Kurt had never been surrounded by so much luxury in his life. When Lord Anderson had invited him to his house in London, a town house had popped into his mind. This was not a town house. This was a mansion, Kurt thought as he looked up at the marble staircase that swirled around the foyer. Two halls lead off on the ground floor to the dining room and study respectively. Up the stairs were two landings, each leading off to bedrooms. Next to him, Quinn and Rachel were in similar states of shock. Lord Anderson and Finn were behind them, amused at the siblings’ reactions.
“Perhaps we could show you to your rooms and you could get unpacked,” Lord Anderson suggested lightly. He nudged Finn and nodded at the Hummel sisters. Finn jumped and blushed. “Ah yes, Miss Hummel and Miss Rachel Hummel, please follow me to you rooms. Your bedrooms are situated on the second floor.”
Kurt looked sharply at Finn, “Would it not be better for a female servant to show them? I assume you are sleeping on a different floor.”
Finn’s blush increased under Kurt’s stare. “Yes, of course. Blaine, who should show the Miss Hummels to their rooms?”
Lord Anderson returned Kurt’s intense stare with an amused smile. “I do not see why you cannot, Finn. You used to sleep on the second floor when you visited during school breaks. I can think of no one more fitting.”
Kurt frowned. His father had agreed to letting Kurt go only if Kurt made sure that Finn and Rachel were never together alone. Of course, in the secrecy of the carriage, Rachel had lectured Kurt on the importance of alone time with significant others. She had also said that since Kurt spent much of his time with Lord Anderson alone, she should get alone time with Finn. It was then that Kurt had spent the next half hour lecturing Rachel that Lord Anderson had accosted him on most of those occasions and that made it entirely different. Kurt shared a quick glance with Quinn. She nodded slightly. She’d make sure that Rachel and Finn acted appropriately.
“Very well,” Kurt nodded reluctantly, and then he had a thought, “Who will show me my room?”
Lord Anderson smirked. “My room is next to yours, so I will show you.”
Kurt bowed shallowly in thanks. Honestly, he hadn’t expected anything different. Rachel shot him a smug smile. Kurt resisted rolling his eyes by focusing on the servants making their way upstairs with the luggage.
Unsure what to do in the tense silence, Finn took a step forward, both arms crooked to lead Rachel and Quinn up the stairs, “If you will let me show you to your bedrooms, you may begin to unpack.”
Rachel giggled and Quinn rolled her eyes, but tucked her hand into Finn’s elbow. Kurt watched as Finn led them up the stairs. Kurt had learned on the way here that Finn’s clumsiness wasn’t only on the dance floor. He was vaguely worried that Finn would trip and bring Kurt’s sisters with him.
“Shall we?” Lord Anderson said from behind Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt stiffened in surprise, but made himself relax. Lord Anderson might know that Kurt had similar feelings for him, but there was no need for Lord Anderson to know how much he affected Kurt.
Kurt gestured to let Lord Anderson lead, but Lord Anderson crooked his elbow and stayed where he was. Kurt gave him a withering look and started walking. He could figure out which room was his. Lord Anderson chuckled, but followed behind. Vaguely, Kurt was aware that it wasn’t his best idea to let Lord Anderson walk behind him, but at least he could play ignorant.
On the third floor, Kurt skipped the first door. That was most likely Lord Anderson’s room. Kurt grabbed the knob of the second door and pushed it open. The room was huge with a master bed, which was more than a little suggestive.
“This is my room, but I don’t mind sharing.” Lord Anderson said from behind him.
Kurt turned around, ignoring the comment. “I apologize. May I ask which room is mine?”
Lord Anderson smirked. “You may. It’s the room on the end, but we can get to it through here.” He walked by Kurt, purposely dragging his body heavily against Kurt’s. Across the room, next to the bed, was a plain unadorned door. Lord Anderson made his way to it and opened it. He looked at Kurt expectantly. Kurt slowly walked over to him, reluctant to see the room that would be his.
It was almost identical to Lord Anderson’s room. His luggage was in the corner. Kurt looked at Lord Anderson imploringly.
“This was my mother’s room. Father had this door made so that he could see her whenever he wanted without being seen by the servants.”
While the story was sweet, Kurt felt more than a little uncomfortable with the implications. “Is the first room occupied?”
Lord Anderson nodded. “Mr. Stillwell is practically family. He stays in the first room. It’s also easier for him to serve me if he’s next door.”
Kurt couldn’t really fault his logic even if it wasn’t quite proper. He nodded and stepped through the doorway. He saw a desk with a chair. He could put the chair under the doorknob if he felt inclined. He nodded. He could make do. Kurt turned around and smiled. “Thank you very much, Lord Anderson. I expect that I will be very comfortable here.”
Lord Anderson bowed shallowly. He fiddled with the door handle. “I know that having a door between our rooms makes you uncomfortable, but Father made the door so that it locks from your side. I do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable.”
Kurt’s smile relaxed and it was much softer and more genuine. “Thank you.”
Lord Anderson paused before stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He moved into Kurt’s personal space. Kurt didn’t move back. Lord Anderson looked up at Kurt briefly, searching Kurt’s eyes for something before moving.
Lord Anderson’s lips were dry. This kiss was different from their first. It was softer and more pleasant and Kurt couldn’t help but respond. He was tentative, well aware of what he was doing. Lord Anderson grasped his upper arms and pulled him impossibly close. He moaned softly and traced Kurt’s lips with his tongue. Kurt made himself pull back.
Kurt cleared his throat and took a step back, face red. “I think I would like to unpack, Lord Anderson.”
Lord Anderson licked his lips and bowed. “Yes, of course, my apologies. If you need anything, I will be right next door.”
Kurt waited till Lord Anderson left before he went to unpack his clothing. Mechanically, he put away his clothing, focusing only on the task at hand. He couldn’t let himself think about the kiss. He locked the door.

…………………..

The next morning, all three Hummels were taking breakfast by themselves. Lord Anderson and Finn had business, but promised to be back by lunch. Rachel and Finn had drawn out their goodbye for five minutes. Lord Anderson had raised an eyebrow at Kurt to which Kurt had scoffed and turned away. Lord Anderson had laughed.
Quinn took a sip of tea. “What are our plans for the day?”
Rachel clapped her hands together, “Shopping for the concert. We’re in London; we should get new clothes. Kurt, you and I need to look our best for Lord Anderson and Mr. Hudson. This is the only time we’ll see them without their friends.”
Kurt shook his head. “I’m not trying to impress Lord Anderson, but I will buy a new waistcoat. London tailors are much better than those we have in Lima. Will you consider getting a new muslin, Quinn? You have not had a new one in ages.”
Quinn nodded. “I could use a new one, and I very much doubt that we’ll get the chance to go to London again.”
Rachel nodded. “Miss Cochran has given me the name of various shops that shall suit our needs. I have divided them up. Now the men said they would be back by noon, but I don’t want to give up on finding the perfect muslin. We’ll eat lunch somewhere else, but we have nine shops and ten hours. One shop per hour if we leave within ten minutes.”
Kurt choked on his tea. “We should break that up over two days. That’s too much shopping and we should not keep Lord Anderson and Mr. Hudson waiting.”
Rachel shook her head. “No, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to find the perfect muslin. We have to do it today.”
Quinn stood up and stretched. “She’s right Kurt. If we want to get it tailored before the concert, we’ll have to get it today. So we should head out now.” Rachel squealed and rushed out, Kurt following closely behind.
It was in hour six and store five that Rachel found a mint green muslin that she fell in love with. It was in hour seven and store six that Kurt found a black waistcoat with the most exquisite silver stitching. In hour nine and store eight, Quinn found a pink muslin that was finer than any other dress she owned.
Kurt had left a message at the house to tell the men that they would not be back for lunch. It had turned out to be a good idea because Rachel had been very insistent on finding the muslin. Of course, leave it to Rachel to also find a theatre.
Kurt wasn’t a huge fan of Romeo and Juliet, but there was something about seeing it in London that made it bearable. Well, Quinn made it bearable. She whispered snide comments into his ear throughout the entire play. Kurt had to cough several times to cover his laughter. Of course, Rachel hadn’t seen the hilarity of the play. She had watched the entire play with stars in her eyes.
After the play, they had ambled back to the house, laughing the entire way. Once inside, they quietly made their way up to their respective rooms. They hadn’t planned to get back so late, but at least Kurt had sent a messenger before they went into the theater.
In his room, Kurt undressed down to his underclothes and was just about to get under the covers when he heard a knock on the door between the bedrooms. He unlocked the door to find Lord Anderson in his own underclothes.
“I’m glad that you made it back. I was worried.” Lord Anderson whispered.
Kurt kept his eyes focused on Lord Anderson’s face. “I am sorry. I sent a messenger. I didn’t think we’d be out this late.”
Lord Anderson shook his head, “No, I got your message. I still worry. I am just glad that you made it back.”
Kurt blushed. He didn’t know how to respond. He just bowed shallowly. “Thank you. Good night, Lord Anderson.”
Lord Anderson cupped Kurt’s cheek. “Good night, Kurt.” He slid his hand down as he turned to walk away.
Kurt held his breath as he closed the door. He stood in front of it as he tried to breathe shallowly. He locked the door.

……………….

The next day, Quinn had stepped out early in the morning with a mumbled excuse of visiting a third cousin. Rachel had cornered Kurt the moment he stepped out of his room and bullied him into letting her have breakfast with Finn alone. Kurt agreed with the stipulation that they’d be done in an hour. Rachel had agreed far too quickly which made Kurt feel like he had been gypped.
Now he was sitting across from Lord Anderson and both were sharing a pot of West Indie tea. It was quietly domestic and Kurt reveled in the feeling. Lord Anderson was reading over a letter, so Kurt watched out the window as people walked by. It hadn’t taken him long to figure out that while people from London dressed better, they certainly didn’t act better than anyone from Lima. In fact, most people reminded him strongly of people he knew. He saw four carbon copies of Rachel walk by at one point.
“What should we do today?”
Kurt snapped his head to Lord Anderson, shocked out of his thoughts, “Pardon?”
“What shall we do today?”
Kurt thought. His legs were tired from walking all day yesterday and Lord Anderson had mentioned a library in the house. He hadn’t had time to read for fun lately. “I’d like to spend the day in the library if you don’t mind.”
Lord Anderson smiled broadly and stood up. “Of course not. Please follow me. I wish I could join you, but it seems my business in town is much more pressing than I thought. I shall join you after lunch if you do not mind.”
Kurt shook his head as he followed Blaine to the library. “I would be quite happy if you were to join me, Lord Anderson.”
Lord Anderson gave Kurt a soft smile. “Perfect.”

………………..

The library was small, but well stocked. Kurt found an old romance novel he had seen his mother read once. He had curled up and read. Then Finn came in, so Kurt closed his book. That had been nice while it lasted.
“Hello Finn, how can I help you?”
Finn was wringing his hands and pacing back and forth. If Kurt hadn’t known better, he’d have thought he was about to get proposed to. “Hi, Kurt, I just need to ask you something. If you’ll give me a second to think about what I need say…”
Kurt frowned. “Finn, you do know that I can’t give you my blessing to marry Rachel. You need it from our father.”
Finn’s face fell. “What? Blaine told me that I just need yours.”
Kurt’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Well, he was mistaken. You need it from our father, but I do not think you should worry too much. My father is quite fond of you.”
Finn beamed. “Really?”
Kurt nodded. Burt did like Finn. He thought Finn’s kindness was a result of being ignorant, but he liked him. More importantly, Burt was happy it was a good match. He wouldn’t withhold his blessing.
“Well, it would make me feel better if I had your blessing as well.”
“You have my blessing. You’ve always had it. I told Rachel that whoever she chose, I’d give my blessing.”
Finn’s smile got impossible wider. “She wants to be with me?”
Kurt held the book over his mouth as he looked incredulously at Finn. “Finn Hudson, have you come to ask permission to marry Rachel without ascertaining whether or not she likes you?”
Finn cringed, “Was I suppose to ask?”
Kurt threw his book at Finn. It hit his upper arm. “You should always ask, you imbecile! Rachel is not a fucking piece of property. You need her permission first. If you were to only ask one person for permission, it is Rachel every time. My father’s approval nor mine matters if you don’t have Rachel’s. Asshole!”
Kurt’s cheeks were red with fury by the end of his rant. Finn was thoroughly cowed and Lord Anderson, who had come in towards the end, looked slightly fearful. Fury clouding his vision, Kurt spat, “Men!” and left.

He locked the door.

…………….

Their third day in London was the day of the concert. Rachel and Kurt were in Quinn’s room making the final adjustments to their outfits. Kurt had found a busted seam on his waistcoat and rather than ask one of Lord Anderson’s servants to fix it, he borrowed some thread and a needle. He had forgotten how relaxing it was to actually mend his own clothing. Quinn was smiling as she tied back Rachel’s hair with a red ribbon; trying to make it reminiscent of the first night Rachel met Finn. Rachel was fretting as only Rachel could do.
“What if he doesn’t like what I look like?”
Kurt sighed. “Rachel, he was enchanted with you when Quinn and I had to redo your hair in five minutes. He’ll love you.”
“What if I trip in front of him?”
Quinn wrapped a strand of hair around her finger and pulled. “He’ll have probably tripped at least five times before that. You don’t see Kurt freaking out about Lord Anderson liking him.”
Kurt glared at Quinn. Quinn hmmphed lightly and went back to fixing Rachel’s hair. Kurt looked back to Rachel. “If it makes you feel better, Mr. Hudson came to me yesterday because he wanted my blessing to ask you to marry him.”
Rachel gasped loudly and covered her mouth with her hands, tears in her eyes. “Really and truly? She whirled around to Quinn and grasped her hands to do a little happy dance.
“Really and truly. I told him to ask you first, so expect that coming probably tomorrow. Knowing him, he’ll blurt it out. Try to act surprised.” Kurt wasn’t feeling very generous towards Finn right now.
Rachel nodded vigorously, “Of course. I should practice. Now which surprise face should I use. Should I use this one?” Rachel opened her mouth in a perfect o. “Or is that too much? Should I be so shocked that I don’t react at all?” Rachel let her face fall.
Quinn shot Kurt a look that clearly said ‘look what you started’. Kurt grimaced in apology.

………………….

It took Quinn and Kurt another twenty minutes to get Rachel out of the door and downstairs to meet the men. Finn’s jaw actually dropped when he saw Rachel. Kurt shot Quinn, who had to cough to cover her laughter, an amused glance.
“You all look splendid. I have never seen finer looking siblings.” Finn was finally able to get out. Lord Anderson said nothing, but his eyes were darker. Kurt shivered from the intensity of his gaze.
Rachel blushed prettily and went to take Finn’s elbow. Quinn winked quickly and strolled forward to grab Finn’s other elbow. Rachel look put out, but Finn looked extremely pleased to have two beautiful girls on his arm. Trying to contain his laughter, Kurt followed behind the trio. Lord Anderson fell into step beside him. They had decided to walk to the concert hall since it was such a fine night.
Out on the street, Finn and his sisters got farther ahead of them, but Kurt kept his rambling pace. It was a warm, dry night. Kurt could almost imagine that it was summer in Lima and he was walking the forest path behind his house.
Lord Anderson bumped his shoulder. “What are you thinking, Kurt?”
Kurt hummed and nudged Lord Anderson back, “It seems almost like a summer night tonight. It’s my favorite time to go out walking.”
“Really? What’s your favorite thing about summertime walks?”
Kurt smiled softly. “The fireflies. When we were little we used to go out and catch fireflies. Every time I see one now, I think of that.”
Lord Anderson nodded, but didn’t say anything. They walked in silence, but it didn’t seem comfortable to Kurt. He struggled to find something to say, but Lord Anderson beat him to it. “You were angry yesterday.”
Kurt snorted. “I am glad that you can recognize human emotion. It gives me hope for you. But yes, Finn made similar comments to ones you made in the past. I know it’s the societal expectation, but my sisters are more than someone’s wife. It just makes me angry for people to be treated as property.”
“Yes, you are certainly more than piece of property.”
Kurt looked over at Lord Anderson to see a soft, adoring gaze reserved solely for him. It was too much. Kurt couldn’t handle this right now.
“You look very nice tonight, Lord Anderson.” Kurt cringed inwardly. That was the best he could come up with?
Lord Anderson chuckled, understanding that the subject was dropped. “Thank you. Finn complimented you earlier, but I don’t think he was doing you justice. You look ravishing.” Lord Anderson breathed hotly into Kurt’s ear.
Determined to not be affected, Kurt laughed and nudged Lord Anderson. “That must have been the worst delivery of a line that I have ever heard, Lord Anderson, and I am friends with Noah.”
At least, Lord Anderson had the decency to blush. “I meant it.”
Kurt nodded, thinking quickly, “You might have, but I’ve seen the way you watch Quinn fearfully. If I just remember that Quinn scares you, everything becomes laughable.”
Lord Anderson put his hand to his chest. “I am hurt that you would treat me as such. Have you met your sister, Kurt? I have met some of the most powerful men in the country and your sister still scares me more.”
Kurt had to stop; he was laughing so hard. “I am well aware of my sister’s powers, Lord Anderson. You are right to be worried.”
“What do you mean?” Lord Anderson asked, suddenly nervous. He knew that there was something about Miss Hummel that scared him, but Kurt seemed like he knew exactly what to be afraid of.
Kurt grinned wildly and practically skipped ahead. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Lord Anderson?”
Lord Anderson followed after him, hand outstretched. “Kurt!”

……………….

The concert was fantastic. Kurt had never heard a better soloist. Rachel had argued with him during the intermission that she could do better. It was with whisper shouting that Kurt had managed to convince Rachel that this wasn’t the type of conversation to have at the concert.
Back in his room, Kurt was dancing around his room replaying the music in his head. He had collapsed on his bed, giggling. Tonight had been so much fun! He rolled around on bed. It was such a plush, huge bed. He giggled again. He felt so light.
There was a quiet knock on his door. Kurt rolled off the bed and opened the door. He grinned at Lord Anderson.
“Good Evening, Lord Anderson.”
Lord Anderson returned his goofy grin, “Good Evening, Kurt. How are you?”
“Very well, My Lord, thank you for asking. And yourself?” Kurt wanted to giggle again, but he stifled it with an even wider smile.
“I am doing very well myself. I just wanted to say good night.”
Kurt bowed deeply and said in mock seriousness, “Good Night, Lord Anderson.”
Lord Anderson returned his deep bow. “Good Night, Kurt.”
Kurt laughed and said much more light-heartedly, “I hope you sleep well, My Lord.”
Lord Anderson reached for Kurt’s hand and raised it to his lips. “And yourself, Kurt.”
Kurt blushed and watched as Lord Anderson returned to his bed.

He didn’t lock the door.