June 1914
Blaine
"Anything more I can do for you, Mr Blaine?"
Blaine inspects the breakfast tray on his lap as Kurt fluffs the pillows behind his back. His heart squeezes when he spots the single red and yellow Devonshire rose in a small crystal vase on the tray. He's certain that Kurt added this little touch.
"No, I'll be fine. Now scoot and get changed into your casual clothes. I'll meet you outside the back entrance in half an hour."
Blaine rushes through his morning routine, going through a mental checklist of everything he wants to do with Kurt during their outing in London. There's a knock on the door and Sam enters. After the Westerville fox hunt, Blaine had confided to both Wesley and Sam his feelings about Kurt. They were both immediately supportive and Blaine was reminded at what good friends they are.
"I've got everything you need, Mr Blaine. Let's get you ready." Sam sets down a set of his own clothes on the bed.
"Do you think it will work?" Blaine asks.
"Of course it will. No-one will notice you today in these clothes." Sam helps Blaine put on a white shirt and rolls up the sleeves, and Blaine immediately can tell that the material isn't as soft as the shirts he normally wears. The trousers prove to be a bit trickier. In addition to a belt, Blaine uses Sam's suspenders to keep the trousers from falling off his tiny waist.
"I can't see your feet!" Sam laughs. He kneels in front of Blaine and carefully rolls the trouser hems into a makeshift cuff. "It's a good thing rolled-up trousers are the current fashion."
"Do you think I'll fit in with the crowd but still look good enough for Kurt?"
"You look fine, Mr Blaine. You should've seen Kurt last night, carefully selecting what he would be wearing today. I swear he chose and discounted at least six outfits. Kurt is so excited about spending the day with you."
"Trust me, he can't be more excited than I am. When do you get your half-day off, Sam?"
"You'll never believe this, but Mercedes and I both have Friday afternoon off," Sam reports.
"Are you going to spend it together?"
"I haven't asked her yet," Sam admits, looking sheepish.
"Put yourself out of your misery and ask her this morning, and make sure that she knows it's a date."
Sam lets out a deep sigh.
"Courage, Sam. Kurt has already told me that Mercedes is sweet on you. Now I'd better get going if I'm to meet Kurt on time. It's already 6 AM."
Sam leaves the bedroom and gives him the all clear. Blaine looks left and right before he silently sneaks out of his bedroom, walks along the hallway and heads down the stairs. When he leaves by the main entrance, Blaine is relieved that there was no-one awake to question why he is dressed in such a manner. He walks along the side of the townhouse and when he arrives near the back entrance, he keeps in the shadows of an elm tree.
After five minutes, Kurt appears and Blaine's breath hitches at the vision before him. Kurt is wearing possibly the tightest pair of trousers he's ever had the privilege to see. They accentuate his lean muscular legs in all the right ways. Kurt is also wearing a crisp white shirt and a tweed jacket.
"Who goes there?" Kurt whispers, his eyes flashing, when he notices movement near the tree.
Blaine comes out from behind the elm and takes off his woolen cap. "It's me, Kurt," Blaine reassures him.
"Blaine! I almost didn't recognize you in that outfit!"
"Good, that's what I was going for. I didn't want today to be about the son of an earl going out with his footman. I want it to be just two ordinary men enjoying a day in London. You look incredible, Kurt."
"Thank you, my kind sir. I guess we do look like two ordinary, but incredibly good-looking men ready for a day in London."
Hudson leaves the townhouse from the back entrance and joins them. When he sees Blaine, he lets out a soft whistle. "We better get going before Hummel comes out. He won't approve of what you're wearing, Mr Blaine."
They climb into the Renault and Hudson drives to Whitechapel, in the East End of London. Although it's only five miles, it feels as if they are in a different world. The streets are overcrowded with dirty children, some of whom don't have shoes on their feet. Soot and grime cling to the terraced houses, which have the day's washing hanging on lines from open windows.
Kurt gasps when he sees an old man lying in the gutter. "I've heard about the East End, but I never realized it was this bad. I can understand now why Mr Evans' grandparents sent him to live at Westerville Abbey when he was just a child."
Hudson looks in the rearview mirror and says, "Most men struggle day-to-day to earn a decent living at the docks. Believe it or not, conditions are getting better since the Port of London Authority was established a few years ago. There are pockets of the East End that are better than others, especially around the market."
"Please don't get lost!" Kurt begs.
Hudson turns the car onto Wentworth Street, which is near the Spitalfields Market. Once Hudson has parked the car, they make arrangements for the morning.
Blaine passes a piece of paper to Hudson. "Here's the list of what Mrs Sylvester requires. Kurt and I will spend our time getting some of the more exotic foods. We'll meet at the clock tower at noon," Blaine instructs, handing the necessary coins to Hudson.
"Be careful, Mr Blaine. Jack the Ripper still hasn't been found."
Blaine chuckles to himself because the Ripper's victims are exclusively women, however, he finds Hudson's concern sincere and endearing. He and Kurt walk up to the corner and take a left on Commercial Street, and they can see Spitalfields Market up ahead. The street is busy with people and lorries filled to the brim with crates of produce. There are shops with awnings selling their wares on either side of the street.
"Blimey! I didn't realize Spitalfields would be this large. I've been to Taunton on market day, but that's nothing compared to this," Kurt exclaims. "How are we going to find what we need?"
"We'll start at the top end of the street and work our way down to the clock tower. Make sure you stick close to me."
"I'll be like glue," Kurt promises.
They make their way through the variety of shops and stalls, buying fruits and vegetables that meet Kurt's exacting standards. Blaine is delighted to find sour cherries for his duck dish, and he buys lychees for Mrs Sylvester. The exotic fruit reminds Blaine of the cook - the outside is roughly textured and spiky, but the inside is soft and sweet with a light floral taste. Before they know it, they are at the clock tower, where Hudson is waiting for them.
"Let me help with your crate, Mr Blaine," Hudson offers as they start walking back to the car. Once the produce has been stacked into the Renault, Hudson opens the rear door for Blaine.
"We're not leaving just yet, Hudson. There's one place nearby that I want to show Kurt."
"Bb-but I promised Hummel that I'd make sure you two were safe and that means driving you out of this area."
"How about you have your lunch at the Ten Bells across the way, while we visit another market? I promise we won't be more than an hour."
"What will I tell Mr Hummel when he asks why I've been gone for longer than expected?" Hudson asks.
"Perhaps you got lost on the way back," Blaine suggests.
Hudson roars with laughter. "Yes, I guess that would be a believable excuse. I'll have my lunch and then I'll wait for you by the car."
Blaine strides ahead and Kurt quickly follows. "Blaine, where are we going?"
"It's a surprise that I think you're going to like. Now follow me," Blaine replies.
After a ten-minute walk, they arrive at another busy market street filled with hundreds of stalls. "This is Petticoat Lane Market, Kurt. They sell fabrics, notions, and ready-made clothes, as well as home decor items."
They browse the stalls, and Kurt carefully looks over the fabrics used for men's fashion. "I think these fabrics will be perfect for a jacket for my father. I just can't decide which one is best."
Blaine sets out a few coins on the cutting table. "Sir, I'll buy both of these fabrics. My friend will let you know the lengths required," Blaine informs the shopkeeper.
"Blaine, I can't let you buy both of them!"
"Why not? Your father can have two new jackets… Or even better, make one jacket for your father and one for yourself."
Kurt glances around the shop before giving his decision. "Well then, let me take another look around. I don't want my jacket to be tweed like my father's."
Blaine sits down on a nearby stool, watching Kurt find possible fabrics for his own jacket. After he's finally made a decision, the shopkeeper cuts the material lengths, and wraps them in paper. Blaine holds the door open for Kurt and notices that the street is even busier during the lunchtime hour.
"You spend too much money on me, Blaine," Kurt chides.
"It's actually for my own personal gain, if you wear outfits I can admire on you," Blaine says sincerely.
Kurt looks at the wares across the street. "I think it's time we find something for you and I have an idea."
They head to a stall that sells bow ties exclusively. Blaine is immediately attracted to the patterns that he doesn't usually see at the tailor in Exeter. A red tie with multi-colored polka dots catches Blaine's eye.
"Let me buy it for you, Blaine."
"I love it, but I wouldn't have any occasion to wear it."
"Nonsense. You could wear it proudly in Cochin and tell all the Indians that it's the latest fashion in London."
Blaine laughs at the thought of setting a trend of polka-dot bow ties in India. He's not very comfortable with Kurt spending his pocket money on him, but nonetheless allows Kurt to buy this small gift for him.
They head back to the car, where Hudson is patiently waiting. "Please drive us to Hatton Garden," Blaine instructs.
Hudson's eyes almost bug out of his head. "It was hard enough to explain why Kurt had a ring after the trip to Exeter."
Blaine chuckles, for their real destination isn't the famous jewelry district in London. "We're not actually spending time in Hatton Garden. I know of a small tavern nearby for us to have our lunch."
When they get to Holborn Circus, Blaine instructs Hudson to stop the car.
"Will you need my services after lunch, Mr Blaine?"
"No, Hudson. Why don't you return to Anderson House with the food from Spitalfields Market? Kurt and I will be fine on our own for the rest of the day."
They walk down Hatton Garden, which has jewelry shops lined on both sides. Blaine walks slowly on purpose so that Kurt can look at the window displays. At first, Kurt carefully looks at the jewelry, but then Blaine notices that he looks straight ahead with misty eyes.
Blaine stops Kurt when they turn the corner onto Greville Street. "What's wrong, Kurt?"
"I want to buy you a ring so that you'll remember me in India, but I can't buy you what you deserve on my meager earnings. I think that the next time you are in Hatton Garden, you'll be buying Miss Cohen-Chang an engagement ring."
"I don't need a ring to remember you by, Kurt. However, I'd love to wear a ring that symbolizes our love and commitment to each other. I have an idea - why don't I buy a ring matching yours from Brufords Jewelers in Exeter."
"I couldn't afford it, even if Brufords gives me a special discount," Kurt sighs.
"Kurt, it's irrelevant who pays for the ring. What's more important are your promises to me that are associated with the ring. That's something very special to me that money can't buy."
And like a light switch, Kurt's eyes sparkle and his lips turn up into a grin. "I think you're right. You're so very special to me."
Blaine leads Kurt into a cobbled courtyard, and on the very far side, there's a tavern with a hanging sign stating 'The Bleeding Heart'.
Kurt smiles when he sees the tables set out in the courtyard. "Can we sit outside? It's a beautiful afternoon, and I don't get to be outdoors very much at Anderson House."
Blaine nods and leads them to a table under the shade of an old oak tree. Since it's past the usual lunch hour, there are very few other customers, which will allow them to speak openly during lunch.
"Have you been here before, Blaine? It's got quite an unusual name."
"Cooper brought me here when he was collecting Quinn's wedding ring. According to the owner, the lane was named after a 17th century beauty, Elizabeth Hatton, who was found murdered here. The picture on the bistro's sign shows the heart of the Virgin Mary pierced by five swords."
The waiter promptly provides them with menus, which offer the usual tavern fare. After ordering two pints of ale, roast chicken and chips, they bask in the summer sun. When the waiter brings their drinks, Kurt starts the conversation that they need to have. "Have you considered when you might raise the subject of India to Miss Cohen Chang?"
Blaine takes another gulp of ale before setting down his pint glass. "I'm seeing her tomorrow evening at the London Symphony Orchestra - our families are sharing a private box. I thought I would announce it then and judge Miss Cohen-Chang's and her parents' reactions. Miss Cohen-Change is expected at Anderson House for tea the following week, and we'll discuss India further."
"So, it's really happening, then."
"I'm afraid it is. However, I think that Miss Cohen-Chang will make an excellent wife. Not only is she smart, but she's practical. I hope that she'll find a way to make our marriage work and reconcile herself to the fact that I'm in love with you."
"I certainly hope so, Blaine. I really do."
The waiter brings out their lunches and they leisurely eat their meal. The conversation turns to light-hearted matters such as fashion, music and funny things that have happened both during the Season and downstairs at Anderson House. After finishing their coffees, Blaine notices that the sun is casting longer shadows in the courtyard. He consults his pocket watch and can't believe that two hours have gone by sitting in Bleeding Heart Yard.
"I've had a wonderful day, Blaine. I can't remember when I've last had a few hours to relax. I'm sure that you have other things that you need to do, so I'll make my own way home."
"What makes you think that today is over? I've bought tickets to see Our Boys, a long-running burlesque show. I believe it's also performed on the 'Broadway' that Cousin Rachel always goes on about."
"Really?" Kurt practically screams, clapping his hands.
They take the tube to Embankment and then walk along the Strand to the Vaudeville Theatre. Once they've entered, Blaine and Kurt find their seats in the back of the upper circle. When the lights dim to signal that the performance is about to start, Blaine discretely takes Kurt's hand in his. Blaine's stomach swoops when Kurt squeezes his hand gently. Blaine wishes that he could wrap his arm around Kurt and pull him closer, but for now, hand-holding will have to do.
"Enter," Hummel says when he hears a knock on his office's door. It has been a long day looking after the family and providing a high tea when Lord St James visited. With Kurt having the afternoon off, he's been kept busier than ever. His smile turns into a frown when he realizes that it's not Mrs Hudson at the door.
"Can I have a few minutes of your time?" Sebastian asks as he enters, not waiting for permission.
Hummel can think of a thousand things he'd rather do than listen to Sebastian whine about everyone else's incompetence and how his contribution to the household should be recognized more. However, one thing he knows about Sebastian is that he won't let go of something until he gets it off his chest. It's better that Sebastian bother him than his lordship. Hummel gives him a curt nod and indicates that Sebastian should sit in a chair… a very uncomfortable chair.
"How can I help you, Sebastian?"
"It's a rather delicate matter, Mr Hummel. You see, it concerns your son and Mr Blaine."
Hummel lets out a deep sigh. He knew it would have to do with Kurt and how he's lacking as a footman. "Mr Blaine hasn't had any cause for complaint. In actual fact, he's been quite complimentary about Kurt's service."
"I'm sure that Mr Blaine has been complimentary, but do you know of all the services Kurt provides?"
Hummel isn't sure how much Sebastian knows, but decides his best strategy is to feign ignorance. "Kurt does everything that is asked of him in a most exemplary manner."
"I'm sure that Mr Blaine would agree with that, in between his gasps and moans. An eyewitness has seen them in the kitchen gardens, doing the most unthinkable things of a sexual nature. I want to know what you're planning to do about it."
"Nothing. Kurt and Mr Blaine may have been indiscreet, but it's nothing that you haven't done yourself," the butler retorts.
"I beg to differ, Mr Hummel. I've never ravished Mr Blaine, a gentleman who is expected to court debutantes and find a wife. I have a proposition for you. Make me his lordship's valet, and I'll keep quiet. Otherwise, I'll tell his lordship all about how the second footman is taking advantage of Mr Blaine."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh, yes, I would, Mr Hummel. After my conversation with his lordship, you and your man-whore son will be on the next train back to Somerset."
"Over my dead body will you be his lordship's valet!"
Hummel's chest tightens. He's not sure how to get out of this predicament without disgracing the Hummel name. There is no possible reason for him to make Sebastian the valet while Sam Evans is in place. No matter what happens, there is no happy ending for him and Kurt. He feels his heart beating faster and squeezing.
Then everything goes black.
"Middlewick and Talbot's romantic entanglements with the ladies make our situation seem so simple," Kurt reflects as they exit the theatre.
Blaine giggles when he remembers the boys' antics during the play. They decide to take a taxi back to Belgravia as the sun has set long ago. When they arrive at Anderson House, Blaine pays the taxi driver and escorts Kurt to the back.
"Does today really have to end?" Kurt laments.
Blaine pulls Kurt behind the elm tree. "I was hoping that today might end with a goodnight kiss."
Blaine places his hands on either side of Kurt's face and slowly moves his head forward until their lips brush. As their kiss deepens, Blaine pulls them closer so that there is no space between them, and he can feel Kurt's heartbeat against his chest. His hands drift down to Kurt's hips, and when he hears Kurt inhale sharply, blood immediately flows down south, and his cock fills. Kurt's lips travel along his neck, kissing and sucking. It's all Blaine can do to control himself and not thrust forward for a little relief.
Blaine wants so much more with Kurt besides kissing, but this is neither the time or the place for it. Lord knows if Sebastian is lurking outside the house. Before he loses control and finds himself unable to behave like a gentleman any longer, Blaine pulls back for air. He rests his forehead against Kurt's with his eyes still closed. "If we don't stop now, I never will."
When Blaine stands up straight and opens his eyes, he can see Kurt's eyes twinkling back at him. Kurt gives him a peck on the lips. "One day, I'm going to make you lose your dapper ways, Mr Anderson."
Blaine stares at Kurt slowly sauntering to the back entrance, almost hypnotized by the sway of his hips. Before Kurt enters the house, he looks over his shoulder, and gives Blaine a wink. Once the door is closed, Blaine stands there for a full five minutes to cool down before he's composed enough to enter the house from the front entrance. He's surprised to see Mrs Hudson waiting in the hallway. She quickly brings him into the empty front parlor.
"Is Kurt back as well?"
Blaine simply nods.
"There's no easy way of saying this. Mr Hummel has had a heart attack and has been taken to the Royal London Hospital."
Author's notes
Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Kurt visits his father at the hospital and the earl reshuffles the downstairs staffs' duties.