Because no one says no to Henry Bolingbroke

[newredmuses]

Only the strength of his father's friendship with Bolingbroke has him here -- that and Kate's insistence that he must occasionally act like he is part of a company, with responsibilities to allegiances greater than his own. This is why he is glumly walking up this long driveway with a bottle of good scotch under his arm, though he neither cares much for whiskey nor for the man in whom most of it will inevitably end up.

"I have far better things I could be doing with myself tonight," he mutters, when there is still time to make a phone call and go home to those pastimes, like building a model airplane or butchering some karaoke or, God save them all, babysitting.

Comments

[newredmuses]

The squeeze he gives her hand is an admission that he's crossed a line, but he can't let that show, not openly. He'll thank her for saving his neck in private later.

"My much better half! Come to rescue us from our shop talk?" He drapes an arm over her back. "You all know my wife Kate, then?"

"He talks about you enough, I feel we've met already," says one of them with a smile.

[adivasheadvoices]

"I'm sure we've met at some Christmas party or other. Good to see you all." She pecks Harry on the cheek. "I just wanted to see if you found Mr. Bolingbroke."

[newredmuses]

"Found him right off, still glued to his phone. He was very appreciative of the scotch, though."

Translation: Good call, because they all look about the same to him.

[adivasheadvoices]

She grins and squeezes his waist. (She likes showing him off at things like this. Can you blame her?)

"Glad to hear it. Walter, how are you? How are the kids?"

"Eating me out of house and home," Walter laughs. "You've just the one boy, haven't you? Count your blessings."

[newredmuses]

"Indeed, yet another Henry Percy to keep us all on our toes." He gives Kate a sidelong wink. "I don't think I'd mind a girl one of them, though. A few more Kate Percys in the world, who wouldn't like that?"

[adivasheadvoices]

"God help our sons," says one of the others, eliciting a burst of laughter from the men and a sharp, amused smile from Kate.

[newredmuses]

"Well!" Harry laughs, as loudly as the rest of them. "The world must be peopled."

Out of the corner of his eye, he catches a glimpse of something: Hal, leaning against a table, hunched over his phone and furiously texting with both thumbs. Ignore him says Harry's better judgment (and Kate leaning into his side).

One of the VPs in security lifts his glass. "I think I'd like to see you raise a daughter, Percy."

He chuckles. "In faith, I'd be putty in her hands." He knows from experience, doesn't he.

[adivasheadvoices]

Kate groans. "You've done it now. He won't be contented 'till he's got someone to dress up and spoil rotten."

[newredmuses]

He now wraps his arms about her waist. "Do I not already? Tell me if you feel I haven't spoiled you rotten, Kate. I can try and dress you if you like, though I think we both know how that would end."

With terrible clothing choices, for everyone's information.

This is a decent party with decent people about.

[adivasheadvoices]

"Now, now. I'll get you one of those cute little purse-dogs," she says, with a wink at the others. "You can dress her."

[newredmuses]

His whole face brightens. "We should get a dog! One of those big sloppy ones that Henry can ride." He considers. "And maybe a little talky one too. She can boss the big one around."

[adivasheadvoices]

"You can't ride dogs. It's bad for the backs."

"Not true," objects Blunt. "I had a Newfoundland as a kid we used to ride."

[newredmuses]

Harry points to Blunt. "That is a fine idea and I am remembering it, thank you." He looks at Kate. "Those're about, what, size of a small horse? If we can't have horses, we should at least have that."

[adivasheadvoices]

"You are a mad man and your friends are bad influences," Kate says with a laugh.

[newredmuses]

"Something I'd always hoped to hear you say to me!" comes a voice from behind them.

The thing about always being battle-ready is that no one needs to know when you've switched your defenses on. Harry can see everyone get that look on their faces, but he keeps his own merry smile up. "It's the best music in the world to hear about ourselves, isn't it?"

Hal winks. "Depends on the tune, but I cannot disagree."

[adivasheadvoices]

Kate leans her head on Harry's shoulder and gives Hal a smile.

"Hello, Hal. What's trending in the Twittersphere?"

[newredmuses]

He wrinkles his nose. "Nothing so interesting as all this. You know, I had a dog, once upon a time. Name of Francis. Wonderful mutt, very good for building character." He winks at Harry. "I think you should get a dog. And have babies. All of it's a wonderful thing."

Harry looks to his wife. "What do you say, my love? The boss's son recommends it."

[adivasheadvoices]

"Hal, you know how I value your opinion, but I suggest you change some diapers before you go recommending to other people's wives that they have more babies."