Fic: What Aunt Dahlia Saw, Chapter Four

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Hullo all.

Sorry I've been rather out of things this week - after submitting chapter 3 I suddenly got terribly busy. I've read all your lovely comments, though and I couldn't be more grateful for the feedback and encouragement. It really makes my day.

Well, busy though I have been, I did it. A chapter four. I decided Bertie and Jeeves might need to have a little chat about everything that's going on.

Bear in mind I AM pretty much making this up as I go. As I've said before, this is a complete change from my usual approach. It feels rather like my art A-Levels when my tutor told me to try painting using the movements of my whole arm instead just the movements of my wrist; I naturally work in a very precise methodical sort of way. Now I'm writing in this slap-dash sort of way just to break myself out of this nervous cycle and to just get something done already! If it seems sloppy, that's why.

Again, this is mostly a dialogue piece. Hope you enjoy it.

Title: What Aunt Dahlia Saw: Chapter Four.
Pairing: Jeeves & Wooster
Rating: G
Summary: Another conversation in the garden. If only shrubberies could talk...

 

What Aunt Dahlia Saw: Chapter Four

 

 

 

Bertie, suspecting that Jeeves’s conversation with his aunt was reaching its conclusion, managed to shake Bobbie off, and had just slipped through to the kitchen garden at the opposite side from where his Aunt and Jeeves had been talking. This garden was surrounded by a fairly high wall, so he could no longer see them – but he hovered there for a few minutes, certain that Jeeves would soon appear on his way to the kitchen.

 

Sure enough, Jeeves drifted in at the westerly wall. Bertie noted with relief that he didn’t seem too perturbed.

 

‘Jeeves!’ he hissed, waving at him.

 

Jeeves saw him and approached, and Bertie led them away from the kitchen door to the entrance he had come into the garden by. This entrance was partially covered by bare straggling creepers, so they were able to stand together quite inconspicuously in the shadows.

 

‘Jeeves,’ Bertie whispered urgently as soon as they were safely ensconced, ‘I’m so sorry, old thing. I never intended my wretched aunt to accost you like that.’

 

‘It is perfectly all right, sir.’

 

‘I didn’t want to tell her anything, but she had it all figured out. I’m so sorry.’

 

‘I beg you not to be uneasy, sir. Your aunt is extraordinarily perceptive, but she has a tolerant attitude.’

 

‘She’s like some kind of sibyl.’

 

‘I regret sir, that I am unable to converse with you for long,’ Jeeves said.

 

‘Busy, eh?’

 

‘I fear so, sir.’

 

‘All right. I’ll let you get back to your butlering. I just wanted to apologise and to let you know that things were all a-ok with me, and to make sure things were all right with you, as well.’

 

‘Everything is fine, sir. Mrs. Travers merely wished to ascertain my intentions, sir, regarding yourself, and to give her blessing.’

 

Bertie smiled. ‘Well, that’s all right then, what?’

 

‘Most satisfactory, sir.’

 

‘Still, I think we’ll be on our way tomorrow, don’t you?’

 

Jeeves nodded. ‘A change of scene would be most welcome, sir.’

 

‘I hear Cap d’Antibes calling.’

 

‘Yes, sir. I have already procured the necessary tickets.’

 

Bertie looked for a second as though he was about to hug his valet, but then he was patting him on the arm. ‘I can’t wait.’

 

Jeeves regarded him for a moment, then abruptly looked away towards the kitchen door with a faint smile. ‘Nor I, sir.’

 

Bertie stared at a clump of winter-shrivelled lavender, trying to look subdued but unable to keep a smile from creeping upon his own lips. It was as though they were both trying to fight off the same smile.

 

‘I can’t wait,’ Bertie said again, still not looking at him. ‘Ever since you and I… well, it just seems like since that fateful night in October, we’ve been plagued with more society than one can possibly know what to do with.’

 

‘Your time in New York did seem to become somewhat busy, sir.’

 

‘I can never apologise enough for my Aunt Agatha descending on us like that. A mere day after we… well, you know. It was as though she knew something was up and had to pounce, the Assyrian coming down like the wolf on the fold. What is it about Aunts, Jeeves? They all seem to possess some second sight.’

 

‘I could not say sir.’

 

‘And there she was, in New York, with that blighter Percy for me to look after. Keeping me out of mischief, you might say. Checking up on me, and so forth.’

 

‘Most uncomfortable, sir.’

 

‘It rather put a damper on things, didn’t it?’

 

‘It was a difficult three weeks, sir. But there is no need for apology. You were not responsible.’

 

‘I know.’ Bertie wrapped his arms around himself somewhat forlornly. ‘I just feel bad for both of us, don’t you know. Barely had the change in our personal affairs sunk in, than we’ve been beset at all sides and had to creep around hardly daring to breathe. I should have come up with an excuse for Christmas, Jeeves.’

 

‘No, sir. I believe it was vital not to alter your usual plans.’

 

‘But I feel so horribly stifled.’ He rubbed his forehead wearily. ‘I just want to be with you.’

 

‘I know, sir,’ Jeeves said, gently.

 

‘I want to be alone with you. Far away where there aren’t any blasted relatives poking their heads around the door every hour of the day.’

 

‘It will not be much longer, sir.’

 

Bertie nodded, and smiled. ‘I know I’m frightfully impatient, Jeeves. I just feel like I’ve unwrapped the perfect present only to have it wrapped up again before my eyes and placed on a high shelf out of reach.’

 

Jeeves smiled fondly. ‘Think of tomorrow, sir.’

 

‘Believe me, I am. I have butterflies I’m thinking of it so much.’ He sighed, and laughed ruefully. ‘Oh, Jeeves. I don’t know how I shall get through this evening. Sitting there listening to Angela and Tuppy bickering and observing the unashamed love light in the eyes of Bobbie and Kipper, with you hovering in the background serving the soup. I want to leap up and tell them that they don’t know how lucky they are.’

 

Jeeves touched Bertie’s hand, so briefly it would have passed unnoticed had anyone been there to observe.

 

‘I know how difficult it is for you, sir.’

 

‘I’m particularly anxious about the moments when you lean over my shoulder to pour the wine for me and whatnot. I have a most dreadful fear that I shall forget myself.’

 

Jeeves nodded. ‘Those are indeed trying moments, sir.’

 

‘You feel the same way, do you?’

 

Jeeves turned to gaze back at him again, simultaneously lifting his hand to scratch his forehead. ‘It is sometimes hard for me to remember where I am, when I am close to you, sir.’

 

Bertie sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair agitatedly. ‘For Heaven’s sake, Jeeves… don’t talk that way. Not here, not now. You realise that when I’m sitting at dinner in a couple of hours, those words are all I shall be thinking of?’

 

‘I am sorry, sir.’

 

‘So you should be. If you can’t maintain a manly reserve, I hardly see how I can be expected to. No, Jeeves, I need you to be a model of decorum. Set the example for me.’

 

‘I shall endeavour to do so, sir.’

 

Bertie stared at Jeeves for a moment, breathing heavily, then turned away, rubbing his face vigourously as though attempting to wake himself from a vivid dream. He still was unable to keep the smile from creeping back to his face, however.

 

‘If you would be guided by me, sir, I should advocate putting the relationship temporarily out of your mind whilst among the company at dinner. You have the advantage of being in a position to engage others in conversation as a means of distraction.’

 

Bertie smiled. ‘I understand what you’re getting at, Jeeves; you think I’ve got it easier than you.’

 

‘Well, sir –’

 

‘Well, Jeeves, you’re wrong. I’d much sooner have your highly-trained professional aloofness than have to rely on the likes of Tuppy and the former B. Wickham to take my mind off things. You can simply melt into the background like a tiger hiding in the jungle shadows.’

 

‘I appreciate your point, sir.’

 

‘It seems unfair that I, the halfwit of this double-act of ours, has to be the one in the spotlight, while you, so adept at wearing the mask, are standing behind the scenes unnoticed.’

 

Jeeves smiled. ‘Such is the contrast, sir, between the life of a gentleman and the life of a gentleman’s valet.’

 

 ‘Exactly. Engage others in conversation, forsooth! I wish I could engage you to do the talking for me. If I’m quieter than usual, it will be noticed. But I daren’t talk, Jeeves; in my present state of mind I might blurt out whatever’s going through my head, which is not advisable, since I can’t seem to stop thinking of you all the time. Why, I almost called Kipper ‘Jeeves’ the other day. And as you may suppose, it’s not because he reminds me of you in any way.’

 

Jeeves smiled.

 

‘A man with a fine physique, but he does not have your finely chiselled features.’

 

‘It is good of you to say so, sir.’

 

Bertie nodded absently.

 

‘I’m sorry,’ he said momentarily. ‘I know I’m keeping you. Listen, don’t worry about helping me dress for dinner tonight. I can manage, and I have more on my mind than whether my trousers are the right height or not.’

 

‘I should not advocate allowing your attention to wander from these matters, sir.’

 

‘Don’t worry, I won’t. Personally, I’d say that trousers hardly matter at a time like this, but I know that a lax attitude to dress causes you pain, so for your sake I promise to be my usual impeccably dressed self. Tie, the perfect butterfly effect. Trousers, with the carelessly graceful break over the instep. Meanwhile you can get down to your butlering duties without having to run up and down stairs, and I’ll be able to take a cold shower without encountering you in my room ready reverse the effect by assisting me with my shirt studs.’

 

‘A shrewd plan, sir.’

 

‘I’m glad you think so. Gosh, I shall be glad to get away, Jeeves. I feel worn to a shadow.’

 

Jeeves dusted something invisible from Bertie’s shoulder. ‘I am convinced it will become easier in time, sir. I know that it is not in your disposition to be secretive, but if I may say so, I believe that you have performed admirably.’

 

Bertie smiled. ‘You think so? Even though Aunt Agatha gave me the suspicious eye and Aunt Dahlia managed to gather the gist?’

 

‘I am inclined to agree with Mrs. Travers, sir, that her own observations are of the kind likely to be overlooked by anyone else. As for Mrs. Gregson, her opinion of you has always been shrouded in suspicion, if I may say so.’

 

‘True. Yes, I see what you mean. The psychology of the individual.’

 

‘Precisely, sir.’

 

‘All right, then. Once more unto the breach. I’ll see you at dinner.’

 

‘Very good, sir.’

 

Jeeves turned and made his way towards the kitchen; then at the last moment he turned. ‘Mr. Wooster, sir?’

 

‘Yes, Jeeves?’

 

Jeeves held him in his gaze, but didn’t say anything. They regarded each other for a moment more.

 

Presently Jeeves coughed. ‘I am sorry, sir. I am unable to remember what it was that I wished to convey to you.’

 

Bertie nodded, slowly, his eyes shining.

 

‘Never mind,’ he said easily. ‘Perhaps later, what?’

 

‘Perhaps, sir.’

 

‘Carry on then, Jeeves.’

 

‘Very good, sir.’
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
End of Chapter 4.

Chapter Five this way...

Well - is it okay? Should I write more? I have a feeling that if I continue further, I'm going to be getting into much more intimate, sexual territory. Which frankly is a bit nerve-wracking fo me. But if you think I should go for it, yell or cheer or something and I'll see what I can do. I'm starting to think a prequel might be a good idea, too. 
 

Click here to read Chapter One

Click here to read Chapter Two

Click here to read Chapter Three

 

 

Comments

[nemesishamartia.livejournal.com]

Depends on you. I would be INSANELY happy to read more with them, but attempting smut can be challenging.

You can always fade to black, of course. :D Just... Jeeves locked the door behind them.

The next morning... Or something. Idk. I'm babbling; sorry.

But, I'd happily read more.

Damn well better write more!

[chaoticchaos13.livejournal.com]

I don't care what you write, just write more! I enjoy the dialogue and the characters are spot-on. I found part one a few hours ago, continued through to part two and three, and just when I thought I'd have to wait and hope for more, there you were with part four ^.^

Re: Damn well better write more!

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

I'll keep at it! Thanks!

[umpteenth-gail.livejournal.com]

So glad this series isn't finished! It seems right to round off all the observation and conversations with a conversation between the two principals. And now they are going to Cap D'Antibes to finally be alone together. (shiver) Surely you won't leave it that? Let's follow them there!

If I was Bertie in New York being plagued by the loathly Aunt Agatha, I would have quietly folded my tent and stolen silently away, or whatever the fellow said, LOL. But I suppose he realised that there was no escaping Aunt A as she would only pop up again at home.

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Yeah... I don't really know what the situation was. I'm sort of making this up as I go. The truth is I rather regret that I said in part 2 that they got together in October. I sort of want them to have not had much time to themselves yet. So I sort of had to come up with some obstacles. I'll have to figure out the details later.

Yes... I think the next stop is the South of France. I'm in a romantic mood!

[umpteenth-gail.livejournal.com]

You did a good job producing obstacles. :)

And yay for romantic moods! Looking forward very much to Part 5. Thanks for an enjoyable ride so far.

[random-nexus.livejournal.com]

Oui oui!

[chaoticchaos13.livejournal.com]

Bertie is always on the go, its pretty believable that they wouldn't have much opportunity for personal time.

[horatia.livejournal.com]

I would *love* to read more, this series is quickly securing a place in my heart. And I think you've done an find job combining intimacyand subtlety so far.

[fanohugh.livejournal.com]

I am overjoyed that you have chosen to write more! You're insight to the characters is so right-on. I can hear Hugh and Stephen with every word!

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

YEAH YOU SHOULD WRITE MORE. NOW.

Eh, I mean, I'd be very VERY pleased if you were to write more. I feel so sorry for Bertie and Jeeves, to see them going on holiday alone would be a bless... <3

It was as though they were both trying to fight off the same smile.

‘I am sorry, sir. I am unable to remember what it was that I wished to convey to you.’

:D

[random-nexus.livejournal.com]

I say do it! Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

*giggle* I'm enjoying what you're doing here... VERY much! Oh, my. Calling Bertie back just to have another longing look *sigh* Jeeves is so...oh my.

And yes, as has been suggested - you can go right up to the edge of what you're comfy with and fade to black tastefully. Or dive on into the yummy smut. Whichever works best! I'm going to enjoy whatever you do with this, I'm quite sure.

[sige-vic.livejournal.com]

Oh, this Jeeves' ostensible forgetfulness in the end! So touching that even he can't be his impeccable and reserved self in a situation like this :-)
And of course it would be great to read the prequel and the next, more intimate part!
All the luck, inspiration and courage for you with these plans! :-)

write more dammit!

[fincalian.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed all four parts of this. it's sweet and cute and i can picture everything as it happens. so write more! because you're good

[lady529.livejournal.com]

I'd love to read more, though it's up to you as the writer to decide how saucy you want things to be on paper (well, monitors).

I hope you'll at least give it a go before discarding the idea, you might surprise yourself : )

The Lady 529

[octopireggie.livejournal.com]

Moaaaaaaaaaaaar

[twilight-fog.livejournal.com]

Not putting any pressure on here but (please please please write some more). I absolutely adore your style. The series is wonderfully sweet and I personally can't get enough. As much as you want to give would be more than alright by me. I babble if you haven't noticed but I don't care because I love your writing and wanted you to know. Soooo, I just hope there is more of this one in the future and I don't care what you have them do together as long as they are together.

[euclase.livejournal.com]

I am all in favor of you writing more and would be happy to offer any support should you need it. This was lovely and gorgeous. :)

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

Oh DEAR. You might have to go into intimate, sexual territory? Oh, that's TOO BAD.

(That was sarcasm, um, right then.)

Of course it would be a treat to see that! But I understand your torn feelings. In some ways, these little interludes are more intimate and sexually charged than the maddest of clothes-tearing love scenes. When Jeeves brushes Bertie's shoulder for no reason; when Bertie tells him what he'll be thinking of when Jeeves pours his wine at dinner; when Jeeves nearly forgets himself because he wants to say ILU. OH! It's pretty dang sexy already.

[fstohell.livejournal.com]

More please!
I love them all so much, I don't mind what you write so long as there's lots of it (and nothing too terrible happens to our boys)

[mrs-rochester11.livejournal.com]

Oh please write more! I really enjoy these. You do such a good job of showing how hard it is for them, poor boys having to hide everything :( Even if you don't go into the sexy territory I do still wish you would write more. Although any delicious Jooster action is always appriciated;D

[tourmaline1973.livejournal.com]

Oooohh yes, more please! I love these stories ♥

[emeraldreeve.livejournal.com]

Great addition to this story! I love this:Bertie stared at a clump of winter-shrivelled lavender, trying to look subdued but unable to keep a smile from creeping upon his own lips. It was as though they were both trying to fight off the same smile.
I'd love for you to write more!

[ironicbees.livejournal.com]

So nice! I love the unspoken feelings.

I'm sure any smuttiness you wrote would be good, but I'll be eager to read any more installments to this series no matter what the rating. :D

[g-song.livejournal.com]

This was wonderful! I love the slight tension and longing between them. You really really really should write more :)

[georgeodowd.livejournal.com]

Well! That was a charged interchange there! I have to say, I enjoy this business far more than the sexual territory, as you put it. I wouldn't mind seeing the resulting dinner scene!

[brewsternorth.livejournal.com]

N'awwww.

[justliketetris.livejournal.com]

please please please write more!

[lupus-malus.livejournal.com]

I've just read all four parts. Completely wonderful. I love Dahlia working it out and her conversation with Jeeves was awesome.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

Still loving it to bits dear! Love how Jeeves turns around but then forgets what to say ♥

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Thanks mxdp - I really appreciate all your comments. There seem to be a few mentions about that last moment, which is really great, because I loved writing that bit! It's fun to leave some things a bit open-ended for the reader to guess what might have been going on in the character's heads. I think randomnexus thought that Jeeves had nothing to say, but called Bertie back just to look at him a bit more, while triedunture saw it as Jeeves wanting to say something like 'I love you' but remembering in time that it wasn't a safe enough situation. I also like the idea that he really did have something to say but because of the distracting situation forgot what it was. All three are really fun to think about, and somehow it's more fun when you can only guess;)

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

My imagination likes to play :)
I'm guessing Jeeves is calling Bertie back to delay the departure, and has come up with something to say without really thinking it through. Impulsive, let's say. I guess the moment he looks back, he forgets whatever it was, or that it has gotten to unimportant to mention.

There you go :)

[jupiterknight.livejournal.com]

Presently Jeeves coughed. ‘I am sorry, sir. I am unable to remember what it was that I wished to convey to you.’


TEE HEE. Like hell x

[the-archandroid.livejournal.com]

‘It seems unfair that I, the halfwit of this double-act of ours, has to be the one in the spotlight, while you, so adept at wearing the mask, are standing behind the scenes unnoticed.’

Sometimes bertie can be so damned insightful. love him.

‘Mr. Wooster, sir?’

‘Yes, Jeeves?’

Jeeves held him in his gaze, but didn’t say anything. They regarded each other for a moment more.

Presently Jeeves coughed. ‘I am sorry, sir. I am unable to remember what it was that I wished to convey to you.’

****SWWWWWOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNN******
SIGH. this is just so sweet! i love jeeves being all overcome. ... it's too precious.