"Thank you Thor" ~ for the PicFic Tuesday Challenge 1/13/2015

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

The view of the gardens was cold and dreary, with only hints of green here and there. In the warmer weather is was alive with colorful blooms and Alexander Waverly took pleasure in spending time there with his family, a rare occasion though that was.

Today after a brief respite during the holidays, it was time to return to headquarters in New York City, from this refuge in Connecticut. T.H.R.U.S.H. would no doubt be back to their usual mischief now that their holiday truce would be ending.

His wife Estelle, though tired from readying the house for Christmas and New Year’s Eve had finally given herself some time to relax. With the decorations taken down and tucked safely away in the attic, the house thoroughly cleaned again; she finally sat down on the oversized sofa; a tea service set in front of her on the coffee table.

“Alexander, come have a cup of tea with me dear?”

He puffed away on his pipe, filling the room with the scent of tobacco, one his wife was quite fond of after all these years.

Smelling it meant her husband was home. Though a patient woman, there were times now that she missed him more than ever.  When the children were younger, they kept her occupied along with her knitting, crocheting, paiting and reading; anything to keep her mind off the dangers her husband and his people faced on a daily basis.

Now the children were grown up, with babies of their own, but living too far away for her to enjoy their company as often as she wished.

As her husband sat down beside her, emptying his pipe bowl in a nearby crystal ashtray before he accepted the tea cup from her.

“Alex do you have to go back to New York so soon?”

He arched a bushy eyebrow.”So soon? My dear it’s been ten days, and sadly I must. The world and its troubles do not cease on my account. Time and tide wait for no man. At least we can enjoy these last few hours until the other security detail arrives to act as my escort.”

At that moment a handsome figure stepped into the room.

“Ah Mr. Solo,” Estelle smiled,” would you care to join us for tea?”

“Why thank you Mrs. Waverly that would be nice.”

He sat down in a comfortable high back leather chair,  leaning forward to accept the bone china cup and saucer from her.”

“Milk, sugar?” She asked.

“No thank you.”  He raised the flowered cup to his lips, taking a sip before balancing it on his knee while she passed him a plate of some sort of cookies.

“And how is our patient?” Waverly asked.

“Mr. Kuryakin is still feeling a bit dizzy. He has a nice shiner to go with that sprained ankle of his.”

“The poor man,” Estelle clicked her tongue.” Alex, next time we have visitors that dog must be locked up. He is just too big, and I am sure Mr. Kuryakin now thinks he’s a menace.”

“Ma’am, Illya, umm...Mr. Kuryakin thinks every dog is a menace,” Napoleon couldn’t help but smile.

The Russian had been walking down the basement stairs as part of a routine security sweep of the Waverly mansion and unbeknownst to him, Thor, the family dog….a great dane, had deposited himself at the bottom of the steps.

Kuryakin stepped on the dog who jumped up and sent him flying up into the air. When Illya came hurling downwards, his cheek hit the handrail and he landed at an odd angle on his left foot, twisting his ankle quite badly.  He was lucky his injuries weren't worse.

Waverly harumphed at his agent’s comment.” How soon before the replacement security team arrives?”

Napoleon glanced at his wristwatch. “They’re due in about an hour sir. New York was hit with a snow storm and the roads are a little rough.”

“That never ceases to amaze me,” Estelle interjected.” It’s perfectly clear here and New York, which is not that far away, is blanketed in white. It seems a bit unfair.”

“Mrs. Waverly you want it to snow here?”

“Yes. That way my husband would be home a bit longer,” she flashed a girlish smile.

“My dear, you most certainly are doing some wishful thinking,” Alex smiled.”but be careful what you wish for.”

Napoleon, noticed the twinkle in both their eyes, and felt that was his cue to make himself scarce. Why intrude in the Waverly’s privacy?”

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go check on our patient.”

“Here dear, why don’t you take him a nice cup of tea while it’s still hot.” Estelle picked up a cup and after pouring the tea; she handed it to Napoleon.

“And take him this plate of short bread. He does love his sweets…”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Kuryakin was settled on a sofa in Waverly’s study; his ankle wrapped with an ace bandage holding an ice pack on it.  A smaller bag of ice he held in place on his face.

“Hi there tovarisch, I come bearing gifts, tea and crumpets.”

Illya hiked himself up, letting the ice pack slip from his face.”

“Ouch, you’ve got yourself quite a shiner chum.” Napoleon smiled as he put the tea and the plate with the shortbread on a the small table in front of the sofa.

“These are not crumpets,” Illya mumbled, reaching for the plate.” They are shortbread which is a cookie made with butter, flour, and sugar.  Crumpets are made from a yeast mixture cooked on a griddle and eaten toasted and buttered.”

Napoleon reached for the plate as well. “Oh so you don’t want these then?”

“I did not say that.” Illya snatched the plate back from his partner and grabbed one of the cookies, taking a big bite.”

“You’re appetite seems good, so you must be feeling better,” Solo commenting while sitting himself down on the arm of the sofa, watching Illya sip his tea.

“I am fine. A little icing and I am sure my ankle will be…”

“Fine?” Mrs. Waverly appeared in the doorway.” We’ll see about that young man."

She walked over to the sofa, sitting down beside Illya’s leg and unwrapped it; he hissed as she touched it.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry but I don’t think you’ll be walking on this for some time Mr. Kuryakin. It’s quite swollen and turning black and blue. You’re lucky it isn’t broken. You may have to stay here a day or so.”

The blond rolled his eyes, looking at this partner for help, but Napoleon merely crossed his arms in front of himself in amusement.”

“ Mrs. Waverly?” Illya swallowed.

“Yes, I discussed it with Alexander and it was decided you should remain here. We can keep each other company.”

“Would it not be better for me to go to headquarters?”

“Why young man, don’t you enjoy my company?”

Illya stuttered. “Of course I do, but my presence at headquarters would be…well I could be performing light duty at least.”

“Nonsense Mr. Kuryakin. U.N.C.L.E. will not fall apart without you being there. I swear you and my husband are cut from the same cloth.”

Napoleon let slip a chuckle upon hearing that.

“Oh and Mr. Solo you’ll be remaining here as well until Mr. Kuryakin is able to travel.”

“But I have a date…” he let slip.

Alexander Waverly walked in at that exact moment. “No buts Mr. Solo. I think the ladies at headquarters could do with a bit of a rest at the moment from your amorous attentions.”

“Yes sir,” Napoleon meekly replied.

The Old Man shooed Thor out of the room, in deference to Kuryakin, as the dog tried following after his master.“Go on, away with you lad, you’ve caused enough trouble today haven’t you.” He gave the great dane a loving pat before shutting the door.

Illya crossed his arms in front of himself while nibbling on another cookie, and grinned with satisfaction at his partner's predicament as well as being relieved Thor had been banished.

Comments

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Awww, poor Illya gets it again. I don't think Napoleon will forgive Thor for disrupting his own plans:-)

Loved it.