Title: Science of Fashion (17/?)

Author: vicar_dibley

Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada

Pairing: Andy/Miranda AU

Rating: G (for now)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from The Devil Wears Prada
Author's note: English isn't my first language, this hasn't been beta'd so forgive me. The mistakes (language wise and otherwise) are all mine. This is my first DWP fan fiction. Hope you like it:) Comments are welcome!

Summary: It’s an alternative universe, Andy is about 35 and Miranda is 50. In my story Andy is not cheery.

Science of Fashion

17

Separated by an ocean from the woman she loved and desired hadn’t helped in the least as Andy had hoped it would. The silver haired beauty was the first thing she thought of when she woke and the last before she fell asleep at night. Even her dreams were full of images of Miranda, of their day at the zoo, Fashion Week, their dinner at the museum, the reception and the cocktail party before she had left for Europe. Oh, she had seen Miranda standing there outside the building as her taxi drove off but she couldn’t bring herself to stop it. Now she was constantly wondering if it had been a mistake.

Being home again on her grandmother’s estate felt good though. Her grandmother sensed that something was wrong but so far she hadn’t asked. To say her nonna was delighted to have her favourite granddaughter spend the summer with her was an understatement. Ever since Andy’s and her brother’s parents had died in an IRA bombing Sophia and her husband had tried to be mother and father to them. Peter and Andy had been seven and eight when their parents had died. It had taken some time for them to fully adjust to the fact that it was just them, grandfather and nonna for most of the time. Occasionally it also included their aunt and her partner who stayed with them over a longer period of time. The house has always been filled with love and laughter.

Although Andy loved her nonna dearly, she always had a special relationship with her grandfather. He was the one who taught her to ride, her love for the beauty of nature and science. So when he died of a heart-attack just as Andy was settling in her position as a scientist at NYU she had been devastated. She still missed him, his calming presence, the laughter in his piercing eyes and his unconditional love. He had been the one who started the family business, a bank which had weathered many storms over the years. It had been his influence and careful planning that had made it possible to take care of the estates and the people who depended on them. `With wealth comes responsibility´, as her grandfather used to say. Something Andy and her brother had learned well from him. Both took their responsibilities serious.

Peter had become a lawyer and was now running the family business. He also inherited his grandfather’s title, Baron of Edgewood along with nearly all of the family’s estates. Not that he cared much for any of it, he could only stay at one house at the time and was more than happy that his nonna took care of the rest. Which gave him time and energy to look after their finances to keep them well situated.

Andy’s professional choice was, just like her brother’s, her own. Having always liked to know about the world and nature in particular was the reason for becoming a scientist. Biology had always been her first and only love. Leaving Oxford for the NYU has been a hard decision but knowing that it would help her career and her research Andy went for it.

Looking out into the backyard from her old room Andy sighed. It had been three wonderful weeks so far, she had been riding and taken long walks. Even Peter had been here once over the weekend, they had fooled around and laughed a lot. Aunt Helen and Susan had also been there for a week but had to go back for they were needed at the castle turned hotel and conference centre in Scotland. This was part of Andy’s inheritance and she was glad that her aunt was taking care of it. Andy´s mother had been from Scotland and due to Scottish costume Andy had inherited her mother’s title Duchess of Dunnmore. She had always found it rather ridiculous but over the years she had come to appreciate it given the attitude of some people, it had at times made life a lot easier.

Snorting at the thought, Andy turned to her bed and settled down with the novel she had bought in London right after her return. Today was the first day she had to spend inside because it was a typical rainy summer day in the English country side.

Downstairs Sophia Sachs, Comtessa Adriani because of her Italian heritage, pondered if she should finally go upstairs and talk to her granddaughter. So here she was, standing at the bottom of the stairs and thinking about how to broach the subject of a certain editor.

Sophia thought of the telephone conversation she had only had yesterday which had initially brought on her current dilemma.

Sophia was sitting in the drawing room. The latest edition of Runway on her lap and a good cup of Earl Grey in her hand she enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. Andy was out riding again making use of the great weather for a change. She had quit moping in her room and took her horse for a ride.

Suddenly the distinct melody of the famous Miss Marple movies was sounding through the otherwise quiet drawing room. Looking around with annoyance Sophia found Andy’s mobile phone on a table by the window. With a sigh Sophia got up, walked over to the table and picked up the mobile. Looking at the display with a frown she pressed the button to answer the phone.

“Hello?” The Comtessa tentatively asked.

“Andy? You didn’t call and so we decided to call you. How are you? What are you doing?”

It clearly was a child’s exuberant voice and Sophia was more than surprised. Andy had never spoken of any of her friends having children and she knew for sure that Pauline and Claire didn’t have any either.

“Sorry, but this is not Andy you are speaking to”, Sophia informed the girl.

“Who are you then? This is Andy’s phone, is it not?”

“Yes, it is. I’m her grandmother.”

Sophia heard another voice in the background asking about the person on the other end, the voice of another little girl.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be impolite, I know you British don’t like that. I really didn’t mean to, really”, the little voice sounded apologetic and so sincere that it caused Sophia to laugh out loud.

“Apology accepted. May I ask who I’m speaking to?”

“Oh, sorry, forgot about that too. I’m Caroline and my sister Cassidy is right next to me.”

“Well, a pleasure speaking to you, ladies”, Sophia laughed again.

“You laugh like Andy”, Caroline said with awe.

“That’s a compliment, I take it?”

“Yup. May we speak to Andy?”

“I’m sorry, dear. She is not here right now, she is out riding.” Sophia informed the girls.

“On a horse?”

“Yes”, the Comtessa chuckled, “on a horse.”

“Cool. Is her leg well enough to do that?”

“Thankfully enough it is. But tell me how do you know my Andy?” Now the older woman was intrigued. If they knew about Andy’s surgery they had to know here better than just mere acquaintances.

“First she was mommy’s friend but when she came to dinner one evening and didn´t get spooked by our spider Andy became our friend too”, Caroline explained.

“That sounds like my Andy, all right.” Sophia had to agree without a second thought.

“She took mommy and us to the zoo and we got to feed the animals. It was soooo cool.”

That sounded like her granddaughter as well. Interesting, so Andy had been taking these girls and their mother to the zoo. Good for her, ever since she had lost Sarah Sophia had been worried about Andy.

“And she took mommy to dinner at the museum”, Cassidy shouted from the background.

“She did?”

“Yeah, during Fashion Week. Mommy was totally gooey when she came home that evening”, Caroline giggled into the phone. “They also went to the reception together, well kind of.”

“They did?”

“Yes.”

Now Sophia was completely floored. Andy met someone and hadn’t told her yet. Which could only mean two things, she either knew the woman or she was in love and scared like hell or both actually.

“What did you say your mother’s name was?”

“We didn’t. But I guess you know her. It’s Miranda Priestly.” Caroline informed Andy’s grandmother with pride in her voice.

“Oh, dear”, Sophia murmured more to herself.

“Yeah”, the girl sighed. She was used to this kind of reaction and she hated it. Their mother was just that, their mother. Not the Dragon Lady or Snow Queen, just mommy. But this time it got her slightly angry because she knew for sure Andy liked her mom, no she loved her and her mom loved Andy, it didn’t sit well  with her that Andy’s grandmother reacted that way.

“We get that a lot and we hate it. Mommy is a great mom, she loves us and we love her. I know for sure she loves Andy and I’m also sure Andy loves her as well.”

Well, that would explain a lot, Sophia thought. She hadn’t meant to hurt the girl. Time for damage control.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It just took me by surprise that’s all. But why hasn’t And told me so?”

“Because she doesn’t know and she left before mom could tell her”, Caroline explained again.

“I see”, Sophia did see.

“They are just too stupid to admit it. Mom misses Andy and so do we. We want our mom to be happy and she is the happiest when she is with Andy.”

“My dear granddaughter is known to be a bit dense sometimes”, Sophia had to admit.

“Can you help us?” I was a heart felt question. Who could deny such a request? Certainly not  Sophia and if Miranda was what her little Andy wanted than she would do what she could to help her get her. She was too much of an Italian grandmother to see her little girl suffer.

“Leave it to me, girls. I will help them see what is right in front of them.”

“Thank you!”

“No, thank you for telling me. Good bye, Caroline and Cassidy.”

“Good bye, Andy’s nonna!”

Before she could ask them how they knew about the Italian word for grandmother the call was ended. Thoughtfully Sophia sat back on the sofa, already contemplating how to broach the subject to Andy.

And here she was now, her internal fight still waging within her. But she had promised the girls and she never broke a promise.

“Madam are you all right?“ The voice of her butler and dear confident George brought her out of her musings.

“Yes, I’m fine, George.“ Sophia smiled at the man, slightly flustered.

“I apologise, madam. I didn’t mean to startle you.“ George inclined his head.

“That is quite all right. I was just deep in thoughts.“

“May I ask, madam, is it about her Grace? I couldn’t help but notice that she seemed to be under the weather ever since she returned.“

“So you have noticed, too?“ Sophia smiled ruefully. “Of course you have.“

“Is there anything I can do to help, madam?“ The butler offered sincerely.

“I’m not even sure I can help, knowing the girl’s stubborn streak. But thank you, George.“ Putting a gentle hand on the man’s arm, Sophia squeezed it to convey her gratitude.

“As you wish, madam.“ George turned and moved towards the back of the house, only to stop shortly when he heard Sophia call after him.

“One more thing, though.“

“Madam?“

“Don’t let her hear you call her her Grace, you know how she hates that.“

For a moment she was sure he would disagree, George opened his mouth and silently closed it again. Having thought better of it, being the perfect servant he was.

“Certainly madam.“ He inclined his head again and left.

Shaking her head at the man’s snobbishness Sophia wondered why he had stayed for so long given the family’s disregard for titles and formalities.

Finally Sophia climbed the stairs to Andy’s room and after a soft knock she opened the door to find her granddaughter on her bed reading a book.

“Do you mind if I come in?“ Sophia asked carefully.

“Of course not, nonna.“ Andy put her book and reading glasses on the bedside table and sat up.

The Comtessa walked over to the large four poster bed to sit down. Reaching out the older woman gently brushed the bangs away from Andy’s forehead, cupping the younger woman’s cheek in her palm.

Andy closed her eyes and leaned into the warm touch when tears started to involuntarily run down her face.

“Oh cara mia“, Sophia whispered and pulled Andy into a tight embrace.

When Andy finally ran out of tears her grandmother was cradling her head in her lap and soothingly stroking her hair.

“Tell me, my Andy“, the older woman encouraged.

Andy knew she could tell her grandmother anything, she always could. Nonna would understand, she would listen without passing judgement and she would help to make it better, like she always did.

“I met her.“ Andy whispered. There was no need to explain who it was she had met because her nonna knew about the Fashion Week and there was no other woman who could have made such an impression on Andy.

“Oh yes, the one and only Miranda Priestly.“ Sophia smiled knowingly.

“Tell me, dear, is she as pretty as those pictures of her suggest?“

“They don’t do her justice, not one of them. In person she is even more beautiful. Her smile is hypnotising, her eyes are the most captivating blue I have ever seen and when she laughs it is the most wonderful sound I have ever heard. And when she talks to you she makes you feel as if nothing else in the world exists, just the two of you.“

Sophia was listening intently to Andy’s words and by the sound of her voice she could detect that her little girl harboured deep emotions for the editor.

“You make her sound quite fascinating.“

“She is. How come you never met her?“ Andy was somehow surprised when she thought about it.

“Well, you know, circumstances, bad timing. Other obligations.“ Pausing Sophia pondered the fact that she indeed had never met the famous La Priestly in person, given her own reputation and influence in the fashion world, her only sinful pleasure and indulgence, it was kind of odd that they had never met.

The Comtessa had always admired Miranda Priestly´s dedication to her own treasured past time. The woman knew her job and her judgement and opinion has been without failure over the last two decades. What was not to admire and respect? Having heard from friends and acquaintances all kinds of stories about the editor Sophia couldn’t say she held Miranda’s way of conducting her career and life against her. Being a woman who wants to play with the top dogs wasn’t easy and staying on top for as long as she had was even more difficult. Ever since her telephone conversation with the girls Sophia knew that Miranda was more than the press made her seem to be. No wonder her Andy was mesmerised by that woman.

“What happened between the two of you?“

“Nothing.“

“Don’t give me that“, Sophia admonished. “Something did happen. Spill it, girl!“

Sighing at her grandmother’s unrelenting attitude Andy sat up and leaned against the headboard next to her nonna.

Stalling to put some kind of order to her thoughts she played with the hem of her jumper before she started to talk. But when she did Andy told Sophia everything, about how they met to the last time they had seen each other at the cocktail party, shortly before the summer break. Andy also told her about her unpleasant conversation with this jerk Carlyle and how she had sat him straight about Miranda.

“He was right though, wasn’t he?“ Sophia gently asked.

“Yes. Yes, he was. But it was more then merely wanting her. I was falling for her and the more I knew the more I wanted to know.“

“You love her.“ It wasn’t a question, just the stating of a fact.

“More than I can tell.“

“Why do you keep pushing her away?“

Looking down at her lap where her hands lay neatly folded Andy shook her head.

“I have nothing she could possibly want. I am damaged goods.“

“Bullocks!“ Sophia exclaimed passionately, causing Andy’s head to snap up at the outburst, untypical for her grandmother. Even though she was Italian, Sophia seldom coursed or became loud, but when she did you´d better watch out.

“Self-pity doesn’t suit you, darling.“

Anger was slowly brewing up in Andy, gripping her cane she got off the bed and started pacing in front of it.

“First of all I’m not wallowing in self-pity. Second the woman is straight as an arrow as far as I know. Third, I am damaged, physically and emotionally and we both know it. Day in and day out she is surrounded by the most beautiful women the world knows and you should have seen this Carlyle bloke. He is a very handsome man.“

“So?“ Sophia innocently asked.

“So? Have you not been listening?“

“I have, dear. But what is your point?“

“My point is, nonna“, Andy was gritting her teeth. “That I am crippled. I mean look at me, without that damn cane I can’t walk and with it I can nothing more than limp.“

Lifting her hair from the right side of her face, Andy continued with even more fury.

“This scar I can hide most of the time quite successfully but you and I know it’s not the only one.“

“I hear you, dear, but I know you too well. There is still more to it.“

“You mean, besides me being gay and her being straight?“ Andy sarcastically asked.

“Yes, darling.“

Andy knew there was no way she could walk away from this without laying all cards on the table. This wouldn’t work with her grandmother, it had never worked.

“Okay, lets presume I stood a chance, then what if ... what if..“

Feeling the lump in her throat at the mere thought, Andy couldn’t go on. Tears were welling up in her eyes and threatened to fall.

“If what baby girl?“ Her nonna asked softly, gliding off the bed and coming to stand in front of Andy.

“What if something happened to her? What if I lose her? I don’t know if I could survive that again.“

Wrapping the now crying young woman in her arms, Sophia felt her heart breaking all over again for her granddaughter. She had known right from the beginning of their conversation that it all boiled down to that, Andy was frightened to death to love again and lose this person.

Sarah’s death had nearly killed the younger woman and Sophia didn’t want to think about what would happen to her little girl if something like that happened again. But the Comtessa also knew there were no guarantees in life, love was always worth taking the risk. She also knew her Andy had so much love to give and deserved to be loved.

Tenderly stroking the long brown hair Sophia’s touch somehow calmed the younger woman.

“Love is always worth taking the risk, cara mia.“

“Maybe, but it’s too late anyway.“

“Maybe, or maybe not.“ Sophia was already planning her next step. She was the Comtessa Adriani, even the Dragon Lady would bow to her wishes. That she knew for certain.

A week later Emily was holding a hand written invitation in her hands as if it was the most precious jewellery from Tiffany’s and unasked entered Miranda’s office. Awe was clearly visible on her face so even Miranda knew it had to be something special Emily was just holding in her hands.

“This just arrived”, the redhead whispered reverently.

“What is it?” This was getting ridiculous.

“It´s an invitation although it somehow sounds more like a request with a touch of an order to appear next week at the Comtessa Adriani´s estate for a two week stay.”

Holding out her hand for the letter Emily handed it over to Miranda to watch her boss closely as she read through it.

Finally Miranda carefully folded it again and put it back into the envelope before she issued her own orders to her first assistant.

“Well, then. Take care of everything and make sure to inform the Comtessa of the dates of our arrival. That’s all.”

“Uhm...”, Emily was flabbergasted.

“What?” Miranda was getting irritated at the younger woman.

“Just like that? What about Runway? Two weeks are quite a long time and Irv...”

“There are things even I can’t ignore, Emily. The Comtessa is one of those. We have to go for Runway. You will understand when we are there.”

“Yes, Miranda.” Emily still didn’t sound convinced but when they were in Britain she could call Andy and Andy could meet with Miranda and then they could... Getting ahead of yourself, Charleton, aren’t we? All in good time. One step after another.

The preparations for their trip had been the easy part of the task. Emily had contacted the Comtessa´s personal assistant and everything was going smoothly after that. The New York part on the other hand was a pain in the arse. They had one bloody week to get all the work done to make Runway run without any problems during their absence. Thank goodness is was summer break, even for the publishing business and the next issue was already ready to go to print. Nigel was being overly dramatic and slightly pissed that he had to share the responsibilities during Miranda’s trip with Serena. Irv was already cruising in the Caribbean and Jefferson Carlyle had finally fallen from the rim of the earth. So maybe, Emily thought, she could actually enjoy this unexpected trip back home for a change. One could only hope.

The eight hours flight to London gave Miranda time to contemplate her current situation. The Comtessa had been polite, friendly but firm in her invitation. Well, Emily was right, she had more or less been ordered to go there. Strange but not unwelcome. Miranda had always wanted to meet the other woman. She was an institution in the fashion world, very well known to all the important players for her reputation as a patron and her influence. Although she preferred to stay in the background the Comtessa Adriani wielded so much power in Miranda’s world it would have been foolish, personally and professionally, to ignore the invitation. Runway had been taken care of, the girls were with their father so she might actually enjoy this trip. Come to think of the girls, Miranda had to admit they had been overly enthusiastic about her going to London. Andrea was in Britain as they didn’t fail to remind her, suggesting she could contact her and meet her to talk about them. Maybe she would, Miranda thought with a sigh, maybe she would.

Upon their arrival at the airport a chauffeur was waiting for them to take care of their luggage and drive them to Edgewood Hall. The one and a half hour ride was made in silence, Emily already enjoying the feeling of home and Miranda occupied with thoughts of Andrea. When they arrived at the estate the butler led them to the drawing room where an elegantly dressed and refined looking older woman was greeting them with a warm smile.

“There you are”, Sophia was walking towards her guests with an outstretched hand to greet them properly. “We finally meet.”

“Comtessa”, Miranda formally said as she took the older woman’s hand in hers.

“Oh, nonsense”, Sophia waved her off, “call me Sophia, please. No formalities, now that we finally meet Miranda.”

“Sophia”, Miranda repeated with an incline of her head. “I’m honoured.”

“Likewise, Miranda.” Sophia squeezed the editor’s hand gently. “And you must be Emily. My assistant was very impressed by your efficiency.”

“Thank you, ma´am”, Emily blushed shyly.

“No ma´am. There is only one woman who is called ma´am and that’s the Queen. I’m not her, so please, Sophia.”

“Yes, ma´... Sophia.”

“Good”, the older woman smiled. “Now, George where is my granddaughter? I want her to welcome our guests.”

“Her Grace went riding, madame. I believe she will return shortly, though.“ The butler informed her in his usual snobbish tone.

“Tell her to join us as soon as she returns, please.“

“Very well, madame. Shall I serve the tea now madame?“

“Yes and coffee for Miranda.“

Raising a disapproving eyebrow George slightly bowed and left the room.

“Forgive him, he is such a terrible snob. George is suffering dearly from this family’s lack of class consciousness. I sometimes wonder why he stays.“ Sophia explained to her guests.

“May I ask why he called your granddaughter her Grace?“ Miranda asked fearing the answer already.

“Oh, that“, Sophia waved her hand dismissively, “like I said, he is a snob.“

“Forgive me but that does not answer my question.“ Miranda insisted.

Rolling her eyes at Miranda’s insistence Sophia gave in.

“Because she is the Duchess of Dunnmore.“

Suddenly the door opened and the Duchess strode into the room, fumbling with her riding gloves not looking at the occupants of the room at all.

“Nonna, George said you wanted me to greet our...“, Andy stopped when she finally looked up.

“Miranda?!“

TBC