oanja

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~*~

The Christmas Ball at Havensham manor was the social event of the winter in Loughton and not a soul wanted to be absent from it, for they would be sorely lacking in topics of conversation for months to come if they could not comment on every little detail that had been generally observed by the guests. Before it was time to get into the carriage, the Smith women spent the whole day in feverish preparations, and it surely kept all the maids busy as well with all sorts of errands. Spencer tried his best to keep out of the way but still almost got ran over by Peggy who was running down the second floor hallway, shouting something about her petticoats that Spencer would rather not have heard at all.

He and Ryan had spent the morning riding through the estate grounds after returning to the house for luncheon had been forbidden to leave again afterwards by Vivian. She had insisted the they both needed baths and reminded them that it was not wise to go out soon after such an activity lest they catch their deaths out in the cold. So Spencer had waited for the bathwater to be carried to his room, musing about having pipes drawn to the house so they could have running water, it was after all becoming more and more common in London and in newer houses, and tried not to worry about poor Harding and his back as the man hauled a bucket after another up the stairs and into the copper bathtub. Finally there was enough water and the poor man could cease his efforts, and Spencer made sure to thank him most profusely for his service as he climbed into the hot water.

While Spencer washed himself he thought that if he had plumbing installed into the house he should look into the shower as well. It seemed like a marvellous improvement of having Harding pour water over his head from a pitcher, if nothing else. Spencer did not linger in the water, for everyone knew it was bad for one’s health, especially during the winter. He took the robe offered to him and went to the mirror so he could inspect his looks. Harding offered him a shave but Spencer declined, as he was very happy with his beard currently and did not wish to change his appearance so drastically. Instead he just trimmed his facial hair and sideburns and thought that he would strike a very presentable image at the ball indeed.

It did not do to linger in his robe for long as he was already feeling chilled and happily took the shirt from Harding and then the underpants, socks and breeches. He felt much improved when he had proper clothes on again and walked back to the mirror to tie his neckcloth, cursing at the elaborate style in fashion that year but managing to fasten it after a few false starts. Hastily he pulled the waistcoat on top of the shirt and buttoned it up with care, then took the offered frock coat and his top hat from Harding and thanked the man again for his help before going out to find out if Ryan had finished his preparations yet and would he join him downstairs to wait for the women.

“May I come in?” He asked after knocking on Ryan’s door, and entered when he heard his friend give his permission.

Ryan was still in his shirtsleeves and was looking down upon his bed where a great many scarves and neckties were laid out and looked slightly peeved. His valet Osmond was standing aside waiting patiently and holding two waistcoats in his arms. He and Spencer were familiar with Ryan’s manners and knew these things took time. “You are having difficulty in choosing what to wear? Are you expecting to meet someone you wish to impress by any chance?” Spencer asked teasingly and took a seat by the fireplace, crossing his feet from the ankle and admiring his new dress boots with their fine shiny finish.

“I do not have trouble, I just take more care in my sartorial choices than you and I expect no such thing. I am sure we will find the company very much like it has been for years, that is to say not very engaging at all. Still, I wish to look my best for your family, for both your sisters have demanded that I dance with them.” This made Ryan grimace, as he was not a very graceful dancer when he was expected to lead.

Spencer hid a smile behind his hand and asked, “Surely you still have a dance free for me as well, otherwise I will surely be the laughing stock at breakfast in the morrow.”

Ryan selected a paisley scarf and pointed at the more muted waistcoat Osmond was holding and walked to the mirror before answering. “I do not know if it would be wise for us to dance together while we are here. It only feeds those damned rumours about us having a secret engagement, or what ever foolishness people are saying. After all, you are engaged now and it would not do to have your reputation smeared in your own hometown.”

Spencer frowned at Ryan’s words. He had mostly succeeded in putting his engagement out of his mind but this brought it back in stark relief. Ryan was right of course, there had been gossip about the two of them ever since Ryan had turned eighteen, for everyone knew how close they were and Spencer supposed that from an outsider’s point of view their marriage would indeed be a good match. “You are right I will admit that, but I must say I am surprised that you worry about my reputation. It is much too sensible a notion to come from your head.”

“I might think you a fool for marrying a complete stranger and settling for anything less than love, but that does not mean I wish you or your future spouse any unhappiness. You are thinking of buying a house near Loughton. Are you not? And even if you do not, you would still be visiting here quite often. I can spare you this hardship so easily it is not even worth mentioning, you are not such a great dancer that I will feel myself deprived.” Ryan said, and finished tying his scarf with a flourish.

“I thank you anyway, even if you did offer insult to my prowess on the dance floor.” Spencer said and got back to his feet for Ryan was finally ready to leave his room. They walked downstairs where Vivian was already waiting and Spencer made sure the carriage was ready for them. The girls came down together in their evening gowns and their hair coiffed to perfection. At seventeen, they were already very striking and comely indeed. Now that their party was together they took to the carriage and Spencer helped his family on board and then followed Ryan inside. It was quite the tight squeeze and garnered much disapproval from the girls, both of whom were worried about their dresses getting wrinkled, but happily the journey was not very long at all.

Havensham manor was lit with dozens of lanterns, giving the carriageway an almost magical feel. The girls exclaimed their approval and peeked out from the windows, still impressed with the fair, for this was only their second time attending the yearly ball. After all, they had only come out to society this past summer and had not seen very many great balls yet. Spencer enjoyed their enthusiasm, for it made him look at the familiar sight with new eyes, giving the whole party a new shine. The carriage stopped and they all climbed down, the women careful of their dresses and shoes as there was already mud and horse manure on the drive. With so many carriages arriving, this was only to be expected.

They made their way inside and joined the revelry. The musicians were already playing and people joined in dance while others talked, enjoyed some punch and most importantly observed each other. Vivian and the girls were soon swept away by their acquaintances, leaving Spencer and Ryan behind. This did not bother them in the least and Spencer followed Ryan happily enough when the man went in search of a seat. “It is already intolerably hot, now I remember why I find these gatherings so disagreeable.” Ryan complained when he managed to snag a seat when its previous occupant joined the dancing. Spencer had heard this complaint innumerable times already and paid it no heed as he scanned the crowd trying to spot familiar faces. There were of course very many such and Spencer spent the next half hour exchanging pleasantries with neighbours and friends of his father.

“Mister Smith, I hope you are well? Let me wish you a very Merry Christmas. Even if you did refuse to buy my mare in August, do not think I have forgotten that.” A voice sounded behind Spencer, who turned around to greet Mister Bryar.

“Mister Bryar, it is good to see you again. And you should not think poorly of me for not obliging you on the matter, for I have not much use for horses in London and our stables in Summerlin are not in need of new blood.” Spencer explained, smiling at the older man and shaking his hand happily. Then he turned his attention to the other man accompanying Mister Bryar and asked. “Am I right in assuming this is your brother Robert?”

Mister Bryar nodded and hastened to say, “I do apologise for not offering introductions sooner. Let me present Mister Smith, Captain Robert Bryar long last back from Calcutta.”

Spencer and Robert Bryar shook hands and Spencer offered the man a smile. “That must have been a very exciting journey, I must admit that I have only been to Ireland myself, and that is hardly very exotic at all.”

For a moment Captain Bryar looked troubled but still managed a polite reply. “It was not like England, that much I can say, and I am very happy to be back.”

Before Spencer could say anything else Ryan and Josie returned from the dance floor, both of them flushed from the exercise and the heat. Josie draped herself around Spencer’s arm and said dramatically. “Oh, you can not believe how many times Ryan stepped on my toes! The horror.” Then she seemed to notice their company and curtsied hastily all the while looking curiously at Robert Bryar.

“Let me introduce my sister Miss Margaret and my friend Mister Ross. This is Captain Robert Bryar, and you of course know Mister Bryar.” Spencer said and waited for pleasantries to be exchanged. It appeared the Captain Bryar was not a very sociable man, for he tended to stay quiet or answer questions rather shortly. This made Josie lose interest fairly quickly and she left them without a glance back when one of her friends came to ask her to dance.

Spencer tried his best to draw Captain Bryar into the conversation for he thought that the man was just out of practise. After all, one could hardly expect much from the society people had to keep in the colonies, especially in the military. However, the man did not want to be drawn and seemed happy enough just to observe his brother and Ryan who were talking about fashion and seemed in happy accord in most things.

Spencer left the others for a while to dance, enjoying himself and the light banter that was expected from both parties while they followed the music. On his third dance he noticed that Ryan had been dragged back into the fold, this time by Peggy and he tried not to laugh, seeing how they were obviously in the middle of a heated battle over which of them was actually leading. After the music paused and Spencer had walked his partner back to his group he found himself at a loss for all is family members and Ryan were otherwise engaged and he did not have a group to join.

Then he spotted Captain Bryar standing alone and Spencer thought it would be only polite to join him. After all the man could not have many acquaintances yet and must have been feeling out of sorts. “You do not enjoy the dance Captain Bryar?” He asked and looked up at the man curiously.

“I injured my leg in a fire that destroyed some of my regiment’s barracks and have not yet healed completely. It is the reason I came back. The doctors think I will always walk with a limp from now on.” Captain Bryar explained, his very blue eyes looking distant and suddenly making Spencer feel very young.

“I apologise for my insensitive query, but I had not noticed your injury.” Spencer murmured but his companion brushed the apology aside. “It is no matter, you could not have known and I have been staying in one place much of the evening.”

Spencer wanted to ask if the other man would like to take a seat but felt it would be pushing too far, after all they had only just met and Captain Bryar did not appear like a man who would welcome others to take care of him. Luckily, Captain Bryar was the one who saved the awkward situation by asking, “Your friend Mister Ross, is he much at Rosslings?”

“He is not, Ryan is staying at Summerlin for the holidays and I expect that he will join me in London after the New Year.” Spencer answered, curious as to why Captain Bryar would ask.

The man nodded thoughtfully and Spencer noticed that he was following Ryan with his gaze, but his expression did not betray his thoughts on what he observed. “I have heard that you two are very close, so I thought it would be prudent to ask you before I take my business to Mister Ross myself. Do you think he would let the house at Rosslings to me?”

This took Spencer by surprise. “Oh! Well, I have not suggested that to Ryan before but I think he would find it agreeable. I may inquire about it on your behalf, if you wish?”

Again, Captain Bryar just nodded, his face impossible to read. “I do not wish to intrude on his time or yours over Christmas, but if he could spare some time before he leaves for London I would be much obliged.”

“Of course, do come calling after Boxing Day and we will be happy to receive you.” Spencer assured Captain Bryar and thought that it would give him ample time to find out about his finances and how much they could ask without creating an awkward situation.

After talking some more in general terms about how Captain Bryar was finding Loughton after being gone for so long the older Mister Bryar came to fetch his brother to meet some of the family friends and they parted ways. Spencer really wished he could tell Ryan about this very favourable turn of events right away but knew he needed more privacy for the conversation, so instead he asked one of the vicar’s sons to dance.

~*~

The last few days before Christmas were fraught with feverish preparations, especially in the kitchen, where Mrs Smith was spending more and more of her time, overseeing the different courses prepared and negotiating on the menu with their cook Mrs Allen. The girls had been talking about the Christmas tree almost constantly until it was brought in by the groundskeeper on Christmas eve. Then it gave the twins great delight to argue about where each piece of decoration should be placed and they even drew Ryan into the debate, whose artistic eye and opinion they respected and whom they wished to judge between them and proclaim which of them was right.

Spencer was spared this only for he had been saddled with the task of reading out loud for everyone from Mister Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. He did so mostly because he liked the book, as his audience did not seem to be paying his reading much attention. When the decorations had been most artfully placed, Josie and Peggy had dragged Ryan with them to find some refreshments and Spencer got up and moved some of the candles so as to save the house from burning down.

On Christmas morning Mrs Smith, Spencer and Peggy went to church leaving Ryan and Josie at Summerlin. Spencer himself was not a very religious person but felt it was his duty to attend the service in the place of his father. When they were leaving after the service Captain Bryar came to wish them happy Christmas and Spencer took the opportunity to introduce him to his mother and repeat the invitation for him to come calling after Boxing Day.

“Oh yes, you are of course most welcome.” Mrs Smith agreed and shook hands with Captain Bryar and then excused herself to go wish some of her acquaintances Christmas cheer, leaving Spencer alone with Captain Bryar.

“Your friend Mister Ross did not join you in church I notice.” Captain Bryar noted and leaned quite heavily on his cane. Spencer could sympathise, for the church pews were hard enough to sit upon even if one was in great health.

Spencer smiled a bit crookedly. “You will find if you spend enough time in Mister Ross’ company that he is not a great friend of the church - he is always willing to share his views on the topic with anyone who will listen. However, do not take from my words that he is a reformer, for he finds them just as worth his opposition as those within the Anglican faith. It has not made him very close with the vicar I must say, but I find it is rather a harmless notion in general. It is sure to make Ryan very cross though when he must come here to be wed, I am quite looking forward to it.”

Captain Bryar had been listening to Spencer talk without much change in his expression but he frowned when it came to Ryan’s marriage. “He is to be married?”

“No, not anytime soon at least, but almost everyone does marry eventually, and Ryan is the only child, so he must marry if he wants the family name to stay alive.” Spencer explained but left out the matter where Ryan was not particularly concerned about his family line continuing.

Captain Bryar nodded and then bade Spencer goodbye, tipping his top hat politely before limping towards his brother. Spencer was a bit bemused by the conversation, but thought that perhaps Captain Bryar had been worried that if Ryan was to be married soon, he would not be interested in letting Rosslings and would take up residence there himself. Spencer put the thought out of his mind for now and went to collect his mother and sister for he was quite ready to return home and have some tea and the scones he had smelled from the kitchen before they had left.

~*~

Captain Bryar did not wait long to come calling. Josie saw him ride up the driveway and dashed out of the parlour to get her sister. Spencer tried to call after her and tell her not to run but it was a wasted effort, as he very well knew.

“Why did you say he was coming?” Ryan asked, putting down the book he had been perusing and directing a narrow look on Spencer, who had decided not to share what he knew with anyone in advance and had found the whole situation greatly amusing. After all, Ryan had spent a considerable amount of time trying to ferret out the reason for Captain Bryar’s visit ever since Spencer had mentioned it. If there was something Ryan did not appreciate, it was being out of the loop, and as it did not occur very often Spencer had taken great pleasure wielding his upper hand quite mercilessly.

“As you well know, I have not told you why and now you shall hear it for yourself so cease asking me.” Spencer just said and went to call for tea, as his mother was busy in the old greenhouse making sure all her specimens were weathering the winter well.

When he returned, Captain Bryar had been shown in and was now sitting on the settee facing Ryan, neither of them speaking. Spencer knew that Ryan was not a person to warm quickly to new people, so he felt it was his duty to try and alleviate the awkward mood and joined the other men, sitting next to Ryan. “Good afternoon, Captain Bryar, I hope the ride was not too straining on your leg?”

“No, it is good for me to have some moderate exercise to expedite the healing.” He said, and then turned his attention to Ryan. “I do not know how much Mister Smith has told you of the reason for my visit, so I will just state my case to you. It has come to my knowledge that your house of Rosslings is vacant most of the year and I would be very interested in renting it from you.”

Ryan blinked a couple of times and looked at Spencer accusingly but answered Captain Bryar quite politely, for which Spencer was grateful. “I would not be opposed to such an arrangament. I have told Spencer many times that I feel it is pointless for me to have the house when I do not wish to live there. The thought of selling the whole estate has been on my mind but so far Spencer has always talked me out of it. This might be a solution that will indeed be agreeable to all parties. Do you not think so too Spencer? After all I doubt you would have asked Captain Bryar here if you did not think so.”

Spencer just smiled at Ryan and did not take the jab to heart; after all, it was just as Ryan had said. He liked this proposition and he had found out that Captain Bryar was not without means to pay a reasonable sum for the privilege of living in Rosslings.

When Bennet brought the tea she was accompanied by the twins who insisted on joining them even when Spencer told them that they were discussing business. So as they took tea, Spencer negotiated the price sum for the Rosslings house and they agreed that Captain Bryar was free to live there at least for six months after which they would re-negotiate, if all parties still wished to continue the arrangement. Ryan had not paid any attention to the details but had instead gotten into a deeply involved conversation with Josie about Hegel’s ideas about freedom versus Kant’s views on the matter. Peggy who did not care for philosophy in the least had taken up a book and was ignoring them all.

Spencer was quite embarrassed about his family’s lax manners in front of a virtual stranger, but especially for Ryan, who was again showing his utter lack of interest in his own financial affairs and his estate. This in turn was making Captain Bryar look a bit uncomfortable as he obviously wanted to ask why Spencer was negotiating in Ryan's stead, but could not really approach the subject politely. In the end he just asked Spencer once the business end of the discussion was over. “I understand that you are engaged, allow me to congratulate you.”

“Thank you.” Spencer said rather clumsily for he was still not used to other people knowing about his engagement and commenting upon it. This was enough to tempt Peggy from her book and she said. “He’s American, I am quite curious to see what he is like. We do not get many people from the former colony here in Loughton, after all.”

Captain Bryar nodded and said to Peggy. “I have a few American friends I met in India, and I have to say that in my experience they are as agreeable as any Englishman.”

This sparked a conversation about India, which made Ryan and Josie finally join the conversation, to Spencer’s relief. Now he did not have to keep the conversation going by himself, for Captain Bryar did not seem very talkative.

After Captain Bryar had taken his leave Ryan stretched his long legs out and slumped in his seat saying. “He does seem like an agreeable enough man. I could easily have seen you marry him if you were not already engaged elsewhere.”

This made Spencer splutter but before he could get a word in edgewise Peggy commented. “Do not be silly, Ryan, he kept looking at you most of the time he was here and seemed most annoyed that he had to deal with Spencer instead of you. I watched him while I was ‘reading’, so I know.”

“That is hardly appropriate, Peggy.” Spencer chastised his sister.

Ryan did not seem pleased by the observation and said as much. “I sincerely hope you are mistaken for I do not find Captain Bryar agreeable in that way. He is much too serious for one thing and quite old as well. How could one spend their life together with someone who you have to coax into speaking? It would be dreadfully dull, I am sure of it.”

“Were you not just a minute ago saying how he would make a good spouse for me?” Spencer asked and poked Ryan on the arm, which made the girls grin.

“Oh well, I am sure you two would have been fine, you being so reasonable and sensible about everything, I think Mister Bryar is very similar in temperament.” Ryan said, and waved his hand dismissing the whole topic.

~*~

Two days prior their departure from Loughton Spencer arranged to meet with Captain Bryar at Rosslings so he could introduce the man to the staff and make sure everything was in order. He had tried to convince Ryan to accompany him but the man had been adamant that he would not step his foot to the house now that he did not have pressing matters to force him to. No matter how Spencer tried to talk to him about propriety, Ryan would not budge. “This is very childish of you.” Spencer said and turned to his mother who had been following their argument with great interest and said. “I will have to invite Captain Bryar for dinner at least and make some excuse as to why Ryan could not join me at the estate.”

Vivian laughed and stopped working on her herbarium. “You could always say Ryan was feeling faint. He has the general constitution to make it look as if he was prone to the condition and we might as well take advantage of the fact.”

Ryan scowled at the both of them but Spencer made no effort to hide his amusement either. “Yes, that is a marvellous suggestion mother. Ryan are you sure you will not join me after all?” Ryan did not deign to answer Spencer but left the room in a huff, clutching his well-read copy of William Wordsworth’s ‘The Excursion’ to his chest.

“Oh dear, he got piqued by that. Well, I will tell the cook to make some chestnut pie to go with dinner, that should improve his spirits. But do invite Captain Bryar for dinner. It is always pleasing to have new faces around.” Vivian mused and went back to working on her dried plants.

The dinner party was a partial success for the twins were on their best behaviour for once and even if Ryan continued to show his temper by refusing to join the conversation he did not let his acerbic wit show either, which was a relief. Captain Bryar seemed happy enough to enjoy his dinner without saying much either, but seemed to pay attention to what the others were talking about. Spencer did spy him watching Ryan more than once and wondered if he had noticed Ryan’s rudeness in not participating in the general conversation. All in all, it would be a relief to go back to London, Spencer concluded in his mind and finished eating his venison.

~*~

The weather in London during January was appalling. Spencer felt that the almost constant rain or hail was pressing the fumes from factories that much lower and the air itself seemed to taste like soot. Drudging between the grey buildings Spencer felt his mood grow sour and wished he could spend more time in the country. It was an idle thought, of course, but one Spencer had been nursing for a year or two already.

What made him feel even more unhappy today was the argument he had had with Ryan over luncheon. Ryan had been talking about how he wanted to travel to Paris. To “absorb the culture”, what ever that was supposed to mean, and how Spencer had tried to explain to Ryan that he could not afford the expense. Even with the extra money Ryan now had from the rent Mister Bryar was paying there was no hiding the fact that Ryan was living over his means.

His wardrobe was the biggest problem, for Ryan did not seem to understand the word prudence when it came to tailors talking him into buying the most expensive fabrics. Added to the cost of upkeep of Rosslings, the house in London, the many trips Ryan paid to the Opera and different theatres, it all added up and made Spencer curse over his bookkeeping.

Not to mention that Ryan had taken up keeping company in different coffee houses with some new acquaintances he had made that winter. Spencer had yet to meet any of them, but Ryan kept talking about them and singing their praises at every opportunity. It appeared to Spencer that they were intellectuals and artists with lofty ideals and not much of a grasp on reality. Spencer was not sure these were the kind of people Ryan should have been fraternizing with, as Ryan was already prone to absorbing the most bizarre ideas and philosophies from the books he so loved to read. Still he was rather happy to know Ryan was socializing instead of brooding in his house or gambling at the club, so he did not make his opinions known to his friend.

Spencer stomped up the stairs to the offices of Smith’s Locomotives and banged the door shut behind him. The new secretary Miss Langham had hired while he was visiting home jumped at the sound and looked at Spencer, startled. Spencer felt foolish for his actions and apologised to the young man. “I did not mean to give you a start Mister Taylor.”

“It is all right, Mister Smith. The mail arrived while you were away. There was a letter for you.” Mister Taylor said and offered the aforementioned letter to Spencer. Spencer took it and retreated to his office. He recognized the writing now and knew it was from his fiancé. It read:

Dear Mister Smith,

Thank you for your kind words to me. It makes me happy to know you are willing to spare the time to write to me, for I too would very much like our relationship to be cordial. Still I find myself having difficulty in expressing myself to you in writing, for I cannot help but to feel that anything I choose to write will in the end sound rather trivial to you. I apologise for this in advance.

Perhaps you would like to hear about our Christmas celebrations? We all went to Church and listened to my brother’s sermon. It is still quite surprising to see my own bother as the minister in our congregation, but my father is very proud of him. Your father sat with us, of course, and seemed to enjoy the hymns most of all. At least he kept smiling at me during the singing. Afterwards he complimented me on my voice but I am sure he was just being polite.

Christmas dinner was very delicious and it was very nice to see all my brothers and their spouses sitting around the same table as well as my sisters. I saw my new niece Gabriella for the first time during the Holidays, as my brother Daniel and his family live quite far away in Washington and cannot travel home to see us very often. The baby is still very small but can be very loud when she is unhappy and does not seem very angelic then, making her name something of a misnomer. My mother tells me that it is normal, though, and she will surely grow more sedate with age.

I am happy to hear you do not object to Stuart joining me when I come to England. It was also very interesting to hear about foxhunting, I have only read about it but would imagine it to be very exciting. However, I must admit that I fell rather sorry for the fox. I hope you do not judge me to be very silly because of the sentiment. My family always tells me I am too soft hearted when it comes to animals and I cannot argue with them on the subject.

Thank you for your New Year’s wishes. The year has been very fine so far, even if the snow has made my father quite cross. He and your father have returned to New York to attend to the business and the house has felt rather quiet, after all, most of my siblings departed as well. Now it is only my Mother and her sister as well as my two sisters living here beside myself. It has given me more time to play music again, though, which I have enjoyed.
I hope this letter finds you well.

Brendon Urie

~*~

February found Spencer very busy. There was a serious train wreck near Manchester, where two coal trains collided and damaged not only the locomotives but the very tracks as well. Spencer travelled there to oversee the beginnings of the repairs, making sure the people were trustworthy and would not try to swindle the cost up or otherwise take advantage of his family’s company. He could not let this hurt their standing in Manchester, as the competition in transportation for the ever-growing city was fierce.

When he was not working he mostly kept his own company, as he did not know many people in the city and could not see a point in cultivating any friendships. Instead he kept in touch with his family, Ryan, and quite surprisingly with Captain Bryar via correspondence.

His sisters were busy studying with their tutor again, getting ready to go into university - neither seemed sure what they wanted to study as of yet, but Spencer was sure they would be fine, as they were both very bright. Spencer still remembered fondly his own time studying Political Economy and related a few select stories to the twins as well. They would both be going to Girton College in Cambridge and they were both very excited to be living away from home.

Spencer had made careful inquiries to his mother about how she felt, but the replies had always been worded most cheerfully. This did not quite appease Spencer and he made a note to go visit home as soon as he would be able and ascertain the situation for himself.

While he was gone Ryan had continued to cultivate his acquaintance with his new friends. That on its own would not have worried Spencer if not for the fact that Ryan kept bringing up one individual in particular. It was the same in his newest missive as Ryan was again lauding the praise of some gentleman called Mister Wentz. When Spencer had inquired about closer details Ryan mentioned that Mister Wentz’ father was a baronet and had lands somewhere near Bath.

This did not satisfy Spencer in the least but he did not pester his friend for more details, contending himself to wait until he could meet this gentleman for himself. What worried Spencer the most was the talk of balls, fine dinners, gambling, concerts and other activities that this Mister Wentz seemed always have invitations to, and which he seemed happy to extend to Ryan. Spencer dared not to think of how much debt Ryan would have collected during this time.

So while his nearest and dearest seemed to be in some ways out of his reach and deaf to his council it came as a pleasant surprise how easy it was to make his acquaintance with Captain Bryar blossom into a real friendship, even if it was done in the form of correspondence. Captain Bryar was very level headed, and after some of the formality had been surpassed he was able to give Spencer some advice on how to run Rosslings. Spencer took the counsel gratefully, for he had never spent enough time on the estate to know how everything functioned there, but Mister Bryar seemed already very well versed in even the matters of the tenant farmers.

Finally, in the end of March he was able to leave Manchester and he took the train straight to London where he rented a carriage from the station and was taken home. He had written to the house that he was coming and the housekeeper had dinner ready for him, which Spencer happily ate. Still, he was not content as he had also written to Ryan about his return and the man had not been here to greet him. There had only been a note that said Ryan would come by the next day. The handwriting had looked hurried and Spencer wondered about what Ryan was so busy with. But the journey had been exhausting and Spencer was glad to finally sleep in his own bed so he could not spare too long on such contemplation before he fell asleep.

Miss Langham had been keeping things well in hand while Spencer was gone and had updated him when ever there had been need but Spencer still felt better after he looked through all the paperwork even if it did make Miss Langham sniff and give him a hard look. The papers kept him at his desk late and when he finally got back home Ryan was already there.

“I was beginning to doubt the news that you were back.” Ryan said and lifted an eyebrow at Spencer as he walked into the sitting room and sat on the opposite settee after pouring himself a drink.

“Yes, well, some of us need to work.” Spencer said, not feeling very charitable towards Ryan’s snide attitude.

Ryan just rolled his eyes and said. “That is all you do Spencer. When was the last time you went out and had some fun? And do not even mention the Christmas ball, that was so dreadfully proper that is does not even merit a mention.”

“I think you have been indulging for the both of us.” Spencer said pointedly and noticed now that Ryan was dressed for a night out. “Are you not even joining me for dinner?” he asked feeling rather hurt.

Ryan looked slightly surprised, as if the thought of dinner had not even occurred to him. “I have made plans to go to Pete’s club for dinner and then to the theatre. You could join us?” the last question sounded a little doubtful.

Spencer felt his cheeks heat and blamed it on the liquor. “Pete?” he said, his own voice sounding strange in his own ears.

“Mister Wentz. He does not stand for formality among peers.” Ryan explained but looked slightly flustered.

It took Spencer a moment to swallow a few choice words down before he just said mildly. “I would be delighted to join you this evening. Give me a moment to change?”

The surprised look on Ryan’s face was the last thing Spencer saw before he stormed out the room and called for the carriage to be readied at once. There was no time to wash but at least he could change his shirt and tie a proper neck cloth instead of his bowtie he wore in the office. He took out a deep green waistcoat with black embroidery and matched it with a black frock coat that was very well tailored along the shoulders. He gave his reflection a glowering stare before stomping back downstairs where Ryan was still sitting, now with a book in hand. “Let us be on our way then.” He said to Ryan who looked up startled.

“Spencer, what is the meaning of your mood? I doubt you will make very good company for anyone in your current state.” Ryan asked, but got to his feet and joined Spencer in the entrance hall and took his cape, hat and gloves from the servant. Spencer followed his example but did not answer Ryan before they were sitting in the carriage.

“It is not something you need to worry about at the moment.” Spencer said to Ryan and gripped his leather gloves in his hand. “What are you planning on seeing after dinner?” he asked to distract Ryan and it worked for the rest of the journey he just had to listen Ryan praise James Planché and his play ‘The Woman Never Vext’.

The carriage came to a stop in front of a club that catered to a more artistic set than the club Spencer and Ryan were members of. It had a rather Bohemian reputation, which made Spencer frown, but he followed Ryan inside and relinquished his outer garments to the waiting servant. “We are here to meet Mister Wentz.” Ryan said to another serving man who was waiting near the entrance.

“Yes, of course, follow me.” The man said, and led them deeper into the house. They found Mister Wentz lounging in a chair, which was behind a small table and was in the company of two other men. When he noticed Ryan approach he jumped to his feet and grinned very widely, looking rather roguish to Spencer. “Ryan, you came early and you brought someone. Is it possibly the elusive Mister Smith we have been hearing so much about?”

“Yes, let me introduce you. Mister Wentz, this is Mister Smith.” Ryan said politely and Spencer exchanged a small bow with Mister Wentz who was still grinning.

“Dashing to meet you, I’m sure.” Mister Wentz said, and then started to fuss with the table, making more room for them to join the company. The words had sounded mocking to Spencer but he held his peace and only sat down on the offered seat.

Only then they realised that there were still two people sitting at the table that Spencer did not know and a new round of introductions was made. Spencer shook hands with both Mister Ways, who were brothers and Americans. He knew from long association with Ryan that the older Mister Way was quite a famous poet and a playwright. They sat around the table for a while, chatting very amiably about literature and the upcoming London season and how did they Way brothers like England, and so on. Spencer did not feel very at ease with the company and found himself just observing the others silently for the most part.

It seemed to him that Mister Wentz and the younger Mister Way knew each other the best. Ryan and the older Mister Way seemed to be of like mind on many literary points, which made them comfortable with each other in a way that Spencer had not seen before after such a short acquaintance. All of this he was happy enough to accept, but there was something in the way Mister Wentz kept looking at Ryan that made him uneasy. However, nobody else seemed to even notice.

He continued to observe them during dinner and later at the theatre and nothing dissuaded his suspicion. There were too many faux casual touches on Ryan’s arm or back, too many whispered conversations during the play and too many heated glances directed at Ryan. At the end of the night Spencer was happy to finally get Ryan alone in the carriage on their way to Ryan’s town house.

“What are you doing with Mister Wentz?” Spencer asked abruptly, cutting off Ryan’s monologue about the main actress and her flawless diction.

Ryan floundered and turned to look at Spencer sharply. “What do you mean by your question? I would like to ask the same of you, for you were hardly even civil towards him, even when he so graciously accepted you into his party with no warning beforehand.”

“Do not try to make this about my manners Ryan.” Spencer warned his friend, voice low and tight. “Neither of you were behaving properly, he was taking liberties and you were letting him. It is not only girls who can have their reputations ruined and you should know better.”

It was dark in the carriage and Spencer could not make out the expression on Ryan’s face but the way his friend jerked away from him was telling enough. Before Ryan had a chance to reply Spencer continued. “And from that I take it that you were both trying to be discreet in front of me. Heavens knows then how you have been behaving while I was in Manchester.”

“You are not my keeper, Spencer Smith, and I do not care for your sanctimonious tone. Do not act like you are the paragon of virtue. We went to a brothel together when we were in university and I am willing to bet money that it was not your only time visiting such an establishment.” Ryan sounded angry instead of monotonous, which meant he must be livid but Spencer was not much better off.

“Are you comparing me going to a brothel to what you have been doing with this Wentz character? Ryan, are you mad? Have you really lain down with him?” he could not believe what he was hearing. If this came out Ryan would be ostracized from polite society right along with Wentz and it would ruin his chances of ever marrying anyone respectable. Not to mention how it would hurt Spencer’s family by association, how people would start to talk and whisper about Spencer and his sisters, how Ryan had been practically living with them and what that might say about their virtue as well.

“It is none of your business, but no, I have not lain with Pete. Not that I care about what people would say, the idea that people should be virgins when they marry is dated and ridiculous; all of Pete’s friends agree with that. Besides, I love Pete and he feels the same - why should we wait until the Church says it is all right until we consummate our relationship?” Ryan actually sounded serious and it made Spencer rub his eyes, suddenly feeling very tired.

“How can you be so sure of your affections after such a short association? This could go wrong in so many ways, you must see that?” Spencer pleaded Ryan just as the carriage came to a halt in front of Ryan’s house.

Ryan opened the door and the streetlight illuminated the obstinate expression on his face. “I do not expect you to understand matters of the heart, Spencer, after all, you are marrying a stranger. I, however will not be contented with such lukewarm affections. I will not.” And he closed the door and walked away without letting Spencer reply.

~*~

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