The Wings of a Butterfly

.:8:.

During dinner, Frederick couldn’t keep his eyes off the stranger. The man was sitting at the side, between Percy and Wentworth, who regarded him suspiciously and talked little. Frederick was sitting between his mother and older brother. The subject they were talking about was, unfortunately, about the wedding. Or better said, about the fact there was no wedding. To his own surprise, Frederick didn’t even mind.

After bringing the subject ever so subtly to his late father, Frederick was off the hook. The whole family now discussed his sudden death, the mansion, and the welfare of his mother. One of his sisters volunteered to move back home again, to keep her company. For Frederick, the conversation meant he was left alone, and could look at his handsome stranger again.

The blue rose was lying on the table, above Julian’s plate. Frederick knew about the meaning of flowers. Blue roses, and these weren’t dyed, he’d discovered, meant mystery or attaining the impossible. Julian was mysterious indeed, so it was very appropriate.
To answer the symbol, he took a booklet from his inner pocket, and took out the first rose he’d pressed and dried between the pages. Placing it above his plate, he looked at how Julian would respond. He couldn’t help but blush when he saw the recognition, and the wink. Quickly averting his eyes, he finished dinner.

Finally leaving the table, Wentworth hurried over to his friend. “You will not go outside alone with that man, do you hear me?” he said urgently. “I do not trust him, with his manners and funny words. Did you notice how he did not say Grace with us? He merely mumbled. And he used his cutlery in the most improper manner.”

Frederick frowned at the accusations. “I felt he was a true gentleman,” he said in turn. “He did not spit, spill or smack, and he helped my aunt when she dropped her knife… even before that lazy servant could rush over and bring a new one.”

“He uses strange words,” insisted Wentworth. “Like… I do not know, I cannot even repeat them. I cannot explain you, Frederick, but there is something not right.”

Frederick tapped his friend on the shoulder. “As soon as you can explain to me what you mean, I promise to be on my guard. If you will excuse me now, I have to go over to him and introduce myself. He intrigues me.”

The stranger had found a quiet spot in the corner of the drawing room, where he seemed to be observing the other men, leaning against the wall. He stood upright when Frederick approached him. “Hi…”

Ah, yes. That did sound a bit odd. Frederick understood what his friend had meant, but he wasn’t worried as much. “Good evening,” he said. Close enough so he didn’t have to talk too loudly, but at a respectful distance, he looked Julian up and down before continuing. “My friend informed me you were here to meet me. Welcome to my estate… How may I serve you?”

“Serve me?” Julian laughed softly, and leaned back in a relaxed posture. “I’m here to serve you, milord, not the other way around. I saw you still have my rose…”

“Yes,” nodded Frederick. “The flower of mystery, a blue rose. I had never seen a true blue rose before; I did not know they existed… As far as I know, workers simply dye white roses.”

“Well… I am a mysterious man,” smiled Julian. “Let’s just leave it with that.” He stood upright again, and stepped a bit closer to the nobleman. “I gave you a blue rose, because it matched your beautiful eyes,” he said softly, leaning to the man’s ear. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Frederick…”

Frederick blushed abruptly, and repressed a delighted shiver at the whispering in his ear. “Where did you learn about me, mysterious Julian?” he asked equally softly, turning his head a bit so no one could see his blushing cheeks. “And what is your intention, now you have met me?”

“I’ve told you my purpose, beautiful Frederick,” whispered Julian. “I told you in my letters; the letters which made you smile and fluster. I made you a promise, and I’m intended to keep it. If you allow me to.”

“You…” Frederick was delighted, but tried hard not to show it. Even when he felt a hand creep up under his coat, he didn’t move, but he did close his eyes for a moment. “Julian…” he said under his breath. “Stay, and wait until the guests are gone. Please…”

“I will,” promised Julian. His lips brushed the soft skin of Frederick’s cheek, and slid to his ear. “I will wait for you, beautiful blue rose. I will wait… and I will keep my promise to you.”

Frederick bit his lower lip to stifle a moan, and quickly pulled back. Feelings he’d never felt before were tormenting his body, and his mind was hazed as he moved away from the man. Wentworth was right; there was something very strange about that man. It was odd… but he wanted to feel much more of this delight!

As could be expected, he was pulled aside by his two friends. “You are all flustered,” said Wentworth accusingly. “What happened?”

Julian smiled, a dreamy silly little smile. “For the past months, I had a secret admirer,” he told his friends. “I received letters, a blue rose… I was intrigued. It appears it was Julian, sending me those little tokens. I have a…” Another shiver crept down his spine, silencing him for a moment. “It appears I have a special friend, after all.”

Percy was delighted, and almost squealed. “Frederick!” he said happily. “Hush, Wentworth… I’m so happy for you, my friend. Will you meet him after the evening?”

“He promised he would wait,” said Frederick with a slight nod. “So please, help me to end this gathering as quickly as possible.”

“You could excuse yourself for being tired,” suggested Wentworth, helpfully for a change. “You looked tired, when we started…”

“You look wide awake now,” laughed Percy. “We will help you. Come, dear.”

“Bring Julian up to my study, please. Tell him I will meet him there, as soon as I can.” Frederick went over to his mother, trying to look tired, and excused himself. Saying goodbye to everybody would take a while.

Eventually, he went up to his quarters, his heart pounding with anticipation. He would meet his admirer… properly.