Hi, friends. As alluded to in the last chapter, the nightclub is revisited in this chapter. Only good things happen, but in light of recent major events I wanted to give you a heads up in case you'd rather not read a nightclub scene. I'd be happy to edit it out and provide a summary for anyone who would prefer it that way.

Also, I can't stand writing "Lord Pembroke" every time I want to refer to him, so he's just Teddy now. I actually want to call Price David instead, but we can do that when this part of the story ends and we move on to part two.

Happy reading!

PS Mature content. A chapter this long couldn't be free of some wink wink nudge nudge now, could it?


Price woke as Thomas squeezed into the bed beside to him. "What time is it?" he croaked with gravely morning voice.

"Almost five."

"Why are you waking me up, then?" Price asked, turning to the side so Thomas could hug him from behind.

Thomas wrapped his arms around Price and pulled him close. "I've been up for two hours," he whispered into Price's neck. "I've a lot on my mind."

"And now I'm awake so you can tell me?"

"I have a few questions I'd like answered, but we can talk later. Mostly, I just wanted to hold you."

Price felt himself drift back to sleep briefly, nearly impossible to prevent when held so tightly between warm arms and under warm sheets. He forced his eyes open, though there was nothing to see in the pitch dark of early winter morning. "I'm up. You can ask your questions."

Thomas exhaled through his nose, deciding which of the many questions he'd thought of through the night to ask first. He kissed the back of Price's neck gently. "Did you return Ted's love? Or did you only tell him you loved him, but didn't mean it?"

Price was roused suddenly and completely from sleep. "Why, what did he say to you?"

"I can't recall his exact words, but something to the effect that you told him you loved him, but you weren't actually in love."

"You're worried it's the same for you?" Price asked bitterly.

Thomas kissed Price's neck again and slid his hand under Price's shirt. "Not a bit. I'd just like the whole story."

"He's just a piece of the story," Price muttered into the pillow.

"Then what's the whole puzzle?"

Price sighed. "There's no puzzle or great mystery. I truly wanted to love him, but I wasn't in love, and then I let it get too far. He has every right to be angry with me, which it still seems he is. But he's one of several who could accuse me of similar."

"One of several?"

Price looked over his shoulder at Thomas. "You know I was promiscuous, is that some kind of secret? Do I really have to say it that plainly?"

"Always thinking you'd find love that way?"

Price settled his cheek back on the pillow. "Not quite. I think I always hoped it would spark something in me. I just wanted to feel something. I did, sometimes, but nothing real."

Thomas ran his fingers over the soft, sparse hairs below Price's navel. "You love everyone, and they love you back. Why did you have to go looking?"

Price closed his eyes and relaxed under Thomas's touch. "There was a long period in between the war and finding work that I felt almost nothing. Just numbness, so I filled the void improperly, from Sean Moores to Teddy Pembrokes, and in between. I wasn't sure if you'd be different, if I'm being honest."

"Well, I know I am."

"Thank god you are."

"While you're being honest, then, what happened between you, and Eric, and that kiss? I've never known him to lie to me."

Price sat up and leaned back against the headboard. "My," he said flatly, looking down at Thomas, "you really did invent a list of questions while you were awake."

"This is more of a running list," Thomas said, resting his head on Price's thigh.

"Alright," Price huffed. "You don't just suddenly turn off years of certain behavior. He gave me a look, I gave him one back, and he kissed me. I shouldn't have returned the look, but I did, so yes, that's my fault. All my fault."

"Don't get defensive."

"I have every right to be defensive, because I haven't pushed you about Teddy, and here you are, pushing me about my past and about Eric."

Thomas rolled off of the bed and fetched a cigarette. He lit it by the dresser, then returned to the bed and sat shoulder to shoulder with Price. "So push me about him."

"Did you kiss him?"

Thomas laughed as he exhaled. "No, David."

"Did you want to?"

"David..."

"Did he make advances?"

Thomas rubbed his molars together.

"If he did, and you denied him, just tell me."

"He did, and I denied him."

Price plucked Thomas's cigarette from his fingers. "Then you're a better person than I am, it seems." He waved the cigarette in the air, watching the trail of smoke it left in the small bit of sunlight beginning to creep between the curtains.

"Are you through being defensive?"

"Yes, but I still don't like it. Do you really need to be his friend? There are so many other people out there, can't we both leave him in the past?"

"We can talk about it another time."

Price made another trail of smoke. "You started this conversation, remember?"

Thomas reached for the cigarette. "May I have that back, please?"

Price put the cigarette between his lips and smiled. "Was it his cigarettes that tempted you? He smokes, and I don't, is that it?" Price pointed at his mouth. "Does this make me look more handsome?"

Thomas slapped Price's thigh with the back of his hand. "You're the most handsome of all, and you know it."

Price took a drag, then tipped his chin up and exhaled between pursed lips. He handed the cigarette back to Thomas. "They're just as foul as I remember."

"You don't seem to mind the way I taste."

"Your tongue is so sweet, it makes up for the tobacco."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Want to double check?"

Price chuckled. "Maybe after you brush your teeth."

Thomas pushed his shoulder against Price's, then rose from the bed. He turned on the lantern and placed the cigarette in his ashtray, then began to get ready for the day.

"Dressing this early?"

"I have to meet my sister this morning."

"For what?" Price asked as he slid back under the covers.

Thomas slicked a comb with pomade and ran it through his hair, following each stroke with flat fingers. "I don't really want to talk about it, if you don't mind."

"Oh, sure. Of course." Price watched Thomas silently for a moment, then asked carefully, "If you end up needing any help or anything, you'll let me know, won't you?"

Thomas paused with his comb halfway through his hair and looked at Price's reflection in the mirror. "It's hard to imagine you feeling numb," he said while pulling the comb through. "You're probably the most loving person who ever loved me back."

"It's you. I can't feel numb around you."

"I can certainly say the same about you."

"When will you be back?" Price asked, squinting to see Thomas's body as he undressed in the dim light.

"I'll be back after breakfast. By the way, I have a guest coming for tea."

"Really? So do I."

Thomas hopped into his trousers. "Who?"

"You first."

"My friend Kait," Thomas said while putting on his shirt.

"But she's a friend of Eric's, aren't you worried someone will make a connection?"

Thomas shook his head and pulled his braces over his shoulders. "The only one who might make a connection is Lady Edith, and far as I know she's not visiting today. And really, David, I'm gone in a month, so what if someone makes a connection?"

"Don't get cocky, nothing's done until it's done. When will you tell Mr. Carson, anyhow? Don't you want to give him time to fill your position properly?"

Thomas dropped his shoes by the bed and sat next to Price. "They won't replace my position," he said, putting on his shoes. "They only created it as an excuse to keep me on staff. I bet they'll hire another footman at most."

"At most? We can't get by without someone like you."

Thomas kissed Price's lips. "What do you mean 'we'? You'll be the next one out the door."

"I hope so. I'm trying to find something, really."

Thomas stroked Price's cheek with the back of his fingers. "It seems obvious to me, David. Ask Lady Edith for a job."

Price looked down and traced the pinstripes on Thomas's thigh. "I've looked at the adverts for positions at her magazine, there's no position open for an illustrator. Plus she only let me draw for her out of pity. I'll just find a house in London so we can be closer."

Thomas tipped Price's chin up and looked in his eyes. "We can't live together if you stay a footman."

Price laughed and looked back down. "Well that's the best I can do."

"That's rubbish," Thomas grumbled. He stood to finish dressing. "You're afraid to take a big leap. I can understand that, but you'll never get anywhere treading water, David. Lady Edith likes you and you know it. Talk to her."

"Eric said something that made me a bit hopeful."

"About Lady Edith?"

"No, not exactly. He wants to help me find a job. It seemed like he had an idea, but he didn't give any details."

"Brilliant," Thomas said as he finished knotting his tie. "When Kait's here you can put a bug in her ear, too. Between the two of them, you'll have something, and if not, then you can ask Lady Edith. So who's your guest for tea?"

"Sam's visiting. He's always been too busy to visit me at work, but he's just down the road so he wanted to stop in. That's the story, at least. I think Marie put him up to it."

Thomas put on his waistcoat and looked himself over in the mirror. "I'd like to see the shop sometime this week."

"Tell him today, then."

Thomas chuckled. "I just imagined Kait's reaction when she sees both you and your brother. She has a hard time handling one handsome man, let alone the two of you."

"I thought men weren't her cup of tea."

"I gather she likes to look, but not touch."

Price chuckled, then rolled over and faced the wall, sinking back under the covers.

"What?"

"Nothing," Price giggled into the pillow.

"David, what?"

"Nothing! Don't be late to see your sister."

Thomas pulled the pocket watch from his waistcoat and checked the time, then cursed under his breath. He tucked the watch back in quickly, put on his jacket and overcoat, swiped his hat from the dresser, and ran to the door, barely remembering to say goodbye before leaving.

Marie hadn't put Sam up to anything, though he wasn't visiting just to see Price. He wanted to talk with Thomas in person, hoping to leave fully confident that Thomas was willing to take the job. Since his father's passing, Sam learned what it meant to work to the bone, his knuckles and joints constantly burning from long days of meticulous work. The assistance Price and Thomas provided on the side took off a little pressure, but the day-to-day work in the store was becoming far too much, both physically and mentally. He wasn't strong with the store's finances, and handling the backlog of watches on top of the backlog of bills was becoming overwhelming.

Thomas looked cheerful when he returned from his outing, but he offered no details to Price, and so Price asked no questions. They served luncheon side by side, both eager for their tea time guests. Sam and Kait arrived only fifteen minutes apart, with Sam arriving first. Price pulled Sam into a quick hug, then brought him to the kitchen for the first round of introductions. Daisy stopped kneading her dough to marvel at the younger version of Price, her cheeks instantly rosey when both pairs of green eyes were on hers.

"It's a good thing you're not here more often," Mrs. Patmore told Sam. "I don't think Daisy's heart could handle two David's on a regular basis. I can hear it pitter-patter from over here."

Daisy choked out a flustered objection, then returned to kneading her dough, this time with tight fists.

Sam laughed and looked at Price. "Are we really that much alike?"

"Purely on the outside," Price replied.

Thomas arrived in the kitchen and reintroduced himself to Sam. Price had cautioned Sam that Thomas hadn't announced his plans to leave, and so Sam was careful to greet Thomas cordially without too much familiarity.

Price paraded his brother proudly from the kitchen to the servant's hall, introducing him to the rest of the staff. He saved Lily for last, having also warned Sam that no one knew all the details of their past.

"I've seen your younger sister recently," Sam said, kissing Lily's cheek. "She's as nice as I remember."

"She's certainly the nicer of the two of us," Lily said, leaning into the kiss politely.

"All of the Benham girls are lovely, no need to compare one to the other," Price said before guiding Sam to the table.

Thomas appeared in the doorway with Kait, and all eyes turned toward them. Thomas lead Kait in with a similar look of pride to Price's. Kait had bleached her brown bob a silvery blonde, and her dress was so lovely that it made her look like she was lost on her way upstairs to spend tea with the family. "This is my friend Kait Christian," Thomas said, introducing her to Miss Baxter first.

The kitchen staff stepped into the hallway, watching Thomas and Kait curiously.

"I've never heard him mention someone by that name in all these years," Daisy whispered to Mrs. Patmore.

"Maybe he didn't want us to think he had any friends," Mrs. Patmore whispered back.

"What'd be the purpose of that?" Ellie asked.

Mrs. Patmore shrugged. "He likes to keep a certain mystery about himself, I suppose. How much do any of us know about him?"

"Enough now to want to know more," Ellie said with a grin.

"Well, you can both eavesdrop when you serve tea. Back to it," she said, pointing a wooden spoon toward the kitchen.

The staff selected their seats at the table. Sam sat next to Price, across from Thomas and Kait. Kait looked back and forth between the brothers, then whispered something to Thomas. He rolled his eyes and poured Kait's tea, not responding to whatever she whispered.

Lily slid into the chair next to Kait. She handed her cup past Kait for Thomas to fill. "So," she said with a cheery smile, "how do you two know each other?"

Kait returned the smile and passed the cup back once it was full. "We met through a friend, nothing exciting I'm afraid."

"And what do you do, Kait?" Lily asked, stirring her tea. "It doesn't look like you're in service like the rest of us."

Price frowned at Lily from across the table and wished he was close enough to kick her foot.

"Photography," Kait answered brightly. "You're very pretty, by the way. I bet you photograph beautifully."

Lily looked down at her teacup, the next question she'd wanted to ask seeming inappropriate after the compliment.

"Photography, really?" Mr. Molesley asked. "What kind? Journalism?"

"Different kinds over the years, but right now I'm focusing on editorials as well as some personal projects. I actually hoped I could take a few pictures of some of you while I was here."

"Unfortunately, the staff doesn't have that kind of time, Miss. Christian," Mr. Carson said, cutting off the chatter that started when Kait mentioned taking the staff's pictures.

"May I take some of them working, then?"

Mrs. Hughes chuckled and patted Mr. Carson's hand. "Let us see how things go after tea."

"Down, girl," Thomas whispered to Kait. He looked across the table to Sam. "How's our other guest this afternoon?"

"I'm well, thank you. It's nice to finally see all the faces I've read about in David's letters."

"He writes about us?" Mr. Molesley asked.

Sam looked to Price for silent direction whether it was alright to respond. "Naturally," Sam said slowly. "He's with you all every day, you're his life. So when he writes to me about his life, of course, it includes all of you."

"What do you know about us?" Mrs. Hughes asked.

Sam looked at Price again, then to Mrs. Hughes. "Well, ma'am, I know you're very kind to David. So's everyone. Especially you," he said as Daisy set down a fresh plate of bread.

Price pushed his thumb into Sam's thigh under the table.

"You remind him of our dear cousin. Like family," Sam added quickly. "And he enjoys games with you," Sam said to Mr. Molesley.

"What does he say about me?" Thomas asked with a tight grin.

"Well… that he's learned a great deal from you, and he's thankful for it," Sam answered. He let the conversation change to other topics, and leaned into Price's ear to whisper, "you said people shouldn't know he's leaving, but that sounded like he was setting me up to say something."

"He's just cheeky," Price whispered back, keeping his chin down. "Worse than Lily."

"What a pair to work with."

"Yes, but you're taking half the pair soon."

"I wanted to talk about that. Are you sure he's sure? I really need the help."

Price covered his mouth in case Thomas was reading lips. "I'm sure he's sure."

"If it doesn't work out I'm making you quit to help me instead."

Price laughed. "Shh. I said I'm sure. Don't you trust your big brother?"

Sam nodded. "Implicitly."

"Nothing to fear then."

"Will he be that cheeky when he's at the shop?"

Price saw Mr. Carson take notice of the whispering. "Yes. Now stop talking about it."

The staff settled into their work after tea, and Kait fetched her camera. Mrs. Hughes gave Kait permission to take a few photographs, and Kait went straight to the kitchen. Eric told her how interesting he found Mrs. Patmore, and Kait wanted to know more, and get a few pictures along with the stories.

Sam followed Thomas to corner of the servant's hall, where Thomas's ashtray was waiting. "Have you given your notice?" Sam asked quietly.

"Not yet. I will."

"Might I ask what's keeping you? I don't mean to appear too eager, but, well, I'm extremely eager," Sam said with a laugh that sounded exactly like Price's when he was nervous.

Thomas rolled his cigarette between his fingers and thought over his options. "Tomorrow. I'll give it tomorrow."

"That's a huge relief," Sam sighed. He took a cigarette from his waistcoat and lit it. "Do you need somewhere to stay for a while? Our home is yours for as long as you need it."

Thomas wasn't sure why Sam's smoking surprised him, but he was a bit taken aback by both the smoking and the generous offer. "Thank you, but if I'm to strike out on my own, I should truly do it on my own. You're already giving me the job."

"You earned yourself the job, and I'm the one who's lucky to have you. Please, I need to keep you happy. Just let me know. We have a spare room ready at any time."

Price joined Thomas and Sam and waved his hand in the air to clear the smoke.

Thomas raised his eyebrows at Sam. "Worried I'll run in the other direction once I'm under your employ?"

Sam chuckled while exhaling. "Not if I have you locked up in my house."

Price wrinkled his nose. "What in God's name are you talking about over here?"

"Business, brother," Sam said, holding his cigarette away from Price. "Why was Lily testing Kait during tea?"

Price shrugged. "I think she's sweet on Thomas, and she probably thinks Kait's her competition."

"Oh, she is not," Thomas scoffed.

Sam nodded. "I've been here for an hour and I can tell Lily's sweet on you. You're not interested?"

Thomas took in a breath and smiled. "She's not quite my type."

Sam nudged Price. "She wasn't David's, either."

"Stop it."

"He's just stating a fact," Thomas noted.

Price closed his eyes. "Don't you both gang up on me, please. At least wait until you've been working together a while."

Kait interrupted the trio and waved her hand at Price and Sam. "Stand together."

"We are standing together," Price replied.

"Closer."

Price and Sam each took a sideways step toward one another. Sam bumped his hip against Price's and they both laughed, and Kait released the shutter.

"We weren't ready yet!" Price protested.

"I know," Kait said with a smile. "Now, Thomas and David together," she said, waving Sam away. "I like taking photographs of friends," she added when Thomas gave her a look.

Thomas reluctantly took Sam's spot next to Price. He checked the room and saw only Miss Baxter seemed to be watching.

"Don't look so gloomy," Kait told them both. "You are friends, aren't you?"

Price's heart raced, giddy over the idea of receiving a copy of the picture from Kait; a keepsake until he could be with Thomas every day again. He looked straight into Kait's camera. "Of course we are. Smile, Mr. Barrow."

Thomas chuckled and looked down at Price out of the corner of his eye, and Kait released the shutter again.

"I wasn't ready that time," Thomas whined.

"I know," Kait repeated, then left to see if Mr. Carson would allow her to take his picture.

Mr. Carson gave an outright "no", but Mrs. Hughes said she would enjoy a picture of the two of them together, and Mr. Carson relented. Kait snapped a picture while Mrs. Hughes fixed Mr. Carson's tie, then one of them side by side, Mrs. Hughes beaming and Mr. Carson trying to resist giving a full smile. Mr. Carson let Kait stay until it was time to ring the gong, and then told both guests it was time for Thomas and Price to return to work.

On their way out, Thomas pulled Sam aside to promise he would give his notice the following day. Price pulled Kait aside as well, and said something Thomas couldn't hear, but that made Kait jump and clap her hands together. Price put his finger to his lips and they both smiled, and then he helped Kait into her overcoat.

"What were you talking about?" Thomas asked as they both headed upstairs.

"Big secrets," Price said with a smirk.

Lily pushed past Thomas and Price on the narrow stairs. "My Lady is waiting. Out of the way please, gentlemen."

"My Lord is waiting, but you don't see me pushing and running."

"Perhaps I'm more dedicated to my craft," Lily replied, then climbed the steps quickly, leaving Thomas and Price far behind. She slowed before reaching Lady Mary's room and checked her posture, then knocked lightly.

Lady Mary was pacing between two dresses lad out on her bed, not sure which to choose for the evening. Two decent and eligible bachelors were coming for dinner, and she knew one would like the dress on the left and the other, the right.

"What do you think, Miss Benham?"

Lily looked each dress over carefully. "They're both lovely, but the emerald green gown I ordered for you arrived. I hung it up this morning. Since you're so torn, maybe go with option three?"

"I didn't realize it arrived so quickly. Let's have a look, then."

Lily fetched the gown from Lady Mary's wardrobe. She held it out, turning it back to front and back again.

Lady Mary approached the dress with mouth agape. She ran her fingers over the black embroidered beads on the bodice. "I don't remember it looking like this in the picture."

"I had a few adjustments made to better suit you. The neckline is rounded instead of the v-shaped, the back plunges further, and the beading is more intricate. I hope you don't mind my taking the liberty."

"Of course I don't mind, just look at it," Lady Mary replied, stroking the delicate shoulder straps. "You have quite the eye," she said, looking up from the dress to Lily.

"It's my job to have an eye, my Lady," Lily said humbly.

Lady Mary slipped off her robe so Lily could start the process of dressing her for the evening. "My sister should take advantage while you're with us. She's been getting more and more matronly in her gown selection. Frock selection, more like it."

Lily smiled up at Lady Mary as she helped her into her stockings. "I thought she looked quite nice on her last visit."

Lady Mary tilted her head to the side. "I suppose. I don't know, I think I'm made to simply dislike everything she does, down to her choice in clothing."

"I have a sister like that, too. We spent so much time together, and I thought it was out of obligation. Then I left to work, and I realized the time I spent with her was because I actually liked her company."

"I don't think I've ever liked my sister's company," Lady Mary said, raising her arms so Lily could help her into her gown. "I might miss her being around a bit, though. Don't share that, please. I'd never admit to saying it, anyhow."

Lily nodded and handed Lady Mary her evening gloves. "What you say is kept private, my Lady."

"I trust you're telling the truth, you don't seem like the type to tell. How are you fitting in downstairs, anyhow? Are the other women being kind to you?"

"Oh, yes," Lily said, clasping Lady Mary's bracelet for her. "I talk to the male staff a bit more than the female staff, but the women are nice as well."

"Which male staff?" Lady Mary asked with a playful smile.

Lily stood behind Lady Mary and clasped her necklace. "You share your secrets, so I'll share one with you." She stepped in front of Lady Mary and leaned toward her. "David and I were engaged once."

Lady Mary's jaw dropped for the second time that evening. "Who here knows besides me?"

"I've gotten the impression that David told Mr. Barrow."

"Oh dear, that's the last person he should tell."

"Why's that, my Lady?"

Lady Mary turned to her mirror and admired her new gown. "Barrow enjoys his gossip. So do I, so I'm not throwing stones, I just wouldn't trust him with information I didn't wish to spread like wildfire."

"He's a bit spiky, but not untrustworthy. You know him better than I do, though."

"I'd hate to call him untrustworthy. Let's say, meddlesome."

"Well that I'd believe."

Lady Mary turned back to Lily. "So those are your friends in the male staff? Your former fiance, which I need to hear every detail about when you're back here tonight, and Barrow?"

"I'd rather Mr. Barrow's friendship over David's, but yes to both."

"Most people don't like Mr. Barrow so quickly."

Lily smiled, looking at the ground as she pictured Thomas. "Enough people like him. He had a visitor earlier. I think it might have been his girlfriend."

Lady Mary covered her mouth with the back of her hand as she fought off a laugh. "I'm not sure who visited Barrow, but I promise it wasn't his girlfriend."

"No?" Lily asked, perplexed by Lady Mary's laughter.

"I don't think it's for me to say."

"This is a private conversation, it won't leave these walls."

Lady Mary smiled and twisted on the ball of her foot as she prepared her response. "Barrow isn't... fond of women in that way."

Lily laughed and put her hands to her cheeks. "Why didn't anyone warn me? Does the staff know?"

"I'm certain they know."

Lily put her hands on her hips. "You know, I think David tried to tell me politely, but I thought he meant Mr. Barrow was spoken for by another woman. Now I'm very curious who David meant when he said Mr. Barrow wasn't eligible."

"I have an idea, but don't know for sure."

"Who?"

"A friend of Lady Edith's," Lady Mary whispered.

Lily gasped. "A friend of the family, how naughty!"

"You don't approve of the staff mixing with the guests that way?"

"Do you?"

Lady Mary sat at the vanity to touch up her powder. "I do for Barrow, at least. I've known him a long time, and heard rumors of many rejections. I like the idea of him having a little fun, guest or otherwise."

"That's quite modern of you."

"You don't feel the same?"

Lily hung Lady Mary's robe. "I think I'm still surprised, that's all."

There was a knock on the door, and Lady Grantham summoned Lady Mary for dinner. "Is everything alright?"

"We were just chatting," Lady Mary said, rising from the vanity. "And we have more chatting to do later tonight," she reminded Lily.

"Yes, my Lady," Lily said, smiling as she hung the unwanted gowns.

After picking up the room a bit, Lily gathered some necklaces that needed cleaning and headed for the servant's hall. Price passed her on his way to the dining room, and she whispered for him to stop.

"What's with the smile?" Price asked.

"You could've told me the whole truth when I asked about Mr. Barrow. Lady Mary just explained why I'd never have a chance."

"Sorry," Price said, pulling on his gloves for dinner service. "You seemed to enjoy flirting, so who was I to take that away from you."

"He seemed to be flirting back."

"He does that."

Lily pushed a loose curl from her forehead and huffed. "If only there were other handsome, eligible men in the staff."

"Thank you, Lily."

Lily tipped up her chin and smiled. "Well, you made it abundantly clear that regardless of your eligibility, you weren't interested."

"Maybe you're just aiming too low," Price said, adjusting his gloves at the wrists. "Mr. Branson is single."

"Don't think I haven't noticed," Lily said with an exaggerated wink.

Price looked over Lily's shoulder as Mr. Molesley entered the hall. "Time for work, at least for me. If I get a chance, I'll whisper something to Mr. Branson about your interest."

"Yes, please. That has no chance of going awry."

Lily gave a little wave as Price fell in step with Mr. Molesley.


When Thomas returned to room C that evening, Price was lying on his bed in his pajamas, halfway through the latest novel on loan from Thomas.

"When exactly do I get to be your valet?" Thomas asked, taking the novel from Price's hands.

"When you stop coming back so late."

"What would you have me do? Tell Lord Grantham I have to get back to my room because my man's waiting for me to undress him, too?"

Price stole the book back from Thomas. "That, or you could feign illness."

"Or," Thomas said, pinching Price's waist, "you could wait for me."

Price hit Thomas's hand lightly with the book. "I need to go to bed early, I promised to meet Marie for a walk early."

"May I come?"

Price looked down and flipped through the book to find where he left off. "I'd rather it be just be me and her. Sorry."

"Paying me back for not sharing the details of my visit with my sister?"

Price found his page and looked up. "No, I wouldn't do that."

"Don't look offended, I was teasing. I took my sister to see a doctor."

"Is everything alright?"

"I think it will be, with time. It was a good visit. She left satisfied."

Price leaned forward and kissed Thomas's cheek. "You're so sweet about her."

"Hmm, well, I have to be, I have making up to do."

"I bet she doesn't feel that way."

Thomas tapped the book. "How are you liking it?"

Price beamed. "I'm loving it! I've never read anything that took place in Australia. Is that a place you've ever been with the family?"

Thomas kissed Price's forehead. "I've been less places than you think."

"You're more worldly than I am," Price said. He began reading again as Thomas stood to undress.

Thomas watched Price while he prepared for bed. "You're squinting," he observed. "Have you ever had your eyes checked?"

"Am I? No, I haven't. I do get headaches sometimes when I read, though."

"Then you should get an exam. I can make you an appointment."

"Taking everyone to the doctor, then?"

Thomas shrugged a shoulder. "Everyone I love, I suppose."

Once ready for bed, Thomas picked a book from the three most recent ones Eric sent, and then sat at the foot of Price's bed. He placed Price's feet his lap and held his book in one hand, rubbing Price's foot in the other. After finishing the first chapter, he looked up to find Price asleep, his book face down on his chest. Thomas smiled, then switched hands, rubbing Price's other foot. He finished two chapters, then put Price's feet back on the bed carefully, placed both books on the nightstand, and put out the lantern.


Price found excuses to hover in the drawing room during an afternoon visit from Lady Edith. He hoped for a chance to pull her aside quietly and ask about a job. It was a risk to his current position to show interest in something entirely different, but he trusted Lady Edith. He was out of patience waiting for Eric, as he could no longer bare the look of disappointment on Thomas's face every time moving to London was discussed.

It was harder to find privacy in the London house than at Downton, including upstairs. Price couldn't even hope to find Lady Edith alone after the gong was rung, since she was sharing a room with Lady Mary to dress for dinner. Before going through to the dining room, Price whispered to Lady Edith that he wanted a moment of her time if she could spare it. Lady Edith told him to meet her by the stairs after the family went up, and she would find an excuse to stay behind so they could talk.

Price spent dinner service going back and forth between thinking it was a great idea to take Thomas's advice and talk to Lady Edith, and an absolutely terrible one. He wondered if he wasn't being impulsive, thinking Eric deserved more time that a couple months to reveal a plan. He finally decided he would simply ask the question of Lady Edith, and hoped the answer was the one he needed.

Price noticed during dinner that Lady Edith looked more tired during her visit than she had before moving to London, and felt guilty keeping her from sleep. "We can talk in the morning," Price said when they met by the stairs in the foyer, noting the purple circles under Lady Edith's eyes.

"I probably won't sleep even when my head's on the pillow," Lady Edith said with a quick blink and a smile. "What did you need?"

Price's nerves were evident on his face, and Lady Edith instinctively mirrored his look of concern. Price smiled with his lips, but his eyes still had a look of pain. "This is difficult to discuss, and please, feel no obligation to respond. I simply ask that you keep whatever is said between the two of us."

"Yes, yes, of course I will," Lady Edith said, taking a step toward Price.

Price swallowed and took slow breaths. He finally spoke quickly before he could change his mind. "My Lady, I'm wondering if your magazine might be in need of an illustrator. If so, I wondered if that person could be me."

Lady Edith gave Price a look he couldn't mistake for anything but pity. "Oh, David. I'm so sorry, I wish I had the budget for another full-time illustrator. If I did, you would be the first person I asked. For now we have one on staff, and we're commissioning other work. I could have you do another commission, if you'd like."

Price nodded, but couldn't get his lips to smile. "Yes, I probably should have known that was the case. Please forgive me for taking your time."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the sorry one, I truly wish I had an opening. Do you have any interest in doing another piece at least?"

Price shook his head. "I'm sure you have many capable artists already at your disposal. You did me the favor of letting me draw for you. I let myself get carried away with the fantasy of doing it for a living."

Lily entered the foyer on her way to help Lady Mary and stopped by the entrance. Lady Edith waved her in. "I was just catching up with David on some things I missed since moving away. Thank you, David. I have more to say on this topic, but I should head up now."

Price left the foyer before Lily could ask any questions and headed straight to his room. He took out his stationary set from his suitcase and penned a quick letter to Eric, then crumpled it and decided a telegram the next morning would be best. Minutes later, a telephone call was the only option, and it had to happen that moment. He requested Mr. Carson's permission and called Eric's boarding house. He dialed every number but the last, then grunted and hung up, slamming the receiver.

Price passed through the kitchen on his way back to his room. He asked Daisy for some kind of treat he could take with him. She filled a kitchen towel with biscuits intended for the next day's tea and handed them over, asking quietly if he was alright as the towel passed hands. He nodded and thanked her, then grabbed a glass of water and went to room C.

Thomas finished with Lord Grantham even later than the previous nights, and expected Price to be in his pajamas and under the covers. Instead, Price sat on the floor between the beds, his back against Thomas's bed frame. He has a biscuit halfway into his mouth as Thomas opened the door.

Thomas noted the towel laid on the ground, half a dozen biscuits on top. "Are you having a late night picnic?"

Price brushed crumbs from his chest and took a sip of water. "This is instead of alcohol."

Thomas sat on the floor by Price. "Dare I ask?"

"I took your advice," Price started. He hung his head, unable to continue without breaking down.

"Easy," Thomas said, petting Price's knee. "What advice was that?"

"I talked with Lady Edith," Price replied without looking up. "Unfortunately, she has no budget for another full time illustrator."

Thomas put his arm around Price's shoulders and pulled him close. "Then we have to find a way for the other illustrator to meet an unfortunate demise."

Price laughed into Thomas's shoulder, then sniffled. "Really, though. You thought it was such a sure thing. Now what will I do?"

"You said Eric had an idea."

"But I haven't heard from him about it."

"Then you'll give him some more time," Thomas said. He ran his fingers through Price's hair slowly. "All isn't lost."

Price felt around on the floor for the towel, then grabbed a biscuit. He bit off half, and held the other to Thomas's lips. Thomas bit the biscuit from Price's fingers, then kissed Price's cheek while he chewed.

Price sniffled again and wiped his lip. "Now would be a good time to play valet."

"While you're sad, crying, and eating biscuits off of the floor?"

"I could use a pick me up, don't you agree?"

Thomas began to untie Price's bowtie. "If you insist," he purred.

"Wait," Price said, putting his hand over Thomas's. "You've had to do this so many times for other people. Why don't I be your valet?"

"And then we'll switch off?"

"No. Let's make tonight about you."

Thomas followed Price's direction to stand. Price carried the lantern from the nightstand to the dresser and placed it close to the mirror, turning it down to a low glow. He called Thomas to him and ran his hands down Thomas's jacket lapels.

"So tell me, how may I assist you this evening, Lord Barrow?"

Thomas laughed bashfully and looked at the floor. "Don't be silly, David."

"So just Mr. Barrow tonight?"

"Stop it," Thomas laughed, nearly giggling.

"Why does that embarrass you?"

Thomas chewed his bottom lip to stop smiling. "I'm not sure, it's just funny for you to call me those things."

"I call you Mr. Barrow all day."

"Not when it's just us. Anyway, you don't have to actually be my valet. Just undress me so we can move on to other things."

"But the undressing is the fun part," Price said with a sweet smile. He started with Thomas's accessories, removing his pocket watch from his waistcoat, then each onyx cufflink. He took Thomas's jacket and waistcoat, and stopped Thomas as Thomas's hands went to his braces. "This is my duty. Let me tend to you."

"Fine, fine, go ahead."

Price slipped his fingers under Thomas's braces at the shoulders. "It's hard not to wrap my hands around these and pull you to the bed."

"Why are you resisting?"

"Because," Price said, taking Thomas's braces off his shoulders, "you know, romance. For once!"

"I'll believe it when I see it."

Price unfastened and removed Thomas's collar, then loosened his tie, pulling it carefully over Thomas's head to avoid messing his hair. He petted a few rogue hairs back into place, then unbuttoned Thomas's shirt, keeping eye contact as his hands made their way from the button at Thomas's throat to the one by his trousers. He held Thomas's gloved hand next. "Off or on?"

"Off," Thomas said. He held his hand out, wrist facing up, so Price could unfasten the button at the bottom of his glove.

Price slipped off the glove and laid it on the dresser, then kissed Thomas's hand. "You know, if my hand were in a glove all day it would be clammy. How is your hand always so soft and dry?"

"Because I wash my hands periodically. Is that not something you do throughout the day?"

Price untucked Thomas's shirt from his waistband. "Now now, Mr. Barrow, you don't have to be cheeky." He removed Thomas's shirt and put it with his jacket and waistcoat, all on hangers hung from pegs on the wall. He returned and ran his fingertips up and down Thomas's forearms, tickling the soft skin by the inside of his elbows.

"That isn't something I would customarily do for Lord Grantham."

"Arm tickles?"

"Usually not, no."

Price pulled Thomas's wrist to his lips and kissed the underside of his arm, all the way to the sleeve of his undershirt. "What about that?"

"Usually not."

"You smell as good as you taste."

"I probably wouldn't say that, either."

Price helped Thomas out of his undershirt, letting him pull it over his head. He let Thomas unbutton his trousers as well, then pulled them to Thomas's ankles, pulling his underwear along with them. Thomas stepped out of both and watched as Price hung his trousers on the wall. Price turned back and admired Thomas standing by the dresser, freed from all of his clothing except his socks and garters.

"What about these? Do I take care of these myself?"

Price knelt in front of Thomas and rested his cheek on Thomas's thigh as he removed the last bits of clothing. He looked up at Thomas while trailing his fingers from Thomas's ankle to the back of his knee. "You don't take care of a thing. Now that you're undressed, what else can I do for you, Lord Barrow? Comb your hair? Help with a shave? Lay at your clothing for tomorrow?"

Thomas both hands through Price's hair, pushing it back from Price's forehead. He guided Price's head to his hips.

"Oh, I see. Are you sure you wouldn't rather a romantic massage? Let me rub you down from your temples to your toes?"

Thomas held himself near Price's lips. "That sounds lovely, but so does this."

"Lay on your bed."

Thomas groaned, then followed direction, lying face down when Price corrected him.

Price grabbed a bottle from his drawer and stood beside the bed. "Oil," he explained when Thomas gave him a curious look. "It was for Valentine's Day but let's not wait." He dripped a generous amount onto his palm, then rubbed hands together while Thomas settled in and closed his eyes. Price started with Thomas's neck, rubbing in long strokes from Thomas's ears to his shoulders, adjusting the pressure when he felt knots caused by long days of labor and short nights of sleep on weak pillows. Thomas gasped as Price reached a tight spot deep along his shoulder blade, telling Price to keep going despite the pain. After an uncomfortable minute of kneading, the knot relented, and Thomas moaned into his pillow as Price's fingers slid easily along the same spot.

"I might fall asleep," Thomas murmured after Price fixed several more spots Thomas hadn't even realized hurt so badly until Price found them.

"That would be a compliment. Relax, love."

"No one's ever spent this much time massaging my back before."

Price added more oil to his palm and let it get warm before rubbing Thomas's lower back. "I still have the rest of your back, and all of your limbs, fingers, and toes."

"There's no way I'll stay awake."

"You don't need to."

Thomas sunk into sleep somewhere between Price rubbing his calves and his ankles. He awoke for a moment when Price nudged him to turn over, and moved his limbs slowly and clumsily as Price helped him under the covers. Price sat on the edge of the bed and took Thomas's hand in his own, rubbing it from wrist to fingertips, pulling and stretching each finger, one at a time. Thomas began to fall asleep again as Price rubbed his forearm, more tension he hadn't noticed melting away.

Thomas woke up a final time as Price pulled back the covers and set his warm lips on Thomas, followed by his tongue. Thomas's hands felt too heavy to even hold Price's hair, and he lay still, moaning softly, flexing his fingers and toes as Price took him all the way into his mouth. Every part of Thomas tingled, the mix of pleasure and drowsiness making Price's licking feel like an exquisite dream. He relaxed when his orgasm coursed through his body, rather than tensing like usual, and he thought he may open his eyes to find himself floating somewhere above the room. He sighed as Price kissed his hips and stomach, then laid the covers back over him, patting Thomas's cheek before stepping away.

Thomas rolled his head to the side in the direction he thought Price may have gone. "I gave Mr. Carson my notice today," he whispered.

Price came back to the bedside and knelt on the floor. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were upset, and then all this," Thomas replied, groping for Price's hand.

"How did he take it?"

"He was surprised," Thomas said, raising his eyebrows, recalling Mr. Carson's expression. "He didn't have much to say, really, since he was taken aback. I promised to help him find a suitable footman. You'll need to train whoever we find, if you're still around."

"Did you tell Lord Grantham?"

"No," Thomas replied after yawning. "I told Mr. Carson I'll start sharing the news after Valentine's Day. I'm not ready for whatever cockahoop there may be over it. Or maybe I'm just not prepared if there's no cockahoop because nobody cares."

"They'll care, Thomas."

"Doesn't matter either way. Things can be normal a few days longer while longer before I really let change unfold. Are you going to get in this bed so we can go to sleep?"

"I'm still dressed, Lord Barrow."

"Fix that and get in here."

"Whatever you require, m'Lord," Price said. He kissed Thomas's shoulder and undressed quickly, but when he finished Thomas was back asleep, sprawled across the small bed. Price brought the lantern back to the nightstand and let it burn, laying on his side in his own bed, watching Thomas sleep until he took one last blink, falling asleep himself.


Valentine's were saved for the last post of the day. Mrs. Hughes arranged them neatly in a box sorted by recipient, and Mr. Carson passed them out at the beginning of the servant's tea, starting with the kitchen staff, and then went around the table. He handed six envelopes to Thomas next, and continued around the table, with three for Lily, a few for each hallboy and house maid, and so on, saving Price for last. He handed Price the box with all remaining cards.

Mr. Molesley looked into the box. "Are those all for you?"

Price blushed and put the box on the floor by his feet. "Seems that way."

"How many were in there?" Thomas asked, looking quickly under the table.

"A dozen at least," Mr. Molesley replied.

Lily tapped her spoon on her saucer and arranged her cards with her other hand. "And here I was excited to get three."

Thomas stood and nodded to Lily and Miss Baxter. "While David's reading his dozen Valentine's, we ought to get everyone ready for their outing so we can all get ready for ours."

"Are you coming with us after all, Mr. Barrow?" Miss Baxter asked.

"No," Thomas answered, pulling Lily's chair out as she stood. "I meant our separate outings. Where did you all decide to go?"

"Ice skating," Daisy said, standing in front of Thomas to clear his plate. "Then back here for a special supper. You're missing out."

Thomas smiled at Daisy. "Oh, I think I'll be alright."

"Where are you going?" Daisy asked Thomas as she stacked other plates on his.

"Kait and I have plans," Thomas replied.

"And what were your plans again, David?" Lily asked.

Price handed Daisy his plate. "To watch Sam's children as I said before, why?"

"I'd forgotten, that's all."

Price gave Lily a skeptical look before excusing himself to go get ready.

Thomas met Price in room C once Lord Grantham was dressed for the evening. He dressed himself, then sifted through the box of Price's Valentines. "Aren't you going to open them?"

Price scooped the cards from the box and tossed them onto his bed. "They're probably all from Daisy."

"One's from me."

"Well yes, I hope you sent me a Valentine."

Thomas sorted through his cards, deciding which to open first. "And I got you a gift."

"I got you a little something, too," Price said, opening the top dresser drawer.

"No, let's open our cards first," Thomas said, sitting on his bed as he selected the first card to open.

Price sat on his bed and picked a random card, reading it quickly before moving on to the next. He looked up when he heard a chuckle from Thomas.

"I assume this one is from you," Thomas said.

"What does it say?"

"The outside says, 'You remind me of a warm summer day'," Thomas began, showing Price the front of the card, which had a picture of a beach. "And inside it says, 'because you make me very sweaty'."

Price smiled and opened another card. "That could be from anyone." He looked up a moment later when Thomas laughed again.

"This one is definitely from you."

"How do you know?"

"Because the outside is blank, and the inside says nothing. It's just a drawing of a penis with a heart next to it."

Price giggled and opened another card.

Thomas clicked his tongue. "You're lucky I didn't open these downstairs."

"I knew you wouldn't. That's not just any penis, it's yours."

Thomas looked closer at the drawing. "So it is."

"It's my form of poetry."

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Enough cards," Price said, pushing the letters to the side. "Can we trade gifts now?"

Thomas opened one of his designated drawers in the dresser and took out two packages for Price. "Like I said, just a little something. I'll pay for everything this evening, that's the rest of your gift."

"Everything?" Price asked as he accepted the boxes. "How many things are we doing?"

"I just mean the night's on me."

"I don't mind splitting it."

"Well I do. Open your gifts.

Price opened the top box and chuckled. "You remembered I said that I liked cigars, eh?"

"It's really more a gift for me. I want to watch you smoke them."

"Naughty."

"The other's definitely for you."

Price placed the second box on the dresser and opened it, revealing a pocket watch tucked carefully into folded tissue paper. He lifted it with delicate fingers. "This is beautiful. It has to be at least fifty years old."

"It is. It was my grandfather's."

Price looked up from the watch with wide eyes. "And you're giving it to me?"

"I have your father's ring, and now you have my grandfather's watch. It was mother's father's, and I liked him very much. Jennie's been hanging onto it for me for safe keeping all these years. I had her bring it when she was here."

"I didn't think I'd ever like a gift more than my necklace, but you've outdone yourself. I can't even cry, I'm so touched that I'm stunned."

"Come here, you," Thomas said, grabbing Price's cheeks, planting a hard kiss against Price's lips. "I can't wait to get you out tonight. Give me your gift so we can hit the town."

Price opened his drawer in the dresser. "It seems a little inappropriate in light of your gift."

"I love inappropriate gifts from you."

"Then you'll love this," Price said, handing Thomas a thick envelope.

Thomas opened the envelope and pulled out a short stack of photographs. He flipped through them quickly once, then examined each slowly, one by one. They were of Price in various states of undress and arousal, clearly taken in Kait's living room with natural sunlight from her large windows. Thomas also recognized the wingback chair of Kait's that Price reclined on in two of the images.

"You're absolutely right. I love these. When did you have time for them?"

"When I told you I was going for a walk with Marie."

"I'm so glad I didn't push you on that matter. I'm sure Kait thought of this as a gift for her, too."

"Let's just say I only asked for one picture, and she insisted on all of these. She dropped them off just yesterday while you were running errands."

Thomas sat on the bed and looked through the pictures again. "You are such a beautiful man, David."

"Look who's talking. You can familiarize yourself with them later, let's get going."

"I need a minute before we can get going."

"Ooh. You do like them."

Thomas handed Price the pictures to put away safely. "I plan to become quite familiar with those, indeed."

"One little thing," Price said as he closed the dresser drawer. "I was hoping now that you have these pictures of me, you don't need that picture of Eric."

Thomas adjusted his trousers. "I'd forgotten I had it."

"Liar," Price said, smacking Thomas's bottom.

"Truly. I don't see him that way anymore, and I haven't thought about that picture in a while."

"Well, I don't care if you're lying. I like hearing you say that."

Thomas checked his watch. "Are you ready?"

"I was ready five minutes ago."

"Then let's go, shall we?" Thomas asked with a grin. He helped Price into his overcoat and then put on his own. "Are we leaving at the same time, or is that too suspicious?"

"Five minutes apart. Chat with Lily for a while, she'll like that. Meet you on the corner by the bakery."

"Will you be eating biscuits while you wait?"

"I hadn't thought of that, but maybe."

Thomas went downstairs first and joined Lily in the kitchen. She was looking on while Daisy dipped formed balls of caramel in chocolate. Daisy told Thomas he couldn't have any since he wasn't spending the evening with the rest of them, which prompted Lily to take one and chew it with a smile while Thomas pretended to pout.

Price left while Thomas was engaged in the kitchen. He leaned against a lamp post by the bakery, which was still open despite being past the typical closing hour. People rushed in and out for last minute treats for their sweethearts, young and old, male and female. The warm atmosphere inside the bakery could be felt through the windows, and Price was too tempted not to go inside. He entered behind a young man who looked panic-stricken. The young man looked back at him and admitted that he had no idea what to buy for a first date. Price learned after chatting that it was the young man's first date ever. He helped the stranger select a box of treats that no one could possibly dislike, then helped a woman struggling to balance her boxes while opening the door to leave. He liked the buzz and business of the bakery, and for a moment wondered if he was making a mistake not working in a shop like his brother. He didn't have time to think about the subject much longer, as Thomas tapped him on the shoulder and led him back out to the street.

They walked several blocks to a bus terminal, and Price followed Thomas onto a bus without asking questions. He looked at all the couples holding hands and tried to be happy for them, rather than his usual jealousy for not being able to hold Thomas's hand so boldly. He looked down at Thomas's hand and imagined the warmth of Thomas's palm against his. He noticed Thomas's glove was slightly different than his others, including the button closure, which was mother-of-pearl.

"A gift from my sister for helping her," Thomas explained when he noticed Price's eyes on his hand. "She's trying to get back into sewing."

"It's nice."

"I'll tell her you said so."

The bus came to a stop at a busy intersection, and Price followed Thomas through a throng of couples until they reached quieter side streets. Price looked left and right into shop windows, then stopped under a large poster plastered to a brick wall. It said "Australia" in capital letters, with colorful images of a beach, trees, animals, and a city skyline.

"I read your book, and now there's this poster. Australia is calling to me."

"That's quite the trek from England, don't you think?"

"Would you go with me?"

Thomas rolled his eyes and continued walking. "Oh I see, we're playing pretend again?"

Price caught up with Thomas, then jumped in front of him and walked backward. He took a deep breath and blew slowly through his lips, the cold air making it so he could see his breath. "Look, I'm you," he said, scowling while holding an imaginary cigarette to his lips.

"I preferred the other pretend you were playing," Thomas said, speeding up and stepping around Price. "We're almost there."

Thomas turned a corner into an ally and lead Price to a nondescript door, with no sign and just a single lamp above it. "And, now, we're here."

Price looked at the door doubtfully. Thomas knocked, and then said something quietly to the man who answered. The man looked Price over, then let the two inside. There was little light once the door shut, and nothing much to see in what light there was.

Thomas took off his hat and then removed Price's. "Have you been here before?"

"This dark, empty room? No, I can't say that I have."

Thomas smiled in the dark. He lead Price to a hallway with a coat check. He handed their hats, overcoats, and scarves to the woman behind the half door, then grabbed Price's hand.

Price jumped and pulled his hand back, looking quickly to see if the coat check woman was looking. She was, and she giggled.

"He's never been here," Thomas explained.

"What does that mean?" Price asked, looking at the woman again as Thomas took his hand a second time.

Thomas pulled Price by the hand down the rest of the hallway he'd been lead down by Eric several months before. Price stopped when he heard music, and Thomas tugged on his hand, pulling him along without looking back. They came to the curtain and Thomas squeezed Price's hand as he pulled it aside. He continued to lead Price until they were at the edge of the dance floor before looking at Price's face.

Flickering light from the stage danced on Price's face as he watched the couples on the floor, making his eyes look like they were flashing in time to the music. Thomas let Price take in the scene for a minute until he couldn't resist talking any longer.

"You promise you haven't been here?" Thomas asked loudly over the music.

Price blinked but kept his eyes on the crowd. "Never anywhere like it."

Thomas kept Price's hand in his, and cradled Price's cheek in the other.

Price's heart sped from a trot to a gallop as he looked into Thomas's eyes. He eyelids fluttered as Thomas leaned in, his legs suddenly unstable as Thomas's lips grazed his.

Thomas let his lips graze Price's cheek, and then his earlobe. "Do you want to kiss me?"

Price turned his head and caught Thomas's lips with his, kissing him quickly, over and over. He inhaled as Thomas's hands found their way to his waist, and exhaled as Thomas's tongue found its way between his lips. Thomas walked backward, pulling Price as they kissed, bumping against other bodies until they were on the dance floor. Thomas's hands felt their way to Price's shoulder and palm, and he began dancing, pulling away from the kiss as they fell in step with the music.

No words were necessary, Price thought as he looked up into Thomas's eyes, which had little smile lines gathered at the corners. Thomas looked more satisfied than when he'd gazed at the Bates's new baby, and Price felt nearly weightless being lead in time to the music while Thomas looked at him with such joyful contentment. He kissed Thomas again as the song ended, and let Thomas sweep him up again as the next song started. They danced closer to the stage, and Price looked up at the singer, who looked down at him and smiled. The singer seemed to radiate in the light between her sequin gown and jeweled headband. Maybe everything was just glowing, Price thought as he looked around. Or maybe this is just what being truly happy feels like.

"Do you want a drink?" Thomas asked when the song ended.

"You don't like it when I drink."

"That's true under certain circumstances. I don't think this is one of those times, though, do you?"

"No," Price said, standing on his toes to try and see the bar. "Only good things will come of this evening. I'd love a drink."

"A sidecar?"

"Adorable, you remembered." Price caught sight of the bar at the other end of the club. He put his arm through Thomas's and pulled him toward it.

Thomas leaned onto the bar and ordered drinks before the person beside him could order first. He nodded toward the balcony. "Want to go up there and sit while we drink?"

"Can I sit in your lap?"

Thomas laughed louder and with a bigger smile than Price had ever seen on Thomas's lips.

"What?"

"You're just funny, David," he said with another big smile.

Price took the drinks from the bartender and waited for Thomas to pay. "Thank you!" he said, raising the glasses to Thomas.

Thomas took his glass and clinked it against Price's. He took Price's hand again and brought him to the balcony, and picked a small table overlooking the dance floor. The tables were packed in tight, a glass luminary in the center of each. The balcony was mostly dark except for the luminaries, and all faces were lit mostly by the intimate little light on each table. Thomas pulled a chair out for Price, but he nodded for Thomas to sit, and then sat sideways on Thomas's lap.

Price held his glass to Thomas's lips. "Want a taste?"

"I'll taste it on your lips," Thomas said with a flirtatious grin. He kissed Price softly, then licked Price's lower lip lightly.

"Yummy?"

"Very."

Price wrapped his arm around Thomas and looked down at the busy dance floor. Many people were dressed in theme, with fabric and paper hearts and garlands pinned to suits and dresses. The lights above the dance floor slowly transitioned between colors, from red, to yellow, to blue, washing everyone in a glow of strange light. It all felt dreamlike to Price, especially while perched on Thomas's lap with no one batted an eye.

Thomas had no interest in watching the crowd. His gaze stayed on Price, watching him watch the others. He rubbed Price's knee with his gloved hand and sipped his whiskey from the other. A minute later, he looked up as the chair beside him was pulled from the table.

Eric bent at the knee so Thomas could hear him over the music. "May I sit for a minute? I won't stay long."

Price's back was to Eric, and he turned when Thomas spoke into his ear.

"Is it alright if he sits for a moment?" Thomas asked Price.

"Of course it's alright," Price said, swiveling on Thomas's lap to face Eric.

Eric pulled his chair close to the table and set his drink next to Price's. His jacket was off, collar unfastened, tie undone, and sleeves rolled high. His hair was slightly damp with sweat, and he brushed it from his forehead with the back of his hand, smiling warmly at his two friends occupying the same chair. He unpinned a felt heart from his chest and pinned it to Price's lapel. "I won't stay long. I just wanted to say hello."

"I'm not in a rush to kick you out," Price said.

"You may when I tell you who I'm here with," Eric replied. "Only here as friends, I should add." He leaned onto the table to see over the railing. "He's down there smack in the middle of the floor, dancing with anyone and everyone."

Price followed Eric's eyes, knowing exactly who he'd see dancing. Teddy was in the same state of dress as Eric, other than his braces, which he'd dropped to his thighs.

"As friends?" Thomas asked.

Eric nodded and sipped his drink. "Don't say I said anything, but I tried for more. He's not interested. I'm fine with it, it's nice to have a friend who's a friend and nothing else."

"He's making me want to dance again," Thomas said as he watched Teddy switch dance partners.

"Go dance with him," Price suggested.

Thomas balked. "Me and him?"

"Go on and do it," Price said, finishing his drink. "Take advantage while I'm on cloud nine. I'll dance with Eric, which should be amusing since he's even taller than you are."

"I haven't danced with Ted myself since getting here," Eric said, finishing his drink as well.

"We can all take a turn," Thomas said.

"Maybe not me," Price replied.

Eric stood, then took Price's hand to help him stand. "It may do you both good to have a dance together."

"We'll see how the night goes."

Teddy parted with his partner when he saw Eric approach. He took Eric's arm, then saw Thomas and Price standing beside him. He smiled at both and swallowed his disappointment that Thomas was arm in arm with Price.

"I thought maybe we could switch partners," Eric told Teddy. He held Teddy's arm out for Thomas to take, and took Price into his own.

Thomas was whisked back to New Year's once Teddy's arms were on him, the scent of Teddy's cologne and tobacco now on him as well. The same flustered, boyish feelings he'd had for Teddy during the New Year's visit were back, but Thomas accepted them for what they were. A simple crush, he told himself. He looked to his left and saw Price and Eric laughing as they tried to match steps, then looked back to Teddy, finally meeting his eyes.

"I see you're still styling your hair the way I taught you," Thomas said casually.

"Every day since leaving Downton. Do you have any of the cigarettes left that I gave you, or did you use them up right away?"

"One left."

"Saving it for a special occasion?"

Thomas looked up at the stage, needing a moment to look at something other than Teddy's azure eyes. "I didn't want to finish them all. I like having one available should I ever need to taste that tobacco again."

"Or you could have just called or written for more. You know how to contact me."

"Looks like I didn't have to, we're here together now, aren't we?"

"Yes," Teddy said, squeezing Thomas's hand. "It seems fate's done me a favor."

Thomas's cheeks grew warm, and he was a bit annoyed that flattery from a handsome man still made him blush at his age. "David's here, too. Maybe fate wants you to dance with him."

"Then fate can go suck a lemon."

Thomas laughed as hard as he'd laughed at the bar earlier.

"Heavens," Teddy said with awe, "you are so incredibly beautiful when you laugh."

"Thank you, but you may want to stop flirting. My boyfriend is right over there."

"Fate can suck a lemon about that, too."

Thomas lead Teddy to Price and Eric. "Switch," he said, letting go of Teddy as he reached for Eric's hand.

Eric gave Price a wink and handed him off to Teddy. Eric lead Thomas in a fox trot, trotting away from Price and Teddy.

Price held his hand out for Teddy to take.

"No, thank you."

"Would an apology help?" Price asked with his hand still extended.

"If I thought you'd ever mean an apology."

Price grabbed Teddy's hand pulled Teddy toward him. He waited for Teddy to position his hands to lead. They stood ready to dance, but stayed still. "I treated you poorly. You didn't deserve it. I have reasons I could explain, but I believe I know you well enough to know you'd rather not hear them. I'm sorry, Teddy."

Teddy lead Price in a slow waltz. His expression was stoic, and Price wasn't sure if Teddy had even heard him as minutes passed in silence. Teddy finally cleared his throat and looked down at Price. "It's hard to hold you this close without missing you terribly."

"We can stop."

Teddy shook his head. "I want friendships with Eric and Thomas, and that means I'm stuck with you now, too. I need to get used to it."

"There are worse people to be stuck with, surely."

"Not one who hurt me like you have."

Price sighed and looked over Teddy's shoulder. "I've never had someone dance angrily with me before."

"I'm bitter, not angry. You smell as good as ever, and it's hard to resist touching your hair to see what the new haircut feels like. It's difficult not to turn this dance into an embrace, and then into a kiss. I don't want to love you anymore, David, but clearly I can't stop."

"Are these similar to the things you've said to Thomas."

Teddy huffed. "No, I'm not in love with him. Though I could see that happening easily under different circumstances. What about you? Do you actually think you're in love with him?"

"I know I am," Price answered resolutely. "I love him dearly. If we lived in a world that was like this club, I'd have proposed to him and we'd have probably walked down the aisle by now."

"Good, then. He clearly deserves nothing less than devotion."

The song ended and Teddy let go of Price. He beckoned Eric and Thomas back, then danced away with Eric.

"Well?" Thomas asked, pulling Price close.

"Awkward, but better than I anticipated. Bare in mind, I anticipated his hands around my throat rather than my shoulder."

Teddy was glad to put distance between him and Price, but felt somewhat positive about the exchange, hoping it might be another step toward moving on. He smiled as a bead of sweat rolled from Eric's cheek, and looked down as it landed on Eric's shoulder. Something caught his eye, and he moved Eric's collar aside with his thumb. He stopped dancing and pulled his collar over further. "What is that?"

Eric touched his skin just under the collar. "Oh, that. A scratch."

Teddy pulled Eric's shirt out at the throat and looked down. He could see the top of Eric's chest, and another mark. "You call those scratches?"

"They're nothing. Why don't we get another drink, hmm?"

Teddy followed Eric to the bar, but just before they reached it, he grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to the restroom. Another man left as they entered, and Teddy pushed Eric in and locked the door. "I want to see. Tug up your shirt up."

Eric breathed quickly and deeply. "There's nothing to see."

"Then prove it."

Eric tugged his shirt from his trousers, then pulled it and his undershirt up to his ribs. He revealed no less than a dozen marks on his stomach, some healing, some relatively fresh.

"Eric, what in Heaven's name is all that?"

Eric pulled his shirt down again and held it in place. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

"No? You've been beaten, on what looks like multiple occasions, but I should go along my merry way and ignore it?"

Eric looked into Teddy's eyes silently.

"Who hurt you?" Teddy asked, stepping closer to Eric. "What happened?"

Eric laughed. "Just be glad you have no real interest in me and my twisted ways. I asked for those marks," he explained. "I paid for them," he whispered.

Teddy moved Eric's hand from his shirt and lifted it again slowly. He examined the marks lightly with the tips of his fingers. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Eric watched Teddy run his fingers over his injured flesh. "You don't need to hear about it."

"I say I do."

"I wish you could read between the lines and not make me say it."

"I would if I could, but I can't figure why you'd pay someone to hurt you."

Eric pulled down his braces and then unbuttoned and removed his shirt, revealing marks on his chest. He turned to the side and showed Teddy his back, which made his stomach look like child's play by comparison. "It's sexual, Ted."

Teddy kept his eyes on Eric's back, but wanted to look away. "God, you don't mean a prostitute, do you? To do this?"

Eric put his shirt back on and tucked it back into his trousers. "That and more."

"But why?"

"I'm sure there's some explanation, but I've yet to figure it out. Even when I was young, I misbehaved just to get paddled after school."

Teddy pictured Eric as an adolescent boy, giving himself over to a beating rather than cowering from one. He couldn't bring himself to imagine whatever Eric was doing with strange men in the night. He met Eric's eyes, and it was as if an entirely different person was looking back in light of his revelation. "I wish I could say I understand."

Eric fixed his tie and pulled his braces back over his shoulders. "I wouldn't expect you to."

"How often do you do this?"

"I used to go a few times a year, maybe every other month at most. I've been down lately. I went twice this week."

Teddy buttoned the top button of Eric's shirt and then tied his tie for him. "So it's not sexual. You're going because you feel down."

"It's both."

"No," Teddy said, taking Eric's hands in his. "Sex can't heal your heart, if that's what's hurting."

Eric rubbed his thumbs on the backs of Teddy's hands. "You know very little about what I do, or who I am, really. I want you to know more, but I probably just ruined the chances of that ever happening."

"On the contrary. I need to know more now."

"I'd rather not say more, at least not tonight. This is already more than I've ever told anyone."

Teddy hugged Eric. "Then I'll talk. The next time you're down, and want to get hurt, telephone me instead. Just try it, just once, if not for you then for me."

Someone knocked on the door, and Eric moved to open it.

Teddy blocked Eric's path and held him by the shoulders. "Will you promise to call me next time instead of calling whoever does this to you?"

"Well it's sexual, as I said, and you're not interested in me that way."

"That's a little part of whatever this is. Promise me."

Eric moved past Teddy as the knocking grew louder. "Alright, alright, I promise you, but it could be as soon as tomorrow."

"Tomorrow's fine if that's what you need. I might need a distraction myself after having to spend time cheek to cheek with David, anyhow."

Teddy took Eric to the bar and bought him the drink he promised before their talk in the restroom. He bought another per Eric's request, then another, and then deciding Eric had enough, brought him up to the balcony.

"Thomas doesn't know," Eric mumbled as Teddy took him up the spiral metal staircase.

"About your escapades?"

"Yes. I stopped going when we started sending letters back and forth. I started again when David came fully into the picture."

Teddy put his arm around Eric's shoulder as they searched for a free table. He found Thomas and Price sitting side by side, two empty chairs across from them. "Mind if we drop in?"

"Not at all," Thomas said, pushing out the chair by his side.

Teddy helped Eric into the chair and patted his shoulders. "No more dancing for him tonight, I'm afraid."

"Him, neither," Thomas said, jerking his thumb in Price's direction. Price was humming to the music with his eyes closed as he swayed slowly in his chair.

"Do you think they'll survive a few minutes if the two of us sober chaps take another turn on the dance floor?"

"Can you sit in this chair until I get back?" Thomas asked Price.

Price nodded, his head lolling as though it were too heavy for his neck.

"Keep an eye on him," Thomas told Eric before following Teddy back to the dance floor.

"I'm perfectly fine, I'd just prefer to sit a while," Eric called after them, then slid from his chair to the one Thomas had occupied. He put his elbow on the table and propped his chin up with his fist, and watched Price enjoy the music.

Price finally felt Eric's presence and opened his eyes, one at a time. "Where'd he go?"

Eric nodded his chin to the dance floor.

Price searched the faces in the crowd until he saw Thomas's glossy hair reflecting the colorful lights. "Why do they have to dance so close together?"

"That's usually a requirement for dancing."

"No. Not like that. I don't like it."

Eric leaned closer to Price. "Thomas is going home with you regardless, so what does it matter if he has a little fun on the floor?"

"Unless stupid Teddy seduces him."

"Goodness, 'stupid'? Don't let teacher catch you using that word."

"I hate him."

Eric tapped Price's nose with his knuckle. "You're adorable."

Price leaned closer to Eric. "You're not so bad, either," he said, grinning at Eric's sweaty hair and flushed cheeks.

Eric tapped Price's nose again, then patted his cheek. "The look on your face right now is the one I mistook for interest. You get a playful little gleam in your eye, and if you weren't so taken I'd think you wanted to eat me whole right now."

Price scratched his head and looked away. "That's just my face."

"Then you should be cautious of your face if you don't want people getting the wrong idea."

"I'll take your advice under consideration."

Eric rested his arm on the back of Price's chair and cocked his head. "You look like a young man I met in Switzerland. I made an excuse for a second trip just to see him again."

"You've been so many places," Price said. "I only ever traveled because the government made me, and it certainly wasn't an enjoyable experience."

A waitress stopped at the table to see if either man needed a drink. Eric cut off Price's order and asked for two glasses of water. "You can go places if that's what you want. You should go places. Take your art to new heights."

"While I climb the Swiss alps?"

"Climb whatever you want, wherever you want."

"That's a lovely fantasy, but it's a big world and I'm a very small person. I barely have the means to travel the length of England, nevermind venture across her borders."

Eric pointed to the dance floor. "You think the world is that large? Look how the four of us wound up in our strange friendship. It's like that when you leave this country, too. The more you open your heart to people, the smaller the world feels. It's not a big, imposing place, so don't be intimidated."

"Travel with what means? I suppose I could join a traveling circus, possibly something in the side show. I could learn to swallow swords, I've a bit of practice in that department."

Eric chuckled. "That's a bit crass."

"I'm a bit crass, so I've been told."

Eric kept his arm around the chair, despite wanting to move it to Price's shoulders. "If I could find a way for you to travel with me, would you do it?"

The waitress returned with water, and asked again if there was something stronger she could get them. Price reluctantly declined, then played with his water glass.

"You didn't answer me."

"How could I travel with you, even if I were interested?"

Eric let his arm go to Price's shoulder, though only to emphasize his next words. "I'm working on it, but before I go any further, I need to know. Would you travel with me for six months? A year? It'd put a flame under your art career if you illustrated a series of stories, not just a column here or there."

Price turned away from Eric and looked at the dance floor.

"Thomas would wait for you," Eric said, knowing exactly what Price was thinking. 'He'd wait forever for you, you know that."

"I don't want to make him wait."

"I know he'd rather you follow your dreams than follow him like a puppy."

Price looked back to Eric. "But I am his puppy."

"No you are not, you're his equal. That's one of the many things I'm sure he loves about you," Eric assured him. He slid his arm from Price back to the chair. "Spring is coming, and things will get busier for me. Perhaps by the summer you can join me. There's time to figure all of that out, but for now, just tell me if I should keep working to make it a reality."

Price gulped his water and pushed the glass to the center of the table. "This is a lot to take in, especially when I've taken in so much alcohol."

"You sound sober enough."

"Years of practice," Price side with a smile. "Have you mentioned any of this to Thomas?"

"No, should I have?"

"I just want to know what he thinks."

"He'd be glad for you."

"I don't know if he would. He can be jealous."

Eric noticed Thomas and Teddy were returning, and switched back to the chair Teddy left him in. "Then he'll have to learn to work on that."

Thomas took his seat again, but Teddy stood behind Eric and squeezed his shoulders. "Is it time to get you home, or can you stay out a bit longer?"

Eric patted Teddy's hands. "I should probably get some sleep. I have to be up early."

"Not as early as the two of us, I bet," Thomas said, grabbing Price's hand.

Price squeezed Thomas's hand in return. "Then maybe we should get back, too."

The music changed to a different tempo and the dance floor cleared. A man and woman stepped into the center of the floor hand in hand, then began dancing a tango. The four friends in the balcony all leaned toward the railing to watch.

"Is that a dance you ever learned?" Price asked Thomas.

"No, that wasn't popular here until my mum was long gone."

Teddy leaned between Thomas and Price. "Do you want to learn? I could teach you." He looked at Price quickly. "Both of you."

"I don't think I'm that coordinated," Price said, pulling Thomas closer to his side.

"You won't know until you try," Eric said.

Teddy sunk into the chair next to Eric. "Do you know it?"

"I learned it in its birthplace."

"Argentina?" Teddy asked, impressed.

"Buenos Aires herself."

Thomas elbowed Price. "What a braggart," he whispered.

"He's trying to woo Teddy. Let him."

They all applauded when the dancers finished their routine. Next, a singer came from backstage, dressed in a short, revealing dress and feather boa. She moved her hips to the rhythm of the drums, punctuated by wailing horns.

"Boring," Price lamented. "I'd rather watch a man move his hips while wearing feathers."

Eric leaned on the banister, a distant look in his eye. "I don't know, I quite like watching her."

"Of course you do," Thomas replied under his breath.

Price slid his arm around Thomas's waist. "Another beautiful evening, thanks to you."

"Even with our uninvited guests?" Thomas asked.

"Nothing could tarnish tonight, not a thousand Teddys."

Thomas chuckled, then kissed Price's cheek. He waited for Price to turn and look at him, then caught his lips, kissing him lightly. Price knew the evening was coming to a close, and that he might not be back to the club for some time. He seized the final moment to embrace Thomas in public and returned Thomas's kiss fervently, caressing Thomas's tongue with his own, pulling Thomas toward him by the waist. Thomas chuckled as Price's fingers slid from his waist under his waistband.

"Ah ah ah," Thomas said, holding Price's hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed the tips of Price's fingers. "I don't think they allow that here, no matter how relaxed the atmosphere may seem."

Eric rested his chin against Thomas's shoulder, opposite Price. "I wouldn't mind."

"Oh please," Teddy said, pulling Eric from Thomas gently, "you'd buy tickets to the show."

Price smiled at Eric. "First row seats for you."

"And I think that's our cue to leave," Thomas said, pulling Price to his feet.

Teddy stood as well. "I'm driving Eric home. Could you both use a lift?"

"We probably shouldn't arrive home together," Thomas said.

"Then I'll drop you a few blocks away. Let's go."

Price dawdled as they left, lagging behind, taking in every group and couple they passed. A young woman blew him a kiss, and he spun around to blow one back, then blew kisses to other strangers before passing back through the curtains to the darkened hallway.

Thomas and Teddy retrieved the checked items and helped their dates into their coats and hats. Teddy's car was brought around, a different model than he had driven to Downton. "It's his special occassion car," Price explained.

"Have you ridden in it?" Thomas asked.

"Once or twice," Price answered.

Thomas opened the back door for Price, then slid in beside him. Thomas gave Teddy directions from the back seat, but otherwise the ride back to the Crawley's London home was quiet, everyone enjoying the silence after several hours in the rowdy, boisterous club. Teddy asked Eric to light two cigarettes, one for himself and one for Thomas. Eric passed Thomas's cigarette over his shoulder and offered one to Price.

"He'd never smoke those, even if he smoked," Teddy told Eric.

"I smoke cigars," Price informed Teddy.

"Oh. I never knew that."

Well I knew that, Thomas thought. He rolled his window down a crack and held the cigarette by the opening for Price's benefit. He looked at Price, who was watching the shop windows whiz by as they drove, then to Eric, who was staring dreamily at Teddy, and Teddy, who pretended to ignore Eric's gaze while smiling a bit about it. Thomas realized he'd never driven around with a group of friends. He took off his hat and rested his head against the window, inhaling the cold air when he wasn't inhaling his cigarette.

Price leaned across the seat and tapped Thomas's shoulder. "In a few weeks, you won't even have to worry about getting back at a certain time after a night like this. Your life will be yours to do with it as you please."

"We'll see if your brother agrees when I show up to work groggy the next morning," Thomas replied. He looked back out his window and smiled, knowing Price was right, and that he would be Lord of his own life in just a few weeks time.