Page 10 of The Songbird of Wychwood

PERCY

I was in quite the effervescent mood after the waltz and I couldn’t recall ever having so much fun. The freedom of being able to dance with a man, even one dressed as a lady gave my heart joy. I headed to the drinks credenza to quench my thirst. Mr. Joshua was at my side as I poured for myself and Miss Georgette.

“Could I have a word, sir?” he said covertly to my ear.

“Of course, of course.” I tossed back the claret before I followed the butler across the hall to a small study where he entered, stood aside, and then when I stepped in he closed the door. I felt like I’d been summoned to the headmaster’s office! I then spied my winnings on the desk. Confusion fogged my brain. The money was supposed to be in the safe and I’d agreed to collect it before I left. Mr. Joshua didn’t offer me a seat, or seat himself behind the desk. He stood in front of me with his hands behind his back in a military stance.

“Sir. As this is your first time at Wychwood I will let this infraction pass, but you only get one pass.”

“I…I beg your pardon?” A sense of dread came over me.

“You have been informed of the house rules, yes? They were made for an important reason. They keep all who attend Wychwood safe. You are permitted to enjoy the company of other members of Club Fifty-Five; however, the performers are off-limits. Not only is there the issue of class, but there is also the matter of the power imbalance. Our performers are paid, and paid well for their service and silence.”

My shoulders slumped and I let out a resigned sigh, “Ah.”

“A complaint was made,” he revealed. I wondered who could have done such a thing, and then I remembered how I’d stolen my prize from the arms of another. Oh dear, it seems I got quite carried away in the moment!

“It is clear that you’ve taken an instant liking to our Miss Georgette. She is an exceptional talent and the gentlemen adore her. But, in this instance the liking appears to be…mutual.” My heart leaped at his observation.

“However,” Joshua continued, “Georgette is not permitted to dally with members and this situation cannot be tolerated. There can be no favoritism. Therefore, I am interceding on her behalf. I know she values her place here as much as the house values her wonderful voice. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to endanger her position, sir.”

I’d felt such carefree joy dancing with Miss Georgette and I wanted to spend more time with her. But hearing Mr. Joshua’s words was like a bucket of iced water had been tossed into my face. I was a newcomer and it was clear that even though I’d been told the house rules I’d tripped up on my first outing. Mr. Joshua was right. I was behaving like a selfish oaf. I should not encourage Miss Georgette and endanger her employment here. I held my head in my hands. I was such a dolt, but, as a gentleman of manners I take responsibility for my faux-pas . I met Mr. Joshua’s regretful expression.

“Forgive me, sir. I do believe the freedom of the evening has quite gone to my head. I will of course take my leave. Can you arrange for a carriage to take me home?”

“A wise choice, sir, a very wise choice.” He stepped to the wall and tugged a bell pull. “A carriage should be with us shortly. If you’d be so kind as to remain here, I’ll come and fetch you.”

Mr. Joshua left the study and when the door closed I let out a roar of frustration.

“Damn your eyes, Harcourt!” I felt quite ashamed of my actions. My head was turned by someone I was not permitted to dally with here and I’d pushed my luck. Then I remembered that all was not lost, even if I could not spend the night with Miss Georgette, I’d had an excellent win at poker. I stepped to the desk to collect the pile of notes and stuffed them into my now bulging wallet.

Minutes later Mr. Joshua returned to the study holding my greatcoat, hat, scarf, and gloves. He helped me dress. I felt quite wretched to be thrown out like this. I wondered if this was it. Would I be allowed to return to Wychwood? Would I ever see the glorious Miss Georgette sing again? Joshua led me to the front door and opened it, but before I left, I said.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Joshua. Tonight has been quite the eye opener.”

“Now that you understand the lay of the land I look forward to seeing you return, sir.”

I nodded, and with nothing more to say I stepped up into the carriage.

The coachman opened a small hatch in the roof of his carriage. “Where to guvnor?” he asked.

“Head for Greenwich please,” I replied. As we rattled down the foggy drive, I settled my head back and absently smoothed my moustache as I listened to the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse’s hooves. When I closed my eyes all I could see was Miss Georgette, how her eyes sparkled and her smile lit me up inside. I was sure I would dream of dancing with her tonight, and it was with deep regret that I didn’t know if I’d ever see her again.

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