oanja

Masterpost | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

~*~

The next day Ryan refused to see Spencer when he went to call on the house. Farrow, Ryan’s housekeeper looked very uncomfortable when she said Mister Ross was out so Spencer knew Ryan was still in the house, just not willing to see him. Spencer thanked the matronly woman, went back to his carriage and told the driver to take him to the train station.

Returning to Loughton was a relief even in the current circumstances and Spencer felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders when Summerlin came into view. When the carriage came into a halt Spencer jumped out and hurried inside, hugging Josie who was the first to greet him in the hall. “It is so good to see you, but I need to speak with Mother, where is she?” Spencer asked and Josie pointed him to the library.

Spencer walked there and found his mother sitting on the floor combing one of their dogs, of all things. “Mother, what on earth are you doing?” He asked slightly amused and went to sit on the seat nearest Vivian.

“Oh Spencer, I lost track of time again, I thought there was still time until you were due back,” Vivian said, climbed back to her feet and sat down on a loveseat, while the dog shook his fur and loped out of the room. “It is good for them to have their fur groomed once in a while and I have to admit I enjoy doing it,” She explained her behaviour and then tilted her head, looking at Spencer with keen blue eyes. “Something is troubling you,” She stated.

For a moment Spencer just sat there, not knowing how to explain what had happened with Ryan. Finally he just opened his mouth and let the words fall out whichever way they saw fit. “It’s Ryan. Has he written to you? Well, during the time I was in Manchester he made a new friend that I do not approve of at all. This man has been… well, making advances, I suppose you might say, and now Ryan says he is in love with him. I fear Ryan is rushing into things and I fear his behaviour has been highly improper. I only found out about this affair yesterday and tried to talk Ryan out of it, but he ignored every word that came out of my mouth and took offence when I only tried to protect his reputation and that of this family. Today he would not see me and I fear my words will only spur him into more reckless action. I do not know what to do now, for I do not know Mister Wentz’ character enough to judge whether or not he will act honourably but from what I saw and from what Ryan himself said I do not believe he much cares about the opinions of society.” Spencer fell silent after his long narrative and looked at his mother, trying to gauge her thoughts and see if she was very upset about what Spencer had said.

“That boy, I do not know how he grew up to be such a romantic after what happened with his own parents, and I cannot say yet if it is a curse or a blessing. Perhaps he would come back to Summerlin if I asked him to? It would give him some distance from this Mister Wentz, perhaps that is all what is needed? Their attachment cannot be very strong if what you say is true and they only met after you travelled to Manchester.” Vivian said and took Spencer’s hand in her own.

Spencer squeezed her fingers gently and tried to smile. “Perhaps you are right, it is worth trying at least, and I implore you to write to him and ask him about his intentions. I feel he will not even read my letters if I were to sent him some now and I need to know what he is thinking. I do not want him ruined, Mother, I could not bear to see it happen.”

“Yes, I will write to him tonight and sent the letter first thing tomorrow, do not fret yet, things may seem worse than they are. I am sure this Mister Wentz is a gentleman just as Ryan is and we can trust them both to act with honour.” Vivian said.

There was nothing else that could be done about the matter, after all Ryan was an adult and had nobody he was legally bound to. Still Spencer could not stop worrying even when he tried to distract himself by inviting Captain Bryar to visit and they went riding together.

“I could not help but to notice that your gait has improved since I last saw you.” Spencer mentioned as they let the horses set an easy pace on the winding country road that ran between Summerlin and Rosslings.

Captain Bryar nodded, his fair hair falling to his eyes for a moment before the man brushed the locks aside absentmindedly. “My doctor has been pleased with my progress. It is possible that aside from slight tightness in the muscle I will make a full recovery.”

Spencer found himself happy for his new friend and they continued their conversation by exchanging views on the current events in parliament, which Captain Bryar had a keen eye for and Spencer in turn gave him a few investment tips.

Eventually they ended up talking about Rosslings, as they were wont to and Captain Bryar eventually asked about its owner as well. “Mister Ross did not join you this time?”

“He and I are quarrelling at the moment.” Spencer said, and looked ahead over his horse’s ears, avoiding meeting Captain Bryar’s eyes.

For a moment Spencer thought that Captain Bryar would let the matter drop but then he asked. “This does not seem to be in character for the two of you, I hope it is not something grievous.”

Spencer did not wish to make the whole matter known to Captain Bryar, even if he considered the man a friend, but he did not want to lie either so he said. “Ryan has become friends with a Mister Wentz and I find myself opposed to their relationship. Ryan does not suffer people interfering in his affairs with great poise I am afraid and so we are for the moment estranged.”

When Spencer looked at Captain Bryar again the man looked thunderous, which took Spencer by surprise. Usually, Captain Bryar was very hard to read and appeared stoic if anything.

“I think you are wise to disapprove of Mister Ross’ choice in company, if I am not mistaken. Is this Mister Wentz called Peter, or Pete by his friends? Does he come from Bath?” Captain Bryar asked.

“Yes, I believe we are talking about the same person.” Spencer answered, now feeling rather bemused. “He is rather short and has very dark hair, I believe him to be close to your age.” He added to make the description more accurate.

Captain Bryar shook his head, not in denial but as if he was debating something with himself. Finally he said, looking very serious: “It must be him. I feel like I am obliged to warn you about him, but at the same time giving you the reasons why would be betraying a confidence of a very close friend. If I do so you must promise me the words will not travel farther from you.”

Spencer nodded, and said. “Of course, I give you my word that I will not repeat your words to a soul. You must tell me now, for you are making me feel very uneasy indeed.”

“I must go back rather far to begin from the beginning, I apologise for this, but I feel it is necessary. My mother was originally from Bath; I do not believe this has come up before. She also has a sister, who remains in Bath and is married to Reverend Stump. When I was five years old they had a son Patrick, my only cousin from my mother’s side.

When he grew older we became very close friends even though we would only meet during the summers when our family would travel to Bath and spend a few moths as their guests. There were a few other boys I would play with and one of them was Peter, the son of Sir Wentz, the baronet. Not that it mattered to any of us at the time, we were happy enough to endlessly play on the beach, run between the holiday goers and their pavilions, finding adventures.” Captain Bryar paused and Spencer tried to imagine either Captain Bryar or Mister Wentz as small boys and could not quite grasp the image. He was also rather curious as to where this story was going, but did not interrupt Captain Bryar’s thoughts by questions.

“I believe you understand from what I have said that we were the best of friends then and Patrick and Peter remained so even when I had to come back home in the end of every summer. Peter has always had a wild and unpredictable character and has always been attracted to the most outlandish ideas, but at the same time I thought him to be a loyal and trustworthy friend. In this belief I joined the Royal army after I graduated from the university and when my regiment was sent to India. I was twenty and two then, as was Peter.

Patrick has never told me the whole story of what happened between him and Peter during the time I was abroad but it is clear to me that Patrick was very much in love with Peter and they had an understanding that they would marry. This happened almost five years ago. The engagement was even made public, and I think everyone expected them to be happily married the next spring.
Then out of nowhere Peter broke the engagement and eloped to Scotland and married a woman who none of his acquaintances had never even heard of and I have since learned that she was already pregnant at the time. It was a terrible scandal, of course, and Peter’s father gave him money and put him and his wife in a ship to France. Naturally I have no access to many of the details but it appears that Peter divorced this woman he married about a year after their son was born. Even though all of this happened in France the news found its way over the channel and it crated an even bigger scandal, especially in Bath, but also in London. Ever since then, Peter has been travelling between the two countries, although I do not know why he keeps coming back to England when he is not even welcome in his own parents’ home.”

Mister Bryar let out a long sigh and looked at Spencer unhappily. “I do not like to repeat gossip like this, but I hope you can see how Peter’s reputation - even as a friend of Mister Ross’ - is not a very good thing for him. Personally, I have never forgiven him for betraying my cousin but I hear he has done much worse since then.”

Spencer had blanched, thinking of how Mister Wentz might be using Ryan, feeding him false promises of love and not needing to be married. Why would a man such as him care about what society thought of him, if he had already been driven out of the country once. “I will warn Ryan to choose his company more carefully, but I will not betray your confidence.” Spencer promised, but he was worried that Ryan would not listen to him if he could not tell this story to his friend. Perhaps he should tell Mister Bryar about how Mister Wentz was already much more than just a friend to Ryan but that would be betraying Ryan’s confidence.

“I hope he will not be fooled by Peter’s outward appearance for levity and wit, it has fooled too many, myself included.” Mister Bryar said and for the rest of the ride they both rode deep in their own thoughts.

~*~

Dear Mister Smith,

Your father has told me that we will be departing from New York on the twentieth of April and we should arrive in Bristol in the beginning of May. I am sure your father has written to you about the schedule. I must admit I am feeling rather nervous about the journey and meeting you.

My mother has taken it upon herself to pack all my things and she has forbidden me to bring my instruments, save the violin. She is much more prudent in her choices than I would be so I suppose it is for the best that she is taking care of the details.

Your father has told me that we will stay in your father’s house? I think I will like that very much for your family sounds very nice from what I have learned from your father and yourself. I am glad I will have some time to get to know your sister’s before they go to university, I hope we will all make fast friends.

I do not know what else to write now that I know that in less than a month we will be able to talk in person. So I will just wish you well.

Brendon Urie

Son,

I have enclosed the schedule for your ship so that you will have time to make preparations and come meet us in Bristol. Try to make your mother and sister’s stay at home or otherwise I am sure we will create quite the scene on the docks.

Why have you not been writing to Brendon like you did before? I understand that he has only received two letters since February, whereas you have written to me seven times. Do not think that business is more important than creating amiable relationship with your future spouse. Is this about Ryan? Your mother has mentioned that you two have been quarrelling as of late. Still I do not think that is an acceptable excuse for your behaviour.

Well I do not wish to admonish you more, for I am sure you see how badly you have behaved without me pointing it out more. On a lighter note, I must say I will enjoy coming back home and I am happy to say that the business here in America is in good and capable hands with mister Urie and his associates. In a few years you and Brendon may come back here, for you to inspect the business and Brendon to visit his family, I am sure you would both enjoy it.

I have already apologised to your mother about not giving her more time to make arrangements for the wedding, but I have faith that she will do marvellously regardless. She will surely talk your ear off about how we had a May wedding as well - such a happy coincidence, if I do say so myself. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a tradition for our family.

P.S. there is still time for you to write back to Brendon. The dear boy is fretting most seriously about the subject even if he will not say so plainly. I am sure you can put yourself in his shoes and see how nerve-wracking it must be to travel to the other side of the world to be married off.

-Your father

Spencer frowned at his father’s letter. It was true that he had not thought to write to his fiancé in a while but he had been otherwise preoccupied. Still, it did make his conscience twinge, thinking of how he had treated Brendon and how his behaviour must have seemed to the other man. And yet there it was, a very cordial letter on his desk from the very same man that his father said was feeling anxious about their situation. All the letters he had received from Mister Urie had been happy and carefree in tone and only now did Spencer think to question it.

It was definitely Spencer’s duty to try and appease the heart of his fiancé, if he had caused the other man worry by any neglect.

Dearest Mister Urie,

My most sincere apologies for my tardiness in letter writing, I have had my reasons for neglecting you in this manner but it is no good to offer excuses and I will not do so. I must assure you though that while my actions might have appeared callous or inconsiderate that was never my purpose. I have read every letter you have so kindly written to me and enjoyed learning more about you and your life. I hope that this letter will in some small way help ease any lingering doubt you may have about my regard, for I too am looking forward to meeting you at last.

In your last letter you inquired about where we shall be residing and it is as my father has said and we will live in Summerlin for the foreseeable future and of course we will be in London for the Season during summer; I hope it will be to your liking.

I am sure you will become the very best of friends with my sisters, although I must warn you that they are very lively in spirit and have a habit of mercilessly teasing me about every available subject. I have my suspicions that you will be treated in the same manner once they feel comfortable in your company. They are very fond of dancing as well and I am sure you will be dragged onto the dance floor with them numerous times, so for your sake I hope you enjoy the activity as well.

There is a pianoforte in our day room in Summerlin and I hope you will make use of it once you arrive, I am also looking forward to hearing you play the violin and I am sure we will easily be able to procure other instruments for you as well. I have gathered from your letters that the cello is among your favourites? If that is so I will purchase you one as a wedding gift.
Awaiting your arrival with great anticipation,

Spencer Smith

Spencer eyed the letter with a critically, hoping that he had not overdone it, for his previous letters had not been this forward. Perhaps it was not very commendable to make such exaggerated claims about his feelings towards his fiancé, but he honestly did not wish for Mister Urie to feel any undue anxiety over his journey to a new country and a new life. It must be very trying already and Spencer did not envy Mister Urie’s situation in the least. Satisfied with his reasoning, Spencer sealed the letter and made sure to place it in the pile of outgoing mail that Mister Taylor would take to the post office on his way out.

For the rest of the day, Spencer kept busy with work even when thoughts about Ryan tried to distract him, but only when he was on his way back to his house did Spencer allow himself to dwell on the problem. Ryan had not forgiven Spencer for his very prudent advice and admonishment, no matter how Spencer tried to mend the fences between them. They had only seen each other twice since that fated night at the theatre and the first meeting did not really count as Ryan had been accompanied by Mister Gerard Way and his wife. The three of them had just happened to come upon each other while strolling in Hyde Park. In such a situation Spencer could hardly have said anything of import, although he had been gladdened to find that especially Mrs. Way seemed like a very agreeable person and would, Spencer hoped keep an eye on the unmarried people in her acquaintance.

The second meeting had been on Spencer’s mother’s birthday where Ryan had shown a very cordial face to Spencer’s mother, which in turn had made Vivian doubt Spencer’s reason for worrying about Ryan. Still when Spencer had managed to speak with Ryan in private the other man had very abruptly told Spencer that he did not wish to have his affairs spoken of and that if Spencer wished to remain his friend he would have to accept that Ryan would make his own decisions about with whom he would cultivate relationships.

Spencer had not taken that in his stride but had in a fit of temper pointed out to Ryan that he had been making Ryan’s decisions for him for years and that it had never seemed to bother the other man before. It was safe to say that the conversation had not improved from that point on.

Now Spencer thought that he had been too hasty in expressing his opinion about Mister Wentz and his friends; if he had been more diplomatic, he would have been able to keep a much closer eye on Ryan’s behaviour and that of Mister Wentz’s. Now he was irreparably on the outside and did not find the situation agreeable at all. After all, Spencer had been taking care of Ryan ever since they were mere children, especially during their time in boarding school. By now it was his first instinct to look after Ryan’s best interest and not being able to do so was frustrating beyond belief.

It took him a while to think of another way to approach the situation and when it came to him Spencer was very annoyed with himself for not thinking of it sooner. After all Ryan had introduced Spencer and Mister Wentz to each other so it would not be too out of place for him to write to the man and ask for a meeting. Not that it appeared that Mister Wentz would be very strict about social protocol in such a trivial matter if he did not even believe in the sanctity of marriage.

To Mister Wentz,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you do not begrudge me for writing to you personally even though we are not well acquainted. I do not know how much Mister Ross has told you about our recent disagreements but I only have his best interest in heart and I hope it so for you as well.

My intention is not to separate you and Mister Ross, but he is unwilling to listen to me on the subject, I do not wish to inconvenience you unduly but I hope you might pass on this sentiment or perhaps show this letter to him. I feel I have been hasty in my judgement and hope we can all become good friends. In that vein I would like to invite you to have dinner in my house, if this is agreeable, we may make more definite plans. This invitation would naturally be extended to Mister Ross as well.

I hope to hear from you shortly,
Spencer Smith

The very next day Spencer received a reply from Mister Wentz, and from the penmanship it seemed as if the writer had been in a hurry

Spencer

I would love to be there when you and Ryan sort through your problems, however I am leaving for Paris today and I already invited Ryan to go with me. I thought he would have let you know. Do not worry too much, though; I am sure you will be able to repair your friendship once we return.

Pete

For a minute after reading the note - there was no justification for calling it a letter - Spencer just sat in his chair fuming. How dare the man take such liberties with him and with Ryan? It could not be borne, however the note had been delivered to his house so he only read it after coming back from the office and by then both of the men would already be on a ship and across the channel. Could he hide the fact that Ryan had gone? Because at the moment it appeared as if they had eloped, travelling together like that. Perhaps the news would not spread far. As long as the fact did not become an item of gossip things were still repairable, as long as the rumours would not reach Loughton.

Spencer felt terrible and could not think of anyone else to write about what had happened other than Captain Bryar. He had to talk to somebody and Captain Bryar already knew about Mister Wentz’s character and had kept that in confidence, surely he would do the same for Ryan. So he wrote a letter and went to work, trying to leave the issue outside the office.

~*~

April seemed to last forever. He had received two letters from Ryan from Paris, it seemed that the distance had cooled off Ryan’s indignation and the tone of the letters had been excited and happy. In other circumstances Spencer would have been glad for his friend, who in general did not sport a light outlook on life, but could not muster much enthusiasm in this case. How could he, when he knew that every day Ryan was in Paris alone with Mister Wentz made it more and more likely that somebody would find out and Ryan’s reputation as a gentleman would be ruined.

While Spencer worried about his friend, his family was getting more and more excited about the upcoming arrival of their father and Mister Urie. He was being bombarded with letters from Loughton where his mother was knee deep in preparations for the wedding and who seemed to think that Spencer would love to know every last detail and menu change. Add to it that his sisters felt it their duty to give him advice on marital life, which tended towards the absurd, was more annoying than anything in his state of mind.

The only positive thing Spencer could see in all of this was that Ryan had promised to return to England in time for the wedding. Not that he knew how he would convince Ryan to leave Mister Wentz when that time came, but at that point Spencer just wished he could see his friend and converse with him. Now that the time was so near for him to be wedded Spencer found he terribly missed Ryan’s dry, sharp wit, which surely would have helped him with his nerves. With Ryan’s absence he had made an effort to cultivate his friendship with Captain Bryar, but it could never be the same as his life long friendship with Ryan. It did not help that Captain Bryar seemed to view marriage very seriously, which only made Spencer feel more pressure.

It took some work but Spencer managed to convince the women of his family to stay at home when it was finally time to go meet his future spouse in Bristol. He took the train into the city the day before the ship was due to arrive and got a room in a respectable inn. They would stay there for one night before returning to Loughton. Perhaps not very surprisingly, Spencer had trouble sleeping on the eve of the arrival of the SS Great Western. He was up when the sun started climbing over the horizon and had bathed and breakfasted long before it was time to go down to the marina.

The remaining time he spent trying to decide what to wear. Right at that moment, Spencer wished more than anything that Ryan had been there with him, mocking him for his nervousness but also giving him advice on his sartorial choices. As it was Spencer tried to make do without any advice, trying not to regret that he had only had three different waistcoats packed for the journey and only one of them seemed appropriate for the occasion. He liked the lighter blue colour and yellow embroidery; it was respectable but not too dull. The rest of the outfit was not as difficult to assemble even if he did spend considerable time fighting with his neckcloth, as was usual for him.

Spencer had rented a carriage in advance and tried not to fidget as it made its way through the morning traffic into the busy harbour. The great ship had already arrived but it still took some considerable time until everything was in order and the passengers were allowed to disembark. The first class travellers had the right to leave first so Spencer was keeping a close eye on the people appearing from the ships interior. He was nervously flipping the cover of Mister Urie’s small portrait open and shut, the painting no bigger than a cigar case and easy to fit in a pocket, with any luck he should be able to identify his fiancé as well as his father, for his father had assured him that it was a good likeness.

Finally he spotted Brown, his father’s valet, making way for his father and another man, who must be Mister Urie. For some reason Spencer had imagined Mister Urie to be taller. However, Spencer did not let himself linger by the carriage but made his way through the throng of people, coming to a halt when he was only a few feet away from the other men.

“Spencer, I am very glad you made it!” Spencer’s father James exclaimed and shook his hand enthusiastically. “I hope you procured us transport for I fear both myself and Brendon have accumulated rather an impressive amount of luggage. And I do believe the trunks are still in our cabin. I arranged them to be shipped straight to Loughton.” He continued and pointed out Brown and another man who were indeed weighed down with multiple cases of varying sizes.

It took James a moment to realise that he had yet to formally introduce Spencer to Mister Urie, who was standing close by looking rather overwhelmed, if you could go by his wide eyes. “Ah, I do apologise, Brendon - I am loosing my wits, it appears. Let me finally introduce my son, Spencer Smith. Spencer I present Brendon Urie.”

Spencer and Brendon exchanged shallow bows and Spencer offered his hand in greeting. “It is good to finally meet you in person.” It was true that the portrait had managed to capture the man’s likeness rather well, but it had not done justice to his deep brown eyes, or how he seemed to be almost vibrating in place, similar to a bird only a moments before it took flight.

“You as well, I, uh.” Mister Urie seemed flustered and bent down to pick up a small dog from the ground, when the man straightened he was blushing and directed his attention to petting the small terrier.

“Perhaps it is best if we retire to the inn. You did make arrangements for us?” James asked, his eyes twinkling, when Spencer turned to his father, rather stymied on how to proceed with such an awkward situation.

Spencer sighed in relief and pointed towards the carriage. “Yes, of course, you must be very tired after such a long journey.” And fell in step with his father and Mister Urie, who was still clutching his dog and looked rather timid. This man did not seem to fit either the letters or his father’s descriptions, but Spencer tried not to make hasty judgements, after all the harbour was hardly the best place to make a favourable first impression.

~*~

In the Inn, a maid showed Spencer’s father and Mister Urie to their rooms and after waiting for a minute Spencer went to knock on his father’s door. James came to the door and beckoned Spencer in when he saw who was there. “I knew to expect you, take a seat and we can have a proper conversation at last.” He said and followed his own advice, taking a seat by the small fireplace.

Spencer sat down opposite his father and rubbed his hand through his beard, trying to choose his words with care. “Mister Urie, he, well. He was not quite what I had expected.”

“Do not worry about that, I think I mentioned in my earlier letters that Brendon appears more timid and shy when you first make his acquaintance, he just needs some time to warm up to you. Soon enough he will be talking your ear off, take my word for it.” Spencer’s father said and grinned happily before continuing.

“I must say, it is marvellous to see you again my boy, it has been too long for it appears to me that you have changed in appearance. Are your sisters similarly changed? And how is your mother? I have missed her dearly and even her letters did not ease that suffering to any greater extent. I am sure that in a few years you will feel the same about Brendon.” James added the last notion with a wink.

Ignoring the gesture Spencer went on to inform his father about how his family had fared while he was gone and they spent a happy half an hour rehashing anecdotes James had received by letter and was curious to hear more about. Once that avenue was thoroughly explored the men moved on to talk about the business, which they got very passionate about, especially when they had a chance to talk about it in great detail and without other people hearing.

Finally though James took out his pocket watch and said. “Perhaps it is time to have some tea, do you not agree? I never could get it quite to my liking while I was in America. We should move to the common room and ask Brendon to join us. He must find being confined to his room by himself very dreary.”

Spencer felt himself tense up at the mention of his fiancé. “How should I make myself more familiar with him, win his confidence? I do not wish our relations to be anything less than cordial.”

“I am sure you will grow closer with time. I cannot give you any particular advice, other than show interest in what he says to build his confidence in confiding in you. That will make him feel more comfortable conversing with you.” James said and got up from his chair, Spencer following his example.

In the hallway, the Smith men stopped at Mister Urie’s door and James knocked. It took a moment before the door opened and Mister Urie’s head appeared into view. He smiled widely when he noticed James there and opened the door wider. “Oh! I am so happy to see you, I did not wish to come bother you but I did not know if it would be acceptable to go outside to let Stuart stretch his legs. I am afraid that he is getting very impatient with me confining him inside for so long.”

Spencer was surprised to hear his fiancé speak so confidently, even after what his father had said, but it was a happy surprise. What was not as welcome was how Mister Urie’s eyes widened when he noticed Spencer standing there as well and how Mister Urie’s mouth shut with an audible click. Luckily James did not let this derail him in the least but answered Mister Urie with a gentle smile. “I did not think of that, I apologise, Brendon. Do you think Stuart will be able to wait until we have had some tea? Afterwards we could go for a stroll, all four of us. You could get your first glimpses of England and Stuart will have his first sniff.”

Again Brendon smiled happily but then ducked his head when he noticed Spencer watching him. “Yes, that would be lovely, thank you.” He said and stepped out of the room, closing the door carefully. Together they made their way downstairs and into the common room where they were able to order some tea and sandwiches. Spencer let his father steer the conversation and draw Mister Urie out of his shell, for every time he tried to address Mister Urie directly he only seemed to fluster the other man and as a result only received very short and stilted answers.

The sun was shining between light grey clouds when they made their way to the street. It looked likely that there would be rain later on, but right then, it was fine weather for a stroll. Mister Urie seemed happy to be outside, as did his dog. Spencer had offered his arm to Mister Urie when they stepped outside and after a brief moment of hesitation Mister Urie had accepted. This made Spencer feel a bit more positive about their circumstances, at least Mister Urie was not completely against his company or physical proximity. It did however make a faint blush rise to the man’s face but Spencer was growing accustomed to seeing that reaction, and if he was honest with himself he did in fact find it very appealing and becoming on Mister Urie.

“The city is very interesting looking, all the buildings they seem so old to me. Perhaps I am just imagining it? After all I have been dreaming of seeing all the ancient things that still remain here. The oldest building I ever saw back home was only a hundred years of age, whereas I have read that here in England you still have buildings that were built more than half a century ago.” Mister Urie said when Spencer’s father asked him if the scenery was to his liking.

“It is not just your imagination, I assure you, Mister Urie. Bristol is, after all, a very old city. I believe that there is an old church here that dates back to the twelfth century. Do you wish to see it? I am sure we could walk there and be back in a hour.” Spencer said and looked at his father to see how he felt about the suggestion.

James was nodding and they both turned to look at Mister Urie who in turn looked quite interested. “Oh, I would very much enjoy such an excursion. Not only will it be a treat to see such an old building but also I have to admit that I have missed being able to walk about and see new things on the way. The decks and halls of the ship were beginning to feel very stifling indeed.” Mister Urie explained but then shot a look at Spencer, looking slightly embarrassed for no obvious reason. Spencer did not see why Mister Urie seemed so ill-at-ease when speaking in his presence.

“I can imagine a restricted environment like a ship must grow wearisome after a while.” Spencer answered and started leading the way towards the St James’ Priory, listening to his father explain some interesting tidbits of local history to Mister Urie. Perhaps it was only wishful thinking on his part but it seemed to Spencer that Mister Urie’s hand on his arm had relaxed minutely.

~*~

The journey home happened without incident. Mister Urie spent most of the time looking out the compartment window exclaiming periodically as he saw something that delighted him. Spencer’s father mostly slept, as he was wont to on train journey’s and Spencer amused himself by reading the morning paper and periodically looking at the things Mister Urie was pointing out to him. The train change in London went without a hitch as well, even though the crowded station did seem to scare Mister Urie’s dog somewhat.

Finally arriving in Loughton made Spencer sigh in relief, for the day of travel had been taxing on all of them. Mister Urie looked like he was about to fall asleep on his feet and even Spencer’s father who had slept for most of the journey did not look rested. Luckily Morris was there on the platform greeting them and helped the valets with some of the luggage as they made their way to the waiting carriage. “Mrs. Smith asked me to inform you that she has dinner ready for you.” Morris told them as he held the carriage door open for Mister Urie.

“Thank you - that is indeed a good thing to hear upon arrival.” James said and slapped Morris on the shoulder jovially before following Mister Urie inside. Spencer followed his father and thought that it would take some time for him to get used to the idea of not being the head of the household now that his father was back.

When they were driving up the carriageway to Summerlin Spencer noticed Mister Urie trying to see the house through the small window. “I am sorry we arrived after sunset and you cannot view the house properly for the first time, but I am sure we may go strolling about the grounds tomorrow with better light.”

Mister Urie turned to look at Spencer and he was willing to bet that the man was blushing, even if it was impossible to determine in the darkness. “I would very much enjoy that.” Mister Urie said, and turned back towards the window.

The carriage drew to a halt in front of the main doors and Morris climbed down to open the door for them. Spencer had hardly had time get down to the ground when the doors to the house opened and his sisters burst out, followed very closely by their mother. There was some very unbecoming shrieking and giggling as the girls jumped to hug their father and kiss his cheeks with relish. Vivian stood by smiling widely and turned to address Mister Urie. “Welcome to Summerlin. I must apologize for my daughters and their lack of manners. I do wish you will be very happy here with us.”

She had clasped hands with Mister Urie, who predictably was blushing even as he smiled widely. “Thank you so much Mrs. Smith and there is no need to apologize, it is very nice to see families being so affectionate among themselves.”

“You darling boy, call me mother. You will be part of this family soon enough.” She said and then seemed to lose her restraint and pulled Mister Urie into a hug. She also whispered something into Mister Urie’s ear but Spencer was not close enough to hear what was said. And then he could not pay more attention to what his mother was doing for Josie and Peggy were on him, chattering about something or other and then James was kissing Vivian in greeting and finally everyone bustled inside.

~*~

The next morning when Spencer made his way to the dining room he found that almost everyone was already there. Only his father was absent and everyone else was already digging into breakfast. “Good morning, Spencer, come sit next to Brendon, he has seemed very much at loss without you and father.” Josie said and pointed at a chair next to Mister Urie, who was trying to hide his face behind his teacup.

Spencer directed a stern look at his sister but did as he was told for Vivian was nodding in agreement. “I hope my family has not been causing you to feel any discomfort.” Spencer said as he sat down and held his cup to be filled.

“Oh no, they have been most courteous.” Mister Urie said, but his eyes were wide and looked startled.

Vivian smiled at her daughters and said. “I think the girls like the idea of getting a new brother a bit too much. I have been trying to reign them in but it is poor Brendon’s bad fortune he was here alone with them when I arrived a few minutes ago.”

This caused Josie and Peggy to protest and insist that they had been on their very best behaviour the whole time. This is when James walked in and joined the table and started asking the girls questions about their studies with Vivian intersecting with comments from time to time. Spencer cut into his sausages and kept an eye on Mister Urie, who seemed to be surprised by their informality but did not seem offended. That was a relief, for Spencer doubted that his family would be able to change their ways even for Mister Urie, who they all seemed to adore already.

After breakfast Spencer suggested that they might go out for a walkabout, which gained general popularity and the whole family ended up going. Josie and Peggy grabbed Mister Urie’s arms and started talking to him about his journey and how had it been on such a big ship, what were the fashions like in America and so on. Spencer found himself trailing behind the threesome with his parents, who were happily strolling along hand-in-hand. “Brendon is lovely. I knew to expect it from your letters, James, but still, it is a great relief to know Spencer will be in good hands.” Vivian said and smiled up at her husband.

Spencer tried to ignore his parents and found himself watching Mister Urie. The man was about the same height as his sisters and his figure was more on the slim side, which Spencer found pleasing. It was also impossible not to notice how shapely his rear was, especially because Mister Urie was wearing a short jacket over his shirt and his trousers were finely tailored. Indeed his father could not have chosen a much more appealing man for him, even if it was crass to think so of your fiancé.

The tour ended in the greenhouses where Vivian showed Mister Urie all her most precious specimens. The girls, who had heard all this talk of fertilizers and soil samples and saplings many times, soon grew bored and said they would go back inside. Spencer took the opportunity to talk with his father and told him some of his worries about Ryan. James who thought of Ryan as one of his children was understandably worried and promised to make some inquiries about Mister Wentz. Spencer nodded to this and hoped that his father would find out about Mister Wentz’ past with Captain Bryar’s cousin so that he would finally talk about it with Ryan and make the other man see what a huge mistake he was making, dallying with a man like that.

“Try not to worry about Ryan too much, Spencer. I know you feel like it is your duty to take care of him, but you must understand that he is of age and we cannot make him obey our wishes. In the end he is his own man and free to make his own mistakes, no matter how grievous. I think it would be most important for you to mend your friendship with him, so that he will trust and confide in you again. That way we would at least know what he intends to do and perhaps we could then help him deal with possible consequences.”

James paused for a moment and turned to look at his wife and Mister Urie who were crouching down and looking at some small seedlings, before he looked back at Spencer with an earnest expression. “After all, you must start putting someone else’s happiness above that of Ryan’s. You are starting your own family soon and your spouse’s needs must come before even those of your oldest dearest friends.”

This made Spencer frown, for he had not though of the situation as such before. It was true that perhaps to an outsider his friendship and devotion to Ryan would appear rather inappropriate, but it had never been such in his own eyes. Still he could see that now that his fiancé was in England and they would be appearing in public together, especially after the wedding it would be cause for rumour if he continued to stay so close to Ryan. Even when it also gave him more freedom to socialize as he pleased without a chaperone present due to his married status.

“Then it is even more imperative to resolve this fiasco with Ryan’s dalliances as soon as possible. Can you write to Ryan and ask him to meet you in London when he returns from France. If he will not disclose his affairs to me at the moment I am sure he would wish to unburden himself to you. I do not think I can leave for London before the wedding but surely you will need to visit the city and look into the business and so you may look into Ryan’s affairs as well.” Spencer pleaded with his father but before the older man had a chance to reply Vivian and mister Urie joined them and they all walked back to the house together.

~*~

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