July 1920
Blaine
Blaine paces back and forth in the backstage dressing room of the Plaza Hotel ballroom. He is due on stage in less than fifteen minutes, and he's struggling to fasten his cufflinks to his shirt. "Where is Kurt when I need him!" he mutters to himself.
"I'm right here."
Blaine turns around, and his breath hitches when he sees Kurt. His black tie suit has a traditional cut and is perfectly tailored to his body. However, the black material has an intricate embroidered pattern in black thread; it's so subtle that it can only be seen up close. Kurt's hair is swooped up high in the front, and although Blaine longs to card his fingers through the silky hair, he knows better than to mess it up.
"You look absolutely gorgeous. Where did you find the jacket material?"
Kurt takes the cufflinks from Blaine and starts to poke the first link through the shirt cuff. "Do you remember that Vogue magazine that I bought last month when we were in Greenwich Village? It had a photograph of a woman wearing a dress in this very fabric. However, I thought it could also work well for a men's jacket. I don't see why fabrics can't be used for both men's and women's fashions."
Blaine kisses him gently on the lips. "You're incredibly talented. What have you been up to today?"
"I finished the last stitches of this suit in the morning, and then went out with Rachel in the afternoon to get her a new haircut and give her a bit of a makeover."
Blaine knows that Kurt has been spending time with his Cousin Rachel recently, while he has been busy at rehearsal halls with his granny. He hopes that his cousin's anger with him has cooled down. He can't bear the thought that Cousin Rachel is no longer his friend. "Cousin Rachel hasn't spoken to me all week. I know that she's been avoiding me. It's been so awkward at the townhouse, even if I'm only there to sleep."
"I know that she's been intolerable of late. She is still very upset that Mrs Dolloway replaced her in tonight's showcase. However, she's now into her fourth month of pregnancy, and is no longer sick. She's positively glowing."
"Is she coming tonight?" Blaine asks.
"Although she's jealous, Rachel wouldn't miss it for the world. She loves you very much, and wants to support you. Wait until you see her. Last week, I accompanied Rachel shopping, and we found the most exquisite dress for her to wear. I think you'll also be impressed with our afternoon's makeover."
"Is my mother in the audience as well?"
Kurt wraps the tie around Blaine's neck and starts to make a bow. "Yes, the Countess is sitting at the head table with your granny."
"Kurt, I'm so nervous. I don't think I can go on."
"You've worked so hard practicing your pieces, and they sound simply wonderful. I'll be in the backstage wings, listening to you sing and play the piano. You won't be alone."
Kurt reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small parcel wrapped in green tissue paper. "I have a gift for you."
Blaine carefully opens the parcel and discovers a piece of jade carved into an intricate symbol.
"It's the Chinese symbol for double happiness. I have it on good authority that it means luck, happiness and love. Think of it as your new good luck charm."
Blaine sniffles to hold back the tears. "This is such a precious gift. I was really upset when the Germans took away the horseshoe charm that you gave me for my 18th birthday. I'm going to hold on to this one for a very long time."
Mrs Dolloway knocks on the door before charging into the dressing room. "Blaine, you look marvelous. I see that Kurt has helped you get ready, as any footman should. It's time to go on stage."
Kurt squeezes Blaine's shoulder before he leaves, and whispers, "Good luck, my love. I'll be here in the wings waiting for you."
Blaine's lips turn into a smile. He has a new-found confidence, secure in the knowledge that he has Kurt's support and love.
When he holds the last note of the last song, there is a thunder of applause from the audience. Blaine gets up from the piano and bows. Kurt's jade charm has worked its magic, because everything has gone smoothly. His showcase was a good balance of both piano playing and singing. He rushes off stage, glad that it's finally over.
Mrs Dolloway immediately hugs her grandson. "You were wonderful. They loved you."Blaine pulls away to find Kurt, who comes to his side with a glass of water.
"Blaine, you were great. They're demanding an encore."
Mrs Dolloway nods. "Yes, they are. Go! Go!"
Blaine takes a swig of water before returning to the stage. The audience silences, waiting for the encore. Blaine looks around and finds his mother smiling. He knows that his granny won't like what he plans to do next, but it's something he feels strongly about.
"Thank you all. Before we end tonight, I want to give a very special thank you to my grandmother, June Dolloway, the woman who taught me that talent is worthless unless you can back it up with passion. So, I'd like to use that passion to pick the last song. Because there is no one more passionate about performing than my cousin."
Blaine goes to Cousin Rachel's table and extends his hand. When his cousin stands up, he announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you Rachel Hudson. She's fresh off her successful Vaudeville show, and I think you'll find her next on Broadway."
Kurt was right when he said that his Cousin Rachel was positively glowing. Under Kurt's magical guidance, she looks absolutely stunning. She's wearing a knee-length red flapper dress that has been carefully tailored to hide her baby bump. Long ivory-color gloves complement the sequins embroidered on the dress. Her hair is cut short into a short bob, and a headband studded with shiny bling encircles her forehead. Red rouge on her cheeks and lips complete the look.
Blaine helps her up the stage steps and sits down at the piano. This is Cousin Rachel's turn to sing and shine.
"Blaine, your mother is waiting for you in the drawing room."
"Thank you, LeRoy. I'll be just a moment."
"We're all leaving for the Hamptons. We'll be back on Tuesday. We're taking the staff with us as well. Collins will stay to serve you and your mother lunch, then he'll take the bus to join us."
"That's fine. I'm working double shifts for the next few days to make up for lost time when I was practicing for the showcase. Have a good trip, and I'll see you Tuesday."
Blaine glances in the full-length mirror to make sure he's wearing all the correct accessories for his new Brooks Brother white suit. He wants to look nice for his mother. It's a way of showing her that he's successful in his new life in America. He quickly descends the stairs and enters the drawing room.
"Blaine, you look like a fine dapper gentleman. The white suit really works well on you."
"It's the latest fashion. Kurt helped me pick out the shirt and other stuff."
"Kurt always did have a good eye for fashion," the Countess remarks.
"I'm so sorry that I haven't had any time to spend with you since you arrived last week. Granny has kept me very busy rehearsing for her fundraising event. I'm so glad that it's over."
"I certainly understand. You did a marvelous job last night. I especially liked what you did for Rachel, allowing her to sing the encore performance."
"Cousin Rachel has the passion and the drive to be a star. I was merely there as a last-minute substitute. Hopefully, she won't be mad at me anymore."
Pamela squeezes Blaine's shoulder. "I doubt very much that Rachel was mad at you. Jealous, yes, but that's understandable. My mother certainly created an awkward situation, but you managed to turn it to everyone's advantage."
"Thank you, Mama."
"How much time can I spend with you today?" Pamela asks.
"I have no commitments, and I'm completely at your disposal. I thought we could have luncheon here at the townhouse to give us time to catch up with each other's news. Afterwards, we could have a stroll in Central Park, if that fits in with your plans."
"It sounds lovely."
When Collins, the butler, announces that luncheon is ready, Blaine escorts his mother to the back garden, where a table is set up for two. Collins ladles Manhattan clam chowder into bowls.
Blaine takes a sip of the tomato-based clam soup. "I think I prefer the New England clam chowder."
"Don't say that too loudly. New Yorkers are quite proud of their version."
While they finish their soup course, the Countess updates Blaine on the goings-on at Westerville Abbey. While his father is spending an increasing amount of time at the House of Lords, Cooper has taken over the management of the estate. Although Quinn is quite healthy, the doctor has advised her to continue with bed rest until the baby is born. His grandmother continues to be on the boards of Westerville's hospital and schools. She seems to have endless reserves of energy.
"How are the staff?"
"They are all doing well. Mr and Mrs Hummel are managing the household with their usual skills and diplomacy. When a hunting beagle gave birth to a litter last spring, the runt didn't look like he would make it. The Hummels took it upon themselves to bottle feed the pup and keep him warm until his health improved. They became so attached to the little pup that your father gave it to them to keep. Now, when Mr Hummel does his daily walks, Buster is right beside him."
"How about Mrs Sylvester?"
"Mrs Sylvester's eyesight was deteriorating rapidly, and we sent her to a London eye specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital for surgery to fix her cataracts. You should have heard the fuss she made about having a doctor cut her up! Thank goodness Mercedes was able to get her inside the hospital. She's now back to her usual self. Fortunately, her eyesight was saved, although she's now wearing glasses."
"How are Sam Evans and Mercedes Jones?"
"Sam and Mercedes are now established full-time at the London house. I'm sure that something is going on between those two. Evans must have confided in you."
"It isn't for me to say. I value Sam's friendship too much to give anything away."
"It seems that love is in the air at the Westerville properties."
Collins serves the main luncheon of fried chicken, cornbread, and a Caesar salad. Blaine can't help but notice that everything served are his mother's American favorite dishes that aren't eaten in England. He knows that when he returns to Westerville Abbey to visit, he'll eat all the foods that he misses - black pudding, scones with Devonshire cream, Scotch eggs, and fruitcake.
"I want to hear all about your new life in America," the Countess requests.
"It mainly revolves around working at Healy's Tavern. I really enjoy being a chef. It's hard work, but I like creating new dishes from common ingredients and giving them my own little twist. There's also the satisfaction that you've helped people have an enjoyable evening. Customers leave with their bellies full and a large smile on their face."
"I can't wait to have a meal there," Pamela replies.
"I've booked a table for you and Uncle Hiram's family next week. I've also made sure that Kurt will be your waiter. He's the very best waiter at the tavern."
"After being trained by Hummel, I have no doubt that he's the best waiter in all of New York City. It's good that you're making sure that Kurt is okay, with a steady job and a place to live. Hummel was very worried - we were all worried - for a time, but it's comforting to know that the Westerville men are sticking together."
Once they have finished the main course, Collins serves slices of apple pie with vanilla ice-cream.
"You sound very settled in your new profession. What do you do in your spare time?" Pamela asks.
"I don't have that much spare time, especially since I've been practicing for Granny's showcase. I did join a nearby gym and took up boxing, but decided that I didn't like injuring other blokes. Next week, I'm going to my very first tennis lesson at a nearby club. I think that tennis will be a much more pleasurable sport."
"I watched Suzanne Lenglen capture the singles, doubles, and mixed championship titles at Wimbledon last month. I think that tennis will suit you. It requires strength, agility and strategy - all things that you've learnt from the military. What do you do for fun?"
"Kurt and I go to the cinema, and explore the different neighborhoods in New York City. Last month, we went to Greenwich Village and had the most enjoyable afternoon."
"It sounds like Kurt is a very important person in your life."
Blaine sets down his cutlery and takes a sip of water. There is a moment when you realize that you need to be truthful with those that you love. His mother can't possibly understand his life in America if she doesn't know about his relationship with Kurt. His heart races with panic at the thought of confiding to her. However, one thing he has learned in his short life is that he needs to stay true to himself, no matter how difficult that might be.
"Mama, the truth of the matter is that I'm in love with Kurt."
Blaine bows his head, and the silence fills the air. He dreads to hear his mother's response. What if she thinks he's an abomination and wants nothing more to do with him? It would break his heart if this was their last time together.
"I know."
Blaine looks up and sees his mother's smiling face. His mother's reply was the last thing he had expected to hear. "You know?"
"I noticed a complete change in your demeanor once Kurt joined the staff at Westerville Abbey. You were happier and came out of your shell. While the other family members thought it was Rachel's influence, I felt that it had more to do with Kurt. My suspicions were confirmed when you returned to Westerville Abbey during your home leave in 1915. You used every conceivable excuse to spend time at Dower House. I know the look of love when I see it, and you both had such huge heart-eyes."
"But you didn't say anything!"
"Blaine, it wasn't my place to initiate this sort of discussion. You are a man, and not my little boy any more. I was waiting for you to mention something to me."
"B-but I was afraid that you wouldn't approve of our love."
The Countess gently laughs. "You are not the first men to have fallen in love with each other. Do I need to remind you that Hiram is my brother? I've always known that his passions lie with men. It was our parents who insisted that Hiram marry and sire a family. Once his wife died, Hiram found his one true love in LeRoy."
"Did you want me to marry as well? Before the war, there was so much pressure for me to marry and produce children."
"That was your father's doing. I had slightly different views."
The Countess pauses when Collins returns with a pot of coffee. Once he's poured them cups, and set out two chocolate chip cookies, she continues, "You've always been a person who cares deeply for others, and your attention and care make you adored and cherished by many. When you turned 18 years old, you were so innocent, and I felt that you needed more exposure to other people before you figured out who you are."
"Does father know about Kurt and me?"
The countess shakes her head. "I don't think so. We certainly haven't talked about it."
"Will you tell him?"
"No, it's not my secret to divulge. I suggest you tell him in person the next time you see each other, whenever that might be."
Although Blaine detests confrontations and arguments, he knows that it's something that he needs to do face-to-face. If he wants to be treated like a man who knows his own mind, he needs to act like a man.
"Blaine, you are now 25 years old and have experienced so many things in your short life… things that I can't even imagine. You know what makes you happy, and Kurt is obviously a large part of that."
"Kurt is the single most important person in my life. We have gone through so much misery and time apart during the Great War, but managed to find each other again at the end. I want us to build a new life in a new city, where our backgrounds don't matter. With hard work and a bit of luck, we can achieve our dreams."
"I presume that this is the reason for your recent letter to your father?"
Blaine nods. "I can't imagine Kurt and I living back in England. It would be close to impossible for Kurt to be accepted as anyone other than a farmer or domestic servant. At least in America, he is treated as a war hero… Everybody has heard of the Flying Porcelain. If we lived in England, we would always be looking over our shoulder, worried that we would reflect badly on our families' reputations and the Westerville Estate. We obviously need to be careful in New York City too, but with so many people, it's easier to go unnoticed."
"I can appreciate your reasoning to remain in New York City. I miss you dearly, but it gives me an excuse to visit America more. I love you, sweetheart, and that will never change."
Blaine takes out his handkerchief and dabs his eyes. He is overwhelmed by his mother's love and support. If only he had known that this would have been her reaction, he would have confided in her long ago.
"If we're having deep discussions, there is one more thing I wish to talk about. Hiram and LeRoy have told me that you are having regular nightmares."
Blaine sighs deeply. "Some weeks are worse than others. I was doing very well, especially when I was going to the gym regularly. But they started again when Granny's showcase got closer to the date. I was so worried about how Cousin Rachel must have been feeling, and I was also spending less time with Kurt."
"Do you remember what your nightmares are about?"
"They are mostly flashbacks to the Great War. They feel so real, it's as if I'm in the trench or the POW camp again."
The Countess frowns. "I thought as much. It pains me that you've experienced such horrible, horrible things during the Great War. Your father mentioned to me that the Allied Forces plan to put certain German officers on trial for war crimes."
Blaine's clenches his fists underneath the table. "I'm glad that some of those bastards will get what they deserve. I hope that Karl Heynen is brought to trial. He was the meanest camp director and mistreated British prisoners badly."
"You might consider providing evidence to the investigators. It would help win a guilty verdict and could go a long way to eliminate the nightmares that you are experiencing."
"It sounds like a good idea, but I'd like to talk to Kurt about it. He knows what I've been through during the Great War, and we've discussed my nightmares. I would really need Kurt's support if I were to provide evidence."
"I'm glad that you have someone like Kurt to confide in. I'm certain that he'll have your best interests at heart. When I return to England, I'll have your father make initial enquiries about you providing testimony."
Blaine nods in agreement. It's a relief that there might be a way to put the Great War behind him.
The Countess stands up. "I think a certain person promised me a stroll through Central Park."
Blaine offers her his arm as they leave the table, glad that he's got the most wonderful mother in the world.
Author's notes
The chapter photo is actually the Countess in Downton Abbey, but I think she could pass for Blaine's mother.
If you would like to see the flapper outfit that I envisioned Rachel wearing, I posted it on my Tumblr account (HKVoyage). From my home page, click on the 'Life in the Big Apple' button'. On the next page will have 'Chapter announcements with photos'. You will find it there.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Later that day, Kurt and Blaine have a picnic dinner.