Falling from Grace- Part II

Story by Billy Leigh on SoFurry

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#3 of Historical Stories

Part II of my second anthology tale, Falling from Grace.

Synopsis:

The Edwardian era marked a time in which many of the aristocracy in England continued to maintain land and power, but above all, prestige. Having a relationship with a Fur from outside of one's class was frowned upon, let alone forming a romantic relationship with a Fur of the same gender...


I awoke the following morning and ate in the breakfast room with Arabella and Samuel. I could see work-furs, mostly Pitbulls and Mastiffs, walking past the window. There was no sign of Ted. The breakfast room was in the part of the house being renovated. In its day, the room would have looked opulent. But now, the paint was faded and the rug beneath the table was worn. "George should be coming home at ten" Samuel explained. I confess I felt rather guilty, I should have been overjoyed to see my son again, but I felt nothing. Instead, I merely nodded "And the Lord and Lady Fairfield will be joining us for lunch" Samuel continued. Lord Cecil Fairfield was a Wolfhound who owned the adjoining estate to mine. I always found him rather boisterous and arrogant "I could hear Mr. Earnshaw howling last night, I told you that wolf spent more time drinking than working" Arabella scoffed, wrinkling her vulpine muzzle. I glanced at Samuel who shook his head "I told you Hugh, you need to be stricter with your staff, you're an officer for goodness sake. You should know how to keep a house in order!" Arabella continued. I sighed "Very well, I'll speak to him" I said, taking a sip of tea "No need, Samuel dismissed him before breakfast. We will get someone else" Arabella explained, giving a self-satisfied grin. I doubted this had been Samuel's decision. I sat in silence for the rest of breakfast, fuming to myself. I had lost my chance to get closer to the wolf. Eventually the maid, a young feline, arrived to clear the crockery away. I excused myself and sat in the drawing room for the rest of the morning. There was a piano at the far end of the room. When Mary had been alive, I had played it while she had sung to entertain guests. Although foxes are not normally known for their vocal abilities, she had a wonderful voice and visitors would always be transfixed as she sang. I had not touched the piano since her death and I assumed it would be out of tune. Out of curiosity, I sat down and pressed a few of the keys. It sounded remarkably good considering it had sat unused during my time away. I flexed my paws and spent the rest of the morning playing old tunes I used to know, trying to drive the angry thoughts from my head.

An hour later, I heard the sound of tires on gravel which heralded George's arrival. I made my way to the front door to meet him. George strode through the door followed by Frederick. He puffed and wheezed as he carried George's school trunk. George was a similar build to me, with the same shade of dark orange fur. However, his eyes were a deep green as Mary's had been. Mary's eyes had always shown warmth, whereas George's held no emotion. "Good morning father" George said in a monotone voice "Hello George, how has school been?" I asked, forcing a smile "It has been most informative father" George replied "now, I have to go and practice my Latin". With that, George had left without saying another word, Frederick followed behind. I stood dumbfounded. George's voice and personality had become just as faceless and blunt as some of the Furs who had served under me in the army. I thought about going back to practice my piano playing, but when I reached the drawing room, I found that George was not learning his Latin, but instead talking to Arabella. She had launched into another rant and George was listening intently.

I made my way outside, wanting to get away from everyone. The black clouds from last night had cleared and the sun was once again shining. It was going to be another warm day. I made my way towards the copse of trees, wondering whether to sit by Mary's grave. Instead, I kept walking to get as far from the house as I could. I crashed through the trees, angrily pushing the branches out of the way. Then I stopped, I could see Ted sitting on a tree stump ahead of me. I remember a grin spreading across my muzzle. I made my over to him "Ted, you're still here!" I exclaimed joyfully as I sat next to him. Ted splayed his ears, looking guilty. There was a cigarette clasped in his paw. "I'm sorry Viscount, I should have left by now" he said apologetically "Nonsense, I want you to stay" I asserted. Ted looked bemused for a moment "Look, this is my estate, and my say is final. You're not dismissed, you're staying" I said. Ted nodded and smiled, his amber eyes lighting up. We sat in silence for a minute as Ted finished his cigarette "Your wife is buried over there" he said, gesturing with his paw. I nodded and looked away "Sorry Viscount, I hope that was not..." "No, it's quite all right" I cut in. I could feel the tears once again forming in my eyes. We sat in silence again, our tails brushing against each other, his silvery-grey and mine dark orange "Come, there's something I want to show you" I eventually said.

I led Ted through the trees to an area where a deep stream flowed through a patch of rocks. The sound of the babbling water was soothing. The sun shone through the trees, casting a peaceful, emerald glow. There was a bed of moss beside the water and I lay down, gesturing for Ted to do the same "I used to paddle in the stream when I was a kit" I explained "I have not been down here for years". Ted lay beside me, taking stock of his surroundings. The moss felt comfortable under my fur and I did not care if I got my shirt dirty. I noticed Ted's paw lying not far from mine. I hesitated, and once again felt the guilt from not allowing Ted to sleep in my bed. I reached over and took hold of it. Ted did not seem to mind, his amber eyes shone as they reflected the sunlight. I could see Ted's firm and muscular arms through the white material of his shirt. I had a sudden urge for those arms to hold me. Ted turned to look at me, his muzzle spread into a warm smile. His eyes invited me to get closer. I reached over and we shared a kiss. The fact we were both male was of no longer of any concern. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. Ted wrapped his left arm around my body, drawing me in. His grip were strong, yet he held me gently. It was strange sensation at first, but the anger I had felt that morning soon melted away. We broke the kiss and continued to lie side by side, holding paws. Although we were shaded by the trees, the air was growing hotter. I looked at the cool water of the stream and felt a sudden urge to get in.

"Come, it's most refreshing" I said, pulling my shirt off. Ted hesitated, but followed my lead, shedding his clothes. His tall, muscular body stood silhouetted in the green light. I was now too tall to leap into the water without hurting my hind-paws, so I eased myself in. The cool water splashed over my fur, and the happiness I had experienced as a kit came rushing back to me. It had been a time of innocence where I could enjoy myself and not worry too much about the consequences of anything. Ted gazed apprehensively at the water "I... I cannot swim" he sighed. I admit that I laughed, thinking it funny that such a strong wolf could be scared of water "Oh come on you cub! You'll be able to stand up" I assured him. I threw some water in his direction. Ted recoiled, but slowly eased himself in. I splashed him again and he gave a playful growl, wading through the stream towards me. He hurled water back in my direction, his tail wagging happily. We continued laughing and splashing each other. To any fur watching, the sight of two grown males cavorting in the water would have been strange, but I did not have a care in the world. Ted took hold of me and we shared another kiss "I have not felt joy like this in years" he said to me. I smiled "Neither have I". He stroked his paws up and down my wet chest. I could smell the richness of his musk mixed with wet fur. It was the most tantalising scent I had ever come across. I buried my nose into his chest as he rested his muzzle upon my head. I wanted the moment to last forever.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of voices making their way towards us. Ted let go of me and we both scrambled out of the stream. I pulled on my clothes without pausing to shake myself dry. Through the trees, I could see Samuel and Cecil Fairfield walking in our direction. I knew it would be useless to try and hide "Ah, Viscount Maugham" Fairfield called. I forced a smile and walked over to them. Both Fairfield and Samuel looked suspiciously at my wet fur "Fall in the water did you?" Fairfield asked, snorting with laughter "Ah, I thought I'd take a quick swim, but I lost track of time" I claimed. Behind me, Ted walked sheepishly over "This is Mr. Earnshaw, he is helping us renovate the West Wing" I added "it seems he had the same idea as me". I gave an unconvincing chuckle "Ah, I know what happened!" Fairfield said, shooting me an obnoxious grin. I felt my heart sink "You fell in the water and Mr. Earnshaw had to haul you out" he joked. The four of us all laughed awkwardly "Lunch will be ready in an hour" Samuel explained. "Splendid, perhaps you could join us Earnshaw" Fairfield said. Without waiting for an answer, Fairfield turned and began walking back towards the house with Samuel following. Ted and I exchanged worried glances "Maybe I should leave" Ted whispered "No, stay. We'll have to be careful though" I replied.

I changed into fresh clothes and made my way downstairs to find Arabella still in the drawing room "I thought that wolf had left the estate" she snapped as I entered the room "I've told him he's not to leave" I replied "he has done good work so far and I want him to finish". If Arabella was going to lecture me about putting furs in their place, I had decided it was time to start her with. Arabella narrowed her eyes "You will rue that decision Hugh" she hissed "This is my estate so my world is final. Mr. Earnshaw will stay" I growled. Before we could say anymore, everyone else began to make their way into the room. I noticed Ted following at the rear. Brooding, I took to my seat. George sat nearby, staring ahead as if I was invisible. Ted sat beside me, glancing down at the floor. The atmosphere in the room was quiet and awkward. Arabella was still glowering at me, but I ignored her "Hugh, I thought I heard you playing the piano earlier" Samuel said, trying to break the silence "Yes, indeed I was" I replied neutrally, not wanting to be drawn into playing in front of everyone "Why don't you play us something?" He asked "I'm not sure it'd be the same without Mary" I replied "Perhaps Mr. Earnshaw could sing for us" Fairfield chuckled. Ted looked alarmed "I'm not sure I..." he began "Oh come, come. A big, strong wolf like you would surely have a powerful voice" Fairfield interrupted "Yes, give us a tune" Lady Fairfield encouraged. Reluctantly, I got up and made my way to the piano. Ted stood close by. I decided on something that he would probably know the words to. I flexed my paws and began to play Abide with Me. Ted closed his eyes and started to sing

"Abide with me; fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me "

Fairfield had been right, Ted's voice was powerful and haunting. In spite of the situation, I felt spellbound. When I finished playing I sat in silence for a moment in awe. The Fairfields applauded enthusiastically. George clapped but his eyes conveyed little interest. Arabella sat rigidly with her arms folded.

Lunch was due to be served immediately after, but the staff were slow getting the food to the table. Arabella grunted and groaned to herself. She was clearly frustrated at the attention Ted had got due to his singing "So, how was Africa?" Fairfield asked, as he began tucking into his soup. I began recounting my stories about my travels, skirting around the subject of the war. However, Fairfield began to press me for details "I heard stories" Fairfield said "it sounded dreadful". Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ted shift uncomfortably. Arabella also noticed. The staff appeared to clear away the bowls and bring the plates for the main course. The same feline that had served us at breakfast arrived to clear my bowl but her paw slipped and it fell to the floor "What did I tell you Hugh! Useless staff, and then you hire that good for nothing, crippled wolf. With an arm like that, he's of no use to anyone. He should be kept outside where no one can see him, not at the table with civilised furs like us". Ted jumped out of his chair, growling and baring his teeth. For a moment, I thought he was going to hurl his glass at Arabella, but instead he threw down his napkin and stormed out of the room. Everyone sat in a stunned silence "Rather passionate, isn't he" Fairfield remarked.

As soon as the Fairfields left, I began searching the house and grounds, hoping that Ted had not run away. After an hour, I found him in the outhouse. I sighed with relief "Ted, you had me worried" I breathed "I'm leaving this place" he growled. I walked over and took hold of his paws "Then take me with you" I replied. His anger faded and he smiled. He leaned forwards and took me in his arm. There were some fresh white sheets lying on the ground, no doubt for Ted's planned restoration work. We lay down on them and kissed. Outside dark clouds were gathering, but the air inside the outhouse felt hot and stuffy "I feel more comfortable without my shirt" I remarked as I took it off. We both undressed and held each other. The glorious scent of his musk filled my nostrils. Ted began making his way down my chest, kissing the surface. He then took hold of my balls and licked at them. Soon enough, my member emerged from its sheath. Ted placed it in his muzzle and rubbed his tongue against the shaft. I moaned in pleasure, all my worries drifting away. However, I also felt a burning curiosity to try it as well "Here" I said, switching my body around and licking at Ted's genitalia, copying his motions. His cock also emerged and I took it in my mouth, being careful to keep my teeth out the way. Instinctively, I gagged but persevered with my efforts. Ted gripped hold of my cock and began to suck at it again. I felt strange but wonderful pleasuring Ted while he returned the favour to me. He then gripped my waist and rolled me over. I moaned as I felt his tongue against my behind, exploring my rim. I had never had this done to me before, but it felt divine. I felt a surging feeling and suddenly came all over the sheet. Ted stopped and lay down to face me as I panted in my afterglow. We lay in silence for a minute, holding each other.

"We should leave soon" I murmured "Mmm, we should" Ted replied "but not just yet, I want to lie here with you for a while". I smiled, and leaned over to kiss him. Then, I felt my heart jolt as I heard voices nearby. The door crashed open and I rolled over to see Samuel and Arabella standing outside, their eyes wide with shock. Arabella screamed and fainted. Samuel looked as if he was about to faint too, but he knelt down beside Arabella, trying to revive her. Ted and I quickly dressed "We must leave" I said to him. We raced back to the house and I immediately made for my room. I threw as many clothes as I could into a travelling case. I had also left a stash of banknotes in the back of my wardrobe and I quickly retrieved them. I met Ted by the front door as Samuel was helping Arabella up the driveway. "You have brought shame upon this house" Arabella snarled "leave! I do not want to see you ever again" "Of course, that feeling is mutual" I replied tersely. I looked at Arabella and back at Bramfold Hall. I realised that she was going to grow old inside a house that was falling apart, and at that moment I felt no sadness about leaving. I picked up my possessions and made my way down the driveway with Ted, our arms linked. In an upstairs window, I could see George gazing down at us. However, he turned his back as he law me looking. The storm then broke, rain violently poured down. My fur was soon matted, but I kept walking. I cast one last regretful look back in the direction of Mary's grave as we rounded the corner "Goodbye my dear" I whispered to myself. Once we reached the main gates, I kept my muzzle fixed forwards in an expression of defiance and determination.

I used the money to get Ted and I on a train to Southampton. From there, we boarded a ship which took us across the Atlantic to New York City. We have since settled in a small, but comfortable town house just off Fifth Avenue. It felt like an appropriate way to begin anew. I was glad that I had left, as Europe was soon ravaged by the Great War. Samuel continues to write to me. He is the only member of the family to remain in contact. George had been injured fighting in the Trenches, but had arrived home to succeed me as Viscount and owner of Bramfold Hall. However, the news did not affect me. Ted once again started to work as an architect and now has his own business. We lead a good life. Occasionally he sings at social gatherings while I play the piano. He often jokes that one day, he will make it to Broadway. In the eyes of many back in England, I may have fallen from grace. But I have no care, for I am happy living my life with Ted and have never looked back.