The woman perched on the edge of the chair, looking as if she was about to take flight at any moment. “I haven't yet, m'lord,” she explained. “But I'm lookin’ to work for a better sort, d'you know what I mean? I can do better'n frying sausages and the like.” She clutched her handbag like a lifeline. “I took some courses. I know how to make all sorts of fancy things."
"Good heavens, the least you could do is hire someone pretty to look at,” Percy complained.
Ryan scribbled on the pad, I knew I should have told Nigel I only wanted to interview handsome gay men. Damn. But he nodded thoughtfully at the woman. “Do you know how to make any vegan dishes?” he asked.
The woman's eyes widened, and she looked completely blank. “I'm not sure I know what that is,” she said, then looked worried. “I mean to say that I can learn anythin’ you want, my lord."
Ryan kept his patient, pleasant demeanor. “Vegan is food without any animal products. Using tofu and wheat gluten and soy milk. Stuff like that. Um ... what would you say your favorite thing to cook is and why?” he asked.
"Give it up, love. She's not the one. Women can't be chefs,” Percy commented.
Ever heard of sexism, Percy? Ryan wrote on the pad.
The woman blinked. “Cook without butter?” she asked, shocked. “I don't think I know how."
Ryan frowned a little. He stood up and extended his hand. “All right, Miss Clark. Thank you for your time. We'll let you know when we decide anything.” It wasn't rude exactly, but it was dismissive.
The woman seemed on the verge of tears but she stood and shook his hand. “Sorry, sir,” she stammered. Then she fled the room.
Ryan stared after her. He hadn't meant to upset her so much, and he found himself wanting to call her back. He looked over at Nigel. “That didn't go so well,” he said softly. He felt bad for her, and wanted to give her the job.
"Don't cave, Ryan. There are eight thousand people in this town and the surrounding areas who will give you sob stories. It's what they do best,” Percy said. “Now find me a pretty Frenchman who can whip up a decent mousse, would you?"
"I guess bring in the next one.” Ryan sighed. This was going to be more difficult than he thought.
Nigel frowned and disappeared out of the room. A few more candidates for the position of cook proved to be equally ignorant of vegan food.
The next few candidates were for housekeeping positions. Nigel offered to conduct the interviews, but Ryan didn't mind doing it. He wanted to at least speak to the people who would be living in the castle with him before they got the job. He liked seeing how people reacted to him. Each one seemed to be different.
And through it all, Percy kept up a running commentary. “Dirty fingernails. You don't want a maid with dirty fingernails,” he would say. Or, “She looks vaguely like the Queen, don't you think?” Ryan would scribble responses on the pad in front of him, making it look like he was taking notes.
Surely you can't find anything wrong with that one, he wrote.
"Oh darling, I can find something wrong with almost anyone, but yes, she was quite good. Clean. Respectful. A little in awe of you. However, unfortunately, she's with child. She'll be useless to you in a few months."
How do you know that?? Ryan wrote.
"Omniscience, dear boy. I'm a ghost, remember?"
Ryan sighed. He could see that Nigel was getting frustrated with him. “Just a few more,” he said apologetically.
"Of course, my lord."
Maybe your problem is that they're all women, Ryan scribbled.
Percy gasped. “Nonsense! I'm quite fond of women. I quite miss my Zelda,” he said a little wistfully.
Who's Zelda? he wrote.
"My wife. My Countess. The mother of the nineteenth Earl of Elgin. Haven't you read about me at all?” Percy asked, pouting.
The fourteenth Earl won't let me turn the page off of him.
Percy glanced up at the ceiling. “Really, Maxim. That's hardly fair.” He perched on the edge of the desk and looked at Ryan. “Zelda and I were the toast of London. She was my best friend. I like to think she was the happiest Countess of Elgin in all of history, because I know how to treat a woman,” he said smugly.
Ryan tried to concentrate on the interview he was conducting. He glanced at the resume in front of him, and asked a question about a former employer, sending the poor girl on a lengthy explanation. So why was she so happy when the others were so sad? he wrote.
Percy smiled as if he'd been waiting for that opening. “After what happened to my mother, I was determined I wasn't going to do that to another woman. So, I found myself a woman who preferred the company of other women. We had the perfect marriage, each doing just as we pleased in private, and painting the town red together in public."
So you married a lesbian? he scribbled.
"Such an ugly word. We didn't say such things back then. A practitioner of the Sapphic arts ... a Dianic goddess. But yes, essentially you're correct."
Ryan couldn't help but grin a little, which seemed to disturb the girl he was interviewing.
"I'm sorry, my lord, did I say something wrong?” she asked meekly.
"Oh, no. Sorry. Um, why did you want to leave your present employer?” he asked.
"I have tae take a train and a bus tae get to the hotel, my lord. I can almost walk here from my mum's house. And Mr. Winthrop said it came with a room and all,” she explained. “I'd like ever so much tae move out of me mum's house."
Ryan could certainly relate to that. He adored his mom, but he couldn't wait to get his own place. He'd had an apartment by the time he was nineteen. “Yeah. I can understand that.” She seemed sweet, if a little meek. “Okay, well, you probably know we've interviewed a whole bunch of folks, so, I'll try to let you know by the end of the day, okay? Does Mr. Winthrop have a number to reach you at?” He was pretty sure he was going to choose this one.
"Yes, thank you, my lord,” she said, standing and bowing a little awkwardly.
"Of course you would pick a little mouse like that,” Percy said, folding his arms over his chest. “I suppose she'll do, though. But she can't do it alone. You'll need at least two others as well. And have we picked a chef?"
Ryan smiled and shook her hand before she left. “Nigel, I'm beat. Can we discuss the ones we've seen and if we need any more continue tomorrow?” he asked.
Nigel dismissed the rest of the candidates waiting in the foyer and sat down across from Ryan to review the CV's, which Ryan had finally figured out were what they called resumes here. Percy hovered by Ryan's shoulder to put in his two cents. They all agreed on two maids, but none of the chefs. Nigel insisted that Ryan could instruct a cook on how to prepare vegan food. Percy insisted that being vegan was suspect in the first place. But Ryan insisted that he at least wanted someone who knew what vegan was. They decided they had to do more interviews.
Ryan put the pad safely away in a drawer, and then headed out with Nigel to the pub.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Eight
Ryan was excited to see James, and he'd given up trying to stop himself. He slipped into the dark interior of the pub and took the same seat at one end of the bar that he'd taken that first night. He smiled at James as soon as their eyes met, and he waited for him to finish up what he was doing before he came over. “Hey,” he said softly. “Missed you."
James’ eyes lit up when he finally saw Ryan come in. “Hi,” he replied, leaning on the bar opposite Ryan. “How did the interviews go? Is the castle now fully and appropriately staffed?"
Ryan smirked. “Not exactly. More interviews tomorrow. None of the cooks even knew what vegan meant.” He sighed a little. “Found a couple of girls to clean, though. I feel bad making someone else clean up after me, but then again, it gives them a job, right?"
"Such a fine, upstanding member of the community,” James joked, resting his head on his hands as he gazed at Ryan. “Besides, how much mess could you possibly make in that huge house?"
"Yeah, well, the sucky thing is that dust and stuff accumulates even in rooms we never go in, you know? And anyway, I'm still used to my mom doing my laundry,” he said, laughing a little. “So what does a guy have to do to get a cup of tea in this place?” He grinned at James. The way James was looking at him made him feel warm inside.
James blushed. “Be right back,” he said softly, and went back to put the kettle on. He returned to the bar and pulled two pints, then went back to make the tea. He returned to Ryan with a steaming mug of tea and set it in front of him. “Are you hungry? There isn't much here that you'd want to eat, though, but we could order something. Or just wait till I'm off, and I can cook for you."
"Mm, thanks. I reheated some fried rice before we left the castle.” He curled his slender fingers around the warm mug. “I can hold out until we get home.” He wanted James to think of the castle as his home, but he didn't really have the right to expect that. “God, it's such a relief to not have a ghost babbling at me all the time,” he said, taking a sip.
"Percy still at it?” James asked sympathetically. “He needs a mute button."
"He never shut up the entire afternoon. I heard all about his wife, and his preference for French food, and, ugh. I think he just loves the sound of his own voice.” He took another sip of tea. “It's really getting tiring. I have to find a way to help him move on, just to get some peace and quiet."
James laughed. “He had a wife? That's surprising.” A few more people came in, and James had to serve them, but soon he returned to Ryan.
"Busy tonight, huh? You know, I've completely lost track of what day it is and everything.” He glanced around the pub. “And I feel like I should be talking to people, you know? Ugh, I don't know. I should just relax."
"You've been busy,” soothed James. “And you're already mingling much more than the previous Earl did. Did Nigel flip out when you told him you wanted to come here?"
"I think I've numbed Nigel. He's shell shocked by my very presence.” He smiled. It was nice to have someone to reassure him. “So, anyone interesting I should know? Any single gay guys in this berg?” He knew it was unlikely, but a part of him wanted to see James’ reaction to the question.
"Not that I know of,” replied James. “There may be, but they don't advertise it.” He looked around, and pointed discreetly at an older woman. “That's Gladys. She runs the local animal shelter. Likes cats more than people. They say she owns hundreds of them.” He indicated a portly man. “He's the rugby coach at the high school. People take bets as to when he's going to have a heart attack on the field."
"Ooh, I love cats. I should volunteer at the shelter. I used to do that at home.” He was enjoying James’ little tour of the locals, even though he obviously didn't care if he found an eligible bachelor or not.
Just at that moment, two girls who had been at the pub for a while sidled up to the bar. They were both around twenty. One was slightly plump with blonde hair, and one was rail-thin with bright red hair. They giggled as they sat one stool down from Ryan.
The blonde one was bolder, because finally she scooted a barstool over and smiled at Ryan. “Sorry to bother you,” she said a little breathily, “But we just wanted to say hello. You must be new in town."
The red-haired girl smiled and waved a little.
"I am. I've only been here a couple of days, actually.” Ryan smiled and held out his hand. “Ryan. Nice to meet you.” He wasn't sure if he should introduce himself as the Earl or not. He thought it would be more trouble than it was worth.
The girls shook his hand each in turn, and James stood back, watching.
"Oh, and you're American!” the blonde almost squealed. “I knew it. Sarah here thought you were European.” She finally released his hand. “I'm Jenna. This is Sarah."
The redhead squeaked, “I love your hair!"
Ryan blushed a little. “Oh, thanks. Yeah. I'm from California. Just moved here. Are you girls from here?” he asked. He wasn't quite sure how to relate to a pair of giggling young women, but he was determined to try.
Jenna nodded. “We go to University. Sarah's from here, I'm from a town a little ways away, you wouldn't have heard of it."
Sarah said softly, gaining a bit of confidence, “Why would you move to a horrible place like Elgin?” She wrinkled her freckled nose.
Ryan debated whether to tell them or not, but in the end he really didn't like prevaricating. “Oh well, I kinda inherited the castle, so I thought maybe I should check it out, you know?” He felt himself blush a little. He didn't like to boast, and he was uncomfortable with telling people about it.
Sarah gasped quietly, but Jenna looked confused. Sarah looked at Jenna and whispered, “He's the new Earl, you twit!"
Jenna's eyes widened. “Oh! I had no idea, my lord. Forgive us.” The information, instead of cowing her, seemed to make her more determined. “Well, if you need someone to show you around, I'd be glad to help.” Her voice had dropped just a bit.
"Oh. Thanks. Um, James here has been taking good care of me since I got here, driving me around and stuff.” He smiled at James. “Have you met Sarah and Jenna?” he asked politely, dragging James into the conversation.
"Not really, no,” James answered grudgingly. “Can I get you girls something?” He knew they already had drinks at their table.
Sarah smiled at James and shook her head, but Jenna's smile was a little more brittle. “No thanks,” she said, and turned back to Ryan. “I could give you my number, if you change your mind,” she suggested.
Ryan smiled charmingly. “Aren't you sweet,” he said in his gayest voice, on purpose. “I'm good, really.” He glanced at James with a little grin, finally realizing that the girl was hitting on him. “Don't let me keep you."
The girls finally got the hint and wandered off. Jenna looked disgruntled. James leaned over the bar, grinning. “You'd better get used to that,” he said softly. “Or make an announcement."
Ryan giggled a little. “I could just tell the reporter. That'd be the same thing, right?"
James took care of a few more customers, then the door opened and a pretty young woman, typical Scottish brown hair and green eyes, strolled in. She looked straight at James and approached the bar. “Hello, James,” she said softly. “I knew I'd find you still here."
James stared at her. “Laura,” he said, shock evident in his voice. “What are you doing here?"
Ryan watched the exchange between the two, feeling a little ill.
"I've come back home. I wanted to tell you personally before you heard it from anyone else,” she explained.
James looked over at Ryan. “Um, Ryan. This is Laura. Laura, this is Ryan. Otherwise known as the new Earl of Elgin."
Ryan wondered just exactly who she was to James, but there was no good way to ask. “Nice to meet you,” he said softly.
Laura smiled and shook his hand almost dismissively before turning her attention back to James. “Do you think we might have a word alone together?” she asked.
James’ eyes narrowed. “Are you sure that's a good idea?” he said, glancing at Ryan.
"James,” she said, putting her hand lightly on his arm. “Please, just a few minutes. That's all I ask."
Ryan watched them together. There was an intimacy there, just evident below the surface. He felt his stomach twist uncomfortably.
James sighed and nodded. “Give me a minute.” He looked at Ryan apologetically. “Can you excuse us for a minute? Sorry.” Then he went down to the end of the bar and waited for her.
Ryan sipped his tea, trying not to watch what they were saying and doing, but glancing out of the corner of his eye.
Laura followed James to the end of the bar. She stepped as close to him as she could, and spoke too softly for Ryan to hear.
James backed up a little, ending up against the bar. He replied quietly as well.
She stepped a little closer, resting her hands lightly on James’ hips, obviously entreating him.
But James o
nly gently removed her hands from his hips. He looked into her eyes and shook his head.
Ryan could see Laura touching James. Clearly they knew each other very well. In fact, Laura's body language suggested that they were in a relationship, at least in the past.
They spoke for a few more moments, then she leaned in close and kissed his cheek, lingering a moment longer than necessary. Then she was gone.
James made his way back to Ryan, and he said shakily, “Sorry."
Ryan was fascinated by the contents of his teacup suddenly. “S'ok. You're at work. It's not your job to entertain me,” he said softly. He wanted to ask who she was. He wanted to know what she meant to James. But he didn't want to know, too.
"That was my ex-girlfriend,” he said. He shook his head. “I can't believe she came back here.” He excused himself to fill some orders.
Ryan had assumed it was something like that, but it didn't make it any better to know for sure. When James returned, he asked, “Why'd you break up?"
James gave a shaky laugh. He looked down, and said, “She seems to think I overreacted to seeing her in our bed with another guy. Go figure."
Ryan reached out and put his hand on James’ arm, much as Laura had. “Oh James, I'm so sorry,” he said softly. “That's awful.” What he really wanted to know, he was much too afraid to ask.
"It was awful,” James agreed. “And I'd thought I was over it. But seeing her...” He shook his head. “I just relived every minute of it.” He looked up at Ryan. “Sorry. She wanted me to give her another chance, can you believe it? I'm stupid, but I'm not that stupid."
Ryan swallowed hard. So he wasn't over it. He drew a deep, shaky breath. “She doesn't deserve you,” he said softly. He looked down into his cup again. “I could probably have Nigel find someone to rub her out,” he joked lamely.
James laughed despite himself. “Thanks, but she'd probably come back to haunt me. She kept sending me letters, and finally I stopped reading them. I'm sorry to bother you with this."
Ryan looked up at James. “Oh. You don't have to apologize. We're friends, James. You can tell me anything.” Even if it hurts to hear it, he added silently.
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