April 1914
Kurt

Kurt wakes up earlier than usual, far too excited to sleep much last night. Not only will he being visiting Exeter for the first time, but he'll be going to the tailor's shop. For the past month, all his spare time has been consumed with what fashionable gentlemen will be wearing at the upcoming London season. Fortunately, this has allowed him to spend one-on-one time with Mr Blaine in the library.

Mr Blaine has proactively sought out Kurt, asking him for advice. They've pored over the American fashion magazines, laughing at some of the bold suits and bookmarking others. They spent an afternoon together sorting through Mr Blaine's wardrobe to see what could still work, and discarding clothes that no longer fit or are outdated. To make up for lost time, Mr Blaine had insisted that he help in the kitchen gardens' greenhouse. Kurt cherishes these times spent with Mr Blaine, for it seems like they are friends and not a gentleman with his footman. Mr Blaine has a way of making Kurt feel as if his opinion matters.

As Kurt waits in the dining room for the family to come down for breakfast, he gently presses his fingers on his left shoulder. His fading bruise is still tender. His pulse quickens and his face flushes when he remembers the morning last week when Mr Blaine discovered the bruise.

He had felt terribly self-conscious when Mr Blaine asked him to reveal the bruised area. Kurt knows his skin is paler than most, and that he's often been called skinny. Mr Blaine kept staring at him, and it was all Kurt could do to stand still and not run away and hide in some dark corner. When Mr Blaine began applying the arnica salve, his touch was so gentle and caring. Kurt had no idea that the brush of the fingertips could feel so sexy.

"Good morning, once again, Kurt," Mr Blaine greets him, and he quickly piles his plate from the buffet table. Once his plate is laden with toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, cooked tomatoes and mushrooms, Mr Blaine sits in his usual spot at the dining table. Sebastian is quick to grab the teapot and head toward the table.

"Shall you require my services today, Mr Blaine? It only seems right that the first footman accompanies the earl's son and niece on such an important trip to Exeter."

"No, thank you, Sebastian. Kurt is well versed in fashion, so he's the perfect footman to accompany me on the trip to Exeter. Besides, Evans will be there as well, so we shall be in capable hands. It will be a comfort to know that the first footman will be looking after the rest of the family at Westerville."

Kurt can barely hide a smirk when he sees the sour expression on Sebastian's face. Kurt decides that now is the time to demonstrate that he is more than capable of tending to Mr Blaine. He takes the small covered bowl that he has hidden away and carries it over to Mr Blaine.

"Kurt! Are these the Heinz baked beans?" Blaine exclaims when Kurt takes off the domed lid.

"Yes, the very ones you purchased in Southampton. It took me a while to convince Mrs Sylvester to open the tin, let alone prepare them for your breakfast."

Kurt patiently waits for the verdict as Mr Blaine uses his fork to take a mouthful of baked beans. "These beans taste wonderful. They are in some sort of tomato sauce - not too sweet, but not too tangy. I should have bought a hundred tins in Southampton!"

"Why don't I look for them in Exeter today when you're busy with Mr Evans at the tailor's?"

Mr Blaine gives him a questioning look, but smiles when Sebastian comes closer to inspect the beans. "What an excellent idea, Kurt. I can give you the names of grocers that might have them in stock." Mr Blaine then turns to Sebastian and adds, "Yes, I'll be in very capable hands during my trip to Exeter."

Kurt preens at the compliment and he walks with a certain swagger to the breakfast buffet to resume his position. Soon the rest of the family pour in, helping themselves to breakfast, and chatting.

"Do you have the list of outfits and accessories you'll need to order?" Lady Anderson asks her son.

"Yes, Mama. It's going to be a busy day judging by how long the list is."

"Make sure you try on a pair of spats. Cousin Rachel says that all the American men are wearing them," Lady Quinn remarks.

The earl huffs. "I don't see the point of having short trousers when you have to wear something to cover up the gap."

"You wouldn't expect Blaine to show off his ankles!" Lady Anderson exclaims.

"What are you planning to order in Exeter, Rachel?" the earl asks.

"I had a completely new wardrobe made in New York before leaving, but I'm going to order one new hat."

"I wish I was going with you. Martin's Millinery Shop has such wonderful things," Lady Quinn sighs.

"My dear, you were at the tailor's at least once a week over the past month ordering new frocks, gowns and whatnots," Lord Cooper replies. "You know we're expected at Dower House for luncheon. Grandmama would be most disappointed if you aren't there," Cooper says.

"I know, Cooper. Of course I will remain behind and go to Dower House with you."

"Perhaps Rachel would prefer to go another day, when she won't need to hang about waiting for Blaine to finish at the tailors," Lady Anderson suggests.

"Oh no!" Miss Berry exclaims. "I've been looking forward to this trip for ages. Besides, my father has ordered a surprise, which I need to collect."

"Then today you shall go to Exeter," Lady Anderson states.


Kurt is grateful that the journey to Exeter takes just under an hour, for he's wedged in the front seat between Mr Hudson and Mr Evans. Mr Blaine and Miss Berry are comfortably seated in the backseat, and Kurt listens to their chatter.

"Are you sure you don't wish me to accompany you to the millinery shop, Cousin Rachel?"

"No, I think you'll need to spend all your time at the tailor's. Why doesn't Hudson come with me after dropping you off?"

"But Hudson knows nothing about ladies' hats."

"Neither do you, Cousin Blaine," Miss Berry giggles. "I know exactly what I want. Hudson and I will meet you at the tailor's at 1 p.m. for lunch."

"I know the very place to take you, Cousin Rachel. The Royal Clarence Hotel in the Cathedral Yard does a very nice lunch. Did you know that it was the first place to be called a hotel in all of England?"

"It sounds very nice, but can I be honest with you? I could go to the Royal Clarence Hotel with your mother and Lady Quinn any time. I would much prefer to go to an English pub. I've heard so much about them, and that way, Hudson, Evans and Kurt could join us."

"I don't know…"

"We could take Miss Berry to the Ship Inn," Mr Hudson chimes in.

"I'm not sure my mother would approve," Mr Blaine sighs.

Kurt notices a road sign for Exeter and is surprised when they don't take the turning. "Mr Hudson, the sign we just passed said the road for Exeter was to the right."

Mr Hudson stops the car to get his bearings. "You're right, Kurt."

"Hang on, everybody," Kurt shouts just before Mr Hudson makes a U-turn.

Once they are on the correct road to Exeter, the conversation continues. "Please, Cousin Blaine. Could we eat lunch at the Ship Inn?" Miss Berry pleads.

"Sir Francis Drake used to drink at the Ship Inn. I guess we could call it a history lesson," Mr Blaine rationalizes.

"Why don't we meet at 1 p.m. in front of the Ship Inn, then?" Mr Hudson suggests as they enter Exeter's town center.

"We'll be there, Hudson," Mr Blaine confirms. When the car stops in front of the tailor's, Kurt and Mr Evans jump out of the car, and Kurt dashes to the back to open the door for Mr Blaine.

"Kurt, I need a word with Mr Evans. I'll just be a moment."

While Mr Blaine and Mr Evans talk in whispers, Kurt looks around Winter Street. It's not as busy as Southampton, but it seems to have every type of shop imaginable. He looks into the shopfront of Thomas Moore's, the tailor's, and he can see bolts of fabrics neatly stacked.

"Goodbye, Mr Blaine. I'll see you at 1 p.m.," Mr Evans confirms as he heads down the street.

"Isn't Mr Evans coming with us to the tailor?" Kurt asks.

"No, he'll be hunting all over Exeter for Heinz baked beans. Sebastian will never be the wiser that you've swapped duties for the day," Mr Blaine says and winks.

When they enter the tailor's, a bell chimes, and an elderly gentleman comes out from the back. "Mr Anderson, you're exactly on time."

"Good morning, Mr Moore. We have a busy day ahead of ourselves. Allow me to introduce you to Kurt. He's acting as my advisor."

"Westerville has a new valet?" Mr Moore asks.

"Mr Evans is still the valet; however, he's otherwise detained today. You'll find that Kurt is quite knowledgeable about men's fashion."

Kurt hands the list of wardrobe requirements to Mr Moore. After studying the list, the tailor suggests, "Let's start with the formal wear. A black cutaway morning coat with striped trousers is what every gentleman will wear during this Season's balls. A white double-breasted waistcoat, white bow tie, and white shirt will complete the outfit. I made his lordship a new formal suit only a few months ago and your mother selected materials of the highest quality. May I suggest that we use the same fabrics for you?"

"That sounds like a good idea, Mr Moore."

"I also see that a new outfit for fox hunts is on the list. The attire is rather traditional. Shall I make it up in the same fabrics as Lord Anderson?"

"Yes. I'll be expected to have the same outfit as my father… the red one."

Kurt is becoming increasingly frustrated and restless. What was the point of poring over the magazines if Mr Blaine was going to dress like Lord Anderson?

"I see that you'll need three outfits for less formal occasions. There is a wide choice of fabrics available."

"Kurt, what do you suggest?" Blaine asks.

"Mr Moore, do you have any fabrics that are a mixture of cashmere and worsted wool?"

"Excellent suggestion. Worsted wool is hard-wearing and retains its shape, and the cashmere makes the fabric extremely soft and most comfortable during the summer months."

The tailor sets out numerous bolts of fabrics on the table. After examining and touching the fabrics, Mr Blaine whispers to Kurt, "You have to help me out. I have no idea which fabrics to choose."

Kurt immediately pulls out a bolt of charcoal-grey material. "I think that a sack coat, trousers and waistcoat should be made from this material. And then perhaps Mr Moore could suggest the best quality black material that he has in stock. This way you can mix and match the pieces to suit your mood and the event."

"Let me get this right. I could wear the black sack coat with the grey trousers and waistcoat, or wear all black for semi-formal occasions?" Mr Blaine asks.

"Exactly," Kurt confirms.

"What a marvelous idea. It'll seem as if I have more than two outfits. Any suggestions for the third sack coat?"

"It's usual to have a tweed sack coat in a gentleman's wardrobe for visits to country estates," Mr Moore advises.

"Then let's look at the tweed fabrics," Mr Blaine replies.

"Do you have any Harris tweed fabrics, Mr Moore?" Kurt asks.

"Someone has been doing their research. Would you like to see the more traditional herringbone material or the new plaids?" the tailor inquires.

"The plaids if you please."

The tailor sets out the bolts of Harris tweed fabrics on the table and Kurt notices Mr Blaine's eye zoom to a camel-colored material that is interwoven with lines of blue, green and red. Kurt pulls out the bolt and says, "Do you like this one, Mr Blaine? I think a sack coat in this material would look very good on you."

Mr Blaine positively beams. "I love this fabric, and it certainly isn't something that my father or Cooper would wear. It will set me apart."

Mr Blaine is quiet as Mr Moore and Kurt select a fabric for the trousers and waistcoat to complete the outfit. The tailor looks at the list that was handed him earlier. "The last outfit you'll need is more informal, for boating or other casual activities. Traditionally, the outfit consists of a navy-blue blazer and a pair of light-colored trousers."

"Can you show us some navy-blue materials with a pattern?" Kurt asks.

Once again, the tailor brings over bolts of material and Kurt carefully watches Mr Blaine. When his eyes linger on a particular bolt, Kurt quickly picks it out. "Miss Berry told me that striped flannel blazers are what gentlemen are wearing in the Hamptons. The white pinstripe in this material is not as bold as what we've seen in the American magazines. It's very fashionable, yet discrete. The vertical stripes will also give an illusion of height."

"I need all the help I can get," Blaine chuckles. "I like this fabric. Let's use it."

Kurt works diligently with the tailor to select the shirt materials. He takes bolts to the window to examine the weave before presenting a selection for Mr Blaine's approval. "I think these materials are the best for your shirts. They are the finest quality and they will launder well."

Mr Moore nods in agreement. "Kurt really has an eye for fine quality, Mr Anderson."

"Then these are the materials we should use," Blaine confirms.

"Kurt has the makings of a tailor himself."

Kurt blushes at the tailor's compliment. Mr Moore couldn't possibly know that his dream was once to be a tailor. However, that ship sailed when his father's health took a turn for the worse. "Thank you very much, but I'm very happy working at Westerville Abbey as a footman."

"Perhaps you could be a tailor's assistant for the next task? I need to measure Mr Anderson and it will be a lot quicker if you record the measurements as I call them out."

"Certainly, Mr Moore. I would be more than happy to help."

Mr Moore leads them to the back of the store where there is a fitting area set up with mirrors on three sides. As Mr Blaine strips down to his undergarments, Kurt accepts each article of clothing and carefully folds and places it on the nearby table.

"I can tell that Kurt respects clothes, just by the way he handles them," Mr Moore observes.

"I couldn't ask for a better footman," Mr Blaine boasts.

Kurt's cheeks flush from Blaine's words. He pulls out the Gentleman's Magazine of Fashion. "Mr Blaine and I have discussed it at great length and he's agreed to have his trousers shortened with turn-ups and a slightly slimmer fit."

The tailor looks at the picture. "Most of my clientele are older than Mr Anderson, so I haven't made up many trousers like this."

"But can you do it, Mr Moore?" Mr Blaine asks.

"Of course. I suspect I'll be sewing up all the trousers like this in no time at all. This fashion isn't going away overnight."

When Mr Moore takes out his measuring tape, Kurt picks up some paper and pencil, ready to record numbers. As measurements and descriptions are called out, he can't help but admire Mr Blaine's body. He's seen Mr Blaine in his underdrawers plenty of times, but has always cast away his eyes. This time Kurt is able to make a closer inspection without worrying about how it might appear.

Mr Blaine's back is muscular, and if Kurt didn't know better, he would have thought it was from manual labor. He has well-developed biceps, which no doubt comes from playing polo. His eyes move down to his tiny waist and…

"Kurt, where do you suggest we start tapering the trousers below the buttocks?" Mr Moore asks.

Kurt sets down the piece of paper and pencil to give it some thought. It's hard to judge with Mr Blaine wearing his old-fashioned, knee-length underdrawers. "Mr Blaine, do you mind if I touch your buttocks and thighs? It's hard to give a precise location where the trousers should start to taper into the thigh with those loose underdrawers you are wearing."

"Yy...yes, you may," Mr Blaine stutters, and Kurt can tell that he's flustered.

Kurt kneels behind Mr Blaine and places one hand on his lower back. He slowly and gently moves his hand over the swell of the buttocks, pausing when he reaches the end. Kurt has never felt the buttocks of another, but Mr Blaine has the most magnificent pair. It takes all his self-control not to squeeze them. His hand continues down to the upper thigh. He can feel Mr Blaine's strong muscles tighten.

"Perhaps it would be easier to tell if Mr Anderson took off his underdrawers," Mr Moore suggests.

"No, I can't!" Mr Blaine shouts.

When Kurt looks up, Mr Blaine has a worried expression on his reddened face. It's then that Kurt realizes the problem - the front of Mr Blaine's underdrawers are tented. Kurt keeps a finger firmly on one spot. "I think this is the place, Mr Moore."

Mr Moore exchanges his finger with Kurt's and the measuring continues. Kurt can tell that Mr Blaine has an impressive erection. As he again picks up the paper and pencil, Kurt remembers that Mr Blaine has called him handsome before. He wonders if it was really him that caused Mr. Blaine's reaction. The mere thought thrills him.

"If you want to wear trousers tailored like this, you'll need to wear different underdrawers," Mr Moore remarks. "The current trend is to wear tight-fitting boxers. If you go to Marks and Spencers on Queen Street, you'll find exactly what you need."

"We will go there after lunch. Have you seen my grandmama recently?"

The conversation turns to the dowager countess and her good deeds at the Westerville village's hospital and school. Kurt wonders why Blaine switched the conversation to his grandmother, but realizes it did help with his own problem that had developed in his underdrawers.

Mr Moore inspects the list once again. "The outfit for the fox hunt will be my first priority. Lady Anderson told me that there's to be a hunt in two weeks' time. I'll then work on the formal wear you will need for the Westerville ball. We will need to have several fittings."

After appointments have been made, Mr Blaine consults his pocket watch. "We'd better take our leave or I'll be late for my luncheon appointment."


Author notes

Serious research was done on fabrics and fashions during the 1910s! I have posted on my Tumblr account (HKVoyage) images of what each outfit would look like. From my home page, follow the links to 'Westerville Abbey Master Post'. On the next page will have 'Chapter announcements with photos'. You will find the photos there, including Blaine's knee-length underdrawers.

Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.

Next up: Blaine and Kurt spend the afternoon together in Exeter and Rachel reveals her surprise.