It felt as if time stood still, and when Laurent finally managed to inhale, he sensed the full power of expensive perfume barely anyone around Brecon could afford.
“I understand perfectly, dear Laurent. I consider you a fine young man. Well-read, polite, with an intelligence far surpassing his station. Your progress is quite remarkable.”
Even Laurent’s ears were beginning to heat up, and he was glad that it was so late in the evening, because the red blush surely staining his pale face would make him look like a farm worker after a day’s work in the sun.
“That is beyond kind, Mr. Fane. I’m not sure if I deserve such praise.” But he did. He knew he did. There were things one should say for the sake of modesty, but Laurent would not deny himself the pride he had in how far he’d gotten from his humble beginnings at Mr. Barnave’s bookshop. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge did water, and he was bold enough to take action where others backed away.
If only Laurent could make Mr. Fane see that he was worth the attention, there might still be a good future in store for him. Employment within Mr. Fane’s residence, perhaps? Laurent wouldn’t dare wish for unconditional patronage, but if a man of wealth as vast as Mr. Fane’s took a liking to him, he’d surely help a friend in times of need? Laurent knew how to make himself useful, and he could weave himself into the cloth of Mr. Fane’s home if given the chance.
Mr. Fane crooked his head, standing so close Laurent could smell the sweetness of his breath, and it sent his heart galloping like a frantic stallion. “Please, do call me William when we are alone,” Mr. Fane said eventually and started walking toward the gate.
Laurent followed, drunk on this new privilege, and when he tripped, too eager to keep up with Mr. Fane, the man was there to hold him up. The fabric of Mr. Fane’s coat was so fine where it brushed against Laurent’s hand. “Are you sure, sir?” he asked out of politeness, already eager to whisper the name into… William’s ear. Because William suggested they would be alone. And more than once at that!
“Absolutely. I do believe we have a lot in common, my friend,” William said, gracefully moving toward the nearby gate that led into the vast courtyard. Seeing its expanse made Laurent wish he’d arrived in a carriage after all, even if only to experience such a grand entrance.
“I’ve read each of the books you have ordered… William.” Saying the name out loud had Laurent so exhilarated he could hardly breathe. “I can’t wait to discuss them with you in the future. I hope that’s not too forward. I know you must be such a busy man.”
William nodded as they passed the gate, making their way toward the front steps. A shudder went through Laurent when he realized William intended to let him through the main door, not the one meant for servants. Almost as if they were social equals.
“Oh, we definitely shall, although I believe there are other things we could talk of if you fancy,” William said, touching his fingers against the back of Laurent’s coat in the briefest caress. It might not have been much, but the contact left Laurent’s skin burning and yearning for more.
For a moment, Laurent feared he wouldn’t know how to act around servants, unsure of his position as neither guest nor employee, but when they stepped into the house, there was not a single soul to greet them. No matter how strange it was, Laurent found it a relief, because he wanted William all to himself, without the need to impress anyone but his host.
“Anything you wish,” slipped out of Laurent’s mouth before he realized it sounded all too eager. He shouldn’t sound like a pup just because he found William’s presence so desirable.
He barely even registered the fine hall that was now gently illuminated by his humble lantern. Its high ceilings and sculptures of gods frozen in sensual poses in small alcoves along the walls made the house only seem quieter. They were Greek deities, with attributes, and when Laurent faced the handsome yet mature face of Dionysus looking at him from a fresco, it distracted him so much Laurent forgot to study any of the other figures. When Laurent looked up into the light and shadow that was William’s face, he was completely mesmerized.
Something cold and rounded touched the underside of his chin, and it took him seconds to realize it was the smooth grip of the cane. A shudder trailed down his body when William leaned down to him.
“Anything?”
Laurent struggled to catch his breath, so he laughed nervously instead. “I would not damage books.”
“Nonsense, Laurent. Why would you even say such a thing, you sweet boy?” William whispered, and even this tiniest, softest of sounds carried up the tall walls of the hall.