Frank

Frank Grove's name suited him well. Frank by name, Frank by nature. A physically imposing man, Frank often dwarfed those other men around him. Frank was a very handsome man and held the interest of many ladies who observed him. Frank, however, was not up to date on the social heirs and graces in existence presently, the unwritten rules of social decorum that keep a sense of order and perhaps knowing one's place in society or at least in the society of which one happens to move in and habitually exist.

Frank was mid ranking in most people's view. He was a hard working cabinet maker and his many qualities were his forthrightness, diligence and his thorough attitude to whatever job he was attempting to complete, just maybe he lacked real ambition, real drive to propel him towards any lofty heights in most people's view, at least the people whose view counted. It wasn't that Frank had no ambition for Frank was ambitious, just that he had become comfortable in his own world and didn't see any point in climbing the social ladder even if he believed he could climb this ladder: then what? Would he suddenly inhabit a position where he felt decidedly uncomfortable? And wouldn't that lead to all sorts of new conflicts? Frank thought it best to refrain from ladder climbing and just rest on his laurels.

Frank was rather childlike when it came to conversation. And this childlike method of his engagement in conversation seemed magnified when Frank was in a great mood, or, God forbid, he had indulged in even a minute quantity of any inebriating refreshment. As Frank's trade was quite physical and demanding both in effort and managing customers increasingly difficult requests and changes to their orders midway that were frequent and infuriating, by way of a little reward after a hard days work, Frank may indulge often in a beverage or two. These pub nights were mild by most standards of the day and Frank rarely pushed the boat out. In this regard Frank was responsible and he knew his limits. But even on occasion a word may be uttered which wasn't appropriate and a brawl would ensue. It was just Frank's mouth getting him in all kinds of trouble once more.

The Fitzroys ran the county. No trade was carried out that they weren't involved in. Their many businesses were embedded not just in goods and commercial products but also in all the service industries that were taking place countywide. They also had the ear of many politicians and their business empire stretched beyond the county and even internationally. Maurice Fitzroy had an amazing business acumen and phenomenal energy which made him a potent proposition, feared by many, loathed by plenty, he built an empire and was happy in his kinglike position. He married well, Kate Smith's parents were legal eagle and the apple didn't fall too far from the tree as Kate excelled in the legal profession rising to the highest level in the country that of supreme court judge. Both Maurice and Kate referred to each other as lord and lady though actual titles were never acquired, it became a family joke that gathered some traction even outside the family circle. Kate, as well as having brains to burn, was a real beauty and that beauty was bestowed on her daughters Rhona, Gillian and Tina. Rhona and Gillian were both married and had started their families. All three were stunning looking girls but Tina possessed a beauty that seemed to transcend time and space. Flawless skin, blue eyes that sparkled like the most magnificent precious stones, features that top actresses would kill for, unbelievable figure and a voice that could melt the arctic. All the eligible young men across the county knew of Tina. Frank though went one better, he had engaged her in conversation in the course of a commission for the Fitzroys which put him ahead of the field.

The Fitzroys hosted a ball every year, its purpose was to indulge in matchmaking for their daughters, of which, only Tina was, due to her sisters being in relationships(however steady they were), in need of such an event(not that in reality this was the case) and business deals could be conducted if they arose. The Fitzroys were incredibly protective and restrictive with regard to their daughters behaviour and their lives were micro-managed in many ways. The daughters felt that their parents overprotective behaviour was painful to say the least but they did managed to skirt around the restrictions, better than a confrontation, a bust up and disinheritance. A golden rule of the ball was that no one under any circumstances was permitted to use a mobile phone and these had to be surrendered to the door staff on arrival. If this didn't happen or you were found to have an additional device then one would be asked to leave immediately.

A long, long day had passed and Frank went to the local hostelry to imbibe perhaps one or two ales to unwind. Frank walked up to bar and ordered a pint and then sat down at a corner table.

'What's going down Frank?' A loud voice said from the next table. It was Peter Black, a good friend of Franks. Peter pulled up a chair and joined him.

'Nothing much. And you? What's new in the carpet game?' Frank said wearily, he really didn't need company this evening.

'Still in business. How's the cabinet making? You must do alright with the ladies? Big strong guy like you. Oh listen rumour has it that you have somehow got an invite up to Fitz's house, what's the name of it,' he thought for a moment and then continued, 'Yeah Proby hall that's it. Listen a word of advice, very important, don't go shooting your mouth off.'

'I never do.' Frank replied getting a little angry.

'Don't get angry Frank. Listen just do yourself a favour and don't open your beak before your brain is in gear.' Peter said and then gulped on seeing Frank leaning forward with increasing anger.

'I never realised just how nosy you are Peter. In fact how would like your nose rearranged free of charge?' Frank said raising his voice enough that the pub staff looked down at their table.

'Only saying as a friend Frank. I'll spell it as I see it,' Peter said gingerly while looking at Frank's demeanour just in case he'd have to duck to avoid a fist but deciding it was ok to continue, 'You have a golden ticket. The young miss Tina as well as beauty and wealth I hear she's actually a really nice girl. So if you conduct yourself like a gentleman well then you might just claim that pretty little prize.'

'Me and Tina know each other. I'll be fine.' Frank replied assuredly.

'Fuck off. How do you know her?' Peter said surprised and disbelieving.

'Did a job up there in Proby. Got talking to Tina, she likes me.' Frank said grinning.

'That's good Frank, that's great. You're half way there. But it's her parents you need to impress more. Look I'll be on my way after this swallow so I'll leave you with this advice: think like a gentleman and you will act like one. Good luck Frank, I know it'll go well.' A less than convinced Peter said as he headed for the door. Frank sniffed and ordered another drink without giving their conversation any further thought.

Proby Hall's exterior was striking and monumental. The Hall was set amidst sprawling grounds, featuring expansive gardens, sweeping lawns, and forested areas. A long, tree-lined driveway lead up to the residence, offering a stunning glimpse of the home from a distance.

The architecture showcased classical design elements, columns, porticos, and symmetrical facades. Proby Hall was built in Georgian style with large windows, ornamental stonework, and expansive terraces. The roofs were high-pitched and adorned with decorative elements like dormer windows, chimneys, and ornate gables.

The interior of Proby hall was impressive, marked by spaciousness, opulence, and meticulous attention to detail. Upon entering, guests were greeted by a grand foyer or entrance hall, which featured soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases, and magnificent chandeliers. Marble or stone floors may line the entry, adding to the sense of grandeur.

The rooms inside Proby Hall were large and well-proportioned, each carefully furnished with exquisite antique pieces. The main living areas included drawing rooms, sitting rooms, and salons, all decorated with fine tapestries, paintings, and sculptures. Ornate fireplaces are common features, centred in the room, and surrounded by rich wood panelling. All these details though opulent, lavish and decadent didn't faze Frank as he had been to Hall often during the course of a commission for the lady of the house, Kate so he knew the score on arrival unlike the other guests, Frank was comfortable and at ease.

He was greeted by Kate and Maurice warmly. His exchanged pleasantries, took a glass of champagne from a tray when offered and joined the other guests, so far so good. Frank didn't know many of the other guests but conversed mainly about his job, however, he detected a certain snobbishness during many of these conversations and had the distinct feeling of being looked down on which didn't sit easy with him. One man by the name of Timothy Burrows seemed to realise that he struck a nerve during their conversation and began to twist the knife.

'I say Frank, so you work with your hands. They must be so rough and calloused, you do realise that Tina is a very delicate creature and why she would have anything to do with a ruffian such as yourself beggars belief. My good man why don't save yourself the trouble and take the nearest exit and go back to whatever hovel you live in. You're out of your depth man.'

'Why don't you go fuck yourself. Speak to me like that again and I'll shove.......' Tina who had observed the heated exchange from the balcony above hurried down and tapped Frank on the shoulder, 'Walk with me. I need you to have a look at something.' She said softly much to Timothy's amazement.

'Catch you later,' Frank said to Timothy, 'don't go anywhere.'

When Tina and Frank were away from the crowd, she turned to him, 'Frank cool it, just cool it. I have to return to the balcony above for the procession now. I'd advise you to just cool it.'

'He started it, in fact, all those other guys are needling me.' Frank said pleadingly as if looking for more advice.

'Just, I don't know, talk to the butler or my father. I have to go now but please Frank just be calm.' Tina responded and touched Frank on his arm as she left by one the many hallways of her monumental stately home.

Frank returned from whence he came but moved swiftly to avoid the horrid Timothy and pitched up beside a man named Wilbur Cameron. He seemed nice at first but then started to send the jibes Frank's way but Frank to his credit just shrugged his big shoulders and moved on. Finally the string quartet began playing Strauss which was the queue for Tina, her sisters and some of Tina's friends to alight the stairs in all their grace and splendour. What a sight to behold, fifteen beautiful women gracefully seemed almost to float down the grand staircase, it was magnificent. The entourage turned to the right on reaching the stairs end and glided to the grand ballroom followed eagerly by the young guests. While following the regally attired ladies Timothy engineered that himself and Frank walked together.

'You know you haven't a prayer,' said Timothy to Frank, 'not a prayer. Go home brute.'

'One more word and you'll be in need of more than just prayers.'

Timothy thought for a moment and then realised that he might be thrown out too if there was a brawl and held his counsel.

On entering the grand ballroom all the guests were given an order of who they were to partner and in the order according to the accompanying music. Each guest had at least two dances with all the young ladies that evening but these dances were so fast that mere quips took place between the participants as there just wasn't the time to engage in any conversation beyond greetings and 'How are you this evening'. Frank though in his dances with Tina detected a warmth from her that gave him encouragement. This encouragement led Frank to the champagne tray at the end of each dance. There was quite a few eyes focussed on Frank but none burned so brightly than those belonging to Kate.

Kate had been observing Frank intently all evening. She admired his handsome features and physique. She remembered their conversations when he visited when engaged on a commission. The way he talked, his openness, his directness, his rawness, his everything excited Kate to an intolerable level. She approached him and sat down beside him.

'Are you having a good evening Frank?' Kate said leaning toward him.

'Not bad. It's not really my scene but I'll put up with it.' Frank replied with a cheeky grin.

'What is?'

'What is what?'

'Your scene Frank?'

'Something quieter.' Frank replied suddenly strangely feeling passions rise.

'Follow me.' Kate ordered and Frank obeyed.

Sometime later Kate returned to the grand ballroom looking rather flushed. Frank appeared a few minutes after her arrival. Maurice Fitzroy was no fool, he had observed his wife's disappearance earlier and her return. He talked to his doormen, they approached Frank and asked him to leave.

'What have I done wrong? You can't throw me out. I'm just getting going.'

Timothy moved in, 'I say Frank, having a bit of trouble are we?'

With that Frank knocked Timothy into the dancing area before being manhandled out through the hallway and thrown out the front door.

Frank reached his home after a frightfully long walk. He never dwelt on things too long. Sure it was a disaster and I have forever ruined my chances with Tina but what a time I had with Kate: He thought to himself before falling into a deep sleep.

Next morning there was a knock on his door which he sleepily opened.

It was Kate. She was carrying a small case. She entered and he closed the door to the outside world.