Gilded Age prompt: George Russell maybe the most intimidating and shrewdest businessman in New York, but he is a proud and boastful grandfather over the smallest new development in his grandchild’s life (first smile, laugh, standing up, walking or even first lost tooth). At some society event Marian overhears him bragging about a new milestone.
(Ps. Love your Gilded Age fics!)
Thank you! I don’t normally write this kind of stuff since it’s not technically Larry x Marian, so forgive me for this one being a bit shorter.
A mothers worry and a grandfather’s reassurance.
Since becoming a mother, Marians started hating going to dinners and balls in Newport. Oh yes, it was nice being able to go out again, wearing normal sized clothes and not feeling like the size of a house. But not seeing her darling eleven-month-old for nearly two weeks left her aching and worried. Even with Nanny taking care of her and Gladys watchful eye checking up on her, she can’t help but feel as if she’s missing something when she’s away.
No one told Marian how much she’d worry about her child when she was pregnant. Her aunt Agnes said that nanny will take care of most of the work, but Marian wanted a more hands-on approach with her baby like Mrs Russell did. But a more active roll meant more active responsibility. Is she eating enough? Is she eating the right stuff? How much is she supposed to be sleeping? Should she be doing more?
She always wondered if her dedication to her daughters life was more of a hinderance to her child’s life than a gift. None of her other society friends are as involved as she is in their child’s lives, yet some of their children seem to be advancing much faster than Lucy.
Is it my fault?
Walking around the ballroom at Mamie Fishes Newport home, she tries to look for her husband. And old schoolmate from collage dragged him off when he first arrived and she hasn’t seen him since.
For a moment she thinks she’s seen him on the other side of the ballroom, but it turns out to only be his father, George Russell. With his curly black locks and tanned skin Larry has started looking more and more like his father as the years go by. As she approaches him from behind, she overhears the tail end of his conversation with another man.
“-and already talking in sentences. The doctor said that most children don’t starting doing that until they’re two and a half.”
“Yes, I remember when our granddaughter Lucy started talking.” The elder Russell said, taking a a glass of champagne from a nearby footmen.
“She began when she was only 5 months old, and she could say “Mama” and “Pa” before she was even one. Far more intelligent than my children were at her age.” He smiles.
“I see! Well, you must have quite the nanny for her to be progressing so quickly.”
“You should be praising her mother, she’s been raising her just as much as nanny.”
“Heavens! Is that not too time consuming for her? Doesn’t she have more important things to do?”
“Raising her daughter is a very important thing to do. I believe it’s her influence that’s lead to our Lucy being so verbal at such a young age. I already know she will do the Russell name very proud in the future.”
“Ah, yes, I see. Now if you’ll excuse me, I see my friend over there that I need to see.” The man leaves as he awkwardly walks by Marian, who finally catches George’s eye.
“Marian, enjoying the party?”
“Oh, very much, yes.” She stops herself before she lets her voice betray her. “I overheard what you said to that man. Thank you for your kind words.”
“Lucy is very smart for her age, and that sort of thing doesn’t come with luck. You most definitely had a hand in that. You should be proud of how far your daughter has come.”
Marian smiles. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
She readjust herself, now glancing over the ballroom one more. “Have you seen your son anywhere?”
“I believe he’s fallen into the clutches of Mrs Fish.” He nods over to a corner where Mamie Fish appears to be questioning a very trapped-looking Larry. “And I think it’s time you go save him.”
Marian laughs as she walks towards her husband, grateful for the family she has made.
***
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