March 1914
Blaine
Blaine goes through the motions of eating dinner at the South Western Hotel's large dining hall. He's grateful to be seated alone because he's lost in his own thoughts. He mulls over the day's events and smiles when he remembers Kurt's excitement during their afternoon in Southampton. Blaine is glad that he has made the extra effort to make the day special for Kurt.
Although it's the first time they have spent any length of time together, Blaine can tell that Kurt feels comfortable around him. Blaine hopes that Kurt hasn't caught him stealing glances throughout the day. It was so difficult to stop himself from staring, for Kurt is the most beautiful person he's ever laid eyes on. And this makes him consider his feelings further.
He's never considered a man to be beautiful before, but that is exactly what Kurt is. His complexion is porcelain white, with rosy cheeks that give Kurt a healthy glow. His hair, that looks soft to the touch, is carefully styled. His eyes, that seem to change from blue to green and every hue in between, are beautiful. He carries his long slender body with pride and grace. As Blaine visualizes Kurt, his stomach stirs, and he realizes that this has never happened while thinking of a girl.
Numerous courses keep arriving at the table, but as soon as each plate is whisked away, Blaine can't remember what he's just eaten. As soon as he can, he returns to his room and quickly changes, washes, and climbs into bed. He knows that his new Sherlock Holmes book will have to wait for another day, for Kurt still consumes all his thoughts.
Blaine wonders if he's like one of those men that are gossiped about late at night in the dorms of the military academy at Sandhurst. He's heard tales of wicked men who like other men and do unspeakable things to each other. There are plenty of rumors of what the house master gets up to at night, and Blaine has always made sure to give him a wide berth. Blaine doesn't think that how his body reacts to Kurt is wicked at all - it actually feels pretty good.
Blaine hopes that his future wife will stir similar feelings inside him, however, he's skeptical that will happen. In the past, there have been no end of girls giving him attention at dances, some of them great beauties. But none of them have made Blaine feel like he does right now.
Perhaps it's just a phase he's going through with the pressure to find a wife during the upcoming London season. He'll meet a lovely lady who will sweep him off his feet, just like Quinn did to Cooper. One thing Blaine knows for sure is that he can't think of Kurt in that way. He'll somehow have to rid himself of these thoughts, biding his time until his future is determined and he's far from the temptations at Westerville Abbey.
Blane is awakened by gentle but persistent knocks on the door. He climbs out of bed, puts on his dressing gown, and heads toward the door. Once he's opened it, Kurt enters the room holding a breakfast tray, smiling as brightly as a ray of sunshine.
"Good morning, Mr Blaine. I wasn't sure whether you wanted to go down to the dining room this morning, so I decided to bring breakfast up to you."
"Breakfast in bed! You spoil me, Kurt."
"I hope so," Kurt replies, blushing.
Blaine goes to the bathroom to do the necessaries, then runs back and jumps into bed. Kurt has already opened the curtains, and it looks unusually bright and sunny outside for a March day. Once Kurt has positioned the tray across his lap, he notices a red carnation in the corner. Kurt must have heard his mother mention a red flower boutonnière at breakfast the previous morning. It's a reminder that Kurt is clever and thinks of all his needs.
After Blaine has taken his first sip of tea, he asks, "So, what did you get up to last night, Kurt?"
"I had supper with the other servants staying at the hotel. The food was fine, but not as good as Mrs Sylvester's. After that, I went straight to bed and read the magazine you bought for me yesterday. It's full of the latest fashions and it's given me so many ideas."
"Good, then I'll make sure to bring you to the tailors with me next month. I'm sure that you'll do a better job of advising me than Evans will."
"I'm sure that Mr Evans gives every gentleman in the abbey good advice."
"We're talking about Sam Evans, right? In no universe does Evans know anything about fashion."
"Then why is he your father's valet?"
"That's Evans's story to tell, not mine." There's an awkward pause in the conversation, so Blaine changes the topic quickly. "Did Hudson make it back before curfew last night?"
"Yes, Mr Hudson returned well before 10 o'clock. Oh, I forgot to mention that Mr Hudson will be out this morning. Apparently, he had some difficulties finding the shop that sells motor supplies yesterday."
Blaine giggles. "Is that code for he got lost along the way?"
Kurt nods and joins in the giggling. "At least Mr Hudson managed to find his way to the wine merchant and the provisions store. He'd never have heard the end of it if he'd returned to the abbey without them. Anyways, he'll meet us at the dock at noon sharp. Mr Hudson assured me that he knows how to tell time."
"Very droll, Kurt. So, if it's just the two of us this morning, what do you say about taking a stroll along the famous Southampton docks?"
"That sounds grand, Mr Blaine. Will you be bathing this morning?"
"I think I'll wait until we get back to Westerville - I'll want to bathe after the car trip this afternoon."
"Very well. I brought the shaving supplies. I'm under explicit instructions to shave you this morning before you meet Miss Berry."
Blaine groans. No doubt his mother whispered something in Kurt's ear. However, what she doesn't realize is that shaving has become a favorite pastime of his, now that it's one of Kurt's duties.
After a leisurely stroll along the Southampton docks, looking at cargo ships and naval vessels, they finally make it to the seaside promenade near where the passenger liners arrive. This portion of the docks is a lot smarter in appearance as well-to-do folk wait for their family and friends. They can already see the White Star ship in the distance, with thick black smoke spewing from its funnels.
"After all the walking this morning, I think it's time for an early luncheon. I have a special treat in store for you," Blaine says as he stops in front of The Fisherman's Catch shop.
"I've eaten fish and chips before, Mr Blaine. It might be hard to believe, but even Taunton has a fish and chips shop."
"But they don't have The Fisherman's Catch. It's quite a local favorite."
After Blaine has purchased three portions of fish and chips, they sit on a nearby bench on the promenade, and open the paper parcels filled with their luncheon. The fried battered cod is crispy on the outside, and filled with freshly-caught fish cooked to perfection on the inside. The thick wedges of potato have also been fried and tossed lightly with salt and vinegar.
"This tastes so different to the fish and chips I've eaten in Taunton."
"The best fish and chips are always in coastal towns, because the fish has been caught earlier the same morning. Except for London, of course. London has the very best of food."
When the bell tower rings 12 times, The White Star ship is almost at the dock and Blaine can see Hudson bounding over to them. Blaine passes to him the extra portion of fish and chips and greets Hudson, "Your timing is perfect. Here's your luncheon."
"Thank you, Mr Blaine. I'm starving," Hudson replies sitting down, licking his lips as he opens up the package.
Blaine spends a moment watching Hudson devouring his fish and chips and is amazed at how he practically inhales his luncheon. Hudson has always had a huge appetite, and as a younger teen, he would often raid the kitchen pantry for extra morsels to eat. Many a time, Blaine accepted the blame for eating the food when Mrs Sylvester noticed, which earned him Hudson's loyalty.
"It looks like The White Star is right on time. Is everything in order, Hudson?"
Hudson crumples the empty paper and wipes the grease off his face with the back of his hand. "Yes, Mr Blaine. I've arranged for porters to assist us with Miss Berry's trunks and have detailed instructions for the drive back. I won't disappoint you."
"You never disappoint me, Hudson. Oh, look… The plank is coming down from the ship. We better get a move on if we want to greet Cousin Rachel directly off the ship."
They quickly head towards The White Star and wait among the crowd of people who are there to greet family and friends, along with porters, drivers, and the like. Soon, the first-class passengers start to disembark and Blaine looks out for a lady his age. Blaine looks down at his coat's lapel to ensure that the red carnation is prominently displayed. He smiles when he sees a petite woman covered from head to toe in red about to head down the plank. He quickly makes his way towards her, and smiles and waves when their eyes meet one another. The next thing he knows, she is scurrying over to him.
"Are you Blaine Anderson?"
"Yes, I am. Welcome to England, Cousin Rachel. Let me introduce you to Hudson, the family's chauffeur, and Kurt, our second footman. They'll retrieve your trunks. In the meantime, why don't we go to my hotel and have tea and sandwiches. I'm afraid that it's a bit of a journey back to Westerville."
"What a wonderful idea, Cousin Blaine. Can I call you that? I'm dying to know if the tea here is even better than in America."
Blaine chuckles and replies, "Us Brits have been drinking tea for centuries. I'm sure you'll find it top-notch. I would love for you to call me Cousin Blaine. I can already tell that we'll be friends."
"The best of friends," Cousin Rachel confirms.
The time goes by quickly as Cousin Rachel freshens up at the hotel, and no sooner have they finished their tea (the British variety is most definitely better) than Kurt announces that everything is ready for the journey back to Westerville. After Cousin Rachel has confirmed that all of her trunks are loaded at the back and on top of the Renault, they start their journey to Westerville.
"So, Hudson, you must be very busy driving the entire family about," Cousin Rachel says.
"Yes, Miss, I am. However, at this time of year, the family stays at Westerville mostly, so I do things to maintain the car."
"It must be quite complicated. I can already tell you are good at your job. Would you have time to drive me around and show me the highlights of Devonshire?"
"Yes, Miss. Just let the butler know and he'll be happy to make the arrangements."
"I'd be happy to show you around Devonshire," Blaine offers.
"Thank you, Cousin Blaine. I'll take you up on your offer. However, for those days when you're busy, I'm certain that Hudson would look after me."
If Blaine isn't mistaken, Cousin Rachel is smitten with Hudson. Why, she is practically flirting with him. Yes, Blaine will have a lot to learn from Cousin Rachel before they go to London and attend the Season.
The car is quiet as they drive from the coast to the countryside dotted with farms. True to Hudson's word, they don't get lost on the journey back, and Blaine is relieved. Before he knows it, they are in Tedburn St Mary, approximately 30 minutes from Westerville.
"Hudson, could you stop at the telephone kiosk up ahead? I promised Hummel I would call him closer to our time of arrival."
Hudson stops in front of the kiosk, and gets out of the car to open the backseat door. When Blaine gets out, Hudson whispers, "Can I make the telephone call, Mr Blaine? I've never used a telephone before... and I want to try it… and..."
"What a jolly good idea, Hudson. Here's a tuppence that will let you talk on the telephone for three minutes. Let me show you how to dial the number."
After instructing Hudson on how to use the telephone, Blaine steps out of the kiosk and breathes in the early evening air. After precisely three minutes, Hudson comes out of the kiosk with huge grin on his face.
"That was fantastic. Mr Hummel sounded the exact same as he does in person!"
"That he does, Hudson. Did you remember to tell them when we'll arrive?"
"I almost forgot, but Mr Hummel asked me. He told me to get a move on, as it will be dark very soon."
They return to the car and make the last leg of the journey, and it's dark by the time they arrive at Westerville Abbey. As is usual with important guests, both the family and servants are standing in two separate lines outside the main entrance, waiting for their arrival.
Kurt jumps out of the car and opens the door for Cousin Rachel. Blaine can tell that Cousin Rachel is impressed with not only the size of the abbey, but also the formal welcome.
As custom dictates, the earl is the first to step forward. "Welcome to Westerville Abbey, Rachel. I trust your journey went well?"
"Yes, my lord. The sea journey was long but enjoyable. I'm glad to be on firm ground once again."
"My dear Rachel. I've been looking forward to your stay," Pamela greets her niece, and she gives her a hug. "Let me introduce you to my other son, Cooper, and his wife, Quinn."
"Cousin Rachel, I see that Blaine safely got you from the docks to us," Cooper says.
"Cousin Blaine was brilliant. He met me directly off the ship, and whisked me to the hotel for a bite to eat while the staff dealt with my trunks. I couldn't have asked for a better car journey to Westerville."
"Cousin Rachel, I can't tell you how pleased I am to have another lady in the house. There is so much to do to get ready for the Season."
"There'll be plenty of time for that later, Quinn. We mustn't overwhelm Rachel on her first day," Pamela chides. "You must be exhausted, Rachel. Come inside and you'll be shown to your room. After you've freshened up, we'll have a light supper."
"If it's all right with you, I think I'll go straight to bed. I haven't been able to sleep a wink on the ship - I was too excited about being here."
While Pamela whisks Cousin Rachel inside, the earl walks over to Blaine and pats him on the back. "Well done, my son."
Blaine feels pleased with himself, for he's passed the first test at representing the Anderson family.
"You must be tired too, after the long car journeys."
"I think I'll forgo supper tonight and take a long bath. It'll be good to wash away the dirt and grime of Southampton."
Before Blaine joins his father inside the abbey, he looks around to find Hummel organizing Hudson, Kurt and Sebastian unloading the trunks from the car to take them upstairs. Hummel walks over to Blaine and asks, "I trust Kurt was useful during your trip? You weren't bothered by awkward difficulties to sort out?"
"Kurt wasn't a bother at all. Actually, he performed his duties to the highest of standards. You should be very proud of your son, Hummel. I'll retire to my bedroom shortly. Could you please send someone up to run me a bath?"
Blaine enters the abbey and says goodnight to his father, Cooper and Quinn. He goes upstairs to his bedroom, and immediately spots his overnight bag and purchases in the corner. When he goes to the bathroom, he's surprised to find Sam running his bath and not Kurt.
"Hi, Mr Blaine. Kurt is busy with Miss Berry's trunks and the stuff Finn collected. I offered to come up and run your bath."
"You just offered so that you could get your gift earlier," Blaine chortles. He's in the habit of buying Sam something every time he makes a trip.
Sam turns off the taps and dries his hands. "You know me too well, Mr Blaine."
"You'll find your gift in the pile of books. You'll know which one it is when you see it." Blaine strips off his clothes and smiles when he hears a hoot from his bedroom.
Just before Blaine steps into the bath, Sam comes rushing in. "I've never heard of Night Wind before, but this book looks great, Mr Blaine. Get inside the tub before the water turns cold, and I'll read it to you."
Blaine soaks in the bath as Sam tells the tale of the superhero who can use a sword made of dark force. Sam shows him the many illustrations that are contained in the book. Blaine knows he's made a wise choice, for Sam always enjoys books with more pictures than words.
Blaine half listens to Sam while he washes his hair and scrubs his body. He feels quite comfortable naked in the bathtub with Sam at his side. After all, they've seen each other naked plenty of times before. Blaine certainly doesn't have problems with stiffies around Sam. It's only Kurt that evokes that particular reaction.
Later that evening, Blaine's stomach grumbles as he's reading his new Sherlock Holmes book in bed. He decides it's too late to ring for Kurt to bring up a snack, so he puts on his dressing gown and slippers, and heads to the kitchen to help himself. Just before he gets to the butler's office, he can hear Hummel, Mrs Hudson and Kurt discussing the trip to Southampton.
"I've never imagined that there would be a store like Woolworth's. Everything was laid out in the middle of the shop and you could touch things without asking an assistant. And there were threepenny and sixpenny sections!"
"You shouldn't have bothered Mr Blaine about gardening clothes, Kurt," Hummel reprimands.
"I refused his offer, but Mr Blaine insisted. Besides, these clothes are perfect for working in the kitchen gardens. Did I tell you that we went on a tram ride? And I saw the city's old gate? And Southampton has the best fish and chips that I've ever tasted?"
"Yes, I think we covered your every movement in Southampton," Hummel notes with amusement.
"It sounds like you had a wonderful outing with Mr Blaine," Mrs Hudson chimes in. "He's a good man, that Mr Blaine. He seems to know what special things to do to make others happy. Finn is so excited that he finally got the chance to use the telephone."
Blaine bows his head and smiles in the dark shadows. It humbles him to think that a few simple things can have such an impact on others. His stomach rumbles once again, so he decides to continue down the passage before he's caught eavesdropping. Blaine takes a platter of cooked meats and a slab of cheddar cheese from the cool pantry and sets them out on the table in the centre of the kitchen.
"There are some leftover rolls as well."
Blaine turns around to see Kurt standing in the kitchen doorway.
"I...I didn't have supper tonight. My stomach is rumbling…."
"You don't need to explain it to me, Mr Blaine. Let me make you a sandwich."
Blaine sits at the kitchen table and watches Kurt cut a thick slices of ham and cheese, and quickly make his snack.
"I wanted to thank you again, Mr Blaine, for yesterday. It really was the best day of my life."
"You are most welcome, Kurt. I enjoyed myself as well. Do you want to make a sandwich for yourself?"
"I wouldn't dare. I would be back to Somerset on the first bus if I ate any of the food not served in the servant's dining room."
When Kurt sets the sandwich down before him, Blaine attacks it as if he hasn't eaten for days.
"I thought Mr Hudson was the fastest eater I knew," Kurt giggles.
"Shush you. I'm starving."
When Kurt has collected the dirty plate, he heads toward the scullery.
"I'll bid you goodnight, Kurt. Tonight, I will be thinking of you reading your magazine directly one floor above me."
"And I will be wondering if you are as clever as Sherlock Holmes."
Blaine returns to his bedroom, climbs back into bed, and picks up his new book. He looks at the ceiling and wonders if Kurt thinks of him at night as well. Oh, what he would do to know those thoughts.
Author's notes
Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Cousin Rachel settles into Westerville Abbey.
