Chapter 4

The day we drove to Manderley started off sunny and warm but as we neared Cornwall after crossing the channel, the sky got darker and rain threatened and spilled over from the clouds above. Blaine graciously offered me his coat to hide under but looking back perhaps it was an omen. The windscreen wipers were furiously sweeping the rain from side to side and all of a sudden Manderley appeared, majestic and austere.

As we were ushered in, a great collection of people greeted us in the hallway and Blaine whispered we would get through this quickly and be able to escape.

"Mrs Danvers, please meet Mr Hummel. Kurt this is the housekeeper, Mrs Danvers."

Mrs Danvers was a dark woman, dressed in the usual prim black dress with a white collar befitting a lady of importance in the household. She looked me up and down, her eyes reaching my face and I was met with a frown. She clearly could not understand my presence at all.

"Mrs Danvers," I could hear Blaine speak, although he seemed miles away as I looked at the huge expanse of hall and stairs before me. "Why do we suddenly have so many members of staff?"

"I thought it best sir, as you mentioned in your telegram that you would like to start entertaining again. If they do not meet your requirements we can of course replace them."

"No, no that's fine. You did well Mrs Danvers."

Blaine suddenly led me by the elbow and ushered me upstairs to show me where I would be living: the East Wing.

As soon as the door closed behind me, Blaine spun me around and kissed me fiercely, knocking me so my back was placed against the door.

"I have wanted to do that for so long Kurt," he gasped and kissed me again. "I think this will be harder than I thought." He walked away, clutching his hands together as if he could not keep them to himself. I was slightly afraid. I didn't know Blaine as well as I thought here in this dark place and I was nervous.

He turned and must have seen my expression as he asked me to sit next to him on my freshly made bed.

"What are you thinking Kurt? Do you wish you hadn't come?"

"No, of course not," I said slightly stuttering, "But I do wish I knew you better, I feel as if I have been thrown here and I have no idea where I am or how to belong."

"Just be yourself, everyone will love you, I promise."

"I wish we had more time to settle before that happens, I believe you will want me to start my job soon."

Blaine laughed. "Kurt you have no job. I don't want you to worry."

"Could we escape do you think? Hide away?" I asked timidly.

"Can I come to your room later tonight?" Blaine asked, "I think then we can escape."

"Okay," I whispered.

xXx

I settled in quickly with the little luggage I had brought from France. I had telegrammed my aunt in Ohio to send my few belongings to my new address and explained my new occupation. Mrs Danvers had sent up a light supper to my room and had explained that I would be eating with Mr Anderson from now on. She had continued to frown at me as she entered, clearly perplexed at this new arrangement. As a secretary I would normally eat upstairs away from the servants but definitely not with Mr Anderson and she was trying to figure me out; what power I possessed.

As I was dressed for bed, I slipped in under the covers and waited for sleep. I was dozing when Blaine timidly knocked and let himself in, peeling the covers away himself and lying on his side to face me in the shadows. He looked different in Manderley, more powerful and I was unsure how I would fit here in Cornwall.

He stroked my cheek shyly and I sighed knowing the Blaine I knew had returned.

"Do not worry Kurt; this will be where we will always meet." He kissed me quietly and I felt his tongue enter and softly caress my own.

"I hate that we have to hide in our own house but I want you to know that here is where I belong, with you, though I may have to hide it when I leave this room."

I simply smiled, worried about the future but feeling safe here.

We kissed for several minutes, my heart beating fast, as he stroked my cheek then placed wet kisses along my neck and collarbone. I gasped in pleasure as he continued, stroking my chest under my pyjama shirt and working his way to my ear lobe to suck on it gently. He broke away with a sigh and sat up in the bed. I did the same.

"This all feels rather strange doesn't it Kurt?" He looked over at me and smiled as I plumped our cushions.

"It is rather rushed I suppose," I said, "I am glad you have taken me with you though."

"Are you?" He asked timidly, "You are not regretting it?"

"No, definitely not."

"You have such a power over me Kurt, I cannot explain it. I saw you at the cliffside as you warned me and it was almost like you glowed. There was magic around you and I knew you would be the cause of either the most tragic heartbreak or the most glorious love that I could ever experience."

"I would never cause you heartbreak Blaine."

"I know that now but it was only as you sang that you brought me back to life. I think I saw only love and light and amazing glory in those eyes of yours and your musical voice." I could feel the blush cross my cheeks as Blaine spoke and I wanted desperately to know him as he seemed to know me.

"What are you thinking?" He asked smiling mischievously.

"Only that I wish to know you better."

"And you will, my love. What do you wish to know?"

"What is Mrs Danvers' story?"

"Oh she has been here since forever but was quite attached to Rebecca. Just don't let her bother you."

"Will I be able to see you tomorrow?"

"What would you like to do? Perhaps we can convince Mrs Danvers that you are seeing the estate and I can take you away to the woods surrounding the house."

"That sounds lovely Blaine."

"Good, now let's go to sleep. I promise I will sneak out before my man comes to wake me but you will join me for breakfast?"

"Yes, I would love to," I whispered, "Do you think the servants are already suspicious?"

"Probably but the beauty of being Lord of your own castle means you can set your own rules and I don't care what they think." Blaine snuggled lower in the bed, slipping further under the covers.

As I sunk lower, Blaine opened his arms to sweep me into a hug and I lay snuggled in his warmth for a few minutes as I fell asleep.

xXx

The next morning I awoke to find my bed cold on the side that had been occupied by Blaine and I realised it would soon be breakfast. I rushed to get ready and walked calmly downstairs despite my nerves.

"Mr Hummel," said Mrs Danvers as she appeared to glide out of nowhere and materialised by my side. "Mr Anderson is waiting for you in the dining room, this way." She led me there and as soon as she had appeared, she vanished.

"Kurt," Blaine exclaimed as I entered, then he calmed his excited expression, noting my sombre appearance and he simply indicated my place opposite him at the long table.

"You may leave us, Frith," Blaine spoke to the butler, who promptly left the room.

"Please join me here," Blaine indicated a seat next to him, "I can't bear you so far away." I joined him, noting the napkin with Rebecca's initials and as he started to eat a breakfast roll, I buttered my own and ate in silence.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes thank you, very well."

"I don't do very well at all this, do I Kurt?"

"Perhaps not," I said laughing at his worried expression.

"I need to remember not to be so excitable in your presence but I do love seeing you walk in. This place was so dreary before you arrived and you make me want to disregard all proper social etiquette and take you right here."

He said this with such a straight expression I almost thought I had misheard.

"Well you cannot," I said simply, "The servants would definitely talk then."

"Well I will just wait 'til later. Will you join me in about an hour for a walk?"

"Yes, that will give me time to write a letter to my aunt to reassure her. I was only able to send a telegram while we were in France."

"Of course, a good idea. She may visit soon if you would prefer?"

"That would be nice, thank you."

We soon finished our breakfast and agreeing to meet in the hallway in an hour, I went towards my room to be greeted by Mrs Danvers on the landing.

"I hope everything is to your satisfaction Mr Hummel?"

"Yes of course Mrs Danvers, I will leave everything to you, I plan to change nothing and Blaine tells me you have been an excellent housekeeper."

"Blaine?" Her eyebrows rose, causing an arch in her face and sharp lines to appear.

"Oh Mr Anderson of course," I stuttered.

She paused. "You are pleased with the East Wing?"

"Yes of course." She indicated the other side, where a spaniel lay on the shiny floor.

"The West Wing is of course where Mrs Anderson resided." And she vanished again.

I suddenly remembered I had no way of corresponding to my aunt in my room and I went in search for a library or study where I could find paper and a pen.

I went into a room downstairs which I assumed would have these things and I was greeted by a man, who upon my entrance, stood up abruptly and looked apologetic.

"Oh sorry, I didn't know anyone would be in here," I said.

"Oh no don't worry, please come in. I was wondering when I might meet the famous Mr Hummel. I am Mr Crawley," he said, stretching his hand out to introduce himself. "I am Blaine's overseer, I look after the estate."

"You know about me?" I asked stupidly.

"Of course, Blaine telegrammed me from France to say he would be bringing back a secretary. I understand you will be helping me where necessary?"

"Oh, of course, however I can help, let me know." Mr Crawley smiled warmly.

"I will do."

"Oh I see you have met Frank," Blaine said as he entered the study.

"Yes," I smiled, "I hope to help him."

"I'm sure you will," Blaine said, as he smiled and touched my elbow gently. "Are you writing your letter?"

"Yes."

Blaine went to leave with Frank and turned suddenly. "Oh yes I forgot to say, my sister Beatrice will be here for lunch. See you soon."

I wrote my letter, assuring my Aunt I was enjoying my new employment and hinting that I would be helping Mr Crawley with the management of the estate. I described the weather and the place I was to call home and asked after her health. I perused the books in the library then got ready to meet Blaine for our walk.

He greeted me in his walking boots and coat and smiled.

"Ready? I don't think you are quite prepared for our English weather here. I think we need to buy you some new clothes."

"I don't have much money Blaine," I said as we left the house and walked along the path.

"Don't be silly, what's mine is yours."

We walked for a way until we reached the undergrowth on the estate, surrounded by trees and bushes. It was lovely here at Manderley. The sea on one side seemed remote and unapproachable so I continued following Blaine until it was most certain we would not be disturbed.

"Come here," he said, as we stopped near some shadowy trees.

As I walked closer he took me by the waist and kissed me fiercely.

"How am I doing?" Blaine asked timidly, "Did you like Frank?"

"Yes he seemed very pleasant," I said, "You are doing better, I think."

"I am finding it hard to resist you but I think Frank will keep our confidence if we are a little too obvious in his company so don't worry."

"I don't want to do anything to jeopardise your position here Blaine. We need to be careful." He pouted and I suddenly felt like I had kicked a puppy.

"Oh Kurt, I will try but we don't need to worry and I can't help myself."

He kissed me again, this time licking my bottom lip to insert his tongue to tangle with mine. We kissed for quite some time as Blaine stroked my back under my shirt and left me breathless.

"What do you do to me Kurt?" He gasped, "I can't quite believe you exist and sometimes I think you must have bewitched me." I only smiled.

"We had better return for our lunch with your sister," I said, as I looked at my watch. "We have a lot to prepare."

"Are you taking your job seriously?" He laughed.

"Yes, I don't want anyone to think I shouldn't really be here. What is your sister like?"

"She is funny really. You will soon see and I would not want to taint your opinion of her. She is perhaps eager to look over you, see what I have brought back with me."

I must have looked concerned because Blaine suddenly grabbed me by the waist again.

"Don't look so worried, she will love you just as much as I am starting to, I promise."

He sealed the promise with a kiss and I was left breathless as we returned to the house.