Chapter Text
“So, how’s it going with the duke?” Fang asks the next morning. They’re on a video call this time. There’s a silence as Ed debates how to answer. “Oh, I knew it! I knew it!”
“There’s nothing to know. I mean, we did almost kiss yesterday…” Ed pauses to let Fang finish shrieking. “But I mean, is this happening? He’s royalty! I grew up with nothing, all my clothes came from charity shops or hand me downs! We live in different countries!”
“When you love someone, you can make it work,” Fang’s voice cuts off for a second as a notification tone on Ed’s phone tells him an email has just come in.
“Who said anything about love?” Ed taps the notification icon to open his inbox as they speak.
“I can tell by the look on your face!” Fang laughs. “Your eyes always give you away.”
Ed huffs, but there’s no heat behind it. “You know, I’ve been telling him to let his guard down. Maybe it’s time I take my own advice… Oh.” Ed’s heart plummets as he opens the email.
“What’s wrong?” Fang asks, concerned by Ed’s sudden change in demeanour.
“It’s from the bank. ‘We’re sorry to inform you that we have denied your loan due to lack of consistent cash flow.’”
“Oh, well, maybe they’ll reconsider once the duke’s payment comes through?” Fang says hopefully.
“Yeah, maybe.” Ed can feel tears pricking in his eyes. “I can’t think about that right now. I have to get ready for this party.”
“Yes! Are you going to wear it?” Fang asks. Ed knows he’s referring to the bright red dress that Ed brought with him.
“I don’t think so,” Ed says a little sadly. “I’ll wear the suit I brought instead. We’re hoping to get some good publicity for Stede, I don’t want to be a distraction.”
“I suppose I understand. Still, it’s a shame. You look so good in that dress. But you’ll look good in your suit as well.”
“Oh shit.” Ed slaps a palm to his forehead. “I just realised I forgot to bring any dress shoes to go with it.”
“Maybe Stede can lend you some?”
“We’ve got different shoe sizes.” Ed laments. “And before you offer to drive some to me, there isn’t time before the party starts”
“Perhaps you could ask Lucius?” Fang suggests. Ed really must find out what’s going on between those two.
“I wish you’d accepted my invitation.” Ed pouts a little. “It would have been nice having a friend here.”
“I appreciate the invite, but big fancy parties like that, not really my scene.” Fang shakes his head. “Besides, you don’t need me, you’ve got the duke! Now go and organise some shoes, and go wow your man. I want to hear all about it!”
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
The salon is absolutely stunning. The decorators have done an incredible job at blending festive, classy, and cosy, and Ed feels like he’s stepped into a Christmas wonderland.
“You look gorgeous.”
Ed jumps as Stede comes up behind him, speaking low into his ear. Ed’s chosen to wear a dark purple suit with a black shirt and matching purple tie. Thankfully Lucius came through with a pair of shoes for him to wear. Turning around to look at Stede, Ed can’t keep the smile off his face.
“Thank you, you look pretty stylish yourself. The dark blue tuxedo suits you.” Ed had snuck it in with the blacks and the greys. Stede may not have been ready to wear the teal, but Ed was delighted to see him in colour.
“I’ll have to introduce you to my stylist,” Stede smiles. “There’s none better. He’s done the impossible, getting me out of my shell.” Stede takes a step closer. “May I have this dance?”
“I’d be honoured,” Ed says, as Stede takes his hand and leads him onto the dancefloor. They’ve only taken a few steps when Stede suddenly stops and stiffens.
“What’s he doing here,” Stede says with panic in his voice, gesturing at a photographer who had just taken a photo of them on the dancefloor.
“Um, I invited him? That’s my friend Izzy, a photographer.”
“You did what? Why?” Stede looks horrified.
“You know, like we spoke about? Positive publicity and candid moments.” A feeling of ice cold dread settles into Ed’s stomach. “I thought you knew?”
“No, I didn’t. I never agreed to this. Lucius!” Stede calls. “Please see that man out!”
"Sir, I'm so sorry, but you'll have to come with me." Lucius seems to materialise next to Izzy. Ed looks on in horror as his friend is escorted out of the room. He can hear Izzy muttering "twats the lot of them" under his breath as he goes. Ed should go after him, make sure he's okay, but he can't leave Stede.
“Stede, Stede please,” Ed begs as Stede walks away from him, leaving Ed alone on the dancefloor. Ed follows. “I’m sorry, I really thought–”
“I’m not some pawn to be moved about on a chessboard!”
“Fuck, I’m so sorry Stede. I was just trying to–”
“Trying to help, yes. I know.” Stede says curtly. Then sighs. “Before I forget, as this evening concludes our business arrangements, here’s your cheque.” Stede takes a folded cheque out of an inner pocket and hands it to Ed. “Thank you. I truly appreciate all you’ve done.”
“Business arrangement?” Ed laughs but it’s a hollow sound. “Right, because this week has been strictly professional. And that’s all it was.”
“Exactly, yes,” Stede says shortly.
“Right, well. I truly appreciate you, as I do all my clients.” Ed tries to keep himself together. “It’s a lovely party. I’m going to get the punch. Enjoy the rest of your night.” Ed rushes over to the corner, trying to catch his breath. He looks around for Izzy, but it seems Lucius has already had him leave.”
As he steadies himself, another man walks in and makes a beeline for Stede.
“Stede, hello darling!” The man cries out. Stede smiles a brighter smile that Ed’s ever seen before, and hugs the man.
“That’s Lord Doug,” he overhears one of the other guests saying. “He and Stede attended university together. There were rumours that they were involved back then. He’s very handsome, would make Stede a perfect husband, don’t you think?”
“Given the way the papers have been to poor Stede, it wouldn’t surprise me that they’d keep it on the downlow if they have been dating. They certainly make a good couple.”
Ed looks at Stede and Doug, who are talking happily together, Stede’s previous distress seemingly vanished. Stede has his hand on Doug’s arm, and leans his head into Doug’s shoulder as laughs.
Ed can’t spend a moment longer in the salon. He tries to keep himself together as he makes his way out into the hallway, bumping straight into Jeffrey.
“Ed, are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ed gives a thin smile. “Just a little warm, thought I’d go out and get some air.”
“Very well! You look dashing, if I may say so. I’m so glad that Lord Doug’s shoes worked out for you.”
“These are Doug’s shoes?” Ed suddenly wants to rip them off his feet.
“Yes! He’s staying in the main house tonight. Between you and me, he does not travel lightly,” Jeffrey says with a conspiratorial wink. “But he’s very generous, he was going to give those shoes to charity anyway, so you are welcome to keep them.”
Ed takes deep breaths as makes his way out the front door. He takes deep breaths as he walks back to the guest house. He takes deep breaths as he packs his belongings and loads his car, leaving Doug’s shoes behind. He takes deep breaths as he drives all the way home. Only then does he let himself cry.