Squire (Male x Male) (Wattys Shortlist 2021 & 2022)

Chapter 20 - The Handmaiden

Several days rolled by without incident. No more questions were asked, and it was evident Richard was feeling less stressed now that his father had abandoned his quest to find him a bride.

Paul took a day of leave in late April, and, as usual, Aaron and I agreed to cover his work. As it happened, Aaron took ill with a bout of food poisoning on that day, and so I attempted to cover for both on my own. I concentrated on the essentials, like the horses, because I knew that the other chores could wait, but it was still a lot for one person. I ate my meals quickly that day, but when seven o'clock came, I still had not finished all the tasks. I considered going to tell Richard I would be late, but decided it would not take me much longer, and I would just apologise for my tardiness on arrival.

Indeed, I managed to finish around thirty minutes later, and was tidying up when I heard a noise from the doorway. I looked towards the entrance to see Richard leaning against the door with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

"You would rather be with the horses?" he teased.

"Neither Paul nor Aaron were around today," I told him. "I was just finishing."

"Is there anything I can do to help you finish more quickly?" he offered, walking towards me. "I am keen for you to join me upstairs."

"I thought joining you was voluntary?" I pointed out with a smirk as he reached me.

"You have set a precedent now," he grinned, slipping an arm around my waist before I could stop him. His free hand was suddenly moving through my hair and his mouth swallowed any response I had.

Wriggling, I pulled myself free of his grasp.

"Richard!" I hissed, looking round for any sign of company. "Not here!"

I turned and continued to tidy away the equipment that was out.

"You said Paul and Aaron were not here," he remarked casually. "Who else would be in the stables at this hour?"

"I dread to think," I said, astonished at how carefree he could be sometimes. "Just stop causing trouble and wait for me upstairs," I instructed. "I will not be long."

Richard grumbled, but obediently left me to complete my work. I smiled as I thought of the evening ahead, and all the ways I was going to make it up to him.

Both Paul and Aaron returned the following day. Between us, we caught up on everything that I had missed, and my routine stabilised for a few more days.

Soon it was the last Friday of April, and I had just finished dinner with Annabelle after work. My plan was to wash and change and see Richard as usual.

As I left the kitchens, I was approached by a young lady. She was not much older than me and was well-presented in an ankle length green dress with white trim. She carried a dainty brown satchel over one shoulder. Her dark auburn hair fell about her face in natural curls, tied with a white bow, and if I had been that way inclined, I may have found her attractive.

"Good evening," she said with a curtsey. "My name is Katherine."

"Sebastian," I nodded in response.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance," she smiled. "Do you have a few minutes you could spare for a walk with me, Sebastian?"

I hesitated, wondering whether I had enough time. I could probably manage a few minutes with this girl and still meet Richard at seven o'clock, so I offered her my arm and, after she accepted it, walked her towards the gardens. Grey clouds threatened rain, but none had fallen yet.