“Other countries are more liberal on most things, did you know?”
“I had heard rumors,” he thought back to a recent conversation with Ambrose who had just returned from the continent, “I believe there are still constraints around the higher members of society but it is not uncommon for mistresses to live amongst the wives and children of the master.”
“That is so.”
“I cannot find it within myself to condone that particular kind of situation, I believe us all equal in what we think and do in matters regarding the heart; however such an arrangement I find most odd and unfair to those involved.”
“I agree wholeheartedly, however that was not the point we I was trying to make. Consider that each society has different stipulations regarding who should marry whom and so forth, how do we know which society is the correct one?”
Reginald paused, a Frenchman may consider English values absurd and the same could be said in reverse but how do you tell one society they are wrong? Who can make that judgment without being bias in some way? “I suppose it would vary according to individual tastes.”
“Precisely,” Elias said with a relieved expression, “therefore would you agree that if the two individuals involved agree and are happy, they should be allowed to live peacefully without outside interference?”
“Providing they are both consenting and are of an age to understand what it means, yes I agree. Society, however, does not.”
“It seems so ridiculous that people may have to displace their desires for society.”
“There are ways around it,” Reginald thought, “Almost always with consequences but I understand why people may take the risk if they are in love.”
Something in Elias’ eye sparkled as if Reginald had said the exact thing he was hoping for. A moment later the gong sounded and the taller man stood and offered a hand to the injured man who had only just managed to lower his leg to the floor. He leant heavily on Elias on the way to dinner, apologizing profusely as he did so for the inconvenience but the taller man assured him there was none. Felton fussed as soon as they arrived, pulling back a chair for him and rearranging the surrounding chairs so he could keep it elevated. He really didn’t understand what all the fuss was about but obliged them enduring the awkwardness involved with sitting one way and trying to eat his dinner and converse with someone seated on his other side.
Elias laughed at him a few times when he contorted himself in a ridiculous manner and the meal proceeded far slower than usual as a result. They took drinks at the table, Reginald sighing after his back had started to hurt and swung his leg off the chair and placed it under the table so he could actually face the man before him.
The taller man eyed him skeptically before turning in his chair slightly and moving over so that there was a gap on the chair before bending down, scooping Reginald’s foot up gently and placing it on his chair, “There’s really no need,” Reginald protested but the man before him rolled his eyes.
“There is no need to stand to attention around me, Lord Rowe,” he said pointedly, “I am more than comfortable being informal with a friend.”
Reginald smiled, “Well it does feel a touch better elevated.”
“I feel it easy to be candid within your company,” The taller man said, “I find it refreshing.”
Thinking to how he behaved with Marise when they were alone, gossiping like children at times, he realized he too preferred that to the falsehood necessitated by society and wondered what it must be like for someone to have no one they can truly be themselves with, “I must agree.”
An easy smile spread across the others face, “It is a shame I have to return tomorrow, I fear I shall miss your company.”
“And I yours,” Reginald replied honestly, “There are some disadvantages of having only Marise for company. She is wonderful and I love her, do not mistake me, but she will not debate science or society with me unless she is trying to convince me the merits of a party.”
“Perhaps you ought oblige her,” Elias said eyes fixated on Reginald as if he were the most fascinating person in the room, “It may provide for an enjoyable affair.”
“I would be more inclined if I was assured certain companies absence,” Reginald admitted, “The last event turned into a three day affair in which they refused to leave to the latest possible moment.”
“To be sure,” Elias concurred, “However, I have it on good authority that they are going to be away in Bath for the entirety of next month.”
“Indeed, perhaps my sister will get her chance then after all. But you must promise me not to stalk away into the library, if you are so inclined for me to have a party, I would prefer not to bear its troubles on my own.”
A smile grew on the others face, “I would not be so inclined to stalk away, Reginald, I assure you.”
***
When the mantle struck half eleven and Reginald could sense the servants eager to finish up the room they stood and Elias slowly helped the other man to his room. The stairs were a particularly draining task and he couldn’t help but feel in debt to the man for having the patience to deal with this.
He made his opinions known as they reached the top step and Elias shook his head, “Do not be ridiculous, Reginald.”
“My only consolation then shall be that if roles were reversed I know I would gladly take the same role you have this evening.”
Elias looked at him with something akin to wonder and it made his heart constrict at how easy his company was and how much he relished it. They walked in silence the stretches of corridors until matching Reginald’s door.
He opened it with Elias still holding onto him and was happy the other man felt it essential to escort him fully onto his bed, “Thank you, my friend,” he huffed as he settled onto the bed.
The taller man nodded and turned to leave, “If you require any assistance, I will gladly come if called.”
“Goodnight, Elias.”
“Goodnight, my friend.”
***
Elias woke in the morning feeling quiet refreshed even though he hadn’t gotten to sleep straight away, whenever he closed his eyes he saw images of Reginald, the way he would stare out randomly when he was clearly deep in thought, the way he would smile enthusiastically whenever they got into a more vigorous debate and his favorite of all the way he bit his lip and scrunched his face lightly when Elias had been holding his ankle. It was a peculiar notion surrounding the latter image as he knew he was causing him pain but the way he bit his lip shot through his system and he was eager to see it again although preferably through similar methods. The very thought of causing pain to Reginald seemed abhorrent to him and he realized he had become a little more attached than he had realized from their random rendezvous at parties. That was in actuality why he had accepted Colton’s invitation to the party on the off chance he had a chance to converse with the man and his spirit had lifted infinitely when he had heard the door open and shut.
He had been considering writing to the man after their conversation the time before that but had ended up not doing so, Reginald always seemed please when Elias was there or joined him but he was unsure of his friendship with the man. When the smaller man had then proceeded to invite Elias to his abode for a short stay he had been delighted.
Now he was here and they had spent more time together he was convinced the pull towards the other would not abate and it was not the pull of mere friendship. He knew Reginald was fairly forward thinking in his views but he was not sure if that would stretch quite as far as Elias hoped and he found himself taking more and more chances. Thus far he had not been rebuked which gave him courage; Elias had always been one to go for what he wanted. It was tempting to just act, if Reginald did refuse him he highly doubted that the other man would expose him, but their short weekend together was not long enough to gauge his opinion of him. Although he loathed the social necessities when at a party if he could see how Reginald reacted to others and responded to them he felt he could determine
how to act from there.
He pulled himself out of bed and quickly dressed and he had to admit that he was happy the man thought so highly of him to place him in a family room. As he walked down the corridor he paused at Reginald door, hesitant to see if the other was yet ready and so knocked lightly.
“Come in,” he heard the smooth voice command.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” he said immediately upon entry but the other was simply standing in front of a mirror trying to sort out his bow.
“Oh, Elias,” The other said turning and smiling brightly, “No, not at all. It seems I am at war with my clothing today.”
“May I?” He said before he had thought it through but Reginald’s smile didn’t falter he just lowered his arms and walked towards him.
“Of course, I would be glad of the help.” Elias raised his hands and sorted the bow out in a few quick movement but when he looked up he realized how close they were standing and how the other was looking up at him but instead of a rebuke he just smiled brightly as if there was nothing amiss. “Thank you,” he said patting him lightly on the arm.
Elias smiled back and moved away, “How is your ankle fairing?”
“Much better it seems. If not just a touch sore.”
“I am glad, shall we?”
He let the smaller man take the lead watching as his mop of brown hair bounced with his step and quickly followed him downstairs. Breakfast was a simple affair but instead of going for the paper he just made himself a coffee and sat next to Reginald angling it so their legs would brush ever so often but once again the other said nor did anything to stop him.
“When will your sister and her friend arrive back?” He asked.
“Late this eve or early tomorrow, Marise was particularly unspecific on that detail. I think she may hold out hope that it will be extended.”
“She did seem quite enamored with Mr Pemberton when last I saw her.”
Reginald blushed as if it were some great secret before sighing, “Well she does not hide it.”
“Why should she? He is a respectable gentleman.”
“Do not mistake me, they make a good match, I only wish Harold would notice as much as other people do.”
“Surely he cannot be blind to it?”
“I know not, but he has not shown inclination yet to make an offer, but perhaps he is first waiting to establish himself.”
“He’s a barrister, is he not?”
“He shall become one in the coming months, but she is quite taken with him.”
“You will no doubt approve of the match?”
“Of course,” Reginald beamed, “I hope they marry. I would love to see her happy.”
“What about you, Reginald, any inclination yourself?”
The smaller man paused, tea mid-air before he lowered it, “I do not think it in the cards for me.”
Elias could not deny the small thrill in his chest at the potential reasoning but chose not to comment further instead changing the conversation onto different religions. Elias reluctantly prepared to leave following breakfast, Reginald helping out where he could, during which the smaller man made him promise to write frequently and reaffirmed his attendance at the party he had now resigned himself to throwing.
As the carriage arrived before them and the butlers began loading it he turned to Reginald, “I have had a most enjoyable stay.”
“As have I,” Reginald beamed back, “Do write, the party will be only a few weeks away but I do fear I will miss your most invigorating company.”
Reginald offered a hand which he gladly took, managing to restrain himself from any further display, “And I yours, I have no doubt Marise will keep you on your toes about the party no less.”
As he departed from the other man he almost automatically missed the company and looked back to see the other man still watching the carriage retreat rather than go inside and he felt himself smiling once more.
***
“Quickly Reginald, they’ll be arriving soon!” Marise admonished when she saw he was as of yet still not dressed for the evening.
“Be calm, dear sister, we have time yet.”
She still practically followed him upstairs to make sure that he was in fact going to get changed and he pinched his nose as he slid against the door once again regretting the decision to hold a party. He earnestly thought that if not for Marise he would have given up on the affair as soon as he considered the effort that would go into it but he was looking forward to seeing Elias again and Marise was beaming at the prospect of seeing Harold.
There had been frequent correspondence between the two of them but no time for any more visits with the multiple obligations they both faced as estate owners. He felt giddy at the chance to speak to him again even if as host it meant it would be somewhat infrequently. Felton was waiting for him shrewdly eyeing his appearance as he pulled himself upright and started the task of changing into ones best. Society really was a nuisance, he considered as he fussed over which cufflinks to wear.
He heard Marise shout his name hurriedly, in an entirely un-lady like manner, he rolled his eyes at it whilst Felton smiled warmly, to tell him people were approaching. He picked the pair on the left, part of him feeling slightly more anxious to get downstairs on the off chance it was Elias.
Reginald wasn’t overly surprised when it was in fact Harold, “Harold, so glad you could make it,” he said shaking his hand and leaning around to clap him on the back, “Marise said I was a fool to not go to yours, high praise indeed.”
The young lawyer blushed slightly but smiled, “We missed you, of course.”
“Of course,” he said knowing he was not. Not by Harold at any rate, “Marise, would you like to lead Mr Pemberton into the parlor?”
“Yes!” She squeaked before remembering herself, her own blush coloring her features, “I mean, if you would like to follow me.”
Harold happily took her arm and she led him through but not without turning around and sticking her tongue out at Reginald who reciprocated the action only to be caught short when he noticed someone standing before him, “How very gentlemanly of you,” the voice he had missed most dearly commented and he turned to see the smug expression on his face.
Reginald smiled, “If one cannot be oneself with ones siblings, what hope do we have?”
“What hope indeed,” Elias commented removing his hat.
“Good to see you again, my friend,” he said warmly offering a hand and once again turning into an embrace the other reciprocated readily.
“Likewise.”
“I trust you’ve had a pleasant month?”
“I had to go to town to deal with some accounts,” Elias said making a face, “London ill suits me.”
“I find myself in the same situation,” Reginald admitted, “I go as infrequently as possible and stay briefly.”
Marise giggled from the other room and he could see the light from another carriage approaching and he sighed, “I suppose I should get on with the whole hosting lark”
Elias clapped him on the shoulder reassuringly, “You’ll be fine.”
Reginald let out a humph but guided the other man through to where Harold and Marise were talking animatedly amongst themselves, “I don’t think introductions are required,” he said upon entering and Marise and Harold stood immediately.
His sister walked over immediately, “I believe I have you to thank for convincing my brother to throw a party,” She beamed.
“Perhaps,” the other one said a small quirk from his lips but the easy openness he held with Reginald disappearing.
“I must excuse myself, I do believe Miss Slade has arrived,” he interruptedly briefly but the others smiled and nodded.
For the next half an hour, Reginald found himself running in and out of the parlor as his guests arrived so he could bring them into the room, whenever he managed to catch Elias’ eye there was a slight twinkle there that made him want to go over to the other man. Timing prevented it and by the tim
e he had finally settled everyone in and had just started to insinuate his way into the conversation between Elias, Ambrose and Florentia the gong sounded.
He escorted them inside but the seating arrangements did not favor him either, placing Elias at the other end of the table from him. He internally sighed, having just wanted to converse more with the man, but kept up appearances and tried to keep up with Harold’s conversation on the latest science techniques.
After the three courses had passed and the ladies quietly adjourned to the drawing room, the men scooted up and Elias managed to get himself next to Reginald who had to resist the overwhelming sensation to just sag against the man, already feeling drained from having to keep the conversation flowing at dinner and all the running around from the day in preparation.
He left Ambrose and Isaac’s conversation about the merits of wrestling and subtly turned his attention to Elias, “Did you enjoy dinner?”
“I did,” Elias said before commenting more quietly, “You look exhausted.”
“Marise’s had me running around all day, correction she’s had the entire household running around all day. I’ve not really had a chance to stop.”
Elias patted his thigh under the table in understanding and he found himself smiling up at the man but before they could have any more private words, Ambrose interrupted, “Say Reginald, did you hear about the case of Miss Templeton?”
“I did actually,” he said smiling, normally whenever someone asked such a thing he would have to beg off, “It was a month ago in the news, what of it?”
“I read this morning that she had killed him,” Isaac overtook.
“Most scandalous,” Reginald admitted and heard the small scoff from Elias that luckily no one else managed to hear.
“Indeed,” Harold pitched up, “She apparently poisoned him.”
“I don’t believe it,” Ambrose said, “Why would someone go through the trouble of marrying someone that would result in being disinherited only to kill him?”
“Whatever the reason I am sure it is a tad racy for the women next door,” the fellows nodded their heads in agreement, “So perhaps we should move on before we go to them.”
The Omega's Unexpected Baby: An MPREG Romance Page 18
