Fic: Troubled Times chapter 26 Part One
May. 10th, 2009 01:06 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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indeedsir_backupTitle: Troubled Times
Chapter 26
Author: Emerald
Beta : 
jestana and windysame Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate your work and advice!
Inspiration and Encourager: ironicbees
Rating: Mature.
Disclaimer: Wooster and Jeeves belong to Wodehouse.
Summary: The story deals with the time before, during, and after WWII.
A/N:October 1940
Mr. Wooster and I were wrapped in each other's arms and deep into a kiss, late one evening in early October when the doorbell chimed. I eased away from Mr. Wooster and noted his dazed expression with satisfaction.
“Jeeves?”
“The doorbell,” I replied to his unspoken question, and as if on cue the chime sounded again.
Mr. Wooster shot to his feet, and said, “Of all the bally times... I must look... my shirt is undone...”
“I would suggest you retire to your bedroom. I will stall the person, sir.” I added the 'sir' deliberately to aid both of us in returning to our roles as employer and employee. As I spoke, I hastily buttoned my own shirt; then grabbed my jacket with one hand and a nearby glass of wine with the other.
When I arrived at the door to the entry-way, I called, “Just a minute, please, I am switching off the lights.”
This was not necessary as we had the entry-way, but it brought me time to straighten my clothes, put my jacket on, and take several sips of wine. Partaking of the wine was designed to give a reason for the redness of my lips. The lights were switched off, and I opened the door to find Mr. Heflner, who dashed past me into the house, saying, “Where's Bertie? I need Bertie!”
Attempting to buy Mr. Wooster more time, I shut the door and replied, “The lights are coming on now, sir.” I knew it would take our eyes a moment to adjust.
The sight that greeted me when I could see well made me forget any concerns I had over my appearance. Mr. Heflner was in a far worse state than any picture I might have presented. He was out of breath, and it seemed obvious that he had run from his house to ours. Sympathy for Wright having to manage this man rushed through me as I took in the brown hair that fingers had clearly dishevelled, and the shirt that had plainly been tugged at more than once and came with no jacket despite the cold wind. A glance at his feet revealed that he was barefoot. I was certain that Wright would have never willingly agreed to Mr. Heflner leaving their house in this condition.
Fear for what might be the matter seized me, and I ushered Mr. Heflner into the drawing room, saying in a soothing tone, “I will inform Mr. Wooster that you desire his company, sir.”
“Desire his company! I'll die if you don't bring him!”
Very worried now, I swiftly made my way to the bedroom where with quick fingers I made sure all was well with Mr. Wooster's clothes while saying, “Mr. Heflner has called, sir. He is quite distraught, and I doubt he will notice your appearance. His own is disappointing.”
Alarm entered Mr. Wooster's face. He answered, “Wright would never let him leave the house looking like a bad show. He's almost as fussy as you are. Something must be really wrong. Stay close, Jeeves.”
As soon as Mr. Wooster entered the room, Mr. Heflner began talking. “I can't believe what I've done, Bertie! Wright will never have anything to do with me again, I'm sure of it! He's probably already left!”
After retrieving a blanket, I stayed in the hall where I could hear what was happening. Although I could not see into the room, I could tell from the sounds that Mr. Heflner was pacing.
Mr. Wooster tried to ask what Mr. Heflner had done, but all he got in was a, “What?” before the rush of words came again.
“Wright will never speak to me again! And...” The need to breathe paused the man, but only for a brief second and then he went on, “They'll toss me in the chokey and forget I ever existed! That's what they'll do!”
A fierceness entered the man's tone as he said, “They won't take Wright! I won't let them! I'll... well, I'll just tell them that I forced him, that's all.”
This declaration was so ridiculous that I would have laughed if it had not been for Mr. Heflner's distress. Wright had spent his youth and early adulthood doing physical labour. He was more muscular than Mr. Heflner and additionally was several inches taller. Any judge viewing them could easily discern which of the two was stronger.
Mr. Heflner continued, “Oh God, what have I done?”
Mr. Wooster called softly, “Jeeves.” He said, “That's the thing, old chap. What have you done?”
I entered the room in time to see Mr. Heflner almost knock over a stand in his frenzied walk across the floor. His reply to Mr. Wooster was, “I never meant to! I had told myself I wouldn't even think on such things! I couldn't stay there and watch him leave! I just couldn't!”
Mr. Heflner tugged hard at his shirt and sank into a chair. “Never! Never, I say, has any of my family ever broken the law! But I... I... And I'll lose Wright over it! I can't bear it! I can't!”
He was about to rise again when I pressed a drink into his hands. He swallowed half of it in two gulps. The room was warm, but due to Mr. Heflner's bare feet which were probably cold from his rush to our house, I put a blanket across his lap. He looked up at me, dark green eyes filled with anguish, but he said, “Thank you, Jeeves.”
A glance exchanged with Mr. Wooster revealed that we were both of the same opinion as to the nature of what Mr. Heflner had done. I gave my employer a slight nod as permission to aid his friend even if it meant being more open about our relationship than we had been in the past.
As I discreetly left the room to stand where I could hear once more, Mr. Wooster was saying, “If you need to talk, I'll listen. Jeeves and I know how to keep mum on a matter.”
Mr. Wooster's words encouraged Mr. Heflner, and the drink I had served him brought a temporary steadiness. His voice was not as panic-stricken when he replied, “I got a telegram from my brother in London today. He owns several businesses in the city, and he just lost the second shop to the bombing. I get all anxious about losing Wright, and Albie's telegram today... well, nothing is certain in the world any more. You and I have lost investments, too. While I was in town, I ran into Charles Wright. He's been accepted into the RAF. He's happy about it. He's only three years younger than my Wright which means they're taking men in their thirties now. So it's just a matter of time before I lose my valet. When I lost Emily and Edward, I thought there was nothing worse. Nothing could be! Now, I know how very wrong I was. I don't think I can bear it to lose everything again!”
There was a brief silence, and I suspected that Mr. Heflner was finishing the cocktail I had given him. His voice was a little calmer when he spoke again. “I told Wright, I'd rest on the settee tonight. He knows now that I sleep there to be closer to him. He suggested that I start using one of the downstairs bedrooms instead of being on the second floor. I'd be nearer to him, and we wouldn't have the expense of heating another floor. It was a jolly good idea so we started.”
I noticed the 'we' in his sentence. I could imagine the scene easily; Wright attempting to work smoothly and efficiently while Mr. Heflner 'aided' him; thereby making the task take longer.
“We got everything moved over, and I should have been happy with that as now he is just down the hall from me. And I was happy about it, but...”
Mr. Heflner took a deep breath, and like a wave cresting on the ocean his words rose again. “I'm a greedy cad, Bertie! Can't just be happy and let the man alone, no, I have to... I have to...“
His voice broke on a choked back sob, and I slipped into the room again. Nothing was said until I had re-filled his drink and was thanked for it. His eyes were bright with unshed tears, and I wondered if Wright had rejected him. I did not believe that to be likely. It was more probable that Mr. Heflner had already felt shaken and had increased his insecurities by taking actions that had surprised him.
I nodded and left once more.
Mr. Heflner said, “Truly, Bertie, I only meant to hug him. Back when I told Wright that I cared for him as much as Emily, he said that he loved me just as much as any of his brothers.”
I was certain then that Mr. Wright had not spurned Heflner. Wright's phrasing had revealed everything even if Mr. Heflner had not realised it. The man had not stated that he loved Mr. Heflner as one of his brothers; rather he said as much as his siblings. If Mr. Heflner was quoting his exact words than the word “any” had significance, too. As much as he loved his older brother, and I knew he was very close to David Wright.
Mr. Heflner continued, “With the way I feel about him, I should have known better, but I told myself that brothers can hug. That there would be no harm in a quick hug. He didn't have any objections to being embraced, but then I... I ... I kissed him!”
I heard Mr. Heflner moan. He cried out, “He'll hate me now! And they'll throw me in the chokey, and I'll lose him and... You can't know what it is like to live in fear of the law!”
If I had not liked Mr. Heflner, I would have gone to my room and laughed. He had only to keep company with his deed for less than an hour; Mr. Wooster and I had lived with the shadow of the law at our heels for years. I felt sympathy for Mr. Heflner, too, as his voice had risen to almost hysterics again. I did not want to give him another drink for fear of producing a state of intoxication. The last two I had given him had been strong.
Mr. Wooster's next words, however, were as effective as a splash of cold water in the face. “The law can't touch you unless they have reason to believe you are guilty of a crime. Jeeves and I won't breathe a word to anyone, and I think Wright loves you. He won't be telling people. You are quite safe with the three of us, old chap, but you shouldn't go dashing about as you did. Discreet, that's the word. Make it your constant companion, and you'll be safe from the law. Still, I imagine the whole thing was so rummy, it wasn't worth even the slightest risk.”
For the first time, Mr. Heflner's voice dropped. I had to move forward to hear him. “I wouldn't say that. I'm ashamed of it, but... It was...”
There was a brief pause before Mr. Heflner asked, “You remember that book we read recently that had an earthquake in it? It was like that.”
“The earth moved, what?”
“Yes, the earth moved, and I was taken to heaven. It was wonderful, Bertie! And for a few seconds there was none of this master and servant nonsense between us. It was just the two of us. I'd take quite a few risks for those feelings. Even...” The man's voice took on a firmness about it as he added, “...even break the law for it. Yes, I would.”
I understood these sentiments only too well. Mr. Wooster provoked the same feelings and thoughts in me.
“Except now you're ashamed of it?”
“Not of the kiss! I'm ashamed that I took advantage of Wright like that and enjoyed it so.”
“Wright felt he had to let you plant one on him, or you'd give him the mitten, what?”
A brief silence followed this question. In a hesitant voice, Mr. Heflner replied, “I... I didn't think of that, Bertie. He could have stopped me. I gave him warning of what I was about to do. At least, I thought I did, but now I don't know. He's nine years younger than me, maybe he had no idea of what was going through my bean.”
I doubted this was the case. Wright always seemed capable of guessing Mr. Heflner's future actions, even as the man thought them. This was one reason they worked so well together during drills.
Mr. Heflner continued, “I don't do well without him. He and I both know that. I don't think he's worried about his position. He only gets anxious about that when he bungs up, not when I do.”
Mr. Heflner was beginning to sound like his usual self now.
Mr. Wooster asked, “So the reason you're ashamed is because Wright was revolted by it.”
There was another short silence, after which Mr. Heflner slowly replied, “I only gave him a quick glance, because I was so afraid he'd be boiling mad, but he didn't look disgusted. He just stared at me as if he had never seen me before. Probably couldn't believe I would do such a thing.”
“He didn't seem pipped or upset?”
Mr. Heflner did not answer immediately as he carefully considered this question. He replied, “Yes... I mean no. Wright wasn't upset about the kiss, I don't believe. He didn't become upset until I said I was dashed sorry, and made a sprint for the door. He was saying something about my attire, in the tone he uses when he isn't happy with my drapery, when I shut the door. He wanted to give me my socks and shoes, I guess, but had to stop to douse the lights before I opened the door. He was annoyed then, but not until that point.”
“Then why do you think he'd leave you?”
“Because he just looked at me; didn't say a word. He probably couldn't believe my crust. After all he's done for me, saved my life really because I don't think I would have gone on after Emily died if it hadn't been for him, and he takes care of me, after all that, and now I have to demand more from him.”
“Could he just have been surprised?”
“Yes, surprised and shocked. If he leaves me...”
Quickly, before his friend could once more dissolve into panic, Mr. Wooster asked, “If he was planning on leaving you, why would he be concerned about your upholstery? It seems to me that if he was going to push off, he'd have given you a piece of his mind and left. Instead he just stood there; perhaps he was pleasantly surprised and shocked. There are good surprises, too, old chap.”
A noise I had been expecting, the knock at the back door, came to my ears. Wright's patience had finally given up the battle. It was unlikely to be anyone but Wright at this late hour.
Once more, I returned to the room where Mr. Wooster and Mr. Heflner were having a discussion. I started to clear my throat, but my employer looked at me, so having his attention, I said, “I will tend to the visitor at the back door, sir.”
I told Mr. Wooster this information, so he would know that I was no longer listening to his conversation with his friend.
Mr. Wooster must have reached the same conclusion I had about who was at the door because he said to Mr. Heflner, “Wright has come to collect his baggage, old chap. I don't think he's planning on leaving you.”
The man was so relieved that he swayed with the emotion. To me, he said, “Jeeves, if he's angry or upset, will you tell him that I'm prepared to make amends? He can even slug me, if he wants, as long as he doesn't leave me.”
“I will speak to him on your behalf, sir.”
Mr. Heflner's eyes filled with tearful gratitude, and his hand clenched the chair in his effort to keep from crying. As I left the room I wondered if perhaps Mr. Wooster and I should have been less careful in hiding the true nature of our relationship, if perhaps we should have let Mr. Heflner and Wright know the truth. It was obvious that Mr. Heflner had been unsure if I would support him after his actions.
I opened the door, not surprised to see Wright there, holding a small basket that I surmised held Mr. Heflner's shoes and socks. His employer's coat hung over his arm.
He enquired, “Is Mr. Heflner here?”
“Yes, please come in.”
Wright's voice was firm, but I noted that his hands trembled slightly as he placed the coat carefully over a chair.
I asked, “How are you doing?”
He sighed. “I do not know. How is Mr. Heflner?”
I understood his reply perfectly. He would not be fine, if Mr. Heflner was not. “He is calmer now. I believe you will find him in a more reasonable mood. Have a seat.”
He put his hand on a chair, and his eyes met mine as he asked, “Are you going to turn us in?”
There was a calm acceptance in his gaze. It was clear that he believed our friendship would prevent me from doing so, but also plain that he was prepared to be hurt if Mr. Wooster and I should betray the trust that had been given to us.
“No. Mr. Wooster and I will not repeat anything that was said here tonight.”
“Thank you!”
“You are welcome. Mr. Heflner and Mr. Wooster are still having a discussion in the lounge.” I poured him a glass of wine of the kind I knew he liked from my own stash that I kept in the kitchen.
When I had given Wright his glass and was seated, he glanced at me, before directing his gaze to the wine. He said, “All this is my fault. I should have realised where matters were heading.”
He sighed. “Well, I did realise, in a way. I knew where our closeness could lead. I just did not think Mr. Heflner was ready for our relationship to change so dramatically. I guess his flight here has proven that he wasn't ready, and yet his lack of readiness stopped nothing. I should not have relied on it to do so.”
“I do not believe you are to blame for tonight's occurrences. I suspect that Mr. Heflner has been in love with you for years, and it took the war to help him realise it.”
I noticed that Wright's grip tightened on his glass when I stated that Mr. Heflner had been in love with him for years. I wondered how soon it would be before either Mr. Heflner or more likely Wright questioned the reason that Mr. Wooster and I had been so accepting. It was only a matter of when they were going to guess the secret I shared with my employer. I was not worried about it. Tonight would forever seal their lips. Additionally, Mr. Heflner's loyalty to Mr. Wooster would be greatly increased by the evening's occurrences as would Wright's friendship to me.
Wright had sipped some of his wine, so I asked again, “How are you doing?”
He swirled his wine around. “I am not sure events have caught up with me yet. I feel as if my world has suddenly shifted around me, and nothing is the same. There is no reason to think that way, however, as I have been aware that his feelings had changed for several weeks now. Nor is it surprising that he would come here when he got upset.”
“You might try viewing it not so much as having changed everything, but as adding a new aspect to the relationship. Assuming you do not wish to put a firm halt to any more such activities on Mr. Heflner's part.”
Wright's eyes met mine, and for a brief second I can easily see the love he held for his employer. He sighed. “I thought I should do just that tonight. I knew he was not prepared for the consequences of his own actions.” He looked down at the table. “I found that I had no desire to refuse and could not.”
I understood exactly how he felt. “So you knew what he was about to do?”
He nodded. “Yes, he was not fast about it. It was pretty clear to me what was going to happen next.”
“Then, if I may ask, why did you not talk to him afterwards? A few comforting words from you might have kept him from bolting.”
He gave me a swift glance, before directing his focus back to the table. A blush came into his face. Quietly, he said, “I couldn't. I thought I knew what kissing was like. I have done so before, although only with women. I believed this would be similar; pleasant, nothing more, and I would stay in complete control of my thoughts and feelings. I could not have been more mistaken. Plus, there's a difference in being kissed and kissing someone. Love changes more than I expected, too. I've never loved or wanted anyone as I do him, and those emotions came crashing to surface to overwhelm me. And then, he's a man...”
He took a sip of his wine and still not looking at me said, “I must sound like an idiot, but the truth is I wasn't prepared for the experience. I had assumed that I knew what to expect and what I'd feel and that no matter what happened between us, I would be in complete control of my feelings, but this was... it was...”
“Earth shaking?”
“Yes, that's it exactly. I forgot everything, but how he made me feel. I wanted to say something to him, but there seemed to be no words for it, and I didn't feel capable of speech.”
I knew exactly what he was talking about. It seemed as if it had been only yesterday when Mr. Wooster's lips had closed over mine for the first time. As our tongues had joined for that very first time, I had been introduced to sensations that I had never known existed. Delight and pleasure had flooded all my senses; the love I had been hiding for so long had rushed to the forefront of my thoughts, blocking all other considerations, and I had felt overpowered by it. There had been no thoughts, no world besides us two, no words capable of describing the joy, there had been only him and me. Before that kiss, I had held the same assumptions Wright had. All of those misconceptions had shattered with one touch of Mr. Wooster's lips on mine.
Wright continued, “If he had given me a second or two more, I would have taken him back into my arms, but the first thing I really became aware of was that he was leaving. My years of being his valet took over then.”
He took a sip of his wine and said, “I do wish Mr. Heflner would have given a thought to the state of his attire before he left the house. He insisted on helping me move his possessions to a downstairs bedroom. He was dragging sheets down the stairs and stepping on them, so I suggested that he remove his shoes. I tried to hand him socks and shoes before he left, but he paid me no mind. I should have spoken to him then, but I still felt shaken. I just acted on instinct. I was certain he would come here, but I was anxious.”
I was not surprised at his words. He was using his years of being Mr. Heflner's valet give him something to hold onto, now so much had changed. The bolt from the house had, no doubt, been heart wrenching, and the worry flowing in afterwards had to have been agonising. He had needed something to ease the anxiety and had retreated into his role as the man's servant.
I understood the situation now. Mr. Heflner relied on his valet to give him a sense of serenity. When Wright had displayed uncertainty his employer had assumed the worst. I could already guess the answer, but I asked, “Has he ever seen you shaken over a matter before?”
“No. He has seen me annoyed a few times, but I have always managed to be calm in his presence.”
“So he has never seen you unsure of yourself previously?”
Wright shook his head. “I understand what you are saying; that I should not hold it against him for panicking. He is accustomed to me appearing confident; even when inside I'm not. He certainly has never had me stare silently at him before when he needed me to be reassuring.”
“That is indeed part of my point, however, you are his friend, also. He will need to learn to adjust to all your emotions, but that will take time. Tonight is understandable. Neither of you are to blame. You definitely had every call to be anxious when he left the house. You must caution Mr. Heflner about revealing confidences. It is safe to talk freely with Mr. Wooster and I, but he must learn to keep such actions secret from anyone but the three of us.”
Wright nodded. “I will do so. We will talk tonight.”
“I am sure that I do not need to warn you not to be too stern. Mr. Heflner is calm now, but that calmness did not come easy for him, and I am certain it could be snatched away without much effort on your part.”
He replied, “I shall be careful. I hope you are correct about his feelings toward me, for I have felt the same concerning him for years, although I only became aware of it recently. I hoped to be successful at ignoring those emotions. It was enough to stay at his side. I have a lot to think about, but one thing tonight taught me; I did not comprehend the full extent of my devotion to him. I realised this evening that there was someone in this world I would do anything for. It is very unnerving. I am not just referring to our violation of the law and things of that nature. There is nothing I would not do for him.”
I understood his feelings only too well. The realisation that someone had that much power over you was frightening. I could not take away his fear; only time could do that. I knew, however, the words to say to ease some of the apprehension.
I spoke, “Mr. Heflner is not the kind to commit crimes. You need have no concern that he will suddenly wish to rob banks or murder someone. It has long been my conviction that what is done in private between agreeing adults is not the law's concern. You have guided him for eleven years now, and he relies on you to do so. I suggest that you use your influence to help maintain some control over events. If it were not for the war, I would advise you to do nothing that years from now, on your seventieth birthday, you will look back on and regret.”
I saw the comprehension in the man's face. “Yes, if I am about to face going into battle, I would not want to look back at deeds done or not done with remorse.”
There was one other point I could share with him that might help. “You should not tell Mr. Heflner that you would do anything for him. He is frightened and does not need to feel he has the entire responsibility of determining where your relationship goes from here. He will realise quickly enough how deep your devotion is, but hopefully by that time he will have adjusted to the changes.”
And, I thought, it will help Wright re-gain a sense of having some control over events, which will aid both of them, as Mr. Heflner depended on his valet's confidence to give him much of his own self-assurance.
At that moment, there was a light knock on the door, and Mr. Wooster swung it open. To Wright, he said, “Heffie would like to see you when you are ready.” He hesitated, then said, “I hope you won't be too harsh on the chap. I've told him that he could chat with me about anything he wished. He knew I wouldn't turn him in.”
Wright answered, “Please tell Mr. Heflner that I will join him in a minute. I have no intention of being harsh with him or of leaving his service. I imagine that is what he is worried about.”
Mr. Wooster nodded. “It is. Are you mad at him?”
“Not at all.”
My employer smiled. “I'll tell him.”
When we were alone once more, I said, “He was terrified that you would leave him. He fears losing you so much that he is not entirely able to think reasonably about it.”
“Yes, after Mrs. Heflner's death, he feels that no one can be taken for granted, and his fear is often stronger than his reason. I should have, at least, held onto him. It won't happen again.”
Joking now, I said, “Well, he said you could slug him, if you wished.”
For the first time that night, Wright smiled. “As if I ever would! Besides, it would be worse for him, if I said that what we did tonight was not proper. He hates being told something is not proper. Especially if I put plenty of 'sirs' in my sentence. I am tempted to tell him that it was not proper to leave the house in that condition, but I think I will spare him that.”
“He also said that, if necessary, he would tell a judge that he forced you.”
Wright laughed. “Not very likely, and I rather doubt he would be believed.”
My attempt at lightening matters had worked. Wright was nowhere near as tense as he had been earlier, his hands were steady, and his wine was finished.
I was not surprised when he stood up and said, “Thank you. I am ready to see him.”
I took Wright to his employer. Mr. Wooster stood up when Wright entered the room. He said to Mr. Heflner, “I'll be nearby.” He went past me into the kitchen; probably expecting me to follow him. Instead, I went and stood in my usual spot for listening.
I heard Mr. Heflner say, “We need to go home and talk.” His voice shook slightly.
“I agree, sir. My feelings for you have not changed. You still have my loyalty and love. We will talk about it when we get home, but for now, you should know that I do love you with all my heart.”
“I love you, too. So much!”
I heard the happiness mingled with anxiety in Mr. Heflner's tone. He continued, “I'd marry you, if I could.”
The man's next words were stated so low that I could hardly hear him, but I believe he said, “Do you love me in that way, too?”
Wright's, “Yes, I do, sir” was quick in answer, and I praised the man's confident tone.
His reply was followed by silence. I started to move forward, so I could see into the room when Mr. Wooster grabbed my elbow, tugging me toward the kitchen. With reluctance, I followed him back to the kitchen.
Once we were in the kitchen, Mr. Wooster said, “Jeeves! Let them have their privacy.”
He promptly slumped into a chair, and I admonished him, “The matter was just becoming interesting.”
Mr. Wooster smiled. “One day you're going to hear or see something you'll wish you hadn't. How did I do?”
“Very good. You were perfect.”
“Thank you. How is Wright holding up?”
“Well. Certainly better than Mr. Heflner, although tonight's events have shaken him, too.”
“I imagine they will guess what our relationship is once Wright or Heffie start thinking about it.”
“I agree. They will realise eventually or at the very least suspect that we accepted tonight's happenings so easily for that reason. They certainly will never betray us. Mr. Heflner will learn to be discreet very quickly as he fears the law. If he does not realise about us soon, and you wish to tell him, you may. I believe he thought it possible that I might dislike him for his actions tonight.”
“He wasn't sure of anything, Jeeves. He can get quite upset over matters, if left to himself, but I've seen Wright calm him with just a few words. What was with Wright tonight that he let Heffie get so frenzied?”
I explained. While we talked, I stood behind Mr. Wooster and massaged his shoulders. I was still there when a knock on the door was heard. Mr. Wooster called, “Come in.”
The door swung open, and Mr. Heflner and Wright came into the room. I did not remove my hands, letting them rest casually on Mr. Wooster. I wanted them to see and remember that closeness between the two of them could come naturally if they let it. Mr. Wooster was always more relaxed when my hands were on his shoulders, and that did not change now. He seemed to sense my intentions as he leaned back so his head was against my stomach. With the exception of my sister, we had always been careful to let no one see us touch before.
Mr. Heflner glanced at us, but I was uncertain if the significance of our positions were noted by him. Wright's sudden comprehension was easy to detect, however. His eyes met mine, and I perceived understanding and relief mingled in his gaze.
Mr. Heflner addressed us, “Bertie, Jeeves, thank you.” His gaze went to Mr. Wooster. “I will take your advice to heart. It was a very fortunate day for me when you two moved next door.”
As they departed, Wright turned back to us, and nodded. “Thank you.”
After they were gone, I said to Mr. Wooster, “I wish to talk.”
“I thought you said I did all right. Did I do something wrong?”
I leaned down and brushed my lips across his cheek. “You did well. No one could have done better. It is not tonight that I wish to talk about. Perhaps I could pour us some wine, and we could return to the settee?”
“Right-ho, Jeeves. Although I was hopeful we could return to more interesting activities.” He grinned.
“I plan on doing so, love. I just desire to discuss a matter with you,” I replied. In truth, I doubted he would converse with me on the issue, and we would indeed return to more interesting activities instead.
Once we were settled, I began, “Tonight we have seen the beginning of a relationship, in a sense. I am certain they will be adding a new aspect to their friendship very soon. I know how they started together, and the journey they have taken to reach where they currently are.”
I took a deep breath. “Which is more than I know about us. I want to know what made you approach me the night our own relationship took such a delightful turn.”
For several long moments, he did not answer me or even look at me. He stared into his wine glass and said nothing. Finally he replied, “Jeeves, I've never talked about it; partly because whenever we get near the subject you act as if it's causing you pain. And I don't know where to start. It's not something that I can say 'this made me decide', and be done with it.”
“You may start wherever you like. I wish to hear whatever you have to say, even if I find it painful.”
Mr. Wooster's eyes met mine. “Before you left me to work for Chuffy, I had it firmly lodged in the Wooster bean that we were friends and that you loved me. I didn't try to change things between us because I wanted our friendship to be stronger first.”
He sighed and reached out to squeeze my hand. “I wanted you to have more time to come to trust me before I asked you to my bed. Then we parted, and I thought I must have been wrong. You considered me just another employer, nothing more.”
Mr. Wooster glanced down at his untouched wine. “So you return to my service, but I was still grieving for what I lost. I had my valet back, but not the friendship or love that I believed was only a false idea that I had got into my onion.”
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Date: 2009-05-10 09:23 am (UTC)This is a great chapter. Thanks for the update.
P.S.- Is there any place where I can find the links to all the chapters of this?
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Date: 2009-05-10 09:37 am (UTC)All my stories are here:
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=emeraldreeve&keyword=My+Stories&filter=all
I was going to put the link at the beginning of my updates and forgot. :(
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Date: 2009-05-10 09:46 am (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2009-05-10 03:33 pm (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2009-05-11 02:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-05-11 01:53 am (UTC)*cheers for Wright & Heffie*
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Date: 2009-05-11 02:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-21 11:01 pm (UTC)Once we were in the kitchen, Mr. Wooster said, “Jeeves! Let them have their privacy.”
He promptly slumped into a chair, and I admonished him, “The matter was just becoming interesting.”
Oh Jeeves, you're far too curious. I do hope he's going to see something one day he wished he didn't! :D
I love the way you've written this, very clever! They are re-living their own memories through Heffie and Wright. I find it really pleasurable to read!