Part 3: Orlando lit the match and held it to the logs. He watched as the log began to smoke and then a little flicker of flame started on it, before beginning to grow, feeding on the wood. An orange glow began to light the room around the fireplace. Orlando could hear a murmur of appraisal from an older woman playing bridge at a nearby table. He fought the urge to smile. The woman was quite entertaining, her little habits and colorful comments adding an air of amusement to the evening. Orlando was glad the he was made to wait outside the piano room in the hall for instructions, as it allowed him a little time to relax. He pitied the butler and other few house servants that had to wait in the room with the nobles. They had to stand straight without moving until they were given instruction. Orlando stood up straight and crossed his hands before him before walking over to where Lord Lee sat at the bridge table, smoking a cigarette in one hand and balancing a hand of cards in the other. Orlando stood next to him, his posture straight, his hands crossed. Orlando quietly cleared his throat, indicating to his presence. Lord Lee raised his eyebrows and took a drag on his cigarette. His eyes never wavered from the cards. “Is there anything else you require, my lord?” he asked softly. The older woman trilled with chuckles. “What an inquisitive little boy. Wherever did you find him, Christopher?” She examined him most indiscreetly; her pursed lips wrinkling her already wrinkled face. “Oh hush up, Maggie, give the poor boy some slack. Orlando does a pretty good job here, and I do not mind his sometimes unprofessional manner.” He now slid his eyes over to the boy, whose face reddened as he realized his mistake. He should not have bothered his lord while he was playing. Orlando bowed his head and the old woman giggled again. “He is quite adorable when he is embarrassed, isn’t he? Come now young thing…buck up and go back to work.” She shooed him away with her hand of cards and focused on playing, giving a little squeal of delight when she got a good hand. Orlando hurried from the room and as soon as he was in the hall and closed the door, he leaned against the door and let his head fall back, releasing a long sigh, eyes clenched. He was almost shaking he was so embarrassed. Why could he not seem to do anything right? “Never speak unless you are spoken to,” a soft yet firm voice said from beside him. Orlando froze at the voice, keeping his watery eyes down; his breathe a little inaudible gasp. His eyes flickered across the floor and he subconsciously licked his lips. “W-what?” “Never speak unless spoken to. If they ever need anything, they will direct you. The wealthy like to order people about, but do not like to bother with being questioned themselves. Stand when you are finished with your task to await further instruction. Do as your duties dictate only until you know them well, and when you know their habits, you can anticipate what they will need. Only in a quiet setting with no guests is it proper to ask.” “Thank you” Orlando said, voice no more than a whisper. Sean smiled. “Think nothing of it, lovely one.” Sean raised a hand and ghosted it over the side of Orlando’s face, barely brushing his fingertips against his temple. Orlando shuddered at the feeling, knowing this was wrong, and deep down not caring. “I must go.” Sean said, leaning close to Orlando, breath hot against the boy’s ear. “I shall see you again.” Orlando’s eyelids fluttered and his breath became harder at the words. He caught a glimpse of the emerald eyes before Sean turned and began to walk away, his dirty, tattered clothes evidence that he was not supposed to be in the house. Orlando watched him walk away, his breath becoming more even, yet his pulse racing. The man’s presence warmed him, and his words of comfort and advice soothed his earlier embarrassment. “Mr. Bloom?” Orlando’s head shot up at Miss Dench’s stern voice. He looked up into her unblinking eyes and immediately stood up, straightening his posture. Mrs. Dench stood before him and eyed him carefully. “Is everything alright, Bloom?” she asked. “Of course” Orlando responded immediately, nodding his head to emphasize. Miss Dench raised a pristine finger and wiped a solitary tear that was settling below his right eye and held up the wet digit for them both to see. “Naturally” she said, her voice dry as usual. Orlando swallowed and lowered his eyes. Miss Dench tisked him softly and put a hand under his chin, pulling his eyes up to meet her own. “Keep those pretty eyes up, Mr. Bloom. You must be humble and inconspicuous around them, but do not let anyone break your spirit. Besides, you please the master well enough, and he seems to have no complaints. You need not concern yourself with the comments of people like Lady Smith. The woman is quite amusing but has no time for those below her…or above her for that matter.” Orlando could not stop the smile and although her face did not change, Miss Dench seemed pleased at the smile. “There you are, all better. Back to work now, Bloom. I have no doubt that the master will be wanting to turn in soon…go pull the sheets down and light a fire…there’s a good lad.” She nodded her head in indication and Orlando nodded, smiling at her fondly before leaving the old woman to go prepare the room. Orlando blew on the little flame in the fire to make it grow, fanning the smoke that came towards him. Behind him he could hear the door open, and Lord Lee enter the room with a mighty sigh, noises from the hall floating in before the door was shut. “Ah…Bloom, good. I see you have started the fire…good good. Come here will you, and help an old man out of his jacket.” Orlando instantly stood and hurried to the older man, aiding him in removing his smoking jacket. Lord Lee had a pipe in one hand that he kept between his teeth as he removed the garment. The old man gave a low groan as he stretched his tired muscles as he undressed. Orlando gently removed the jacket and then carefully folded it over the edge of a chair. He would take it and press it when he was done. Lord Lee held out his pipe to Orlando and instructed him to place it on the bed stand. Orlando hurried to do the task and return to his master. “Get my dressing gown, will you Bloom?” The old man pointed at his elaborate wooden dresser before beginning to undo his trousers. He waited for Orlando to retrieve the dressing gown before beckoning him, holding his trousers up with the other hand. “Lay that down and come here.” Orlando laid the bedclothes down and went to his master’s side. Lord Lee sat down on the edge of the bed with a great exhalation of air. “Take those off”” he said, pointing to his trousers. Orlando took them off one leg at a time, as he always did. He took the trousers and placed them with the jacket over the back of the chair. When he turned, Lord Lee had his shirt unbuttoned and was pulling it off, groaning almost as loud as his joints themselves. “How I despise age,” he muttered to himself. “Orlando took the dressing gown from the bed and held it over his master’s head so he could put it on without difficulty. Lord Lee chuckled. “What the nursemaid you turned out to be, Bloom. And to think I almost denied myself the service of such a pretty boy.” Orlando reddened slightly and wanted to say something, but bit his lip and held in the question. Lord Lee, in his wizened age, saw what the boy did and understood. “Do not bite your tongue so boy, what was it you wanted to say? You may speak freely when we are in here.” Orlando hesitated before answering, helping Lord Lee pull down the dressing gown and settle it. “Well…sir…I was just wondering…did you only allow me to stay here on account that you find me…pretty?” He flushed again and dropping his eyes to the floor. Lord Lee chuckled. “Oh, sweet boy…I must admit…I would not have kept you if you were not pleasing to the eye. But then again, I am an old codger, and like to keep a few simple pleasures, including things pleasing to the eye.” He winked at his young servant. “Forgive an old man child for being shallow, but I do believe that you got a fairly good deal as well.” All Orlando could do was not, but he had gone a little more stiff and timid in his movements. Lord Lee saw this and laughed, ruffling the slender boy’s hair and patting his shoulder. “Worry not, Bloom, I mean you no ill will. Ah…the bed is turned down…good.” He walked around to the edge of the bed and sat, carefully pulling his legs up onto the bed. “Prop me up, boy.” He said as he motioned to the pillows. Orlando quickly went to go and prop his master up with the fluffy pillows as he was bid, making sure the man was comfortable. Lee groaned as he sat back. “Yes…that is much better. Ah…Bloom, would you fetch me some tea? Just tell Miss Blanchet, she knows how to fix it.” “Of course sir” he said, bowing before leaving the room, carefully closing the door behind him. Orlando hurried down the hall to the kitchen, where he saw Elijah and Don cleaning the dishes. They got more soapy bubbles on themselves than they did on the dishes, giggling the whole while. “Hello there, Orli” Dom said when he saw the other boy enter the kitchen. Orlando smiled at him. “Hey Dom…Elijah.” He looked around the kitchen to see if he could see the kitchen maids anywhere. “Dom, where is Miss Blanchet?” “Right here” the woman said, stepping in with a tray of warm milk from over by the fire. She placed the tray on the table and wiped her hands on her apron. “What can I do for you, Mr. Bloom?” “The Lord would like some tea…he told me you know how to properly prepare it.” Miss Blanchet nodded. “I shall, but you must fetch Miss Otto, Lady Smith’s valet. She requested this milk, and it needs to be taken to her. I believe you will find Miss Otto in the pantry.” She pointed to the back before going to fetch the kettle. Orlando went into the pantry looking for Lady Smith’s valet. He saw a woman with long blonde hair examining several jars on a shelf. “Pardon?” Orlando said, knocking lightly on the doorway to announce his entrance. She turned to see him and gave him a timid smile. “Is there something I can help you with?” “Miss Blanchet needs you to take Lady Smith her milk.” “Right away” she said, adjusting her apron in front and walking out of the room. Orlando turned back to the kitchen and sat down at the table, waiting for Miss Blanchet to finish with the tea. He leaned his head down on his hand, resting his elbow on the table. He gave a long sigh. “I made such a fool of myself today. Everything was so much easier when I worked in the city.” “Don’t worry love,” Ms. Blanchet said, checking the water before heading over to the cupboard. “Things will get better.” “I hope so.” Orlando said, laying his head on the table. “I was a silly git, and started crying. The grounds man, Sean, really made me feel better. He gave me some advice.” Miss Blanchet eyed him, a puzzled expression on her face. “Sean Bean? He normally does not come into the house, especially anywhere near the dining hall…I wonder what he was doing?” Orlando smiled and flushed at his memory, burying his face in his arm as he recalled the hot breath on his face and neck, the kind words he spoke…when he called him lovely… “Here you are” Miss Blanchet said, handing Orlando a steaming cup on a saucer. “Just as he likes it. Some day, I shall show you so you can prepare it yourself. Hurry along now” she shooed him out of the room. Orlando gave her a smile of thanks as he left from the room, carrying the cup and saucer carefully. He walked beck up to the room. When he got to his Lord’s chambers, he knocked carefully before entering. He heard the gruff reply from inside and entered the room. “Ah…the tea. Give it here, boy, and then take the clothes to be ironed. Miss Winslet can wash the trousers; I think they got rather soiled today. Press the jacket though, as I may want to wear it tomorrow.” “Of course sir” Orlando said, walking to the chair where the clothes were. When he got to the chair, he looked out the window to see the grounds, and saw a figure standing a ways off, looking up to him. Orlando looked and saw that it was none other than his mysterious groundskeeper, Sean. Though he could not exactly see the man’s face, he knew he was watching him. He could feel his gaze as he had before by the stables. He warmed at the feeling. “Bloom, are you alright boy? What’s got your attention?” Orlando’s head snapped around at the sound of his master’s voice. “Oh…nothing sir.” “Don’t lie to me boy, out with it.” “I just…I saw someone below…in the yard.” Orlando said, folding the clothes over his arm, desperately wanting to go and hoping that his Lord would not enquire as to the nature of the visual exchanges with the man below. Lord Lee took an appreciative sip of his tea and nodded his head. “Who is standing below at this time of night?” “I believe it is your groundskeeper, sir” Orlando said, looking back down to see Sean still there. The man then saluted him with his hat and walked off. Lord Lee took another sip of tea and raised his eyebrows inquisitively. “What the devil is he going out there? There are no jobs for him tonight. Has he gone?” “Yes sir, he has been watching me all day, I do not know why.” Orlando said, hoping he was not saying more than he should. He also did not want to sound like he was ratting on the other servant. “The man has very good taste…I do hope he is not bothering you” Orlando was surprised and touched by the genuine concern in the old man’s voice as he spoke. Orlando quickly said, “Oh no, sir. He is not troubling me.” Lord Lee smiled and now kept his eyes on Orlando as he took his next sip. “Ah…so do you return my grounds man’s adoration?” Orlando colored slightly and bowed his head, not knowing what to say, or what his Lord would deem appropriate. “I…I do not know sir…I do not suppose it would be right…” “My dear boy, why ever not? Do you have feelings for the man? Hmmmm?...Oh come now tell me.” “I suppose so sir.” “Good, I know very well that he has had his eyes on you since you came.” Lord Lee watched the pretty boy’s face as he heard this news come from his master’s lips. The boy was indeed shocked that his Lord knew so much of his situation, but was doing a good job holding in any remarks or words. He seemed to be going through some sort of inner struggle, and felt for him. Lord Lee patted the side of his bed next to him to indicate that the boy should sit. Orlando looked surprised again and slightly unsure of himself as he slowly stepped forward, leaving the clothes on their previous station over the chair. He sat on the edge of the bed. “I do not understand, my Lord…I have been told that such feelings are unnatural…should I not ignore them?” “You are so young, sweet boy; too young to give into that rubbish about the right and wrong way to love. Granted, there are still those that find love between two men as wrong and immoral, but you shall find that times are slowly changing. When I was your age, so very many years ago…I thought the same way you did. There was one once that I loved, a love that only grew and deepened over time. I was so convinced that I should listen to the voice of society around me that I let go of that love, and turned from him, leaving him for the proper life of a lord. I stand before you the grizzly old man you see today.” “Do you wish that you had stayed with him then? But then you would not have the wealth and station you have today.” Orlando said, the words slipping before he could stop them. He moved to apologize, but Lord Lee responded before him, not minding the comment at all. “Granted, I would probably not have been able to live in this large, empty house with naught but a curious valet and crotchety old woman for company” he gave Orlando a sly smile at the mention of Miss Dench. “But I would have been happy. There is no happiness like being with the one you love. No money can buy it, and no possessions can replace it. Follow your heart child, for it would not lead you astray.” Orlando thought for a moment, thought of the warmth in his stomach and the race of his heart, and he knew that he would have to say something to Sean Bean. He gave his employer the warmest smile he could. “Thank you my Lord, for your kind words and affection.” “What else is there left for me, if I have not wisdom. I should compliment Miss Dench on selecting you, having a beautiful young man tend to me is the best medicine se has found thus far.” “You are like no master I have known, sir.” Orlando said, a shimmer of wonder in his eyes. Lord Lee leaned in, “I try to stay unconventional,” he said conspiratorially. He leaned back in bed and sipped the rest of the tea. “Well, we have had enough conversation for tonight, we must leave more to look forward to tomorrow.” Orlando stood from the bed and retrieved the clothes from the chair again, once more draping them over his arm. “Good night sir, shall I bring breakfast in tomorrow?” “Yes, that would be good, with some raspberry jam this time, Bloom” Lee said, sitting back and folding his hands. Orlando nodded, and left the room. TBC… PLEASE REVIEW