Lessons in Etiquette and Love

Chapter 4

The next few weeks practically flew by in a haze of anticipation. Hadrian had considered writing home multiple times, but always decided against it at the last minute. He almost didn't want to admit that he'd be bringing someone home when he returned from London, too afraid of his father expressing his disappointment. It was only when his mother wrote again that he decided enough was enough.

Dearest Hadrian,

I know you must be terribly disappointed at being given such a small time frame to select a partner. It was incredibly difficult to get your father to agree to your birthday-even that was much too late in his eyes.

It's lonely in the house without you. Even Severus looks a little forlorn at your prolonged time away. I do hope you find someone worthy of your heart, you deserve all the happiness in the world.

Hadrian got out his writing materials and started writing.

Dearest Mother,

I do miss you terribly. My apologies for not writing sooner, quite a lot has happened since your last letter.

You can tell Father I will be bringing someone home, so he better not go promising me off to anyone. I'd hate to be an unwilling heartbreaker. I don't know if what I've found is love-certainly, I've grown fond of our time together. Silences are quiet, despite the occasional page turning in our respective books and the discussions are quite enthralling.

As we near the summer, I must ask: does Father expect to know prior to my coming home who it is that I've chosen? You know my proclivities lie with men and I need to know if he's expected to reach out for approval or if just my being married is approval enough for him?

Hadrian ended the letter with the usual pleasantries and asked after Severus. He did miss his valet, the advice was always sound and it was nice to have company if it was particularly late in the evening.

His mother's response came much quicker than he thought possible. In fact, he had a suspicion that she had sent it out the same day she received his response.

Dearest Hadrian,

According to your father, just being betrothed is enough for him. He has begged me to remind you of your station and to choose accordingly. I think he has no interest in anything other than carrying the family line and having grandchildren to dote on. Have I told you that I caught him in your old nursery? He was smiling ever so handsomely at your toys.

I do wish you'd tell me who it is you're bringing home but I do also love surprises. I'll simply have to wait until your birthday-unless you'd like to come home earlier? You're more than welcome to bring your intended as well.

Tom walked into the parlour as Hadrian was sealing the letter for his mother.

"You seem to write to your mother often. I must confess, I'm a bit envious of that." Confusion must have been written all over his face. "My father passed away when I was little. His fortune was held by my mother until I could come of age and take it over. She was quite frail and was ill more often than not. I learned as much as I could from anyone I could find that would teach me so she didn't have to worry so much. She relinquished the family's fate to my hands when I was just over fifteen and passed away not too long after. I miss her, but she simply wasn't able to continue on without my father. They loved each other dearly."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Tom waved away his concern and smiled.

"It's in the past. Besides, I'm glad to have seen how two people can love each other so fiercely. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to contain myself with you near had I not seen their examples when I was younger." Hadrian could feel the heat start in his cheeks and couldn't help the small giggle that wormed its way out of his throat.