Archer winced. ‘It’s been an interesting week,’ he said.
‘You are the master of understatement, My Lord.’
‘Let’s hope Quill favours a Christmas break and leaves us alone.’
‘Indeed.’
Thomas stopped just before the turn to the staircase, and realising something was amiss, Archer did the same.
‘What is it?’ he asked, concerned.
‘The master of the hounds asked about the hunt.’
Archer groaned. ‘I’d forgotten about that monstrosity. Very well, tell them they can do what they usually do, but I won’t ride out. It’s really not my thing.’
‘Very good, Sir.’
‘Ask Fecker if he will take my place.’
‘As Master of the Hunt?’
‘If he’s interested. He’ll need to be there anyway. Can he ride with his hand bandaged?’
‘I doubt there’s anything Mr Andrej can’t do.’
Archer smiled. ‘Indeed. Listen, Payne…’ He shuddered at the formality. ‘We must make time for the five of us to be alone to discuss what’s happened. Will you arrange it?’
‘I will. After Christmas Day would be best.’
‘And how are you and James? Is he upstairs?’
‘I need to speak to you about that,’ Thomas said. ‘Robert had, as we feared, climbed beyond his station and by more than just a peg. I took him down several. He is back in the servants’ corridor where he belongs, and James is housed in the under-butler’s rooms beside mine. I hope you don’t mind.’
Archer grinned. ‘It’s your domain, Payne. Any questions asked?’
‘None were allowed, My Lord, but Robert may come to you and complain.’
‘I wouldn’t expect anything else of the man,’ Archer said. Robert had never been his favourite servant. ‘I shall refer him back to you. You are the one in charge.’
Walking on, Archer opened the letter and read it as they approached the balustrade. Below, the servants had found the instruments and were forming a makeshift band beside the tree. Others were helping themselves to the spread, and James was handing out glasses of mulled wine while Fecker was downing shots with Williams and the other stablemen. Archer would have to keep an eye on that.
‘The hall looks wonderful, Payne,’ he said, taking in the scene between glances at the letter.
‘You should thank Lucy and Mrs Baker, Sir.’
‘Did I hear my name?’
The housekeeper appeared from the women’s corridor, bustling efficiently in her flowing black dress.
‘You have done me proud, Mrs Baker,’ Archer said.
‘Thank you, My Lord. I wanted to make this Christmas particularly special for you.’
‘It already is.’
Flanked by his butler and his housekeeper, Archer watched the scene, content that he had done all he could for his people. There was much work ahead to bring the house up to its full potential, but among those chatting and laughing, drinking and feasting, were a few he didn’t trust.
It would be hard to keep his personal life a secret, but he must. In the city, at the smaller house with his godmother next door, and understanding men like Doctor Markland nearby, it was easier to be himself. Out here, despite the remoteness of the estate, or maybe because of it, people were more eager for gossip, and with so many servants, there was little chance for him and Silas to be alone. There was to be no repeat of the near scandal of the past week, and he would have to tread very carefully and not forget himself.
Why couldn’t a man have it all?
‘Is Mr Hawkins happy with his rooms?’ Mrs Baker interrupted his thoughts.
‘He will be,’ Archer said. ‘Oh, Payne, maybe you would ask James to come up and put Mr Hawkins in order. He was a little overcome.’
‘Certainly, My Lord.’
‘And send Mr Kolisnychenko to me, would you?’
‘At once.’
The butler headed towards the back of the house.
‘You can use the grand stairs, Payne. It’s Christmas Eve.’
Thomas changed direction and descended to the hall. Archer watched him, wishing he could use a staircase with that much poise and elegance.
‘On that subject,’ Mrs Baker said. ‘The new girls should really start out as all-workers and not chambermaids.’
‘Yes,’ Archer agreed. ‘I know. You are very kind to indulge me. They and their brother have been through a great deal of late, and I thought having them together in this way would benefit all three. If any of the other girls have objections, they can speak to me.’
‘I am quite capable of controlling the maids, My Lord.’
Archer felt as if he had been told off, and rightly so. ‘Sorry, Mrs B.,’ he said. He winked at her, and she turned away to hide a smile.
Leaning back to him surreptitiously, she whispered. ‘By the way. I have unlocked the connecting door between the suites. I thought you would find that more convenient.’
Archer’s heart missed a beat. It was very bold of his housekeeper to even hint at the subject, but he liked her more for it, and was comforted by her discretion.
‘Thank you, Mrs Baker,’ he said formally. ‘Perhaps we shall say no more about it.’
‘About what, Sir?’
She was a wise woman and one of his most trusted servants. He often wished he’d had her as his mother.
‘Oh, Lord,’ he said, remembering a vital part of the evening’s demands. ‘Do I have gifts for everyone?’
‘You do, Sir, and they are ready for you to give out.’
‘The usual?’
‘This year, I bought what I thought people would like,’ the housekeeper said. ‘Rather than what they have received every year since they started service. I thought you’d appreciate the break with the late viscount’s tradition.’
‘You know me too well, Mrs Baker. What did I get you?’
‘A hat I had a fancy for, and very nice it is too. Thank you, Sir.’
Archer laughed.
‘The only person I wasn’t able to find for was Mr Andrej. What do you buy a Russian?’
‘Anything you want. Andrej is Ukrainian, and we mustn’t forget that. Don’t want to anger the man.’
‘Certainly not.’ Mrs Baker shivered.
‘I have something for him,’ Archer said. ‘Leave that one with me.’
‘His Lordship seeing to his own Christmas gifts?’ she smiled. ‘Now that is a break with tradition.’
‘And there will be many more. Ah, James,’ he said as the footman appeared from the servants’ door. ‘Would you assist Mr Hawkins and send his sisters down to the party? They should have had long enough to say hello by now.’
James did what was expected. He bowed before he left, but he turned a few paces on and looked back, catching Archer’s eye. Archer winked, James smiled and continued on his way.
Music started to play, and when Archer looked, Andrej was climbing the stairs, his coattails swaying.
‘Where did you find clothes to fit him?’ Archer asked his housekeeper. ‘And in the colours of the Ukrainian flag?’
‘Lucy ran them up yesterday.’
‘Really? I never knew she was so talented.’
‘We all have our secrets, My Lord.’ Mrs Baker offered a knowing smile. ‘I best get down and steady myself for our dance.’
‘Don’t make the others wait for us. I have something to do first.’
‘Let the servants dance before His Lordship?’ Mrs Baker said in mock horror. ‘The late viscount would turn in his grave.’
‘I do hope so,’ Archer whispered under his breath.
She heard, and gave him a reproachful look smothered by her knowing smile. ‘Very well, my Lord.’
‘And thank you, Mrs Baker, sincerely. Thank you for everything.’
‘You won’t be saying that after you’ve danced with me.’ She left him as Fecker arrived.
Archer scanned the letter once more before putting it away.
‘Andrej,’ he said, offering a hand which Fecker took, shook and nearly crushed. ‘I hardly know what to say. Have you been well treated?’
Lifting his left hand, Fecker said, ‘Da. Girls give me knife. No choice.’
‘Has it been seen by a doctor?’
‘Da. Rode to a town, man put in stitches, we came here.’
‘I’ll have our local man look at it too.’
They regarded each other, neither knowing what to say next, until Fecker said, ‘Banyak is hurt.’
‘Slightly, but he will be fine. Listen, Andrej…’ Archer shuffled his feet awkwardly. ‘I received your telegram, and realised what I had done. I was so angry at myself…’
‘You done what you had to.’
‘Only because James knocked me out. I could have sent you on that mission on your own and not worried. Of course I could. I was wrong to doubt you, and it won’t happen again.’
‘Left two men dead,’ Fecker said. ‘Put them in sea for fish.’
Archer drew a sharp breath. ‘We had better not say anything more about that,’ he whispered. ‘But, honestly, Andrej, I want to thank you, and to apologise for the way I treated you on the road.’
‘We have spoken about this,’ Fecker said. ‘No need to say more.’
‘I do trust you, Andrej. My mind was elsewhere, and I don’t mean to disrespect you.’
‘I know. You are…’ He held his tongue.
‘You can say it.’
‘You are idiot.’
Archer laughed. ‘You are correct, and that is where we will leave it for the time being. Now, I have something for you.’
‘No, you give me too much.’
‘Hardly. Look, Andrej…’ Looking up into his stern face, Archer was pleased to see there were no other injuries, as if losing two fingers was not bad enough. ‘When we were in Westerpool, I sent a letter to an old colleague at the Admiralty. Pulled in a favour or two.’ He took a breath, deciding directness was the best way to break the news. ‘I’ll come straight to the point. I asked him to trace your family. Sadly, there is no word yet of your sister, Daria or your stepmother, but my man hasn’t given up hope. However, your brother, Danylo, is alive. He was discharged from the army after the ceasefire, and was working in the naval yard at Sevastopol. Tomorrow, he will board the Firebrand and should arrive with us via Plymouth in a couple of weeks. When I get word the ship is in port, I suggest you go to Plymouth and bring him…’
Fecker’s reaction prevented him from saying more. The Ukrainian took the viscount’s hand, and kissing it repeatedly, knelt on one knee. He hung his head, his shoulders shaking as he stifled sobs.
‘I really must stop doing that to people,’ Archer mumbled. ‘Get up, man, it’s no less than you deserve.’
Fecker stood, his face wet but grave, and collecting himself, lifted his head. ‘Geroy,’ he said. ‘I tell you I love only one man. Banyak. Is no longer true. Now I love two men. I do this…’
Archer was fighting a stifling embrace when a cough caused Fecker to release him. Gasping for air, the viscount turned to find Silas, James and Thomas watching with interest. He didn’t know how much they had seen, but it didn’t matter. He trusted these men implicitly. All of them.
‘Ah, good,’ he said, straightening his clothes and recovering. ‘You look splendid, Mr Hawkins. Well done, James.’
Silas said nothing, he just shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what was happening.
‘My Lord?’
‘Yes, Payne?’
‘It’s time for you and Mrs Baker to dance, unless that tradition is also to fall by the wayside? In the absence of Her Ladyship, I am not sure who I should dance with.’
Archer turned to the balustrade, and his friends followed.
‘Mrs Flintwich, I suppose,’ he said. ‘I hear she does a mean Mazurka. But let’s watch for a moment, men. I want to share this moment with you.’
They stood in a line looking over the hall where the dancing had begun. Candles flickered on every free surface and from every candelabra. Tall, perfectly polished mirrors reflected the light which caught on silver trays and crystal glasses. Couples swirled, laughing while older men guffawed at bawdy jokes, and the younger girls giggled and made eyes at the stable boys and farmhands. Mrs Baker weaved between them keeping an eye on Iona and Karan as they self-consciously mingled, and Mrs Flintwich stood guard over her creations to ensure everyone received a fair share.
It was a heart-warming sight, but Archer’s heart was warmed more by the secret touch of Silas’ fingers in his, hidden by the balustrade. Beside him, Fecker stood tall and proud offering the rare sight of a tear on his cheek above his broad smile, and beside Archer, Thomas’ strong shoulders brushed with his as if reassuring the viscount that he would always be there. James’ eyes twinkled at the sight, as if he, too, couldn’t believe he was a part of this world.
‘Comrades,’ Archer said. ‘Lord Tennyson was right. With friends like you beside me, the splendour will never fall.’
Note from the author
There will be more Clearwater Mysteries soon.
For the moment, I must return to my other series under my name, James Collins. The series may also interest you, though it is rather different to the Clearwater stories.
Look on Amazon for ‘The Saddling’ by James Collins (me).
There are three books so far and they are best read in order:
The Saddling
The Witchling
The Eastling
They are mysteries, and there is a theme of gay love and male friendships as there are in just about all of my stories.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/James-Collins/e/B005C7HWJI/
If you have enjoyed this story, here is a list of my other novels to date. With them, I’ve put my own heat rating according to how sexually graphic they are. They are all romantic in some way apart from the short stories.
References to sex (*) A little sex (**) A couple of times (***) Quite a bit, actually (****) Cold shower required (*****)
Short erotic stories
In School & Out *****
13 erotic short stories, winner of the European Gay Porn Awards (best erotic fiction). Boarding schools and sex on a Greek island.
Older/younger MM romances
The Mentor of Wildhill Farm ****
Older writer mentors four young gay guys in more than just verbs and adjectives. Isolated setting. Teens coming out. Sex parties. And a twist.
The Mentor of Barrenmoor Ridge ***
It takes a brave man to climb a mountain, but it takes a braver lad to show him the way. Mountain rescue. Coming to terms with love, loss and sexuality.
The Mentor of Lonemarsh House ***
I love you enough to let you run, but too much to see you fall
Folk music. Hidden secrets. Family acceptance.
The Mentor of Lostwood Hall ***
A man with a future he can’t accept and a lad with a past he can’t escape. A castle. A road accident. Youth and desire.
MM romance thrillers
Other People’s Dreams ***
Screenwriter seeks four gay youths to crew his yacht in the Greek islands. Certain strings attached.
Dreams come true. Coming of age. Youth friendships and love.
The Blake Inheritance **
Let us go then you and I to the place where the wild thyme grows
Family mystery. School crush. A treasure hunt romance.
The Stoker Connection ***
What if you could prove the greatest Gothic novel of all time was a true story? Literary conspiracy. Teen boy romance. First love. Mystery and adventure.
Curious Moonlight *
He’s back. He’s angry and I am fleeing for my life.
A haunted house. A mystery to solve. A slow-burn romance. Straight to gay.
The Clearwater Mysteries
Deviant Desire ***
Book 1. A mashup of mystery, romance and adventure, Deviant Desire is set in an imaginary London of 1888. The first in an on-going series in a world where homosexuality is a crime.
Twisted Tracks **
Book 2. An intercepted telegram, a coded invitation and the threat of exposure. Viscount Clearwater must put his life on the line to protect his reputation.
Unspeakable Acts *
Book 3. A murder will take place unless Clearwater’s homosexuality is made public; can his lover stop the killing and save his reputation?
Fallen Splendour *
Book 4. A kidnapping, a court case and a poem by Tennyson. What is the connection? James has four days to find out
All these can all be found on my Amazon Author page.
Please leave a review if you can. Thanks again for reading. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing.
Jackson
Fallen Splendour Page 33