July 1921
Blaine
Blaine and Kurt disembark the ferry in Dover while Nick stays behind to organize their trunks. Although it is raining, Blaine soon spots Cooper and Quinn underneath umbrellas, frantically waving their arms. Cooper drops his umbrella in his rush and picks Blaine up in a huge embrace. "Squirt, you're here at last! How I've missed you."
"Put me down!" Blaine squeals. Once his feet are firmly on the ground, he playfully scolds, "You know I hate it when you call me Squirt."
Holding his right hand raised level with his shoulder, palm to the front, Cooper solemnly swears, "I won't call you Squirt again. Scout's honor."
Blaine narrows his eyes. "Were you ever a boy scout?"
Cooper laughs heartily. "No, but it sounded good."
Blaine hugs Quinn and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "You look more beautiful every time I see you."
"That might have something to do with us spending last night in Dover without the children," Cooper chortles.
Blaine scrunches his nose and wonders if there is a chance that Quinn might be pregnant again.
"I know what you're thinking, Blaine. We took precautions. We have a large enough family as it is," Quinn quips.
"Lord Cooper, Lady Quinn," Kurt greets, shaking their hands in turn.
"I say, Kurt, America must agree with you. You are looking fit and healthy," Cooper declares.
"I very much enjoy my life in America, Lord Cooper."
When Blaine sees Nick, he signals him over. "Cooper and Quinn, I'm sure you remember my old friend, Major Nick Duval."
Cooper shakes Nick's hand. "Of course. Major Duval, will you be joining us at Westerville?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm catching a train to Hampshire to visit my family." Nick turns to Blaine. "The porters have secured the trunks to the car. I'll see you and Kurt next month in London."
"I'm really looking forward to that," Blaine replies.
Quinn drives the Renault car on the main road toward Devon. After updating them with news of their children, Cooper starts singing as a way to pass the time. Once they pass Stonehenge, the rain stops, and the sun breaks through the clouds. Blaine stares out the window as the countryside becomes more rural. He sees pastures filled with grazing sheep and cattle, as well as vast wheat fields. Nestled at the bottom of small valleys are quaint villages with either thatched or stone-roofed cottages, where the tallest structure is the church spire. Oh, how he has missed the beauty of the English countryside.
When they arrive at Tedburn St Mary, approximately 30 minutes from Westerville, Quinn stops the car in front of a telephone kiosk.
"I'll be back in a moment. I need to telephone the abbey to let them know when we'll be arriving," Cooper informs them, then gets out of the car.
"Are we getting the formal greeting?" Kurt asks.
Quinns lips form into a sweet smile. "Were you expecting anything less?"
Cooper returns to the car, and they are soon on their way again. Thirty minutes later, the car speeds up the long drive, and Blaine can see Westerville Abbey in the distance. It looks far grander than he remembers. There seems to be so much space, unlike the rows of clustered townhouses in New York City. Although the lawns and gardens have been returned to their former glory, the landscaping looks simpler than before the war. His heart races when he sees the flag bearing the Westerville Coat of Arms flapping in the wind from a turret. As they near, he can see that both the family and servants are standing in two separate lines outside the main entrance, waiting for their arrival.
When Quinn stops the car, Hummel immediately comes forward to open the backseat door. With a huge smile, the butler greets him. "Welcome home, Sir Blaine."
"Jolly good to be home again, Hummel," Blaine replies with fondness in his voice.
Kurt slides across the seat and exits the car, and he breaks tradition by capturing his father in a tight embrace. Blaine can hear both of them sniffling and whispering to each other. It truly is a homecoming for both of them.
As custom dictates, the Earl is the first to step forward. "Welcome home, my son."
Although it's only been 20 months since he was last home, his father looks older, with silver peppering his hair and fine lines around his eyes. Blaine is grateful that Cooper has taken on the main estate duties, which must make life easier for his father.
When the Earl opens his arms, Blaine doesn't hesitate to go into them. "I'm so glad to be home again, Father. I've missed you."
His mother interrupts their embrace. "Blaine, you're looking as handsome as ever."
He hugs his mother tightly, taking in the rosewater scent that he always associates with her. Once they have parted, Blaine looks around and finally spots his grandmama. She's wearing a dark purple Victorian-style suit paired with a white high-collared shirt, and her head is topped with the most amazing matching hat. She hasn't changed a single bit.
"Grandmama!" Blaine cries out before he stoops to wrap his arms around her and pull her close. "I've missed you so."
"I've missed you, too, my sweet Blaine." After a few heartfelt moments, the Dowager Countess pulls away. "Let me take a good look at you." After she's looked him over, she adds, "Your mother is right. You look very handsome and dapper. That suit looks good on you."
Blaine heart swells at his grandmama's compliment. He's wearing one of his many new outfits from Brooks Brothers, and he knows that she doesn't like new fashion, or anything new for that matter. It's a good thing he left his pink suit in America - she would faint at the sight of it.
Kurt leaves his father's embrace to greet and chat with the Earl and Countess. Meanwhile, four young children crowd around Blaine. They have grown so much since he was last at Westerville Abbey.
"Now, who do we have here? Which one of you is Michael?"
The tallest lad steps forward. "That's me! Don't you recognize me, Uncle Blaine?"
"Of course I do. I was just checking that you remembered your name."
Blaine crouches down. "We are going to have so much fun together. Who wants to go on an adventure with me in a few days' time?"
"I do!" the children shout.
Cooper comes over, holding a little girl in his arms. "Allow me to introduce to you our newest addition, Margaret Rose."
Blaine strokes the young girl's cheek. She is the spitting image of her mother. "I've heard all about you. I'm your Uncle B. I'll be here to help celebrate your first birthday."
Quinn looks at her other children. "It's time for you to go inside and wash your hands. Your supper is almost ready."
"Aw, do we have to go inside when Uncle B just got here?" young Blaine whines.
Blaine isn't quite ready to say goodbye to the children either. "I've brought some wonderful books with me. How about I read a chapter to you before you go to sleep?"
"What book are you going to read, Uncle Blane?" Michael asks.
"'The Story of Doctor Dolittle'. Did you know that Doctor Dolittle can actually talk to animals?"
"I want you to read the story to us now!" Richard shrieks.
Quinn tuts. "Where are your manners, Richard? Now, run along, children. Uncle Blaine will only read a chapter to those of you who are fed, bathed, and wearing their night clothes."
The children race each other inside. When Blaine hears hoofbeats, he turns around to see Wesley on Firebird approaching the abbey. He rushes over to Firebird and strokes his neck, just the way the horse likes it. Firebird lowers his head, nuzzles against Blaine, and makes soft nickering sounds. He can't wait to take Firebird out on a long ride across the estate.
"So typical that you would greet Firebird before everyone else."
Blaine looks up to see Sam Evans smiling at him. "Sam, it's so good to see you! What are you doing here? I thought you would be at Anderson House in London."
"His Lordship sent for Mercedes and me to work at the abbey during your stay. It seems that there will be more entertaining now that you are around."
"That will give us plenty of time to catch up," Blaine says warmly.
Blaine glances around to find Kurt greeting the servants in line. Deciding that he needs to do that, too, he walks over to greet Mrs Sylvester.
The cook makes an attempt to curtsey. "At last, the prodigal son returns. Now, remember that you're on holiday. It's my job to cook for you and the family, and I don't want you being a nuisance around the kitchen. There are standards I have to uphold."
"Mrs Sylvester, I know you are the queen of the abbey's kitchen. Perhaps I can join you in the kitchen to learn some cooking secrets and recipes... But only when it's convenient for you, of course. I still have a lot to learn from you."
Mrs Sylvester's thin lips form a smile. "I think that could be arranged, Sir Blaine."
"By the way, your new glasses become you."
"Always the charmer," Mrs Sylvester chortles.
There are many new faces amongst the staff, and Blaine makes a point to greet each one. He pauses to speak to Sebastian and Dave, who are both looking well. The staff soon disappear to resume their duties.
The Earl approaches him. "Your grandmama thinks that you would be more comfortable staying at Dower House. Your mother assures me that Kurt should be able to attend to all your needs. However, if you wish to stay at the abbey, your bedroom is always available."
Blaine smiles, imagining his mother and grandmama scheming about the best way to allow Kurt and him to stay together but still maintain acceptable propriety. "Far be it from me to go against Grandmama's plans."
The Earl chuckles, "You are quite right. When she gets a bee in her bonnet, there is no point in disagreeing with her. Smythe has sent the footmen to Dower House with your trunks. You'll probably want to freshen up after your journey. We'll meet you in the parlor at 7 PM."
"Can Kurt join us?" Blaine asks. It's best to get this over with at the beginning of the journey.
"Ummm… No," the Earl awkwardly replies. "Hummel has arranged a special dinner for Kurt downstairs. I'm sure Kurt will want to spend time catching up with his father."
"I suppose you're right," Blaine reluctantly replies.
Blaine spots Kurt talking with Mrs Hummel. Although he'd like Kurt to join him upstairs with his family, Blaine understands that Kurt has important people to catch up with, too. He mounts Firebird and chats to Wesley as they make the short journey to Dower House.
When they arrive, Blaine makes plans with Wesley to ride Firebird the very next morning after breakfast. His trunk has been delivered to the main guest room, and he's surprised to find it already unpacked. He appreciates that Kurt's trunk has been sent to another room, but that doesn't mean that they have to sleep where they have been assigned.
Blaine takes a bath to wash away the dirt and grime from his journey. It took them just over 24 hours to travel from Leipzig to Westerville. Although he is quite tired, he's excited to spend time with his family. It's wonderful to have so many young children living in the abbey, and he thinks of ways that they can have fun together.
Although Blaine and Kurt have discussed their visit to Westerville at length, he now realizes that they never broached the subject of what role Kurt would have. He had assumed that Kurt would be treated as Blaine's friend and be included in the family events. Now, he is not so sure. Would his family ever see Kurt as more than just a former servant? Would Kurt rather spend his time with his own father and friends downstairs? It's definitely something that they need to discuss tonight.
One thing that Blaine knows for sure is that during their stay, he will tell his father about the true nature of his relationship with Kurt. Last summer, he had promised his mother that he would do this. It must be difficult for her to keep such a secret from her husband. He certainly couldn't keep a secret this big from Kurt.
He's absolutely sure that his father won't take the news well. However, he is less certain about what his father will do about it. In the worst case scenario, his father could disown him. It wouldn't affect his life in America, but it would still be difficult to accept that sort of rejection. His heart aches at the thought of missing out on all his nephews' and nieces' milestones as they grow up. And what would become of Mr and Mrs Hummel? Would his father send them packing on the next train, leaving them without job prospects?
Although Blaine's life is filled with the amazing and supportive Berry family in New York City, they couldn't fill the emptiness that being disowned would bring. Blaine then remembers how supportive his grandmama has always been of his love for Kurt over the years. He makes a mental note to discuss it with her before he speaks to his father.
x o x o
Once his grandmama is comfortably situated at the dining room table, Blaine takes his seat next to her. As was customary before the Great War, Blaine is dressed in his black tie suit - there has been no slipping of standards for dinner attire. He looks around and is surprised to discover Sebastian overseeing the two footmen.
"Where is Hummel?" Blaine asks.
Sebastian walks toward Blaine and fills his crystal-cut glass with white wine. "I'm in charge of dinner tonight. Hummel has the evening off so that he can spend time with Kurt."
"That makes sense," Blaine replies.
"Blaine, do you have everything you need at Dower House?" Lady Violet asks.
"I'm very comfortable there, Grandmama. I hope it's not an inconvenience for you to live at the abbey during my stay."
"Heavens no, my child. I love being in the midst of all the goings on. Besides, Dower House will be yours one day. You need to have a look around and decide what to keep when the day finally comes."
Blaine feels a lump in his throat at the very thought of his Grandmama's death. "I sincerely hope that Dower House won't pass to me for a very long time."
"We shout and scream and wail and cry, and in the end, we must all die," Lady Violet recites.
The Earl stands up and raises his glass. "On a happier note, it warms all of our hearts that Blaine is back in Westerville. The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift, because it's the present. May your stay at Westerville be filled with happiness and new memories. Let's all raise our glass to Blaine and family."
Each family member raises their glass high. "To Blaine and family."
The Earl sits down and lifts up his spoon, signaling that they may all start to eat the first course of consommé.
"We've planned some social events during your stay," Pamela advises.
"Do tell, Mama."
"Next weekend, your father will unveil a garden of remembrance in the village for those who died during the Great War. There are twenty families on the Westerville estate who lost a loved one. It will be a place where people can walk, sit and think about them."
The Earl says, "We once thought you were killed in action as well, and we wanted to do something for these families who are still grieving."
"That sounds rather admirable," Blaine replies.
"Once your father has finished his dedication speech, the village fete will begin," Quinn reports.
"That sounds marvelous. I'll enjoy experiencing the fete with my nephews and nieces," Blaine replies.
"The following Saturday, we are planning a small dinner party with friends who live locally. I am hoping that you would cook for us and show off your talents," Pamela admits.
"I would be happy to, provided that Mrs Sylvester allows me to step foot into her kitchen."
"I'd love to be a fly on the wall. I'm sure that will ruffle her feathers," Lady Violet titters.
"I'm the lady of the house, and I decide who cooks a meal. Mrs Sylvester can like it or lump it," Pamela retorts.
Blaine doesn't like the idea that he could be the source of friction with the cook. "I'll make sure to include Mrs Sylvester in my plans so that she still feels valued."
"You've always been very diplomatic," Cooper says.
Pamela continues to set out the schedule of events. "A week later, we will be hosting a Saturday to Monday party and begin with our usual shoot."
Blaine shakes his head. "I'm not sure that I could shoot a living animal, not after the war."
"Don't worry, we'll use the new-fangled clay pigeons. Earlier this year, Parliament banned the shooting of live pigeons for sport. Let your mother know if there is anyone you'd like to invite."
Pamela looks at Blaine. "It's a pity you missed Wimbledon fortnight, but we'll have our own tennis tournament instead. Hiram tells us that you are the doubles champion in your local club."
"There will be plenty of young ladies invited, as well. I can't wait to see their new dresses," Quinn says with a dreamy voice.
The Earl clears his throat. "Blaine, perhaps you'll take a fancy to one of the young ladies? Did you know that one tenth of titled families have lost their heirs in the trenches? While most families have a younger son or relative to take over, there are fewer eligible young men. You own a business and a townhouse, you have a trust fund, and one day you'll have a country house on the Westerville estate. You'll be quite spoiled for choice."
The dining room is so silent that Blaine could have heard a pin drop. His mother is looking down and his grandmama's face has a sour expression.
"Perhaps," Blaine meekly replies.
"It might depend upon what other new suits Blaine has hidden in his trunks. He looks like a real Yankee doodle dandy," Cooper jokes.
"Hardy har har. Be glad that I didn't bring my pink suit," Blaine sasses back.
Cooper begins to sing.
Yankee Doodle, came to town
riding on a pony
He stuck a feather in his cap
and called it macaroni
Yankee Doodle, keep it up.
Yankee Doodle, dandy.
Mind the music and the step
and with the girls be handy.
Everyone bursts into laughter, and it breaks the tension that had built when the Earl mentioned Blaine's romantic prospects. They soon quiet down when the footmen begin to serve the main course of roast lamb, new potatoes, carrots, and peas.
Blaine gobbles it down, knowing that all the ingredients were produced on the Westerville estate. When he's finished, he wipes his mouth with the linen napkin.
"There is nothing like eating lamb that once grazed on Westerville's pastures. Are the crops doing well this year?" Blaine asks.
Cooper sets down his silverware. "They sure are. You'll see for yourself when you take Firebird for a ride tomorrow morning."
"How did you know that I was going horse riding tomorrow?"
Pamela smiles at her son. "Because we know you, my dear. I bet you have already made arrangements with Wesley to take Firebird out after breakfast."
Blaine's cheeks pinken. "I might have, yes."
The plates are cleared away, and Sebastian returns with a large summer pudding. Blaine knows that in order to prepare the dish, white bread is pressed into a deep bowl with fruit and fruit juice, and left to soak overnight. Once turned out onto a platter, it is topped with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and red currants. It's a quintessentially English dessert that tastes of summer.
After everyone has finished the pudding (with Blaine eating a second serving), Pamela stands up from the table. "Lady Anderson, Quinn, shall we retire to the drawing room?"
Once the ladies depart, Sebastian brings over the wooden box filled with cheroots and a tray with small glasses and port wine. Blaine marvels that while the world might be changing, Westerville Abbey clings to its longstanding traditions.
Cooper lights a cheroot and takes a sip of port. "Tomorrow, Quinny and I are going to Hartland Abbey for the estate sale. We should be able to pick up antique furniture and paintings for a song."
The Earl shakes his head. "It's a pity that it's come to that. Count Wilde must be quite desperate."
"What has happened?" Blaine asks. He has known the Wildes and Kitty since he was a young lad.
"George Wilde and his stepdaughter Vera died during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. His younger brother inherited the estate, and there wasn't enough cash to pay the death duties. The Tax Office has threatened to take the estate to bankruptcy court if they aren't paid by the end of the year."
"Oh dear," Blaine exclaims. "Whatever happened to his daughter, Kitty? I haven't seen her since the 1914 London season."
"She married Duke Jesse St James last year," the Earl reports.
"He'll have his hands full with that Kitty," Cooper chortles.
"Can't Duke St James help pay the death taxes?" Blaine asks.
The Earl shakes his head. "It's not so simple. His father died at the start of the war, and the estate had to pay death duties as well. All their spare cash is used to keep the Carmel Estate afloat. Thanks to new farming equipment, food production has increased dramatically, but it has also resulted in lower prices."
Cooper stubs out his cheroot in the ashtray. "Thank goodness for Cousin Rachel. We depend on the trust's earnings to buy equipment and maintain the abbey."
"Yes, Rachel certainly is a blessing," the Earl agrees. "Your mother has invited Duke and Duchess St James to our country party. You'll have a chance to catch up with them then."
Blaine stands up. "If you'll please excuse me, I'm going upstairs to read a bedtime story. I'll then retire for the night. It was a very long journey from Germany, and I can't wait to sleep in a bed again."
"We'll see you at breakfast tomorrow, before your ride," Cooper replies.
"Sleep well, son. I must say we have all dearly missed you."
"Me, too, Father."
Blaine goes to the parlor to say goodnight to the ladies. He assures his mother that when he's riding tomorrow morning, he'll be mindful of the time and won't be late for lunch.
After reading a chapter of Doctor Dolittle to his nephews and nieces, he strolls down the path to Dower House, using only the moonlight to find his way. It's been the best homecoming ever, and he has enjoyed spending the evening with his family. He has so much news to share with Kurt, he's practically bursting. More importantly, they need to discuss the plan to tell his father about their relationship. Better sooner rather than later.
Author's notes
I occasionally have problems inserting scene breaks on this site. When I do, you will see 'x o x o' to indicate a change of scene. This site doesn't make it easy to format an author's work!
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: A welcome home celebration for Kurt downstairs.