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“Tell me you’ll at least think about it Henry. It’s only a few weeks.” His Aunt questioned him over dinner. He should have known her offer of a meal was a cover for something else. It had been a long enough time since he had seen her that he let his family guilt override his better senses.
“I do not want to be prostituted out to the sad women who go to your retreats.” His aunt looked a tad hurt, her eyebrows scrunching for just a brief moment before she smoothed her face into another smile.
“You will not be required to romance any guests. I am just in a bind to provide gentleman entertainment to one of my platinum guests until George finishes up his soap opera filming.” Henry gave her a skeptical eyebrow raise.
“Why not move one of your adoring stable hands up to do it.” He inwardly grinned at his aunts scandalized look.
“Absolutely not. Some are good enough for the lowly packages I offer but the gentleman are the cream of the crop. I offer nothing but the best for my most esteemed guests.”
“And you think I am the best?”
“You are young, well educated, and handsome. Well spoken and your background in history really leaves you unmatched when it comes to the knowledge of manners and civilities of the regency period.”
“You are biased, as my loving aunt you see only my better qualities.” He volleyed back after a sip of his wine.
‘Thank god she’s footing this bill I could never afford the bottle she insisted on.’ He thought to himself as he sipped the delicious red
“Henry.” She fixes him with a look. “It has been a year since that…that…..girl-”
“Vanessa.” He offered
“-left. You are too good to be wallowing at home. It’s only three weeks and it would make your mother very happy to see you engaged in something . She talks to me you know- she’s very worried.” He hung his head. His aunt could be so manipulative when she wanted to be. His next bite of food tasted of defeat.
“Fine. But I am not necessarily on a break from my university duties. I still have projects to review and papers to read.” His aunt clapped her hands and beamed with happiness.
“Oh yes dear of course. There is downtime and electrical outlets in the men’s relaxing area. Oh I just know you will LOVE it.” Her posture changed and she seemed to slip back into the confidence she normally donned.
“You promise I do not have to engage with these….women.” He bit back a shudder at the thought of what kind of women came to the retreats his Aunt put on.
“Nothing beyond civil conversation and a tad bit of gentlemanly flirting. All above board of course. You are my nephew dear.” She waved off his concern and asked the waiter to top their glasses off.
“If you say so.” He looked at his expensive plated fish which once looked so delicious now seemed bland and unappealing. His aunt had a way of souring good things that was for sure.
“I’ll send you the training pamphlet and ask that you send your measurements so that I can get your costumes made up.”
“Pamphlet!?” He balked. She glared at him for his outburst.
“Usually there is more in-depth training but you are practically a perfect gentleman so think of it as a refresher course before hand.”
“Of course.” Was his sarcastic reply.
“You never know what will happen at Austenland.” She declared with a flourish. “Now dear tell me how is your brother? I worry with his lackadaisical senses that he is up to no good.”
Sometimes Henry wished he were up to a bit less good at times like his free spirited younger brother. Then he wouldn’t get pulled into his aunt's nutty schemes. Maybe after this trip he would try that to avoid a repeat ask from his aunt.