XXVII. You’re hot

A day has passed since Leo left the manor to attend his job in the army. For some reason, I cannot help myself from getting nervous if it'll take years before he'll come back. I mean, I don't know anything about being a soldier in the Victorian era.

I still have so many things to tell him, things I think I can't bring myself to utter. Also, I know this may sound shallow but he didn't even say goodbye to me.

A single knock on my door and a farewell wouldn't hurt his ego, right?

When I passed by Judy in the garden, she narrated me how his dear cousin stormed out of the manor furious. His brows meeting once again.

"However, he still managed to give me respect, kissing me on the cheek before he left to the army," Judy uttered, shrugging.

Judy has her legs crossed, wearing a mesmerizing gown once again but this time, she is not wearing her usual yellow gown. This time, it's in the color of black. With rose patches on top. However, if you ask me, it's a bit revealing.

"Perhaps, you know why?" asked Judy, staring at the teacup in her hand as she taps her long fingernails at it, creating a soothing sound.

Shrugging, I answered, "I think it has something to do with what happened the day before,"

Judy raised her brow, "Care to tell what occurred, my dear?"

I bit both my lips and Judy must've felt she's not going to receive any answer because she let out a loud chuckle.

"Oh, don't give me that look, Clementine. I know what's going on between you and my dear awkward cousin," then muffled her chuckle by covering her mouth with her gloved hand.

I gave her a confused look, "I don't know what you're talking about,"

"Says the lady who knows why my dear cousin is angry. Take note, I am his cousin and I don't even have a clue what's going on with that child,"

I was about to open my mouth but stop midway simply for the reason I don't know what to reply. Less talk, less mistake.

Judy then laughed at my reaction, wink at me, "don't worry, your secret is safe with me,"

I don't even have a clue what secret she is talking about. I mean, sure, I do know why Leo is angry but does that even mean anything?

After that awkward conversation, I returned to the kitchen but at around lunch, Chef Florentino told me to go upstairs at Mister Douglas' office.

Tell you, Chef Florentino is not happy about me, leaving my assigned job.

Confused, I followed Chef Florentino's order, looking at my old maid gown first and brushing off any invisible specks of dust.

But as I was on my way to the office, Chef Florentino stopped me, grabbing my arm.

"I almost forgot, Mister Douglas specifically asked that you should dress something you know, proper," Chef Florentino uttered, looking at me from head to toe.

I looked at maid uniform and raised a brow at him, "Isn't this proper?"

As soon as I uttered that, he released a loud laugh, "If you're going to the slums then yes. Oh, poor child, go fetch some dress or whatever. Just don't wear that one," he replied and before I had the chance to say more, he walked off.

I let out a soft sigh and was about to go straight to my bedroom to change when I remember I have nothing to borrow. Unless a sleeping wear is considered proper.

Swallowing my pride, I head straight to Judy and asked if I could borrow a simple gown for the day in which she happily agreed with.

She was about to help me change but she has to go to town to meet her husband.

After that, I chose the most simple gown that Judy has and then just put my hair in a tight bun. Wearing no makeup since Victorians are not really a fan of it.

The gown is in the color of champagne and has a bow at the waist. It is not really revealing.

As soon as I knocked the familiar wooden door, Augustus immediately opened it, greeting me with his huge usual smile.

"Come in,"

I hid both my hands behind my back and nod. I stood right in the corner and to my surprise, Augustus stood beside me and you know what he did? He circled his hand around my shoulders.

I have a strong urge to shook his hand but since Mister Douglas is staring right at me, giving me a creepy smile then I have no choice but to swallow my dignity and smile back.

"You look lovely, darling," whispered Augustus to my ear which made somehow made me chuckle because his breath tickles me.

Augustus then smiled at my reaction, thinking the reason why I laugh was that of his compliment.

For some reason, something seems off with Mister Douglas. I just can't feel the same vibe I felt with him before he went on his voyage.

Also, I know this may sound shallow since it has no evidence but I just can't see him the same since the day I learned about his illegal businesses.

"Great to see you again, Miss Wright. Please take a seat," Mister Douglas then point to a sofa facing him.

As soon as I sat, Augustus then sat as well. Beside me and still has his hand around my shoulders. I am getting more and more uncomfortable here, you see.

I then faked a cough and said, "great to see you as well, Sir. May I ask, what brings me here?"

I was about to add the question on why I should dress "properly", knowing that we are only staying here in his office.

"Ah, what I missed about you, child. Straight forward as ever," replied Mister Douglas, laughing.

"As you may have noticed, I've been gone for so long, blame the business trip, my dear. As a father, 'course, I missed my son so I said, why not have a little lunch over here. It was Augustus who suggested you should come as well,"

Oh...

"Uhm, I am honored, Sir," I replied before looking at the man beside me which earned me a squeeze in the shoulders from him and a smirk.

And so the lunch began. After about ten minutes, exactly three maids entered the room and prepared the food right in front of us.

At the corner of my eye, as Augustus and I were chatting, I can see the three of them looking at me and smirking. Perhaps judging me on why the hell is I having lunch with our employers.

Their eyes even focused on Augustus' hands which, by the way, are either around my shoulders or on top of my lap. Ugh.

Of course, during all these, I tried getting Augustus' hands off me but he just can't do it. Or just don't want to.

After the maids left the room and while Mister Douglas excused himself to read one of the newly arrived letters, probably from one of his business partners, I held Augustus' hand and placed it in his lap. But this time, with force.

By that, I caught full of his attention, his brows meeting. "Please get your hands off me, Mister Augustus. I've been meaning to tell you that for so long and I will not tolerate it any further,"

Augustus failed to answer me and was still smirking at me.

"Either you keep your hands to yourself or I will cut your testicles, you choose," I whispered to him angrily.

When I look at him, he has his mouth hanging but for some reason, he still has this fire in his eyes. Dear God.

I was about to say something when Mister Douglas but in. "Enough, you lovebirds, now's not the time for that,"

I automatically rose from my seat, "Oh, you got the wrong idea, Sir,"

Mister Douglas just raised his brow at me, then shifted his gaze to his son, "Well?"

"We were just playing, Father. Nothing to concern yourself with," he is acting as if nothing happened a while ago.

"My future grandson is something I want to concern myself with, son,"

With that, I cannot help myself from messaging my temple and from coughing.

What the hell did he just said?

Augustus just smirked at his father's response and I was about to say something when Mister Douglas then changed the topic.

"I have noticed that you and that maid you share the room with are close, Miss Wright," he then opened his drawer and pulled tobacco.

"She has a name, Sir. That woman that I view as a mother is Martha," I respond as I let out a cough as soon as Mister Douglas light up the tobacco and smoked it.

"Well, whatever her name is, you are close to her. Now, tell me, Miss Wright, how close are you to her?"

"Uhm, like I said a while ago, she's like a mother to me. May I ask what made you ask, Sir?" Folding my hands on my lap as I felt Augustus shifted in his seat once again. Well, at least, his hands are no longer around me.

"Nothing, my dear child. I was just curious...and a bit afraid for I thought you have no friends here but thank goodness for that maid,"

I was about to say that Martha has a name but decided not to for I am getting tired of saying it again and again. Besides, he probably just doesn't want to address Martha by her name.

"Well, aside from her? What keeps you company? Any friends other than that maid?" Mister Douglas asked, still smoking.

The whole time, Augustus has his mouth shut and just eating. As much as I want to eat since I still haven't eaten anything this morning, I just can't because Mister Douglas kept talking to me.

It would be improper to chat with him as I chew, right? Or to have him wait for my answer as I finished chewing.

"I have Judy as a friend, in fact, this dress am wearing belongs to her,"

" Remind me to thank her later for that, my dear...well, what about her cousin? Soldier Leo?" Mister Douglas asked, he stood from his chair and walked towards the window, still smoking.

His son's and my gaze following him.

"Mister Finley? What about him, Sir?" I asked, biting my lip, afraid of what he'll ask me about him.

"Is he your paramour or what?" As soon as he asked that, Augustus almost choke on his food. It was I who gave him a glass of water and rubbed his back.

Paramour? As in my boyfriend or something?

Months ago, that would've been really, really funny but for some reason, that thought made me nervous, my heart skipping a beat.

"Nonsense, Sir. Mister Finley and I were just friends, that's all," I replied, my eyes on the ground.

"That's good," I heard him say.

After that, Mister Douglas once again changed the subject. He narrated his last journey. The investors he talked to.

I mean, sure, it all sounds fun and exciting but at the back of my head, I just can't believe all these knowing all the things Leo and I discovered about him.

However, there may be no proof but still, I just can't get it off my head.

After the meal in which I hardly ate any, Mister Douglas suggested that I should go shopping and that I should be escorted by his son.

Augustus and his father seems happy with that idea and believe me, the shopaholic side of me is happy as well but my wallet? She's a little angry.

Of course, I decline and Augustus even offered that he'll treat me, that I could buy whatever I want. To tell you the truth, I seriously want to say yes and hug him and drag him to the market but I still have pride, you know.

So in the end, I said no.

After that, I returned to my room and quickly changed to my usual maid uniform. Folding Judy's gown carefully.

I then went straight to the kitchen to continue my work and the whole time, the kitchen staff kept looking at me and whispering to one another. I have no time for gossipmongers.

After the day, I went back to our room, Martha was already fast asleep by the time I entered the room.

The whole time, I was just staring at the ceiling and since I can't sleep, I decided to look over the window. I was greeted by trees and dark skies.

It was probably around 3 o'clock in the night, everyone was asleep when I heard the gate being opened. Tell you, I was on the verge of falling asleep but drowsiness left my body as soon as I heard the gate.

When I looked over the window again, there I saw Leo, riding a black horse.

I don't know what came upon me to race towards him, I don't care if everyone will wake up at the sound of my loud footsteps.

Tell you, I was barefoot and are still wearing my thin sleeping gown once again but now's not the time for modesty.

I ran towards him and before Leo has the chance to say something, I quickly encircled my arms and legs around him. Burying my face in the crook his my neck.

'I thought you'll never come back,' I said in the back of my head.

Leo then laughed at my reaction. "Marvelous welcome party, Clem," he murmured in my eyes which made me chuckle.

As soon as my body came to contact with him, I realized something's not right. When I looked at him, I realized his hair are wet and his skin are hot. He is a bit pale than usual except from his nose which is reddish and his eyes are droopy.

Do I let go of him, "What's the matter? What happened to you?"

I so want to ask him why he left without saying goodbye but I guess now's not the time for that.

"Just a little cold, nothing to worry about," he answered and with that, he let out a loud sneeze.

He probably went swimming at the barracks and caught a cold.

Leo then traveled his eyes on me, his eyes widening. "what the hell were you thinking, Clem? Getting outside wearing only that? What am I gonna do with that stubborn head of yours,"

Well, if only you did leave me without any goodbye then I wouldn't go racing towards you, not caring what I am wearing.

I frown at him and touched his temple instead with my palm, "You're hot,"

"Thanks," replied Leo, coughing.

Clementine can't believe he still has the guts to laugh at times like this.

"I am serious, Mister Finley. You're burning like hell," my arms crossed.

"I pretty much prefer your previous description, Clem," he replied, chuckling and coughing alternately.

Leo then began walking inside and since I am playing hero here, I helped him. I encircled my arm around his waist in which he let me. His arm around my shoulders.

If ever he did blush, I can't seem to notice it because he is far too tall and I am struggling in just helping him walk.

As soon as we reached his room, Leo was about to close the door since he told me to go back to sleep when I stopped him and grabbed his burning wrist.

I told him to lie in bed as I rush towards his cabinet to grab some towels but found none.

I was about to ask Leo when I heard him grunt a little, a bit panic, I grabbed whatever I held first.

I moistened the cloth and rushes towards Leo and began to pat the cloth and that's when I realized it's his 'unmentionables'

My god, of all the clothes out there, why does it need to be his underwear?

Despite how flushed I am, I still forced myself to continue and began to unbutton his polo, not caring about how inappropriate it is.

For some reason, I turned the back of my head to check if the door's locked because we wouldn't want someone stumbling upon us like this. I mean, surely, they'll think I am doing something very unladylike to a soldier like Leo.

Leo lightly placed his hand on mine and said, "What will people say?"

I rolled my eyes due to frustration and exclaimed, "Now's not the time for that, Leo. For God's sake, you're burning with fever and here you are, still caring about stupid Victorian norms,"

Leo then chuckled which somehow eased my panic.

Leo then let me unbutton his polo, "This is not exactly how I imagine it would be," murmured Leo.

"And it is not I imagine my first time stripping a man as well," I replied which earned me a playful smirk from him which made me blush.

" Not that I was imagining it, it's ju-just that...ugh! You get my point!" I added which made Leo chuckled once again. I then lightly punch him in the shoulder.

"Can't believe a soon-to-be murderer is undressing me right now," Leo muttered which made me chuckle, his eyes closed.

As soon as the polo is now at the side of the bed, I lightly pat Leo's chest which made me blush, of course, since it's my first time seeing a man's chest. I mean, up close.

Well, how can I describe it? A bit of hair at the top which makes it really manly. Ugh! What am I doing? And abs here and there.

The whole time, Leo forced himself to open his eyes and as soon as he caught a glimpse of the cloth, he was about to really sit up when I held his wrist down and said, "Now's not the time for that,"

"Easy for you to say, Clem. That's my underwear, we are talking about," replied Leo as he closed his eyes out of frustration.

"Don't worry, I won't tell the others you're into underwear that has Mr. Darcy at the center," I playfully said which made Leo's eyes widened.

"Never in my life did I dreamt of owning underwear like that," exclaimed Leo.

I was about to say something when Leo spoke first, "Well, with Mr. Rochester, maybe,"

With that, both Leo and I laughed.

Right after I finished rubbing his chest with his wet underwear, that sounds so weird, by the way. Anyways, I then removed Leo's socks and shoes.

I then covered Leo's chest to his feet with a warm blanket.

Clementine went downstairs to get a pitcher of water and was about to get a porridge until she realized it tastes awful and that Leo has a stack of biscuits under his bed.

Right after I forced Leo to eat and drink a glass of water, I checked Leo for about 10 minutes and when I noticed that he's now asleep, I rose from my seat and was about to go back to my room when Leo grabbed my wrist.

"Stay, please," murmured Leo, his eyes closed and his voice sleepy.

Despite the fact there are only about three hours left before people began waking up in this house, I agreed to stay. Not caring about what people will say.

I first then grabbed a random book from his huge bookshelf and took a seat at his comfortable bed, after being satisfied with my position. I told Leo to place his head at my lap but Leo declined.

"I don't want you to catch a cold, Clem,"

I shook my head and forced him in which he reluctantly did. Leo must've thought I'll just stay in his chair beside the bed and read to him but Nah, his chair is uncomfortable.

I opened the book on the first page and began to read it out loud, Leo's head on my lap. After a page in, Leo grabbed my right hand and placed it in his very messy yet soft hair.

I then followed his request in brushing his hair back and forth which somehow made the both of us smile.

"But how am I supposed to turn the page with just one hand?" I asked when I tried to hold the book with two hands.

When I looked at Leo, he was just smiling with his eyes closed.

By that, I have no choice but to read and brush his hair at the same time, briefly removing my fingers from his hair whenever I need to turn the page.

After two chapters, Leo is already fast asleep, snoring. Didn't know he snores, believe me, I just find it cute.

He must've been really, really tired in his work.

As I closed the book and placed it in the side table, I let my eyes wander around the room and I cannot help myself from getting a bit curious on the dozens of leather journals under his desk. Some of them are on top of his desk.

I badly want to go straight to it and read it but since I have no right to do that, I just forced myself to divert my attention to others.

After a few seconds, I got really, really sleepy. I don't know what to me to removed Leo's head from my lap and joined him under the blanket, wrapping my arms around him and my feet encircled around his knees.

I don't really care if I'll catch a cold or what. I don't know what happened next but the next thing I know, Leo shifted in his position and encircled his arm around my shoulders, bringing me closer to him. His chin on top of my head.

By that, my cheeks are now touching his bare chest, I can seriously hear the beating of his heart which calms me to the point it made me fell asleep fast.

Augustus

Augustus was tired from horseback riding but still cannot sleep for an unknown reason. He tried everything he can just to make himself sleep.

He just can't Clementine out of his dear, he kept imagining, I mean, thinking about their future.

Oh, how cute she was when she showed him her scary side a while ago. That was funny, Augustus thought.

He tried reading his usual medicine books but he just can't seem to concentrate. As if Clementine's name is all that is written in the book.

Augustus then decided to go downstairs like old times but this time, without Leo. A fresh air won't hurt, right?

He was on his way to the kitchen when he heard a faint sound of a familiar voice coming from Leo's room.

Well, didn't know he'll be back soon since Leo told him he'll probably stay in the barracks for a month. I wonder what made him stay there for only a few days.

However, Augustus can't seem to shake off the sound coming from Leo's room.

He knew that voice and that voice belongs to Clementine.

By that, Augustus' heart skipped a beat, his blood began to boil as his palms began to sweat as he slowly and quietly walk towards Leo's door.

Slowly, he opened the door very slightly and there he saw Leo tucked in with a thick blanket as his head is positioned at Clementine's lap as she slowly brush his hair.

Augustus was glued to his position, he doesn't know what to do.

Oh, how funny it is, indeed that he remembered how Leo told him that it is highly improper for a man and an unmarried woman to be alone, let alone with a bed.

This hypocrite!

He needs to do something.

And something will surely happen. That's for sure.

Soon, Clementine will be truly his.

______

First of all, thank you guys for reading of ever someone is really reading. Hahaha.

I am sorry if it took weeks or even months for me to upload another chapter. It's just that, things aren't so good here at home. Plus, I am a bit lazy but no worries, everything in the story is all planned out despite the fact it doesn't really looks like it.

Sorry if the chapters were dull! Sorry!

Anyways, happy new year!