Page 26 of The Songbird of Wychwood

“I want to invest my inheritance from grandfather.”

“Hmm…Good, good. I’d say he’d be very proud to see you stepping out with business ideas of your own. God rest his soul! You will, of course, need to do due diligence, write a business proposal and talk to James Adler at the bank. While you’re at it, have a talk with our lawyers about the contracts too. I’ll write to Adler and request an appointment. You can approach Oliver Simmons from legal on Monday morning, yes? He’s your man!”

“Is he indeed. I was actually out with Simmons and Edwards from the legal department last night. Did you know Edwards is getting married tomorrow? We had an impromptu bachelors outing.”

“Ah, that explains why you smell rather…ripe. Go clean yourself up boy! I’ll write a few letters and get the ball rolling.”

“Thank you, father, your advice has given me much to think about.” I stood feeling a vigor and purpose I’d not known for a long time.

“I’ll see you at dinner tonight. I hope you’ve still got some lead in your pencil for the Campbell gals!” Father snickered. I offered a fake smile to appease him but I was not looking forward to the dinner. There was so much else going on in my mind that was of greater importance, plans to make, poems to write, a darling boy to moon over!

I hurried up to my rooms then called my manservant Sidney to draw a bath. I hadn’t washed at George’s because he didn’t have the facilities, just a sink, and a blessed flush latrine.

“How the devil do you keep clean if you only have a sink?” I’d asked.

“I go to the Turkish bathhouse in Jermyn Street three times a week. It’s not only a lovely place to bathe, the steam and hot air is good for the lungs and helps keep my voice healthy.” I hadn’t considered that. I supposed George needed to ensure he retained healthy habits so that his voice remained pitch perfect.

“I could show you what a Turkish bath is all about if you’d like?” he’d suggested with a sinful grin.

“I suppose it could be an interesting experience,” I’d replied, although I did wonder if my cockstand could be kept under control in the steamy heated pool surrounded by naked male flesh, with my, what was he? My friend? My paramour? George’s kisses still tingled on my lips and as I lay in my blessedly hot bath, I recounted all of the delicious sinful things we’d done to one another’s bodies, many of which were previously unknown to me, let alone the acts that made me moan with pleasure. My flesh was far more sensitive than I could ever have guessed, and I would be forever grateful to George for the tender care he displayed while he undid me.

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Dinner proceeded much as I’d expected. Cook provided an excellent meal, and mother was in her element as hostess, over egging the pudding, as it were, by making many overtly flattering comments about my achievements, all to make me appear to be a good catch. The Campbell daughters were pleasant enough, well turned out, much like display mannequins in a dressmaker’s window; but sadly, they had about as much personality too! I remembered my manners and behaved like a gentleman as I made several attempts at conversation. Mr. Campbell constantly interrupted before his daughters could speak, and matching my mother, he spoke in glowing terms about what a good match I could make if I should care to court either Angeline or Victoria. I would rather have heard their replies, and not their fathers, but, no matter, I did not succumb to their charms. I thought of how wonderful it would be if I brought Miss Georgette home and introduced her to mother. That wicked thought made me smile inside. I remained at the table until just after the final course, when father stood and suggested we men should retire to the smoking room for a cigar. But I’d had enough of this charade. I stood up and bowed to both girls, then said,

“While it has been a pleasure to talk with you and enjoy a delightful meal it would be remiss of me to lead either of you on a merry dance. You see I am not seeking a match, no matter how my dear mother tries to force the issue. I endeavor to focus my life on business and leisurely pursuits, but not marriage. However, I do hope you both find a suitor.”

I honestly don’t know where I found the confidence to finally take my stand but I did not regret a word of it. After I uttered those words a silence fell, like all sound had been sucked out of the dining room. Then sound returned. Mother gasped and clutched at her chest, like I’d shot her.

“Percy!” she exclaimed sounding mortified. “Victor, are you not going to say anything?” Mother admonished waspishly.

“What’s to say Evangeline? Our son is headstrong and determined, just like my father, and he has chosen his path.” He then turned to Mr. Campbell whose face was puce with rage and said,

“Forgive me Jonah. Unfortunately, a match will not be made between our families, but I do hope you enjoyed the meal and our hospitality. You are most welcome to join me for a cigar!”

“This…this is an outrage. You have taken me for a fool, Harcourt,” Campbell roared as he tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “Girls, Madeline, we’re leaving.”

Mother’s face flushed crimson and she stood too, her chair screeching on the parquet floor of the dining room before she too stormed out.

Oh dear.

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