[Measure of Devotion 02.0] Measure of Strength

by Caethes Faron

  “Very well.”

  “Whatever you need, ask. It’s important this goes well.”

  “I understand, sir. Thank you for telling me tonight.”

  Jason chuckled. “I thought you’d appreciate it. Do you know where Sophie is?”

  “Yes, I believe she and Kale are scrubbing the kitchen.”

  “I’m going down there. I’ll tell Sophie to come talk to you.” Jason rose, and Martin mirrored him. “Thank you, Martin.”

  “My pleasure, sir.”

  * * *

  Boisterous singing floated on the air outside the kitchen. No wonder Kale hadn’t greeted him when he came home: he wouldn’t have been able to hear him arrive. Jason was loathe to stop the merriment, but Martin would need Sophie as soon as possible, and Jason needed Kale. He walked in to see the two on their hands and knees, up to their elbows in suds.

  The singing didn’t stop. They just looked up at his entrance and continued. Kale broke into a grin when he saw Jason and rose up on his knees, warbling with gusto.

  “—and we’ll drink under the maple tree coming morning!” Kale spread his arms wide at the end of the song.

  Jason burst out in laughter and applause. Kale scrambled to his feet, almost losing his balance on the slick floor, and came over. Jason marveled that they had come this far. Not so long ago, Kale had tensed whenever Jason had entered a room. He was glad the fun no longer had to end with him.

  “Welcome home, Master. Did you have a good time?” Kale wiped his hands on a dishcloth.

  “Good enough, though apparently not as much fun as I could have had if I’d stayed.”

  “We all ate sandwiches for dinner, and since Sophie didn’t need the kitchen for cooking tonight, we thought we’d get a good scrub in.”

  “Well, don’t let me disturb you. I’ll just go upstairs.” Jason tried to contain his smile as Kale looked at Sophie with a miserable expression on his face. Jason knew he didn’t want to leave Sophie to finish alone.

  “Go on, I’ll not be the one to ruin your night. Have fun.” Sophie shooed Kale and gave him a knowing wink.

  “Actually, Sophie, Martin needs you. He’s in his office. I told him I’d send you up.”

  “Oh, well then.” Sophie stood and cleaned off the suds. “This will have to wait. Welcome home, sir. I’m glad you had a pleasant evening.”

  “It’s getting better by the minute, Sophie.” Jason grabbed Kale’s arm and dragged him up to his room. Sophie’s laughter trailed after them.

  * * *

  “I ran into an old friend tonight.” Jason was lying in bed with Kale. They hadn’t lasted very long once the door had shut behind them. The clothes had flown as they tumbled into bed. Sated, they were covered in sweat and still panting. “Carl Bonham from the old house. He had Charlie with him.”

  Kale perked up. “Really?”

  “Yeah. You were friends with Charlie, weren’t you?”

  “We got along.” Kale shrugged.

  “More than that. Weren’t you fucking before we started?” Jason smiled at Kale, letting him know he didn’t mind.

  Kale rolled his eyes. “Yeah. He was a good man. How is he?”

  “Good. He was very interested in you.” Jason looked pointedly at Kale. Would Kale realize he had figured out that even Charlie had known what was really going on?

  “You told him you had bought me again?” Kale sat up.

  “Yes.” Jason didn’t give him anything else, wondering if Kale would divulge more about how Charlie had known he was lying when Jason didn’t.

  “You didn’t tell him what I’ve been doing all this time, did you?” The anxiety in Kale’s face was worrisome, and Jason sobered.

  He reached out a hand to Kale’s face, as if he could smooth away the worry lines. “No, I figured it’s no one’s business.”

  Kale exhaled, his body relaxing back down onto the bed. “Thank you.”

  “You shouldn’t be embarrassed about it. It’s not like it was your fault. It’s not you who should feel shame.”

  Kale snorted and looked at the ceiling. “It’s not exactly something you like having people know. I don’t want pity. Of all people, Charlie especially doesn’t need to know. He’d disagree with you about it being my fault.”

  “Really?” Jason tried not to show too much interest.

  “Yes. He told me I was a fool. Thought I should tell you the truth. He kept trying to convince me that we’d be happy together and you’d do fine without Renee. I was hardheaded. I hadn’t even fully admitted to myself that I loved you.”

  Jason’s heart skipped a beat. That was the closest Kale had ever come to saying he loved him. Jason was sure of Kale’s feelings for him, but to hear him so casually reference them in those terms left him a little giddy.

  Kale turned to Jason when he remained silent. Seeing the look on Jason’s face, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Don’t act like you don’t know it. We both do. After all this, I think it’s become glaringly obvious.”

  “Yes. Still, you don’t talk about it much.”

  “I’m just trying to be careful until we know how this is going to play out.”

  Jason could give him that. He hadn’t expected declarations of love any time soon. “I made it clear to Charlie that the misunderstanding that had led to you being sold has been cleared up. He appeared to be very happy for you. I think he wanted me to let you know that.”

  Kale smiled, and his eyes got a faraway look in them, as if lost in memory. “Thanks.”

  “You can see him if you want.”

  “What? Are you setting up play dates between slaves now?”

  Jason chuckled. “No. I’m throwing a very important dinner party to try to secure Lord Conrad’s business. Carl and his wife are on the guest list. I can ask them to bring Charlie to help.” Jason had thought about surprising Kale with Charlie the night of the dinner, but thought better of it. Kale might not be up to it, and he didn’t want to force anything.

  “I’d like that. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “When’s the dinner?”

  “Three days. Lord Conrad isn’t in Perdana for very long. If I want a chance to nail this down, it has to be now.”

  “What? That’s not nearly enough time. This place isn’t ready for entertaining. Sophie and Martin are going to be drowning in work.” Kale got up and started collecting his clothes. Jason felt bereft without Kale’s weight by his side. “I might as well go to bed now. I’m going to have to work around the clock to pull this off.”

  “You’ll help?” Jason was pleased Kale was taking so well to the idea.

  “Of course. What else would I do?”

  “I appreciate it.” Jason had hoped Kale would sleep with him, but at least they were separating on a good note.

  “I wouldn’t let you do this on your own. You say this is important to you. Then it’s important to me too.” The words warmed Jason, and he marveled that such a fine man was his.

  Dressed, Kale came over and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Don’t worry. I’ll see you at lunch tomorrow. Good night.”

  “Night, Kale. I love you.”

  Kale gave him an exasperated look, and Jason chuckled, throwing a pillow at him. “You don’t have to say it. Go. Get your beauty sleep.”

  Kale went to the door. “Sweet dreams.” Then he was gone.

  With Kale’s kiss lingering on his lips and the picture of his naked form fresh in his mind, Jason had sweet dreams indeed.

  Chapter Forty

  “Thank the gods you’re up. I need an extra pair of hands. I take it the master told you about his wonderful idea to have a little party?” It was far too early in the morning for Sophie to be this stressed. Already her hair was coming loose from its knot, and her eyes were wide as she ran around taking stock of what they had in the kitchen.

  “Yes, he told me. Calm down, Sophie. It will all be fine.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one doing all
the work.”

  “Oh, I’m not, am I? I guess I’ll go back to bed then.” Kale made an exaggerated turn and started out of the kitchen.

  “Get back in here, Kale. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. But what is he thinking?”

  “I know. His enthusiasm tends to outrun his common sense.”

  “You could say that.”

  “Calm down. Let’s get a menu decided on, and then we can go from there.” Kale placed the paper and pencil that he had brought with him on the table and sat.

  “I don’t even know where to start. It’s been so long since I’ve cooked for anyone but the four of us.”

  “Sit, Sophie.” Sophie seemed so startled at being ordered by Kale to do anything that she complied. “Now, what meat do we want to serve?”

  “How about veal?”

  “No, Mr. Isaishin is coming, and he doesn’t eat veal, or at least he didn’t used to.” Sophie sat back, her face screwed up in an odd glance. “What?”

  “It’s just hard to remember that you’ve done all this before. You know these people.”

  Kale shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. Duck would be a safe choice. You make that great duck with berry sauce. Why don’t we go with that?”

  Sophie considered. “I could do that.”

  “I have vegetables from the garden that we can use as sides. If we make a cake for dessert, we can prepare it the night before so we’re not so rushed on the day. Your strawberry soup would be excellent for the soup course and will go nicely with the duck. For the other appetizer, we could do a nice cheese tartlet. Yours are delicious. And there you have it, a full menu that will please everyone. We can do this, Sophie.”

  “If you say so. The menu sounds excellent. Let me make up a list of all the ingredients, and I’ll need you to let me know how many and what kind of vegetables will be ready.”

  “Your wish is my command.” Kale gave a grand bow, keeping his head lowered until he got the desired laugh out of Sophie.

  * * *

  Lunch with Jason was cut short. There was too much to do for Kale to justify spending his usual leisurely afternoon in the park. Jason had picked up on Kale’s preoccupation—he hadn’t done a very good job of covering up the fact that his head was anywhere but on their discussion—and told him not to worry about it. They would go back to their normal routine after the dinner party.

  Back at the house, Kale sought out Martin in his office.

  “Martin? I was wondering if I could talk to you.”

  “Yes, Kale. Certainly. Have a seat.” Martin was at his desk glancing between two papers. He would write on one, consider it, then cross it out and write something else.

  Once Kale was seated, Martin looked at him. “What can I do for you?”

  “Actually, I was wondering what I could do for you. I know this dinner party has been sprung on you, and I want to help out any way I can.”

  “I’m sure Sophie can use you.”

  “Oh, I’m already helping her. I just know that a lot goes into these things, and I figured you could use some help yourself.”

  “I don’t know how you could help, Kale.” Martin shook his head and shrugged.

  Kale tried not to bristle too much at Martin’s dismissive attitude. After all, the man had no reason to believe Kale was capable in this area. “What are you doing now?”

  “This? It’s the seating chart. I can’t figure out how to arrange everyone. I wanted Lord Conrad at one end of the table and Mr. Wadsworth at the other, but he doesn’t like that. He wants to be able to talk more comfortably. So that leaves the question of who should be at the other end.”

  “The hostess.” If Martin didn’t know that, then he was in desperate need of help.

  “We haven’t one.”

  “What?” Kale had assumed that for such an important business occasion, Jason would have Renee come. It seemed that Jason always put business and the welfare of the company first.

  “He doesn’t want to bring Mrs. Wadsworth to town for this, and he hasn’t given me the name of anyone else.”

  There was only one reason Kale could think of for Jason’s dismissal of Renee. He would have to talk to him about it. “Well, leave it blank for now. I’ll ask him about his date later.” Kale craned his neck to see the names written around the rectangle that was meant to be the table. “Oh no, you can’t put Miss Bancroft next to Mr. Bonham. They don’t care for each other. You’d be asking for trouble.”

  Martin scratched out the names. “How do you know that?”

  “Back when I was a valet, I had to know about most of the upper class in Perdana. I know almost everyone who’s been invited.” Kale pointed at the diagram. “Move Mr. Isaishin next to Mr. Bonham. They’re old friends from university.”

  Martin made the necessary changes and then turned a grateful glance to Kale. “I’d be much obliged if you could help me organize everything. I didn’t realize this was something you knew how to do.”

  Martin never quite got over the fact that Kale had been a labor slave. He was aware of Kale’s past service as a valet, but it seemed Martin could never reconcile that with the broken man he’d seen at the mill. Kale liked Martin, and they got along well, but he didn’t think they’d ever share the type of friendship he had with Sophie. For some people, the divide between slave and free was too much to overcome.

  “I’m happy to help. We should also have fresh centerpieces for the table. There are some flowers in the garden that should be ready. I’ll have Sophie help me come up with an arrangement.”

  “We’ll need to spend all of tomorrow cleaning and making this place presentable.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll get it all done.” Kale rose and started to the door. “I’ll go talk to him now about his date and get an answer to you for the seating chart.”

  “Thank you, Kale. I appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  * * *

  “There, I think that should do it.” Kale stood back to admire the outfit he had laid out on the bed. His eyes scanned over every detail, making sure there wasn’t a thread out of place or a spot that needed laundering.

  “I can’t believe you’re already picking out what I’m going to wear.” Jason had been visibly excited when Kale showed up at his door, but as soon as Kale made it clear that he was there to work, he had deflated. It was flattering, but Kale knew there would be plenty of time for fun later.

  “We’re not leaving anything to chance. I’m going to have Sophie press everything tomorrow and hang it in the wardrobe. As long as you don’t mess with it, it should be fine. I’ll polish your shoes the morning of the dinner.”

  “Bless the saints, because I was scared I’d lose sleep over that tonight.” There was a playful glint in Jason’s eye.

  Kale pointed a baleful stare at Jason. “Stop it. I couldn’t care less about any of this, but it’s important to you.” Kale folded the clothes to take down to Sophie. He tried not to pay Jason any mind, but he could feel the other man watching him. Watching turned to stalking until Kale felt Jason’s arms wrap around his waist. Immediately, Kale’s skin began to tingle, aware of what was on offer. Kale was having none of it.

  “Martin tells me Renee isn’t coming.” Kale resumed folding, and Jason whipped his arms away.

  “No, I don’t need her here for this.” Kale watched as Jason plopped down on the sofa and tightened his lower lip. It was going to be a battle.

  “You need a date. You’re going to stand out if you don’t have one. You don’t want the absence of your wife distracting from the business at hand or dampening the mood.”

  “It’s no secret that we’re estranged. I daresay it would cause more of a stir if she came.”

  “Fine. Get someone else or hire a whore. I don’t care, but you must have someone there.”

  Jason’s eyes fixed on Kale with an almost feral desire, and Kale knew what was coming. “I want you there.”

  “I will be. Serving. Just the way it used to be. You need a date.�
�

  “That’s not what I mean. I want you there as my date.”

  “I know, but it’s not going to happen. We can either go round on this and come to the same conclusion, or you can just give in now.”

  “You don’t always win.”

  “Yes, I do. The fact that you’re married is evidence of it.”

  “Oh yes, I forgot. You’re the reason we’re in this mess to begin with.” Jason’s tone was mild and his lip had relaxed some. Kale thought he might just have a chance of talking some reason into him. “The only way I’ll have a date is if you don’t serve.”

  Then again, reason never was Jason’s strong suit if his heart was involved. “I have to serve. We don’t have enough hands as it is.”

  “We can hire help.”

  “That still doesn’t make it appropriate.” Jason scowled and opened his mouth to say something, but Kale put a finger to his lips. “I would love to go as your date. You have to know that. But it’s too risky. Mr. Bonham, for one, knows that I’m a slave. It’s impractical. If he hinted at what I am and Lord Conrad picked up on it, it could be catastrophic. I can’t go as your date. You know it, so stop this silly fighting, and let me be there to serve. At least that way I’ll get to see you. I’ll even be closer to you than if I was sitting at the other end of the table.”

  When Kale saw the fight leave Jason’s eyes, he removed his finger from Jason’s lips. “Fine,” Jason muttered.

  “So, who should I have Martin place at the other end of the table?”

  Jason sighed, as if he had the most vexing problems in the world. “Have him sit there.”

  “It’d be better to have a date. Martin being there will make it seem too much like a business dinner.”

  “It is a business dinner. It’s either him or you. That’s the last I’m saying on the matter.”

  “I’ll let Martin know.” Kale gathered the clothes he was taking with him and headed for the door.

  “Don’t I at least get a kiss?” Jason’s bottom lip jutted out in a pout.

  It was irresistible. Kale feigned exasperation and went to him, sucking that perfect lip into his mouth. “If this goes off well, we can celebrate later. If you don’t let me leave now, though, you’re only going to be stressed tomorrow and the next day.”