July 1914
Kurt
Tick… Tick… Tick...
Kurt sits on a stool next to the hospital bed. He keeps his fingers pressed to his father's wrist, desperate to feel the pulse - the only sign that his father is still alive. Two days ago, the doctor informed him that his father had had a heart attack and is now in a coma. The sound of the large clock on the wall serves as a reminder that the longer his father remains in the coma, the less likely it will be that he'll survive.
Tick… Tick… Tick...
Kurt is grateful that the Earl has insisted that his father be sent to Royal London Hospital for the very best medical attention. The good lord knows he couldn't afford it himself. Sending his father to a lesser hospital wouldn't fare well for his prognosis. The ward is filled with twenty patients' beds lined up in two rows. Sisters are busy checking heart rates, updating medical charts and dispensing medicine. The ward is noisy with relatives visiting their loved ones. It's a wonder that his father can sleep through all the noise.
Tick… Tick… Tick…
Kurt tries very hard not to think about what will happen if his father doesn't pull through. It'll probably mean back to the farming life in Somerset. He can't lose his father - he doesn't want to go through the same pain he had felt when his mother passed away all those years ago. He's certain that his heart will break into two if he loses yet another loved one. He's counting on his father's support when Blaine departs for India…
And he loses Blaine forever.
In spite of the dowager countess' plan for Kurt joining Blaine in India, Kurt still has worries and so many doubts. Maybe Blaine will feel differently once he's married and established in India. Blaine will have sexual relations with his wife to produce children. The eldest might even be the heir to the Westerville estate and its titles. Blaine could fall in love with his wife and consider his feelings for Kurt as just a temporary fling. After all, Blaine has no experience with matters of the heart.
There are so many pitfalls and uncertainties in the Dowager Countess' plan. There are a lot of hurdles to jump over between Kurt obtaining a teacher's certificate, finding a position in India, and Blaine receiving a position in a city like Delhi. Even If everything goes smoothly, they both wouldn't live in the same place for at least two years. Would someone like Blaine wait for him that long? Even if Blaine doesn't fall in love with his wife, it would only be a matter of time before he finds another lover.
And they're not lovers.
Kurt realizes that time with Blaine has been filled with secret glances, stolen kisses, and hand holding in the back of the theatre. There has been no opportunity to take things further, even if they want to. Kurt can't believe that this would change once they are together in India. With a smaller community, the British would probably be stricter about convention and protocol, and tongues would wag more freely if anyone stepped out of line. If Blaine still feels more attracted to men, there would be gentlemen readily available to snatch up such a catch - gentlemen who know how to be discreet behind closed doors.
Kurt considers what he has to offer Blaine, and comes up with nothing. A possible orphan with no skills other than to farm the land and serve others. A love that is strong but forbidden. Nothing at all.
Tick… Tick… Tick…
Kurt returns his attention to his father and squeezes his hand. He has always thought of his father as a tall and proud man, but he looks so sickly and pale sleeping in the bed. He decides to focus on the immediate problem here inside the hospital ward.
Kurt startles when he feels a pair of hands on his shoulders, gently squeezing.
"Any change?" Blaine asks.
Kurt shakes his head. "No. The doctor says that his condition is stable, but it's now the waiting game to see if he'll awaken again."
When Kurt hears a cough, he turns his head and notices Mr Hudson with a picnic basket. "Mrs Sylvester asked me to deliver this to you. It's filled with special treats that are normally reserved for upstairs, but she said you need to keep up your stamina."
"Thank you for bringing it, Mr Hudson, but I'm not hungry."
Blaine opens the picnic basket, takes out a Cornish pasty and hands it to Mr Hudson. "Why don't you go outside to eat this, and then return with some tea for us?"
When Hudson eagerly sets off to eat the snack, Blaine finds another stool in the ward and sits down next to Kurt. "How are you holding up? I'm worried about you."
"I'm scared, Blaine. He's all I've got," Kurt whispers.
Blaine quickly takes Kurt's hand into his. "You have me, too. I'll be by your side as long as you'll have me."
"Or set off for India with your brand-new wife and your brand-new life," Kurt responds bitterly.
"Hey, that's not fair. I appreciate how you must feel about the uncertainty in our futures, but one thing I know is that we are meant to be together, and it will happen as long as we work for it."
Kurt sags against Blaine's side and is comforted when he feels strong arms around him. He wishes that this could naturally happen in their lives and not just when he's grieving. Blaine lifts his head so that Kurt is facing him.
"I spoke to the doctor before I came into the ward. There is very little we can do until your father awakens. He recommends that you go home, get some rest and eat. I agree with him, Kurt. You'll need all your strength for when he leaves the hospital and returns to Anderson House."
"But what if he wakes up and I'm not there?"
"There's such a thing as the telephone, Kurt. The hospital will call, and Hudson will drive us to see him," Blaine replies.
"Us?" Kurt asks meekly.
Blaine rubs the ring on Kurt's hand. "Yes, us. Don't you remember my promise to you? I meant it when I said that we'll have to learn how to figure out problems together. You once said that my loyalty is one thing you admire about me. Please believe me when I say I'm loyal to you."
In that moment, Kurt believes every word that this dashing, loving gentleman says. He only hopes that Blaine's loyalty isn't tested by a lengthy separation.
Kurt feels a thousand times better after taking a nap in his own bed. He washes himself thoroughly and dresses in freshly laundered clothes. Kurt feels his stomach rumble and therefore decides to go to the kitchen and beg Mrs Sylvester for something to eat, even if it's not a mealtime.
When he descends the back staircase and walks down the corridor, he can hear gentle sobs come from the housekeeper's office. He knocks on the door to see what is wrong. "Mrs Hudson. It's me, Kurt."
"Just a moment, Kurt."
After a minute of hearing shuffling in the office, the door opens. Mrs Hudson's eyes are puffy and red. The bags underneath them are tell-tale signs that she hasn't had enough sleep. "Please come in, Kurt. You must tell me about your father's condition."
"The doctor said that his heartbeat is getting stronger, and his condition is stable. Father is sleeping until his heart is fully ready to function again."
"So, he's still in a coma," Mrs Hudson replies, before closing her eyes and placing her handkerchief over her mouth.
Kurt notices the tear that is slowly running down her cheek. Kurt isn't sure exactly what he should do, but it's obvious that Mrs Hudson is quite upset about his father's condition. He walks towards her and squeezes her shoulder. "The doctor said that it's a sign that his heart wants to work again. My father is a fighter, and I doubt his heart will give up easily."
Mrs Hudson smiles. "Your father is the strongest person I've come across. Losing his wife at such a young age and having to support his family by coming into service." Mrs Hudson blows her nose before continuing. "Your father and I have become quite close these past few years. We're more like kindred spirits than co-workers in charge of the staff. I think the world of your father."
Mrs Hudson is only confirming what Kurt has known since he arrived at Westerville Abbey many months ago. It's obvious that their friendship has many layers. "I'm glad that my father has a special friend like you," Kurt replies.
"No matter what happens with your father, I want you to think of me as someone who can be relied upon. I'll always make sure that you have a job at Westerville Abbey as long as you wish. I can be a very formidable lady when someone special to me faces adversity."
"I don't doubt that for one moment, Mrs Hudson. And thank you. Knowing that I have someone like you no matter what is rather comforting."
Mrs Hudson gives him a gentle hug. "His lordship has summoned everyone to the servants' hall for an important announcement. He'll be down in five minutes. You don't have to come, but I really think you should be there."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'd like to hear what his lordship has to say firsthand. He'll probably be announcing that Sebastian will be the new butler."
"I certainly hope not. Over the last 48 hours, Sebastian has bullied and intimidated most of the staff. Mrs Sylvester was even here just an hour ago, asking permission to poison his next cup of tea."
Kurt and Mrs Hudson are still giggling about Sebastian's possible fate at the hands of Mrs Sylvester when they enter the servants' hall. The place is abuzz with theories about what the Earl will announce. Sebastian is in the corner whispering with Mrs Lopez, looking far too smug with himself. Kurt suppresses the urge to walk over to Sebastian and personally wipe that smirk off his meerkat face.
When the Earl arrives at the servants' hall, everyone stands to attention. Once his lordship has indicated that they should sit down, the hall is so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
"As you are all aware, Hummel suffered a heart attack two days ago and was brought to the Royal London Hospital. His heart beat is stable and strong, and we are waiting for him to awaken."
"Do you know when that will be, my lord?" Mercedes asks.
"It's in the hands of God. The doctor will call us as soon as he awakens. In the meantime, Mr Evans will be acting as butler."
"What!" Sebastian shouts. Once the footman has composed himself, he continues, "My lord, it only seems sensible that I take on the butler duties, as I am the first footman. Mr Evans might be an excellent valet, but he doesn't know the inner workings of the downstairs staff. I, on the other hand, am well versed in Mr Hummel's duties and responsibilities."
The Earl shakes his head. "Mr Evans is one of the senior servants in this household, and I'm confident that he'll be able to fulfill the role. My plan has always been to promote Mr Evans to be the permanent butler at Anderson House in London."
"I can't believe this! Mr Hummel never even consulted me about the butler position available at Anderson House," Sebastian bitterly replies.
The Earl raises an eyebrow at Sebastian's outburst. "This was something that Mr Evans and I have discussed for a long time, and something that we both want. The decision was mine, and mine alone. This is my last word on the matter."
"Yes, my lord. I will consult Mr Evans about the valet duties now expected of me," Sebastian says, trying desperately to keep himself together.
The Earl shakes his head. "You shall remain the first footman, Sebastian. You will be invaluable in assisting Mr Evans to learn about the inner workings of the footmen and duties downstairs. Kurt will take over the valet duties for me. Blaine is more than satisfied with Kurt's services and…"
"I bet he is," Sebastian snarls. "Blaine and Kurt are…"
"Enough!" Mrs Hudson shouts. "His lordship has made his decision, and it's up to us to make sure that standard of service continues to be first-class. My lord, what will happen when Mr Hummel returns?"
"That's the most sensible question I've had yet, Mrs Hudson. Once Hummel is fully recovered, he will continue his role as butler, with Mr Evans as an under-butler learning the new position. When we return to Westerville Abbey, Mr Evans will remain in London at Anderson House. In the meantime, we'll be one footman short. My mother has already sent for her butler, Spratt, to help us out."
"It seems like a rather good plan. I shall help Mr Evans in any way I can," Mrs Hudson promises. "Now let's get back to work, everyone. There is plenty to do before the pre-dinner drinks bell is rung."
"Kurt, could you please join me in my study when you have a moment?" the Earl asks.
"Yes, my lord. I'll be there in five minutes."
Kurt goes to the washroom and ensures that he's neatly groomed for a one-on-one meeting with the Earl. Once he's satisfied that he looks the best that he can, considering the circumstances, he goes up the stairs and enters the study.
"Kurt, thank you for coming. I understand from Blaine that you only returned hours ago from the hospital."
"Yes, my lord."
"I can appreciate that this is a very difficult time for you. Take off as much time as you need. I'm sure that between Evans and Mrs Hudson, they will be able to handle things and soothe Sebastian's bruised ego."
"Thank you, my lord. If it's alright with you, I would prefer to continue working. Mr Blaine suggested that I keep to a routine, at least until my father awakens and is discharged from the hospital. However, I'd like to spend evenings after dinner at the hospital with my father."
"Blaine often comes up with rather good ideas. He also suggested that he can help me dress if you're not available. Trust me, everyone at Anderson House will help in any way they can whilst your father is recuperating."
"Thank you, my lord. It means a lot to me."
"One last thing. If Sebastian causes any trouble for you, please tell me. I know that things didn't work out quite as he envisioned, but everyone has little setbacks in life. If you feel more comfortable talking to Blaine, then you can discuss these matters with my son."
"Thank you, my lord. I shall meet you at 6 PM in your bedroom with your evening outfit ready."
One week later…
Kurt has established a new routine in the Anderson household. He still rises Early each morning and lays out the dining room table. Kurt is secretly pleased when Sebastian has to empty the servants' chamber pots while he delivers the breakfast tray to the Earl and sets out his morning suit for breakfast. After shaving the Earl, he carries a second breakfast tray to Mr Blaine. With his new position in the household, Kurt is able to spend more time with him. He updates Mr Blaine on the previous night's hospital visit and helps him dress for breakfast.
The rest of the day is busy, serving the family meals and setting out the outfits the men have to wear. Once the dinner service is over, Mr Hudson drives him to the hospital for his nightly visit to his father. Kurt is grateful for the new routine, for it doesn't allow much opportunity for him to think.
Mr Evans is settling into the role of butler as well as expected. The household staff are working particularly hard to ensure that the transition goes smoothly. As predicted, Sebastian tries to trip him up, but Mrs Hudson seems to have eyes all around her head and usually diverts any potential disasters.
"Everyone is expected outside the front of Anderson House," Mr Evans shouts along the downstairs servants' corridor. "A very important guest is expected at any moment."
The staff quickly stop what they are doing and rush outside to form a V-shaped line, with the men on one side and the women on the other. The entire Anderson family waits on the front marble steps for their guest to arrive. A cream-colored Rolls Royce stops in front of the house, and the driver opens the rear door for a very handsome young man.
The family walks down the steps and the Earl greets the visitor. "Welcome, Duke Clarington. You may remember by sons, Cooper and Blaine, but I don't believe you've met my niece, Miss Rachel Berry."
"How do you do?" the Duke replies.
Kurt notices that the Duke gazes at Mr Blaine for longer than necessary, and he doesn't like it one little bit. The Duke then walks past the male and female staff, almost as if giving them a proper inspection.
"Come in. You must be worn out," the Countess says as she welcomes the guest.
As the ladies make their way up the entry stairs, the Duke holds back to have a word with the Earl. "I've come alone. My man was taken ill just as I was leaving."
"That won't be a problem, will it, Evans?" the Earl asks.
"Certainly not, Your Grace. I'll look after you myself," Mr Evans offers.
Duke Clarington shakes his head. "I wouldn't dream of being such a nuisance. Surely I couldn't." The Duke looks carefully at Sebastian. "I remember this man. Didn't you serve me when I was dining at Westerville Abbey?"
"I did, Your Grace," Sebastian replies with a smile.
"Very well. We should do very well together. Can I expect you an hour before dinner?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
Once the family and Duke Clarington are inside the house, Mr Evans orders, "Sebastian and Mr Hudson, please take the Duke's cases up to his bedroom. Kurt and I will go to the kitchen and organize afternoon tea for the drawing room. Sebastian, you can join us there when you're ready."
"Yes, Mr Evans," Sebastian replies.
As he walks to the kitchens, Mr Evans nudges Kurt and says, "Sebastian looks like a dog that received a meaty bone. Rumor has it that Duke Clarington enjoys both the men and the ladies. If that gets Sebastian off our backs for a few days, I'm grateful for the Duke's arrival."
"How long will the Duke be staying at Anderson House?" Kurt asks.
"His rooms at his London house are currently being refurbished. I've been told he'll be staying a week."
Kurt smiles to himself. A week without Sebastian getting on his case feels like a gift from heaven.
Tick… Tick… Tick...
"Is there anything I can get you, Kurt?" one of the sisters asks, after finishing taking his father's blood pressure.
"I'm fine for the moment," Kurt politely replies. He's not really fine. He's exhausted after serving a seven-course dinner that evening. Mrs Sylvester has already forewarned him that every meal will be formal, with numerous courses, while the Duke is staying at Anderson House.
Kurt looks down at his hand against his father's wrist and is comforted by the strong and regular pulse that he feels. Mr Blaine had offered to join him at the hospital this evening, and Kurt is now regretting that he didn't take him up on the offer. Kurt has noticed over the past two days that Duke Clarington spends equal time with Mr Blaine and Miss Berry. The Duke openly flirts with Miss Berry, complimenting her musical performances and has even hinted at singing a duet together. Miss Berry now spends her free time looking for the perfect song, while there is a permanent scowl on Lord Cooper's face.
Duke Clarington also flirts with Mr Blaine, although it's a lot more subtle. They go for strolls together in St James Park, and Mr Blaine has visited His Grace's men's club more than once. When Kurt sees them together, Duke Clarington finds ways to be physical with Mr Blaine - arm around his shoulder as if he's whispering a secret, shrugging his side, and the like. Kurt doesn't like it at all, but there's nothing he can do but watch and silently brood. Kurt breaks out of his thoughts when he feels a finger move in his hand.
Kurt looks over at his father, who is now moving two fingers. "Sister! Sister! Come quick! My father's fingers are moving!"
By the time a sister appears, his father is slowly moving his head side-to-side. "Mr Hummel, can you hear me? Squeeze Kurt's hand twice for yes."
Kurt looks down and is ecstatic that he can feel two weak squeezes.
The sister smiles. "Mr Hummel, I know it's difficult, but I want you to open your eyes."
Very slowly his father opens one eye, then the other. He first focuses on the sister in front of him and then slowly gazes around. When Kurt sees his father stare at him, he says, "Welcome back, Father."
"I'll go get the doctor. He'll want to examine your father immediately," the sister says and leaves the butler's bedside.
Kurt and his father continue to gaze at each other, holding hands. The first words that come out of his father's mouth are, "Sebastian. He's evil. Don't trust him. He's got it out for you."
Author's notes
In 1914, it would be extremely rare for a person to survive a heart attack. I used literary license in this part of the story as I wanted a parallel to Burt's heart attack in canon.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. Thank you to dblmalfunction, whohas performed a detailed review for the pesky mistakes that I've missed. Expect better use of commas, punctuation in general, and a slight change to how titles are set out in future chapters. However, I did the last-minute edits and proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Blaine and Miss Cohen-Chang have a discussion about India.