Lord Monster - Part 2
Title: Lord Monster Part 2 (AO3)
Series: Star Trek AOS
Author:neko-fish
Beta: siluria
Pairings: James/Leonard
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Regency!Mirror!Verse. Sent to London in his stepfather's stead, Lord James Kirk expected his trip to be dull and unexciting--that is, until he saw Leonard McCoy.
Back to Part 1
Leaning against the wall in the examining room, he decided that watching McCoy hack a man’s arm off was by far the best thing he had ever seen in London. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to thoroughly appreciate the performance with other thoughts preoccupying his mind. He wasn’t wrong when he suspected that issues would arise-he just never expected it to come from a duke.
When news of Duke Archer’s arrival reached his ears, James wished he had gone back to the family seating. But apparently Archer had met Pike at one point during the conflict that kept the marquis away from London in the first place, and he decided to continue their discussion with James instead and thus, sent him a calling card. With Archer being a personal favourite of the king after leading several successful campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars, the man was untouchable even among the most powerful of men. James could hardly decline an invitation from such a prominent figure.
“I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you in person, Lord James. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from your stepfather. I must say though, I didn’t expect you to be quite so young. That just adds to your reputation, I suppose. I predict that you’ll have a most promising future ahead of you.”
Ah, so Pike saw him as a threat and Archer’s mistress, Hoshi Sato, sent him to evaluate the situation for himself. It was no secret to anyone aside from the duke that the woman had him wrapped around her finger-the real puppet master behind the scene.
Guards up, he smiled. “You are too kind, Your Grace.”
A muffled scream from the patient snapped him out of his reverie for a moment. James glanced over at McCoy who had his sleeves rolled up and hands soaked in blood. Beautiful. He licked is lips, watching the limb go flaccid as the muscles and nerves were severed. McCoy never looked up from his work once, even when barking orders at the other men in the room.
The patient’s screaming eventually died off and James’ thoughts began wandering back to his morning call with Archer and his beloved pet beagle. The man was unnaturally attached to the little dog. Sure, the thing had its charms, but Archer treated it better than his own family. The beagle had a personal man-servant who carried it around and tended to all its needs, and it ate better than majority of the population in London. Surely, McCoy would roll his eyes at that if he knew-well, he would know soon enough.
He’d worked so hard to keep McCoy away from the attention of the vicious social circle of the upper class. But somehow, the duke had caught wind of James’ interest in the hospital and began inquiring about it. Then, amidst discussing human anatomy and physiology, Archer managed to extract McCoy’s name from him and pick it out from the other names he had listed off (whilst feeding his dog a pastry).
“McCoy? I assume that that’s the surgeon you’ve been doting on, is it not? His name sounds vaguely familiar-perhaps he served during the wars? I daresay, I’m quite curious about this young man now. With your reputed eye for talent, I have no doubt that he’ll be among the best. I’ll be holding a ball in two week’s time and you absolutely must bring him. Be expecting invitations.”
“That is most gracious of you, sir, however-”
With a victorious gleam in his eyes, Archer cut him off, “I insist, Lord James.”
Done in by his own phrase.
How humiliating.
As frustrating as it was, being bested by the man, James couldn’t help admitting that, for an older gentleman, Archer was sharp. The man clearly earned his fearsome reputation among the peerage-he was a true monster among monsters. It was just a shame that his life was bound to be cut short by his mistress, he thought.
Shifting his attention back to McCoy, he tried to think of the best way to break the news to him. With the patient unconscious and the limb amputated and dressed, McCoy straightened his back and let his blood-covered hands fall limply to his side. Breathing harder from the effort of sawing the limb off in as little time possible, McCoy turned and looked at him with those stunning hazel eyes, immediately distracting James from his thoughts.
An affectionate smile made its way to his lips as he took in the image before him.
“Excellent work as always, Mister McCoy,” he told the man with a purr of appreciation. “I never tire of watching you operate.”
The other men in the room stared at McCoy in awe for having just been complimented by such a prominent figure. But having grown adept at reading his expressions, McCoy furrowed his eyebrows and turned back around to wash his hands with the shake of his head. “Unbelievable.”
--
“You seem strangely subdued today,” McCoy muttered into his shoulder, half-asleep. It was as ‘affectionate’ as the man would ever get.
The two of them had created a comfortable routine for themselves over the course of their time together. General discussions and debates were done over dinner and private matters were spoken of only in bed, away from the prying ears of lower servants, not that they would get very far with gossip under Spock and Uhura’s reign.
James wrapped his arm around McCoy. “Is that right?”
“Yeah. Your silence is a nice change but an unsettling one at the same time. Does this have something to do with that call you made on the duke?”
“It does,” he admitted. “He’s holding a ball in two weeks. And you’ll be coming with me.” There was no point in trying to hide it now. There was also no point in pretending that either of them had a choice.
McCoy shifted so that he could look at him. “Why?”
“Because the duke personally requested it.”
“Again, why?”
Because they know I’m attached and want to see if they can exploit this weakness, James thought. “It was never my intention for this to happen. I suppose he was curious about why I’m spending so much time at the hospital.” Bringing one of McCoy’s hands up to his lips and kissing it, he smiled. “If he saw you operating, he’d know why.”
He could sense McCoy rolling his eyes. “Dammit, James, I don’t want to go to any ball or meet any duke or marquis or whatever. I’m not an idiot. I know how the upper classes work-the ruthless bastards. It’s either you use people or be used, and I have no intention of getting myself caught up in it. It’s bad enough I had to meet a monster like you. I just want to be left alone so I can carry out my work in peace.”
“I know. There isn’t very much either of us can do about it though,” he muttered, nibbling on the man’s neck.
“I can’t even dance,” McCoy complained.
James paused and blinked. “You can’t? No worries. Missus Uhura and I will teach you everything you’ll need to know. She’s an excellent dancer. And I’ll have Spock get you the appropriate attire and calling cards. Hopefully, it’ll only be that one night.”
Sighing, McCoy closed his eyes. “I wish I never met you.”
He smiled and bit down hard. “I know.”
That night, he wrapped a hand lightly around McCoy’s throat and wondered if he could actually bring himself to squeeze.
--
On the way to Archer’s estate, James frowned. “One more time. If anyone asks-”
McCoy rolled his eyes and sighed. They’d spent all two weeks familiarizing him with the countless rules for ‘proper dining etiquette’. “I’m to tell them that I’m your personal surgeon and I can’t do anything without your permission. We’ve gone over this at least a dozen times now, James. I don’t understand why anyone would even think about discussing medical practices with me let alone asking me to work for them when they probably have some of the best physicians in Europe tending to them.”
He shrugged. “Members of the peerage are strange like that.”
“Yourself included,” McCoy added with a scowl.
Laughing, he nodded. “Yes, myself included.”
As they pulled up to the duke’s manor, McCoy turned to him. “You’ll be doing all the talking, right? Surely, I won’t be expected to actually converse with anyone, right? How do you even address a duke? We never went over that.”
“As we went over, you won’t have to say anything unless you’ve been properly introduced and addressed directly-which, unfortunately for you, will probably happen,” James told him. “As for how you address people, for the duke, start with ‘Your Grace’. Then, if he requests otherwise, ‘sir’ will suffice. For everyone else, you can probably just call ‘My Lord’ like you’ve been doing, or just ‘sir’. Just stay near me and follow my lead.”
“Your Grace,” McCoy repeated with the same disdain he’d shown when James first met him.
James grinned in amusement. “Although he’ll probably be too busy tending to other guests to talk to us, try not to sound so sardonic if you actually end up talking to him. Showing emotions so blatantly is considered uncouth among the peerage. I doubt the duke will appreciate it as much as I do.”
“You might want to tell His Grace that I’m mute then. Just because I know what constitutes as ‘appropriate conversational topics’ and how to behave doesn’t mean I’m going to be able to hide my distaste,” McCoy muttered. “I can’t believe I have to wear breeches and stockings. I’m a surgeon, not a nobleman. I belong in a hospital, not at some fancy dinner party.”
“That reminds me. Seeing as we won’t be seated together at the table, I trust you know how to act?”
McCoy nodded with a sour look on his face. “Yeah, Mister Spock taught me all the tricks. I’ll just eat whatever’s in front of me and nod at people like a goddamn daft person.”
“Vulgarity won’t be tolerated, Mister McCoy,” he chided with a smirk. “You’ll make the ladies faint.” Then he perked up and added, “Speaking of ladies, if you meet a woman by the name of Hoshi Sato, it’s best that you play dumb and avoid her altogether. She’s the duke’s mistress and a very skilled temptress. To put it bluntly, just think of her as a siren-she’ll lead you to your death if you fall under her spell.”
“Great. The women are just as inhuman as the men,” McCoy muttered uneasily.
James arched a brow. “Were you expecting otherwise?”
“No, I suppose not. You were all bred to be monsters anyway.”
The way he said it sent shivers down James’ spine.
“Oh, and the duke has a dog. It’s more or less the love of his life. Don’t be rude to it or you’ll get us both executed-and I have no intention of becoming a cadaver for some student to cut open. Just treat it as if it was the duke’s child, alright?”
“I have to treat a dog like nobility too?” McCoy massaged his temples and groaned. “This night could not end soon enough.”
He couldn’t agree more.
--
The first half of the dance and dinner went smoothly enough. He kept one eye on McCoy throughout the entire meal while smiling and conversing with those next to him. To his credit, McCoy performed very well, trading in his usual scowl for a bored expression and his passionate arguments for idle chitchat. He looked absolutely miserable but behaved perfectly.
James smiled, thinking of ways to reward the man later.
After dinner, the two of them retired to the card room. “I hate this. When can we leave?” McCoy muttered to him as soon as they regrouped in the corner.
He smiled and looked around before discreetly whispering back, “We’ll leave before supper. It would appear that I underestimated you. You’re doing remarkably well despite your silence.”
“That’s because people here aren’t speaking English. They’re speaking some strange upper class language where every sentence is like a riddle. Everything they say has a double meaning or underlying implications. It makes my head spin just listening to them,” McCoy complained.
“Welcome to the upper crust. You’ll get used to it eventually. On the brighter note, many of the guests seem to have taken your silence to be astuteness. In fact, you seem to have smitten quite a number of ladies with your smoldering silence, Mister McCoy. I suspect you’ll be getting a number of calling cards in the near future.”
McCoy’s lips twitched. He gave a slight cough to hide his chuckle. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous, Lord James? You’re the one who had women practically throwing themselves at you. Besides, no one knows where I live whereas you have a town estate everyone knows of. Let’s see how many cards you get tomorrow.”
“Who’s the jealous one now?” he asked in a teasing manner. “Don’t worry. I won’t take too many calls.”
Barely suppressing a snort, McCoy replied, “Don’t be cheeky. I don’t care how many calls you take as long as we get to leave soon. Unlike you, I have work tomorrow.”
“Just bear with it for a little longer.” Then he looked up when the door to the card room opened. “Careful, the duke’s coming this way. Be good.”
“Ah, Lord James, there you are! I was afraid I’d missed you! It’s good to see you again. I hope you are well,” Archer greeted him a welcoming smile on his face.
“Your Grace,” James replied with practiced ease. “I’m very well, thank you. And thank you for your gracious invitation.” Then he turned to McCoy and said, “Mister McCoy, I don’t believe I’ve introduced you to His Grace, Duke Archer.”
Hesitantly, McCoy dipped his head and replied, keeping his voice carefully neutral, “Your Grace.”
“Your Grace, this is Mister McCoy, the infamous surgeon I mentioned.”
Archer chuckled and shook his head. “Oh, come now, there’s no need to be so formal. You’re here to enjoy yourselves. Do be honest, have you found everything to your liking?”
“Everything’s been most enjoyable, sir,” James answered for the both of them with a diplomatic smile.
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” Turning to McCoy, Archer spoke up again, “Mister McCoy, I’m so pleased to finally make your acquaintance. You must be quite a distinguished surgeon for Lord James to take interest in your work.”
“Hardly,” McCoy glanced over at James and quickly added, “sir. It was quite by chance that Lord James walked in while I was working. I must confess that I haven’t done anything to be credited with so much recognition.”
James had to admit that he was impressed by the eloquence of McCoy’s words.
“I find that hard to believe, Mister McCoy. Surely, you’re just being modest! Isn’t that right, Lord James?” Archer asked him with a questioning look.
He took a moment to consider the pros and cons of passing McCoy off as a regular if not below average surgeon. It would take some convincing on his part, but it was doable. But in the end, he decided that that would do too much damage to his reputation, he nodded. “Please excuse him, sir. Mister McCoy’s a most modest man.”
McCoy shot him a questioning look. In response, he arched his eyebrows for a brief second and smiled, allowing Archer to take over the conversation once more. “You will have to forgive me, Mister McCoy, I’m afraid I’m not entirely familiar with a surgeon’s work outside the battlefield. Of course, I’ve had surgeons come in to practice bloodletting under the instructions of my physician, Doctor Phlox, but I haven’t had any occasion to see surgeons otherwise.”
Worrying the inside of his cheek, James managed to maintain the polite smile on his lips. He watched McCoy with interest, waiting to see what kind of reaction the man would have. Swallowing down whatever reflexive remark he had, McCoy gave a small nod. “It’s not a bad thing, not having any occasion to see a surgeon, sir. I don’t actually do bloodletting nor do I encourage its practice.”
Archer arched a brow. “Oh? That’s most curious. Why not?”
After a few minutes, assured that the conversation was proceeding smoothly with McCoy constantly checking his speech and showing excellent self-control, James allowed himself a moment to look around. Archer wouldn’t spend too much time with them. As the host, he couldn’t afford to look biased.
Just then, the door burst open and a man entered with a pistol in his hand.
A shot rang out.
The next thing he knew, he was on the ground and the ceiling was spinning.
“James!” A moment later, McCoy was in his line of sight, ripping open his coat and waistcoat. He looked up at someone and barked out, “Go fetch me my kit from the carriage! I’m going to need hot water and cloth-good god, man, don’t just stand there!”
Then Archer came into view, pale and eyes widened with surprise. His voice was composed, but James could see that he’d been rattled by whatever happened. “Doctor Phlox will be here in a moment, Lord James.”
James groaned and shook his head weakly. “No doctors…just McCoy.”
With his vision blurring, he closed his eyes to keep the dizziness at bay. He vaguely noted how large and steady McCoy’s hands were, pleased at the thought of them being soaked in his blood. “Dammit, James, why’d you go and do something so reckless?”
How unfair, he thought. He didn’t even know what he did.
“Your Grace?” a new voice asked.
McCoy looked up and scowled, presumably, at the duke’s personal physician. All the restraint he’d shown earlier was gone. “Oh, hell no, don’t you dare come near him. If you so much as think about suggesting bloodletting, so help me god, I will personally bleed you out. As his personal surgeon, I’ll take full responsibility for keeping him alive!-where the hell is my goddamn kit!?”
What a shame. They were doing so well too, James thought just as everything went black.
--
When he came to, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. Turning his head to the side, he found McCoy asleep in an uncomfortable looking chair next to his bed. So he was still alive. A sharp pain shot up his torso when he tried to move causing him to let out a hiss.
Awoken by the noise, McCoy’s eyes fluttered opened. Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, he sat up with a start. “James, you’re awake! How are you feeling?”
The man looked like he hadn’t slept in days.
“I feel like I just got trampled by a horse,” he rasped. “Where are we?”
Helping him sit up, McCoy handed him a cup of hot water. “We’re still at the duke’s.”
His eyes widened in alarm. “The duke’s?”
McCoy nodded and reassured him, “Yeah, don’t worry though. No one’s been allowed in here except me. You’ve been out for two days now. After that idiotic stunt you pulled, you’re lucky to be alive.”
Throat rehydrated and feeling more alert, he glanced over. “You saved me. I owe you my life.”
“Yeah, well, that was after you saved me. So I guess that makes us even,” McCoy replied.
Arching a brow, James asked, “What’d I do?”
“You don’t remember? After that madman stormed into the room with his pistol, you shoved me and the duke out of the way. Mister Sulu and Mister Chekov apprehended the man-they’re standing guard outside the door now. The attacker was sent to kill the duke, apparently. But you got in the way and saved his life. Mister Spock is currently dealing with all the publicity you’ve gained from this incident-dammit, James, you could’ve died!”
Then the memories returned. When he saw the man enter the room, his immediate thought was to get McCoy to safety. Despite his best attempts, he turned out to be just like his father after all. The realization hit him hard. “You.”
McCoy blinked, still breathing heavily. “What?”
“I pushed you out of the way,” he muttered, barely audible, “the duke just happened to be in the way. I don’t know why I did it.”
Hazel eyes widened. “James….”
“You’re going to cost me my empire someday, McCoy,” he muttered with a thin, wry smile.
“You goddamn reckless idiot,” McCoy said with a quiver in his voice. “I didn’t even want any part of this. Goddamn it. Why’d I have to meet you?”
James smiled at all the emotions in McCoy’s voice and chided him, “What did we spend two weeks teaching you? Such a blatant display of emotions is unbecoming, Mister McCoy.”
Eyebrow twitching, McCoy let out an amused scoff despite himself. “It’s a little too late for that, I’m afraid. I didn’t think you were serious about people fainting at a little foul language.”
He recalled McCoy’s last words before his passed out and let out a breathless laugh. “That’s right, you cussed out the duke’s personal physician, didn’t you?”
“Not just his personal physician,” McCoy admitted. “And I may have blasphemed as well.”
“I’m surprised you’re still allowed on the premises.”
“Privilege of being your personal surgeon, I suppose.”
Not hearing the usual bite in McCoy’s voice, James reached over and brushed a limp strand of hair out of his face. “Say that again.”
McCoy arched a brow. “What? Privilege of being your personal surgeon?”
He repeated the words with a possessive smile, “My personal surgeon….”
There was a knock on the door and Sulu stepped in. “It’s good to see you awake, My Lord. The duke is requesting an audience. Are you feeling well enough to see him?”
James arched a brow. A duke seeking permission to enter a room in his own estate, how interesting, he thought. Letting his hand fall back into his lap, he nodded. “Yes. Send him in.”
A moment later, Archer stepped through the doors, an unreadable expression on his face. “Lord James, Mister McCoy. I’m most pleased to see you awake and well.”
He dipped his head in greeting. “Your Grace.” McCoy followed suit.
“Might I have a moment of your time, Lord James?” Archer asked.
“Of course.” He turned to McCoy. “Would you be so kind as to give me and His Grace a minute alone, Mister McCoy? I think a short walk and a little fresh air would do you some good.”
Standing himself up with stiff movements from having slept in such an uncomfortable position, McCoy nodded and made his way to the door. “I’ll be back in a little while,” then he caught himself and added a gruff “My Lord.”
Once they were left alone, Archer walked over to the side of his bed and looked down at him, his voice cold. “It would appear that your reputation was well earned, young Kirk. You have an excellent eye for talent indeed.”
“Are you referring to my guards outside my door for apprehending the assailant, or are you referring to my surgeon for keeping me alive, sir?” he asked with feigned politeness.
“All your servants performed brilliantly that night. And I understand that your butler is handling your public matters most superbly as well. Where do you find such exceptional servants, Kirk?”
James smiled and answered vaguely, “Just here and there.”
“Just here and there, indeed,” Archer repeated. “I was especially impressed by your surgeon. He gave no thought to his surroundings and began dressing your wound on the spot-even though his language was less than civil.”
“It’s part of his charm.” Then, knowing that the man shared his bloodlust, he asked, “It was a beautiful sight, wasn’t it? Seeing his hands coated in blood. And that intensity he has when he’s operating-I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
He could see Archer shudder at the memory. “Indeed. I can see why you picked him over a physician. I must commend you for finding such a gem. Talented and loyal, I’m most envious.”
James arched an eyebrow, wondering what the man did to test McCoy’s loyalty. “You don’t say?”
“While you were unconscious, he refused to leave your side. Did he tell you that I offered him a position with my household? I offered him so many things and he turned it all down on the basis that he was your personal surgeon.”
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he muttered, “Did he now? No, he didn’t tell me any of this.”
“I suppose his main concern was your wellbeing.” Archer chuckled. “He chewed out my steward when I had him propose the idea. A surgeon of that calibre outright turning down a position of power because of his morals, he’s a most curious man. What do you want for him?”
He paused for a moment, not having expected the man to suddenly drop all formalities. “Nothing,” he replied. “I plan on keeping him.”
“Really? There’s nothing I could offer that would make you change your mind?”
“Nothing that comes to mind, I’m afraid.”
“Not even Pike?”
His lips curled into an amused smile. “And let you have all the fun? I couldn’t possibly. When the time comes, I’ll deal with him on my own accord. And sir, might I add that this topic of conversation is hardly appropriate given our…current circumstances? You’re hardly in a position to be vying for any of my servants.”
Archer regarded him for a moment with a cold frown. “I could just have you killed and take all of them from you, but that would go against a gentleman’s code of conduct, wouldn’t it?”
“I suspect it would,” was his breezy reply, not bothering to make a threat of his own.
“You take more after your mother than I gave you credit for. But fair enough,” Archer conceded. “You did save my life that night, Kirk. And for that, I am forever in your debt.”
Predacious blue eyes flashed with glee at how well everything turned out. James shook his head and said, “Please, think nothing of it. It was my honour, sir.”
It was nothing more than an insincere formality. James would use their new chance alliance to his full advantage and they both knew it. Under Archer’s indirect protection, he would thrive and flourish.
With a stiff nod, Archer took a step back. “Yes, well, I should probably leave you to rest.”
James sat up a little straighter. “Actually, would you be so kind as to tell Sulu to get the carriage ready? I believe I’ve overstayed my welcome by a number of days.”
Archer glanced back at him on his way out the door. “You’re more than welcome to recover here-but as you wish. I do hope you have a quick recovery, Lord James.”
“Thank you, sir.”
As the duke left, he caught sight of a beautiful woman standing on the other side, watching him with an alluring smile and cold, calculating eyes. Hoshi Sato, he thought, what a terrifying woman. Archer wouldn’t stand a chance against her-never did.
He would just have to make good use of Archer before he met his end.
--
After winning the argument against McCoy over whether or not he was well enough to travel by carriage, they left Archer’s manor. With James leaning against him and clutching his wound, McCoy frowned. “You’re an idiot.”
“Yes, you’ve said that a number of times now, McCoy,” he replied.
“You were shot only two days ago. You should be resting in a bed instead of sitting in a carriage,” McCoy complained.
James shrugged. “I prefer resting in my own bed and being tended to by my own servants.”
There was a pause, and then McCoy asked, “I assume everything went well with the duke?”
He nodded with a smug grin on his lips. “It went better than I could’ve ever hoped. I got out of this alive and intact and now the duke owes me a rather large favour.”
McCoy rolled his eyes and muttered, “You damn nobles and your bloodthirsty ambitions-nothing but monsters, the lot of you.”
James gave a dark chuckle. “You say it like it’s a bad thing, McCoy. The duke will keep us both safe for the remainder of his short life. And by the time his mistress disposes of him, I’ll be untouchable.” Then he looked over at the man. “You do realize that you just lost your last chance to rid yourself of me. Nothing kills a man faster than an untreated wound, right? You could’ve been the personal surgeon of a duke and his lovely mistress.”
With an affronted look on his face, McCoy scowled. “I wouldn’t let you die just to get you to leave me alone or to earn a little more money. Trading in my life’s work to lick some she-devil’s feet, just who do you think I am?”
He smiled and closed his eyes. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”
Once they were back at the estate, with the help of Spock, they managed to get James back into his bed with relative ease. He smiled as Uhura rolled her eyes and helped McCoy redress his bandages, the two of them quietly discussing his idiocy among themselves. Scotty personally delivered the two bowls of freshly made soup to his chambers and gave him a pat on the back for a job well done.
“The Lord Mayor of London sent his regards and hopes you’re well,” Spock informed him once he was settled in bed and wolfing down his soup.
He glanced up. “Ah, he heard about my heroic feat, did he?” Both Uhura and McCoy gave simultaneous snorts at that, causing him to chuckle. “Oh, and do remind me to write my mother and stepfather a thank you card for sending me to London and that I’ll be extending my trip indefinitely.”
Spock nodded. “Very good. Will that be all for now, My Lord?”
Finishing the last bite of his soup, he added, “Sulu and Chekov will need to be rewarded for their valiant behaviour and for showing up the duke’s personal guards.”
“Consider it done.”
“Reward yourself, Missus Uhura and Scotty as well for taking such excellent care of the household in my absence. Wonderfully done as always.” Placing the bowl back onto the tray and watching McCoy do the same, he gestured for it to be taken away. “That’ll be all for now, Spock, Missus Uhura. Thank you.”
The pair nodded. “We’ll leave you to your rest then, My Lord.”
“I’ll have to think of a reward for you as well,” he told McCoy after they were left alone, “my personal surgeon.”
He couldn’t get over how right it sounded.
McCoy rolled his eyes. “You can think about it after you’ve recovered, you infant.”
As the man made the move to get up, he held him back by the sleeve. “Stay.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, James. You need your rest,” McCoy protested.
“So do you,” he retorted with earnest eyes. “We don’t have chambers set up for you yet.”
“Then I’ll just go back to my-”
He furrowed his brow. “No. Just…stay here with me.”
Hazel eyes regarded him for a moment before sighing in defeat. “You’re impossible.” He proceeded to kick his shoes off and crawled under the covers.
James grinned and wrapped an arm around the man in triumph. “Welcome to the Kirk household, Mister McCoy.”
“I hope you don’t expect me to start addressing you by ‘My Lord’ or anything,” McCoy muttered.
“Of course not. When we’re not in public, just continue to call me James, McCoy.” He leaned in and captured the man’s lips. “I insist.”
--
A/N: Lots of thanks to the lovely siluria for beta'ing! And just a couple notes of interest about the Regency Era:
-Physicians and surgeons were considered completely different jobs. One was a gentleman's job and required a degree while the other was considered physical labour (hacking away limbs and whatnot) and only required an apprenticeship and written exams. Physicians were addressed as "Doctor X" while surgeons were addressed as "Mister X". Chemist is just another word for apothecary. In terms of the social hierarchy, physicians were at the top, then surgeons, then chemists though many surgeons were also chemists.
-Bloodletting was the most widely practised treatment back then. Even though a few doctors in Europe had published papers disproving its effectiveness, the practice continued well into the late 19th century.
-Dinner and supper were also different things. Dinner was the evening meal while supper was more like a midnight snack.
-Baths were rarely taken daily and the portable tub had to be filled manually by servants.
-Prior to the Anatomy Act of 1832, body snatching ran rampant in the UK. Resurrectionists were often hired by medical professionals to dig up fresh bodies for academic and scientific purposes.
For Regency etiquette, just Google it because there were rules for everything.
Series: Star Trek AOS
Author:neko-fish
Beta: siluria
Pairings: James/Leonard
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Regency!Mirror!Verse. Sent to London in his stepfather's stead, Lord James Kirk expected his trip to be dull and unexciting--that is, until he saw Leonard McCoy.
Back to Part 1
Leaning against the wall in the examining room, he decided that watching McCoy hack a man’s arm off was by far the best thing he had ever seen in London. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to thoroughly appreciate the performance with other thoughts preoccupying his mind. He wasn’t wrong when he suspected that issues would arise-he just never expected it to come from a duke.
When news of Duke Archer’s arrival reached his ears, James wished he had gone back to the family seating. But apparently Archer had met Pike at one point during the conflict that kept the marquis away from London in the first place, and he decided to continue their discussion with James instead and thus, sent him a calling card. With Archer being a personal favourite of the king after leading several successful campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars, the man was untouchable even among the most powerful of men. James could hardly decline an invitation from such a prominent figure.
“I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you in person, Lord James. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from your stepfather. I must say though, I didn’t expect you to be quite so young. That just adds to your reputation, I suppose. I predict that you’ll have a most promising future ahead of you.”
Ah, so Pike saw him as a threat and Archer’s mistress, Hoshi Sato, sent him to evaluate the situation for himself. It was no secret to anyone aside from the duke that the woman had him wrapped around her finger-the real puppet master behind the scene.
Guards up, he smiled. “You are too kind, Your Grace.”
A muffled scream from the patient snapped him out of his reverie for a moment. James glanced over at McCoy who had his sleeves rolled up and hands soaked in blood. Beautiful. He licked is lips, watching the limb go flaccid as the muscles and nerves were severed. McCoy never looked up from his work once, even when barking orders at the other men in the room.
The patient’s screaming eventually died off and James’ thoughts began wandering back to his morning call with Archer and his beloved pet beagle. The man was unnaturally attached to the little dog. Sure, the thing had its charms, but Archer treated it better than his own family. The beagle had a personal man-servant who carried it around and tended to all its needs, and it ate better than majority of the population in London. Surely, McCoy would roll his eyes at that if he knew-well, he would know soon enough.
He’d worked so hard to keep McCoy away from the attention of the vicious social circle of the upper class. But somehow, the duke had caught wind of James’ interest in the hospital and began inquiring about it. Then, amidst discussing human anatomy and physiology, Archer managed to extract McCoy’s name from him and pick it out from the other names he had listed off (whilst feeding his dog a pastry).
“McCoy? I assume that that’s the surgeon you’ve been doting on, is it not? His name sounds vaguely familiar-perhaps he served during the wars? I daresay, I’m quite curious about this young man now. With your reputed eye for talent, I have no doubt that he’ll be among the best. I’ll be holding a ball in two week’s time and you absolutely must bring him. Be expecting invitations.”
“That is most gracious of you, sir, however-”
With a victorious gleam in his eyes, Archer cut him off, “I insist, Lord James.”
Done in by his own phrase.
How humiliating.
As frustrating as it was, being bested by the man, James couldn’t help admitting that, for an older gentleman, Archer was sharp. The man clearly earned his fearsome reputation among the peerage-he was a true monster among monsters. It was just a shame that his life was bound to be cut short by his mistress, he thought.
Shifting his attention back to McCoy, he tried to think of the best way to break the news to him. With the patient unconscious and the limb amputated and dressed, McCoy straightened his back and let his blood-covered hands fall limply to his side. Breathing harder from the effort of sawing the limb off in as little time possible, McCoy turned and looked at him with those stunning hazel eyes, immediately distracting James from his thoughts.
An affectionate smile made its way to his lips as he took in the image before him.
“Excellent work as always, Mister McCoy,” he told the man with a purr of appreciation. “I never tire of watching you operate.”
The other men in the room stared at McCoy in awe for having just been complimented by such a prominent figure. But having grown adept at reading his expressions, McCoy furrowed his eyebrows and turned back around to wash his hands with the shake of his head. “Unbelievable.”
--
“You seem strangely subdued today,” McCoy muttered into his shoulder, half-asleep. It was as ‘affectionate’ as the man would ever get.
The two of them had created a comfortable routine for themselves over the course of their time together. General discussions and debates were done over dinner and private matters were spoken of only in bed, away from the prying ears of lower servants, not that they would get very far with gossip under Spock and Uhura’s reign.
James wrapped his arm around McCoy. “Is that right?”
“Yeah. Your silence is a nice change but an unsettling one at the same time. Does this have something to do with that call you made on the duke?”
“It does,” he admitted. “He’s holding a ball in two weeks. And you’ll be coming with me.” There was no point in trying to hide it now. There was also no point in pretending that either of them had a choice.
McCoy shifted so that he could look at him. “Why?”
“Because the duke personally requested it.”
“Again, why?”
Because they know I’m attached and want to see if they can exploit this weakness, James thought. “It was never my intention for this to happen. I suppose he was curious about why I’m spending so much time at the hospital.” Bringing one of McCoy’s hands up to his lips and kissing it, he smiled. “If he saw you operating, he’d know why.”
He could sense McCoy rolling his eyes. “Dammit, James, I don’t want to go to any ball or meet any duke or marquis or whatever. I’m not an idiot. I know how the upper classes work-the ruthless bastards. It’s either you use people or be used, and I have no intention of getting myself caught up in it. It’s bad enough I had to meet a monster like you. I just want to be left alone so I can carry out my work in peace.”
“I know. There isn’t very much either of us can do about it though,” he muttered, nibbling on the man’s neck.
“I can’t even dance,” McCoy complained.
James paused and blinked. “You can’t? No worries. Missus Uhura and I will teach you everything you’ll need to know. She’s an excellent dancer. And I’ll have Spock get you the appropriate attire and calling cards. Hopefully, it’ll only be that one night.”
Sighing, McCoy closed his eyes. “I wish I never met you.”
He smiled and bit down hard. “I know.”
That night, he wrapped a hand lightly around McCoy’s throat and wondered if he could actually bring himself to squeeze.
--
On the way to Archer’s estate, James frowned. “One more time. If anyone asks-”
McCoy rolled his eyes and sighed. They’d spent all two weeks familiarizing him with the countless rules for ‘proper dining etiquette’. “I’m to tell them that I’m your personal surgeon and I can’t do anything without your permission. We’ve gone over this at least a dozen times now, James. I don’t understand why anyone would even think about discussing medical practices with me let alone asking me to work for them when they probably have some of the best physicians in Europe tending to them.”
He shrugged. “Members of the peerage are strange like that.”
“Yourself included,” McCoy added with a scowl.
Laughing, he nodded. “Yes, myself included.”
As they pulled up to the duke’s manor, McCoy turned to him. “You’ll be doing all the talking, right? Surely, I won’t be expected to actually converse with anyone, right? How do you even address a duke? We never went over that.”
“As we went over, you won’t have to say anything unless you’ve been properly introduced and addressed directly-which, unfortunately for you, will probably happen,” James told him. “As for how you address people, for the duke, start with ‘Your Grace’. Then, if he requests otherwise, ‘sir’ will suffice. For everyone else, you can probably just call ‘My Lord’ like you’ve been doing, or just ‘sir’. Just stay near me and follow my lead.”
“Your Grace,” McCoy repeated with the same disdain he’d shown when James first met him.
James grinned in amusement. “Although he’ll probably be too busy tending to other guests to talk to us, try not to sound so sardonic if you actually end up talking to him. Showing emotions so blatantly is considered uncouth among the peerage. I doubt the duke will appreciate it as much as I do.”
“You might want to tell His Grace that I’m mute then. Just because I know what constitutes as ‘appropriate conversational topics’ and how to behave doesn’t mean I’m going to be able to hide my distaste,” McCoy muttered. “I can’t believe I have to wear breeches and stockings. I’m a surgeon, not a nobleman. I belong in a hospital, not at some fancy dinner party.”
“That reminds me. Seeing as we won’t be seated together at the table, I trust you know how to act?”
McCoy nodded with a sour look on his face. “Yeah, Mister Spock taught me all the tricks. I’ll just eat whatever’s in front of me and nod at people like a goddamn daft person.”
“Vulgarity won’t be tolerated, Mister McCoy,” he chided with a smirk. “You’ll make the ladies faint.” Then he perked up and added, “Speaking of ladies, if you meet a woman by the name of Hoshi Sato, it’s best that you play dumb and avoid her altogether. She’s the duke’s mistress and a very skilled temptress. To put it bluntly, just think of her as a siren-she’ll lead you to your death if you fall under her spell.”
“Great. The women are just as inhuman as the men,” McCoy muttered uneasily.
James arched a brow. “Were you expecting otherwise?”
“No, I suppose not. You were all bred to be monsters anyway.”
The way he said it sent shivers down James’ spine.
“Oh, and the duke has a dog. It’s more or less the love of his life. Don’t be rude to it or you’ll get us both executed-and I have no intention of becoming a cadaver for some student to cut open. Just treat it as if it was the duke’s child, alright?”
“I have to treat a dog like nobility too?” McCoy massaged his temples and groaned. “This night could not end soon enough.”
He couldn’t agree more.
--
The first half of the dance and dinner went smoothly enough. He kept one eye on McCoy throughout the entire meal while smiling and conversing with those next to him. To his credit, McCoy performed very well, trading in his usual scowl for a bored expression and his passionate arguments for idle chitchat. He looked absolutely miserable but behaved perfectly.
James smiled, thinking of ways to reward the man later.
After dinner, the two of them retired to the card room. “I hate this. When can we leave?” McCoy muttered to him as soon as they regrouped in the corner.
He smiled and looked around before discreetly whispering back, “We’ll leave before supper. It would appear that I underestimated you. You’re doing remarkably well despite your silence.”
“That’s because people here aren’t speaking English. They’re speaking some strange upper class language where every sentence is like a riddle. Everything they say has a double meaning or underlying implications. It makes my head spin just listening to them,” McCoy complained.
“Welcome to the upper crust. You’ll get used to it eventually. On the brighter note, many of the guests seem to have taken your silence to be astuteness. In fact, you seem to have smitten quite a number of ladies with your smoldering silence, Mister McCoy. I suspect you’ll be getting a number of calling cards in the near future.”
McCoy’s lips twitched. He gave a slight cough to hide his chuckle. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous, Lord James? You’re the one who had women practically throwing themselves at you. Besides, no one knows where I live whereas you have a town estate everyone knows of. Let’s see how many cards you get tomorrow.”
“Who’s the jealous one now?” he asked in a teasing manner. “Don’t worry. I won’t take too many calls.”
Barely suppressing a snort, McCoy replied, “Don’t be cheeky. I don’t care how many calls you take as long as we get to leave soon. Unlike you, I have work tomorrow.”
“Just bear with it for a little longer.” Then he looked up when the door to the card room opened. “Careful, the duke’s coming this way. Be good.”
“Ah, Lord James, there you are! I was afraid I’d missed you! It’s good to see you again. I hope you are well,” Archer greeted him a welcoming smile on his face.
“Your Grace,” James replied with practiced ease. “I’m very well, thank you. And thank you for your gracious invitation.” Then he turned to McCoy and said, “Mister McCoy, I don’t believe I’ve introduced you to His Grace, Duke Archer.”
Hesitantly, McCoy dipped his head and replied, keeping his voice carefully neutral, “Your Grace.”
“Your Grace, this is Mister McCoy, the infamous surgeon I mentioned.”
Archer chuckled and shook his head. “Oh, come now, there’s no need to be so formal. You’re here to enjoy yourselves. Do be honest, have you found everything to your liking?”
“Everything’s been most enjoyable, sir,” James answered for the both of them with a diplomatic smile.
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” Turning to McCoy, Archer spoke up again, “Mister McCoy, I’m so pleased to finally make your acquaintance. You must be quite a distinguished surgeon for Lord James to take interest in your work.”
“Hardly,” McCoy glanced over at James and quickly added, “sir. It was quite by chance that Lord James walked in while I was working. I must confess that I haven’t done anything to be credited with so much recognition.”
James had to admit that he was impressed by the eloquence of McCoy’s words.
“I find that hard to believe, Mister McCoy. Surely, you’re just being modest! Isn’t that right, Lord James?” Archer asked him with a questioning look.
He took a moment to consider the pros and cons of passing McCoy off as a regular if not below average surgeon. It would take some convincing on his part, but it was doable. But in the end, he decided that that would do too much damage to his reputation, he nodded. “Please excuse him, sir. Mister McCoy’s a most modest man.”
McCoy shot him a questioning look. In response, he arched his eyebrows for a brief second and smiled, allowing Archer to take over the conversation once more. “You will have to forgive me, Mister McCoy, I’m afraid I’m not entirely familiar with a surgeon’s work outside the battlefield. Of course, I’ve had surgeons come in to practice bloodletting under the instructions of my physician, Doctor Phlox, but I haven’t had any occasion to see surgeons otherwise.”
Worrying the inside of his cheek, James managed to maintain the polite smile on his lips. He watched McCoy with interest, waiting to see what kind of reaction the man would have. Swallowing down whatever reflexive remark he had, McCoy gave a small nod. “It’s not a bad thing, not having any occasion to see a surgeon, sir. I don’t actually do bloodletting nor do I encourage its practice.”
Archer arched a brow. “Oh? That’s most curious. Why not?”
After a few minutes, assured that the conversation was proceeding smoothly with McCoy constantly checking his speech and showing excellent self-control, James allowed himself a moment to look around. Archer wouldn’t spend too much time with them. As the host, he couldn’t afford to look biased.
Just then, the door burst open and a man entered with a pistol in his hand.
A shot rang out.
The next thing he knew, he was on the ground and the ceiling was spinning.
“James!” A moment later, McCoy was in his line of sight, ripping open his coat and waistcoat. He looked up at someone and barked out, “Go fetch me my kit from the carriage! I’m going to need hot water and cloth-good god, man, don’t just stand there!”
Then Archer came into view, pale and eyes widened with surprise. His voice was composed, but James could see that he’d been rattled by whatever happened. “Doctor Phlox will be here in a moment, Lord James.”
James groaned and shook his head weakly. “No doctors…just McCoy.”
With his vision blurring, he closed his eyes to keep the dizziness at bay. He vaguely noted how large and steady McCoy’s hands were, pleased at the thought of them being soaked in his blood. “Dammit, James, why’d you go and do something so reckless?”
How unfair, he thought. He didn’t even know what he did.
“Your Grace?” a new voice asked.
McCoy looked up and scowled, presumably, at the duke’s personal physician. All the restraint he’d shown earlier was gone. “Oh, hell no, don’t you dare come near him. If you so much as think about suggesting bloodletting, so help me god, I will personally bleed you out. As his personal surgeon, I’ll take full responsibility for keeping him alive!-where the hell is my goddamn kit!?”
What a shame. They were doing so well too, James thought just as everything went black.
--
When he came to, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. Turning his head to the side, he found McCoy asleep in an uncomfortable looking chair next to his bed. So he was still alive. A sharp pain shot up his torso when he tried to move causing him to let out a hiss.
Awoken by the noise, McCoy’s eyes fluttered opened. Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, he sat up with a start. “James, you’re awake! How are you feeling?”
The man looked like he hadn’t slept in days.
“I feel like I just got trampled by a horse,” he rasped. “Where are we?”
Helping him sit up, McCoy handed him a cup of hot water. “We’re still at the duke’s.”
His eyes widened in alarm. “The duke’s?”
McCoy nodded and reassured him, “Yeah, don’t worry though. No one’s been allowed in here except me. You’ve been out for two days now. After that idiotic stunt you pulled, you’re lucky to be alive.”
Throat rehydrated and feeling more alert, he glanced over. “You saved me. I owe you my life.”
“Yeah, well, that was after you saved me. So I guess that makes us even,” McCoy replied.
Arching a brow, James asked, “What’d I do?”
“You don’t remember? After that madman stormed into the room with his pistol, you shoved me and the duke out of the way. Mister Sulu and Mister Chekov apprehended the man-they’re standing guard outside the door now. The attacker was sent to kill the duke, apparently. But you got in the way and saved his life. Mister Spock is currently dealing with all the publicity you’ve gained from this incident-dammit, James, you could’ve died!”
Then the memories returned. When he saw the man enter the room, his immediate thought was to get McCoy to safety. Despite his best attempts, he turned out to be just like his father after all. The realization hit him hard. “You.”
McCoy blinked, still breathing heavily. “What?”
“I pushed you out of the way,” he muttered, barely audible, “the duke just happened to be in the way. I don’t know why I did it.”
Hazel eyes widened. “James….”
“You’re going to cost me my empire someday, McCoy,” he muttered with a thin, wry smile.
“You goddamn reckless idiot,” McCoy said with a quiver in his voice. “I didn’t even want any part of this. Goddamn it. Why’d I have to meet you?”
James smiled at all the emotions in McCoy’s voice and chided him, “What did we spend two weeks teaching you? Such a blatant display of emotions is unbecoming, Mister McCoy.”
Eyebrow twitching, McCoy let out an amused scoff despite himself. “It’s a little too late for that, I’m afraid. I didn’t think you were serious about people fainting at a little foul language.”
He recalled McCoy’s last words before his passed out and let out a breathless laugh. “That’s right, you cussed out the duke’s personal physician, didn’t you?”
“Not just his personal physician,” McCoy admitted. “And I may have blasphemed as well.”
“I’m surprised you’re still allowed on the premises.”
“Privilege of being your personal surgeon, I suppose.”
Not hearing the usual bite in McCoy’s voice, James reached over and brushed a limp strand of hair out of his face. “Say that again.”
McCoy arched a brow. “What? Privilege of being your personal surgeon?”
He repeated the words with a possessive smile, “My personal surgeon….”
There was a knock on the door and Sulu stepped in. “It’s good to see you awake, My Lord. The duke is requesting an audience. Are you feeling well enough to see him?”
James arched a brow. A duke seeking permission to enter a room in his own estate, how interesting, he thought. Letting his hand fall back into his lap, he nodded. “Yes. Send him in.”
A moment later, Archer stepped through the doors, an unreadable expression on his face. “Lord James, Mister McCoy. I’m most pleased to see you awake and well.”
He dipped his head in greeting. “Your Grace.” McCoy followed suit.
“Might I have a moment of your time, Lord James?” Archer asked.
“Of course.” He turned to McCoy. “Would you be so kind as to give me and His Grace a minute alone, Mister McCoy? I think a short walk and a little fresh air would do you some good.”
Standing himself up with stiff movements from having slept in such an uncomfortable position, McCoy nodded and made his way to the door. “I’ll be back in a little while,” then he caught himself and added a gruff “My Lord.”
Once they were left alone, Archer walked over to the side of his bed and looked down at him, his voice cold. “It would appear that your reputation was well earned, young Kirk. You have an excellent eye for talent indeed.”
“Are you referring to my guards outside my door for apprehending the assailant, or are you referring to my surgeon for keeping me alive, sir?” he asked with feigned politeness.
“All your servants performed brilliantly that night. And I understand that your butler is handling your public matters most superbly as well. Where do you find such exceptional servants, Kirk?”
James smiled and answered vaguely, “Just here and there.”
“Just here and there, indeed,” Archer repeated. “I was especially impressed by your surgeon. He gave no thought to his surroundings and began dressing your wound on the spot-even though his language was less than civil.”
“It’s part of his charm.” Then, knowing that the man shared his bloodlust, he asked, “It was a beautiful sight, wasn’t it? Seeing his hands coated in blood. And that intensity he has when he’s operating-I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
He could see Archer shudder at the memory. “Indeed. I can see why you picked him over a physician. I must commend you for finding such a gem. Talented and loyal, I’m most envious.”
James arched an eyebrow, wondering what the man did to test McCoy’s loyalty. “You don’t say?”
“While you were unconscious, he refused to leave your side. Did he tell you that I offered him a position with my household? I offered him so many things and he turned it all down on the basis that he was your personal surgeon.”
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he muttered, “Did he now? No, he didn’t tell me any of this.”
“I suppose his main concern was your wellbeing.” Archer chuckled. “He chewed out my steward when I had him propose the idea. A surgeon of that calibre outright turning down a position of power because of his morals, he’s a most curious man. What do you want for him?”
He paused for a moment, not having expected the man to suddenly drop all formalities. “Nothing,” he replied. “I plan on keeping him.”
“Really? There’s nothing I could offer that would make you change your mind?”
“Nothing that comes to mind, I’m afraid.”
“Not even Pike?”
His lips curled into an amused smile. “And let you have all the fun? I couldn’t possibly. When the time comes, I’ll deal with him on my own accord. And sir, might I add that this topic of conversation is hardly appropriate given our…current circumstances? You’re hardly in a position to be vying for any of my servants.”
Archer regarded him for a moment with a cold frown. “I could just have you killed and take all of them from you, but that would go against a gentleman’s code of conduct, wouldn’t it?”
“I suspect it would,” was his breezy reply, not bothering to make a threat of his own.
“You take more after your mother than I gave you credit for. But fair enough,” Archer conceded. “You did save my life that night, Kirk. And for that, I am forever in your debt.”
Predacious blue eyes flashed with glee at how well everything turned out. James shook his head and said, “Please, think nothing of it. It was my honour, sir.”
It was nothing more than an insincere formality. James would use their new chance alliance to his full advantage and they both knew it. Under Archer’s indirect protection, he would thrive and flourish.
With a stiff nod, Archer took a step back. “Yes, well, I should probably leave you to rest.”
James sat up a little straighter. “Actually, would you be so kind as to tell Sulu to get the carriage ready? I believe I’ve overstayed my welcome by a number of days.”
Archer glanced back at him on his way out the door. “You’re more than welcome to recover here-but as you wish. I do hope you have a quick recovery, Lord James.”
“Thank you, sir.”
As the duke left, he caught sight of a beautiful woman standing on the other side, watching him with an alluring smile and cold, calculating eyes. Hoshi Sato, he thought, what a terrifying woman. Archer wouldn’t stand a chance against her-never did.
He would just have to make good use of Archer before he met his end.
--
After winning the argument against McCoy over whether or not he was well enough to travel by carriage, they left Archer’s manor. With James leaning against him and clutching his wound, McCoy frowned. “You’re an idiot.”
“Yes, you’ve said that a number of times now, McCoy,” he replied.
“You were shot only two days ago. You should be resting in a bed instead of sitting in a carriage,” McCoy complained.
James shrugged. “I prefer resting in my own bed and being tended to by my own servants.”
There was a pause, and then McCoy asked, “I assume everything went well with the duke?”
He nodded with a smug grin on his lips. “It went better than I could’ve ever hoped. I got out of this alive and intact and now the duke owes me a rather large favour.”
McCoy rolled his eyes and muttered, “You damn nobles and your bloodthirsty ambitions-nothing but monsters, the lot of you.”
James gave a dark chuckle. “You say it like it’s a bad thing, McCoy. The duke will keep us both safe for the remainder of his short life. And by the time his mistress disposes of him, I’ll be untouchable.” Then he looked over at the man. “You do realize that you just lost your last chance to rid yourself of me. Nothing kills a man faster than an untreated wound, right? You could’ve been the personal surgeon of a duke and his lovely mistress.”
With an affronted look on his face, McCoy scowled. “I wouldn’t let you die just to get you to leave me alone or to earn a little more money. Trading in my life’s work to lick some she-devil’s feet, just who do you think I am?”
He smiled and closed his eyes. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”
Once they were back at the estate, with the help of Spock, they managed to get James back into his bed with relative ease. He smiled as Uhura rolled her eyes and helped McCoy redress his bandages, the two of them quietly discussing his idiocy among themselves. Scotty personally delivered the two bowls of freshly made soup to his chambers and gave him a pat on the back for a job well done.
“The Lord Mayor of London sent his regards and hopes you’re well,” Spock informed him once he was settled in bed and wolfing down his soup.
He glanced up. “Ah, he heard about my heroic feat, did he?” Both Uhura and McCoy gave simultaneous snorts at that, causing him to chuckle. “Oh, and do remind me to write my mother and stepfather a thank you card for sending me to London and that I’ll be extending my trip indefinitely.”
Spock nodded. “Very good. Will that be all for now, My Lord?”
Finishing the last bite of his soup, he added, “Sulu and Chekov will need to be rewarded for their valiant behaviour and for showing up the duke’s personal guards.”
“Consider it done.”
“Reward yourself, Missus Uhura and Scotty as well for taking such excellent care of the household in my absence. Wonderfully done as always.” Placing the bowl back onto the tray and watching McCoy do the same, he gestured for it to be taken away. “That’ll be all for now, Spock, Missus Uhura. Thank you.”
The pair nodded. “We’ll leave you to your rest then, My Lord.”
“I’ll have to think of a reward for you as well,” he told McCoy after they were left alone, “my personal surgeon.”
He couldn’t get over how right it sounded.
McCoy rolled his eyes. “You can think about it after you’ve recovered, you infant.”
As the man made the move to get up, he held him back by the sleeve. “Stay.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, James. You need your rest,” McCoy protested.
“So do you,” he retorted with earnest eyes. “We don’t have chambers set up for you yet.”
“Then I’ll just go back to my-”
He furrowed his brow. “No. Just…stay here with me.”
Hazel eyes regarded him for a moment before sighing in defeat. “You’re impossible.” He proceeded to kick his shoes off and crawled under the covers.
James grinned and wrapped an arm around the man in triumph. “Welcome to the Kirk household, Mister McCoy.”
“I hope you don’t expect me to start addressing you by ‘My Lord’ or anything,” McCoy muttered.
“Of course not. When we’re not in public, just continue to call me James, McCoy.” He leaned in and captured the man’s lips. “I insist.”
--
A/N: Lots of thanks to the lovely siluria for beta'ing! And just a couple notes of interest about the Regency Era:
-Physicians and surgeons were considered completely different jobs. One was a gentleman's job and required a degree while the other was considered physical labour (hacking away limbs and whatnot) and only required an apprenticeship and written exams. Physicians were addressed as "Doctor X" while surgeons were addressed as "Mister X". Chemist is just another word for apothecary. In terms of the social hierarchy, physicians were at the top, then surgeons, then chemists though many surgeons were also chemists.
-Bloodletting was the most widely practised treatment back then. Even though a few doctors in Europe had published papers disproving its effectiveness, the practice continued well into the late 19th century.
-Dinner and supper were also different things. Dinner was the evening meal while supper was more like a midnight snack.
-Baths were rarely taken daily and the portable tub had to be filled manually by servants.
-Prior to the Anatomy Act of 1832, body snatching ran rampant in the UK. Resurrectionists were often hired by medical professionals to dig up fresh bodies for academic and scientific purposes.
For Regency etiquette, just Google it because there were rules for everything.