The Fall of Prejudice

After being convinced by Mrs. Iero to stay for supper, Gerard left, promising Frank he would visit tomorrow. Frank offered to walk him out to his horse after his mother shoved him in the direction.

As they stood a few yards from house, Gerard looked down at Frank sincerely as he placed a hand on Frank’s neck and stroked his jaw his thumb. “You have no idea how immensely happy you have made me, my Frank, I cannot wait to marry you and spend every day of my life with you.”

Frank smiled kindly as an answer. If he had been in love with Gerard, he could see this being the happiest day of his life and would too look forward to every day after. If Gerard had been as kind and smiled as much as he had that day instead of wearing a constant scowl, Frank could see looking forward to being his husband.

But Frank was not in love and had seen the somber side of Gerard. He feared that Gerard’s happiness would wear off as he became accustomed to the marriage and Frank would be forced to live his days alone because he knew one day, Gerard would not want him anymore.

After saying goodbye and a soft, innocent kiss initiated by Gerard, Frank returned to the house to give James the bad news he had been dreading all day.

~***~

James had taken the news of Mr. Toro’s engagement better than Frank had expected. He had not cried, he had not cursed the man and called his fiancee a whore. He was, however, very glad to hear that Mr. Toro would be leaving shortly after the wedding, most likely never to return.

The two brothers then talked late into the night about what each expected married life to be like. James promised to visit Frank in his new home as often as possible. They both agreed it would be best not to bring Madeline as she would only make a scene and embarrass Frank in his new role as master of the house.

~***~

The wedding had been set for a month later and Frank saw Gerard every day in between. The enthusiasm for the marriage that Frank saw in Gerard never wavered those four weeks, he had been patient with Mrs. Iero and generous enough to pay for a new frock for Madeline.

It was often that Frank wondered how his emotions might have differed if this had been the man he was introduced to.

It was the Wednesday before the wedding when the younger Mr. Way arrived to stay at Mr. Toro’s manor. Frank was incredibly nervous to meet the man, despite Gerard’s urgings that he was one of the kindest souls in England.

The young Iero boy was to dine at Mr. Toro’s home that night to meet his future brother-in-law. He was sitting in the music room next to Gerard as the butler entered to announced the man’s arrival.

As soon as the younger Way entered the room, even before the polite bows could be taken, Gerard was out of his seat and embracing his brother in a hug. When they let go, Gerard spoke softly to Michael before they made their way to Frank, who had stood up in preparation.

“Brother, I am so pleased to introduce you to Frank Iero, my fiancee.” It was at this point when Frank was able to really look at Michael. He noticed that though he was younger than Gerard, he was taller, with a slimmer frame, and lighter hair. A soft voice in the back of Frank’s head commented that he was not as handsome as his brother.

They bowed politely and made small talk until dinner was announced. Gerard sat in between Frank and Michael at dinner and spoke mostly to his brother, leaving Frank to push his food around his plate as he was not wanting to speak to the engaged Mr. Toro.

As he sat quietly, Frank wondered if this was what his future held. Sitting silently next to Gerard as his husband talked to those he would rather spend time with.

~***~

After dinner, a slightly Mr. Toro challenged Gerard to a game of billiards, leaving Frank to talk to his soon to be brother.

“I am sorry I took up so much of my brother’s attentions at dinner, Frank.” Michael smiled, revealing a grin very similar to that of Frank’s fiancee.

“I know your brother has missed you very much.” Frank knew Michael would be living with Gerard and him after they were married so he tried to be as civil as possible.

“I have heard nothing but your praises.” Michael continued, “Gerard’s letters have been full of descriptions of you and recounts of your conversations. I have never seen my brother so happy, I am so elated that he has found you.”

Frank blushed at the idea of Gerard talking about him. “Gerard has told me so much about you, his misses you dearly. I think it is very hard for him to be away from you for long periods of time.”

“Ah yes, I am, in fact, great company,” Frank smiled at the teasing tone in Michael’s voice, he was just as kind as Gerard made him out to be. “But I do believe, this trip of his has been considered a success, seeing as he found you.”

Their conversation continued easily until Gerard and Mr. Toro returned, announcing Gerard had been victorious. Frank was now glad that Michael would be living with him, they shared many interests and Michael promised to teach Frank how to play the piano, something Frank had always wanted to learn.

~***~

Frank was offered one of Toro’s coaches to ride home in and Gerard accompanied him, claiming he would not survive if Frank were to be abducted by bandits. Frank laughed and decided that he liked a slightly drunk Gerard, it allowed him to be more free in what he said. Frank realized that Gerard was funny.

In the coach, the two men sat on the same side, despite what propriety might say. Gerard wrapped his arms around the younger man, who, surprisingly, did not mind. It was not long before Frank fell asleep in his fiancee’s arms.