Part 10: The next day was a busy one in the house. A busy one at least for the kitchen staff. They spend all day preparing an elaborate meal for the guests and cleaning all of the good silver wear and china. The staff was always proud of their work for their employer, and always worked to please him. Miss Blanchet knew how much Lord Lee disliked these large gatherings, and that he merely did it for propriety and for a good laugh with Ian when it was all over. Not everyone in the house was working hard, though… The dinner party to be held that night was for Lord Lee’s main guest, Lord Mortensen. The man was visiting after traveling through Italy, and there were many arrangements he had to speak to Lord Lee about…mostly financial. Mortensen knew that he was to inherit a vast sum from the old man due to the relationship between Lee and his father, Lord Mortensen the first. Once Viggo had heard from his mother that he was to receive from Lord Lee, he had made a point to make an appearance a few times a year, so as to remind the old man or his promises. Lord Viggo had done his research on his benefactor to see what he was most likely to get. He was never a man to be cheated…and he wanted every last cent he could receive. Over the past few years, he had heard from numerous people during dinner gossip that Lord Lee had not heard from his son and heir in some time…Lady Knightley’s dreadful little snipe of a daughter, Miss Keira, had said that her brother had heard that Lord Lee had not seen his son in years. Viggo wondered if Lord Lee and his son did not have a good relationship, due to the lack of contact. However, he had heard Lord Lee speak highly of his only son on several occasions to people like Lady Smith and Lord McKellen. All he knew is that if Lord Lee did not leave his money and estate to his son…then the only other person he had to leave it to was…him. Viggo sat out on the terrace with the two old men, Lord Lee and Ian McKellen. The two men seemed to spend every waking hour together, and he felt as though to keep good face, he should be with them as well. They bored him to tears. All they seemed to do was sit outside, sipping sherry and sniggering about life and gazing at the buttocks of the younger staff. Viggo sometimes wondered if the two old men had at once point in their lives been together. It really would not surprise him, the way they carried on. “I don’t know where the bloody hell my young valet is. I swear, that boy is bloody useless when he wants to be. Never around when I actually need him. Why do I keep him around, Ian?” Lord Lee rolled his face towards the old man in question and waited for his wise response that the other man was sure to give him. “Because he is young and lovely and you are old with a lingering appreciation of such things…you dirty old man.” Ian answered before he raised a glass containing his alcohol of choice for the morning and took a took a sip. “Oh yes, that’s it” Lord Lee said with a smile, taking a sip of his own beverage. “I will give him a severe punishment, to be sure.” “Such as?” Lord Lee gave him a look that told him the answer should be obvious. “Well, I shall make him do all of his prescribed tasks or sic Miss Dench on him. No, not that…that would be too cruel.” “Good old Miss Dench.” Ian chuckled. Lord Lee raised his glass in a toast. “To good Miss Dench, the only woman who has ever put me in my place and made me hide my tail between my legs.” “Me as well” Ian laughed, clinking his glass to the other man’s. Viggo snickered to himself as he thought of how they reminded him of male versions of Lady Smith, constantly gossiping and sharing secrets. Viggo was glad beyond words that he still had his youth and had not yet regressed into age. He was in his forties, but he still felt young. He knew that he still attracted attention from women. They loved his manly good looks and strong physique. He got regular exercise to maintain his muscular figure so as not to disappoint them. The women of society bored him though. They all were silly and undeserving. They wanted him for his money and title, but he wanted nothing to do with them. He knew he attracted the attention of men as well. It was something not talked about by tasteful society, but it most definitely did happen. Always enjoying going against societal restrictions, Viggo had dallied in the occasional male affair, and he had enjoyed them for their entire brief entirety, but none had meant anything to him. He had not found anyone yet that he really wanted. No one seemed worth his time for more than as long as it took to orgasm. Lord Mortensen sat back in his chair, closing his eyes and letting the sun shine against his face and wishing the day would move more swiftly along so that they could go to dinner, and he could hopefully find some scullery maid to screw. Away from the terrace, Orlando saying goodbye to Sean, giving the man a sound kiss on his lips. The blonde man held the youth’s body close, not wanting to relinquish it just yet. They had spent the night together, making love into the early hours of the morning and then falling asleep in each other’s arms. The morning was the happiest of Sean’s life, waking next to the love of his life. The first thing that Orlando had noticed when he had woken up was the divine weight of the silver ring on his finger. He could not stop fingering it all day, just to reassure himself it was really there. He giggled as Sean nibbled his neck while he held him captive. “Sean! Your are slobbering on me!” he laughed, but he did not try and push the man away too much. Orlando rested his head on the man’s shoulder. “I do not even care that I am late. I am sure Lord Lee will punish me most severely.” He smiled, trying to imagine what a punishment from his employer might be…perhaps he would make Orlando do all of his assigned duties… Sean smoothed his hands down the youth’s back, kissing his neck softly. “Then I suppose I should not rumple your clothes too much, as you will not have time to fix them.” He made as though to let go of the slender youth, but Orlando caught his arms and pulled them back around him. “You had better not!” he ordered. “You shall hold me until the second you have to leave.” Sean laughed. “I wish we did not have to part for a moment, Orlando, but today is a busy day, and we are both needed. I need to wash anyways, I must smell dreadful…” Orlando clutched the man’s shirt. “I like the way you stink” he said sweetly, raising himself on tip toe to kiss the man’s lips. “If I did not care so much for Lord Lee, I would say we should run off together and live in the woods. There, we would run naked and make love all day.” Both men smiled at this thought. Orlando nestled against the man again. “But I could never abandon Lord Lee…he is too kind and I am too fond of him to do that.” Sean into Orlando’s hair. The boy was so sweet. He thought back to his conversation with Lord Lee that night, and thought about how one day, he and Orlando would live in this house together, married…hopefully they could adopt a few children to carry on their line. The future seemed bright. Sean embraced Orlando tight. “I will leave you now, my darling. Tend to your duties, and we shall meet again tonight. We have all the time in the world. I will build us a nice cottage to live in, and it shall be ready by the spring, so I may carry you over the threshold on our wedding day.” “Mmmm…” Orlando moaned in delight. “That’s sounds wonderful. I cannot wait for that day.” “I love you” Sean said, his eyes conveying the real worth of the words. “Say is again” Orlando pleaded quietly, holding Sean’s face in his hands. “I love you” Sean said, his voice low with passion and sincerity. He kissed Orlando one last time and then stroked his ring finger, letting his fingers brush the warm metal. He then bit Orlando farewell, and left to carry out his duties for the day, pleasant images and thoughts of the future driving him. Orlando walked in a dreamlike state into the kitchen. He went in a trance to the door to the terrace, hoping to find Lord Lee there and beg his apologies, but a voice stopped him. “Orli! There you are, where on earth have you been?!” Orlando turned to see Miss Blanchet, Dom, and Elijah all staring at him with looks of concern. His rumpled, dirtied clothes only added to their worry, and Miss Blanchet had a hand clutched to her chest in an almost motherly gesture. She rushed over to Orlando and took his face him her hands, examining him for injury or illness. She grasped his face and made him look at her. “You have had us worried sick! You have not done any of your chores all morning, Lord Lee has been asking after you every minute! You know today was a busy day, and I have had to have Dom do all of your chores until now.” Orlando looked over at the other boy and saw only worry on his face. He felt sheepish at the thought that he had caused so much trouble. “I’m sorry…” he said excitedly. “I was with Sean…” “Oh, Orli” Miss Blanchet said, letting her hands drop. “How could you be so neglectful of your work…we all know that you and Sean are seeing each other, but that is no reason to…” Orlando grasped her hands to halt her speech, before raising his hand and showing her the ring. “He proposed to me, Cate! He asked me to marry him!” Immediately all three crowded around him. “Oh Orli!” the shouted in excitement. Miss Blanchet held his hand to the light, examining the silver ring. “Oh Orli, it is wonderful…congratulations!” She pulled him into a hug, and was immediately pushed away by Dom and Elijah. “We want to see!” they protested, grabbing at Orlando’s slim hand. They held it up for examination, wide eyes taking in the silver band that the quiet, elusive Sean Bean had given the youth only the night before. “When did he ask?” “What did he say?” “When is the wedding?” Orlando laughed at their interest and the way they crowded around him. “It was last night…he asked if I would remain with him for all time…it was so romantic…I just couldn’t leave him all night…I am just so happy!” Elijah swore he could see tears of joy threatening to leave the youth’s chocolate eyes. He had never seen the other boy so happy in his life, and was overjoyed for his good fortune. The door opened and Miss Tyler and Miss Winslet came in. They saw the little huddle and immediately came over when Miss Blanchet waved to them. They saw the beaming Orlando and the ring upon his finger and squealed in excitement. “Orli!” Miss Tyler proclaimed. “Did Sean propose?” Orlando nodded and immediately the two women bombarded him with hugs and kisses. Soon the whole group was a laughing mess crowded around the dark haired youth. They hushed when Orlando told them the whole story. Dom said that he wanted to hear all the naughty bits, and Miss Blanchet swatted him. “That is not appropriate or decent talk. I know very well that you and Elijah are well versed in such acts, judging from the sounds that come out of the washroom every so often.” “Oh, come now Cate, I want to hear them too” Miss Winslet said with a grin, biting her lower lip and giving Orlando a playful slap on the arm. She carried a laundry basket filled with the clean linens, and she shifted it to her hip to hold it better while she listened. Miss Tyler seemed anxious to hear the details as well, and soon Miss Blanchet caved, waving for Orlando to continue. Orlando scoffed at them. “Come now, you lot don’t really want to hear the details of what we did together, do you?” Orlando flushed and looked positively scandalized. “Come on, Orli, how big is he?” Dom asked. “I’ve always wondered” Elijah said, slapping Dom’s shoulder in agreement. “He reminds me of a dark brooding hero…you know, the kind that the Lady of the house has an affair with in one of Liv’s novels.” Miss Tyler blushed and swatted him for that remark. “Enough out of you! I have a few things I could share about you as well, you know.” “I bet he is huge” Elijah said, his vibrant eyes going wide as he spoke. “He is a rather large man…it would seem fitting.” “Come on Orli…did it hurt at first? Was he your first?” Orlando gave a gasp of righteous indignation and put a hand over his mouth like the blushing maiden he was. Miss Tyler shook her head. “I cannot believe we are talking about this…what if someone were to overhear…” “Oh, it is all in fun…tell us, Orli” Miss Winslet urged, nudging him with her elbow. Orlando blushed fiercely and looked around to make sure no one else was there before measuring a length with his fingers. Everyone squealed. “How can you walk after?!” Elijah asked, shear awe on his face. “I hate you for claiming him, Orli” Miss Winslet said, wrinkling her nose at him, her declaration making Miss Tyler gasp in shock, perfectly scandalized. “What is going on here?” The whole group immediately silenced and turned to see Miss Dench standing in the doorway, hand clasped before her, face expressionless as usual. Everyone bowed their heads, knowing that they had been caught red handed. Miss Blanchet, feeling she was responsible for the whole group, stepped forward, prepared to deal with her. “We were just congratulating Orlando on his engagement to Sean.” He said, looking the other woman straight in the eye. Miss Dench gave Orlando a look of surprise. “Bean, the groundskeeper? My my, I must say that comes as a bit of a surprise. Congratulations to you, Bloom, on your most unconventional engagement.” “Thank you ma’am” Orlando said, giving her a little nod. “However, I must remind you all that there is a dinner party tonight that is nowhere near prepared for. Would you please resume your assigned tasks?” “Yes ma’am” was the unison reply. “Very well. Carry on” Miss Dench said. She eyed Orlando, beckoning him with a finger. Orlando approached her carefully, not sure what to expect. “Your uniform, it is soiled and not appropriate to be worn. Do you have another?” “Yes ma’am” he said, quietly. “Very good. Hurry and put it on for tonight. I will attend to Lord Lee while you clean up, but be sure to be done before three, understand?” “Yes ma’am. Thank you.” She nodded and motioned for him to leave the kitchen. Orlando left quickly, eager to be out of the room and awkward situation. As he left, he could hear Miss Dench ordering the other’s about for a moment, before Miss Blanchet took over. Not desiring to wait around and endure a lecture from the head housekeeper, he hurried towards the stairs to the servant’s wing. Lord Mortensen could not sit any longer. Some of the guests, including Lady Smith, had already arrived. They were all sitting in the drawing room. Lady Smith was playing cards with Lord Astin and his charming wife, lady Christine. Viggo did not find her charming at all, he just found her dull. She was a silly naïve woman that was no good for conversation at all, and neither was her husband. Sean Astin was a simple man down to the bone. All of the family money and good breeding had never covered over that. Many of the aristocrats in their social circle found him to be charming but amusing in his sincerity. In the world of money and glamour, sincerity did not make one respected. Viggo could not stand watching Lady Smith snigger at everyone to their faces, and watching Lord Lee and Lord McKellen snigger at Lady Smith, and Lord Astin being sweet to his sweet wife. He needed to get out. He needed to smoke. He needed a good fuck…anything but this. Lord Mortensen excused himself from the room, and made his way towards the washroom. He locked the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment. He was sick of having to attend these dinners with these drab people only to secure his claim to the old man’s money. How he despised these necessities. Viggo stepped away from the door and looked in the mirror. He was pleased by his reflection, as usual. He had dark blonde hair that still at forty-three did not show gray. He kept his hair neatly combed and set, giving him a put together look. His eyes were the color of the sky, that subtle combination of blue and gray that women loved. His chin was proud to match his stature with a deep cleft, something that he had been told added to his very manly and debonair image. Viggo knew he was a handsome man, and in the past had had no difficulty finding company when he so required it. The trouble was, he was beginning to get bored with it all. Being able to get anyone he wanted had been fun in his days of youth. He slept with every woman he could find, and had a wonderful time doing it. His father would have looked down on his actions, had he known, but Viggo was a very secretive man, and there were few that had really witnessed his true nature. Viggo by no means wanted to get married. The idea of being tied down to some dull drab woman made him cringe. He loved being a bachelor, and being the talk of the room. He had noticed it even that night. Lady Astin and Lady Pitt were speaking together about how shocked they were that he had not yet taken a wife. He really found it all quite amusing. Viggo knew Lady Pitt’s son, Brad, from school. They had been to Oxford together and had been sort of friends. Friends at least in the sense that they invited the other to each other’s parties and always extended an invitation when the other was in town, but in truth, they did not know much about each other. Thinking he had spent enough time in the washroom, Viggo decided to step outside for a bit of fresh air and a cigarette, hoping to waste a little more time before returning to the party. “Good old Maggie…isn’t she fabulous in the way she has no care for another’s feelings.” “Oh or course. You have to admire a woman with genuinely no concern for another’s mood but her own. I always wonder what she will say next.” “Chris, I swear by the end of the night she will have poor lady Astin in tears.” “Are you joking Ian, the woman has not comprehended a word Maggie has said all night.” Christopher Lee took another puff of his pipe and once again regarded the guests. He was delighted when he saw Lord Mortensen excuse himself from the room and step out. He turned to Ian and nodded towards the man’s retreating form. “I thought he would never leave. He has been skulking around me all night.” Ian nodded. “Odd how a man of such breeding can have no tact at all.” He adjusted himself and crossed his legs one over the other. “Enough about chiseled Lord Viggo, I want to hear about Sean. I know he came to see you today, my valet told me.” Lord Lee raised a furry brow. “Richard been spreading the latest gossip again?” he asked. “Oh please” Ian scoffed. “Mr. Grant does not spread gossip, he merely keeps me informed as to the goings on of my good friend’s house, as any good servant should. Now, do stop going around the subject and tell me what your devilishly handsome grounds man spoke to you about when you two disappeared this morning. I must say, I occasionally have a word or two with my grounds man, but I must say that he has never been so zealous to speak to me in private.” Christopher sighed, knowing that no amount of persuasion would be able to turn his old friend from that topic of conversation. “All right, Ian, I’ll tell you, but this is private, all right?” “Christopher, you think I would spread the business of another person to anyone but you? Shame…I though you knew me better than that.” Christopher snorted and sipped his drink. “All right, before you let your imagination run away with you, he and I are not involved in ways that would interest you. I have known Sean for many years, you know that. I confide in him like I do you, and he confides in me. It really has been quite a comfort while my son has been away.” Christopher tried to not let his voice betray any emotion as he spoke about his son. He had never told Ian that his son was dead, the only person that knew was Sean. He loved Ian dearly, but something inside him told him to let it stay a secret. Ian sat quietly and listened to his oldest friend speak. “Well, do you remember my darling little valet, the one who enjoys early morning walks through the house partially clothed?” “Oh yes, quite well” Ian said with a little grin. “Quite unforgettable…lovely skin.” “Down, you old man, “ Lord Lee warned. “Well, Sean came to me this morning to tell me that his darling Orlando, whom he has been seeing in “secret” since the lovely creature came into my employment, agreed to marry him last night.” “Ah…love. Ian said. How I despise the young and happy” Ian said, taking a puff of his cigarette. At a look from the other man, he smiled broadly. “Oh come now Ian, I am bursting with joy for the young pigeons. Love is so frequently found in these days of money and position. On the few times I saw your grounds man, Sean, he seemed a good man. Very quiet, but he seemed a genuine man, and you know how I love your young valet. Mr. Bloom is indeed the rarest of flowers, and such flowers need the proper care so that they do not wilt. I just hope that Sean is such a caretaker.” “I believe he is” Christopher said. “You should hear them speak about each other, it is precious.” “Oh Chris…do tell me you are not going soft.” Christopher chuckled. “Oh no, just letting that crusty exterior melt away.” The men talked for a few minutes, watching the others in the room before the door opened. Lord Lee groaned when he thought it was Mortensen returning, but was delighted to see Orlando sheepishly look in the room before entering. Lady Smith looked up from her cards and squinted her eyes at the youth. Christopher saw recognition flash into her eyes, and she immediately leaned over to lady Astin, ushering Lady Pitt over as well and whispered to them while pointing at the gorgeous boy. Ian tried to keep down his glee as he saw Orlando approach, so delighted with the news about the wedding. He loved anyone willing to go against convention, and a marriage between two men was something he found divine, as it had been an unattainable ideal for him all his life. Orlando walked over to Lord Lee with his head bowed. He clasped his hands before him as he stopped in front of his employer. “Please forgive my absence this morning, sir…I swear it shall never happen again, and I will willingly accept and punishment…” “Sean told me that you said yes, boy.” Lord Lee cut in. Orlando’s head shot up at what the old, man said, and a smile began to brighten his face. “Congratulations on your engagement. We shall hold the wedding in the spring, as fall is a vulgar time for it.” Orlando’s whole face beamed as his smile spread. Unable to contain his delight, Orlando threw his arms around his employer and embraced him. “Oh, thank you sir!” He cried, before he lightly kissed the side of the man’s face in gratitude. Lord Lee was slightly surprised at the boy’s reaction, and patted his back. “Yes, well, of course I would support it darling boy, but let us speak later, as now is not really the appropriate time,” Lord Lee whispered to him. Orlando immediately released him and stood back, his face flushing a deep shade of crimson. “Forgive me, sir” he said, his voice barely a whisper, and his hands returning to their clasped position before him. Ian chuckled, and Lord Lee winked at him. “Why don’t you go prepare my chambers for bed, and we shall chat later on.” “Yes sir.” Orlando said, bowing before quickly leaving the room. Ian chuckled. “You know I will be present at this wedding. Do let me walk that delectable creature down the isle…” “And what makes you think that I don’t want to? I am holding this wedding, I get to escort him” Christopher grumbled, taking a drink. Ian scoffed. “Do not try me, old man. You just got a kiss! I get to walk him. Besides, you are like a father to Sean, you are the best man…it would be the civilized thing to do…come on.” Christopher grumbled again. “You evil old man…” The door opened, and this time it was Mortensen. Now both the old friends were grumbling…the wolf had returned to the den. Orlando drew back the coverlet, smoothing the top of the bedspread to rid it of any creases. His hands shook still with the excitement from his Lordship’s announcement. He was so very happy that Lord Lee approved…not only approved but would host the wedding! Orlando just could not believe his good fortune. Once the bed was turned down, he checked on the fire. The youth poked it with a stick, moving about the logs and embers to keep the fire hot. Orlando inspected the room to make sure everything was in place, and was just about to leave when the door opened and Lord Lee and Lord McKellen walked in, both slightly inebriated. They laughed as they entered the room, and Lord Lee placed his jacket over the chair while Lord McKellen stroked Orlando’s hair fondly. “If I were twenty years younger…” he began. “Oh, stop it, old man. Step away from my valet.” Ian smiled and crossed over to the couch, where he sat with a most dignified pose. Christopher beckoned Orlando and the boy approached. “I am so sorry for my behavior earlier sir…that was not proper behavior on my part, and I beg forgiveness for any embarrassment I caused you…” “Hush boy…you’ve nothing to be sorry for. It was all really quite amusing. The look on old Maggie’s face…” both men started laughing at the memory. “I wonder what stories she shall start” Christopher said with a chuckle. “Sinful, with any hope” Ian said from his position on the couch. Orlando looked back at Lord Lee. “But sir, how could you know? We only decided last night…” “Sean told me. He and I are quite close, Orlando. Sean told me when he first fell in love with you, and he asked my permission to propose. I told him as I told you, that the wedding will be in the spring, and I shall take care of all the arrangements.” “And by him he means good Miss Dench.” Ian laughed. Christopher scoffed but did not protest the other man’s words. He knew they were true. Lord Lee patted Orlando’s cheek fondly. “I do not want you to stress that pretty little head. We shall just go through our lives as usual, and I shall make sure everything is set for the spring.” Orlando beamed and smiled up at the older man. “Now” Lord Lee said, walking over to his bedside table, picking up the books that were there. “I am sick of these. I want you to take these to the library and set them for the maid to put away tomorrow. Then, you are to go to bed, for we have a big day tomorrow. I can manage on my own tonight; Ian and I still have matters to discuss.” “Yes sir” Orlando said, taking the books from the man’s hands and exiting the bedroom. On his way out, he stopped. He turned back towards his employer and gave him a warm smile. “Thank you so much, sir.” And with that, he left, closing the door behind him. Elsewhere in the house, Lord Mortensen was wandering in the halls, not yet ready to go to bed. He walked through the halls, now quiet even from the footsteps of the servants. Only a half hour ago, the house had been a bustle of activity, from the maids and kitchen staff cleaning up from dinner and coffee. Now, they were all in bed, sleeping so they could wake up to their next day of servitude. Viggo found the library and wandered inside. Knowing the old man and his tastes, there was probably some dirty book stashed away somewhere. Viggo was also delighted to find another stash of bourbon and glasses tucked away in a glass cabinet. Lord Mortensen poured himself a hearty glass before turning the they large shelves of books. He lightly ran his fingers across the heavy volumes, their leather bindings feeling cool against his skin. Viggo saw a title that caught his attention. It was a collection of religious poetry, designed for young ladies to read. Knowing Lord Lee to be neither a young lady, nor religious, he pulled the book out and opened it. Sure enough, the inside had been cut out and a different book pasted in. It was an erotic male love novel. Viggo was impressed, as books of that sort were extremely rare and hard to find. He smiled to himself and tucked it beneath his arm, turning towards the door to leave. As he reached it though, one of Lord Lee’s servants turned the corner to enter the room as well, and they almost collided. The young servant gasped in surprise, taking a step back and almost dropping the books in his hands. Viggo froze in place as he took in the overwhelming beauty of the young servant. The boy was gorgeous. Viggo’s blue eyes roamed over silken dark hair to the olive skinned face. They passed over large chocolate eyes and perfect cheekbones. Cheeks flushed with slight embarrassment and rosy, fill lips slightly parted and begging to be taken. The Lord let his eyes roan freely over the youth’s slim body. He saw the boy shudder in discomfort under his gaze. “Pardon me, my Lord” the boy said quietly is a voice as smooth as satin. The young servant tried to step past Viggo, but the man stepped with him, his body blocking the youth’s so close they were almost flush up against each other. The boy stepped again, and again Viggo moved in front of him. The boy gasped as he was blocked again, and looked at the floor, waiting to be allowed admittance. A pleased smile spread over the man’s lips at this beautiful youth’s submission, and finally stepped to the side, allowing the boy entrance. He inhaled the youth’s sweet scent as he passed, and only when the boy was in the library did the man turn to leave. He could not wait to see this boy again. Suddenly, he saw more potential in his visit with Lord Lee…a whole lot more. TBC… PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!! cheers loves!