Page 39 of Infernal Vices

Recommencing my familiar daily routine after nearly a week of feeling lovelorn brought new vitality to my countenance. I took my seat for breakfast.

“How are you feeling this fine morning, sir?” Mrs. Twigg asked brightly as she delivered a fresh pot of tea to the dining table.

“I feeling rather well, Flora. I believe my malaise has passed and I am full of vigor,” I beamed, for I could not keep the happiness inside me from bubbling up like the uncorking of a new cask of beer.

“Could I bother you to make a pot of coffee too. I shall be having a guest join me for breakfast.”

Mrs. Twigg put her hand dramatically to her chest. “Is dear Mr. Robins calling?” she gasped.

I nodded and was cheered by how Flora blushed delightedly then turned on her heels and and rushed back to the kitchen.

“Wilkins, a moment please,” I called. My houseman stepped into the dining room.

“If you’d be so kind as to lay another place. Mr. Robins will be calling and he is most welcome.”

“Very good sir.” I did not miss the wicked twinkle in my houseman’s eyes. I had been in a beastly mood these past days and I realized now how it had affected my entire household.

Wilkins set the table and not a moment later a rapping on the from door sent Wilkins hurrying from the dining room. I sat straighter and seemed to inflate in myself at the thought of seeing Sebastian again, even though he had departed out of the bathroom window the moment my valet knocked on my chamber door to alert me that my garments were now laid out in my dressing room.

Sebastian, or I should say Birdie, strode into the room appearing to be as happy as I, again, in one of my suits! It now pleased me that my garments were close to his skin. I’d decided this morning as I watched him sleep that would have to announce him as a house guest and alott him his own room. If it was agreeable to him, he could bring a trunk of garments over and come and go as he pleased.

“Ah, Benedict my dear. It is a most refreshing morning, is it not. Finally spring is in the air!” he said chirpily. I rose from my seat and strode across the room to greet him, clasping his hand and shaking it like good fellows do when they are reaquained after an absence.

“Marvelous to see you, dear friend. Mrs. Twigg is making a pot of coffee, please, help yourself,” I gestured to the credenza where the covered silver serving dishes were laid out.

I returned to my seat, and both Mrs. Twigg and Wilkins came in, Flora with the pot of coffee, and Wilkins with freshly toasted bread.

The next forty minutes were spent in amiable company, taking tea, eating breakfast, and discussing stories in the newspapers. On the front page of The Times there was one about a dreadful automobile crash, the first ever on a public highway.

“The automobile belonging to Henry Lindfield of Brighton ran away on a hill in Purley, Surrey and hit a tree, killing Mr. Lindfield instantly,”I narrated to my companion and shook my head. I had seen a few of the damnable contraptions about town, but as far as I could see they were primarily toys that rich men played with while at their country estates.

“The automobile is so expensive that owning one is far out of the reach of the likes of you or I. Unless the cost of manufacture drops considerably I cannot not see them taking over from a reliable coach and four,” I argued, but Sebastian disagreed.

“I have heard they are the next big thing in investments. The automobile is the vehicle for the new decade. There are new factories planned for St Albans, Birmingham and Newcastle. Everyone will have one in the twentieth century, and a telephone, you mark my words! I would even put money on it!” Sebastian grinned.

“Very well, we shall wager fiver pounds each, and in say, ten years, the winner shall reap their reward if the automobile is commonplace.”

Our eyes smiled as we both enjoyed the challenge and back and forth of our banter. “Agreed,” Sebastian put down his coffee cup and offered his hand. I gripped his hand and we shook on our wager.

“Now, if you would be so kind as to join me in my study, we have some business to discuss.”

****

It was half-past-eight and I planned to go into the office today and catch up on all I had missed during my malaise. The morning sun sent bright rays into my study. I stood at the window and enjoyed the warmth on my skin while watching passers-by.

“I think it would be prudent for you to have a room here and a key, so you can come and go as you please,” I began nonchalantly, and then turned to see Sebastian at the mantle, a bemused look on his face.

“You want me to move in with you?” he asked quizzically.

“Yes. We’ll have no more of you scrambling over the garden gate and up the drainpipe to visit me at night!”

“Dear heart, that was half the fun of it!” Sebastian laughed.

“Well, you are now welcome to be my permanent house guest. Please bring a valise of garments. I’d wager at this point many of them belong to me!” I said with a raised brow, my lips twitching to grin. I joined Sebastian at the mantle and gestured for him to take one of the two hearthside arm chairs.

“So, that’s it, is it? Am I now a kept man?” Sebastian mused fondly.

“Oh, I shall most definitely keep you!” I said offering a lascivious smile. “Our arrangement is exclusive. But I do not expect you to stay here every night, unless that is what you desire. I am sure you have your own lodgings and business to attend to. I just want you to know you are welcome in my home and always in my heart!”