It Starts Just Where The Light Exists, 21
Title:It Starts Just Where The Light Exists
Author: heartsdesire456
Rating:NC-17
POV: 3rd
Pairing: Bill/Georg (maybe some Gustav/Tom later)
Summary:When Georg Listing's father dies, he and his mother discover that he had squandered away most of their wealth in his last years of life. His mother finds a solution to their problems and within weeks, Georg finds himself marrying a young man he has never even seen before. Georg's only hope is that his marriage isn't that huge of a mistake.
Disclaimer: ...i'm almost certain men couldn't marry back then...
Author's Note: Here you go, how do you feel about it now?
All of the trails had been ridden and searched, but there was no sign of Tom. Bill ordered hunting dogs be brought to them, but Georg reminded him that they had none. Fredrick, who was stalling his horse after the trail riding proved unsuccessful, interrupted them. “Begging your pardon, but Toby, down at the Schafer Estate, keeps a bunch of hunting dogs for Mrs. Marx and her husband,” he said. “It’s only a few miles from here, so the dogs could be here fairly fast,” he explained. “It would take but an hour or so for Toby to get them and his horse ready and run them here. And Mr. Listing, if I could borrow your horse, I can be there in half that to rouse him,” he said.
Bill blinked. “I wonder if Gustav would know where Tom was last seen?” he thought aloud, catching Georg’s attention.
“Thank you Fredrick, but I’ll ride there myself,” he said, then looked at Bill. “Gustav has to be the last one to have seen him,” he said. “I’ll be back with Franzsiska’s hunting dogs within two hours, most likely,” he said.
Bill nodded. “Thank you, Georg,” he said.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but has everyone forgotten it is nearly midnight and we’ve been searching for a horse handler?” one of the grounds men asked. “I understand he’s Master Listing’s brother, but for whatever reason he’s a servant and we’re searching for the boy like he’s a prince! Who’s to say he hasn’t just ran off with a girl?” he asked honestly.
Bill shook his head. “Tom wouldn’t run off without letting me know. He knows I would worry if he disappeared. And he would tell me if he were running away because he knows I’d never try and stop him,” he said, then looked at Georg. “Something is wrong, I can feel it. He’s lost somewhere, I’m positive.”
Georg nodded. “I trust you, my dear,” he said, then nodded at Fredrick. “Get something of Tom’s for the dogs and rest the horses for when I return. We’ll all be riding out after them,” he said, and then looked at Bill. “Go get better dressed, love. You’re wearing a coat but you’ve got on short breeches and nice shoes still. Get some riding clothes,” he directed.
Bill nodded. “Be fast, Georg,” he said, and Georg nodded before riding off into the night.
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Gustav was up reading late into the night, poring over tomes, when he heard a loud banging that sounded like the giant door knockers. He put down his book and headed away from the fire to the door of the library. Just as he got there, he saw a servant rushing to answer the door. He stood in the doorway watching, only to frown and walk forward when he saw none other than Georg at the door. “Georg? What on earth?” he called, only to look curiously as the servant scurried off up the stairs. “What’s going on?” he asked.
Georg walked into the entry hall. “I’m here to borrow your sister’s hunting dogs,” he said.
Gustav’s eyebrows went up. “My sister doesn’t exactly advertise that she partakes in a man’s sport, how did you know she had them?” he asked.
“Fredrick, the young stable boy, was telling me that someone named Toby could have your sister’s dogs to my estate within an hour or so,” he said.
“Yes, they’re quite fast and Toby is a good dog runner,” he said, but frowned. “What on earth would you need hunting dogs for in the middle of the night?” he asked.
Georg sighed. “Bill’s brother is missing,” he said, and Gustav’s eyes widened. “He has been all afternoon actually, but it was already dark fall before anybody came to ask if we’d seen him. We’ve been in an uproar searching the trails for him but there’s been no sign. Bill thinks he’s lost in the forest, so he ordered a team of dogs. I reminded him we have none, and that’s how I ended up here,” he said. Georg looked up. “You saw him last, where was he?” he asked.
Gustav was pale as he looked away then back. “He is lost, I’d wager,” he said, then groaned, putting his face in his hands. “We- had a bit of a-“ he sighed. “A conflict of sorts, and he ran off into the forest,” he said, and Georg gasped. “I figured he was just running to hide out until I left. I wondered vaguely if he knew the way back, but automatically figured he knew the way before running off into the woods,” he said. “God, he’s been lost in the forest over an argument we had,” he said, looking upset.
“Georg?!” They both looked up to see Franzsiska coming down in a dressing gown. “What’s this about my dogs?” she asked.
Gustav looked up. “We need Toby and the dogs immediately,” he said, and Georg looked at him.
“We?” he asked curiously.
Gustav sighed. “I’m the reason for all this, I may as well help find him. And I know where he disappeared into the woods, so it’s easier for the dogs to start,” he said quickly. “Go ready the dogs while I change,” he said. “Franzsiska, come and I’ll explain as I change,” he said, grabbing her arm.
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Franzsiska stood, not caring that she was watching her baby brother change into riding clothes. “Gustav, what the hell is going on?” she asked seriously.
Gustav groaned. “I’ve really messed up, Franzsiska. I was spending the day with Tom-“
“The stable boy?” she asked.
Gustav nodded. “Yes, him. Anyways, there’s so much I haven’t told you, but I think I really upset him, and he ran away into the forest, so I left thinking he was hiding from me, but now he’s still missing,” he said, shuddering. “Franz, I-“ he blushed as he pulled on his boot. “I kissed him,” he said, and she gasped. “Again,” he added.
“Gustav!” she cried. “You- you’ve been out… doing God knows what with a stable boy?” she asked.
Gustav groaned. “No, that’s why he was upset. Both times I’ve found myself kissing him, I started it. He captivates me, sister. He drives me mad as well though. Both times I’ve come to my senses and had to explain why I cannot be that kind of person,” he said. “He’s Bill’s twin brother, and he was disowned or some such because he was caught in bed with the wife of one of his father’s business partners and the daughters of another!” he said, and his sister gaped. “I cannot- I won’t be another one of them! And I cannot be attracted to a disreputable servant!” he said defensively. “And now I’ve gone and upset him and he’s lost and God knows where he is,” he said in a rush as he finished with his jacket. “It’s cool for an august night, as well,” he said.
Franzsiska smiled sadly. “You say you cannot be attracted to him, but you’re doing a good impression of someone out of their mind with worry,” she said softly.
Gustav just blushed. “Well, it’s my fault if anything happens-“
“Gustav.” He looked up. “Go find him,” Franzsiska said, and Gustav nodded, kissing her cheek before rushing out to get his horse ready so he could help search.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill was sitting with Fredrick, who had brought him a blanket, as it was cool for an august night and he had been shaking, when he heard dogs baying. He stood and walked away from the fire where all the men were sitting to keep warm. He sighed in relief when he saw Georg and two other horses riding up with dogs running along with them.
Bill cried out as one of the dogs jumped on him, getting mud all over his legs. “Oi! Get down from there, you mutt!” A large man slid down from one of the horses. “Sorry about that,” he said, calling the dogs back into order.
Georg dismounted while Fredrick led the horses to get some water before they went off again. Bill was surprised to see Gustav as the third man. “Toby, this is my husband, Bill.” Bill shook the man’s hand. “This is Toby, he’s the Schafer’s master of the hounds,” he said, sliding his hand to Bill’s back as he stood by him.
“Gustav, what are you doing here?” Bill asked and Gustav looked sheepish.
“Its possibly my fault Tom is missing. We had an argument and he ran off into the forest to get away from me. I didn’t think twice, I just left. I figured he was just hiding behind a tree until I was gone so he didn’t have to argue with me anymore,” he said, looking a bit upset. “I can at least show you where he ran off into the woods,” he said.
Bill just frowned, looking worried. “So he is lost,” he said, tugging absently at the braid he’d pulled his hair into to keep it out of his face.
Georg just rubbed his back soothingly. “Well, we have dogs now to scent him. I’ll find him,” he said, and Bill nodded, looking grateful for any encouraging sentiments. “Toby, we’re going to go soon. Gustav will lead us to where he last saw Tom,” he said.
Toby nodded. “Give me something with the boys scent on it and we’ll find him if he can be found,” he said, and Bill nodded, going off to get something of Tom’s.
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Georg was really worried about Bill. They had tracked Tom’s scent into the forest and had been following the trail for nearly an hour. The forest was beginning to be too thick for the horses and several of the men had been forced to stop and turn back with their horses since they were stumbling on the underbrush. Sebastian and Bearskin both seemed to be perfectly fine, even though they were larger horses, so Georg said nothing, but Gustav was already on foot. He’d given his horse to someone to take back to the stables and was walking along with Fredrick and Jost. Toby had slowed them down, since it was dark, and the dogs were all still trying to force them to move faster. The ground got steep and Bill was forced to stop.
“Georg, Sebastian could fall,” he said, and Georg nodded, stopping as the walkers followed on around them.
“I’m not risking Bearskin either,” he said, then dismounted. He walked over to Bill, catching him as he dismounted. “Boy!” he called, and one of the boys who worked in the kitchen came over. “Lead these horses back to the stable,” he said, and the boy nodded.
Bill held Georg’s hand as they caught up with the hunt on foot. Bill fell a few times, but Georg couldn’t even find time to laugh, since he was busy keeping his own footing. “I’m just too damn gangly,” Bill muttered, annoyed. “No balance at all, damn it,” he grumbled.
They navigated through a series of roots and brambles and up a hill that left Bill with a cut cheek and disheveled hair, only to hear the dogs suddenly get louder. “What is it?” Bill called, rushing to try and catch up.
He heard shouts then saw Toby wheel his horse around. “Mr. Listing, send someone back to have a doctor at the house immediately!” he called. “The boy’s here!” he called.
Bill broke into a flat out sprint as Georg yelled the orders back to someone. “TOM?!” he cried, rushing around a tree, only to stop. He could see Toby and two of their gardeners all huddled around something. “TOM!” he cried, rushing towards them. He broke through and gasped as he saw Tom lying on the ground, scratched, bruised, and unmoving.
Toby put a hand on his arm. “He’s alive, sir. He’s just unconscious and way too cold,” he said, and Bill immediately shucked his coat, draping it over his brother. He carefully lifted Tom and held him against his chest, trying to warm him even more.
“Oh, Tomi,” he whispered, stroking the side of his face. “Do you think it’s okay to move him?” he asked. Toby nodded.
Georg stepped up, with a concerned looking Gustav just beside him. “Toby, we’ll use your horse to get him back,” he said, and Toby nodded.
“I’ll get my dogs rounded up. Just leave my horse at the stables, sir,” he said, and Georg nodded.
“Help me, Gustav,” he said, and Gustav nodded. Together they all got Tom up onto Toby’s horse. Bill swung himself up onto the saddle behind Tom, wrapping his arms around Tom, who leaned back against his chest.
“Georg, I can’t negotiate the horse and holding him,” he said, wrapping his arms around Tom to keep him up.
Gustav took the reins. “I’ll lead you out,” he said, and Georg nodded in agreement.
“I’ll be just behind you the whole way, my dear,” Georg said, squeezing Bill’s knee as Gustav turned the horse around and started leading them all out.
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It was nearly dawn and the sky was gray by the time they got Tom out of the forest and back to the house. Bill and Georg lead the way into the house with Fredrick, Jost, and Gustav following with Tom being carried between them.
Mrs. Listing came down the stairs. “What is the meaning of this?” she asked, looking at them critically. Bill gestured for Gustav to lead them upstairs to his room to wait for the doctor. “Are they taking that servant upstairs?!” she cried. “Georg, this is most absurd-“
“My brother is hurt,” Bill said. “They’re taking him to my bed to wait for a doctor.
Mrs. Listing looked all out of sorts. “A HORSE KEEPER is going into your chambers?!” she cried. “This most irregular! Whoever heard of such a thing as calling doctors in the middle of the night to come see a stable boy in the bed of one of the MASTERS OF THE HOUSE!” she cried.
Georg cringed. “Mother, really-“
Bill turned on her, eyes livid. “I have put up with your trash for months now and I had let you force me to do some things and I’ve sat by when you convinced Georg to disagree with me, but I am taking my brother to my bedroom! He’s HURT!” he snapped. “And you can just piss off, you old hag!” he snarled, then turned and started upstairs.
Georg looked wide eyed at his husband’s outburst, but almost laughed at the look on his mother’s face. “Sorry mother, but he is his brother,” he said, then trotted off after them all.
When he got to Bill’s chambers, he saw Fredrick and Gustav standing while Bill sat on the bed next to Tom, already cleaning at the cuts on his face. Bill looked up with wide eyes. “He’s going to be the death of me,” he said, looking worried.
Georg sat beside him and took his hand, giving him an encouraging squeeze. “How is he?” he asked, and Bill sighed.
“He’s cold and shaking and unconscious,” he said, and Georg nodded, carefully pushing the stray hair that had fallen from Bill’s braid back so he could press a reassuring kiss to Bill’s temple.
“He’ll be fine, my love,” he said, and Bill nodded, sniffling as he leaned into Georg’s shoulder.
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The doctor finished looking Tom over and nodded. “He’ll be alright. He’s dehydrated and suffering exhaustion. Chances are he was lost and walked in circles,” he said, and Bill nodded. “ I understand he’s a servant, but if you’ll give him a little while to rest and recover, just a few days, he’ll be back to work in no time,” he said.
Bill sighed in relief. “Thank you, sir,” he said, standing to shake the doctor’s hand. “So should I just let him sleep and wake him later?” he asked.
The doctor nodded. “I’d let him sleep until around noon and then wake him to try and feed him,” he said. “I’d suggest just soup or broth today, and then once he’s able to eat and is well rested, he can go back to work,” he said. He stopped at the door. “He’s lucky his masters care for their servants, because he’d have probably died alone,” he said, and Bill shuddered at the thought.
Georg smiled. “We care a lot about our servants. Without them where would we be?” he asked, smiling at Bill, who nodded. “Let me lead you out, Doctor,” he said.
Author: heartsdesire456
Rating:NC-17
POV: 3rd
Pairing: Bill/Georg (maybe some Gustav/Tom later)
Summary:When Georg Listing's father dies, he and his mother discover that he had squandered away most of their wealth in his last years of life. His mother finds a solution to their problems and within weeks, Georg finds himself marrying a young man he has never even seen before. Georg's only hope is that his marriage isn't that huge of a mistake.
Disclaimer: ...i'm almost certain men couldn't marry back then...
Author's Note: Here you go, how do you feel about it now?
All of the trails had been ridden and searched, but there was no sign of Tom. Bill ordered hunting dogs be brought to them, but Georg reminded him that they had none. Fredrick, who was stalling his horse after the trail riding proved unsuccessful, interrupted them. “Begging your pardon, but Toby, down at the Schafer Estate, keeps a bunch of hunting dogs for Mrs. Marx and her husband,” he said. “It’s only a few miles from here, so the dogs could be here fairly fast,” he explained. “It would take but an hour or so for Toby to get them and his horse ready and run them here. And Mr. Listing, if I could borrow your horse, I can be there in half that to rouse him,” he said.
Bill blinked. “I wonder if Gustav would know where Tom was last seen?” he thought aloud, catching Georg’s attention.
“Thank you Fredrick, but I’ll ride there myself,” he said, then looked at Bill. “Gustav has to be the last one to have seen him,” he said. “I’ll be back with Franzsiska’s hunting dogs within two hours, most likely,” he said.
Bill nodded. “Thank you, Georg,” he said.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but has everyone forgotten it is nearly midnight and we’ve been searching for a horse handler?” one of the grounds men asked. “I understand he’s Master Listing’s brother, but for whatever reason he’s a servant and we’re searching for the boy like he’s a prince! Who’s to say he hasn’t just ran off with a girl?” he asked honestly.
Bill shook his head. “Tom wouldn’t run off without letting me know. He knows I would worry if he disappeared. And he would tell me if he were running away because he knows I’d never try and stop him,” he said, then looked at Georg. “Something is wrong, I can feel it. He’s lost somewhere, I’m positive.”
Georg nodded. “I trust you, my dear,” he said, then nodded at Fredrick. “Get something of Tom’s for the dogs and rest the horses for when I return. We’ll all be riding out after them,” he said, and then looked at Bill. “Go get better dressed, love. You’re wearing a coat but you’ve got on short breeches and nice shoes still. Get some riding clothes,” he directed.
Bill nodded. “Be fast, Georg,” he said, and Georg nodded before riding off into the night.
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Gustav was up reading late into the night, poring over tomes, when he heard a loud banging that sounded like the giant door knockers. He put down his book and headed away from the fire to the door of the library. Just as he got there, he saw a servant rushing to answer the door. He stood in the doorway watching, only to frown and walk forward when he saw none other than Georg at the door. “Georg? What on earth?” he called, only to look curiously as the servant scurried off up the stairs. “What’s going on?” he asked.
Georg walked into the entry hall. “I’m here to borrow your sister’s hunting dogs,” he said.
Gustav’s eyebrows went up. “My sister doesn’t exactly advertise that she partakes in a man’s sport, how did you know she had them?” he asked.
“Fredrick, the young stable boy, was telling me that someone named Toby could have your sister’s dogs to my estate within an hour or so,” he said.
“Yes, they’re quite fast and Toby is a good dog runner,” he said, but frowned. “What on earth would you need hunting dogs for in the middle of the night?” he asked.
Georg sighed. “Bill’s brother is missing,” he said, and Gustav’s eyes widened. “He has been all afternoon actually, but it was already dark fall before anybody came to ask if we’d seen him. We’ve been in an uproar searching the trails for him but there’s been no sign. Bill thinks he’s lost in the forest, so he ordered a team of dogs. I reminded him we have none, and that’s how I ended up here,” he said. Georg looked up. “You saw him last, where was he?” he asked.
Gustav was pale as he looked away then back. “He is lost, I’d wager,” he said, then groaned, putting his face in his hands. “We- had a bit of a-“ he sighed. “A conflict of sorts, and he ran off into the forest,” he said, and Georg gasped. “I figured he was just running to hide out until I left. I wondered vaguely if he knew the way back, but automatically figured he knew the way before running off into the woods,” he said. “God, he’s been lost in the forest over an argument we had,” he said, looking upset.
“Georg?!” They both looked up to see Franzsiska coming down in a dressing gown. “What’s this about my dogs?” she asked.
Gustav looked up. “We need Toby and the dogs immediately,” he said, and Georg looked at him.
“We?” he asked curiously.
Gustav sighed. “I’m the reason for all this, I may as well help find him. And I know where he disappeared into the woods, so it’s easier for the dogs to start,” he said quickly. “Go ready the dogs while I change,” he said. “Franzsiska, come and I’ll explain as I change,” he said, grabbing her arm.
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Franzsiska stood, not caring that she was watching her baby brother change into riding clothes. “Gustav, what the hell is going on?” she asked seriously.
Gustav groaned. “I’ve really messed up, Franzsiska. I was spending the day with Tom-“
“The stable boy?” she asked.
Gustav nodded. “Yes, him. Anyways, there’s so much I haven’t told you, but I think I really upset him, and he ran away into the forest, so I left thinking he was hiding from me, but now he’s still missing,” he said, shuddering. “Franz, I-“ he blushed as he pulled on his boot. “I kissed him,” he said, and she gasped. “Again,” he added.
“Gustav!” she cried. “You- you’ve been out… doing God knows what with a stable boy?” she asked.
Gustav groaned. “No, that’s why he was upset. Both times I’ve found myself kissing him, I started it. He captivates me, sister. He drives me mad as well though. Both times I’ve come to my senses and had to explain why I cannot be that kind of person,” he said. “He’s Bill’s twin brother, and he was disowned or some such because he was caught in bed with the wife of one of his father’s business partners and the daughters of another!” he said, and his sister gaped. “I cannot- I won’t be another one of them! And I cannot be attracted to a disreputable servant!” he said defensively. “And now I’ve gone and upset him and he’s lost and God knows where he is,” he said in a rush as he finished with his jacket. “It’s cool for an august night, as well,” he said.
Franzsiska smiled sadly. “You say you cannot be attracted to him, but you’re doing a good impression of someone out of their mind with worry,” she said softly.
Gustav just blushed. “Well, it’s my fault if anything happens-“
“Gustav.” He looked up. “Go find him,” Franzsiska said, and Gustav nodded, kissing her cheek before rushing out to get his horse ready so he could help search.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill was sitting with Fredrick, who had brought him a blanket, as it was cool for an august night and he had been shaking, when he heard dogs baying. He stood and walked away from the fire where all the men were sitting to keep warm. He sighed in relief when he saw Georg and two other horses riding up with dogs running along with them.
Bill cried out as one of the dogs jumped on him, getting mud all over his legs. “Oi! Get down from there, you mutt!” A large man slid down from one of the horses. “Sorry about that,” he said, calling the dogs back into order.
Georg dismounted while Fredrick led the horses to get some water before they went off again. Bill was surprised to see Gustav as the third man. “Toby, this is my husband, Bill.” Bill shook the man’s hand. “This is Toby, he’s the Schafer’s master of the hounds,” he said, sliding his hand to Bill’s back as he stood by him.
“Gustav, what are you doing here?” Bill asked and Gustav looked sheepish.
“Its possibly my fault Tom is missing. We had an argument and he ran off into the forest to get away from me. I didn’t think twice, I just left. I figured he was just hiding behind a tree until I was gone so he didn’t have to argue with me anymore,” he said, looking a bit upset. “I can at least show you where he ran off into the woods,” he said.
Bill just frowned, looking worried. “So he is lost,” he said, tugging absently at the braid he’d pulled his hair into to keep it out of his face.
Georg just rubbed his back soothingly. “Well, we have dogs now to scent him. I’ll find him,” he said, and Bill nodded, looking grateful for any encouraging sentiments. “Toby, we’re going to go soon. Gustav will lead us to where he last saw Tom,” he said.
Toby nodded. “Give me something with the boys scent on it and we’ll find him if he can be found,” he said, and Bill nodded, going off to get something of Tom’s.
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Georg was really worried about Bill. They had tracked Tom’s scent into the forest and had been following the trail for nearly an hour. The forest was beginning to be too thick for the horses and several of the men had been forced to stop and turn back with their horses since they were stumbling on the underbrush. Sebastian and Bearskin both seemed to be perfectly fine, even though they were larger horses, so Georg said nothing, but Gustav was already on foot. He’d given his horse to someone to take back to the stables and was walking along with Fredrick and Jost. Toby had slowed them down, since it was dark, and the dogs were all still trying to force them to move faster. The ground got steep and Bill was forced to stop.
“Georg, Sebastian could fall,” he said, and Georg nodded, stopping as the walkers followed on around them.
“I’m not risking Bearskin either,” he said, then dismounted. He walked over to Bill, catching him as he dismounted. “Boy!” he called, and one of the boys who worked in the kitchen came over. “Lead these horses back to the stable,” he said, and the boy nodded.
Bill held Georg’s hand as they caught up with the hunt on foot. Bill fell a few times, but Georg couldn’t even find time to laugh, since he was busy keeping his own footing. “I’m just too damn gangly,” Bill muttered, annoyed. “No balance at all, damn it,” he grumbled.
They navigated through a series of roots and brambles and up a hill that left Bill with a cut cheek and disheveled hair, only to hear the dogs suddenly get louder. “What is it?” Bill called, rushing to try and catch up.
He heard shouts then saw Toby wheel his horse around. “Mr. Listing, send someone back to have a doctor at the house immediately!” he called. “The boy’s here!” he called.
Bill broke into a flat out sprint as Georg yelled the orders back to someone. “TOM?!” he cried, rushing around a tree, only to stop. He could see Toby and two of their gardeners all huddled around something. “TOM!” he cried, rushing towards them. He broke through and gasped as he saw Tom lying on the ground, scratched, bruised, and unmoving.
Toby put a hand on his arm. “He’s alive, sir. He’s just unconscious and way too cold,” he said, and Bill immediately shucked his coat, draping it over his brother. He carefully lifted Tom and held him against his chest, trying to warm him even more.
“Oh, Tomi,” he whispered, stroking the side of his face. “Do you think it’s okay to move him?” he asked. Toby nodded.
Georg stepped up, with a concerned looking Gustav just beside him. “Toby, we’ll use your horse to get him back,” he said, and Toby nodded.
“I’ll get my dogs rounded up. Just leave my horse at the stables, sir,” he said, and Georg nodded.
“Help me, Gustav,” he said, and Gustav nodded. Together they all got Tom up onto Toby’s horse. Bill swung himself up onto the saddle behind Tom, wrapping his arms around Tom, who leaned back against his chest.
“Georg, I can’t negotiate the horse and holding him,” he said, wrapping his arms around Tom to keep him up.
Gustav took the reins. “I’ll lead you out,” he said, and Georg nodded in agreement.
“I’ll be just behind you the whole way, my dear,” Georg said, squeezing Bill’s knee as Gustav turned the horse around and started leading them all out.
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It was nearly dawn and the sky was gray by the time they got Tom out of the forest and back to the house. Bill and Georg lead the way into the house with Fredrick, Jost, and Gustav following with Tom being carried between them.
Mrs. Listing came down the stairs. “What is the meaning of this?” she asked, looking at them critically. Bill gestured for Gustav to lead them upstairs to his room to wait for the doctor. “Are they taking that servant upstairs?!” she cried. “Georg, this is most absurd-“
“My brother is hurt,” Bill said. “They’re taking him to my bed to wait for a doctor.
Mrs. Listing looked all out of sorts. “A HORSE KEEPER is going into your chambers?!” she cried. “This most irregular! Whoever heard of such a thing as calling doctors in the middle of the night to come see a stable boy in the bed of one of the MASTERS OF THE HOUSE!” she cried.
Georg cringed. “Mother, really-“
Bill turned on her, eyes livid. “I have put up with your trash for months now and I had let you force me to do some things and I’ve sat by when you convinced Georg to disagree with me, but I am taking my brother to my bedroom! He’s HURT!” he snapped. “And you can just piss off, you old hag!” he snarled, then turned and started upstairs.
Georg looked wide eyed at his husband’s outburst, but almost laughed at the look on his mother’s face. “Sorry mother, but he is his brother,” he said, then trotted off after them all.
When he got to Bill’s chambers, he saw Fredrick and Gustav standing while Bill sat on the bed next to Tom, already cleaning at the cuts on his face. Bill looked up with wide eyes. “He’s going to be the death of me,” he said, looking worried.
Georg sat beside him and took his hand, giving him an encouraging squeeze. “How is he?” he asked, and Bill sighed.
“He’s cold and shaking and unconscious,” he said, and Georg nodded, carefully pushing the stray hair that had fallen from Bill’s braid back so he could press a reassuring kiss to Bill’s temple.
“He’ll be fine, my love,” he said, and Bill nodded, sniffling as he leaned into Georg’s shoulder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The doctor finished looking Tom over and nodded. “He’ll be alright. He’s dehydrated and suffering exhaustion. Chances are he was lost and walked in circles,” he said, and Bill nodded. “ I understand he’s a servant, but if you’ll give him a little while to rest and recover, just a few days, he’ll be back to work in no time,” he said.
Bill sighed in relief. “Thank you, sir,” he said, standing to shake the doctor’s hand. “So should I just let him sleep and wake him later?” he asked.
The doctor nodded. “I’d let him sleep until around noon and then wake him to try and feed him,” he said. “I’d suggest just soup or broth today, and then once he’s able to eat and is well rested, he can go back to work,” he said. He stopped at the door. “He’s lucky his masters care for their servants, because he’d have probably died alone,” he said, and Bill shuddered at the thought.
Georg smiled. “We care a lot about our servants. Without them where would we be?” he asked, smiling at Bill, who nodded. “Let me lead you out, Doctor,” he said.