Blackmailer's Delight: A Georgian Era MM Romp by David Lawrence

Author:David Lawrence [Lawrence, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Broadbound Publishing LLC
Published: 2024-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter fourteen

Daniel had meant to keep this all from Collins. Not forever, but for as long as he could. Somehow, without confessing to the absolute chaos that had become his life, without receiving Albert’s shake of the head and look of dismay, it was not entirely real. He was to depart in an hour for The George; after a miserable evening and morning considering Luke’s visit, any change of scene – even to see Clarence Hopper – would be a relief. Perhaps when they met, they could prove they were capable of at least one successful exchange before the man left town. Perhaps then, after this one small accomplishment as a rational adult, he could face his valet and speak of the rest.

That it came out when it did was not so much a decision as an inability to keep himself in anything like a civilised attitude. By the time Albert entered the bedchamber, he had allowed himself to fall into a pose of almost comic despair – hands in his hair, twisted about on a diminutive loveseat which was far too small for him. The valet glanced at him. Then, as was his habit, he went about his business for a time, examining a suit for tomorrow, then taking out a needle and thread to darn a stocking. When he approached to ask his employer what he thought of the suit, Daniel had already collapsed internally under the man’s stealthy scrutiny. He said simply, “I am in hell.”

“I see,” said Collins. “I was close – I had supposed you to be posing for a scene from Dante’s Inferno. I have been looking about for a painter with his easel, but perhaps I had best fetch a bucket of water.”

“Please don’t jest with me.”

“Why not?”

“Because I am feeling exceptionally disturbed and deranged.”

Coming closer, the valet said, “I can see you have been disturbed since yesterday and have been waiting for you to confide in me. I would have hoped that by now you see me as a friend who cares about you and might at last leave off this nonsense about maintaining airs around the help.”

“Old habits, I am sorry, Albert. It seems scarcely anything I ask of you is in your job description. I ask for too damn much already. But you know I have asked you to drop the sirs when we are alone, but to no avail.”

“With a better example from my employer, I believe I should make a better go of it. Now, aside from that longstanding saga, what in God’s name is the matter with you? I am worried sick and was about to send for the physician.”

After some hesitation, Daniel let his head sink into his hands. “Oh, Albert. How can I tell you? Just come out and say it, I know – I am hopelessly, out of my head in love.”

Such was Daniel’s misery, his unease at having exposed his inner turmoil, he failed to observe the valet sink into an armchair, lean back, and clutch his upper arm.

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