.”
“Only if he’s cleared through me,” your father said, raising one stern eyebrow, which made you laugh.
“Papa, you know that I would never marry a man without your permission,” you said with a fond smile. “I love you far too much to let you worry about me so.”
Your father just smiled.
The days passed and soon enough you were preparing for Kon to arrive and then head off with you. Cassie had been delighted when you’d informed her of Kon’s plans to travel with you, and she’d even convinced her father to delay leaving by a day so that he would be able to ride along with the two of you.
“You, my dear friend, are much more in love with my cousin than I anticipated,” you had remarked with a smile as you discussed your traveling plans.
She had flushed. “I’m not in love with your cousin, I merely…admire…the view.” The redness along her neck spoke otherwise, but you had only fondly smiled and looked away.
When Kon arrived, you gave him a fond hug. Your families had always been close—well, you and Kon had been, at least. Your mother liked to talk about how you’d been attached at the hip as children. You knew at one point there had been hope for a match between the two of you, but your utter disgust at the idea had quickly driven your father away from the plans.
“It’s so good to see you, cousin,” you said with a happy smile. “It’s been far too long since last you visited!”
He ruffled your hair and you huffed up at him. “It’s been not even a full six-month, my fair cousin.”
“Far too long indeed,” you said. “Miss Sandsmark has been asking about you, you know.”
Kon colored slightly, the very tips of his ears darkening. “Has she?”
Your friend may not want you to meddle in her opportunity for a match, but you couldn’t help yourself. You would love nothing more than to have your two favorite people marry. Then you could spend months at their estate, spending time with Cassie and Kon, perhaps being a doting cousin to their children—and wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Yes, you knew many expected you to get married, but you were happy in your simple life. You enjoyed experiencing new things, but the rush of marriage didn’t fuel you like it did many other ladies your age. Of course, if love came your way you would be a fool to turn it down, but no man had turned your head. Perhaps London would change that for you.
“Yes, she has,” you say with a mischievous grin that you hid from him. “In fact, her family has extended an invitation for you to travel to London with us.”
“Wonderful!” He said, a smile crossing his face. He ran his fingers through his dark hair and looked out the window towards Cassie’s estate. “That will be…delightful.”
Oh yes, this was going to be a fun trip.
Finally, you were in London! The trip had taken longer than you thought it would, but you had made it, and with time to spare before the first event that you were to attend. You’d also orchestrated some time between Cassie and Kon and were rather delighted with the way that their relationship had been progressing. Luckily for you, Cassie’s father was a…lax… chaperone. Which left you the task, and you were more than willing to give the two a bit more privacy than was perhaps proper.
“Miss Sandsmark, Mr. Sandsmark, Cousin,” Kon addressed you after he had helped all of you out of the carriage in front of Lady Diana’s home. “It has been a great honor to travel with you, and I hope to meet you again at some of the events.” He bowed deeply. “I regret to inform you that I must continue on with my travels, as I will be residing at the home of one of my good friends, but I thank you for the wonderful time I have shared with you all.”
You and Cassie curtseyed, while Mr. Sandsmark gave a bow. “Thank you, Lord Smallville. Your kindness in traveling with us is greatly appreciated,” he said. “Safe journeys on the rest of your way.”
“Of course,” Kon said, and he turned to you and Cassie before heading off. “Cousin,” he said, and gave you a wink and a short bow before taking Cassie’s hand and lightly kissing it. “Miss Sandsmark,” he said, voice quieter. The two shared a moment of intense eye contact that had you internally shouting with glee. Oh, your plan was working out perfectly.
Kon bowed again before hopping back on his horse and riding off. You and Cassie watched him go as her father began to walk toward the estate behind your group.
“Did he really…” she muttered quietly to you, her bright blue eyes wide, blonde hair blowing softly in the breeze as she stared after your cousin.
“Kiss your hand?” You said cheekily, looping your arm through one of hers, “My dear Cassie, I believe he did.”
The two of you walked into the estate, arm in arm. As you looked around, you were in awe of the many beautiful paintings and architecture that surrounded you. This was truly a beautiful home, and you wondered how long it must have taken to build and decorate. As you gazed around the room, the servants bustling alongside you, arms full of trunks and cases, you saw a beautiful dark-haired woman in a stunning red day gown standing at one of the windows.
“Aunt Diana!” Cassie exclaimed, and the woman turned, a smile growing on her face as she caught Cassie against her. “Oh, it’s been far too long since we last saw each other!”
“It really has, my dearest niece,” the woman said, hugging Cassie. “I simply must hear all about your life.”
“Only if you tell me of all your adventures on the sea with Uncle Steve,” Cassie said. “I know you just got back from a campaign, and I am simply dying to know all about it.”
Cassie’s uncle was a high-ranking member of the Navy, and he often brought along his wife as he sailed along the seas, protecting England from Napoleon and his forces. It was rare, but only a testament to their love for one another.
“Of course I will. Now, come, introduce me to your friend. I’ve heard so much about her, and I simply must have the formal introduction so that we can finally conspire about you behind your back.” She turned to face you, a kind smile on her face.
“Yes, how could I forget?” Cassie exclaimed and ran to you. She quickly gave proper introductions, and you both curtsied to each other.
“Mrs. Trevor, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance,” you said with a smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“And I, you,” she said in return. “But please, call me Diana. I can’t stand all of society’s stuffiness.” She gave you a wink, and you smile in return.
“Diana, then. Thank you for allowing me to stay in your home for the remainder of the season. I’m quite excited to be here with Cassie, and to see London for the first time!”
“Is this your first time in London?”
“Aside from a few short days while passing through, yes. My father doesn’t care for the town too much, and my mother was all too thankful to escape the Ton after she married.” You gave a sheepish smile. “As such, I will rely on your generosity to learn all the most interesting places in town.”
“Oh, Aunt Diana knows all the best places,” Cassie said with a grin. “She’ll love to drag us around with her.”
“Excellent,” you say with a grin. “I thoroughly look forward to it.”
That night you tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The noise of the city outside your window was far different from your quiet country home, and it kept you awake. Even shoving your pillow over your head didn’t help much, and you finally sat up with a huff. This wouldn’t do, you were far too antsy. You needed to get out for a minute, perhaps take a brisk walk before settling yourself to sleep with a book. Yes, that sounded right.
You carefully slid out of bed and approached your closet, finding an acceptable day dress that you hoped wouldn’t bring too much attention. It was in the early hours of the morning, so while walkers were certainly not normal, it wouldn’t be terribly odd to see you out, walking the streets. At least you hoped so.
You slipped out of the Trevor home without anyone noticing, though you made sure to leave a note on your pillow in case someone came to your room before you returned. It would be awful to frighten some poor maid just because you couldn’t sleep. As you exited, you were hit with the city air, and you wrinkled your nose. Sure, London was filled with excitement, but the smell was miserable.
You started to walk along the streets, spying several others hustling around, carrying items, and loudly calling to others near them. You blended in well enough that no one gave you a second glance. As you walked, you saw a man wearing a peculiarly colored waistcoat give you a glance. You simply ignored him and kept walking. Behind you, there was a rustle of clothing and then a hand on your arm.
“What’s a lady like you doing out alone so early? Surely you should be in your bed, resting,” said the man, who also gave you a smirk. Your skin crawled, and you pulled your arm away from him.
“Sir, I assure you I am more than capable of taking a walk by myself, though your concern is appreciated.” It was not appreciated, but you didn’t want to provoke him. You just wanted him to let go of you and let you continue on your way. Instead, his hand fell down to your wrist, where he held on
“Sir? Lady, you think I could be a knight?” he winked, and you tried your best to pull away. “Now, Miss, how about I…escort…you back home.”
“No, thank you,” you exclaimed and pulled on your hand. “Now, if you would be so kind as to release me!”
He pulled you closer, and you flinched away from him when suddenly there was a deep voice to your left.
“I think the lady has requested you to let her go," the person said. You turned to see a broad man, his face concealed by some kind of fabric and his posture solid. He was staring down the man still holding onto your wrist. As the newcomer continued to glare, the other gave a nervous laugh and let go of you.
"I was only playing a little joke, right, miss? Didn't mean to trod on any feet." He took one step back, and then another…and another. You watched him turn and stride away quickly, your hand rubbing the wrist he'd been clutching.
"Oh, are you alright?" The man next to you asked, sounding concerned.
Aside from a slight reddening on your wrist, there were no permanent marks, thankfully. You rubbed it one more time before looking up at the man before you. "I'm perfectly alright, thanks to you, Mr…?" You trailed off, hoping your savior would give you a name.
"Ah, as much as I would love to give a respectable and altogether attractive lady like you a name, my identity is best kept a secret." He winked at you as best he could through the cloth that covered part of his face. "You may call me Nightwing if you would like."
"Mr. Nightwing, then," you said and dropped into a little curtsey. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
He bowed to you, then straightened up and offered his arm. "It is no issue, Miss. Now, can I escort you to your current residence? The streets are awfully dangerous at night."
"I fear I will owe you a thousand thanks," you said but took his arm. "I am new to London, you see, and I thought the streets would be safer. Apparently, I was wrong." You shook your head, and then carefully gathered your skirts in your other hand, realizing for the first time how dirty the streets were. You had chosen the worst of areas to walk in, it seemed.
"This early it does tend to be more treacherous. But worry not, you have me here to protect you now—and you know what to expect if you decide to go on a very early morning walk." He began walking, then paused. "How very presumptuous of me to begin walking when I don't even know your name, let alone your place of residence."
"Oh," you said, a flush appearing on your cheeks. "I should have introduced myself earlier. Do forgive me of my grievances, Mr. Nightwing." You quickly introduced yourself, and he gave you an easy smile.
"A pleasure to be officially acquainted with you," he said as he began to gently lead you down the street. “And, miss, you don’t need to call me Mr, as I can’t claim to be a gentleman.”
“My good sir, you have just saved my life…and most importantly in the eyes of society, my virtue,” you said with a huff of laughter. “If that is not gentlemanly, then I do not know what is.”
He laughed as well and nodded his head, conceding to your point. “Very well. Who am I to argue with a lady, anyway?” If not for the fright that still lingered in your heart and the mask on his face, it would have felt as if you were simply out for a nice stroll with an interested gentleman. Alas, it was not such a delightful experience.
When you arrived at the Trevor home, the two of you carefully separated. You curtsied and he bowed. As he rose up from his elaborate and deep bow, his face came close to yours. You caught a glimpse of stunning blue eyes, and your heart skipped a beat. Of course your savior had to be attractive as well.
"Sleep well and have a most delightful day, my Lady," he said, voice happy and sincere. You wanted to wish him the same, but you briefly turned to the door and when you looked back, he was gone. You scanned your surroundings for him but could catch no sight of the mysterious Nightwing. You placed a hand over your heart carefully and let out a quiet sigh. What a terrifying experience…but yet, you don't think you would swap it for anything.
“You look like you didn’t sleep at all,” Cassie remarked over breakfast as you slumped forward, forcing your eyes open. You’d fallen into bed and crashed, only to be woken up an hour or two later by your maid. She was a kind, yet shy creature, and you hadn’t wanted to scare her away, so you had dragged yourself out of bed and to this breakfast.
“Not the most restful sleep I’ve ever had,” you said with a laugh and then sipped at the tea in front of you. It was delectable, and you wondered what blend it could possibly be. You might have to see if you could get something like this sent to your home. “I’ll wake up soon enough, don’t you worry about me.” At least you hoped you would.
Diana swept into the room, her skirts swishing across the floor as she dropped a kiss on the top of Cassie’s head before giving you a fond wave. “Hello, girls. Have any grand plans for the day?”
“I was thinking of heading to the Park and doing a spot of walking. We’ll surely come across some friends, and if we’re lucky, we may even spot an attractive gentleman or two.” Cassie responded after she finished a bite of her breakfast.
“Excellent,” Diana said. “I have some prior engagements later in the afternoon, so if you would like you can accompany me to those. Otherwise, I have no plans.”
As the two discussed plans, you let your mind drift back to the man you had met that morning. The mystery intrigued you, and you wondered how you’d never heard of masked heroes in London before. Were they common, or was your hero a unique case? How many other ladies had he saved and charmed?
“How safe is London?” you asked randomly, interrupting the conversation. They both looked at you askance, and you quickly clarified. “I was simply wondering because I am a fan of early morning walks, and I wanted to make sure I would be alright to continue them.”
“If you do decide to walk, I would recommend taking a footman with you, or perhaps waiting until a later hour,” Diana said, leveling you with a serious look in her eye. “The streets may be safer now that The Batman and his associates have begun stopping crime on the streets, but it’s still dangerous to be out there alone as a young woman.”
Both you and Cassie cocked your heads, curious. “The Batman?” you asked, and Cassie nodded in anticipation.
“Have you truly not heard?” Diana looked at you, her eyes wide. “Oh my. Well, The Batman is a…hero, of sorts. He’s apparently employed by the King in matters of security, but recently he and his associates have been seen around London, stopping crime in the late hours and the early morning. They’ve done a lot of good for this area. I believe there are four of them. The Batman, the head of the group; Nightwing, the most friendly of the group; Red Hood, the most violent and unpredictable of them; and Robin, the most analytical. They’re London’s biggest mystery at the moment.”
“Have you met any of them?” Cassie asked, eyes huge.
“I’ve met The Batman once,” Diana said. “He stopped a group of robbers from attacking me and your uncle as we traveled. He was gruff, but not unkind.”
“How intriguing,” Cassie said, and you could already see her scheming to attempt to meet one.
“Cassie,” you said, raising an eyebrow, “don’t you dare put yourself in a position where you could be hurt just for the opportunity to meet one of them.”
“I will never let you out of the house again if you do,” Diana warned, and Cassie huffed.
“Fine, fine.”
You ignored the part of you that desperately wanted to put yourself in danger for the chance to see Mr. Nightwing again. It would be foolish to risk your well-being just for the chance to converse with the attractive man again, so you resigned yourself to the memories of him, shoving that adventurous part of you down with a vengeance.