The Fall of Prejudice

As they neared Way Manor, Gerard moved back to his side of the cab and opened the window shades so that Frank could see his new home. They passed through a small town which led to the woods. The thick trees soon gave way to open pasture, just past this, Frank could see the house.

Calling it a house did not do it justice, for it looked as if it could shelter everyone in the small town they had passed earlier. Frank watched as they passed the rolling hills and lakes of the grounds, he looked up to see Gerard watching him carefully, looking slightly nervous.

“I do hope you’ll like it.” Gerard confessed when Frank made eye contact. Frank moved forward in his seat so his knees were touching Gerard’s, he had felt a strange lonely tinge in his heart when Gerard moved to his own side.

“I’m quite sure it will be perfect.” Frank smiled reassuringly, he placed a hand on Gerard’s leg and squeezed affectionately.

It was not until the coach stopped that Frank realized just how nervous he was about being introduced as Gerard’s husband to the house staff. Gerard stepped out the the carriage first and turned around to help Frank down.

The entire staff was waiting outside for their master to return, each one wanting to see the man he had married. Gerard offered Frank his arm and walked him to the line of staff in order to introduce Frank.

It was in the introductions that Gerard really surprised Frank. There had to be at least forty people there, and Gerard knew every single one. Not only could he address them by name, he also asked personal questions, as if they were friends. In one case, Gerard learned that one handmaids father was ill and Gerard immediately had the doctor sent for, not allowing the girl to pay a cent.

Once guided inside, by his husband, Frank was then given a tour. There were more rooms than Frank could count and each was decorated in a lavish modern style. “I shall get lost.” Frank voiced.

He heard Gerard laugh beside him, however, he was so excited that it sounded more like a girlish giggle. “And I shall always come and find you, my love.” They then walked into the room Frank assumed was the dining room to find incredible amounts of food.

“Is someone joining us for dinner?” Frank had thought Gerard would wish not to have his company on their wedding day.

“No, my dear, cook always gets excited when Michael or I return home and prepares a feast. Although, it does seem as thought she has outdone herself this time, she must wish to make a good impression on the new master of the house.” Gerard pulled out a chair politely for Frank and kissed his cheek as Frank say down before pulling out his own chair.

The food was more delectable that anything Frank had ever eaten before. “If you continue to feed me like this, you may have to roll me around for the rest of the tour.” Gerard smiled at Frank’s comment and took a sip of his wine.

He then placed a hand on Frank’s leg under the table. Frank felt a burning blush spread over his face. It was not long before both men declared themselves finished and made their way upstairs.

As they walked along the long corridor, arm in arm, Gerard motioned to each door, explaining what was behind it, not taking the time to show Frank.

It was not as if Frank was listening anyway, he was more focused on the activities that lay ahead. His mother had explained the basics to him and he knew what was expected but he feared being so exposed and vulnerable. What if Gerard did not like what Frank could offer? He pushed this thought out of his head, a week ago he did not want to marry this man, why should he care what Gerard thought of him? But Frank knew he did care.

Before Frank knew it, he was being led into the room that Gerard had explained as their bedroom. Frank let go of Gerard’s arm and walked into the room to lean agains the bedpost, looking slightly petrified.

Gerard closed and locked the door before turning around to look at Frank. He saw the look on Frank’s face and walked over to embrace Frank in an innocent hug. “You do not have to look so scared, my love, I will not hurt you. I will not make you do anything you are not comfortable with.”

Frank unwrapped his arms from his husband’s waist and placed his hands on either side of Gerard’s face. Gerard smiled and kissed his husband deeply before carrying him to the bed.