Chapter Text
20th November 1947
She watched as her cousin and newly wedded husband stepped through the doors of Westminster Abbey. Peggy knew how long her dear cousin had waited for this moment.
Elizabeth had loved Philip ever since they were merely children, and despite the disapproval of certain family members. Her life was fulfilled by finally being able to make him her husband. Peggy was yet to feel something like that, right now, she just had to settle for being a single Princess. Being 26, it was expected for her to be married by now. But she refused to marry for the sake of being married. She wanted what Elizabeth had. She wanted to marry for love and nothing else, she wanted no agenda or any kind of force towards a man who would be suitable .
People also assumed that Peggy and Philip would have started something together, being of the same age. But no, he was a friend. And even if she did like him like that, she would never have done that to Elizabeth. She cared too much of her.
“Chin up, old girl” Michael, her older brother by two years came beside her and offered her his arm which she took as they walked down the aisle along with the rest of their family out the church. Peggy sighed, gripping tight onto his arm “It’s alright for you to say, you’re happily married. Children. There’s no pressure on you”
“It’s not as if you are going to be queen one day now is it? Margaret is in the same boat as you”
Peggy briefly glanced over to the lady of the moment and said as she looked back “Margaret is only seventeen”
“Why the urge to be married?” he lightly laughed.
“I have no urge, I’m just tired of having our bloody family breathing down my neck” she whispered back to him, then smiling to the people from a far distance causing a crowd. Michael opened the door to the car and let her get in first before he followed. They were heading back to Buckingham Palace now. Their mother was already set on her way.
Michael straightened his tie as Peggy looked out the window and then said “Did you notice anything odd with Uncle Al today?”
Albert. Her Uncle, known to the world as King George.
“Odd? In what context?”
Peggy shrugged as she turned her head back to him “I don’t know. Just odd. Unwell?”
“Blood hell, don’t go passing that idea around. The press will have a field day if they heard a tip that the King of England is sick”
“I am not saying he is sick, he just seemed a little pale that’s all”
“He may have been pale to the fact that he has just witnessed his eldest daughter getting married. Flying the nest as they say” Michael laughed to her, then looking out the window himself and adding “God knows Philip has fought tooth and nail to win his approval”
“I think he just knew that Elizabeth wasn’t going to back down from choosing him over the stuffy suitors she was given”
“Well, you two are much alike then”
Peggy rolled her eyes “Do shut up” she heard him mutter a small laugh as he looked down to his hands.
It didn’t take long to get back to the palace. As soon as Peggy stepped out of the car, she was cheered and whistled by the crowds outside the gates, fighting the metal bars to get through which seemed absolutely ridiculous. But she was the most desired eligible Princess, especially now with Elizabeth being married. When Margaret becomes more of age she’s sure that the attention will pan over to her as well.
She did the royal expectation and smile and waved before walking into the palace where it was like a circus. People running around to make sure everything goes smoothly, one butler bowed to her whilst running which was fairly amusing. They made their way up to where everyone else were. Having photos taken, they walked in to see Philip and Elizabeth stood in front of the camera, looking very happy.
They both stood beside Elizabeth’s mother. Their mother and grandmother. They gave her light smiles as they stood on the sidelines and watched. Her grandmother, Mary, who was George’s mother, was a stern woman. So it was hardly surprising when she said “I never expected to see Elizabeth married before you, Margaret”
“You underestimate my cousin’s charms, granny” Peggy wittingly answered back, seeing the amused smirk grow on her mother's face in the corner of her eye. Which she tried to hide from Mary since she was her dreaded mother in law. Peggy then looked back to Elizabeth and said “Besides. Not everyone can have a Philip”
“When do you leave for America, Peggy?” her Aunt Elizabeth asked her.
“Tomorrow morning”
Peggy plays her part for the Royal Family. She is not in the line, she is no heir. But she is very close to Elizabeth. Best friends in fact, she was like a sister as much as Margaret was and she had a character that the public of both this country and all the other country adored. So she also does ground work, doing what it is that Royals do. This time it was awarding medals to soldiers who had just fought in the war.
She sighed again and mocked being the victim “I shall be doing all the work whilst that one is whisked away to cosy Hampshire with her husband”
“You could have already had that if you had married Fredrick” she heard her grandmother mutter.
“Not everyone longs for a loveless marriage” Peggy came back with, to then be called over to the front to have a picture with Elizabeth. Perfect timing to not have her head bitten off. Peggy took herself over, Elizabeth giving her an amused smirk to her as she stepped up “Hello you, what did you say to her this time?”
“Haven't the foggiest what you are talking about” she smiled to her, seeing Elizabeth glancing to their grandmother and saying “Well, she wants to kill you for some reason”
Peggy straightened her gown and whispered as she looked up to the camera, standing closely to Elizabeth “She’s breathing down my neck about marriage again. Smile”
They both gave warm smiles as the camera flashed in her eyes. Peggy widened them as she looked down for a moment. Feeling slightly blinded by it all. Hearing her cousin laugh at her. Margaret then joined them and the three of them posed for a few photos.
Afterwards, when they were preparing themselves to head outside to the balcony, to do some more waving and smiling. Peggy walked besides Philip and said “Must I remind you how if you do anything to cause my dearest cousin pain I will inflict a lot on you”
Philip smiled and shook his head “Oh, Peggy, you’ve been warning that very thing to me since the day you discovered we were writing to each other”
“Good. Always important to double check on the matter”
“You know, my best man arrived here single-”
“No” Peggy shook her head, looking to Philip and saying “No more setting me up with your friends”
“They’re not all bad”
“They are all stuffy nancy boys” Peggy muttered to him, then hearing him say back in the same tone “Oh. Well thank you”
“You’re one of the good ones. Regardless of my family’s opinion”
He smiled to her, looking genuinely touched and thankful “Thank you” he said in a whisper.
Elizabeth came up between them “What are you two chit chatting about?”
“Always you, darling” Philip said as he kissed the top of her head.
The doors opened and Elizabeth and Philip walked out first. With such grace and pose. Peggy looked to the side and saw how Margaret seemed slightly nervous, which was understandable. When she was a teenager she’d get nervous doing things like this. Peggy smiled and took hold of her hand. Margaret looked to her, Peggy smiled and gave her a wink and a nod. Which in exchange, Margaret looked very much grateful. They then followed and stepped out.
There was a gathering of family afterwards of course. Not so much of a party, but there was music and drinking. So it was fairly close, it was just much quieter. Peggy lived at the palace with Elizabeth and the rest of the family. George insisted she did so due to her being so close to them all. With her father being long passed, her mother prefered to now be in the countryside, and Michael had his wife and children at his home. The place was certainly large enough for her to stay.
Margaret played the piano whilst George sang. Peggy moved over to Elizabeth, with a glass of red in her hand and said “Are we all set for tomorrow?”
“I certainly am” Elizabeth said with a overwhelming smile on her face. Peggy grinned to her and said as she looked over to Philip “You look happy”
“I am”
“You’ve been waiting for this day since you were thirteen” Peggy looked back to her and raised her brows “What’s your secret?”
“Luck” Elizabeth laughed “You’ll find it soon enough”
“There aren’t many men like Philip out there. Like a rare diamond”
“No...but there are ones that are just as lovely” Elizabeth tried her best to encourage. She knew Peggy very well, better than anyone in fact apart from Michael. Peggy didn’t want to get married. She wanted to fall in love. Which she thought wasn’t that much to ask for.
“And are you? Set for your trip tomorrow to America?”
Peggy sighed and nodded “Almost”
“ Peggy ”
“I was distracted today” Peggy smiled, turning to Elizabeth once again and said “My little cousin was getting married”
Elizabeth grinned and then waved her hand before tapping Peggy’s arm “Stop that before you make me cry”
Peggy laughed and rubbed Elizabeth’s back before saying “Well let me just say one more thing. I haven't had the chance to tell you before but you look bloody beautiful” she then smiled and said “And that is last thing I’ll say that will make you emotional”
Peggy looked to the clock and gasped “Blimey, it’s later than I thought. I have a flight to catch tomorrow, best go get some sleep” she put her practically empty glass of red on the table beside them and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth, then whispering to her “Congratulations Lilibet. I’ll see you when you get back from your romantic getaway”
“I look forward to it” Elizabeth pulled back and said to her “And do try to enjoy yourself during your time across the waters. Even if it is for one day”
“I promise I shall do my best” Peggy raised her brows to her as she backed away, saying her goodnights to everyone else and then leaving to go to her room.
Peggy was up at 7 o’clock. Her newly wedded cousin was still in bed with her husband. In fact, it was relatively quiet this morning. She had her bags carried to her car and was driven to the airport, arriving by half past and getting on her plane at eight along with her assistants to run her through things.
It was a long flight to spend alone. Usually she’d have a member of her family with her. Elizabeth or Michael. She’d even make do with a dreaded conversation with her grandmother. Having her ear made feel like they were bleeding by the constant judgement from turning down the hand picked man that was Frederick, who was an eligible Lord to marry a member of the royal family. But he was dull and had nothing about him that Peggy found attractive for her. She was Elizabeth’s age when that happened, and clearly members of their family still weren’t over it. Michael didn’t like him though, so it was good to have her big brother’s support in this region.
It had been two years since the war ended, but the purpose of these medals were recognition for the american men who stepped forward and helped her country. It was for the anniversary that was the beginning of last month, but with the wedding preparation and wedding panic, it had to be delayed to now, and it had to be Peggy to do it.
“Your highness. A letter for you. We were ordered to give it to you at this time only” one of the servers said as they held the waxed sealed letter in front of her.
Peggy looked at him oddly and then took the letter out of her hand. Breaking the wax, she opened it up and had an immediate smile on her face. It was from Michael.
My darling Gidget,
I have told the servers on the plane to give you this letter at this time because, well you will be halfway through your journey and rather bored by now. So I, your darling older brother has written you this to come to the rescue. I wish I could join you on your journey to our friends across the pond, I know how disappointed you were when I told you that I was unable to attend. But a Prince and a married man has his duties also, I can’t spend my life running around with you, though it does sound like a splendid past time doesn’t it? I always thought so.
Uncle Bertie is counting on you to represent our family and country proud, so please be on your best behavior and not slap anyone who says the wrong thing to you. He would be terribly upset and we both know he looks like a wounded puppy when he is. Plus I think Margaret may kill you, that one may be young but she’s extremely protective, spritely and fierce. Like you really.
I’m not sure if I will be here when you return to our great nation, and for that I can only apologise. Amanda is talking about getting away with the children. With the wedding and much more, she thinks we are well entitled to a break as a family. I’m sure you and Margaret will get up to plenty in the meantime. Not to mention you’ll more be exciting for the return of Elizabeth than little old me. I think she adores having you as a sister. I’m quite fond of it too.
Like I said. Behave. Have some fun, but not too much fun.
I’ll see you soon.
All my love,
Michael
(ps: do not hesitate to pick up something for your nephews)
Peggy smiled and hummed a small laugh, looking at the letter a little moment longer and the finally folding it up. Well, that did put a smile on her face and did in fact entertain her for the time she had with it. Peggy sat back in her chair and looked out the window.
Just four more hours to go.
“Come on! We can’t be late for this, Steve!”
Steve checked over how he looked once more in the small mirror he had in his small brooklyn apartment. Then hearing his best friend and former war buddy James Barnes, (preferred name Bucky) call to him “Dammit Steve!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming!” Steve straightened his uniform jacket and walked out of his bathroom. His front door was open where Bucky was standing and waiting for him, also with his uniform on and his hat sat neatly on his head.
Bucky stood up from leaning against the frame “You’re gonna make us late”
“It’s only a fifteen minute drive, Buck. The ceremony starts at at seven thirty, we got plenty of time” Steve said as he stepped out of his apartment and locked it behind him. Bucky sighed as he walked down the steps “You’re forgetting about traffic”
“You keep nagging like this then it’s gonna feel like I’m taking a car ride with my mother” Steve slid his hands in his pockets as he followed Bucky down the stairs. Bucky opened the car door and glanced to him, letting out a brief a laugh and then getting in. Steve rode shotgun, it wasn’t like he was fighting anyone for it.
The traffic wasn’t bad at all, Bucky was just clearly overreacting and being worried over nothing. They arrived at the hall, where it felt like a reunion with the rest of their war buddies from the 107th. It was ceremony purely for them, so it was a small one but it was great. It was good seeing everyone again. And remembering those who didn’t make it. Bucky almost didn’t, if Steve hadn’t caught him in time.
“So who’s presenting these medals? A pal of the president or something?” Steve muttered with a small laugh as he took a glass of champagne that was being passed around. Their fellow war buddy Dugan, who he was soon going to be working with in a tact team, bellowed a laugh and shook his head “You haven’t heard?”
Steve tilted his head before shrugging his shoulder “No?”
Before Dugan had the chance to tell him. They were all asked to take their seats. So Steve would have to find out all by himself.
Steve looked down to his hands for the moment when he then heard the announcer say “Gentlemen, please stand for her royal highness Princess Margaret of Cambridgeshire” Steve’s head snapped up so fast as he and the rest of the men stood up.
Peggy stepped out onto the stage and towards the podium in a burgundy gown. She looked absolutely breathtaking. Steve couldn’t believe it. This overwhelming feeling that went rushing through his body. He had seen photographs of her in the paper, but seeing her in the flesh. Seeing how extraordinarily beautiful she was, if there was a thing of love at first sight. He felt like he was feeling it right now. He suddenly had this urge to protect her with his life, he honestly felt like he would lay down his life before letting anything happen to her, he had never felt like that before for anyone. And all within a second.
Peggy laid her hands on the podium, looking down at the script that she was set in front of her. She best play nice and stick to it. Peggy looked up, she didn’t lock eyes on Steve, she just looked straight ahead and glanced across every so often “Good evening, gentlemen. I am thrilled to be here and present to you a medal of honour as our gratitude as a country for your bravery in being our allies during the war”
She softly smiled and said “My Uncle, King George, is overwhelmingly pleased to have America as an ally to our nation and speaking for myself. I am also entirely grateful for each and every one of you, putting your lives on the front line in order to keep our world and the future of our next generation safe. The world will always be entirely grateful and in your debt. Tonight is to celebrate your bravery but also to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our future. So drink, laugh, dance. Enjoy yourselves. Tonight is about you . God bless you all” it was kept short and sweet. It was better that it was kept that way. She still got a rowdy applause from all the men as they once again shot up from their chairs.
All of them just buzzed with excitement that they were going to have a princess pin a medal on them. And for it to be Peggy, it just made it all the more worth fighting in those trenches. Steve felt his hands shaking as they one by one form a line as Peggy stood to the front and pinned a medal on each and everyone of them, shaking their hand which ended in them paying their respects and kissing the back of it. Bucky looked to him over his shoulder and said as he looked forward “Relax”
“How are you not nervous? Have you seen her?”
“Boy have I” Bucky muttered “But it’s just for a second, Steve, meeting a princess is a once in a lifetime thing but it will be for a second. You’ll keep the memory and never see her again so, make sure the memory is a good one to think about. You don’t want to be a rambling mess now do you?”
“Nope I guess not” Steve took a deep breath.
Peggy actually didn’t find this boring, all the men were rather pleasant and respectful. They genuinely seemed honoured. When the next one stepped forward, Peggy took hold of the medal and looked up to give a smile as she did with the rest and pin the medal on. She looked up to Steve in front of her, and suddenly felt that rush that he felt when he first saw her. Her eyes just locked onto his, everything else felt like it had frozen. She was utterly captivated and he was the same for her. Peggy’s assistant, Henry, looked around and then cleared his throat as he whispered to her “Ma’am”
Peggy lightly shook her head as she sunk back down to earth and gave him a nervous smile. She never gets nervous, this was a rather odd feeling, her hands were now shaking slightly. She successfully pinned the medal to his uniform without piercing him which she thought she would do given how damn nervous he was making her. She looked back into his hypnotising eyes. Not knowing what to say, she usually said something to each of them.
Finally she was able to say “Thank you for your service” she held out her hand. Steve took hold of it but he didn’t shake it, he went straight to lightly pressing his lips against the back of it, which sent chills down her spine. Steve looked up to her “It was an honour, your highness”
He took his hand away from hers, she felt like grabbing hold of it once again. There’s was just something inside her that made her want to spend every waking minute with him. Peggy watched him walk away, finding herself just looking at him before hearing the next soldier in front of her quietly clear his throat and brought back her attention.
Later on, there was an after party for the 107th. Just to make a night out of the whole thing. Peggy didn’t stay for it of course, this was a fly in visit. Literally. She had to get back on her plane later on tonight to get home. Peggy got into her car and left the hall where all the former soldier boys were rebonding over many pints of beer.
Steve had to step out for a minute, just to take a quick breather. It was chilly out but he always kind of liked the winter atmosphere. He breathed hot air into his hands and rubbed them together as he tucked them into his pocket. He then saw to the left of him a fancy looking car outside the hall. The engine was seeming to be failing, suddenly, Peggy got out. And Steve’s heart jumped. He quickly looked away and then heard her say to the driver “Do you think it can be fixed?”
“I’m sure it can be, ma’am”
“But not within the next ten minutes?”
“I’m afraid not”
He heard her sigh, then cautiously moved his eyes back over to her. Peggy had one hand on her forehead and the other on her hip. She looked extremely frustrated. And she was. She also felt someone look at her, Peggy looked to the side and saw the soldier that made her tremble before, quickly look away due to his nerves.
Now that she had seen him, he couldn’t act like he wasn’t staring. Steve looked back to her and said in a still nervous manner “C-Could I be of any help, ma’am?”
‘Yes’ she said in her own mind. Not even thinking about the car.
Peggy softly smiled and looked to the car “Do you know how to fix an engine?”
“Err. No” he let out a breathless laugh “I’m afraid engineering wasn’t my thing in the war. Or any other point in my life”
“Pity” Peggy said, then growing a small smirk as she joked “I could do with a knight in shining armour right now”
“Believe me I’d be that for you if I could” he joked in a laugh. Hardly even believing that he was trying to banter and dare he say flirt with a Princess. But she looked at him in a way of being impressed that he did so and that she liked the fact that he did. Peggy’s attention was brought away from him for a moment as Henry came next to her and sighed “Ma’am, it may take up to an hour. Maybe more”
“Bloody hell” Peggy mumbled under her breath. Steve got one ounce of courage and quickly said to her as he took a step forward “Come inside”
She looked to him, with her brows raised to him. Steve quickly bowed his head “Ma’am. I was just thinking how you don’t want to be stood out here in the cold”
Peggy smiled to him as he kept his head bowed for a moment before lifting it up and standing straight and tall. Peggy looked to Henry “Henry, would it be terribly inappropriate?”
“Ma’am?”
“If I were to wait in the hall, with this fine soldier whilst the car is to be fixed”
Henry found himself letting out an amused smile “Ma’am you’ve done many more obscure things in the past”
“Indeed” Peggy looked to him with a smirk, he would accompany her of course. But she always looked after herself. Peggy walked over to Steve, with a faint nervous smile still lingering on her face, she looked into his eyes and whisper “Most men would offer me their arm”
Steve jumped to realization and quickly put his arm out for her. His nervous nature was rather amusing to her, it was also very sweet. It had been a while since she had a man not be cocky or acting like a wise guy. That was because most of the men were friends with the royal family and thought they had a right to act in such a manner.
Peggy was a little apprehensive coming in here at first. Usually when she snuck away to a party it was still with people within their ‘circle’ but this time it was with men that she didn’t even know. Oddly enough to her though, she felt like she knew Steve, that she trusted him. And it was still very surprising as to how. But it was actually rather enjoyable. The men in this unit were respectful, a little rowdy too sure, but she could be rowdy at times.
Peggy stuck with Steve, which did not go unnoticed by anyone. They sat at a table. Alone . Though it didn’t really feel like it, Steve looked up and said “Your friend likes to keep watch”
Peggy glanced and laughed breathless “It’s his job that’s all, I have gotten used to pretending that he isn’t there”
Steve nodded and looked down to his glass of beer “If...if you don’t mind me asking, ma’am-”
“You don’t have to call me ma’am. I do like being treated like a real person every so often”
“So...Margaret?”
“No” Peggy laughed, shaking her head “Margaret is my little cousin. Peggy is what I prefer to be called”
“Peggy” Steve nodded with a smile “S’a nice name”
“I always liked it” Peggy said with a light smile. She looked over and saw a young excited soldier looking over and making all sorts of gestures to encourage Steve into sticking beside her, she looked to Steve “A friend of yours?”
Steve felt himself go red from getting embarrassed, Bucky was showing him up. Steve scratched the back of his head and shook it “I err. That’s my best friend, Bucky”
“Hm. He seems...eager”
“He’s an idiot. Ignore him” Steve said with a stifled nervous laugh still in his tone.
“I shall do my hardest” Peggy whispered as she looked back to him, gazing intently into his eyes. Peggy rubbed her lips together and said “May I ask something from you?”
“You can ask me anything”
“Ask me something real, something about my life” Peggy said, drawing a circle on the table with her fingertip. She was wanted to be treated like an actual human being, and having conversations with actual human beings involves asking real questions in order to know someone, Steve looked at her. Pretty surprised and then thought for a moment “O-Okay...do you enjoy it? Things like this?”
“It has it’s perks. There’s a lot of pressure put down onto me, especially with being one of the eldest girls in our family and having my younger cousin being married whilst I remain... not ...but doing jobs as you say such as this certainly as it’s benefits”
“Like?”
Peggy shrugged “Tonight, would be meeting you”
Steve once again found himself blushing. He looked down at her hand that suddenly stopped rotating around on the table and have it was beside his, their pinky fingers touching gently. He looked up to her and saw her smile, she knew what she was doing. Still gazing at him, she said slowly and soothingly “To be honest, I just want someone to really look at me and see the real me, I can only count a few people who can do that and they are my family...it’s different with family...I want someone...completely out of my world. To see me as me”
Steve looked to her mouth, back to her eyes. Giving her his full attention and whispered “I see you”
Peggy faintly smiled and slowly nodded “You do…”
She could kiss him, right here right now. With her back turned, her assistant came up to her and cleared his throat “Ma’am. The car has been fixed. We’re ready to take you to go home”
A hour and a half ago, she was dying to leave. Now she wanted nothing but to stay. With him. Peggy looked from Henry back to Steve and frowned. She gently bit down on her bottom lip as she sighed and shook her head “I suppose this is it”
“Guess so…"
"A shame, I was looking forward for you to getting to know me better, and I you"
Steve gulped and shrugged to her "What if I take something out of the car? Would I get in trouble for that?”
“I’m afraid so” Peggy said in a light laugh.
Peggy asked Steve if he would walk her out, despite Henry not really liking the idea of it all. Steve stood at the car as Henry opened the door for Peggy, he sighed and shrugged “Well. I can cross spending the night with a Princess off of my bucket list”
“I’m glad I could be of service to you”
Steve smiled to her, doing the noble thing. He took her hand. Which she expected him to do. He kissed her hand, also expecting him to do, when he pulled his hand away she gripped onto it for a moment and subtly slipped him something that she wrote earlier. Confused at first, he looked up to her. She smiled and whispered “Goodbye, Steve ”
He watched her get in the car and took a step back as Henry closed the door, shook Steve’s hand and then also got in the car. He watched the car take her away, and then he looked down to what she slipped him.
It was an address, and at the bottom. She put,
Write to me x