Chapter 85:
Comfort
Finlay didn’t knock when he entered Ellen’s room. The intrusion caused the governess to gasp, closing the Duchess’ journal quickly and grasping it to her bosom.
Finlay grinned at his half-sister. “Startle ya, lassie?”
“What do you think you’re doing, then?” Ellen snapped as Finlay shut the door. She put the journal down next to herself on the bed.
Holding up a silver bowl of grapes, Finlay winked. “I brought ya some comfort. Your Mrs. Pepper, with the Duke’s permission, sent one of the girls to the village to fetch these for ya, my dear. It’s from all yer friends downstairs.”
Ellen chuckled.
“I volunteered to bring them to the poor, sick governess. After all, I’m so sturdy and strong. No fever could get to me.”
“Oh, yes, Finlay. You’re the picture of masculinity.”
“Some think so.” Finlay winked again.
“Does the mad Duke?”
Finlay shrugged, sitting on the edge of Ellen’s bed.
“Get up!” Ellen barked. “What if someone were to come in and see you sitting here?”
“Sister, dear.” Finlay growled. “There’s not a soul in this house who would think I meant anything untoward to you.”
“Maybe so.” Ellen sniffed. “But, it’s not proper.”
“You’re suddenly worried about being proper?” Finlay laughed, standing up. “Oh, you are a fine one to talk, lassie. Were you so concerned ‘bout propriety when you were wakin’ up next to the Baron Lensdown?”
“About as concerned as you were when you awoke in the bed of the Earl of Clophworth.”
“I never fell asleep, so how could I wake up?” Finlay smiled.
“I’m not as interested in your former conquests, Finlay, as I am about your present amorous adventures. Has the Duke noticed you?”
“No.” Finlay sighed. “He only has eyes for the doctor. Frankly, I can see why.”
“You’ve not been trying, then.” Ellen frowned.
“I certainly have.” Finlay retorted. “He’s either very loyal to his middle class companion or he’s too daft to know when he’s been presented with an easy opportunity.”
“How have you approached him?” Ellen asked.
“With my usual charm.” Finlay grinned.
“He doesn’t respond to charm. The man is guileless. He only reacts favorably to obvious truths and, often, nostalgia and innocence. Have you reminded him that you used to watch him when you were both boys here? Have you suggested that you’ve fancied him for many years? There’s a certain attractiveness to the idea that all those years ago, you—an older, handsome boy—found him appealing.”
“I’ll try it.” Finlay replied aloofly. “There’s a truth to it. I did used to fancy him. When he was a young man of sixteen and I was twenty, I’d follow him around. I don’t think he ever noticed it. I don’t think he ever noticed anything. There were days when he was visiting here with Sir Colin when he didn’t come out of his rooms. Sometimes, when he did, he had such a blank expression that it was if his body was being propelled by another being altogether. Those were the days when he’d spirit himself away to the tower. He’s just stand up there and look out at the estate. Even as a small child. Several times, I tried to engage him in play. He didn’t seem to understand. I thought, at first, that he was being snobbish—not wishing to be involved with the son of the groundsman, but I soon realized that he was utterly unaware of anything outside of himself. I always rather pitied the lad.”
“And, that, Finlay, is exactly what you should say to him.”
“Oh?” Finlay laughed. “I’m sure that’ll charm him. ‘Your Grace, when we were both lads, I noticed, even then, that you were barmy.’ No doubt, he’ll fall into my arms in appreciation.”
“No, no.” Ellen shook her head. “You should seem as if you’re troubled. And, when he asks—and he will--you should tell him that it’s difficult to be different. I’ll wager that he’ll very quickly try to comfort you, telling you how he, too, is different and that it’s possible to be happy. He’ll wish to protect you. It’s his weakness. He can’t help himself. With that, you will be introduced to ‘Mr. Punch’ and he’ll begin to relax his guard. That’s how I did it.”
“There’s a difference, lass, between wishing to protect me and wanting to…”
“Not necessarily.” Ellen snorted.
“He’s utterly devoted to the doctor.”
“Fine, then.” Ellen scowled. “If that fails, work on the doctor. He’s quick to anger—a sure sign of passion.”
“You’re full of ideas, dearie, but not so full of practical knowledge. The two of them are always together-except when they’re dressing, and, then, either Charles or Gerard is with them.”
“I’ve told you how to get by that.”
“And, I’ve tried.” Finlay said. “But, just as loyal as the two lovers are to one another, their men are equally steadfast. Neither Charles nor Gerard would ever miss a chance to serve their masters.”
“Gerard is a drunk.”
“Reformed, my dear.” Finlay shook his head. “I attempted it.”
“That African fool has told me—out of her deep concern—that her dear Gerard had tried to become intoxicated off of medication which the doctor had given to Charles. If you can’t get him to take a drink, try medicating him.”
“How, exactly, should I do that?”
Ellen’s eyes widened with delight. “The only time that I can recall Charles or Gerard ever missing a moment with their masters was when they were injured. Charles missed a day when he broke his wrist and Gerard did as well when he’d been struck in the head. Should they both be injured, Charles would be unable to attend the Duke and Gerard would have a need for the medication which he seems to enjoy so much. Then, you could have access to both of the masters.”
“How do you suggest that they’re both injured?” Finlay squinted.
Ellen smiled. “The Servants’ Ball…is it still planned for next week?”
“I imagine so. The Duke will finalize the plans for it this afternoon when he speaks with Mrs. North and Mr. Speaight.”
“There’s your opportunity.” Ellen nodded.
“How so?” Finlay asked.
“Leave that to me.” Ellen grinned. “Now, get out of here before you’re missed. Come back tonight after everyone’s gone to bed. I’ll have your answer for you. In the meantime, try your best to get closer to the Duke.”
“I’ve been told that I’m to serve tea with Speaight this afternoon.” Finlay boasted. “Instead of Charles and Gerard. It seems the master wish to give me a chance, and to make me realize that I’m respected.”
“Good.” Ellen nodded. “Do as I instructed.”
“You’re not very polite for a governess.”
“And, you’re not very honest for a footman.”
“I suppose it’s family tradition.” Finlay chuckled.
“To hell with family tradition, Finlay.” Ellen answered. “It’s sheer necessity.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-84 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 86.
Finlay didn’t knock when he entered Ellen’s room. The intrusion caused the governess to gasp, closing the Duchess’ journal quickly and grasping it to her bosom.
Finlay grinned at his half-sister. “Startle ya, lassie?”
“What do you think you’re doing, then?” Ellen snapped as Finlay shut the door. She put the journal down next to herself on the bed.
Holding up a silver bowl of grapes, Finlay winked. “I brought ya some comfort. Your Mrs. Pepper, with the Duke’s permission, sent one of the girls to the village to fetch these for ya, my dear. It’s from all yer friends downstairs.”
Ellen chuckled.
“I volunteered to bring them to the poor, sick governess. After all, I’m so sturdy and strong. No fever could get to me.”
“Oh, yes, Finlay. You’re the picture of masculinity.”
“Some think so.” Finlay winked again.
“Does the mad Duke?”
Finlay shrugged, sitting on the edge of Ellen’s bed.
“Get up!” Ellen barked. “What if someone were to come in and see you sitting here?”
“Sister, dear.” Finlay growled. “There’s not a soul in this house who would think I meant anything untoward to you.”
“Maybe so.” Ellen sniffed. “But, it’s not proper.”
“You’re suddenly worried about being proper?” Finlay laughed, standing up. “Oh, you are a fine one to talk, lassie. Were you so concerned ‘bout propriety when you were wakin’ up next to the Baron Lensdown?”
“About as concerned as you were when you awoke in the bed of the Earl of Clophworth.”
“I never fell asleep, so how could I wake up?” Finlay smiled.
“I’m not as interested in your former conquests, Finlay, as I am about your present amorous adventures. Has the Duke noticed you?”
“No.” Finlay sighed. “He only has eyes for the doctor. Frankly, I can see why.”
“You’ve not been trying, then.” Ellen frowned.
“I certainly have.” Finlay retorted. “He’s either very loyal to his middle class companion or he’s too daft to know when he’s been presented with an easy opportunity.”
“How have you approached him?” Ellen asked.
“With my usual charm.” Finlay grinned.
“He doesn’t respond to charm. The man is guileless. He only reacts favorably to obvious truths and, often, nostalgia and innocence. Have you reminded him that you used to watch him when you were both boys here? Have you suggested that you’ve fancied him for many years? There’s a certain attractiveness to the idea that all those years ago, you—an older, handsome boy—found him appealing.”
“I’ll try it.” Finlay replied aloofly. “There’s a truth to it. I did used to fancy him. When he was a young man of sixteen and I was twenty, I’d follow him around. I don’t think he ever noticed it. I don’t think he ever noticed anything. There were days when he was visiting here with Sir Colin when he didn’t come out of his rooms. Sometimes, when he did, he had such a blank expression that it was if his body was being propelled by another being altogether. Those were the days when he’d spirit himself away to the tower. He’s just stand up there and look out at the estate. Even as a small child. Several times, I tried to engage him in play. He didn’t seem to understand. I thought, at first, that he was being snobbish—not wishing to be involved with the son of the groundsman, but I soon realized that he was utterly unaware of anything outside of himself. I always rather pitied the lad.”
“And, that, Finlay, is exactly what you should say to him.”
“Oh?” Finlay laughed. “I’m sure that’ll charm him. ‘Your Grace, when we were both lads, I noticed, even then, that you were barmy.’ No doubt, he’ll fall into my arms in appreciation.”
“No, no.” Ellen shook her head. “You should seem as if you’re troubled. And, when he asks—and he will--you should tell him that it’s difficult to be different. I’ll wager that he’ll very quickly try to comfort you, telling you how he, too, is different and that it’s possible to be happy. He’ll wish to protect you. It’s his weakness. He can’t help himself. With that, you will be introduced to ‘Mr. Punch’ and he’ll begin to relax his guard. That’s how I did it.”
“There’s a difference, lass, between wishing to protect me and wanting to…”
“Not necessarily.” Ellen snorted.
“He’s utterly devoted to the doctor.”
“Fine, then.” Ellen scowled. “If that fails, work on the doctor. He’s quick to anger—a sure sign of passion.”
“You’re full of ideas, dearie, but not so full of practical knowledge. The two of them are always together-except when they’re dressing, and, then, either Charles or Gerard is with them.”
“I’ve told you how to get by that.”
“And, I’ve tried.” Finlay said. “But, just as loyal as the two lovers are to one another, their men are equally steadfast. Neither Charles nor Gerard would ever miss a chance to serve their masters.”
“Gerard is a drunk.”
“Reformed, my dear.” Finlay shook his head. “I attempted it.”
“That African fool has told me—out of her deep concern—that her dear Gerard had tried to become intoxicated off of medication which the doctor had given to Charles. If you can’t get him to take a drink, try medicating him.”
“How, exactly, should I do that?”
Ellen’s eyes widened with delight. “The only time that I can recall Charles or Gerard ever missing a moment with their masters was when they were injured. Charles missed a day when he broke his wrist and Gerard did as well when he’d been struck in the head. Should they both be injured, Charles would be unable to attend the Duke and Gerard would have a need for the medication which he seems to enjoy so much. Then, you could have access to both of the masters.”
“How do you suggest that they’re both injured?” Finlay squinted.
Ellen smiled. “The Servants’ Ball…is it still planned for next week?”
“I imagine so. The Duke will finalize the plans for it this afternoon when he speaks with Mrs. North and Mr. Speaight.”
“There’s your opportunity.” Ellen nodded.
“How so?” Finlay asked.
“Leave that to me.” Ellen grinned. “Now, get out of here before you’re missed. Come back tonight after everyone’s gone to bed. I’ll have your answer for you. In the meantime, try your best to get closer to the Duke.”
“I’ve been told that I’m to serve tea with Speaight this afternoon.” Finlay boasted. “Instead of Charles and Gerard. It seems the master wish to give me a chance, and to make me realize that I’m respected.”
“Good.” Ellen nodded. “Do as I instructed.”
“You’re not very polite for a governess.”
“And, you’re not very honest for a footman.”
“I suppose it’s family tradition.” Finlay chuckled.
“To hell with family tradition, Finlay.” Ellen answered. “It’s sheer necessity.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-84 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 86.
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