coming soon: Ode to Joy- a serial novel

Ode to Joy

The story of four Victorians who struggle with mental illnesses yet to be diagnosed. Unlike today there are no proper treatments for their ailments and the problems they pose are pinned to their personality flaws and life. But like today, there is little understanding for what ails them and the love and support of family and friends prove to be their salvation.

Meet Lord Orion Hookwell, the eccentric earl who has spent his life in and out of asylums. Adjusting to the idea of being a father and a secret “sodomite” he must find ways of coping with his cyclical mania and depression. He thinks he may have found his quirky, supportive wife Bri’s long lost child but reuniting the women proves to be more difficult than he at first estimates. Brigid, meanwhile, deals with badly timed flashbacks of her youth in British-owned India. When she cannot shake these flashbacks she begins to wonder if she is as mad as her husband. Their family friends Charles and Lucy Arteberry have baggage of their own. Captain Charles Arteberry, proud alcoholic and libertine is deteriorating before his family and friends’ eyes and Lucy must piece him back together by re-exploring his past and his grief for their shared beloved Fonso. While Charles is slowly dismissed as an immoral and cruel man, Lucy stays by his side. But Lucy has demons of her own. Every winter she is taken with a deep melancholy. But will anyone believe that their rock, the cheery and talented Lucy, could feel such lows. Together they are working toward a huge production to fund a women’s shelter in London. Will Bri and her long lost daughter be reunited? Will Charles dismiss the secret human traffic his ships now support? Will Orion, for the first time in his life, check himself into an asylum for the good of his family and friends?

This will be a serial novel. Meaning while it will be quality it is also written while being published. A character guide and other useful information will be handy on this blog for your viewing pleasure and use. 

Everything is (c) 2012 Luz Briar. No stealing.

Draining the Humor- artwork & link

(click to enlarge. Nothing stupendous. I’ve done better, this is just a doodle. I love how their facial expressions came out though. In order from left to right; Charles, Orion, with Mini Muffin and Bri.)

If you have yet to read the story, click HERE to see it from the start.

There is another story following this one. But I’m not releasing any details yet as it isn’t even written. Check back for more if you like Orion and Bri.

(More Starving Artists coming soon.)

© 2011 Luz Briar.

Draining the Humor- Epilogue

Epilogue

Orion followed Bri into the parlor. There was a heavy April shower outside and the falling was pattering the roof, but peaceful.

Charles, Lucy and Amadeus were playing cards at the table. Charles was cursing in good humor, challenging something his wife had said. Meanwhile, Lucy chattered back while laughing, her red dress blending with the table cloth. Amadeus took a swallow of his wine and then turned in Orion’s direction and smiled.

Bri’s manner had softened toward the sailor. She now understood Charles method toward Orion. Like mad-doctor, Charles had needed to drain the bad humors from his ex-lover, to force him to heal. For that Bri was grateful.

Bri smirked and pulled her husband by his sleeve. For once he did not seem afraid of their company and for that, she was immensely grateful to Amadeus. The two got along smashingly. Bri sat opposite her man and he claimed a chair beside Amadeus.

The five continued laying the cards down among idle chitchat and Bri watched Orion smile up at Amadeus with innocence. She could tell his hand must be on the bigger man’s thigh. The other night, she heard her husband give in, letting himself go and offering himself up to Amadeus. In the room beside hers, she heard them make love all night and she tried not to laugh, with fodder to tease her husband the next day and with relief. Orion had released himself from restriction.

“Happy birthday, Muffin,” Bri told him, managing to whisper. Her laugh popped up and Orion laughed.

“Are you ready, dear?”

She nodded and Orion stood.

“The real reason we called you here was because we have an announcement to make.”

Lucy covered her mouth, crystal eyes widening. Charles cocked a brow and Amadeus looked on with his usual intensity.

“Brigid and I are expecting.”

Lucy squeaked and Charles gave Orion a generous nod. “Well done, Orion. Well done.”

Lucy stood, breaking the general eloquence and threw her arms around Bri. It was that moment she realized she loved the Arteberrys and their friend Amadeus.

“Brigid, congratulations, darling!”

Charles raised his glass and it was understood. The others did as well.

“To the Hookwell’s healthy infant. The fourth earl of Constance, perhaps.”

When the giddiness wore off, and the wine was taking its effect, Bri climbed the stairs to the largest room on the first floor. She threw open the balcony doors to breathe in the fresh air. From this location, the view was perfect for the pond. Bri watched the swans and leaned on the stone banister. There was a light drizzle that wet her, but the air was hot and the stickiness was womblike. She herself had never met her mother. She remembered a baby of her own once, long ago, the product of a terrible intrusion on her body. How she had wanted to keep the infant, but how she knew she would have to give it up to people who could care for it.

“It’s a beautiful view,” Orion’s voice found her.

“Like you,” she half-teased, but her sincerity was right beneath her skin. She felt tears welling up.

Yesterday her husband had told her all at last. She was still coming to terms with how someone could betray such a gentle creature as Orion. At the end of the broken heart, there was the worst fate, being locked in a madhouse in an attempt to get him out of the way. The fact that he escaped and functioned in society was a miracle in itself.

“Like you,” Orion took her face in his hands. “Thank you, Bri.”

She noticed that Orion had brought company. Mini Muffin, the baby swan with the bad wing.

“I told you I was right. You feel better now, don’t you?” she said, petting the swan.

“Holding it in was…rottenness. It festered. The older I had gotten, the harder it would have been to tell you. I am glad we did before the baby,” he stopped himself. His voice had caught.

Bri took his face now and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “You’re going to be a father.”

“I know, Bri. Thank you, Bri. You set me free.”

“I think Mini Muffin is well,” he announced.

“Darling, his wing is deformed.”

Orion smirked and let the baby swan go, it flapped its good wings and flew from the balcony to join its family. Bri gaped at Orion.

They embraced as the drizzle fell heavier.

© 2011 Luz Briar. All Rights Reserved.

Draining the Humor (7)-a day at the races

7-a day at the races

As Bri had always noticed, a spat between two men quickly subsided.

Soon she and her husband were at the town racetrack, alongside the Arteberrys. Once again, their family friend Amadeus lingered with them. Charles, Orion and Amadeus were discussing which horse to place a bet on. But Bri leaned against Lucy, feeling overly hot and a little woozy. Lucy had an arm about her waist, and the affection of another, more radiant woman was refreshing. She was keeping the discomfort to herself for now, hoping it would pass.

As the horses kicked up a cloud of dust in their race, Bri continued to lean on Lucy where they sat in the stands. The taller woman stroked her hair.

“Gentlemen, I believe Lady Hookwell needs some water.”

Amadeus stood. When Bri shut her eyes in the heat, she could hear he and Orion discussing things in hushed tones. When she opened her eyes she watched Amadeus leave and followed her husband’s eyes as he watched him. He was the one to return with refreshments, his arms big enough to carry five of them. Lucy put a glass to Bri’s mouth and she sipped. She felt her husband’s hand on her back, but his tone was low as he spoke to Amadeus.

She thought she recognized the tone. It was innocent but teasing, almost suggestive. Bri squinted in the sunlight and saw Amadeus hand the drink to Orion. They exchanged smiles.

Bri winced against her nausea. She was grateful Charles sat on the far end, away from her and she was in between Lucy and her husband.

She was beyond gratitude when the winning horse was announced. She got to her feet and asked for Lucy’s aid, “I need to find a chamber pot… or a privy…I…”

“Yes, dear,” Lucy aided her to her feet and the women left in search of privacy and an orifice for Bri to empty the contents of her stomachs.

Lucy did not need to tell Bri what her illness might mean. Both women knew, but neither spoke of it. When they left the outhouse, the crowd was dispersing, still angered.

“How could a horse named Giggles win! What a travesty!” someone was exclaiming.

In the stands, Charles, Orion and Amadeus were waiting. Only Orion sat, as his two companions seemed to be discussing something of great interest. As Bri and Lucy returned, Bri tried to ignore the horrid aftertaste in her mouth and smile at Orion. When he saw her, he scooted over for her and held her when she sat. He kissed her forehead. “My love, are you ill?”

She shook her head, but before she could answer, Charles’ sharp voice interjected.

“By the way, Orion, have you seen Lawrence about town with the rent boy?”

Bri could feel Orion’s discomfort. “No. I don’t care to know.”

“Apparently he’s taken to a particular rent boy and treating him like a love. Those of us at the docks find it hilarious, we’ve seen the boy before.”

“I am glad to hear Lawrence is getting along well.”

“You’re not, Orion,” Charles responded.

Bri grimaced. What was Arteberry attempting! To hurt Orion because of the recent rejection?

Bri’s face snapped up. She detected some sincerity in Charles’ face this time. The words were harsh, but the tone was not lacking meaning.

“You’ve heard of it. Does it disgust you?” Charles spoke with his usual confidence. “If it does you ought to say something instead of letting it fester.”

“I think nothing of it.”

“You do, Orion.”

“And now I shall be told what I think?”

“Oh, bloody hell, Orion! This again?”

“We are in the presence of others, Charles…” Orion answered, a rasp forming in his deep voice. Bri felt his grasp on her loosen as he withdrew into himself. “What I think about Lawrence and his rent boy is none of your concern.”

“Then why isn’t it yours?”

Orion shut his eyes in clear exasperation. Bri did not like the tension in the air. It was not wise to corner Orion in this manner, but it seemed to be Charles’ goal. They were outside, in the stands at a race track and though they were alone, it did not seem the best place for an intervention.

“Charles! Can you please—“ Bri jumped in, only to have Orion squeeze her hand softly for silence.

“Ah, perhaps it is the novelty.” Charles shrugged, looking at Amadeus.

Amadeus did not look humored. He was glaring daggers in Charles’ direction.

“The novelty of what?” Bri demanded.

“Meeting a man who was not so in denial of himself. Even if he is a rent boy, at least he will not run away…”

The group fell quiet and Bri shook her head. Orion closed his eyes and put his face in his hand, “Charles, there are things you do not understand.”

“Orion, there is more to the world than what those men did to you.”

Orion raised his eyes to Charles for the first time. His glare was piercing, and his words came out like venom, “Is there, Charles? Thank you so much for telling me? Now kindly teach me how to erase the trauma and I will. Kindly teach me the way to be a stronger person so that I will add up to your level of fortitude.”

Orion stood and he met Charles face-to-face. Bri anticipated a punch to Charles’ face. Alas, it never came.

“There is so much more to the world, Charles. And it is all like you. It assumes everything and asks no questions. The less it learns, the more it thinks it knows. And then…it Preaches! Denial! Denial! DENIAL? You think that is what this is about!”

Orion was raising his voice, something Bri had never heard before.

“Denial! Yes, this is about the petty ‘I am this’ or ‘I am that!’ That is all it is about, isn’t it! Words! Bloody fucking words! And what those men did to me? You do not even know! Do you know what leeching is, Charles? What about cupping! Bleeding, hm? How about starving and cold water treatment? What about being left for dead? Yes, Charles! O, yes! There is more to the world! There is much more! I wonder if you even know what it is, Hypocrit!” he was so angry he was spitting and yelling, and now he stormed off.

In his path a stray dog stopped and whimpered at the sight of him.

Bri found she was backed up into Lucy, her head practically in the woman’s bosom. She wanted to turn and hide her face in them.

All eyes fell on Charles and he sighed, “Brigid, I think he will talk now…”

© 2011 Luz Briar. All Rights Reserved.

Draining the Humor (6)- forbidden

6-forbidden

Orion was able to forgive Brigid for her unruliness at the opera. He also forgave Charles, who had not apologized formally, but whom he knew was like a leech for emotions. He had merely discovered a pet peeve of Bri’s and sought to exploit it for the emotional satisfaction of it. It was nothing personal.

But for Bri’s birthday, Charles, Lucy and their friend Amadeus were invited to tea. Orion felt his energy drain when he saw the couple in the parlor, chatting with his wife.

He stepped forward and kissed Lucy’s hand before he shook Charles’. The man’s grip was firm. He was recalling after the opera how Charles had insinuated Orion should visit him some time. His way was still seductive, even in his forties these days. He recalled years ago, at the tender age of eighteen, when he had fallen prey to the seduction. He knew better now.

Behind the couple, Amadeus was looking on like a guard. Orion smiled to him, despite his intimidating air and the German smiled back. He and the man had not spoken much during the opera, but at intermission they had a short exchange about Charles. He recalled Amadeus being straight-forward, but consoling in an odd way.

He means nothing by it, Amadeus assured Orion. He is an emotional leech. I know him well.

Amadeus was the godfather of Lucy and Charles’ daughter after all. The daughter…who had gone missing.

He shook the man’s hand, pushing the depression down. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Frunberg.”

“Pleasure, my lord.”

He noticed Amadeus’ package, tucked under a powerful arm.

“What have you got there? Is it for me…or my wife?”

The man’s blue eyes followed Orion’s gaze and he responded, “We have a gift for Brigid.”

“May I open it now!” she exclaimed.

The party moved to the drawing room where a pleasant conversation was led by Lucy. She took the reins socially, as usual. It was not quite evening yet, but it was Brigid’s celebration, so the wine was brought out early. The Arteberrys did not seem to mind, and that was likely light drinking for Charles. The sailor downed his glass in one gulp.

Orion noted a quiet change in Charles. Though he had always been sulky in moments of silence, there was now a true hint of melancholy.

When they moved on to board games and idle chitchat, Orion became more curious about Amadeus. He was a man of few words. He was a commoner, but his dignity spoke for itself. There seemed a laconic understanding between the two men. He even nodded to Orion when the conversation ran dry.

Brigid finally retrieved her gift from its package and pulled out a large porcelain doll. It was breathtaking.

“Oh…” she stared. “Where did you…?”

“It was a group effort,” Lucy cooed.

Before Bri could ask how, Charles jumped in, “Lucy caught it, I killed it and Amadeus stuffed it.”

“It looks hand-made,” Orion whispered, smiling at Charles’ joke.

“Amadeus makes dolls,” Charles spoke in earnest. “That’s his profession. Lucy sewed the clothes and I bought the materials. It was group effort.”

Bri embraced Lucy and thanked the two men.

“How long have you made dolls?” Orion asked Amadeus, almost whispering again.

“Say, since I was fifteen perhaps.”

***

By sundown, it seemed the three were going to disperse soon. Bri was still giddy with the idea of a real birthday party, Orion could tell. She had admitted to him last year that she was without a real her whole life. She scraped her way from the dirt in Indian to a dislocated British nurse, and raising herself a waif from orphanage to orphanage, Bri had never fit into upper society.

But the Arteberrys were delightfully offbeat and she was clearly fond of them. Even Charles.

Bri insisted they stay the night, rather than ride back to their estate in darkness. It worried Orion, as he met with Charles’ eyes shyly and he looked away. There was much he remembered about their mistake many years ago, that he did not wish to drag back into the light. There was much he admired about Charles; his bluntness, his bravery, his intelligence. But to dwell on them would mean he would succumb again. His heart was far too vulnerable.

As he walked the halls to his bedroom late that night, he and Charles’ paths crossed. It was inevitable, their shadows tangled. They eyed one another and Orion went to circle Charles but the older man caught his arm. When he was pressed against the wall by the sailor, he allowed it, savoring the force.

“Orion,” Charles whispered, “Does your wife need you in bed? Are you trying to procreate every week night? Because it is a Saturday, I’ll have you note.”

“We are doing what we can…she cannot begrudge me a night off I suppose…” Orion returned his playful tone.

“I think I know what you need, my lord.”

“What is that, Charles?” he asked, having forgotten how nice his aggression was.

Charles leaned in and whispered lewd things in Orion’s ear. He gulped and wrapped his arms around the man’s waist. He scooted against the wall, feeling for the nearest door. Bri was right, he needed some kind of satisfaction. The tension was weighing on his physical form.

As Orion nearly fell back into the unlit guest room, with Charles still on him, he tried to catch his breath. Charles pushed him onto the nearest coach and began to seize control.

“How long has it been?”

“Years, Charles…” Orion spoke in between a kiss. “…since you and I…”

“Fucked. Say the word, love.”

But he could not bring himself to say the word. His mind kept racing to other things, as pleasant as the touching was, as enthralled with the idea he felt…he could not stop thinking about it.

The urgency seized them and they began to shed their clothing, bound toward the forbidden.

But Orion’s mind ran back to Lawrence and his promises. It ran back to his very first lover, the doctor who he refused to even speak with today. The broken vows, the false sense of security. The actual, physical pain when Orion was struck down. At fifteen years old, he had not been much of a match for a full grown man. Today, he could easily overcome someone. But he was still a child in those days…

“Orion,” Charles shook him beneath him. “Hello? Are you lost?”

He realized that Charles had been indulging but that he was far off, lost in the past. The memory of being slammed against the wall with strong hands around his throat.

Bloody, stupid spoiled sodomite!

He pushed Charles off, more roughly than he had intended. “I have to go…”

He closed his shirt and buttoned it, looking around frantically for any other clothing that had been tossed aside. The scant sunlight that peaked through the half-drawn curtain left things dark. Orion knelt on the floor, feeling.

“I see you have not changed much, my lord,” Charles quipped.

Orion seized his shoes and then looked at Charles’ in the half-light. “What are you implying?”

“You are as predictable as the weather in the year you were born,” Charles spat. His voice sounded metallic and distant. Charles was not rejected often, most likely. He was infamous for his sexual prowess.

He referred to 1816, the highlight of chaotic seasons. Very well. “Perhaps then you should find a lover who is more your temperament. For now I have to be alone…”

Running away again, Rion.

He groped for the bedroom door and flung it open. But before he left, he added, “By the way I was born in 1817, Charles.”

He rushed to his private chamber and threw his shoes aside. Where he sat, the very last of the daylight fell on him as he shielded his face in his hands. The warmth was retreating into the night. He tried with all his might to push the memories down. Shame, lies, his mother’s death, the madhouse.

The madhouse; he could not even reflect on that without screaming.

The bedroom door creaked open and small, shuffling footsteps introduced Brigid.

“Muffin…you hold too much in.”

“Brigid, I want to be alone right now.”

“What are you trying to prove, Orion? There’s nothing wrong with the way you are.”

“I did not say there was.”

“Then why not do what makes you feel good?” her voice was getting shrill, he could feel her prickling. He could also feel her assumptions and it pushed him.

“Brigid, you do not understand…”

He met her eyes so that she could see he was weeping. Perhaps then she would understand. When the woman saw his tears she frowned. It was hard to detect in the dark, but her eyes may be watering with his. Not even Brigid knew about the madhouse. Only the men who had thrown Orion there, in hopes that he would rot, knew he was a former Bedlamite.

“Talk to me, Orion…” she begged, her voice small.

“Later…” he promised.

He would tell her in time. But not tonight. Tonight he wanted all eyes off of him. He wanted to stay in the dark.

If there was a sound for resignation, he would have heard it when Bri hung her head and left her husband to dwell, battling the past.

© Luz Briar. All Rights Reserved.

Draining the Humor (5)- a night at the opera

5-a night at the opera

The Arteberrys and the Hookwells set up a date for an outing.
Lucy had a supporting role in an upcoming London opera, and the couples decided the event would be a good occasion to socialize afterwards.
Orion arranged to get them a booth, but stepping up the stairs, a foot shot out of one of the private booths and Orion nearly tripped.
The curtains were drawn aside and Charles revealed himself. He smirked at the couple and Bri’s laugh erupted. Half the opera house turned to stare and hiss for silence. Bri hid her face in Orion’s shirt as he shrugged and stepped forward.
Bri took in Charles’ appearance. As always, he was appealing, though today he had dressed rather nicely for his wife’s show. Not like a sailor at all. He even had his longish hair pulled back, giving him an almost feminine look.
But there was someone there Bri recognized but could not name.
The muscular blonde man she had seen at Lucy’s piano a few weeks ago.
“Charles, we were heading to our booth,” Orion announced.
“Nonsense. You’re sitting with Amadeus and I. He is a bore in conversation. A good chap, but a bloody bore.”
Amadeus shrugged, apparently used to Charles’ bluntness.
“Have we met?” Bri interrupted, nodding to Amadeus.
Already, Charles was eyeing Orion. The earl looked away shyly and Bri squeezed his hand.
Amadeus answered gruffly, his voice thick with a German accent, “Ch’ay. Not formally. Amadeus Frunberg, my lady.”
“Brigid Hookwell,” she gave a small bow. “And this is my husband Lord Hookwell.”
Amadeus nodded in acknowledgement, apparently a man of few words.
Charles easily compensated for Amadeus’ silence.
“Lucy sings a love song and then exits. I’m considering doing the same, except I’d be beaten if I left early. Perhaps you two can bloody well entertain me during this thing.”
“You don’t like opera, Mr. Arteberry?” Bri asked.
“Charles does not like most things,” Orion spoke as he allowed his wife to sit first. “He can be quite harsh.”
“But that is what you like about me, isn’t it, my lord?”
Orion merely changed the topic. “What is the role your wife shall play?”
“A Queen reminiscing a young romance. Her lover died as a result of their copulating and because he was a commoner had his head whacked off. It’s tearful and lovely and all that mess. Brigid,” Charles snapped them out of their comfort zone by calling her by her first name. “I know my brother Stephen must have taken you to operas before. Did you ever fall asleep during one?”
“I think they sing too loud for me to go to sleep, Charles,” she returned the casual address. “Have you?”
“No, but I have had my cock sucked in one of these private booths. During a very long solo from a diva. I find people suck better when they are bored.”
Amadeus rolled his eyes and Bri took Orion’s hand.
Charles was as aggressive as she recalled. Orion’s emotions were not yet legible. He was staring ahead at the stage as the overture came swelling to its grand middle. His green eyes cleared a bit and he turned to look at Charles.
It was then Bri wondered how two creatures, so contrast in their ways, could have united even for one night of passion.
“Charles, will you behave for your wife’s sake?” Orion asked.
“I wonder if I ever have,” Charles challenged the earl.
Bri would be more comfortable talking to Charles and Orion about their ulterior motifs if Amadeus was not present. She looked the man over. He was rather strapping, but did not seem the type Charles would befriend. Charles’ brown eyes narrowed when he saw Bri surveying Amadeus. He quipped, “I see you like Germans, Brigid.”
Bri laughed. “As pleasant as you are, Charles. I believe my husband and I will go to our own booth now. He did pay good money for it, after all.”
She squeezed Orion’s hand and he stood, apparently agreeing. If he had not, he would contradict her. Sometimes he did, as he was not one to follow blindly, something Bri admired in him. But he was also submissive when he agreed with a thing. And right now their private booth sounded good. They would reunite with their friends later.
Charles watched with an annoyed expression as they left. Bri sensed he would follow and leave Amadeus alone. Perhaps then, the three of them could discuss things. But the overture was coming to an end and Bri doubted there would be time to discuss anything at all.
Orion gestured again, allowing Bri to sit first. She stared up at him when she was seated and tugged his hand affectionately. He sat beside her and they shared a quick kiss.
“No snogging during the overture,” came Charles’ snide voice.
They met with his mocking gaze as he seated himself to Orion’s left. Bri rolled her eyes at the sailor. At least he was not unappealing like Lawrence. He was more the type Orion should be with, physically. There was always something delicate about Charles’ face, as though he were sad beneath the difficult mask he wore. Bri knew that about two years prior, Charles and Lucy’s daughter Adelaide had gone missing. She guessed the missing child would have something to do with Charles’ melancholy.
Now he was smiling at Orion, genuinely it seemed. “I apologize for Amadeus. He is a family friend and we try to include him in our outings. He enjoys solitude at times. It shows in his response when I speak to him.”
“Perhaps your conversation does not stimulate him,” Orion’s deep voice contrasted Charles’ both in softness and depth.
Charles crooned, “Is someone critical of my conversational skills?”
“Not at all, Arteberry. I find you very engaging, when you choose to be.”
The two men exchanged mocking looks as the music stopped and all went silent. Bri wrapped her arm around her husband’s arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
As the opera opened and the singers demanded attention, all was peaceful. However, Bri was quickly lost to the plotline.
“Muffin,” she whispered. “Did you grab a program?”
“No, love. I’m sorry.”
Charles rolled his eyes, “Orion, your wife’s whisper is louder than her speaking voice!”
“I’m right here, Mr. Arteberry! If you have a complaint, you can direct it toward me.”
“Ah, but you are sitting way over there.”
“Children,” Orion spoke up softly, “Let’s be polite…”
With that Bri and Charles simmered down. However, Bri dwelt on Charles’ little insult. He had always been such a heel, but why could he not be upfront about it with her as he was with everyone else? Why could he not be a heel to her face? It had always been so, even when Bri was Stephen’s wife.
Stephen, your wife laughs like a man.
Bri was fuming when she heard Charles mumble something about a solo a little soprano had did. Something about it being “subtle.” Of course, he was being sarcastic. Bri rolled her eyes and whispered loudly “Orion, you’re right. Your lover doesn’t care for most things!”
“Orion, your wife is ‘whispering’ again,” Charles shot back.
“If you have complaints, I’m right here!” Bri exclaimed.
“She sounds quite angry, my lord! Did you bring her medicine?”
“Medicine! I don’t have medicine, you twat!”
“Brigid!” Orion looked at her.
By now, their voices were raised and someone pulled their curtain aside and thrust their head in. “Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
The three of them shut their mouths. Orion looked at his shoes, Bri folded her arms to pout and Charles grinned at both of them triumphantly.
Bri seethed as she stared at him, wanting to smack the smirk off his face. The thought that he had ever touched her innocent Orion made her stomach turn.
“You are a mite,” she hissed in a whisper. “A nasty, snarky little blood-sucking mite!”
Charles snorted and said nothing. He seemed quite proud to be insulted.
“Brigid, love, please…” Orion begged her for silence.
Surely someone would complain to them again if they kept arguing. But now Bri could not focus on the opera. She lifted her opera-glasses to view the performers better, but her mind was still elsewhere.
When she heard Charles mumble one more thing, she lost her temper.
“You be quiet, you! And don’t touch my husband!”
With that, Orion stood, threw back the side curtain and stepped out. Bri and Charles watched him before Bri felt her heart sink. She dropped the opera glasses and hurried after him down the stairs.
“Muffin!” she yelled. “Muffin! I’m sorry!”
He was not turning back around. He was returning to the booth with Amadeus, escaping Bri and Charles.
When she caught up with him, he was about to duck into the booth. All eyes in the audience were following them as the opera players continued valiantly on with their performance.
“I’m sorry, Rion! Come back.”
“Do not follow me, Brigid.”
“But—“
“You embarrass me. Argue with him but do it without me,” he spoke to her with a sideways glance, cold.
Then he disappeared into the booth with Amadeus. Bri hung her head and progressed back up the steps in shame. Eyes were still on her. When she returned to the booth with Charles, he was no longer grinning. Like her, he seemed shaken by Orion’s departure.
By the time Lucy appeared on the stage to sing her sad song, Bri and Charles had whispered their apologies. At the short intermission, she asked, “How long do you think he will be angry at me?”
“Hell hath no wrath like an insecure earl, my dear. But you know the bugger better than I…though if I remember correctly, he has a big heart.”
Bri had detected a hint of real sadness in Charles when Lucy was singing. Perhaps he was not completely without sentiment.
“I am going to run to the booth and apologize to him…”
“You had better run fast, my lady.”
“How long do I have?”
“Not long. The intermission is as long as your patience.”
She took the jibe in stride and then stood, ready to scurry to Orion to apologize.
© 2011 Luz Briar.

Draining the Humor (3)

3- asking a favor

When Orion Hookwell asked for solitude, Bri knew better than to question him further. Her husband was the type to retreat into himself at times but he always emerged better for it. She had also attempted in the past to pull him out of his introversions but found it more harmful than good.
Knowing Orion was like knowing two people in one. One side of him was seductive, confidant and elegant. He was cold but he had a fine sense of humor and did things even against popular opinion. The other side was sweet, innocent and almost fragile. He was emotional and sensitive, but resilient and impossible to keep down.
When Orion told her that he would need a day or two to think, she nodded in understanding and answered a call their distant neighbor Lucy had left her.
Bri had the carriage transport her to Lucy’s estate early in the evening.
The heiress’ sailor husband was away, so Bri expected to be greeted by the mistress of the house alone. When she found Lucy, she was at the piano with a large man. He was playing as she sang, her high soprano hitting notes like bells.
She spotted Bri first and she trailed off in her song, the operatically trained voice fading out with power. “Amadeus! Darling, my company is here!”
The muscular man turned in the piano chair to survey Bri. He had blue eyes and strong, chiseled features. His hair was a dark blonde and his manner imposing. Bri’s uncontrolled laugh greeted him. She had no idea who he was, and he certainly was not Lucy’s husband.
Lucy embraced her shorter friendly tightly, “How has it been? The marriage I mean…”
Bri was happy to share details with Lucy but she was still unsure how much the woman truly wanted to know. This was the friend who had leant the ‘love potion’ after all, and seemed to know of Orion’s preference. Furthermore, rumors of the Arteberrys were so widespread that they had a reputation as “hidden deviants.” Bri suspected the large, speechless man Amadeus was a lover of Lucy’s.
“It’s such a beautiful day outside, why don’t we have a picnic!” the soprano offered Bri.
Bri’s laugh erupted out of nerves this time. She was not sure if she could keep up with this prettier woman’s energy. When they had their food, they headed beneath a tree where they set up to eat. Lucy was radiant as she had been at the wedding several weeks ago, stealing attention away from the bride every so often. Her red hair was in a bun and her dress was a blue that matched her eyes.
“Mrs. Arteberry,” Bri asked, when she had finished her second roll. “How did you know about Orion’s…unique, eh, condition?”
Lucy finished chewing and then set back a bit, eyes closed in thought.
“My husband told me.”
“Mr. Arteberry knows?” Bri’s eyes widened.
She recalled Charles Arteberry at the wedding. The man who had made advances on both the bride and groom! It had not shocked Bri. Charles was her former brother-in-law, by the viscount Stephen Arteberry. Charles had been just as blatant in his flirtations with Bri in front of his brother as he had been behind his back. Never did Bri recall him mentioning Orion in the past.
“He does know him. But Charles hears many things, Lady Hookwell. He is a sailor after all.”
Bri kept her mouth shut. Charles was the connection between them, after all. Bri’s former brother-in-law and Lucy’s husband. She had trouble deciding who was open to secrets and who was not. Polite society was such a pain.
“He is truly a beautiful person,” was all Bri could say of her husband. “I hope you do not think less of him.”
Lucy’s eyes widened and her voice became shrill, “Think less of him! Why would I? We all love whom we love, dear.”
“So…you are not going to say bad things of him?”
“Why would I, Brigid! He is angelic. Absolutely lovely company!”
Bri was glad to hear her first name from Lucy’s mouth. Perhaps they could drop the formalities now.
Bri sighed in relief. “Oh thank god, Lucy!” she let the tension drain. “I thought you would not understand.”
Lucy rolled her eyes, “We all have our deviances, dear. Or ten, in Charles’ case.”
They laughed quickly at the absent sailor’s expense.
Bri had to ask. “How did Charles find out? Was it the usual gossip in these parts or…”
Lucy bit her lip and looked up into the tree. She was watching a squirrel run about in circles.
“You will have to ask them, I’m afraid. Although I recall…no! I should not tell you that.”
Bri’s eyes were large now. How could she not press for further details?
“The reason I ask…” she looked down at her hands and considered her words, for once. She had the penchant for blurting, but today she would try to behave for Orion’s sake. “I ask because I have noticed distress in my husband. His last man, well, he has passed judgment on Orion for wedding me. He has cut him off. Orion needs…well, he needs something I cannot give him.”
Lucy set her slice of bread down and stopped spreading the marmalade. She became serious, a strange sight for one so full of vibrancy. “He needs a lover?”
Bri nodded. A silence passed in which she laughed. “I figure I should find him one because he is being stubborn. He thinks he can go without it.”
Lucy let out a high laugh and swiped away a tear. “I am trying to imagine Charles saying such a thing,” she explained. “That will be a sign of the end times!”
Bri joined in the laughter. “My muffin is an idealist. He is trying to prove something. Does Charles fancy him? He seemed to at the wedding.”
In fact, she remembered at the reception seeing Charles squeeze Orion’s shoulder once and whisper something in his ear. By Orion’s expression alone, it seemed they had a secret.
Lucy blushed slightly but it cooled and she answered plainly, “Yes. But, Bri, everyone fancies Orion. He is positively adorable.”
Bri agreed, “I know he is. How well do they know each other?”
“They are…acquainted.” Lucy answered. She went back to preparing her snack. “I will ask Charles about it. We should all meet again, perhaps for an outing. You and your husband, and Charles and I. Yes?”
“Here’s to that!” Bri held up her teacup.
© 2011 Luz Briar.