Chapter three
As Draco dressed his anger towards Jacob waned and trepidation over what the footboy might say increased.
Breakfast was served at eight and Mrs Cullen commented on Draco's unusual quietness, "Draco, are you alright dear? You seem uncommonly quiet this morning."
"I'm perfectly fine." He replied, "Just a little drawn out from the long voyage from town."
"Oh dear." She replied, "Perhaps a little fresh air would do you good."
"Yes." Mr Cullen agreed, "We have many acers of land here. Why don't you go for a walk or perhaps a horse ride this afternoon?"
"Thank you Mr Cullen I think I shall."
The three continued breakfast, chanting inanely, but Draco's thoughts never wandered far from Jacob.
Just after eleven one of the maids announced that Edward had arrived. Mr and Mrs Cullen, Draco and handful of the staff, including Jacob, made their way out side to receive the young master.
Draco made sure to keep his eyes away from Jacobs and instead focused them on the carriage that was pulling up the drive way.
Draco was surprised by the man that exited the coach. He hadn't seen Edward since they were both small and although his cousin was only a year older than him, his years and maturity looked far in advance of Draco's own. He was tall, his complexion handsome and he walked with an air of grace.
"Father, Mother." He greeted his parents with a velvet voice. "Draco." Edward held out his hand, "It's been a long time how are you?"
Draco was in such awe of his cousin he almost forgot to extend his hand. After a moment of dumfound silence he grasped Edwards hand and shook it saying "I'm very well."
Edward quickly turned away before Draco had the chance to say anything else.
"Jacob, take my bags to my room." he said, addressing the foot man, and then turning back to his parents he said a few words before retiring to his room.
Draco spent the next couple of hours in Mr Cullen's library reading, until his attention was drawn away from the book by the sound of someone entering.
Draco stood in the doorway, his cheeks flushed read and his hair a little messed. "Mr Malfoy," he began, "I'm sorry to bother you but Mr Cullen had asked me to show you to the stables."
At first Draco wanted to refuse but thinking it over perhaps some time alone with Jacob will allow him to explain what he saw this morning or at least threaten his job if he ever tell anyone.
Draco returned the book he was reading to the shelf and followed the young footman into the gardens.
Once they had reached the stables and Draco had made sure they were alone he began to talk. "Jacob, about what you saw this morning…"
"Were you attacked?" Jacob cut in, "On your Journey here. Were you robbed? We should call the police. And you should let the doctor see your injuries."
"No!" Draco stopped the rambling footman, "You can't tell anyone!"
"But Mr. Malfoy, it's dangerous to leave your wounds like that. You must let the doctor take a look."
"I swear to you Jacob, if you tell anyone I will get you fired."
"I'm just trying to help you!" Jacob yelled taking Draco by the shoulders.
"I don't need your help! Just forget what you saw and leave me be!"
Draco realised that during the heated argument the two young men's faces has gradually come closer and were now at an uncomfortably close distance, if Draco were only to lean a few centimetres forward his lips would brush against the footman's'. Draco did not move away.
However, after a few seconds silence Jacob released his maters nephew and moved away saying 'I apologies sir for touching you inappropriately and without permission.'
Draco feeling that he had won the argument replied, sneering, "See it doesn't happen again."
After, Jacob showed Draco to a horse and the young blond spent half an hour riding before he grew bored.
Jacob escorted Draco back to the house where the young blond continued to read the book he had abandoned earlier. He did not meet Jacob again until dinner time.
