If you haven't already please reread the previous chapter it has been updated due to an error in posting.
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The two men had fun deciding what they wanted to place where and shopping for all the extras they needed for their new home. Having a week together without work interfering was good for them. Gaius and Alice kept away most of the time only calling in to see if they could help with anything. Arthur was impressed at how much Merlin's cooking had improved and they had many romantic meals just enjoying each other's company. By the end of the week they had burnt two sets of candles completely away.
They both felt their new home worked well for them and for Merlin's specific needs. All their friends kept away to let them settle in, even Morgana resisted seeing them. Gwen did phone regularly but seemed to accept that things had changed.
All too soon the week was over and Arthur headed back to work once more leaving Merlin alone. Merlin had yet to pass his driving test, or take delivery of his car so was reliant on either Arthur or Gaius, if he wanted to leave the village. It didn't bother him to much as he found it calming and relaxing just to chill out. He went down to the village a couple of times and sorted out a newspaper delivery as well as exploring the place. He found each time he went to the village he would spend ages talking to the locals. He still had his proof reading to do, as that came via email.
At work Arthur was soon immersed in the details of the possible takeover of Essetir. It seemed most of the shareholders were only too willing to part with their shares to get most of their investment back. It would be a good deal for Pendragon's as they would get the extra manufacturing and development space they needed. The office space was not required but could be utilised for other use within the company. The unions were happy as over ninety per cent of the staff would be kept on. The only real loser would be Cenred. Who would not be offered a place at Pendragons nor would Valiant and his cronies.
Meanwhile Gaius phone call from Uther, he had been trying to contact Gaius for some time, but hadn't known about the move. In the end he got hold of him on his mobile. Uther was surprised to hear that the couple had moved, he was back in the country for a short visit and they arranged to meet up in London. Gaius didn't mention it to either Merlin or Arthur wanting to find out what it was about first. Alice insisted on going with him. So a few days later they met up at the Savoy for lunch.
Uther as already was waiting when they got there. He appeared unhappy to see Alice. But Gaius explained that as they now lived outside of London they came in together for the day.
"I am surprised you moved, I never thought you would have considering." Uther said.
"Well our circumstances have changed and the old house was far too big for us." Gaius explained, keeping it vague.
"I have come back to sort out the problems in the company. I expect you heard that my son has brought disgrace to the family name. He has moved in with a sodomite and intends to go through some sort of marriage with him."
Gaius looked at Alice and squeezed her hand under the table, silently telling her to keep quiet.
Uther continued "I will not allow that to happen. I know you encouraged me to hand over the firm to Arthur, but I must insist you back me so I can regain control of the company. I will not have my son destroy everything I worked so hard for." Uther didn't realise the effect his words were having on the other couple. "I will buy the shares off of you if necessary."
"I'm sorry Uther the shares are not for sale, things have changed in our lives, we have recently heard that Hunith died eight years ago. She left a son and we are in contact with him." Gaius started to explain "The shares will be his."
"I'm sorry to hear that Gaius, Alice, but at least you know what happened now." Uther did sound genuinely sorry. "At least you can move on with your lives and get closure." He paused.
"It must be nice to have a grandchild. Would your grandson not find the money more useful? I would pay well for them. I'm sure you understand my position. Not only is the boy a homosexual but he is totally unsuitable, he will drag Arthur down. I'm certain he is only after Arthur's money, the boys a cripple and of no use to my son." Uther spat the words out.
"That's enough Uther! I won't listen to this anymore. How can you be so judgemental of someone you hardly know? If Arthur loves him you should be supporting your son." Alice could keep quiet no longer. "Or you might loss him like we lost Hunith."
"Alice my dear, you don't understand, my son only thinks he loves the boy. He needs to be brought to his senses. I won't have him wasting his life." Uther looked at Alice as if she was incapable of understanding.
"Gaius I'm sure you understand. I need either those shares, or the promise you will back me." Uther wasn't used to having people cross him. "And I won't leave here without one or the other. It is your fault in a way that I'm in this mess; it was you who suggested I retire early."
"I'm sorry Uther.."
Uther butted in "That's alright as long as we sort this out. We all make mistakes."
"No Uther, that's not what I was going to say, I'm sorry Uther I will not change my mind. I find your comments on Arthur's partner offensive in the extreme and I find it difficult to sit here and listen to you. I have met Merlin and he is a kind and loving young man. There is also something else you should understand. We met Merlin for the first time when Arthur brought him to introduce us. We then found out purely by accident that he is Hunith's boy…he's our grandson. So if you can't be more civil I suggest you leave them and us alone." Gaius's voice rose as he spoke until by the end he was almost shouting. Alice squeezed her husband's hand and looked at Uther.
"We haven't known Merlin long but we love him dearly, please take your bigotry elsewhere and leave Arthur and Merlin alone. They love each other and for your sake I hope you learn to understand that." Alice stood up and with Gaius walked out of the building.