Chapter 2: Chapter 2
As the man placed the tray on the ground, he also offered his right hand. "Thank you, my lord," the footman said as he straightened up and wiped his brow with his sleeve. "What can I get you this morning?A cup of tea perhaps?"
"No, thank you, my lord," the footman repeated as he handed the tray to Bob. "But if you don't mind, I'll take a cup of tea myself. I'm parched after all."
A chuckle rippled through the group and they sat in silence, each contemplating their own thoughts.The footman pared away his trunks and displayed a neatly groomed cock, large and impressive. "Do you think I could get that down my throat, my lord?" Bob asked, his voice cracking as he swallowed hard. "I think I could manage it with a little effort.I'd like to see you try."
Colin chuckled again and shook his head. "You really are a sight for sore eyes, my dearboy. I hope you don't mind me saying so, but you've put on a bit of weight since we last met. Tis the season, I suppose." Bob smiled despite himself and cupped his chin in his hand, gazing up at the ceiling like a child. "And how is my little Hazel today?" he purred, stroking his beard again."Oh, she's doing well, thank you, my lord," the footman said again. "Though she's a bit distracted by all the guests. They keep asking her to dance which is making her late for her luncheon, you know how she hates being late."
"Distracted by all the guests?Surely not! I don't allow any of them to distract me, my lord. Tis my job to keep you focused on what is to be done. Your Majesty has commanded it, and I will not let you deviate from the plan we have set.Not on my watch, my friend." Bob smiled again, his teeth flashing against his tanned complexion. "So, you've got my attention back n'all. What is it you want me to do this morning?"
"Well, there is the matter of the garden. I need you to tend it, my love.I've put some flowers in for you, and some herbs to make your tea. Please, my darling, tend the garden. I need it looking good for the Queen's visit this afternoon."
"Of course, my lord. I would never refuse your commands. You know I love working in the garden. It gives me peace of mind.And I know how much you value good gardening." Bob leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms, his smile exposing straight teeth. "So, tis a win win situation. I get to tend the garden, you get to relax in your armchair and watch me do it, and in the evening I get to entertain you with my dancing."
"Dancing?You're going to dance for me, my darling boy? I don't like dancing myself, but I know you love it. Tis the way of the world, my love. One must dance if one wishes to live. It is the basis of all social interaction. Without dancing, we are nothing. Nothing at all.Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord. I understand." Bob smiled again and crossed his arms, his chest puffed like a lion roaring from a high cliff. "And as for the rest of the household, they are all in the same boat as I. None of them have any desire to dance either. No one needs to dance to prove they are worthy of being here.Everyone is equal, my love." Bob leaned forward again, his eyes twinkling with joy. "So, I will be dancing for you this morning, my lord, and in the evening I will be dancing for you as well. Is that what you wish?"
"That is exactly what I wish, my dearest boy.Now, go tend the garden. I need not see you until dinner time."
"But, my lord, I thought you said you wanted me to tend the garden. How can I do that without seeing you? What if I make a mistake? What if I plant the wrong flowers, or forget to water them when I should have done so?"
"Mistake?You mean like the time you spent hours trying to convince me to get a dog because you thought it would improve my health, only to discover I was nt interested in the first place? Or how you insisted on mending my shirts even though I told you I didn't need them mended, and ended up making me look like a beggar with rips and holes all over my coat?