Valentine Collingwood (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
hollow_moon) wrote2015-04-20 10:33 am
hollow_moon) wrote2015-04-20 10:33 am
For Hannibal
His invitation to join him at his cousin Elliot's country estate for the weekend had been genuine, and not long after their dinner together, Hannibal had received a very posh looking card in the mail, with a date, directions, and a list of attire that would be needed for the weekend. From hunting to dinner dress, it was all laid out in beautiful calligraphy, and sealed with the wax seal the Collingwoods had been using for centuries.
The estate itself was grand and sprawling, a massive home centred between immaculate gardens and very dense and lush woods. There was nothing else for miles around, but the estate was never empty. At the moment it was filled with the younger Collingwood men and their guests, for what was intended to be a men's retreat before the coming months of more feminine socials and dinner parties.
Val rarely smoked, but he was currently indulging in his cousin's pipe and imported tobacco as he lounged in the library. They were due to set out shortly to go on their first hunt, but Val had been doing this for so long that he knew there was no rush. No doubt by now second cousin Reginald would be throwing his first of many fits, while Elliot tried to sooth him and calm him down. It was as much a tradition as the rest of the weekend really...
The door opened, and Val smiled as he looked over and saw Dr. Lecter.
The estate itself was grand and sprawling, a massive home centred between immaculate gardens and very dense and lush woods. There was nothing else for miles around, but the estate was never empty. At the moment it was filled with the younger Collingwood men and their guests, for what was intended to be a men's retreat before the coming months of more feminine socials and dinner parties.
Val rarely smoked, but he was currently indulging in his cousin's pipe and imported tobacco as he lounged in the library. They were due to set out shortly to go on their first hunt, but Val had been doing this for so long that he knew there was no rush. No doubt by now second cousin Reginald would be throwing his first of many fits, while Elliot tried to sooth him and calm him down. It was as much a tradition as the rest of the weekend really...
The door opened, and Val smiled as he looked over and saw Dr. Lecter.
"Ah, Hannibal. Avoiding the racket of Cousin Reginald's tantrum?" he asked with a soft laugh.
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"No- No, it's nothing to worry about," Val assured him.
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"Good," Hannibal said. "But you do know that you could talk to me. I would be bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. Couldn't say a word, least of all to your family."
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"Of course, doctor," Valentine purred, winking at the other man. "You're a good man."
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"I promise I'm not fishing for a job," Hannibal said, with a smile and an eye on Valentine.
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"I wouldn't blame you if you were. I'm sure I've all sorts of neurosis I've never even noticed in myself," Val chuckled. "Still, I prefer you as my friend, Hannibal. I'll gladly tell you my troubles with no expectation of you putting them at ease, and I hope you trust me enough to do the same. I can't offer doctor patient confidentiality, but I'll pinky swear to never share a word," he smiled.
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"Not much to tell on my behalf," Hannibal assured. "But I will take that pinky swear. Thank you."
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Val laughed cheerfully, then gestured as the club came into view.
"There it is. Just pull up out front and the valet will take care of it."
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"Of course," Hannibal said, and brought the car to the front. "A joy to drive," he remarked pleasantly.
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"She's a beautiful machine," Val agreed with a smile, climbing out of the car once it came to a stop. "She handles wonderfully, doesn't she? Perhaps if we get time we can take her down to the track before we return to London."
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Hannibal smiled. "You know, I might enjoy that, actually." he agreed.