Note: This is my new fic Richartin / modern Thilbo AU :3
A cute and passionate victorian gay love. Crossover of North and South and the stories of Sherlock Holmes. The story is developed from the original canon of Conan Doyle's books but making some adjustments.
….
Chapter 1 – Strange accidental encounter
London, 1881.
Dr. John Watson was born into a wealthy and highly respected family, his parents owned a major hotel chain established luxury in London. But after the death of his mother, when he was just an infant, his father had decided that they had to move to live in distant Australia, along with his other son and brother of John, Henry Watson. The new partners and good acquaintances had suggested to him to set their business in Australia promised much. Thus the young John Watson spent his childhood away from his homeland until he returned to London a few years later and began attending the high school. He enrolled at the University of Oxford with great enthusiasm and always with all the wealthy influence which his family belonged. The Watsons had reinvested all their businesses in London again. John Watson felt very well to be back in home. He always would be British in his blood and in his heart. But his stay there was interrupted due the mandate duty dictated and went to distant lands again.
It was a hard time for Doctor John Watson since he had to finish his medical practices in the distant lands of India, just after finishing his studies in medicine at the University of Oxford. But because in those years he had unleashed the Second Anglo-Afghan War Doctor Watson was forced to join the British medical squad militia in Afghan arid lands. The British military had required their services in that territory for less than two years.
Unfortunately during his service he had reached hurt in the arm and to get typhus they decided to send him back to England to recover.
John Watson had always been instituted under a refined education, he had always been surrounded by luxury and had been at the best institutions. His education was entirely acculturated. His manner was a source of pride for the aristocracy. And yet he had not a shred of pride. His altruism was full.
Now Dr. Watson was back in London. It had been several months since he had been recovering from that fateful bullet, which was painfully embedded in his upper arm. At that time the pain had made him feel like he could not be able to use it again in the future but now had recovered almost completely, but still had to wear a sling to keep rigid his arm.
It was a rainy day, no doubt humidity would cause the cold night outside, more than usual in the case of the summer. John Watson decided to take a walk by modern cobblestone streets of London when the rain stopped. Greatly he liked watching the beautiful reflection of things in the puddles. Despite the huge puddles of rainwater covered the asphalt, the streets were so crowded with people as if it was a sunny day. At that time Watson noticed something he had not considered since his return to London, the city population was increasing fairly compared with the year that had set sail bound for the Middle East, for almost three years. Must surely be because of immigration, it was the height of the industrial revolution.
Watson knew he should walking with some care when it was sunset because it was usually when the factory workers were finishing their shift work and they crowded all the paths that lead them home. But Watson was extremely cautious, he was a man strictly ordered in organizing his schedules. Always he carried a fine pocket watch for never lose the time. He knew that the time of departure of the workers had been over an hour ago.
The night began to fall, the streets went fine carriages pulled by beautiful horses. It was definitely something he always loved of London. The houses began to light up with lanterns and candles. Became starry night, the clouds had dissipated after the rain after. But Watson also loved the night walks, long time since he had those walks because he had to stay in the hospital and then in bed for the last two months. Actually this was the first time he could take the opportunity to go out to these hours.
Watson made a purchase in a distinguished bakery. In this place prepared the best scones and long ago he not bought. He liked to eat them for dinner and besides enjoyed buying them by himself. Even to make a simple payment Watson never lost hiss elegance, nobody would have thought that he was a military doctor who had served in Afghan lands. He was totally an English gentleman.
But being on the threshold of the bakery ready to leave the site he realized that rain fell again. The people of outside hastily ran for cover themselves. Watson was not willing to have his precious bread gets wet with the rain, that seemed to matter more than his new and fine shoes. He hurriedly walked across the street to get to the corner and take a taxi, protecting the bag with his scones under his long coat. On a couple of occasions he could not dodge puddles so hopelessly his shoes were splashed with mud. But that did not stop him, missing very little to reach the corner and there surely would not take so long to get a taxi.
Before reaching to reach the corner of the street he saw what he wanted, a modern cab drawn by two brown horses. Watson made the sign and called for the vehicle to stop and he hurried to open the door. But then a gloved male hand came forward to open it first. Watson had not turned to see the face of the person at that time, in the sudden act he had only reached to notice the elegance of the black suit that the man in question was wearing.
"Oh, sorry" John Watson excused himself while re holding the bag with bread covered under his coat and settled his bowler hat, which had misaligned during his hasty walk.
"Oh don't worry, take you the taxi, please" said the elegant man. Besides being elegant dressed with long black jacket, also wearing a top hat. At that time Watson finally saw his face. Although rain prevented him see detail at that time, Watson realized that this man was very attractive and wearing sideburns made him look much more interesting. Watson remained hesitant for a short time, but the truth was that he had been a bit overwhelmed in the first place due to accidental their fingertips but also due to the elegant appearance of the mysterious man "please take you the taxi, I can wait another one" said the elegant man in top hat using a subtle and gentle voice. He gave a brief, smiling while he motioned to Watson to take the seat into the cab.
Hearing his voice, Watson was mostly intrigued. It seemed too strange, but certainly in just a moment the cavernous and masculine voice of that man had captivated him. Watson felt stunned but when the elegant man motioned to him for the second time to sit down in very gentlemanly way, Watson came out of his reverie and decided he could let him freely take the taxi.
"Oh no, no, please believe that I've been impertinent. Please take you the taxi" said the blond. The rain seemed to increase gradually and if they didn't hurry, his scones recently baked inevitably would be completely ruined.
"Oh no, please take the taxi, and do it soon because the rain is getting worse" the hat man said as he watched how the water started to drop from Watson's hat, increasingly.
"Please gentlemen, one of the two will take the taxi or not?" asked suddenly the driver of the vehicle.
Watson turned to look back to the elegant man and smiled. Then the elegant gentleman at last suggested something.
"Would you mind if I take a taxi with you ... sir?" he said. Water torrent of rain also fell from his hat. It suddenly seemed fun and Watson resisted laughing at it and without stopping to doubt even a little he accepted his suggestion.
"Okay, no problem" replied the blond and immediately both gentlemen, now with soaked clothes, boarded the vehicle. Watson told the driver the address where he wanted to go there was not too far away and told him what the street was. The driver ordered the horses to advance the march. The horses whinnied. The rain kept extensive.
Once into the car both had to sit close together, the taxi was not very spacious, but that did not matter because in the end were protected of the rain. Dr. Watson suddenly felt greatly embarrassed, he had never before imagined gotten into this situation, trying to get a taxi while another gentleman also wanted to escape the rain. And that another gentleman was very handsome and highborn. And now both were soaked.
"I regret the shameful incident, I should have thought sooner suggest to use both the taxi. I beg your pardon, sir" the elegant man apologized to the doctor.
"Oh no, it was also my fault for not having thought of it before. Maybe you had more hurry to take the taxi. I think you called it before, I think it was me the wrong" Watson said doubtfully, bypassing the eyes while was occupied by inspecting his bag of bread would not be spoiled. Instead elegant man kept looking at him. By that time he had already removed his hat.
"Lord let me introduce myself, my name is John Thornton" he finally said with a smile and extended his hand to greet Dr. Watson properly. Watson took a while to react, was now trying to take off his bowler hat. When he was stripped of it, was revealed his golden hair, which remained dry but a bit scruffy, maybe because of the hat. Watson then extended his hand to return the greeting.
"Oh pleasant to meet you, I'm Dr. John Watson."
"Wow, what a surprise to find a doctor such elegant bearing the same name as me" said Thornton effusive. He liked that his new acquaintance was called as him.
"Well I must say that for me is also very pleasant. You seem to be a very important person" added Watson.
"I don't know exactly what should be the factor to be considered an important person but I must say that I own some factories located throughout England" said with a soft, calm voice.
"Really? That's fascinating. So surely you are someone very wealthy. Now I don't understand why you did want to take a cab" Watson said still in amazement.
"Well the truth I is that I don't like to be too conspicuous, especially when I like to give short walks through the streets under the sunset and especially when it has stopped raining. I see no need to use an own car if I just go to walk a little. But suddenly this rain surprised me and then I asked for the first taxi I could call. By the way, I hope that has not spoiled your bread, doctor" the voice of Mr. Thornton sounded with subtlety. Watson was more interested in the elegant wealthy man. But he felt also a little embarrassed.
"Oh no, it seems that nothing has happened to my bread" replied Watson a little flushed, probably it was not too common from a gentleman to go out into the street just to buy some rolls. Suddenly it seemed ridiculous even to himself. But instead Thornton thought that something as simple as that was worthy to be appreciated, precisely because it is something unusual. Watson seemed very sweet. Thornton smiled noticing nervousness of Watson, he thought he should not return to talk about the bread, it could be a little intimidating for the sweet doctor.
"Well, Doctor I must say that despite the events, to me it has been a great pleasure to meet you. I think you are a very fine person" Thornton said sincerely. Watson smiled hesitant and almost crushed trying to hide the bread bag at his side.
"I appreciate all your compliments. To me has been also a great pleasure to meet such a fine gentleman" muttered the blond doctor, a bit shy because Mr. Thornton caused him some embarrassment. After dedicating a smile suddenly the car stopped.
"Here's the address sir" said the taxi driver then made stop the pair of horses in front of the entrance of an upscale neighborhood undoubtedly the place where Dr. Watson lived. Watson paid the driver a couple of pennies. The rain seemed to have been reduced to a simple soft drizzle.
"It was nice to meet you Mr. Thornton. If you ever need some general medical consultation please go to my humble services. I will always be at your disposal" said Watson after he descended from the vehicle by stepping on the wet floor carefully and immediately pulled of a pocket of his coat a small card and he handed it in hand of Mr. Thornton. The card reading "Dr. John H. Watson" and included the address of his office. The truth was that since his return to London and after his recovery in the hospital Dr. Watson had just opened his own office and started the consultations just a couple of weeks ago and the business seemed to be going well.
Thornton smiled and took the card with chivalry. He put it carefully into his pocket and turned to stare at the doctor again.
"Thank you doctor, I'll take it in mind" said Thornton and before Watson were about to take the first step, he said "Oh doctor, please wait a moment please" Thornton said and Watson stopped. Then Thornton took from his pocket also a card and held it out to Dr. Watson. The blond doctor took it with care, he had already been put his gloves.
"This is my card Dr. Watson, is the direction of my main office and main factory of my industry. Please consider visit one day, gladly I will attend you, without requiring you make an appointment previously, okay?" said Thornton softly and he smiled. Watson read with a glance that the card reading "Thornton industries" and soon put it in his pocket, so it would not get wet for the rain.
"Thank you Mr. Thornton, I'll have total consideration of it" said the doctor and Mr. Thornton and extended his hand to shake his in farewell. Watson responded to it. At the moment their hands again narrowed, both felt for a moment that this was something familiar, like something they'd both lived. But immediately they dismissed the idea. It could not be possible if they have just met recently. During that brief moment their eyes met for the first time. But it was time to leave. Watson stepped back and Thornton closed the door of the vehicle.
Watson walked on the sidewalk but stopped for a moment to watch how the taxi pulled away. The rain threatened to increase again. Watson was quick to enter the threshold of his house.
…..
John Watson was already in his room, which was large and finely furnished. He had removed his wet moccasins splashed with mud and had left them in the hallway. He was just looking in front of a large oval mirror with gilded frame, while he removed his tie and looked at his own reflection. He was about to take a bath it was still raining outside and it seemed that the rain would persist overnight. His housekeeper had prepared the hot bath in the tub. In Watson's mind he never stopped remembering what he had lived for almost an hour. In his mind, the bearing and the face of Mr. John Thornton was something that he could not and would not forget. He could not forget a man so attractive.
Watson carefully removed his sling and finished undressing and plunged into the warm bath water. The dim candlelight into the bathroom was beginning to cause to him sleep and added to it the memory of Mr. Thornton made him imagine a dream situation.
He seriously thought about visit him soon. After all, it had always been particularly good within the bourgeoisie have meetings with other people of high class.
John Watson was immersed in the bath tub. The water temperature was nice. The bathroom was relaxing. Outside, the rain beat out the window glass. At that time Watson's mind came the vivid memory of Mr. Thornton inside that cab, which both had shared together, how Thornton had seen him when he asked for his bag of bread, the tone of his male voice. John Watson realized that it had been a rather embarrassing moment, especially the sweet look that Thornton had given him at that. Watson also blushed to remember his languid smile.
It had been a few days since Dr. John Watson had met Mr. Thornton and routine of their daily lives had followed the same course, but certainly Watson often stopped to think of the distinguished Mr. Thornton during the day. He went out more often now and encouragement to do it so and each time he crossed a corner of the streets he had the impression that might to meet Thornton again. He thought the same every time he saw a gentleman with top hat. The top hat had become the key. Watson suddenly thought that this could turn into an obsession. He tried to dismiss it from his mind.
It had been a long and heavy day. Dr. John Watson had to serve many patients in his office that day from early morning until sunset. He was exhausted. His office was well equipped with everything necessary to fulfill his function as general practitioner. The place was decorated with a Victorian excellent taste and on the walls hung framed his degrees and diplomas. Fortunately he was attending his last patient of the day, only he had to finish writing the prescription, give the person the necessary instructions and go home at last. He finished making the last notes and after a handshake with the patient completed his work.
Leaving the office Dr. Watson realized that the gray sky announcing a coming storm. This time he was cautious enough to bring an umbrella. Again returned to his mind that evening when he had first met with Mr. Thornton. But it would be too coincidental to meet again with him in such circumstances. Watson called back by a taxi and this time had no problem. The rain fell.
Upon arriving home he found surprised his brother Henry had come to visit him. It had been almost a month since he saw him.
"Good evening, my brother" Henry greeted politely and glad of seeing again his brother John and approached him to give him a warm fraternal embrace "how you been?" He inquired. Henry lived in his own home, in a neighborhood adjacent to the neighborhood of John.
"Good evening Henry, what a surprise to meet you here! Well, I almost recovered completely" said John also glad.
"I'm delighted to know that. And forgive my audacity to come and visit you at this hour of the night but I knew that working in the office keeps you busy all day. I didn't want to interrupt your work" said Henry. John finished giving his coat to one of his servants.
"Oh no problem and you're right, work in the office is sometimes crowded, just like today. Anyway, I'm happy to see you right now. By the way how's been all in our hotels?" John asked eager to know the current state of the administration of the family business that both had inherited from his father, after all one of the hotels it was his property but Henry was responsible for overseeing the administration of both.
"Business is going very well, we had a large increase in employment in recent weeks. I can say we are having a very good run" said the elder brother.
Henry was a distinguished economist, instituted in the best education under the teaching of these famous Neville Keynes and Alfred Marshall. However Henry had brought with him a psychological problem for years, alcoholism. Although for a couple of years he had entered to rehab to leave it.
"You know, brother? I want to talk to you about a new person interested in partnering with us" Henry said.
"Really? Please tell me about the person interested in the matter then" John said interested.
The two brothers were talking about their family business for a long time until Henry went to his home in his own carriage when had completely fallen the night.
…..
John Watson went to sleep after his brother was gone. That night he had decided not to put out a small lamp in his room. That night darkness frightened him strangely. Before being able to sleep he thought of his loneliness, he thought it was the first time he reflected on that since his return to England. Perhaps it was time to know more people to socialize. Maybe it was a good idea to go looking for a wife.
The next morning John awoke early in the morning, still feeling really tired, he felt almost as if he had failed to get enough sleep. The cook prepared to him a refined English breakfast which consisted of kedgeree.
He came out as always used to do every weekend. It was Saturday and John Watson didn't have to work in his office. That day he was wearing a complete and elegant suit correct to take under daylight. John Watson finished buttoning his vest and accommodated his watch in his pocket. Then he took his golden cane, symbol of social status.
This time he did not take a taxi, he had asked his driver take him in his own carriage drawn by two white horses. He had planned to go to the main square to do some shopping in a prestigious store. The journey would take about half an hour and at one point his carriage passed by booming industrial zone in modern Victorian London. Watson had memorized the address of the card that Mr. Thornton had given him a few days ago. He thought more about the distinguished and mysterious Mr. Thornton. Someday surely he could not resist more to go to visit him with any pretext. But he thought it would not be that day. It could still be very inconvenient.
"No, I don't need to go to visit Mr. Thornton" Watson thought, absorbed. He checked his watch, the time would soon be marking midday.
"Mr. Watson we have arrived" announced his driver after to stop the horses. Watson opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle to the prestigious plaza. At that site they had the finest gadgets in Europe. The main sideboard of a store showed the new porcelain that was for sale.
Watson entered the place, he was treated with the best treatment for a gentleman of his bearing should receive. The total interest of Watson was perched on a pretty porcelain tea set that was displayed in one of the most colorful sideboards. The price was high and it made him a bit doubtful but thought he did not want to resist that fine porcelain. Watson was watching the dishes for a long time, teapot and cups were decorated with detailed flowers painted handcrafted. It appeared in his mind how great it would prepare his meetings of tea with that teapot and enjoy its taste in those cups. Watson loved the tea and meetings, but usually did not have many people to invite to enjoy it with him. Besides, since he had left England he had not organized or attended a meeting of tea.
Instead Henry had never liked too the idea of tea at meetings organized, itself was a female custom after all. But that John did not care. The tea set finally seduced John Watson and then he asked the manager will package it because he thought buying. Watson made the payment demanded by the tea set with 7 pounds.
He left very happy and proud of his new acquisition. He had enormous enthusiasm to use them, even if he had to do it alone.
The carriage again traversing the industrial area, overlooking all factories there erected Watson asked in a moment which of them was owned by Mr. Thornton.
The blond doctor came home, the driver opened the door this time and John took carefully in his hands the box which contained the fragile tea set of porcelain. From the threshold of the garden connected to the house on a cobbled sidewalk, John could see that his brother Henry was reading the newspaper at a table in the garden that was closer to the main entrance. John also noticed that Henry was accompanied by a guest, dressed elegantly. The maid served them a snack and Henry was grateful with her. John approached them even with tea set in hand but almost immediately handed it to the butler to keep it inside the house, telling him to be careful because they were fragile.
"Hello Henry!" exclaimed John and immediately the guest and Henry turned to see him. At that time John saw the face of the young guest. He was a handsome young man in fine suit and wearing the long hair tied in a ponytail. The young man smiled gently and got up from his place immediately to shake his hand.
"Hello! Mr. Watson. Pleasure to meet you! My name is Aidan Thornton" said the young man. John waved back.
"The pleasure is mine" said John, although he still felt quite curious to know who was this young, especially because he had the same surname as the elegant man who had not ceased to be in his thoughts. Although there could be many families across England named Thornton.
"Oh brother, let me introduce you the young Aidan Thornton, he is our new partner interested in our business" said Henry.
"Oh I see, then we can talk more comfortably about this now. I'm glad to have you here present" John said with sincerity.
The three men sat at the table in the garden and continued talking about their business. Thus it was that John learned that Aidan was a young entrepreneur recently graduated from college who was learning to manage the affairs of the family and that now came on behalf of his uncle.
"My uncle is a great owner of textile mills in England and now he is teaching to my brother and me to manage the family business. Although newly I have graduated a year ago I think I have enough experience to manage part of this, plus Henry is friend with my uncle ... " said the young spirited. John was even more intrigued but the young Aidan had not yet told him the name of his uncle. It was possible that this was the same Mr. Thornton who he had met in that rainy afternoon.
"It is true, John, I know well his uncle, is a close friend of mine from college in Cambridge and I assure you that no one could be better partner for our family that they" Henry said, smiling.
"I'd like to meet this Mr. Thornton, your uncle ..." John said as subtly wavering sipped the contents of his fruit juice.
"My uncle also want to meet you, Mr. Watson, actually he told me today that he will await him at home. Oh I've been rude and inconsiderate!. I almost forget that my uncle asked me to let you formal invitations to the banquet that he will offer tonight for celebrate the anniversary of one of our factories. There will be distinguished people but you have a very special treat, especially because Henry is his friend" said Aidan as he pulled from his pocket a couple of invitations on cards with beautiful letter printing and he extended them to both gentlemen Watson. And although neither Aidan nor Henry could notice, John was a little jealous of the last sentence that the young Aidan had said that Henry was too good a friend of his uncle.
"Please John, don't be ridiculous, you don't even know if he's the same person" he thought to himself.
"Oh, the address indicates that it is an ostentatious home" John said quietly, while admiring the beautiful invitation.
"I think it best that you arrive an hour before the party started, and so you would have time enough to meet my uncle and discuss the issue of sociability of our companies" said Aidan, he was a very enthusiastic guy which contrasted with the seriousness of Mr. Thornton, the same who John had met days ago, but also he should consider that he had not been with him more than a few minutes since he had not seen him again. He still did not know too much about Mr. Thornton. But he could feel in the young Aidan a similar air to Mr. Thornton, although it could also be just his ephemeral imagination.
"Okay, thank you very much for the invitation Aidan. I promise I'll be there punctual an hour earlier banquet" John said with great kindness.
"Well sure you will have fun, my uncle loves to be versatile and original in his festivities"
"I can assure you that, Johnny" Henry said with a smile, laughable.
John was thrilled at the thought. They ended the snack after talking more about the business of both families, John and Henry offered to Aidan to stay and eat later with them but the young man politely declined the invitation because he had to get ready for the evening celebration.
They said bye to the young Aidan and after he climbed to his own fancy carriage pulled by a single black horse and then Henry also said bye to John. They would see that night in the mansion Thornton. John entered home and due all the mystery of Mr. Thornton he had forgotten that he had bought a nice tea set. He paused a bit to unboxing it and contemplate it for a while. In a few hours he ordered the housekeeper prepare the bath.
After the bath John Watson finished dressing in his best frock coat, a set of fine clothes that had bought from Paris. Watson was not too ostentatious to buy clothes but liked to be in the latest fashion and that outfit he liked. Besides the occasion warranted it completely, if he would meet again with the same man he had met before, Mr. Thornton, then had to do it wearing his best clothes. He settled the collar of his shirt, he redoubled the fists of his sleeves in the London-fashioned and tied his tie properly. He looked at the clock that was inside his room and knew that the appointed time was approaching. He was even more excited. Combed his blond hair in the best way, he had never worried too much about how his hair looked but tonight it seemed he must take care of every detail. When he was fully ready, set out to turn off the lamp on his desk and left the room walked down the hall. Outside his carriage was waiting for him, ready to take him to the banquet.
With full education John told the driver the order to leave. On the way the imposing Big Ben announced 8:00 pm o'clock.
Arriving to the place, John Watson could hear and see as some carriages began to approach, the people began to descend elegantly dressed. All the road which lead to the main gate was beautifully lit with multiple lanterns on the sides of the road.
The carriage stopped at the main entrance where Watson was received for the lackeys in the best way, his distinguished bearing and finesse could not pass unnoticed, he was a special guest with high class and as Watson said he was the Dr. Watson who Mr. Thornton had dated they took him inside the house. One of the servants led him into the hall and told him to call the master Thornton as soon as possible. While the servant was hurried to warn about the newcomer, Watson noticed how servants and maids were completing final preparations for the banquet that would be served within an hour. Some of the other guests were also being received.
The huge house was certainly a glorious decoration, decorated with very refined taste. It was furnished with the best of the best, floors and walls vying for beauty. From his perspective, Watson could make out that amid the great stairs was a large painting hanging on the wall. It was the portrait of a bearded gentleman, wearing clothes of the style of the last century when sirs used shoulder pads. Watson was still admiring the painting from the distance when a woman, who wore a starched petticoat dress, approached him. The dress was a beautiful crimson satin shining beautifully in the lamplight of the room.
"Are you waiting for my brother, sir?" asked the woman. Watson gave a half turn to see the female.
"Oh good evening, beautiful lady, I'm Dr. Watson, Mr. Thornton dated me and my brother here an hour before the banquet that offer tonight. Although I think my brother has not yet come" he said friendly.
"So you're the famous Dr. Watson. My brother would gladly have waited for you all the afternoon. He will soon go down to meet you, I ask you wait for him a bit" she said.
At that moment she looked forward with pleasure that his brother was coming down the stairs.
"Oh, here comes my brother" she said. Watson gave a half turn and then Mr. Thornton was finishing stepping on the last rung. Actually it was the same Mr. Thornton that Watson had previously met.
"Good evening Dr. Watson. Is really very good to meet you again and especially in these very pleasant circumstances" said John Thornton with great chivalry without blurring a wide smile on his face. Watson remained a bit stunned, he was certainly excited, Mr. Thornton again was inspiring him too much elegance. He shuddered.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thornton, plus it's a huge surprise. I must say that I never thought to learn that you are the same person who is interested in establishing business with my family" Watson said.
"mmh better I retire, I see you later, gentlemen" said the beautiful woman and politely left the place.
Then Mr. Thornton reached out to shake the hand of Watson. Watson corresponded to him a little hesitant.
"Your brother Henry has been a close friend of mine from some years, when we studied together at Cambridge University" said Thornton while still holding Watson's gloved hand. Thornton was wearing white gloves. And Watson could not help feel a little jealous again for such comment of Thornton.
"Yes, he already has said that to me..." Watson spoke dryly.
"And well, Dr. Watson, why not better come with me to my study? There we can talk better alone about our business. Henry has not yet come, but meanwhile I can explain you a little better how everything goes" suggested Thornton bold.
Thornton was smartly dressed in tuxedo. His golden vest was an excellent combination with his tie and wide starched collar of his shirt. But this time he was not wearing a top hat.
"Okay Mr. Thornton, it seems a very good idea" said Watson, inwardly he was more excited.
Thornton smiled and motioned to him to go up the stairs. When they went to the middle of the stairs and stood in the proximity of the painting of the bearded man, Watson noted that it was a very good picture, a very detailed painting. An amazing painting framed in gold. It aroused his curiosity to know who was the man portrayed, but surely he was an ancestor of John Thornton.
They went up the stairs to the corridor. Thornton was a total gentleman so he let walk Watson in front and then they walked on the hallway carpeted. Then Thornton told him which was the door of his study. Thornton turned the doorknob and opened it and invited Watson to go in first.
Being both inside the room, Thornton closed the door of his study, the door was made of mahogany. The Thornton family had great taste in decorating.
"well Dr. Watson... and tell me... why you have not visited me how I suggested you? Is that I displeased you?" said Thornton in a resonant voice. Watson was intimidated and was a bit hesitant on what to say exactly. Thornton then approached him and took his bowler hat boldly and soft but still watching the expression on his face. Watson blushed faintly. Mr. Thornton put Watson's hat on the rack that was near the door. He turned back to Watson again to admire his expression and his beautiful golden hair. Thornton had not forgotten n at all these days that beautiful golden hair. He was still waiting for the response of Watson.
"Err excuse me Mr. Thornton, the truth is I didn't find too opportune to visit you. It's not for the reason you have displeased me, it's because I don't want you think I'm a frivolous person. I like to meet people gradually" muttered the blond doctor. Thornton tried to resist a grin. Suddenly the doctor seemed quite candid.
"Please excuse me Dr. Watson. Excuse my presumption, you are a pretty straight guy. That is really admirable. I don't want you to believe that I want to intimidate or persuade you, it's just ... since that time I just noticed there was something in you, something familiar and very special, precisely like your honesty and sincerity. I must confess that really I hoped that someday you could visit me in my office. I like interesting people" Thornton confessed shakily.
"Well Mr. Thornton, you also didn't go to my office..." Watson said now a little more reckless, almost as if he wanted to provoke him.
"haha, oh sorry doctor, you are right, but the truth is that sometimes I'm very busy ... but hey, it's only been a few days since we met for first time, anyway ...
"You are right too, it's only been a few days so I think it's more convenient to settle these trifles and address the issue that concerns us" said Watson trying not to sound so harsh. The way in what Watson spoke with friendly determination awoke Thornton's even more interest to partner with the blond doctor.
"Dr. Watson, I don't know why but I feel like if I knew you for a long...in somewhere" Thornton looked back at him and tried to get closer. He spoke sincerely.
"Huh? I don't know exactly what you mean. I don't remember having met you before. Also I have to say that I was out of England for more than two years" Watson said softly. Thornton was looking at him, almost as he wanted to try to analyze every part of Watson's face to remember from where he knew him. Watson mostly felt intimidated by him.
At that time Thornton took two steps forward and touched his arm, squeezing slightly. Watson felt the emotional contact. A brief awkward silence between them remained until Thornton invited him to sit down. Thornton found that Watson smelled delicious.
"Please sit down, doctor..." Thornton approached the chair and Watson sat a bit doubtful. When did it, Thornton rested both hands on the doctor's shoulders gently, trying to make him feel confident, that he was totally welcome and received at his home, he was totally interested in him ... to do business with Watson family and perhaps also to befriend.
"Thank you, you're very kind" spoke the blond.
"Please Dr. Watson, before we start talking about our business I would love to know a little more about you. I want our relationship be pleasant and you trust me. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable" Thornton tried to sound pleasant as possible. His blue eyes had a sweet gaze, or that was what Watson saw at that time. But actually Watson thought he shared the same opinion with Thornton, he felt as if they knew him from somewhere before.
Before Watson word uttered in response to the suggestion Thornton, suddenly someone knocked on the door.
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Final note: Well, I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. I apologize if I made mistakes, English is not my first language. You'll see how it will develop the whole story. All your comments are welcome :3