CHAPTER 7
A couple of weeks after Castiel's mistake of admitting that he felt more than friendship towards Dean, Dean went home with his parents and brother. They had talked things through and Dean, changed by his accident, had promised to work hard at his studies.
Harry was going to work a few hours a week when school started. A friend of uncle George was a solicitor and it had been arranged that Harry would come in twice a week and help out. Mr. Sanderson had agreed to the arrangement because he appreciated young men who wanted to work hard. Of course, he hadn't been told that Harry was trying to work off a gambling debt that had been payed by his father.
Castiel managed to make up with Dean before he left. They exchanged addresses and Castiel promised they would see each other the next time he came for a visit.
The rest of his holiday he spent playing games in the garden with the family, going fishing and dancing with Evelyn when there was a ball. He asked for permission to write to her and she agreed with a smile, blushing a little.
When he got back to his own estate he immediately felt the emptiness. Big houses were supposed to be filled with people, life, a family. He went to write to Evelyn and told her about his long journey home and how the wagon had lost a wheel just outside Leeds.
As the weather changed towards Autumn he felt melancholy and looked forward to Summer when he could once again make his way South.
He enjoyed receiving letters from his family. Harry had grown fond of his job with Mr. Sanderson and was thinking of becoming a solicitor. Castiel was surprised but pleased. He hoped the change in Harry would be permanent.
Evelyn wrote about her visits to the neighbours, the new fashion for women and other little things that would seem trivial to Castiel, had he not longed to be back in Devon.
Dean also wrote, but his letters were short. Like Harry, he had decided to work hard on his studies but he didn't know what he wanted to be. Castiel was a little worried. If he had no purpose he would be in danger of going back to his old ways. He tried to encourage him to find his passion in life. Maybe he could also get a job somewhere. Then he would have an idea of what happened in different professions.
He was quite taken aback when Dean wrote and told him he wanted to go into politics. He had found a job at the offices of Prime Minister Goderich. He didn't have any important responsibilities but he planned to work hard and then maybe he would be promoted. Castiel wrote back and congratulated him. He wanted to encourage Dean so he didn't mention that his past might become a hindrance.
The Winter was long and cold with snow covering the hills Castiel could see from his windows. He spent much of his time reading by the warm fire or planning for next year's crops. He was beginning to think he should have some sort of profession. He kept a tight budget and the estate was doing well, giving a nice profit every year but he still felt a little unsure. It would be a good idea to think ahead and plan for a time when things wouldn't go so well.
Taking a cue from Harry, he decided he would become a solicitor himself. Harry wrote and told him how he had laughed when he had heard. To think that he would inspire Castiel to do something good.
Uncle George wrote to say how happy he was and aunt Phillippa added a note saying she was very proud that Castiel showed such willingness to work hard. She added that Evelyn's parents also were impressed and Castiel knew she was hinting at them more easily accepting a marriage between Evelyn and him. After all, Scotland was far away. Castiel felt happy and decided to apply to Edinburgh University immediately.
When Summer came, he once again made his way to Devon. He felt anxious and kept telling himself it was because he was looking forward to see Evelyn, but Dean crossed his mind several times on the journey.
When he finally arrived at the house, he was surprised to see Harry among the family, welcoming him. He had finished his exams already and didn't have to go back to Mr. Sanderson until school started again in the Autumn.
Castiel went to his room to freshen up and while he was washing his face there was a knock on the door.
"Yes?" he called.
The door opened and Dean's head came through the crack with a tentative look.
Castiel smiled. "Hello, Dean. How are you doing?"
Dean opened the door a little more and came in.
"I'm very well, Castiel. It's good to see you again."
He stood stiffly like he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself.
"I'm told there'll be tea in the garden in a few minutes."
"Good, I could do with a cup of tea," Castiel said.
They went down together and Castiel decided they would have to find time to catch up later. He also wanted to talk to Harry. And of course, he would see Evelyn soon too. He felt happy as he sat in the garden, drinking tea and looking at his family.