March 1914
Kurt
After finishing for the evening, Kurt goes up two flights of stairs to his room. He's surprised not to find Mr Evans already sleeping in bed. He's glad to be on his own for a change, because there's a lot on his mind, and it's all about Mr Blaine.
Kurt is pleased that Mr Blaine has confided in him about Miss Berry's peculiar dislike of meat. His father always says that earning the trust of the family is important in this job. When Mr Blaine seemed overwhelmed about making a vegetable pie, Kurt was only too happy to help... until the incident.
Mr Blaine had looked so adorably frustrated when peeling the carrot - he had absolutely no idea what he was doing. It was only natural that Kurt offered to show him how to use the knife. When he curled his fingers around Mr Blaine's soft hand and felt the warmth of his body, it made the lesson all that more appealing. However, it was when his face brushed along Mr Blaine's smooth cheek that his body started to react to their close proximity. So why on earth did he pick that moment to lean forward to grab another carrot and press his cock against Mr Blaine's buttocks?
Kurt covers his face with his hands in horror, knowing that Mr Blaine must have felt his erection. Of course, Mr Blaine was a perfect gentleman and didn't comment on the unfortunate incident. He had acted as his usual self and even winked at Kurt during dinner. What does Mr Blaine think of him now? Will he be asked to leave Westerville Abbey in disgrace?
"Hi, Kurt. Are you okay?" Mr Evans asks when he enters their bedroom.
Kurt snaps his head up, startled out of his thoughts, and then collects himself enough to say, "I'm fine, Mr Evans."
"You don't look fine. A problem shared is a problem halved. I'm a good listener."
Kurt knows of Mr Evans's long-standing friendship with Mr Blaine. It couldn't hurt to put out feelers to see if Mr Blaine has said anything to him. "I don't think that Mr Blaine is very happy with me. I'm not sure if he wants my services any longer."
"Are you kidding me? Mr Blaine loves you, Kurt. He's always telling me how you're the best footman at Westerville Abbey. As a matter of fact, I think Mr Blaine was disappointed that I drew his bath last night and not you."
"It's probably because he wanted a few drops of chamomile oil in the water."
"See, what did I tell you? You're good at your job, Kurt. I didn't even know that Mr Blaine likes chamomile oil in his bath. What's happened to make you think otherwise?"
Kurt feels a whole lot better, but he's not going to relate the incident that happened in the kitchen. "Nothing, I suppose. There's so much to learn about Mr Blaine. I'm just afraid that I'll mess up."
"I think you might be exactly what Mr Blaine needs, Kurt."
Kurt doesn't quite understand the playful smile that Mr Evans is giving him, but he's nervous about where their talk is headed. It's rare that he has any one-on-one time with Mr Evans, so Kurt decides to change the conversation. "Mr Hudson told me that he went to the village school with Mr Blaine. Did you attend there as well?"
"I certainly did. I've known Mr Blaine much longer than Finn has. I came to Westerville when I was eight years old."
"I was the same age when my mother died. At the time, my father joined Westerville Abbey as the butler and I went to live on my uncle and aunt's farm in Somerset."
"It seems that we have a few things in common then. My father was Lord Anderson's batman in the Boer War. During a battle, my father threw himself in front of Lord Anderson to save him from an enemy shell. He died from damage to his lungs caused by the blast."
Mr Evans opens the top drawer of his dresser, and takes out something before returning to Kurt. "My father received both the Queen's and King's South Africa Medals. He died a hero."
When Mr Evans opens his hands, Kurt can see the cherished medals. "Your father must have been very brave indeed. Can I ask about your mother?"
"Soon after the Boer War ended, my mother died of influenza."
"I guess we do have a lot in common then. So how did you end up at Westerville Abbey?"
"His lordship had kept up with my mother, even sending her food hampers every Christmas. When my grandfather wrote to his lordship about my mother's death, he insisted that I come and live at Westerville Abbey. After assuring my grandparents that there would always be a job for me here, Lord Anderson became my guardian and I moved to Westerville Abbey. It's been my home ever since."
"It must have been quite an adjustment," Kurt remarks.
"It certainly was! I was just a scruffy lad from London's East End. I'd never seen the countryside before and had never spoken to gentry. But Mr Blaine took me under his wing and helped me settle in."
"What was Mr Blaine like when he was eight years old?"
"Looking back, I think Mr Blaine and I were exactly what each other needed at the time. I had always struggled at school and could barely read and write. Mr Blaine was so kind and patient, tutoring me on the weekends to help me catch up. Mr Blaine was a tiny shy lad, spending most of his time alone with a nose in a book. I made sure that he joined in the games with the other kids, and he quickly made new friends. The things that Mr Blaine and I used to get up to! Oh, those were the days. Mr Hummel almost had my hide once or twice. And there is nothing scarier than getting a stern talking to by Lord Anderson."
"Who looked after you?" Kurt asked, wondering if it was his father.
"Mr Densmore, his lordship's former valet."
Things start clicking in place for Kurt - why Mr Evans came to Westerville Abbey on his own, Mr Evans and Mr Blaine's friendship, and how Mr Evans was trained to become his lordship's valet.
"Do you like your job as his lordship's valet?"
"I hate it, Kurt. I enjoy looking after his lordship, but I don't understand the obsession with clothes. I can never remember which cufflinks go with which shirt and with which suit. I'm pretty hopeless. The only thing that saves me are the crib sheets Mr Blaine made for me."
Mr Evans goes to his dresser once again and takes out slips of paper before returning to Kurt. On each sheet is a drawing of one of Lord Anderson's outfits, with the items listed below and when it's to be worn. Kurt's estimation of Mr Blaine grows tenfold with the efforts he's made to help a childhood friend.
"If you don't like being a valet, why don't you tell his lordship?"
"His lordship gave me the job so that I would be an upper servant, and wouldn't have to start at the bottom of the pecking order. If I ask for another job, Sebastian will become the valet, and he'll give everyone downstairs grief."
"I think you're right about that," Kurt chuckles.
"I'm afraid that my valet days may be short-lived, though. Lady Anderson has given me a stack of fashion magazines that Miss Berry brought with her from America. I'm to advise Mr Blaine on his new wardrobe for the London season. I can't make head nor tail of what style would look good on Mr Blaine."
"I can help you with that, Mr Evans. I love fashion. Why don't I look over the magazines and advise you on the appropriate outfits for Mr Blaine's new wardrobe?"
"You'd do that for me?"
"I'd enjoy it. Besides, it's in my interests as well to have Mr Blaine look dapper during the London season. I look after him too."
"Thanks, Kurt. You're a real mate."
Although it's early afternoon, it looks as if it's dusk outside, with dark stormy clouds hanging low in the sky. The rain lashes against the windows, reminding Kurt that it's best to leave the kitchen gardens for another day. He uses the time to pore over the fashion magazines, loving every moment.
"I cannot believe that girl!" Mercedes complains, when she sits down in the servants' hall for the first time that day. "Miss Berry should be called Princess Berry with all her airs and demands."
Kurt pours Mercedes a cup of tea and rubs her shoulders gently. "What has Miss Berry done now?"
"It's the same old thing. I need to bring her tea and honey at 6 a.m. sharp, after she's done her vocal warm-ups. It can't be too hot because it might damage her delicate throat. But it can't be too cold because it won't have the soothing effect. I then have to draw her a bath after her exercises. The water ends up slopped all over the floor and that girl's hair clogs up the drain. And this is all before 7 a.m.! She changes her mind what to wear at least a dozen times, leaving the discarded clothes in a heap on the floor. Her bell rings with the silliest of demands. Why, only last night, she rang after retiring to bed, informing me that her pillows weren't plumped up enough."
Not for the first time, Kurt is grateful to be looking after Mr Blaine, whose needs are much simpler. "Where is Miss Berry now?"
"She's 'braving the elements' with a visit to the garage. Something about asking Mr Hudson about future excursions around Devonshire. Heaven help Mr Hudson. He's such a friendly soul. He'll soon be catering to her every whim and fancy as well."
Kurt had noticed that Miss Berry was taken with Mr Hudson during their journey from Southampton. It's rather interesting that she would want to spend time alone with him in the garage on a rainy afternoon.
"What are you reading, boo?"
"I'm looking through the fashion magazines that Miss Berry brought with her. Take a look at this photograph. The trousers are shorter in length than in previous years. They also have turn-ups and are creased in the front and back."
"I see what you mean," Mercedes says. After examining the article carefully, she adds, "The trousers look tighter fitting than Mr Blaine normally wears."
"It's called perfectly tailored, Mercedes. I think that Mr Blaine would look rather dashing in this sort of style."
"Who would look dashing?" Mrs Hudson asks as she sits down for her afternoon tea break.
"Mr Blaine. Take a look at what American men are now wearing," Mercedes replies, sliding the magazine in front of the housekeeper.
"You're right. Mr Blaine would look very dapper in this suit. Somehow, I don't think the dowager countess will approve, though," Mrs Hudson chuckles.
"He's not dressing for the dowager countess' approval. Mr Blaine needs to catch the eyes of eligible young ladies," Sebastian smirks.
They all look up, for they have forgotten that Sebastian was reading the paper at the other end of the table.
"Where did you get this magazine, Kurt?" Mrs Hudson asks.
"Mr Evans lent it to me. He has all the fashion magazines that Miss Berry brought with her. I'm advising him on fashion trends that would look good on Mr Blaine."
"And where is Mr Evans now?"
"He's at the stables with Mr Blaine and Wesley," Sebastian reports. "What I wouldn't do to be a fly on that wall. I'm sure they're having a good old natter about things that go on at the abbey."
"We should be minding our own business and doing less tongue-wagging ourselves," Mrs Hudson admonishes.
Kurt notices Lord Tubbington rolling around in the corner. Nearby is the cat's stuffed-pillow toy. "What is wrong with that cat? It always acts so crazy."
"That's one of the universe's great questions," Mrs Hudson replies.
"Well, Lord Tubbington is Brittany's cat, after all," Mercedes giggles.
Their conversation stops when they hear the back-entry door open and shut. They all stand to attention when they see Miss Berry and a thoroughly drenched Mr Hudson.
"Finn! What have you done with poor Miss Berry!" Mrs Hudson chides.
"Nothing, Mother. Miss Berry came to the garage asking for information about the area. I only escorted her back to make sure she arrived safely."
"Miss Berry, hand me your coat and your brolly. You must go upstairs and warm up, before you catch a cold. Mercedes will make you a pot of tea."
"I'm fine, Mrs Hudson. Your son made sure I kept dry. Mercedes, I'll need your assistance once you've made the tea. I plan to practice for this evening's performance, and I shall need someone to turn the sheet music for me."
"Yes, Miss Berry," Mercedes replies in a clipped voice.
Two days later…
The rains are still coming down hard, but Kurt cannot neglect the kitchen gardens any longer. The short journey is miserable with rain lashing down, and Kurt takes great care not to step into the puddles and mud. Fortunately, it's perfectly dry inside the greenhouse. Kurt takes off his wet jacket and takes the old cardigan off the hook to keep warm. The cardigan is a cast off and fits a bit too snug, but it's so soft to the touch that Kurt doesn't mind. While he's pruning the tomato plants, he feels a gust of wind as the greenhouse door opens.
"Mr Blaine! Is something wrong? You're completely soaked!"
Mr Blaine takes off his cap and Kurt notices little curls forming at the nape of his neck. Kurt cannot stop thinking how messy and adorable Mr Blaine looks.
"I couldn't stay at the abbey for a single second longer. Cooper and Cousin Rachel are driving me crazy! They are bickering about what songs to perform after dinner. As if that's not enough, Cooper is trying to convince her to include dancing in their performance. Cousin Rachel firmly believes that the family should only be focused on their voices. I've had enough of the two of them!"
"This is the perfect place if you're avoiding them. Lord Cooper and Miss Berry never come to the kitchen gardens. Let me take your mac and hang it up to dry."
After Mr Blaine has undone the rain coat's buttons, he shrugs it off and Kurt hangs it on one of the pegs along the wall. When Kurt notices that Mr Blaine is only wearing a thin shirt over his singlet, Kurt sheds the cardigan and holds it out for Mr Blaine to put on.
"I can't take your cardigan, Kurt."
"I was about to take it off anyways. This flannel shirt keeps me toasty warm."
Blaine chuckles as he puts on the cardigan. "Did you know that this used to be my cardigan? It's a wonder that it's not too small for you. Although it now smells like you."
"And what do I smell like?" Kurt asks.
"Like a dewy field of lavender," Blaine says with a breathy voice.
"That's because I use lavender soap. My aunt makes her own soap at the end of every summer. I brought some bars with me to Westerville."
"So, what were you doing before I barged in?"
"I'm pruning the tomato plants. Why don't you have a seat on the stool and I'll get back to work."
Kurt is surprised when Mr Blaine lifts the stool and carries it over to the workbench, plopping it down next to him. Mr Blaine blushes and says, "It's much easier to chat when we're closer together."
Kurt continues the pruning, and explains, "By trimming all the suckers, the tomatoes will be larger and tastier."
"May I try?"
Kurt hands over the pruners, and Blaine soon gets the hang of which suckers to trim off. Kurt hums to himself as he watches from a respectable distance.
"It's so peaceful here. A perfect place to escape from Cooper and Cousin Rachel."
"This is my favorite place at Westerville," Kurt confesses. "In the kitchen gardens, I can be myself and escape from the rigid rules of the abbey. Besides, I love growing things that are tasty to eat and flowers that are beautiful to look at."
"I have a favorite place at Westerville too," Blaine admits. He takes a deep breath before he continues. "I love it for the exact same reasons. My life is filled with rigid rules as well."
"But convention works in your favor. You're not a servant."
"That might be true, but it's still stifling. My life is set out for me - what I should do, when and whom I should marry, and how I should conduct myself. Sometimes I need a place to escape and daydream. Perhaps one day, I'll show you my secret place."
"I'd like that very much, Mr Blaine. I hope that if you feel the need to escape, the kitchen gardens can be that place too."
"Thank you, Kurt. I might take you up on that offer one day."
Kurt returns Mr Blaine's warm smile and there is a little awkwardness after their conversation. However, his attention is diverted when he sees Lord Tubbington creeping by, low to the ground as if he doesn't want to get caught.
"Scram, Lord Tubbington!" Kurt cries as he picks up the cat and forces him out of the greenhouse. "I don't know what it is about that cat. He's forever sneaking into the kitchen gardens."
"Well, it is Brittany's cat. Just when it seems like there is no rhyme or reason to their ways, you discover that they are far cleverer than you give them credit for."
"Maybe," Kurt replies with skepticism in his voice. "I don't understand why Mrs Sylvester allows the cat in the kitchen."
"Mrs Sylvester will put up with a lot for the best mouse catcher in all of Westerville," Mr Blaine chuckles.
"By the way, has Mr Evans given you his ideas about what's in fashion now for gentlemen such as yourself?"
"You mean, has Evans given me your ideas?"
"I might have pointed out a picture or two to Mr Evans."
"Evans has given you full credit. I do love the shorter trouser length with cuffs. I'm not so sure about the spats. It seems odd to wear an extra layer to hide an ankle."
"Why don't you try on a pair of spats when you visit the tailor? I think you'll find that it completes the look."
Mr Blaine nods and continues to prune the tomato plants. Kurt is surprised that Mr Evans has given him full credit for ideas for Mr Blaine's new wardrobe. Other servants - namely, Sebastian - wouldn't give him a mention. Although he's enjoying Mr Blaine's company, Kurt knows it's probably time to head back into the abbey.
"What time is it, Mr Blaine?"
Mr Blaine takes out his pocket watch. "Goodness me, look at the time. I've been here for over an hour. I better get back to the abbey and get ready for afternoon tea."
"Come in, son," Mr Hummel says when Kurt knocks at the butler's office door before bedtime. Kurt is quick to notice that Mrs Hudson is already there and their tea cups are almost empty.
"It's been raining cats and dogs the last few days. I hope you weren't caught in the worst of it when you went to the kitchen gardens."
"I was fine, Mrs Hudson. It felt good to get out of the house and into fresh, albeit wet, air. The tomato plants really needed my attention."
"And the attention of Mr Blaine as well?" Mr Hummel asks.
"No, Mr Blaine came of his own accord. He was escaping from Lord Cooper's and Miss Berry's music preparations."
"I wish I could have escaped too. Mercedes was rushed off her feet all day. I think we're all wanting the London season to start. It'll give Miss Berry something to focus all her attention on," Mrs Hudson remarks.
"How is Mr Blaine?" his father asks.
"When Mr Blaine first arrived at the greenhouse, he was very tense, but he soon relaxed when he realized that Lord Cooper and Miss Berry wouldn't find him. We talked about the latest fashions in Miss Berry's American magazines and what he might wish to have made at the tailor's."
"Excellent, son. You are gaining Mr Blaine's trust. I too had an interesting conversation this afternoon. Mr Evans came to me requesting your presence at the tailor's as well. He informed me that you have an excellent sense of fashion, and have been instrumental in gathering ideas."
"Mr Evans flatters me," Kurt replies.
"Nonsense, Kurt. I've seen you poring over the magazines while Mr Evans has been having his fun at the stables with Wesley. You deserve to go to Exeter with Mr Blaine and Mr Evans," Mrs Hudson retorts.
"The trip is set for next month. I'll inform Mr Blaine that you'll be accompanying them."
Kurt can tell that his father's statement is to be the last words on the matter. He quickly bids his father and Mrs Hudson goodnight, noticing that although everyone has finished their tea, Mrs Hudson isn't making a move to leave. Kurt is convinced that there's more going on inside their hearts than discussing abbey matters.
When Kurt retires to his room, Mr Evans is still awake, reading the Night Bird book.
"Mr Evans, thank you for talking to Mr Hummel and Mr Blaine. I'll be joining you on the trip to Exeter next month."
"Thank heavens. I'm hoping that you'll do all the advising," Mr Evans replies.
Kurt nods. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Mr Blaine will leave Exeter with the proper wardrobe for the London season fully planned."
Kurt goes to the washstand and starts washing his face with his aunt's lavender soap. He smiles, remembering the conversation in the greenhouse. He's surprised that Mr Blaine has noticed what he smells like, and judging by his expression, he likes the scent as well. As far as Kurt's concerned, nothing is better than the scent of Mr Blaine - sandalwood and coffee and something that is uniquely him.
Kurt's eyes droop and he's soon fast asleep, dreaming of being in Mr Blaine's secret special place with him.
Author's notes:
I hit the jackpot when I found out that men's trousers were shorter, cuffed and tighter fitting in this time period!
Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Blaine learns more about his Uncle Hiram and his father confides in him after dinner.