~Chapter 5: Rejection, Flirtation, Acceptance, Expectance~
The moment that the Viscount had awoken, his lips were pressed into a thin line as thoughts for today's schedule fought through his muggy brain, standing out clearly. When he had breakfast, the muggy feeling was gone, so therefore, thoughts and events were the only things filling his mind completely, giving him a headache that he knew would be evident until he actually stepped foot inside the other manor. By the time the few hours before his predicted departure crept upon him, Alfred was sure that he would've broken down into a cold sweat if it weren't for his experience and mental resistance.
All in all, Viscount Jones hated dates.
And not just any dates. No, of course not. He was perfectly fine going down to the theater with a couple of noblemen buddies. He was also very comfortable when they invited him to events. No, it was the women that always got to him. It was hard to admit, and literally no one else knew about this fear except for Percy and Antonio, who were his mental saviors before almost all of these dates.
If many had known about that peculiar little fact, most would have assumed that the Viscount grew wary of women and dates after Charlotte's leave, since the ability to replace their trust in someone who would be covering in for the lost wife's place was tremendous. However, no one really thought that at all, for Alfred had already conquered his fear (kind of) and kept on such a cool and collected face whenever he spent time with a woman. But no, it truly wasn't that. The Viscount was terrified of dates even before Charlotte entered his life. It had taken him months of pining and fretful thinking to actually swallow and blurt out if the girl would like to accompany him down to a stroll by the lake. Fortunately, she accepted. And even then, after they had officially gotten together, it had taken many tries to actually initiate little outings, until Charlotte finally called him out on it. Alfred was fine around her. In the house, or by people. So what was so wrong about meeting up?
Well. The Viscount couldn't just admit to saying that he always believed he'd be the worst possible man to actually date and meet up with. Sure. He was attractive. Yes. He had money. But he was always careful about what people wanted from him. His company? Or his fortune? If it was the latter, then they would find no place amongst Alfred's attention. He wasn't looking for people who sought after his money. Luckily, Charlotte turned out to be exactly what he was looking for. She had even thoroughly embarrassed him one time by buying him a present. It was a small pocket coin bag, but even so, Alfred made it a goal to be a better dater, just for Charlotte.
But those days had come and gone, and Alfred was immediately thrown back onto step one. Fortunately enough for him, he had enough dignity and pride not to splutter and balk when asking women out for lunch or dinner. In fact, he did it so smoothly as well that most women in the nobleperson's world waited anxiously for his invitation. Even so, that didn't mean that Alfred liked dates one bit. It was different being around the woman you like in a house, spending time and relaxing, but it was a completely different ordeal when you ask them to meet up with you somewhere, then start to frantically try to choose what outfit you are to wear, how your hair is supposed to be, if she's the person who is expecting a gift when they meet, and whatnot. Really. Dates were a hassle.
The nobleman stood before the large body-length mirror that was suspended on the wall in his room. He was adjusted the lapels of his sleep navy blue coat tail. He had debated whether or not he should wear his suit, but realized that he'd make a good impression rather than focus on being comfortable... So instead, he settled on a simple, yet elegant coat tail and trousers. Lined with shiny gold buttons, he left them undone, revealing the pressed white button down shirt underneath. At his neck was the fluffy white cravat, folded and creased properly, resting just perfectly as to not bother his Adam's apple. He had stared at his desk for a while, where two cleaned white gloves were placed, his brows furrowed as he tried to think whether or not he'd want them. It took several minutes of putting them on, then removing them to finally slide them off of his fingers and toss them onto the bed. He wasn't unholy. His hands were nothing. Neither was she. Turning around and peering over his shoulders, he checked his back, making sure there were no unnecessary folds. His pants, clean and black, were his favorite and most comfortable pair, and he nodded in satisfaction. Facing forwards once more, he took a napkin square and tucked it into his chest pocket, letting the tip peek out as he adjusted his cravat once more – just for luck. Behind him, he heard a small cough from the man that had been watching over him the entire time.
"Is it almost time to depart, Percy?" he asked with a slightly wary tone, and from behind him, he could hear the butler let out a small chuckle.
"That it is, sir. There are still thirty minutes left until you are to board the carriage, but I don't doubt that you'll need the usual counseling?" came the smooth reply of the older man and the Viscount merely whirled around, nodding hastily.
The blonde man walked over to the small table in his room, dragging out a chair for himself and sitting down, fidgeting slightly before simply resting his hands on the table. "Yes, thank you Percy." He said, shooting the older man a grateful look. "Of course, only if it isn't a bother."
Usually, before Alfred was to depart on any date, he would seek out Percy to give him words of wisdom. Sometimes they helped; sometimes they just made his anxiety worse. Either way, it was always nice to have someone to consult to for help. "It's never a bother, sir." The older man said with a smile, turning in his spot to face the Viscount as he cleared his throat. "Do you believe that she is a possible love interest in the near or far future?" came the first question, letting Alfred ponder his thoughts for a moment as he tried to figure out whether or not Lady Odette was worth it.
Throughout his searching, the Viscount Jones had encountered many different types of women, who were all after a certain type of thing. Many wanted his fame. It was an honor, to be named Lady Jones, hand in hand with the Viscount. But though it might seem like such a big position to others, Alfred and Charlotte had never been one to flaunt their names. They were merely the Viscount Jones and his family. Nothing more, nothing less. Many were after his wealth. It wasn't surprising, that one. Alfred didn't deny the fact that he was rich. Companies provided him the wealth, and with that wealth he provided for his family. He was grateful, but he never abused it. In fact, much of the money was stored away for when Franklin was old enough to be sent to University. Then, there was the money for Charlotte, which she used for her shopping. Luckily enough for their family, though Charlotte was a stylish woman, she had never found the urge to burn through their savings like a wildfire. She bought what she needed, and purchased what she truly fancied. Other than that, she was wise with money. Then, there were women who were lustful and promiscuous, only after his body. It wasn't often that the Viscount met these women, since ladies who initiated first were frowned down upon, but there definitely were the few who used a bit too much make up and somehow gotten a little bit more bust, as they tried to steer his hand away from the decent crowd Alfred would be entertaining. Those were definitely nightmares. Finally, there were the women who seemed fantastic from the start. They related to Alfred on a personal level, sharing stories and swapping experiences until they were both laughing silly in their chairs. On many occasion such as this, Alfred thought she would be the one. However, soon enough, the lady would suddenly find a lot of interest in becoming more than just a friend, and subtly abusing him for his money. Demands on what they wanted bought, as well as command over Alfred's servants. It was a weary task, but telling them that they were not an owner of the Jones house, therefore they could not act like they were, was inevitable.
"I'm not quite sure…" mumbled the Viscount in response to Percy's question, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he tried to think. "She seems like a very respectable woman. I don't doubt that she is also a nice companion during conversation." He said honestly, shrugging his shoulders lightly as he tried to run though the very short first conversation he had with her at the ball. He came up blank. "I honestly don't know her that well. Perhaps that is one of the factors that is making me feel so uneasy about this date…" he murmured.
The butler began to move around the room, straightening things up and fixing objects that Alfred had misplaced. He nodded quietly, listening intently. "Well, this is the chance for both of you to get to know each other better, is it not?" he asked, and behind him, the Viscount let out a murmured hum of agreement.
"But what if it doesn't work out?" Came the reply from the troubled nobleman, shifting in his seat as his fingers rubbed insistently against his chin. "Like all the others. What if this is just…what if it doesn't turn out to be what I'm looking for?" He pressed on, his brows knitting together in a near-permanent look of frustration. It took a warm hand on his shoulder to make him straighten up and turn to look at the man who had basically been his father figure ever since his arrival to England. He looked up at Percy curiously, but was comforted by the reassuring expression the man gave him.
"Do not fret, sir. If it isn't, then you still have a lot of time to look for another. Love doesn't have a schedule, and you don't particularly have a set ending time." He said with a small smile, and the Viscount nodded at that. "If it is, then I am sure she will be a fantastic lady who can provide you and your family well." He told him, patting his shoulder once more. "You have a duty, not only to yourself, but to your son. And I am sure that no matter how long it will take, you will find someone worthy of providing for Franklin." The butler said earnestly.
Giving him a weak, but reassured smile, the Viscount nodded and reached up to pat Percy's hand. "Thank you." He said sincerely. "I'll be sure to remember that." He said, and stretched out his arms across the table, giving him one last mental pep talk, trying to hype himself up for the upcoming date. Behind him, Percy patted his shoulder blade, trying to urge him to stand.
"Alright then sir, I believe that it is time for you to go now." He told him, moving to the doorway to hold open the door for the Viscount. Alfred stood up, looked at himself one last time in front of the mirror then headed out, giving the older man a nod. They both headed down to the front entrance together and as Alfred was about to open the door, he was a bit startled by the short exclamation that his butler made. Turning around, he looked at the expression of slight embarrassment. Opening his mouth, about to inquire, the butler gave a quick wave of his hand. "My apologies sir. I had forgotten to remind you. Sir Antonio will be dropping by today, but I remembered that you had neglected to write him saying that you will be out." The man told him.
The Viscount blinked for a bit, but then remembered that yes, Antonio had given word that he wanted to come by sooner or later, just for a chat again. But being so caught up in the upcoming event, he had forgotten to write back saying that the meeting wouldn't be possible. He gave his worried butler a shrug. "It's no matter. Let him arrive, and give him hospitality, and simply tell him I'm out." The man said nonchalantly. "Antonio is used to it, and he won't stay for too long if I'm not around." He said, and gave the man a beaming smile as he stepped out of the door way, only to be stopped by Percy's second exclamation. This time, he turned to look at him with furrowed brows. Was his butler growing old? There seemed to be a lot of things he was forgetting.
"And Franklin's progress report, sir? I shall simply leave it on your desk?" Percy had asked, and the Viscount nodded.
"Yes, of course." He said, and was about to finally turn around and head toward his waiting carriage when he paused, turning back to the Butler who was starting to close the door. "Wait," he called out, looking at Percy. At the mention of Franklin and his schooling, he was suddenly reminded of Arthur, and his request the night before. He had wanted to perhaps spend a lunch together, and that was all but expected. How else were they supposed to get to know each other if they were to be living in the same house for God knows how long? And the tugging feeling of guilt hadn't left him either, which Alfred realized was also making his date anxiety worse. "What is on my schedule for lunch time tomorrow?" he asked briskly, and as Percy opened his mouth to respond, Alfred waved his hand. "No matter. Whatever it is, clear it please." He commanded. "I have to make up for a lost luncheon with our Governess tomorrow." He said with a thin smile and Percy merely nodded his head, murmuring that he will do so.
Finally, the Viscount turned away and headed for his carriage, climbing into it and shutting the door. Sending one last quick glance at the manor's entrance, he glimpsed Percy closing the door before his ride jolted to a start and started off.
Inside the manor, lessons were going fantastically, with the word 'fantastically' heavily coated with a large dosage of sarcasm. Near lunchtime, it was around time for Franklin's grammar lessons, and to Arthur, it was most likely one of the most stressful times of the day. For some reason, the young Viscount's son had a terrible knack for wanting to conjoin every single word in the English language together in order to make it easier for himself to learn. Although Arthur had taught him that a proper boy like him shouldn't even bother with conjunctions and use 'will not' instead of 'won't,' Franklin had insisted on it anyways and even made up words in order to spite his Governess.
"For the last time, Franklin, 'innit' isn't even a word nor is it a conjunction. It is a botched, mash up of the words 'Isn't' and 'it'." Said the Briton with a weary sigh, leaning against the chalkboard tray, being careful not to get any of the chalk on his shirt. The entire board behind him was covered with an array of scribbles ranging from even the simplest of conjunctions to the rules of when or when not to use it.
Franklin was sitting at his own desk, arms crossed and holding a large a pout on his face as the journal before him beheld not even one note on the current topic. "If you're gonna use a con…conjacktion…when explaining that 'innit' isn't a word, then you're breaking your own law!" the little blonde boy protested.
Cringing at the excessive amount of conjunctions the young boy used during that argument as well as the mispronunciation of the word, Arthur rubbed the bridge of his nose with a soft sigh before shaking his head. "As I have already told you, sometimes, certain conjunctions have to be used, or else the sentence will sound straight. Wouldn't it be weird to say 'is not it' when talking about something?" he told him sternly. "Also, Franklin, please. If you are to grow up and carry on the world of business that your father takes on, you will have to be able to impress other important people by your ability to speak with such an amazing diction and vocabulary, that even the smallest broken conjunction will amaze them!" he said, splaying his arms out wide in order to emphasize his point.
"Hmph." Grunted Franklin, crossing his arms and turning his head away from his Governess with an evident pout. Most of the words that were spoken by the man went over his head with no important meaning to him, and all he caught on was his inheritance. "I don't wanna take on my dad's business when I grow up." He said stubbornly, his brows furrowing insistently as he genuinely thought in his mind that taking on a company business was the last thing he'd ever want to do.
However, his words had gone unnoticed for his Governess had already given up on stressing about his future life and was returning his focus back on to beating conjunctions into Franklin's head. "Wanna is not a word, Franklin. It's 'want to.'"
"Hmph."
Meanwhile, come lunch time, the front hall was met with the loud resonating of deep knocking as someone used the door knocker with vigor, obviously eager to get inside. Opening the door, Percy was greeted with the expected and ever-lively face of the Spanish knight, dressed casually for the day. Black trousers that hugged his waist showed off his strong legs as shoes glinted due to a thorough polish. A plain white long-sleeved shirt was worn loosely over his upper torso, and it was stylishly made with a string woven through a cut, just above the collar line, a very faint but obvious V cut. Had anyone else seen him, they would have assumed 'Spanish seaman,' but instead, it was merely Antonio feeling incredibly lazy that day. "Percy, mi amigo, how are you today?" he exclaimed happily, reaching out to clasp the butler's hand in a very hearty handshake. "I hope this day has been finding you well!" he said, stepping in when Percy moved to the side to usher him inside.
"Ah, good afternoon Sir Carriedo." The man greeted warmly, nodding. "And yes, I have been finding this day pleasant. Thank you." He replied, closing the door behind him with an audible click.
Turning around a bit, the knight slid on hand into a pocket as he looked around curiously for his friend. "Where might our favorite little noble be?" he stated curiously, eyes flicking to the direction of the man's office study. "Working?" he inquired, ready to walk over and interrupt whatever important business his friend just might have.
"No, not today sir." The butler replied with, looking at Antonio who had turned to him curiously. "I am afraid that the Viscount has gone off for a lunch date with the Lady Odette of Shepard. He was to write to you, but had forgotten, and had asked for me to tell you of his outing when you arrive."
"Oh, so he is out." Stated the knight, raising his eyebrows in surprise. "And not only 'out', but on a date, out." He said, nodding slowly. The knight himself was completely aware of his best friend's inability to calm down for dates, and it amazed him to no end how the man was still able to talk to woman smoothly and do perfectly FINE on dates themselves. Never before had he heard of Alfred messing up a date. To Antonio, most of the Viscount's worrying was all for naught. Also, it was a bit over dramatic. "I see. I wish him best of luck, and hopes that she is the one." He said with a soft snort and chuckle, shaking his head. Despite his words, he was perfectly aware that the Lady Odette would most likely not be the one, due to Alfred's insane pickiness. Also, he had spoken to the Lady before. She was quite boring.
Uttering a soft thank you in place of the Viscount, Percy gave a small bob of his head and gestured towards the parlor. "Shall I get you tea and biscuits before you depart on your way again, Sir Carriedo?" he asked, before being startled by Antonio's own look of surprise.
"Departure? Ah, no I don't believe I'll be leaving so soon!" protested the knight with a short laugh, leaving Percy in a small bout of confusion. The older man was already used to Antonio's frequent coming and goings, but he couldn't fathom why the man would want to stay when Alfred wasn't around. "Franklin's Governess…Arthur! Yes, Arthur is here, is he not?" inquired the man with excited eyes. This was his chance to get to know the man better, since obviously Alfred was too busy with work and searching for women to even bother becoming friends with his newest employee.
Percy shot the man a look of slight confusion and wariness as he nodded. "Yes, the Governess is currently in Franklin's dressing room. I believe they are going over the fundamentals of French grammar at this moment." intoned the older man and he watched as the Spaniard's eyes twinkled. For the shortest moment, Percy felt a twinge of concern towards his fellow household employee. Antonio's attention grasp was something that one did not simply escape from easily.
"Splendid!" Exclaimed said man, clasping his hands as he strode eagerly towards the hallway that led out of the foyer. "Don't worry about entertaining me today, Percy." He said whimsically with a wave of his hands, ignoring the sounds of protest that emitted from the man behind him. "I'll be having lunch with Governess Arthur today instead. Please prepare it, will you?" Antonio asked, glancing over his shoulder as he disappeared through the hallway. Behind him Percy stood with faint frown on his face. By now, the staff of the house had been familiar with Antonio's frivolous antics and welcomed him as a friend. Antonio would order the servants around as familiarly as Alfred would, but he never abused their powers much like Alfred's occasional women did. People had grown to see Antonio as a 'sub master' of the house, but knew to listen to Alfred without a moment's hesitation. Regardless, Percy sighed to himself and uttered a mental 'As you wish, Sir.' in his head as he turned towards the kitchens and headed there, formulating plans for the lunch in his mind.
"-And so, that is why we should use 'le' for masculine words, 'la' for feminine words and 'les' for-"
"ARTHUR!"
The Governess jumped - yes, jumped - and whirled around to stare with wide, terrified green eyes at the door where another man had taken the liberty to fling open with a loud bang as the wood hit the wall. The moment Arthur's eyes took in the familiar and displeasing face of the knight, a look of fury rolled over his face as he slammed the workbook down onto Franklin's desk before him, causing the little boy to start and jerk his head up at his teacher in surprise. "Antonio!" he snapped, stalking over to him with a deep set frown on his face. However, the Spaniard's expression didn't waver from disgustingly happy and that simply pissed Arthur off even more.
"Good afternoon Governess! I trust-
"Antonio, what on God's earth gave you the right to think that you can just barge into this lesson without warning, or any message beforehand!?" Scolded the Governess, face contorted to display one of extreme irritation. Antonio looked startled, as if he had just now realized that the other man was truly mad at him and the knight awkwardly shifted his weight onto the other foot.
"Amigo-" He started, only to be cut off again by Arthur waving his hand about.
"Don't you have any regard to education? Or courtesy?" Arthur spitted out, and at that, the Spaniard pulled up an indignant expression.
Folding his arms and setting his light green eyes into a calm expression in order to defuse the explosive that was dubbed Arthur, he schooled his features and spoke quickly yet determinedly in order to get his point across without having shown his offended emotions. "Governess, as you can see on the clock you have a mere six minutes until Franklin's lesson is over, and by all means, you shouldn't treat it as if you lost six years of your life." He said frankly.
Arthur's expression looked livid, yet surprised at Antonio's sudden tone change. The man had always either seemed happy-go-lucky or mopey and childlike. Now he sounded like he was scolding. Plus, how dare he tell him how to run his lessons? He opened his mouth to speak, but the other man went on immediately without any regard to his open mouth.
"Furthermore," Antonio stated drilling his green eyes right into Arthur's, making the smaller man clamp his mouth shut and shift uncomfortably. "I am fully aware that we aren't at the…best standings with each other. I'd like to remedy that. So, I have opted to have lunch with you today." Antonio spoke proudly, as if he was so happy that the idea had come to him like a revelation. Purposely ignoring Arthur's horrified stare and his speechless moment, he plowed on. "Si, we will have lunch," he shot him a look. "No, you cannot refuse, merely because Percy is already setting it up for us, and yes, Franklin will be fine, because I believe he eats in his room at choice anyways." The Spaniard said confidently, thinking all of it out in the matter of a few seconds. Turning his head, he smiled brilliantly at the boy who sat at his desk staring at the two of them in bright-eyed curiosity. "Go on then, chico, pack up your things. I'll be stealing your Governess for the time remaining for lunch, but I highly doubt you'll mind." He said with an amused smile and Franklin swallowed and quickly shook his head. The child had always seen Antonio as his father's best friend, the lax one, but now he saw him controlling and sturdy, as if he wasn't going to take Arthur's no for anything.
The entire time this tiny speech went on, the Governess was at complete loss of words. Antonio had not only barreled into the lesson and demanded such absurdities, but he had plowed through like a freight train and was apparently planning on dragging Arthur through the wall with him. Or up a wall. However the statement went. Finally able to find his words, Arthur let out a small choked sound as he looked completely affronted at the Spaniard's action. He had half a mind to get on his back, not only for interrupting, but for ordering Franklin when that was clearly his job. The only problem was that after Franklin had skipped out of the room, carefully avoiding Arthur's gaze (not that the man was watching the child anyways) and smiled thankfully at Antonio who smiled happily back, the tan man returned his eyes to Arthur and they immediately went back to rigid cold. Arthur was shocked.
"Err…Fine." The Governess said awkwardly, his face flushing at the knowledge that he had lost this round. With a deep set frown he dropped his gaze with a 'tch' as he glowered at the ground, irritated at this turn of events. He was actually set to sit around the garden with a sandwich or two at his side and continue reading his pirate novel. Obviously, that wasn't going to happen.
Caught up in his own depressed thoughts, Arthur's head jerked up when a gentle hand rested on his elbow. He immediately wanted to jerk away but the hand held him tight. Not enough to be forceful, but enough to show that he should listen. He found himself staring up into green eyes. So alike his, yet completely different in its own way. "I'm glad." Was the simple reply of the just-as-simple Spaniard? Antonio saw Arthur's eyes transform from sulking to astonished, and he grinned. "Let's be on our way then. Mustn't keep the kitchen staff waiting!" he sang joyously as he steered the once-again speechless Arthur towards the kitchens.
There was only one word to describe Arthur's recent state of mind. Stunned. Arthur was stunned, and he had never been this stunned before. Repetition of the word simply emphasized how stunned he was.
Antonio was…great.
He wasn't the idiotic childish boy that Arthur had first met when he basically threw himself all around the Pinkerton's house. He wasn't the flamboyant man that insisted on making such a dramatic entrance everywhere. He wasn't even an egotistical man that thought that the world revolved around him and him alone. He was surprisingly…fun. Fun and enjoyable. As well as quite the conversationalist. Of course, the luncheon itself started off extremely awkwardly as Antonio burst into conversation and Arthur obviously held back as much as possible, but in just a few minutes of subtle prodding, Arthur found himself talking just as animatedly to the Spaniard as he was to him.
"-was ridiculous! I didn't believe the captain could think up such a plan! And his crew, blimey! I just wanted to throw the book down and gasp!" Arthur exclaimed in full excitement, his half-finished plate growing cold on the table as both of his palms were flat on the table and he was expressing his shock through his facial expression and tone. Antonio was across the table from him, looking at the Brit with a face full of avid attention as he leaned back in his chair, nodding vigorously. "But what I could not BELIEVE was when –"
"He tore off Medina's head?!"
"He tore off Medina's head!"
Immediately, both men froze and blinked at each other for a moment, before bursting into laughter, Arthur nodding through it. "Yes, yes, exactly!" he said with a grin, wiping his eyes of the water that dared to leak out from laughing so hard. He waited until Antonio's laughs subsided from across from him before deciding to take a sip of his wine and clear his throat, an easy smile on his face. "I'm glad to see that someone else enjoys the book as much as I do." He mused.
The Spaniard's eyes glinted as he speared a pear slice lazily from the fruit tray in the middle of the table with his fork, nibbling at the tip for a moment. "It truly is an amazing story with a good plot." He said, before winking. "And I'm glad to see that now we have something to talk about, rather than fight, no?" he asked teasingly and he chuckled as Arthur flushed at the humiliation of being so rude earlier.
"Well, it's fair on my part to assume that you were a large prat due to all the things you did. And how on earth was I supposed to know you read?" He said, leaving his voice light to make sure it sounded teasing instead of insulting. "I assumed that all the Queen's guard read were transcripts, records, and their tavern bills." He said, shooting Antonio an amused grin and he was happy to see that the other man looked slightly indignant.
"Oh, how little you know of the way of us knights!" sighed Antonio dramatically, a hand to his chest, raising his wine glass up in the air before him, before pulling it back to him for a sip. Light green eyes peered at him over the rim of the glass and Arthur couldn't help but muse at them. "We have an absurd amount of free time on our hands when we aren't part of the battalions that guard the castle or guard the Queen. Me? I work on the streets. Guarding town entrances, checking up on certain things that the castle sends me to check up on." The man set down the glass and shrugged. "So, I am technically not in the immediate Queen's guard, but that's what we're all called, so thus is my title. I suppose it makes us feel better about ourselves." He said with a grin.
Arthur was surprised at the facts. He hadn't really spent a lot of time thinking about the Knight's work, and after realizing that some knights weren't even as close to the Queen than he had assumed, he was relieved that he paid them all as much respect as he could whenever he encountered them. Thinking back to his few introductions, he vaguely remembered some knights grinning snootily at his formalities, whereas others looked extremely thrilled. "That's quite interesting." He stated from his side of the table, nodding his head to affirm his own words. Antonio merely cocked his head. "I had never assumed that knights had a lot more than merely standing guard by the castle and looking pretty and intimidating for passersby."
A grin, and a sly tone. "You think we look pretty?"
"Shut up. Anyways, it's nice to hear your guy's side of the story for once. I never really had a knight-friend that I could discuss these things about." Arthur mused, shrugging one shoulder and glancing over at Antonio. He noticed that the man's brows were raised and he was wearing a bemused smile. Furrowing his own brows, he turned slightly defensive, lest Antonio say something strange. But the man had noticed his change in demeanor and waved his hand airily.
"Well, now you have a knight-friend to talk about this with." The Spaniard said with a bright smile, and leaned his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his palm as he peered at his new friend. "But enough about me and my duties. As a knight, I can say I am probably one of the very few that can find themselves in the company of a Governess. So tell me, Arthur, what do you like so much about your job that you'd go as far as to keeping the title 'Governess' instead of 'Governor?'" The man asked, and Arthur immediately hesitated, shifting in his seat. Immediately picking up on the movement, Antonio quirked a brow in curiosity. "Nothing too bad now, is it? I mean, it's simply a title, isn't it?" He asked additionally.
The Briton pursed his lips and turned his gaze away, staring at the piece of meat that had lay untouched on his plate since their novel discussion. There was nothing wrong in telling Antonio what he liked about being a Governess, but it was the way that he had phrased it. It was as if he wanted to know everything, and Arthur was very careful with who he was letting know what. Despite their newly-formed friendship, Arthur wasn't sure he wanted Antonio to know everything. "I love the job." He started off slowly, moving his head up in order to look at the other man in the eye, a small smile creeping up to his lips. "It's very exciting and I find myself working with very rewarding children. Or, at least, they turn out to be." He said, and Antonio chuckled. "There is no real reason as to why I wanted to continue using the title Governess…it was simply my job, and I wasn't going to derive myself from the norms by using Governor. None of the other ladies at the company mind." He said, shrugging. "The pay is nice, but it's not my goal. I genuinely like working with the children and their families." He said sincerely as Antonio merely nodded, listening intently to the story. Arthur deemed that he was paying enough attention, so he went on.
"I never had a Governess when I was young," he continued, feeling the faint sense of déjà vu from telling these things to Franklin just the day previous. "In fact, my family was quite nice and I was never a wild child. I grew up in the city, and in an apartment that just barely fit us all in." He said, and the corners of his audience's mouth twitched up at the thought of many other Arthurs and their parents, smashed into one room. "Growing up, I dipped into the art of teaching, but found out that it was too…broad, in terms. There'd be times where I selfishly wanted to keep certain students after just to work with them and make them the best they could possibly be, both academically and ethically. So, quitting the teaching realm, I figured I'd go into governing. Then, not only am I able to work one-on-one with children, but I'll be working with children that desperately need my help. I immerse myself into the lives of children who are misunderstood, mistreated, and problematic, and their lives are astonishingly...complicated." He said, a faint frown on his face as he remembered a few of his children whose lives truly were a mess, both parentally and emotionally. "Then, as their Governess, not only is it my job to educate them, but it's also my job to nurture them and provide them the affection, attention, whatever they need. I don't aim to be a third parent of theirs, heavens no. I just try to be someone that in time, they realize they can come to me with their issues. They can trust me, and trust that I can give them what they want that they might not be able to get from their parents."
He noticed Antonio open his mouth, about to say something, and he rushed in with a slightly panicked look.
"Of course, I'm not blaming the parents for everything wrong in the child. Not that the child has anything wrong in them either. Usually, that's the case. But for example, take the Pinkertons." He smiled faintly as recognition lit in Antonio's face. "Yes, them. They loved Martin. They simply adored him." He said with sincerity in his voice. "Martin was just always…hard. But eventually, we warmed up to each other, and he's better now." He said with a warm smile at the thought of the little boy that he missed terribly. "So as you can see, I'm not doing it for the money or the reputation, though they really are a bonus. I just like working with challenges that not only teach me, but teach them." He finished off with a firm nod, mentally trusting that the whole explanation was good enough, before looking at the knight curiously. What did he have to say about it?
It was silent at the table for a while, Arthur calmly drinking his wine and Antonio contemplating the other man's words. Neither party felt stressed nor intimidated at all. Arthur felt satisfied, knowing that he had explained it as best as he could, whereas the Spaniard was honestly shocked.
"Mi amigo, eres increíble." Was the first thing that Antonio murmured softly and Arthur quirked his eyebrow up in curiosity?"
"Pardon?"
Antonio smiled and leaned back in his chair. "I said, 'My friend, you are amazing.'" He repeated calmly and Arthur's eyes widened as he coughed a bit and looked at him dubiously as the brunet went on. "Your story is so simple…genuine, and pure." Antonio stressed, watching disbelief flicker in the other's eyes. "There is really not much else to say other than that I'm glad you have finally achieved what you had wanted to do in life, and not only are you enjoying it, but you are reaping its most providing fruits. Congratulations, my friend." Antonio said with eyes brimming with pride.
Arthur was stunned once more at how much he heard in just the man's voice and words. Just like his eyes, Antonio's whole being seemed to be pouring with pride. Pride for Arthur, and for his achievements. Happiness, that Arthur had been happy as well. Unwillingly, a faint pink tinged his cheeks as he smiled warily at the other man. "Thank you, I suppose." He mumbled a bit, and nodded a bit more confidently. "And to you as well, with your honorable knightly duties. The people of the town are extremely grateful to you, Antonio." He said. "Because a kingdom consists more of its people than simply the Queen, correct? When trouble comes, who else is there in time to protect us citizens?" Arthur smiled, watching realization flood the Knight's face. "Not the one's glued to the Queen's side, of course. But you. Thank you." He said earnestly, and for the second time in his life, Arthur had seen the expression of pure joy fill Antonio's face, rival to the one he wore when Arthur had accepted his job proposal.
Choked up and ridiculously happy, Antonio could simply grin and nod, running his fingers through his tousled hair. "Thank you, Arthur. Thank you."
Alfred sat with a charmed smile on his face, hands folded politely in his lap and his eyes gleaming as he listened to the pretty woman across from him on the parlor sofa, nodding at all the right moments. His face was the picture of rapt attention, and he chuckled at some parts, letting the woman before him blush prettily.
Never before had he been SO. BORED.
Oh, Lady Odette was a charming woman indeed. But she was so far off of Alfred's idea of 'enjoyable' that it was horrendously tiresome. Even from the moment she had stepped out of the drawing room to greet him in the hall, Alfred could immediately sense the knowledge that he'd be spending the longest lunch ever in her company.
"Oh, Viscount Jones!" Trilled Odette, taking small steps to where he was standing by the door. In turn, Alfred murmured her title and name, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. She smiled radiantly as she gazed up at him with vivid green eyes. The lady was small and petite, the perfect shape for the small dresses and gowns that many women pined for. In fact, she probably didn't even need a corset, but insisted on wearing one all the same for the sake of formality and custom. She had lengthy dirty blonde hair that cascaded all around her perfectly oval face, curled and pinned so that it looked stylish despite the fact that it hung down to her waist. Her neck was slender and unblemished, holding nothing but a small jade locket that matched the color of her eyes, and her arms were the same, her fingernails painted a faint pink color – the color of pink roses. Even the woman's dress matched her appearance, heightening her beauty and radiance. Light pink and just a tad lacy, it hung modestly low on her breast and the sleeves cut off just before her mid-upper arm, a little frill of lace ending it. The gown itself had no petticoat underneath, but it still blew out around her and made soft swishing noises whenever she turned. Like curtains, the pink satin was pinned up with little gold ornaments. The bottom of her dress was covered in white satin lace, showing just a peek of her small petite feet whenever she walked. Overall, Lady Odette was the picture perfect woman.
"It's splendid to have your appearance here at my humble home." She murmured as she pushed open the door to the parlor, where a small table was set with two chairs on either side. Alfred immediately knew this was where they would have lunch.
"It's quite an honor to be here if I say so myself, my Lady." He said in reply, following her to the table and holding out her chair for her, helping her settle in before taking a seat of his own. Suddenly, his previous nervousness for this luncheon date vanished, much like it did during every date. He went through the nerves, and when finally coming face to face the woman, he became instantly fine. Half of him was worried to tell Antonio or Percy for fear that they would just tell him that he had been over dramatic, but regardless, he honestly did feel the pre-date shivers. "I've been looking forward to spending time in your company." He said politely and Odette laughed her bell-like laugh.
"You're ever so sweet, Viscount." She said with a bright smile, her red lips curling perfectly.
Alfred replied with a smile of his own and nodded. "Please, call me Alfred." He said and it was met with an affirmative nod and murmur of agreement. "You have a lovely home, Odette." He commented, glancing around. It reminded him of a French manor, with elegant wall curves and designs that only the French could make. In the back of his mind, he instantly disliked it, despite its gorgeous appearance.
"Mm, I inherited it from my mother." The woman mused, glancing around as well, before turning to the butler and murmuring that they would have their food now. "Wonderful woman she was." At his curious glance, she smiled faintly. "She passed away a year ago."
Alfred gave her a solemn nod and a soft 'Condolences' before angling in his seat towards her. "Shame that I have never met her. It would have been nice to meet the woman who nurtured such a lovely daughter." He said complimentarily and he watched as the woman before him flushed. She looked shy when she blushed.
"Truly, Alfred, no wonder they say you have such a way with women. You do know how to compliment one until their red in the cheeks!" exclaimed the Lady and they both laughed until their food arrived.
Their initial conversation had been decently acceptable, full of small talk and subtle flirting that always allowed the Viscount to see where he stood with the woman. So far, Odette had been receptive to nearly every single thing that he had thrown at her, and that was when he realized that he was extremely bored. After their food came and they began to eat the minimalistic French servings that Alfred was sure the woman had specifically had to compliment her house style, Odette engaged him in conversation about the most tedious things. Alfred was sure that the woman had completely planned everything out, from her topic sentence that involved the current Prime Minister all the way to how taxes were such a tedious thing despite the fact that both of them were filthy rich. But the Viscount treated the woman with the utmost respect, answering all of her questions and commenting on her statements like any other person would.
'God forbid this woman actually take a hold of my heart one day…' Alfred thought blandly, as he kept his plastered smile on his face pleasantly and answered with an 'engaged' "Oh yes, the Duke truly is a man with high social standing…' 'She is definitely a face to admire, but the personality of a trained bird.' Shifting in his seat a bit, he watched as Odette used her arms to extravagantly describe her clothing store connections and babbled off terms and phrases that probably had to do with clothes that Alfred himself didn't understand at all.
"So, Viscount Alfred, how is your household?" Came a subtly sly question that immediately snapped Alfred out of his well-concealed gaze. This was always the time where the woman began to pepper question about he was living at home.
Visibly tensing just a bit, Alfred sent her a cool look and folded his hands in his lap, his used napkin folded nice and next to his plate. "It's going quite well, thank you." He said simply, but her gaze and silence all but pressed him for elaboration. "The servants are just as useful and as perfect as when I bought them, and Franklin is doing fine." Alfred spoke dryly, his expression saying just the same. He tried to give as basic as answers as possible, but he knew that just the simple name would send the woman on a rant. Needless to say, what he expected was true.
"Oh, Franklin! That dear boy of yours!" she all but exclaimed, inching forward in her seat as she smiled prettily at the Viscount with shining eyes. He returned it wryly and nodded. Alfred had been long since trained in spotting the difference in other's voices, and he noticed here more than ever, how Odette switched from 'conversational' to 'I want to impress you so let me praise your son, the little devil abomination that he is.' Alfred had to squash down the urge to strangle her. "How is the little angel? Last time I saw him…why, it was merely a glimpse of a portrait! I'd love to meet the child." She said, layered sweetness on her voice, making the Viscount silently shudder.
"Franklin is quite well." Alfred said with a nod and watched as Odette nodded vigorously in turn as if she herself had known all along that Franklin was doing okay. "His studies are coming along and he is surprisingly quite diligent in the classroom as well as with his work. It surprised me, but nevertheless, I am proud of him."
"That's truly quite good to hear!" Gushed the lady, reaching out to pat Alfred's arm as if a reward for having a tolerable son. The man fought the urge to snatch his hand away and instead gave her a nod in thanks. "It's quite a surprise to hear he is quite well in the classroom," Odette went on, and she spoke without thinking. Immediately, Alfred tensed as the woman unknowingly went on, speaking based off of the rumors she had heard. "Because I wasn't sure that such a boy would be able to do so well with other children granted that he is known to be quite…reckless, I suppose the word is…" Odette hadn't even glanced at him and was too busy looking off with furrowed brows, as if sifting through all the gossip and rumors she had heard in order to bring up some sort of conversation to the irritated Viscount. Alfred merely forced himself not to glare at her as she blabbered. "Of course, I mustn't be one to simply judge by what I hear!" she said with a trilling laugh, but went on before Alfred could even slip a simple word in, moving her eyes to him. "Though I'm glad that Franklin is now able to work in the school-like environment, after the whole incident with his mother I would've assumed that he would have had some issues with the other children – "
"LADY." Came an aggressive voice from across the table and Odette snapped her mouth shut immediately. She blinked a couple of times and fully registered the Viscount's thunderous expression on his face, his usually-clear blue eyes, stormy without doubt. Realizing what had just been said, her mouth fell open and closed like a fish out of water, her cheeks coloring as she looked as if she desperately wanted to suck back all the words she had said back into her mouth.
"V-Viscount-" she attempted, but was quickly cut off by a sharp wave of Alfred's hand.
"No, it's quite alright." Alfred said sternly, but spoke before the relieved look on Odette's face settled anymore. "You are right. Franklin is quite the child but he is my child and it would be in your best favor to restrain from saying anything against him and his mother, or my ex-wife." He said coldly, watching as Odette's expression returned to one of a dying cat. She looked quite ugly when horrified. "And for your information, seeing that you are simply dying for information on my family that you could go on to share with your other gossiping friends – (at that, Odette let out an indignant croak) – Franklin is not enrolled in a school, but I have instead hired a Governess for his education, who is quite the mentor and friend." Alfred spoke clearly, suddenly feeling extremely protective and defensive not only for his son but for his Governess as well. In just the very few short days that Arthur had been employed in his household, he had already proven to be someone that could handle Franklin decently. He didn't want Odette to say a bad word towards him at all. Alfred was pretty sure that his tone was icy, and that his words were sharp, but glancing at the clock across the table and behind Odette, he deemed that it this unnecessary luncheon had gone on long enough and Alfred had to state clearly that he was not interested in the slightest. He had already categorized Lady Odette. She was not after his money. No, she was one of those that would've been ashamed of having Franklin as a son and a 'whore ex-wife' to life up to.
"I believe I should be going now, then. The time has flown by without our knowing." He said, politeness seeping back into his voice and Odette immediately flew out of her seat in order to graciously smile and thank him for spending the time here, ushering him to the door to try and make up for her earlier comments. But the Viscount was having none of that and simply smiled and continued on his way as he walked towards the door. Tuning out Odette the moment he stood up, he only stopped in his path down the front steps when Odette called out from the entrance, desperation in her voice.
"Your Governess must be lucky! To work with such a wonderful family! She should be grateful you are so generous." Odette said, slapping words together to make it sound praising, yet jealousy was heard in her voice.
Without turning around, Alfred merely snickered to himself and nodded once, before continuing down the steps towards the carriage. He replied, in a loud voice that carried to the woman's ears. "He is. I'm glad he accepted the offer."
"Favorite color?"
"Guess."
"Must I?"
"If you really want to know."
"…Pink!"
"Are you daft…?"
Antonio grinned, rounding a corner of the rose maze that snaked around the Jones' backyard grounds, smiling down at the smaller British man who was staring at him with a facial expression that read disbelief, but eyes that shone with amusement. "Si. Your favorite color is pink. Not only pink pink, but the pink roses kind of pink. Soft pink! Baby pink." The Spaniard spoke seriously, as if seriously convinced that Arthur's favorite color was pink. In turn, Arthur was so boggled that all he could do was try and hold down a laugh…and fail.
"You git! You make me sound like a girl! I do not like pink. Would any respectable man like the color pink?!" Arthur protested vehemently, trying to look extremely peeved, but was hiding a smile at the ridiculousness of the conversation as a whole.
With a grumble and a deep pout, Antonio crossed his arms and sniffed indignantly. "I like the color pink. It's not my favorite color, but I like it." He said in retaliation, and Arthur grinned, reaching over to playfully punch the man's arm.
"Then you, my friend, are not a respectable man."
"Rude!" Came the exasperated reply, light green eyes looking warily down at Arthur.
Haughtily, the Brit merely crossed his arms and grinned proudly, knowing his insult was a good one, well-timed, and clever. "Yes, that's me, nice to meet you."
At that, Antonio's expression morphed into one of bemusement as he led the way to a small clearing in the maze where a tiny gazebo was hidden, ivy crawling up its aged marble pillars, a bench in the middle, tufts of grass surrounding its feet. Sitting down on one end, he waited until Arthur sat down next to him and watched curiously as the man instinctively crossed his legs, one slender one thrown completely over the other, in a very feminine manner. The Spaniard raised an eyebrow curiously as he cleared his throat to get Arthur's attention, jerking his chin towards Arthur's legs. "Are you sure you don't like pink?" He said teasingly, meaning to just play a bit. But he was surprised when Arthur flushed a shocking shade of red.
The Governess threw his leg back down, keeping then straight and stuck together as his face burned. He sputtered a bit in an attempt to explain but the fire died and he was left awkwardly swallowing as Antonio struggled to comprehend.
"Amigo, are you oka-"
"Fine, YES, Yes I am!" Was what burst out of Arthur's mouth just before his friend could finish the sentence. He hid his face, waiting for the reaction, the gasp, the shout, the angry words…but nothing came. Slowly, he inched his face up, brows tightly knitted together in worry as he took in Antonio's face. Antonio's…confused face. "Err…"
"Yes, you are…what?" Was the only thing Antonio could ask in return to Arthur's outburst? He had been startled, and was now thoroughly confused. Arthur's nervous appearance didn't reassure him either.
Hesitating, Arthur looked just as confused for a moment before figuring that Antonio…really didn't know what just happened. However, knowing that he had already opened his mouth, he would have to finish it all off. Antonio was someone he could trust. He was a friend. He seemed like someone who…wouldn't…judge. Right? "Err… " he said again, this time a bit more mumbled as he ducked his head, avoiding Antonio's curious gaze. "Something that I tell all my employers before I am hired – not that you are my employer –" He shot Antonio a look that said 'don't think about ordering me around.' "Is that…well. Not only am I male, but…" he bit his lower lip, swallowing, before Antonio's gentle hand was on his shoulder, patting it reassuringly. He breathed out and stared at the ground as he spoke. "I am homosexual."
Waiting was agony. Presuming was agony. It was all…agony. Arthur kept his gaze steady and on the grass before him, trying to count the blades but always messing up after 1. His mind was worried, for his first friend could be his last after this judgment. Would Antonio leave? Would he look at Arthur in disgust? Would he play it off as if it was nothing but still treat Arthur completely different from this moment forward? Would he pull off and Alfred and give him the whole 'you should've told me earlier!' thing?
No. Instead, after a simple second of silence (Which felt like hours to Arthur,) the Briton felt the warm hand on his shoulder squeeze lightly, before releasing, and he turned his head to look at Antonio. To look at Antonio's bright face and regular smile – his clear green eyes that spoke reassuring things. "Okay." Was the only thing that came forth from Antonio's lips?
Arthur blinked. Okay? It was…okay? Antonio just spent a few hours with Arthur and then figured out he was homosexual, and that was…okay? "Um…" Arthur said, straightening up to make sure he heard correctly. But he was cut off immediately.
"I've always been interested in having a homosexual friend." He said, and Arthur's eyebrows shot up. "Most of them are looked down upon, but I thought it'd be quite the experience." He said coolly, and Arthur continued to sit, speechless. He watched as Antonio broke eye contact and stretched out on the bench, checking the watch that adorned on his wrist. Glancing at the shock Brit, he shot him a grin and stood up, turning to face the silent Arthur. "It seems that my time here is up, and I have matters that I must work on at home. It's been a pleasure to get to know you more, Mr. Kirkland, and I'm glad that I was able to learn more about you. (Arthur felt his face unwillingly flush.) May we meet for lunch again soon? Tomorrow, perhaps?" (Arthur was stunned. And all he could do was nod his head.) "Splendid! Have a good evening." Antonio said with a grin, in all politeness and charm, spinning away and marching through the maze like he knew every twist in turn.
As the Spaniard made his way back to the Manor, stepping inside and heading to the entrance hall, he stepped out as soon as the Viscount stepped off of his carriage. His grin simply brightened and turned a bit sly as he jovially hopped down the steps and greeted his friend. "Good afternoon, my friend. How did your date with the lovely Odette go?" he asked curiously, and raised his brows when Alfred groaned.
"Terrible. She's like a doll. Or a puppet. As if she's pulling her own strings and had practiced what to say. Then she even spoke ill of Franklin and Her." He mumbled, and Antonio groaned.
"Ohh…Mi amigo, what bad luck. Well. I wish you the best in the next lady you decide to meet up with." The knight patted his shoulder reassuringly and was about to move on when a hand gripped his wrist, causing him to turn and look at Alfred curiously.
"What are you still doing here?" Alfred asked, as if he had suddenly realized that Antonio had been here for a few hours too long. "I thought you had left a while ago."
Shrugging Alfred's hand off of his wrist, Antonio gave him a one-shouldered shrug. "I decided to stay and have lunch with your neglected Governess." He said simply, making the Viscount's expression morph into one of disbelieving shock.
"Lunch? With Arthur?" he asked dubiously, with a sudden flare of jealousy alighting in his chest. If only he had said yes to Arthur's proposition, then he could've avoided the whole Odette affair. It certainly looked as if Antonio enjoyed himself. "Was he…" Polite? Nice? Enjoyable? Alfred had no idea what to ask, seeing as that after a few seconds of thinking about it, he really had no idea what Arthur was like.
Luckily, his friend caught the gist and Antonio nodded happily. "He is quite the companion! You should really meet up with him sooner or later, Amigo. He has interesting views on life." He said as the Knight pondered their earlier conversations on philosophy and such.
Alfred had the sudden urge to purse his lips and pout like what Franklin did, in a show of his disapproval that he wasn't able to spend time with his own employee before his friend. "Alright. I'll do that." He said with a determined nod, and Antonio patted his shoulder. They shared quick partings before Antonio took Alfred's place in the carriage, and Percy opened the door for his master.
It had taken half an hour for Arthur to gather his wits and make his way back to the house. Even when he had shuffled his way to the main staircase, his head was still reeling with the fact that he had been accepted as a homosexual without a single problem. Antonio was ALRIGHT with it. Blimey, he was happy that now he had a homosexual friend of his own! Arthur wasn't sure if he should be happy by that revelation or not.
About to walk upstairs, he literally jumped when his name was called from across the hall. Spinning around, he breathed in relief when he saw that it was just the Viscount. "Viscount." He murmured in reply, giving him a small head bob in greeting.
Alfred gave him a small smile and walked up to him, greeting him with the same nod. "Morning lessons have gone well?" He asked first, and nodded satisfactorily when the Governess promptly gave him the morning's run-down of Franklin's lessons. "Very well." He said, then hesitated, before asking curiously. "I hope that Antonio wasn't too much of a bother for you this afternoon…?"
What surprised Alfred more wasn't the lack of lashing out, but the fact that a red tinge appeared around Arthur's ears, threatening to edge towards his cheeks. "Ah. Yes, we were able to find common ground. He's not so…" The Briton hesitated, glancing at Alfred to make sure he wouldn't get in trouble for the description. "Irritating, anymore…"
Once again, the envy in Alfred bubbled slightly, causing the Viscount to smile wryly. It really wasn't fair, for his Governess and his friend to grow all chummy while Alfred was stuck in a dull date with a dull woman that talked of nothing but dull topics. "That sounds splendid." He said sincerely, and when Arthur returned the statement with a smile of his own, Alfred jumped in. "I was thinking, in order to make up for the lost luncheon today, do you think we could perhaps meet up tomorrow?" he asked, watching as Arthur's eyes twitched wide in surprise. "There's this restaurant that had opened in the city and I heard that the ratings were quite extraordinary, and I was planning on taking a quick look. Would you like to accompany me?" Alfred asked as regally as possible, holding himself up as he would a king, to show that Arthur should feel honored to go restaurant-visiting with him. Regardless, the rejection shot him hard.
"Viscount, I apologize tremendously, but Antonio and I had already scheduled lunch tomorrow. Here, I believe, just like today. You could join us if you'd like?" Arthur suggested, shrugging lightly and looking at him with a plain expression, as if the offer to join Alfred for lunch hadn't rattled him at all.
But Alfred was shocked. When was the last time he was rejected? Right. When Charlotte said no, to buying Franklin a dog instead of birds. She didn't want dirt paw prints all over the house. The Viscount had to gather himself quickly from the memory to clear his throat and wave his hand flippantly. "No, no, it's fine, really. I just remembered that I still have documents that I must look over. I'll probably do that during tomorrow's lunch." Alfred muttered the words quickly, more to himself than Arthur, and he shot the man a quick thin smile to which Arthur continued to smile apologetic.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I must get Franklin's afternoon lesson plans set." Arthur said, promptly turning in his spot after a nod of parting. He walked up the stairs, rounding the corner, leaving the Viscount to stand awkwardly by the foot of the grand staircase, his lips thinned and brows furrowed as he thought hard.
"Sir?" came a voice, startling the Viscount, making him whirl around to face the concerned face of his butler. "Sir, is something the matter?" Percy asked curiously, and Alfred shook his head adamantly, giving him a wry smile.
"No, everything's fine Percy. Say, do I have any paperwork or documents to sign or look over tomorrow?" he asked curiously.
"No, Sir. You asked to have your schedule cleared. You're completely free tomorrow."
"Right, I had that done…" The Viscount sighed, rubbing his forehead with closed eyes. "Right."
Author's Notes:
Oh my gosh goodness i am sorry for making this upload really late. Heck, i don't even want to count the months i've been on hiatus just because i know it's gonna be a really long time and then i'll feel guilty. Forgive me. T^T, hopefully you guys are still reading this story.
Anyways, so...More apologies. Actually no. More like smugness. Do not flame me for making his story so Antonio & Arthur based. *grins* How else can a love story be dramatic without a little..competition?
Muahaha... But yeah, seriously, i promise more USUK fluff later on. Just...hopefully this chapter shows you where everyone's place is in life. Also, i promise more Franklin. I just had a fun time writing Antonio and Arthur here!
And to all my other reviews, instead of answering...i'll just..give you this chapter and...well xD Then you can tell me what you think.
Feed me Reviews! :)
Love, Glenn-Agape