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[brent-linen-hire]

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[simplylinens]

Factors to Consider When Hiring Linen Services for Your London Event

Organising an event in London requires meticulous attention to detail, and one of the critical aspects often overlooked is linen services. Choosing the right linen can significantly enhance the ambiance and overall experience of your event. Whether it's a corporate event, a gala dinner, or a wedding, the quality and style of your linens play a crucial role. When considering event linen hire in London, several factors must be taken into account to ensure your event is both memorable and visually stunning.

Quality and Variety of Linen

The first factor to consider is the quality and variety of linens available. High-quality linens can elevate the aesthetic of your event, providing a luxurious feel that complements your decor. Check if the linen service offers a wide range of fabrics, colours, and patterns to match the theme and style of your event. From classic white tablecloths to vibrant runners and napkins, the variety should cater to different tastes and requirements. Ensuring that the linens are well-maintained and free from stains or damages is also crucial, as this reflects directly on the overall presentation of your event.

Customisation Options

Every event is unique, and customisation options can help tailor the linens to your specific needs. Many linen hire services offer customisation, including monogramming, bespoke colour matching, and unique sizes to fit unusual table shapes. Discuss your vision with the service provider to see how they can accommodate your ideas. Personalised touches can make a significant difference, especially for events that demand a high level of detail, such as weddings or themed parties.

Delivery and Setup Services

Another important factor is whether the linen hire service provides delivery and setup. Coordinating the logistics of an event in a busy city like London can be challenging, and having a service that handles the transportation and arrangement of linens can save you a lot of hassle. Ensure the company can deliver the linens on time and has a reliable team to set everything up according to your specifications. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of your event without worrying about the linens arriving late or being improperly arranged.

Cost and Flexibility

Budgeting is always a significant consideration. While high-quality linens are essential, they should also be cost-effective. Compare prices from different table linen hire services in London to find one that offers the best balance of quality and affordability. Additionally, check if the service provider is flexible with their rental terms. For instance, some events might require linens for only a few hours, while others might need them for several days. The ability to accommodate last-minute changes or extensions can be a valuable asset in the dynamic environment of event planning.

Reputation and Reviews

Before finalising your linen hire service, it's wise to check their reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their reliability and customer service. A reputable company will have positive feedback and a track record of delivering high-quality linens and excellent service. Personal recommendations and online reviews can provide insights into what you can expect from the service provider.

Environmental Considerations

In today’s environmentally conscious world, considering the sustainability practices of your linen hire service is also important. Some companies offer eco-friendly options, such as using linens made from organic materials or implementing green practices in their operations. Choosing a service that aligns with your values can enhance the social responsibility aspect of your event.

Conclusion

When planning an event in London, the right linen can transform your venue into a stunning and cohesive space. From the quality and variety of linens to the customisation options, delivery services, cost, flexibility, reputation, and environmental considerations, every factor plays a part in the success of your event. For wedding linen hire in London, ensuring these elements align with your vision is particularly crucial to creating an unforgettable day.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a linen hire service that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. For an exceptional experience and top-notch service, consider Simply Linens Ltd., a trusted name in the industry known for their high-quality products and excellent customer service.

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[scribbleseas]

The Indignant Pawn, Chapter XVII: The Inevitable Equalizer

Description: You are Y/n Y/l/n- formerly known as Princess Helena, the runaway princess.

You're an assassin for hire who only agrees to find the worst of London's criminals at the business end of your knife; until a mysterious woman hires you to end the likes of Ciel Phantomhive, the King of the Underworld. You find yourself trading your weapons for your abandoned family crest in order to infiltrate his home as none other than Princess Marie-Louise, your twin sister. What's to happen when you find that the young Earl is more than a callous businessman?

OVERALL STORY WARNINGS: sexual assault (once in the prologue), objectification, misogyny, death, detailed description of blood/gore, detailed description of murder, lying, impersonation, theft, weapons, detailed panic attacks, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, kissing

CHAPTER WARNING: suicidal ideation, drug dealing, mentions of overdose, drugs, there’s debate as to whether drug abuse is the fault of the dealer or the individual, mentions of murder, detailed gore

Author’s Note: Hi everyone! Second to last chapter...how are we feeling? I’m so happy to have gotten this out for you, even if it was a little later than planned. This chapter was hard to perfect, and I’m very proud of it! Don’t hesitate to let me know how you feel about it. Another quick two notes: 1. MC’s views do not reflect my own & 2. I opened commissions! If you really like how I do things, have an idea you’ve always wanted to see on screen, and the financial means, maybe consider sending a request! I would seriously appreciate it, and it would really help me out. 

As always,

Happy Reading!

- Dan

⇠ PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER ⇢  

MASTERLIST  

. . . 

MAY 7TH, 1892

LONDON, ENGLAND

“You are rather terrible at this,” Ciel noted, watching Y/n shift her croquet mallet to find a better angle. She opted for the red and yellow set of balls; she had aimed poorly throughout the game, making them painfully strewn about the garden. Meanwhile, Ciel hit his set concisely through the hoops, with a marksman’s precision. His blue and black balls consistently sailed through the course. It was clear that he was the victor in this game.

Sebastian taught him how to play properly since many betting men liked to stake claims on their prowess with a wooden mallet. Ciel wasn’t ashamed to admit that he closed one or two business deals based on the stakes of such a game. Humans were overconfident creatures, and it was a fault he would exploit in any way he could.

“Unlike you, I have not had the leisure to spend my time perfecting my proficiency in childish garden games,” Y/n replied instantaneously, a terrible loser. Ciel was an even worse winner, much in the same way she liked to gloat when besting him at draughts. They made fierce competition for one another, nearly equal in every aspect that was important, yet immensely unbalanced when it came to useless skills: croquet and board games.

“I’m not sure I would consider hitting a ball through a checkpoint proficient,” Ciel replied, confidently crossing his arms across his chest as he watched her aim her next turn. He squinted, the bright spring sun shining on the fresh garden. It caused a bit of sweat to bead in his hairline. The warm weather was a light at the end of a bitter winter, enriching his fiancée, as well. Y/n looked polished, yet attractively unsophisticated in her white linen dress. It was short, hardly falling past her kneecaps. 

With a frustrated exclamation, she hit the ball into the hoop’s thin leg, bouncing off the cast iron. It bounced down the cobblestone trail and into the bushes, causing Carl to sprint after it energetically. 

“Case in point,” with a nod, Ciel gestured to the dog as he crawled under the bushes and blindly swept with his paw in search of the fugitive ball. 

“I did aim, though I’m not sure how much smaller these bloody hoops can be before they’re too small to let the ball through them!” she protested.

“Right,” Ciel arched his eyebrow in an incredulous look before turning his attention to his mallet and the ball. After a brief moment of angling his hold, he gave the ball a sensible hit, sending it flawlessly through the course’s last hoop. With a self-satisfied chuckle, Ciel turned his focus back to her. “They are small, I reckon.”

“Watch yourself, or I might have to angle my mallet flat into your skull,” Y/n threatened with no real malice. In a silent surrender, she let her mallet fall into the manicured grass, opting to crouch and scratch behind Carl’s ears instead. Even though he retrieved Y/n’s adlib ball, the dog seemed unsettled, his head craning towards the tree line.

A growl rumbled in Carl’s throat, though it wasn’t entirely intimidating, considering his head barely came up past Y/n’s shin. His sandy-brown hair was stained with rich dirt, causing Ciel to wrinkle his nose; though the thought of ordering his butler to bathe the creature was amusing enough to make up for it. 

Frowning, Y/n faced the same direction Carl’s ardent gaze pierced into, and sure enough, Sebastian emerged from that direction with a man in tow. The man cursed in Spanish, his hands bound behind his back as the demon pulled him by his lapel jacket. However, the moment his gaze landed on Y/n, he stopped fighting Sebastian. 

“Y/n! It is Diego! Tell him to let me go!” he insisted, stumbling over a loose piece of cobblestone. “Please! He ties so tight, I cannot feel my hands,” Diego complained, making a show of pain in his tight facial expression. 

“Your hands will survive, you dramatic fool,” Sebastian clicked his tongue, fastening the man to an outdoor chair in seconds. He left Diego’s satchel limp in the grass to his side. “Do relax, Miss Y/n, I have already taken the liberty of disarming our guest here,” the butler said, but that did little to calm her stance. Her mallet merely dipped as Carl sniffed around Diego’s bound legs, each one tied to the chair’s front counterparts. The dog picked a sunny spot in the grass once he was satisfied. 

“Why are you here, Diego?” Y/n insisted suspiciously, her attitude did nothing to quell Ciel’s disdain. He made no effort to keep the disgust out of his face, quickly noting the dirty, yet well-made, clothing Diego sported. He was a young man, he couldn’t have been much older than twenty-five. His skin looked gold in the sun, a contrast to his dark brown eyes and hair. 

“Who are you,” Ciel demanded before Diego could respond. Y/n already told him that Doña, her former benefactor, was Spanish. Diego was clearly of the same nationality, and she seemed suspicious of him, and Sebastian had to disarm him. He had been lurking in the forest. He was likely a subordinate of this… Doña.

“You mean, Y/n didn’t tell you about us while you were falling in love?” Diego batted his eyes sardonically. Surely, he would have clasped his hands if his wrists weren’t tied to each arm of the chair. “That is rude. Poor, poor manners the princess has.”

“Falling in love,” Y/n repeated with enough dubiousness to nearly convince Ciel that they were far from such a relationship. 

“The paper. In my bag,” Diego snapped, gesturing to the well-loved leather satchel to his side. Sure enough, he had an issue of The Daily Courant rolled up and shoved into it. The paper was wrinkled in Ciel’s hands, as if someone had held it angrily, crinkling the pristine print. The front page’s expanse was overcome with a photograph of himself and Y/n boarding the S.S Highness before they left for Italy— the issue dated back to April 28th.

The public heard word of their engagement while they were overseas. 

“What does it say?” Y/n demanded, abandoning her mallet in the grass yet again and leaning next to Ciel to read the headline:

New Royal Pair: Queen’s Granddaughter: Her Highness Princess Marie Louise and Lord of Phantomhive Spotted. Engaged?

The photograph was unmistakably them, arms intertwined. At the time, what was likely a brief look to the side of Ciel’s, was pictured as a long, loving look from Y/n. 

“Everyone on this damn continent knows. Doña knows, we know,” Diego added. “Do you see why I’ve come here now?” 

“I have no obligation to tell you anything. I stopped being a puppet for that woman the moment she sent a dozen gunmen to kill me,” Y/n seethed, ripping the newspaper out of Ciel’s grip. “Get him out of my sight,” she told Sebastian. 

“My Lord?” Sebastian questioned, never one to take orders from Y/n.

“I order you to���” Ciel started to comply.

“Hey, hey, hey. Whoa! Stop doing that, you strange devil-man!” Diego protested, shifting violently in his chair to angle his front towards Y/n. Sebastian’s glowing eyes frightened him, but the light was subtle enough for Y/n to assume it was from the spring sun. She knit her eyebrows together in confusion. “I come here to warn you. I have information. I cannot tell you what she’s planning if I am dead. Can I?”

Ciel frowned. Of course, a powerful figure from the Underworld would never let such a mortifying betrayal survive. “Forget it, Sebastian,” he sighed, rubbing his thumb and index finger into his forehead. In her hesitation to protest, he suspected Y/n felt the same way. 

“Why would you betray her?” Y/n asked, clearly not believing Diego’s defense. Ciel was hesitant as well. 

“Doña is family— our sister-in-law. When Phantomheave killed Manuel, we wanted to kill him right back for it,” Diego said pointedly, his scowl dark enough for Ciel to be thankful that Sebastian had him bound tightly to the chair. “Ojo por ojo, though it seems my Lord is down one of ‘em already.”

Manuel.

“But now…it has been too long, and Doña has grown too dark and obsessed. Me and Carmen and Andrea just want to return home. I am a good painter, Y/n, this is not my life. Manuel was supposed to manage the family business,” he continued. Under his vengeful exterior, he did look tired, like a man who couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried, recognize his life. For years, Ciel felt the same way. Especially the first several years with Sebastian; he’d look into the mirror and see someone completely different. 

“We just want to be home,” the man said, “but Doña wants you— both of you— dead, no matter what happens to her. She is planning to intercept your wedding.”

The wedding location was so minimally disclosed that Ciel was uncertain about it. How could she have the means to find out? 

But Y/n seemed convinced. “How?”

“She will not say, I swear,” Diego swallowed with difficulty, shifting uncomfortably. His stare didn’t leave hers, though sweat rolled down his low hairline. “Please, Y/n. Without Carmen and me, she has no one in England. The rest of us are home, managing business.”

Business. 

Manuel, business, Spain. Manuel, business, Spain. Manuel, business, Spain. 

“What is this Doña’s real name?” Ciel demanded. The sudden intensity in his voice was enough to startle both Y/n and Diego, while Sebastian’s grin only deepened. The demon knew what was going on. He knew how Ciel was related to this woman, Manuel, Spain, and why she wanted him dead. That grin of his made a joke of his imperfect memory— thinking nothing of a simple mission for Her Majesty that took less than three days of his time. 

Ciel told Elizabeth it was a business trip to discuss textile exports. He brought back a gown for her, and Spanish wine for her family as if it had been a vacation of leisure. 

“I cannot betray my family more than I have. Though, surely you know, Ciel Phantomheave. You would truly be a sick bastard if you did not remember the family you slaughtered.”

Y/n paled, taking a step away out of surprise. He didn’t blame her. It sounded horrific. The memory was more graphic than most missions. Sebastian and himself killed everyone that passed... all except for one woman, who Ciel found in the leader’s study, cradling the dead body of a man in her lap. Sebastian left a bullet precisely between his eyes. 

“Shall we finish this one, too?” Sebastian had asked him, approaching from behind. 

“No. We’re finished here.”

“Master?” 

“Look at her. She could not possibly rally now.”

Apparently, Ciel had been wrong about that. 

“What does he mean?” Y/n asked, looking every bit as queasy as the moment after she met her family and sicked every bite of her breakfast into Buckingham Palace’s shrubbery. 

Ciel took a sharp breath in, “I will not repent for harm that was just in its end. If you’ve come here searching for an apology, then I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed.” His voice came out steadier than he would have expected, given that he was the subject of such an unfiltered look of pain and confusion on Y/n’s face. 

For a moment, Diego looked as if he might curse Ciel out for his indifference, or sob over the loss of his family. But instead, he pursed his lips and retrained his gaze on Y/n, too hurt to continue looking at Ciel after such a blunt response. He tried his best to look detached, scarcely maintaining his composure.

“Y/n, I ask for the means to return home in exchange for this information. This man has claimed the soul of my entire family — and Doña’s. He will not have ours,” he said. 

“Mariana’s soul,” Ciel corrected. He had to have confirmation that it was his pity, his rare show of mercy, that put him in these circumstances. “That’s her name, is it not?”

“…It is,” Diego admitted hesitantly, still refusing to look at him. There was a new note of respect in his voice, less aggressive than when he presumed Ciel had forgotten about the family entirely.  “Manuel was her husband, me and Carmen’s brother.”

“Release him, Sebastian,” Y/n ordered after a halting pause, her nimble fingers quickly unclasping her earrings. They were teardrop diamonds set in gold, an engagement gift sent from her Uncle Edward and Aunt Alexandra. The Prince of Wales and Princess of Denmark, respectively. The heirs to Her Majesty’s throne.  

Those earrings sat between the flesh of generations of royalty, and Y/n unclasped them and offered them in her palm without a semblance of hesitance. When she refastened the stoppers on the back of the earrings, she repeated herself: “untie him, Sebastian.”

“Unfortunately, I take exclusive orders from my Lord, Miss Y/n. Forgive me,” Sebastian replied without a hint of apology. He was awaiting Ciel’s response, trying to predict which would win: his affection for Y/n or his pride.

“Ciel,” Y/n’s stare pried into the side of his head. “He wants to go back to Spain with his sister. You killed the rest of their—”

“His family was made of drug dealers, responsible for the overdoses of potentially dozens of English li—” he started to explain.

“Drug dealers coerce no one to take the drugs that cause overdose,” Y/n fired back incredulously, crossing her arms over her chest. She wanted Ciel to release Diego; therefore, she expected Ciel to release Diego. Sometimes Ciel wondered if she still thought herself a royal in their dynamic. 

“They supply it!” Ciel replied.

“The individual decides to take their supply! It’s a business! It is not the same as pulling a trigger and murdering like you did them.”

Sebastian observed the argument with the same amusement he would watch a sparring match. Diego seemed interested in expecting his boots, all too calm considering they were debating his future.

Y/n continued breathlessly, “Diego risked his life to come here and warn us today. We can make preparations against her now. Our wedding can be safe from her because of him. What will you do, otherwise? Kill him too? Make her more determined to kill us? You don’t wish to give him your money? Fine! I can fund their way. All you stand to sacrifice is your pride.” Her face was red.

Sensing the growing tension, Carl picked up from the sunny patch in the grass and whined, rubbing against Y/n’s dress. At least Ciel knew which side their dog was on. 

There was no reason for Ciel to kill Diego beyond wetting his own thirst for blood and self-righteousness. His morality wouldn’t let him kill uselessly, particularly when the man provided him with invaluable insight that could save the woman he was rather fond of, himself, and a significant day for both of their lives. Their wedding was a day that needed to go flawlessly, and the forewarning gave them time to make the preparations to ensure it.

His resolve melted, and judging by the way Sebastian’s smile fell, he sensed it as well. 

“Let him go,” Ciel said. “That is an order.”

Y/n released a long breath, watching Sebastian expertly undo the knotting around Diego’s limbs. The Spaniard cursed, rubbing at the red imprints the rope left in his skin. His movements lagged as he picked his satchel up and hung it over his shoulder. Sebastian returned his handgun.

“Take these,” Y/n said, offering the heirloom earrings. Just as Diego extended his hand obediently, Ciel interrupted.

“No, Her Majesty will notice if you stop wearing those. Sebastian, get him a cut of last week’s profits from the company. We wouldn’t want to have to explain to the Queen that you’ve given away a classic royal heirloom as a gift to a commoner,” he explained. 

“Consider this payment my reparations to you. Although I do not regret fulfilling the Queen’s wish— dispelling drug trade between Colombia and Britain — I will give you the means to move forward,” this was the best manner to proceed. At least it would take the target off his back, somewhat. Unless Diego was double-crossing him. That offense would have to result in death, no matter how Y/n pleaded with him.

“Thank you,” Diego nodded. “Y/n, I hope he makes you happy,” he tacked on, somewhat awkwardly. Naturally, he couldn’t fathom the idea of his family’s killer inadvertently romancing someone to the extent that they couldn’t kill him, abandoning their mission and lifestyle, altogether.

After all, being a princess was a full-time commitment. Surely, Y/n recalled that she could never return to the life she lived before stepping onto his estate. There was no feasible way for her to continue living the life she lived. 

“Thank you, Diego,” Y/n finished refastening her earrings. “Good luck, truly.”

“Come, I will show you the cut the Lord wishes to offer you,” Sebastian said, guiding Diego into the manor. The Spaniard sent Y/n one final wink before following the demon. 

The moment the two were out of earshot, Y/n faced Ciel once more. “To best prepare ourselves, we need to pool our knowledge. Tell me about her while we walk,” she motioned for him to follow. This was the trail that rounded the estate perimeter, weaving through the structures that were on the grounds; the guest house, main manor, stables, and conservatory. The sun had been at its peak during their game, and now it was beginning its descent for the early afternoon. 

“Fine,” Ciel said, offering her his hand while they walked. They were only able to act so frankly when they were alone, holding bare hands. Nothing was quite as grounding, save for the way she ran her thumb over one of his knuckles methodically. He could never tell if the repetitive motion was to soothe him or herself. 

He told Y/n about Queen Victoria’s request for her Guard Dog to sever ties between the Colombian drug trade and British consumption. The number of overdoses and drug-related theft in her nation was beginning to upset her, and her researchers traced some of the cocaine influx to Os Caeos, a branch of the Spanish mafia. The group was facilitating connections and trade over the Atlantic, and Victoria wanted it to cease.

She gave Ciel the assignment, and the best way to end the business was to pull it up by its roots. The family was too enshrined in its work to stop after a mere threat, and much too far removed from the British Underworld. They wouldn’t connect Ciel, a young British nobleman, to being the Queen’s Guard Dog. That left him with leaving them no choice but to stop— killing them. 

Ciel and Sebastian took a steamship into Barcelona. It wasn’t difficult to find the Baulo operations manor; the family lived there for decades. Civilians could point to it from the street. Everyone knew the Baulo family by face and name. Their mafia was a close, family-operated company, spearheaded by Manuel, the eldest son of the previous head. He was married to Mariana Baulo-Hernandez; they were expecting their heir. 

“Clear it out. I want the whole lot of them killed,” Ciel ordered, “I will find their records for Her Majesty.” He took his gun out of his deep pocket, the metal heavy in his hand. “Do not let them kill me, Sebastian,” he said, an ironic smile twisting his lips. His heart raced with adrenaline, excitement. Not fear. Anticipation. It was the same sureness and clarity he used going into any chess match, really.

Ciel would stomp out these enemies for Her Majesty. Such was his duty as a nobleman and a Phantomhive. He crushed who she wished silenced.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, my Lord,” Sebastian chirped, pulling his gloves off neatly and tucking them into his pocket. He never liked to soil his gloves. The contract on his hand glowed now that it was exposed, a manifestation of the sheer supernatural power that flowed through the demon. He made easy work of bending the metal gate open, each hand holding one fortified metal bar and pulling it apart with the strength and disquieting pleasure of an automaton. 

The butler wasted no time afterward, shouldering through the main door and killing the servants who met him. Ciel heard their brief screams from a grotesque choir, each fallen one replaced by a new terrorized individual. It didn’t take long until gunshots accompanied those cries. Of course, nothing of such earthly strength could stop a demon. 

After another brief moment, Ciel took after his butler, looking at the sparse corpses adorning the halls with contempt stoicism. They were servants dirtying his shoes with their blood. No one aiding these criminals was innocent, whether that came in the form of cooking their dinner or washing their floors.

This was how to pull an ingrained institution out by its roots. Like a weed— the gardener doesn’t simply cut the plant down, he pulls it out of the ground and chars it. 

Ciel stepped over a maid’s limp body and started up the staircase. He already knew where he was set to go, forward-thinking enough to have mapped out the manor’s vague layout beforehand. Even so, any smart business leader would keep their office secluded on the top floor.

It was easy to ignore the pained screams from around him when he had a fixed mission in mind. No one was going to escape. Ciel was the cat, these foolish drug dealers and their staff were the mice, and he supposed…Sebastian was the trap.

Curiously, the office door was closed when Ciel reached it. There were notably more guards on this floor and near this room— loyal servants to their very end. How kind. 

Even still, blood pooled under the door and it stained the copper door knob. As the cacophony of sounds quieted, he could hear the soft, labored breaths of someone crying. 

Cry. Nothing in front of you will change if you cry. 

The knob only jiggled stubbornly when Ciel turned it. He frowned. 

Locked. 

The crying stopped, the person in there likely realizing that there was someone outside, trying to get in. Demanding to get in.

Ciel took one of the fallen guard’s truncheons. The weapon was about a foot long, and heavy in his hand. With a grunt, he put all of his strength into ramming the end of it into the knob. It gave slightly, the copper denting and leaning out of the hole. He repeated the process twice before it gave way, roughly falling to the floor. The door swung open, revealing a hastily made, and last-ditch barricade: two office chairs. 

He grew tired, but he forced himself to refocus on the new room. The office was a wreck, a mess of scattered papers, two bodies and books were strewn about the room. There was a bookcase next to where the door was, most of its books carelessly thrown across the floor. The piece of furniture seemed like someone pulled it several centimeters out, likely trying to add another layer to the haphazard barricade before they realized the wooden fissure was too tall and dense to move alone. 

Ciel wouldn’t have noticed her if she hadn’t stayed insistently close to the man’s body. His legs peaked out from behind the desk, but she was small enough to have stayed reasonably hidden if she wanted to. 

He unlocked his gun, but she didn’t seem to care. Instead, she sat on her haunches and cradled the man’s head in her lap. It made sense that Sebastian found and killed Manuel Baulo in his own office. A bloody serrated knife sat to her side, pulled out from between his eyes. She pushed his wavy hair down his forehead to hide the wound. 

She kept her eyes closed, surely aware that Ciel was with her, but she ignored him. Instead, she held Manuel’s limp left hand with both of hers, intensely whispering into it in Spanish. Likely praying. Her matching ring sat on her left ring finger as well, a big diamond set in gold. 

This was his wife, Mariana. 

“Descansa, fácil. Mi amor,” Mariana kissed his knuckles, leaving a smear of her crimson lipstick on him. Tears streamed down her cheeks when she opened her eyes again. She was rather young, but then again, her husband was as well. The previous head of Os Caeos contracted some unlikely disease and died early, leaving his eldest and his wife to run a business when they couldn’t have been older than thirty. 

Very slight smile lines creased on either side of her mouth, twin dimples on her cheeks. Her eyes were dark and soulful as if her pupils took over her irises entirely. They were intelligent, easily taking Ciel in— from the top of his head to the bottoms of his shoes. Despite his best efforts, they were stained. Her eyes lingered on his gun. 

“If you are killing me, you do quickly,” she said, finally addressing Ciel. She wore a white nightgown, dressed down like her husband’s body. After all, the sun was just beginning to rise, breaking through the gloomy clouds. It was rather untimely, the glorious light made the man look like a martyr when he wasn’t. 

“Or if you feel nervous to kill a pregnant woman, give the gun,” Mariana added, “there is nothing left for me in this world, Ciel Phantomheave.” Her position and small maternal bump would have concealed evidence of her pregnancy. It had slipped Ciel’s mind.

“You know of me?” Ciel asked, masking his surprise. He let his gun waver. She was in no state to so much as threaten him, much less attack.

“Of course. We thought we might meet you soon, although…Manuel thought we would have time to negotiate. His father thought we needed to kill you after your return. But…my husband disliked the thought of killing children,” Mariana sighed, gently running her fingers through Manuel’s curls. 

“I make it a policy not to negotiate with criminals,” Ciel said. She was not going to manipulate him. 

“I know that now,” Mariana replied, “almost my entire family was in this manor. Let me be with them. I only want to be with them.” She wiped a stray tear away with the back of her hand, collecting herself admirably, given that her husband’s lifeless body was splayed out in front of her. 

“My Lord?” Sebastian entered. He must’ve been silent coming in, given neither Ciel nor Mariana noticed his entrance. “Shall I finish this one off, too?” he questioned, knife at the ready. The demon was the trap. Mariana was the final mouse in the maze, but she didn’t want the cheese. She wanted the trap. 

“No, Sebastian. We’re finished here.”

There was nothing Sebastian disliked more than when Ciel showed mercy. “Master…?” he asked, confused. He was reluctant to put his knife away.

Mariana sighed as if she had been expecting Ciel’s response. She looked up at the two of them, her hands never left her husband’s body. She wasn’t a woman who wanted to die. She was stronger than that and smarter not to re-establish the Spanish mafia after Ciel had crushed it so decisively. Letting her go would let her raise her child in the country, and Os Caeos could remain some distant memory. A story Mariana would relay to the child when they were old enough to learn about their father.

“Look at her. She could not possibly rally now,” Ciel replied, gesturing to the broken woman’s scattered stare. They would be leaving her to her own devices— whether she survived would be up to her will. “I want to leave, Sebastian. Now.”

Y/n listened to Ciel’s recollection of that morning with surprising calmness. She merely nodded along, keeping her thoughtful gaze fixed ahead as they walked. Nothing about it seemed to surprise her, though he suspected she worried more than he was letting on. 

“I see why she would want you dead,” Y/n admitted. Ciel did as well; he went through a similar trauma to Mariana, and his sole purpose in life is to find those responsible and force them through the exact torment and pain he suffered through. She was no different. Those who Y/n killed for were no different. 

“Frankly, you might have asked this woman why she would want me dead before ensuing on this mission,” Ciel replied, “why did you never ask?”

 Y/n waited a moment, unsure how to reply. “I knew she was telling the truth. Sometimes…people go through suffering that goes beyond words,” if any kind of pain that would qualify, it would be cradling your killed spouse in your lap; feeling so hopeless that you’d prefer their murderer take you too as opposed to living in a world that he was ripped away from. 

“Ciel, she isn’t going to give up, even if Diego and Carmen really do go back to Spain. I know her,” Y/n added after a beat of silence.

“Then we will simply need to make every defensive measure,” he replied, not entirely believing his own words. Mariana showed what she was capable of— finding and locating the lost German princess, manipulating the monarchy into believing she was her sister, and even picking up a destroyed business and restoring it to its former empire without Ciel so much as noticing. 

To be able to out think a capable woman her would take immense planning and luck, but fortunately, Ciel had a demon for a butler. No matter what he thought of his fiancée, Sebastian would be duty-bound to protect them if that was what Ciel ordered him to do. It wouldn’t be the first time Ciel forced Sebastian to act despite his will. 

After all, that’s what their contract was. Sebastian obeyed him, and in the end, Ciel would let him take his soul.

Y/n shook her head, “she will find a way, no matter what we do. Whether it’s next week or next year.”

“You underestimate us, and the staff. We can handle her,” Ciel insisted. His servants were the most elite in the world, handpicked by Sebastian, the protectors of Phantomhive secrets. They’ve fought off mafia men, psychotic circus performers— even Y/n herself. He was unwilling to allow his confidence to tremble in the face of a grief-stricken woman, looking for vengeance as a means to give her life purpose once again. 

“But you would be underestimating…Mariana.” She said, stopping in the middle of the pathway. Saying the woman’s name made her face contort uncomfortably.

“Our wedding will be perfect, Y/n. Honestly,” Ciel said, stopping with her. He turned to face her properly and let her hand go to properly brush strands of her hair out of her face. The pads of his fingers settled on either side of her neck, touching her skin so lightly, he barely felt it. He could feel her pulse drumming beneath his thumbs, but her gaze softened. 

He’d put everything he had and more into protecting her, no matter what the cost. 

“There is nothing I would not do for you. And I know you feel the same,” Ciel insisted, unlike himself. He was always unlike himself when he opened his mouth and failed to filter what came out. It was disgusting, but no one could bear witness besides her. 

Her.

She was classically beautiful with a regal face that was unmistakably royal. How could anyone think otherwise?

Ciel’s thumb brushed over her scar, the only defining quality that separated her likeliness from her twin. It was so thin and faded, one would have needed to know where to look in order to notice it. 

“You’re right. I suppose we can sort it out,” she conceded reluctantly, but Ciel still disliked the worried frown on her lips. She was the most important person in his life— even if his priority was and would always remain vengeance. This woman was the first person to bring light back into his world. 

No one was going to ruin this for them, not when they’d finally gotten all of the rubbish out of their way. Life couldn’t be so cruel. The world was an inevitable equalizer. It was not cruel. It would not steal from Ciel more than it already had. 

“Whatever might happen, we can face it together,” Ciel said, internally bristling at himself. He loved the warmth he felt toward her. He detested the way it made him act, the vulnerability it gave him. 

Something you love is something you can lose.

Ciel wasn’t sure if the thought of losing her lit an irate fire in his stomach, or if it hurt so much it made him feel ready to be consumed by such an inferno. 

Though, of course, Ciel trusted her to fight for herself more than he trusted himself. Still, he wanted to kill her enemies, leave their bleeding bodies strewn about the corridor, left for dead. He wanted to be the person to tether her when the night tried to consume her.

Without realizing it, he had been leaning down, and closer, his stare locked on her pensive lips. Quick to react to any subtle movement, Y/n tilted her head and closed her eyes, meeting his lips with hers. 

Slowly but surely, they were beginning to improve each instance they kissed. They found a balance, a smooth rhythm that allowed control to oscillate between the two of them. Y/n’s lips pressed and moved impassionately, his would follow. Like a waltz.

Feeling her lips against his always awakened something in him.

The air around them grew thicker— and thicker— and if Ciel had half of his wits about him, he might have noticed the intertwining clouds in the sky. He might have smelled the musky smell of the earth moments before the rain. But at that moment, he was rather occupied, and the sheets of rain that fell came by complete surprise. 

The rain drizzled. The tree leaves whispered, and the sky rumbled. Ciel broke their kiss to regain a sense of their surroundings; unmoved in the middle of the pathway, lined with manicured rose bushes. The trail of dirt and paw prints told him that Carl was smarter than his owners, likely having sensed the new pressure in the air and rain back to the house. Sebastian installed small doors for the clever dog, and it took less than an hour to train him to find them. 

Ciel gasped in surprise, somewhat from the sudden rainfall, but more so from Y/n’s clenching on the front of his shirt to bring him back down to her level. She was commanding him to act, putting every bit of her assertiveness into the way she moved with him, channeling all of her worry into something tangible and intoxicating. 

“I want to go to your room,” she whispered against his lips. “That is an order.”

Ciel’s heart pounded. Y/n chuckled, clearly feeling it as her right palm trailed down his chest. Every touch electrified his skin. He was static. She was electric. The air was growing heavier by the moment, and it wasn’t only from the rain.

“Yes, sure,” even if Ciel wanted to, he couldn’t have made himself say no. He wasn’t sure he knew how to pronounce such a word.

Within moments they were making a horribly uncoordinated effort to run up one of the side staircases. Y/n was practically dragging him, her soaked dress was thin and sticking to her corset, a gown that would have been improper if they were anywhere but on manor grounds…simply playing croquet. Ciel remembered making a conscious effort to disregard the simplicity and inherent lewdness of such a dress. 

It hardly covered more than a nightshift. 

He closed his door and locked it before Sebastian could materialize and suggest Y/n leave and catch a warm bath before she caught a cold, or before he could offer a tray of tea.

There was something Ciel wanted much more than a steaming cup. He wanted her. He took a sharp breath in, so much that it made his lungs stutter in his chest. She was straining to unlace the back of her gown, pushing her hair over the side of her shoulder to get it out of the way. 

Something about the back of her neck…

“It’s cold in this thing,” she complained, her cheeks growing fiery. “Ciel.”

“You would allow me?” Ciel felt as if he was barely in control of his transgressions, his fingers gracing over the delicately tied satin. “Are…you certain?”

“Yes,” she replied, keeping her hair out of the way. “You can do it, or I will.”

Ciel had it undone in seconds, and the wet garment fell to the floor, leaving Y/n in her corset, tall stockings, and surprisingly short drawers. They ended centimeters above her garters at mid-thigh. Ultimately, she exposed nothing entirely incriminating, but seeing the curve of her waist and her stockings’ garters wrapping around her upper thighs was certainly…more. Her necklace sat between her collarbones, guiding his focus down her corset’s hemline, which kept her breasts pushed upwardly. 

His face burned. He was sure if he were to put the back of his hand against his cheek, it would blaze. 

“Speechless. And this was all it took,” Y/n made a haphazard attempt to joke, clearly content with being stuck in wet undergarments for the time being. He didn’t blame her, and frankly, Ciel wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle her needing to dry off in front of him more. “If I knew this would be the outcome, I might have tried it much sooner.”

He rolled his eyes, “you’re impossible.’

“Perhaps,” Y/n fired back, growing more comfortable. She smiled at him, her eyes soft, yet searching. It was a strong façade, but she was nervous. Of course, she was nervous. He was nervous.

Ciel reluctantly shouldered off his jacket, which took the brunt of the rain. They didn’t stand out there for long enough to be soaked to the bone, so it was likely Y/n truly was much drier without her most superficial layer of clothing. 

He wanted to unbutton the top of his shirt, but his fingers stopped. He paused as if she’d slapped him across the face.

She would see the mark. The Mark of the Beast. 

If knowing the sorts of atrocities he pleasured in carrying out for Her Majesty wasn’t enough to fully drive her away, then surely, being marked by sadistic cultists would be. 

“Ciel?” The playfulness in Y/n’s face dropped the moment he hesitated. “Are you alright?”

Ciel was, but he wasn’t. 

He wanted to unbutton his shirt and bury his face into the floral scent of her hair, and kiss her lips until they chapped. 

But she couldn’t know yet, could she? Could she handle it?

Of course she could. She knew the worst of him. He knew the worst of her. This mark wasn’t something he wanted; it wasn’t a deal. 

He pursed his lips for a moment, swallowing despite his dry mouth. “If I am to show you this, then you must not tell a single living soul, do you promise?”

Y/n tilted her head but nodded once nevertheless. “Of course not. Your secrets are my secrets,” she said, and frankly, that sentence shot fresh jolts of electricity down Ciel’s spine. 

What’s yours is mine; what’s mine is yours.

They were one another’s great equalizer. 

“Alright,” he released a breath and went to unclasp the pair of buttons, but Y/n reached upwards to put a gentle hand on his chest. She stared at him— sometimes he detested the bloody eyepatch he wore — her face was stern. 

“Not if you are not ready, Ciel. I mean it,” she insisted, but he had his mind made.

Your secrets are my secrets.

“I am,” he said, carefully removing her hands from his shirt to unbutton it. Y/n stopped refuting him, newly distracted as he took his shirt off. Now he understood where her reluctance came from, once he’d finished unlacing her dress. She looked at him with a barely restrained passion, and it was a heavy gaze to be picked apart under. He imagined he looked just as intense and serious as she did. 

“Ciel…” Y/n frowned, immediately catching onto the brand on his left side. The mark was burned into his skin, slightly under and to the side of his torso, the far part of his ribcage. While all the redness and irritation were long-subsided, the brand left the afflicted skin slightly raised and swelled, like a stamp. It was going to remain there forever— until the day he died. 

“Who did this to you?” she asked, anger flashing in her eyes. Strangely, it was a comfort to him. The Queen on his chess board was prepared to fight for him, much in the way he wanted to kill every last one of her enemies. 

I returned to discover the same thing. We can take them down together.

“It’s an old wound,” Ciel guided her fingertips over the raised skin to show her that it didn’t hurt. He was healed, stronger than ever at one another’s side. The foreign touch made goosebumps raise in his arms, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. “Those who did this to me are dead.”

Sensing his unwillingness to speak about it further, Y/n didn’t press. She seemed satisfied knowing that the perpetrators were long gone, but almost sorry she couldn’t do it herself, judging by her frown and the protective toughness in her eyes. Ciel was sorry he couldn’t kill those cultists himself, either. Sometimes, he’d dream about aiming his gun and shooting them between the eyes, or in the heart. Anything to watch them bleed out.

Y/n kissed him, putting another intimate kiss further up his jawline, close to his ear. “I hope they suffered immensely.” Such a curse shouldn't have been erotic, but it was.

Her fingers wrapped around his wrist, guiding him to the edge of his bed to sit. Ciel moved without another thought, blushing when she stood in between his legs once more. She was ethereal in the orange candlelight, her skin deceptively soft, despite the number of healed wounds all over it. He wanted to trace each one. Kill everyone who inflicted pain on her, though he was sure most of them were dead. Not to mention, he was one of those people. Ciel’s gaze flittered to the light scar next to her throat. 

She was poetically beautiful. Pulchritudinous.

He thought of the first time he read William Wadsworth: she was a Phantom of delight, When first she gleaned upon my sight; A lovely Apparition… 

At the time, Ciel thought the man had been a lust-struck fool, thinking with the contents of his trousers. Now the American poet was beginning to make sense; did that mean they were both lust-stricken fools or was this idolatry normal?

Y/n chuckled when he pressed his lips into her knuckles, then the inner part of her wrist. 

“What are you doing?” she asked. 

Ciel didn’t have an answer for her. He preferred to find her lips again and let her climb onto his lap, her thighs bracketing his legs. Her garters were white and made of lace, matching the dress that they left in a heap on the floor. He couldn’t keep his hands from fiddling with them, grazing over the sheer material her stockings were made of. Eventually, his hands settled on her hips, comfortable on the junction between her upper thighs and waist.

This is why polite society made married women chaperone nobility. If Ciel had known that something this pleasing was possible between himself and Y/n he would have struggled much more. Truly, it was no wonder couples never engaged in such illicit acts until they were married.

Y/n attacked every one of his senses. The moment she had him unlace her dress, he was finished. Now he was touching her warm skin, close enough to smell powder and rosewater. She made soft gasps each time she rocked in his lap, sounds that would undoubtedly haunt him.

Ciel was not a gentleman with her; he was not the Queen’s Guard Dog; he was not the head of the Funtom Company; and most significantly, he was not the next head of Phantomhive.

For the first time in his life, his identity was irrelevant. Privately, Ciel found solace in that. 

Solace with her.

. . .

[papillon82fluttersby]

Famous Five Art Nostalgia #02 – Part 4A

Introductory post

Masterpost

☃️🎄🔦 Five Go Adventuring Again – Le Club des Cinq

Original publication date: 1943 (UK), 1955 (France)

(Cover art by Jean Sidobre, Hachette, Galaxie collection, 1971)

Here comes the first part of seven volumes from Blyton's original series that benefited from a 'luxury' edition first named Galaxie and later changed to Vermeille. With a larger format (roughly 20x30cm), these books included 30 to 40 illustrations, with 8-10 full-page colour art and several more half-page black-and-white pictures featuring at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout the text. These seven books were all illustrated by Jean Sidobre, whose art you should be very familiar with by now, with some illustrations being the same as those used in the Bibliothèque Rose editions, and some entirely new.

You lucky people will get to see ALL of the art featuring in the Galaxie/Vermeille editions! Due to the number of illustrations, I will split each book over two posts. After some thought, I decided to follow the original publishing order of these seven books in France. By a happy coincidence, the first one is #02 Five Go Adventuring Again / Le Club des Cinq, which is the only one in the original series to be set around Christmas. So without further ado, I'll let you enjoy these very seasonal illustrations! Part B will be posted tomorrow.

~~~~~~

Plot summary:

Julian, Dick, and Anne's mother is ill with scarlet fever, so they, George, and Timmy return to Kirrin Cottage for the Christmas holidays.

(The girls and Timmy arrive to Kirrin village after their school term)

(Kirrin Cottage in the winter ❄️)

(Picking up the boys at the train station – Julian is getting a wet kiss from Timmy, hehe 🐶)

Uncle Quentin, who is working on a secret theory in his study, takes a break to hire a tutor, Mr Roland, to help Julian and Dick catch up with schoolwork they missed while sick. George is also required to attend the lessons, as she has just spent her first term at Gaylands boarding school and is behind her age level.

(Meeting the new tutor, Mr Roland)

(Back to Kirrin Cottage with Mr Roland – George is sullen because she’s just been told that Mr Roland hates dogs)

The day before lessons commence, the children visit the old house at Kirrin Farm, which is run by Mr and Mrs Sanders. Mrs Sanders informs the children that two artists from London have booked a three-week stay at the house. The children explore some old secret hole in the house; they also find a cupboard with a false back. When searching a cavity in a wall, Dick finds an old book of medical treatment recipes and a linen map inscribed with Latin words.

(Dick makes a discovery!)

(Dick and Julian examine the cupboard with a false back)

 The children take the map back to Kirrin Cottage, where Julian guesses that it shows a "Secret Way" (via occulta) but he is unable to decipher the other words.

(Anne is a bit put-out because she’s just been enjoined by the others not to run her mouth about their discovery around the adults – something that Anne is admittedly prone to as she has trouble withholding secrets from authority figures)

(Mr Roland tags along with the Five who have decided to go for a walk; the children aren’t too happy about it because they’d much prefer to be on their own…)

(…Timmy is not delighted about it either!)

The children start their lessons with Mr Roland, the first day being marred with an incident when the tutor accidentally kicks Timmy who’d been hiding under the table, resulting in Timmy biting his ankle in retaliation. This incident strains the antipathy between George and Mr Roland even further.

(Schoolwork – ugh!)

(Gnap!) [Note: Please enjoy George’s little smirk!]

A few days later, the Five haven’t made any headway with deciphering the mysterious map and, much to George's chagrin, Julian shows it to Mr Roland, asking him what the words mean. He confirms that it is about a "Secret Way" and also about an east-facing room with eight wooden panels. The Five don’t have much time to investigate, though, as they’re getting busy with Christmas preparations.

(Mr Roland examines the map)

(Mr Roland helps with Christmas preparations – what a good guy!)

(Around the Christmas tree! 🎄)

~~~~~~

That's all for today but will be continued tomorrow!

I wish a merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates, and a merry day to everyone who doesn’t! 💖

[primelaundrylondonsblog]

Top 6 Reasons To Use Commercial Laundry Services in London

Doing laundry is a tedious task for many. Moreover, laundry takes a lot of time and can disturb your daily work. However, opting for laundry service is mandatory for every restaurant and hotel to maintain the cleanliness of various commercial places. So, it is necessary to hire top commercial laundry services in London to maintain the hygiene of business places. 

Reasons to hire commercial laundry services in London

Hiring professional laundry services is mandatory for every commercial place. However, hiring a professional laundry service can be an added expenditure. However, the importance of professional laundry service must always be addressed. So, let’s check the importance of hiring professional laundry service providers in London for every commercial place. 

Convenient service—The prime reason for opting for commercial laundry services is convenience. It simply offsets the burden of laundry and reduces the additional cleaning process for your employees. You will find that experts clean and wash towels, bed sheets, linens, aprons, and other items without taking much time. 

Time-Saving Opportunity— Once you outsource your items for laundry, it will free up valuable time and resources for your staff. This will reduce your employees’ extra workload, and they can concentrate on their daily routine. 

Instant Service—Specialised commercial laundry services near me are designed for competence and safeguard quick turnaround times. So, you can opt for a professional commercial laundry cleaning service to get all items cleaned within your budget. 

Money saving—Many think that hiring a laundry professional adds more expenses and crosses the budget. But that is not right. Every business needs to increase its productivity every second. And hence, hiring a laundry service will be the best option.  

Hiring professional laundry services is the most valuable business method and strategy that makes the business worthy. So, when you decide to hire a professional commercial laundry service in London, it means you will get more time to pay attention to other important tasks.  

Eco-friendly cleaning: At present, we cannot ignore the importance of eco-friendly cleaning, which can never be ignored. Eco-friendly laundry is the best way to clean every item in hotels, restaurants, and other business places without damaging the environment. Besides cleaning all laundry within your space, it is always suggested to hire a specialised laundry service that offers eco-friendly cleaning services. 

Top Quality Cleaning: Commercial laundry service providers always use specialised equipment and approaches to confirm that laundry is cleaned and sanitized.  The professionals are always ready, delivering all items in a timely and efficient manner. They also ensure maintaining high-standard laundry cleaning service. This service is important for every business place like hotels, restaurants, etc. 

Use of energy-efficient devices: professional laundry service providers like Prime Laundry normally use commercial-grade, high-efficiency washing machines. These machines have high-end cleaning features for large amounts of laundry. These machines also use less water and consume less energy than normal conventional home washing machines. Moreover, these machines possess faster spin cycles, and these will reduce the requirement for lengthy, energy-consuming drying times.

Tips to Hire Professional Laundry Services in London 

If you maintain your business in London and are searching for a reliable commercial laundry service in London, you need to follow some tips before hiring a professional. 

Reputation of the company

Before hiring a laundry cleaning service, it is necessary to check its reputation. So, always look for a laundry service with a good reputation for excellence and dependability. You can easily check its reputation via online reviews. It is also necessary to ask for referrals from other businesses that have already opted for the laundry service.

Types of Services Offered

When hiring a professional laundry cleaning service, you should check the services offered by the service providers and whether they can meet your exact needs and supplies. Some professionals offer specialised services such as linen rental or uniform cleaning, so you can ask the authorised person about these specialised services. 

Price comparison

Price comparison is one of the most important factors to consider before you hire any professional laundry service provider. So, always compare pricing from different laundry services to ensure that the professionals offer cost-effective service.  

Dispatch Time

While hiring a professional dry cleaning and laundry service provider, you need to check the dispatch time they offer.  If they meet your requirements, you can deal with the laundry service providers. 

Cleaning quality

Whenever you select a professional laundry cleaning service provider, you need to look for one that uses high-quality equipment with advanced features. It is also necessary to check whether the commercial laundry service near me offers advanced hygienic services. 

This content is originally published on Prime Laundry’s Website: Top 6 Reasons To Use Commercial Laundry Services in London

[especialrentals]

Managing Luxury Vacation Rentals with High-End Experiences

The luxury vacation rental market, particularly in tourist-favorite locations like London, has experienced remarkable growth.

That’s because affluent travelers increasingly seek personalized, high-end accommodations.

This comprehensive guide explores how to excel in luxury vacation rental management while focusing on creating exceptional guest experiences.

Understanding the Luxury Market

Defining Luxury in Today's Market

The concept of luxury has evolved beyond mere opulence. Today, affluent travelers seek:

Authentic, personalized experiences

Exceptional attention to detail

Seamless service delivery

Privacy and exclusivity

Unique, memorable moments

For those managing vacation serviced apartments in London or other luxury properties, understanding these evolving expectations is crucial for success. That’s why Especial Rental pays utmost attention to its luxury London homes.

Location Matters: The London Example

London's luxury vacation rental market is an excellent case study in high-end property management. Whether managing apartments for rent in London, UK or overseeing luxury vacation rental London properties, location plays a crucial role.

Prime London locations for luxury rentals

Mayfair

Knightsbridge

Chelsea

Kensington

Belgravia

South Bank

These areas are beautiful for vacation rentals in London offerings, as they provide proximity to high-end shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions.

Essential Elements of Luxury Property Management

Impeccable Property Presentation

Interior Design and Furnishing

Invest in high-quality, designer furnishings

Create cohesive, sophisticated design schemes

Include unique art pieces and statement decorations

Ensure perfect lighting with multiple options

Provide luxury linens and toiletries

Maintenance Standards

Implement strict cleaning protocols

Conduct regular property inspections

Address maintenance issues immediately

Schedule periodic updates and renovations

Maintain outdoor spaces

High-End Amenities

Modern luxury vacation rental management needs to be impressive. That’s why you need to offer exceptional amenities:

Essential Luxury Amenities

High-speed fiber internet

Smart home technology

Premium entertainment systems

Fully equipped gourmet kitchens

High-end appliances

Climate control in every room

Luxury bed linens and towels

Additional Premium Features

Wine refrigerators

Espresso machines

Steam showers or jacuzzi tubs

Home gym equipment

Outdoor entertainment spaces

Security systems

Concierge-Level Services

Exceptional service distinguishes luxury vacation rentals from standard accommodations:

Core Services

24/7 concierge support

Private check-in experience

Professional housekeeping

Maintenance on demand

Airport transfers

Welcome packages

Additional Services

Personal chef arrangements

Private drivers

Spa services

Childcare

Personal shopping

Theatre and restaurant bookings

Marketing Luxury Properties

Digital Presence is important to build credibility!

Professional Photography

Hire experienced luxury property photographers

Ensure consistent visual style

Update photos seasonally

Include lifestyle shots

Showcase unique features

Website and Listings

Develop a sophisticated website

Use high-end listing platforms

Create compelling property descriptions

Highlight exclusive features

Showcase guest testimonials

Check out Especial Rentals for inspiration!

Target Market Understanding

Guest Profiles

International business travelers

Wealthy families

Celebrity clients

Extended-stay luxury travelers

Special event guests

Pricing and Revenue Management

Strategic Pricing puts you ahead of your competition in the market. It will also help your vacation rental management company become the traveler’s go-to.

Factors to Consider

Seasonal demand

Local events

Competitor pricing

Length of stay

Additional services

Market conditions

Revenue Optimization

Implement dynamic pricing

Offer seasonal packages

Create special event rates

Develop corporate partnerships

Consider minimum stay requirements

Operational Excellence

Guest Communication

Pre-arrival

Detailed welcome information

Personalized itinerary suggestions

Concierge service offerings

Transportation arrangements

Special requests accommodation

During Stay

24/7 availability

Regular check-ins

Immediate issue resolution

Local recommendations

Additional service arrangements

Post-stay

Feedback collection

Thank you messages

Return stay incentives

Loyalty program benefits

Referral requests

Quality Control

Regular Audits

Property condition assessments

Service delivery evaluation

Staff performance reviews

Guest feedback analysis

Competitor benchmarking

Maintenance Programs

Preventive maintenance schedules

Regular updates and improvements

Technology upgrades

Seasonal preparations

Emergency response plans

Building a Professional Team

Key Personnel

Property manager

Concierge staff

Housekeeping team

Maintenance personnel

Guest relations specialists

Support Network

Interior designers

Professional photographers

Technology experts

Local service providers

Security personnel

Technology Integration

Essential Tools

Property management software

Channel managers

Customer relationship management

Maintenance tracking

Financial management systems

Guest-facing Technology

Mobile apps

Smart home controls

Digital concierge services

Online booking platforms

Virtual tours

Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation

Preparation

Emergency response plans

Insurance coverage

Security measures

Staff training

Guest safety protocols

Documentation

Standard operating procedures

Emergency contacts

Local authority relationships

Guest guidelines

Insurance policies

Sustainability in Luxury Rentals

Eco-friendly Practices

Energy efficiency

Waste reduction

Sustainable products

Local sourcing

Water conservation

Communication

Guest education

Environmental initiatives

Community involvement

Certification programs

Impact reporting

Do You Need Help With London Rental Management?

Success in luxury vacation rental management requires a perfect balance of high-end service delivery, attention to detail, and operational excellence. Whether managing vacation rentals in London properties or luxury accommodations elsewhere, the key lies in understanding and exceeding guest expectations while maintaining impeccable standards.

For those in the luxury vacation rental management business, particularly those overseeing vacation serviced apartments in London or similar high-end properties, the focus should always be on creating exceptional, memorable experiences for guests. This involves continuous improvement, staying ahead of market trends, and maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of the operation.

We at Especial Rentals consider all these factors when managing a holiday home! Feel free to reach out if you also want expert advice and someone to take care of your vacation rental on your behalf. We manage homes globally and would love to accommodate your needs.

[michaellloyd]

Paella Caterers East Sussex Crafting Unforgettable Paella For Weddings & Events

Dreaming of a flawlessly catered wedding, corporate event, garden party, or any special occasion in East Sussex?

Look no further than Vamos Paella Caterers East Sussex! We’re a passionate team of culinary experts dedicated to crafting exceptional dining experiences.

Our diverse menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and cater to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the celebration. But we’re more than just delicious paella. We pride ourselves on personalised service, meticulous planning, and genuine care for your vision.

Why choose us?

Passionate and experienced – since 2011, Vamos Paella is appealing to the taste buds of London, Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex and beyond. Our reputation is built on quality, services, taste, reliability, cost effectiveness and flexibility.

Diverse menu – get innovative and offer tasty treats to accompany paella. This could be in form of desserts, appetizers or even entrees. Vamos Paella caterers East Sussex services offers hot and cold tapas in vibrant colours, quails egg with cumin, manchego cheese with sweet quince jelly, beautiful fruit tartlets, crackers with home-made chutneys and many other mouth-watering desserts. This fun treats gives your guest a talking point during the event and after it has passed.

Full service capability Apart from cooking delicious Paella and other culinary delights, we can even hire and arrange the table, chairs, linen, glasses, plates and cutlery. Have a theme in mind or may be a particular table decoration or you want to please someone with special flowers; go ahead let us know in advance. With us by your side, you will be able to see the transformation of your venue into the one you dreamed of, in a matter of hours.

Commitment to sustainability - At Vamos Paella caterer East Sussex, we are dedicated to quality and sustainability. We source our ingredients locally and responsibly, using only the freshest produce to create exquisite menus that cater to specialist dietary requirements. Our experienced chefs ensure that every dish is prepared to the highest standards, while our initiative is reducing food waste. Trust us to provide exceptional catering services that are ethical and environmentally conscious.

We believe – great paella caterers East Sussex can enable great entertainment that is delicious and enjoyable.  Connect with us.

[greenleafclean]

Serviced Apartments, Short Let, AirBnB, Holiday Let Cleaning

Serviced Apartments, Short Let, AirBnB, Holiday Let Cleaning.

AirBnB business in London is booming. With no licence to set up, in London you can let your property on a short-term basis for up to 90 days a year without planning permission and earn a little extra money for when you do not use it, like weekend or your own holiday away. It could be done on platforms like AirBnB, HomeAway and Booking.com.

Needless to say, that it is important to have your property tidy, clean and presentable so reviews are glowing and your property is in high demand. Therefore, engage a professional company, with a proven track record and availability to meet your needs on any chosen day and time. While there are plenty of good cleaners around, not all of them will be trained to work at a Holiday Let property and the requirements for this kind of cleaning are different from a regular domestic cleaning or a one off cleaning arrangement. Also, the check-out and check-in times are similar everywhere, and they are between 10am and 3pm, so you need a professional, reliable cleaner being available at these particular hours. Then comes cleaners’ lengthy holidays, sick days, etc., which makes working with an individual cleaner a rather daunting prospect comparing to a cleaning company.

Do get your written instructions in place and pass it on to your cleaning contactor right from the beginning. Make sure you include access to the property details, linen and towels arrangement, restocking items and products requirements. Indeed, the more detailed instructions, the less room for misunderstanding and mistakes. Include pictures of how you want the beds to be set up, towels, etc. Set the standards and clearly let your cleaners know your expectations.

Set up a WhatsApp group with your contractor and streamline the communications, taking into account that there most likely will be quite a few cleaners visiting your property and it is good to have your communication in one place. The WhatsApp group will also come handy when receiving the pictures of your property after it has been cleaned, so you have a peace of mind and the proof, that it is ready for your guests.

Finally, do get your cleaners to carry out a short visual inventory of your property to make sure you are in the know if something is missing or damaged and need to be fixed before arrival of your guests.

Please call us on 08000326248, shall you require any assistance with cleaning of your AirBnB / serviced apartment/ short let / holidays let property, or email us to info@greenleaf-cleaning.co.uk.

Hiring a professional house cleaning service is a great way to save time and make house cleaning less of a chore. After all, they are professionals and have the necessary tools and equipment that you may not have access to. Plus, they have the time to dedicate to cleaning. If you’d rather spend your time doing something more enjoyable, consider booking an appointment with GreenLeaf Cleaning, the most reliable and efficient house cleaning service in London.

If you require assistance with domestic cleaning, our GreenLeaf London Cleaning Company will be delighted to provide this service, as well as one-off cleaning and spring cleaning. We understand the importance of a clean and healthy home and are committed to providing the highest quality of service. Our experienced team of cleaners will ensure that your home is spotless and sparkling.

Visit our website https://www.greenleaf-cleaning.co.uk/ for more information or call via free phone number: 0800 032 6248

Your Local Domestic Cleaning – Green Leaf Cleaning Services Near You!

[poppy86579]

5 Essential Tips for Hiring the Best Caterer for Your Event

Finding the best caterers for your wedding is one of the biggest decisions you will make about your special day. Choose the best Asian wedding caterers in London, Bharat Gangaram, who provide quality Asian wedding services at a range of different venues in London and beyond.

Here are 5 essential tips no bride and groom should do without when planning their big day and choosing their catering service

Hiring Asian Wedding Caterers

Experience Only choose wedding caterers who are experienced in event management services. They should have expertise at running a wedding reception with your number of guests and preferably have provided wedding catering at your chosen venue or one very similar.

Menu options Discuss carefully all of the different menu options. Try and choose a catering service which arranges menu tastings – this dress rehearsal is very important, particularly if you are going to have some dishes which are unfamiliar to you.

Customer input A bit like with the choice of wedding photographer, it is important to only choose contractors and suppliers that you think you can work with. If a catering company is not interested in listening to you or allowing your input, then they are not the best choice for what is after all, your special day.

References Try and get hold of authentic references or verification from previous brides and grooms who have used their services.  If possible, choose couples whose reception was most closely allied to the one you have planned.

Cost of Service Find out exactly how much the catering will cost. Ask if everything is included in this quote like utensils, table linens, decorations and crockery. This is particularly important if you are using a dry hire venue. Establish the caterers terms and conditions, what is the percentage due for the deposit and when is the final balance payable.

Hire the finest Asian wedding services in London. Bharat Gangaram are quality Asian wedding caterers offering sumptuous banquets for your special day at venues in London and beyond. We cater for weddings of all sizes and offer years of expertise in providing catering at weddings across the capital. Take a look at what we offer on our website www.bharatgangaram.com

[little-ace]

A Guide to Party Furniture Hire in London for All Occasions

London is well-known as one of the premier cities in the world for entertainment and celebration. This has provided the perfect opportunity for party furniture hire, giving Londoners the options to truly make their occasions special and memorable. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, wedding, graduation, or any other type of occasion, party furniture hire London can add the perfect feel and touch to the event. With a wide array of furniture types and styles of hire, Londoners can find just the right combination of seating, decor, and audio-visual needs for their occasion. This guide aims to provide an overview of the different party furniture hire options available, and how to determine the best choice for all types of occasions.

Finding the Right Furniture Hire Provider in London?

Finding the right furniture hire provider for your event in London can be a difficult and time consuming process. There are so many furniture hire companies in the city that it can be hard to know where to begin. It’s important to be aware of each company’s reputation and to research their customer satisfaction ratings before going ahead with a purchase. The best furniture hire companies in London have been around for a long time and have an impressive portfolio of work. It’s always useful to get personal recommendations from family or friends who have hired furniture before. Online reviews are also a great way to find out what customers think about a furniture hire company. Additionally, you can look into the company’s history and consult with their customer service team in order to fully understand the process of hiring furniture. 

Choosing the Best Styles and Materials for Your Event

Choosing the right styles and materials for your event is essential to ensure every detail fits together flawlessly. It’s important to choose styles and materials that are appropriate to the theme and atmosphere of the event, as well as practical for the type of occasion. For example, metallic chairs may be appropriate for a gala dinner, while upholstered chairs could add a more intimate feel to a wedding. Not only do styles and materials affect the aesthetics of your event space, but they also play a role in creating a comfortable and functional space for guests. Your furniture hire provider can provide advice on the best styles available, as well as recommend different materials such as metal, wood, upholstery or plastic. 

Assessing Your Budget for Furniture Hire 

Once you’ve decided the style and material of the furniture you’d like to hire, it’s time to consider your budget. It’s important to have a realistic idea about the financial cost of hiring chairs, tables and other items for your event. There is a wide range of prices for different furniture hire companies, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices. Look into the cost of the labour for setup and collection, as well as the delivery fee for getting the furniture to your venue. Additionally, consider any extra charges for priority delivery or other services that you may need. It’s beneficial to get an accurate quote from your furniture hire company, so you can be sure you’re working to the right budget. 

Knowing the Extra Costs Associated with Party Furniture Hire 

When it comes to furniture hire, there are usually some additional charges that will be applied. It’s important to be aware of these extra costs as they can quickly add up when planning a major event. It’s common for furniture hire companies to charge a fee for remove of old furniture once the event has finished, as well as a delivery fee. There may also be a fee for setting up and dismantling the furniture, as well as any insurance that you may need. As well as these fees, there may also be additional costs for certain services such as linen hire or ongoing maintenance for the duration of the hire period. 

Planning for the Delivery and Collection 

When it comes to furniture hire, there are often strict regulations about when and how furniture should be collected and returned. It’s important to plan in advance for these processes, as delays in return or collection of the items could result in extra fees. It’s also important to check with the furniture hire company about their insurance policies in case any of the items are lost or damaged. Make sure to double check that furniture is delivered in the right condition and at the right time. It’s also a good idea to have an agreement with the furniture hire company in case there is a delay in the delivery or collection of the items. 

Investigating Insurance for Your Party Furniture Hire 

Insurance is essential for any major event, and it’s especially important when you’re hiring furniture. Check with the furniture hire company to see what type of insurance policy they offer, and also make sure to look into your own event insurance options. It’s best to have insurance cover for any unforeseen events, such as damage to furniture or theft of items. It’s also important to have adequate protection against guests who may treat the furniture carelessly, as this can result in costly repairs. Be sure to research different types of insurance policies to ensure your event and furniture hire is completely covered.

Ensuring Your Guests Use the Furniture Safely and Responsibly 

It’s important to ensure your guests are using the furniture in a safe and responsible manner. Make sure to provide instructions on how to handle the furniture, as well as where it can be placed and how it should be returned. Put in place a system that allows guests to report any incidents or damage, and make sure to remind them of the importance

Conclusion

Party furniture hire in London can provide the ideal solution for any event you may be organizing. With a broad selection of items to choose from, including chairs, tables, bars, and marquees, you can ensure a successful party that meets your personal style and budget. The wide variety of caterers, decorators, and furniture companies, as well as local councils, means that finding the right party furniture hire in London is easy. With the right selection of furniture, you can make your next celebration an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

[brent-linen-hire]

Restaurant Laundry Services - Free Delivery and Collextion

We, Brent Linen Hire have been serving the London restaurant and catering industry for over 12 years. We have learnt the restaurant linen hire business ins and out with high quality chef uniform hire to hotel linen hire. We ensure that you receive high quality products at the best price with on time delivery. #brentlinenhire #hotellinenhire #linenhirelondon #linenhirenearme…

[simplylinens]

Finest Table Linen Hire in London by Simply Linens Ltd.

Experience the elegance of premier table linen hire in London. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions, Simply Linens Ltd.'s extensive range of high-quality tablecloths, napkins, and runners ensures a sophisticated touch for any event. Offering a variety of colours, fabrics, and styles, we cater to all themes and preferences. Our reliable delivery and professional setup services guarantee a seamless experience, transforming your venue with the finest table linens. We serve Essex & London, UK.

[huntingingoodwill]

the cigarette girl iv

masterlist

part i ii iii

pairing: tommy shelby x reader

a/n: back with more tommy content. the reception on this series has been so incredible thank you so, so much. i hope you enjoy this final part of the cigarette girl. love you.

-

1921, London

“You need a fucking cleaner.” Alfie chuckled. 

You had heard the stairs leading up to your room creak beneath his heavy footsteps, and had just managed to sweep the letters that were strewn across the floor into your coat pockets before he arrived at the door. 

“Or a new flat.” You laughed. He stood, tall and blue in the moonlight, surrounded by the travesty that was your boarding room. You’d only been back once to retrieve your briefcase, and had left the room untouched. It looked like a tornado had ripped through it. 

The letters shoved into your pockets felt heavy with the weight of your lie. 

Still, you wouldn’t tell him the truth about your connection to the Shelbys. You would have to leave them behind. 

After Alfie hired you that morning, you had spent all day with him, getting acquainted with his operations. Long after night settled over London, he offered to drive you home. 

He had dropped you off in front of your boarding house, looking upon its dingy exterior suspiciously. He peered at you from the window of his car as you walked to the front door, eyes soft in the warm glow of the streetlamp above him. His forearm rested on the sill, rings clacking against the car door as he drummed his fingers on it. 

You had taken him in as you stood on the street, his eyes, the soft linen of his shirt, the gold chains around his wrist, cold against his skin. You felt a warmth shoot through you.

You smiled at him. You couldn’t help it. Then, you made your way into the house. 

He arrived in front of your boarding room just a few minutes later. 

“What brings you up here, Mr Solomons?”

He cleared his throat, the only revelation that he was rummaging through his mind for a good answer being the way he paused for a sliver of a second. He quickly regained his flippant facade. “Checking if you got up to your room safe. London’s dangerous late at night.”

You nodded toward the bruises on your arm, smiling. “I’m aware.” 

“Well, it’s a good thing I did, too. This place is a fucking sty-”

“Don't rub it in, now.” You grinned, sitting on the edge of your unmade bed. 

“I’m just saying…this is no place for an employee of mine to live.” His gaze suddenly avoided yours. Cautiously, he sat next to you, the mattress sinking under his weight.

He rested his hand beside yours, on the sheet, so close you could feel your pinky fingers barely brushing each other. He tucked his hands into his pockets, blinking. “I could help you find a new flat. Somewhere near the office, so you can’t give me shit excuses about being late to work. I’d take the rent out your salary. It’d be easy.” You thought you could spot an almost imperceptible flash of nervousness in his eyes before he straightened up, voice as confidently dismissive as always. “It’d take a while to arrange. You’d have to stay here in the meantime or… you could stay with me.” 

You looked at his profile as he stared ahead, refusing to meet your penetrating gaze. 

“...Would Ollie be jealous?” You whispered, lips turning up in a smile. 

“His flat’s not in as dire of a state as yours, darling. He’ll survive.” 

That warmth again.

“I think I’ll take you up on that, Mr. Solomons.”

“Alfie. It’s just Alfie.”

That night, you burnt the letters in Alfie’s fireplace. 

You held the last envelope between your fingers. The orange hues of the fire painted your face, reflecting off your glassy eyes. Your last, personal piece of Birmingham. A letter from the Shelbys. 

It wasn’t too late. You could sneak out that night. You’d only known Alfie for the better part of a day, you wouldn’t be missed. Get back to Birmingham, to Small Heath, find Tommy. Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. You could be back to him by the morning. 

You tossed the letter in the fire as you heard Alfie approach. 

You turned around, looking upon his gruff exterior as he held two glasses and a bottle of rum in his hands. Back to Tommy, by morning. 

Alfie’s serious expression broke open into a lopsided smile, like the sun through clouds. 

- 

3 years later, 1924, Arrow House 

“Tommy.”

His bedroom was shot with streaks of orange sunset, shimmering in through the windows of the manor. 

The noise of heels clicking against the hardwood floor approached. His wife. 

“A man named Ollie telephoned.”

Tommy sighed in irritation, winding his tie around his neck.

He turned around to look at her. 

 “Tell me you told him to fuck off, Grace.” 

Her lips morphed into their gentle, placid smile. “That wouldn’t have done any good. He said Mr Solomon should be here in…” she reached for Tommy’s pocket watch. “Ten minutes.”

“The bastard, showing up with no warning…” He muttered, fussing with his tie. “We’re going to be late.”

“A ten-minute warning.” Grace corrected. She pulled his hands away from his neck, reaching out to fix it for him. “So we’ll be late. It’s just my family. They’ll show mercy, even if we miss the first course.” She ran her thumb across the hollow of his cheek. “Ollie said there’s a ledger that needs to be sorted. It’ll only be for a bit. You have work to do.” 

He reached for her hand, brushing his thumb against her knuckles. He tried to push it aside, but the thought of you came reeling through the door like always, returning to haunt him at the most unexpected times, in the most mundane places. He’d always find you. In the noise of a crowd at the races, in the buzz of a party. In the lilt of Grace’s voice, in the softness of her skin, and now, in the look of love on her face.

He pressed a kiss to her lips. 

“Mr Shelby?” A housemaid appeared in the doorway. “Mr Solomons is at the gate.” 

“He’s early.” Tommy grumbled. “Let him in.” 

Tommy arrived downstairs, Grace on his arm, to witness Alfie’s car rumbling to a stop before the front door. 

“Shelbys!” He unfolded himself from the driver’s seat, gallant smile worsening Tommy’s exasperation. “Nice house you’ve got. I’m offended you haven’t invited me over earlier.” 

“You seem to invite yourself over just fine, Alfie.” Tommy remarked, jaw tight. “Now, let’s get this over-”

As he spoke, his eyes wandered over Alfie’s shoulder. His words dissolved in his mouth, escaping him as he looked at Alfie’s car. 

You. 

He thought you might have been a vision, a madman’s living dream. But, no. It was indisputably you, your eyes piercing into his as you gazed at him. You had been watching him. All those sleepless nights spent wondering where you were, how you were, years of no contact, of disconnection, of regret. You were here, regal as a queen in your fur coat, sitting in the passenger seat of Alfie’s car. Seeing you sent a jolt down his spine. 

Immediately, you turned away. 

“...Over with.” He swallowed thickly, finishing his sentence. “Let’s get this over with.” 

In the manor, Tommy’s eyes couldn’t help but glaze over as Alfie ran over the details of the ledger, distracted by the thought of you. He still couldn’t believe it. After all those years, showing up unannounced. With Alfie. He felt his mind unravel, full of confusion, of questions. 

He had to see you again. 

He cleared his throat, standing up so suddenly that Grace jumped back, staring at him in confusion. “I agree, Alfie. Make the changes, and send it over to my offices, yeah? Grace!”

He turned on his wife, her eyebrows knitting together quizzically. 

“Show Alfie around the house, won’t you? Give him a tour, make up for not inviting him earlier.” Grace nodded hesitantly, gesturing for Alfie to follow her. As soon as they rounded the corner, Tommy was out the front door. 

He approached slowly, as if worried too sudden a movement would cause the mirage that was you to vanish for another three years. 

You stared ahead, not acknowledging him at all, still as a photograph. 

He rapped on the window. You blinked, cold facade faltering a little. Still, you didn’t turn to look at him. 

He knocked again. You ignored him. 

He turned, leaning against the car door. Leisurely, he pulled out a cigarette from his case, lighting one. He had all the time in the world to wait for you.

You sighed. You knew he wouldn’t let up. Stubborn as always. You rolled down the window, holding your hand out. Wordlessly, he took a drag of his cigarette before handing it to you, letting you take a puff. It had been ages since you’d shared a cigarette with each other. 

“She’s pretty.” Your voice, so new but so familiar, formed a lump in his throat. 

“‘Course she is.” Smoke spilled from his lips. The wind ruffled his hair, and you held in the urge to smooth it back for him.

“Looks rather posh.” 

He turned to look at you, and you were beautiful, as always. Different, older, but beautiful, in your pelt, with your perfectly coiffed hair. 

“So do you.” He replied. 

A lull of silence. 

A small smile graced your lips as you teased him “You didn’t invite me to the wedding.” 

“Didn’t think you’d want to come.” He handed the cigarette off to you. “Didn’t think you’d want to be found. 

You hummed, both of you falling silent again, only the caws of crows in the distance punctuating the quiet.

“Oh, it’s alright.” You hummed. “I didn’t invite you to mine.”

He felt his stomach drop, ice shooting through his veins. 

“You’re married.” He said, feeling like the ground was falling out from beneath him. 

“I am.” You chuckled quietly, and it was like you had your fist wrapped around his heart. You blinked, forcing a smile onto your face. “Well… looks like we both have something to celebrate.” You leaned back into the car, producing a hip flask. Your fingers trembled as you opened it, and you prayed he wouldn’t notice. “It’s not champagne… but… it’ll do.” You smiled. Cheltenham, 1909. Time is a funny thing. You held it out toward him. “To being married. To reunions. To… happiness.” You gulped down the drink desperately, and you handed it to Tommy, his fingers brushing against yours. 

He turned to look at you, holding the flask by his side. He didn’t drink. “You and Alfie, huh?” 

He didn’t want to hear any of the sordid details.

“Look at you.” He remarked, and the words couldn’t help but fall from his mouth. “Sat up there, cushy in his little car, wrapped in that fur… he takes care of you, doesn’t he?”  

Your eyebrows furrowed, knuckles white as they gripped the windowsill. What was he implying? “He’s a good man. He treats me well.”

“Of course. Of course he does.” An uncomfortable silence settled once more, and he couldn’t stand it. He blurted out the words. “Do you love him?”

Do you love me?

“How dare you.” You hissed. “How fucking dare you.” 

“(Y/N), listen to me, answer the ques-”

“No, no, Tommy, you fucking listen to me.” You spat, and he swore he could see your eyes well up, glassy with tears. “For once in your life. Listen to me.” You steadied your shaky breath.

“I know… you always thought of me as a leech to your family. You probably think I’m using him too but… that’s… that’s what’s good about all this, isn’t it?”

He looked up at you, and he wanted to badly to know if you still love him, if you still cared, he would have begged for it. He kept quiet.

“ …I’m not your problem anymore.” You said with a melancholy smile. 

The weight of your words hung between you. 

“You know, Tommy. You said we’d be together forever, but I guess forever isn’t all that long.” 

“Shelby!” Alfie approached the car, and the two of you straightened up, backing away from each other. “I see you’ve met the missus. Not trying to steal her away from me, are you, cheeky bastard?” 

“He came damn close, Alf, what took you so long?” You joked, pouting. 

“Just walking around this beautiful house, darling. Wouldn’t be too bad if we had one of these, eh?” 

“It’s a good thing you came out when you did. Mr Shelby and I were just about to run away with each other.” You teased. Tommy looked at you quietly as both your hearts wilted in your chests. Alfie laughed, sliding into the car next to you. 

“See you around, Tommy. “ He said. 

“See you around, Tommy.” You parroted, rolling up the window. You pressed a kiss to the glass, Alfie chuckling as he slung his arm around you, starting up the car.

Tommy looked at the car as it drove off, his feet, as if entranced, following after you. It only took him a few steps before the car sped off, the sound of the motor receding into the distance. 

Then, it was just Tommy, alone.

“Tommy?” Grace’s arms wrapped around his bicep. “Are you okay?”

He turned to her, and he thought, somehow, in the curve of her nose, her chin, maybe, if he looked hard enough. He’d find you. He’d find the woman who sat, wrapped in a pelt in another man’s car, he’d find the girl running through Cheltenham with him. But it wasn’t you. She was lovely. But she wasn’t you. 

He smiled at his wife, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“Let’s go back inside.” She suggested. 

He let her lead him toward the door. He turned his head, the car long gone now. Finally. It was too late. 

He disappeared behind the door of Arrow House. 

You sat in the car, your husband’s arm around your shoulders. The sky was beginning to darken. 

You looked to the stars, and tried to think of nothing at all.

[papillon82fluttersby]

Famous Five Art Nostalgia #02 – Part 3

Introductory post

Masterpost

☃️🎄🔦 Five Go Adventuring Again – Le Club des Cinq

Original publication date: 1943 (UK), 1955 (France)

(Cover art by Umberto Nonna, 1981)

Plot summary (adapted from Wikipedia):

Julian, Dick, and Anne's mother is ill with scarlet fever, so they, George, and Timmy return to Kirrin Cottage for the Christmas holidays. Uncle Quentin, who is working on a secret theory in his study, takes a break to hire a tutor, Mr Roland, to help Julian and Dick catch up with schoolwork they missed while sick. George is also required to attend the lessons, as she has just spent her first term at Gaylands boarding school and is behind her age level.

(At Kirrin station)

The day before lessons commence, the children visit the old house at Kirrin Farm, which is run by Mr and Mrs Sanders. Mrs Sanders informs the children that two artists from London have booked a three-week stay at the house. The children explore some old secret hole in the house, they also find a cupboard with a false back. When searching a cavity in a wall, Dick finds an old book of medical treatment recipes and a linen map inscribed with Latin words. The children take the map back to Kirrin Cottage, where Julian guesses that it shows a "secret way" but he is unable to decipher the other words. Much to George's chagrin, Julian later shows the map to Mr. Roland, asking him what the words mean. He confirms that it is about a "secret way" and also about an east-facing room with eight wooden panels. The five don’t have much time to investigate, though, as they’re getting busy with Christmas preparations.

(On the first day of lessons, Timmy nips Mr Roland who unwittingly kicked the dog while he was lying under the table; thus starts a solid mutual enmity *chomp*)

Later, Timmy is banished outside to his kennel for attacking Mr Roland. During the night, Uncle Quentin's secret papers are stolen. George suspects Mr Roland, but cannot immediately convince the others. As George acts ever more rudely to Mr Roland, she gets punished and confined to her room.

(Julian, Dick and Anne try to coax Mr Roland into lightening George’s punishment) [At least, I *assume* that’s what the illustration represents, although it might also just be a random classroom setting. But I cannot bear for Dick to make such a fawning face for anything less than a bamboozlement attempt.]

(With George being housebound, Julian looks after Timmy and clears the snow away from his kennel)

The children later discover the "secret way" (which was in Quentin's laboratory after all) which leads to the two artists' room in Kirrin Farm.

George uncovers the stolen papers and they try to escape through the secret way. The thieves almost outrun them but retreat when George threatens to set Timmy loose on them. The Five also discover that Mr Roland was in league with the thieves and imprison the three of them in a room until the police arrive and arrest them.

(The thieves are trapped, good riddance!)

~~~~~~

Bonus:

Now that I have a better quality picture, it's easier to see what everyone gets for Christmas:

George is giving Timmy a new collar

Anne gets a new doll to play house with

Julian holds a package where is written the word AVION, probably a model airplane or a construction kit; but he also keeps an attentive eye on...

Dick, who's happily holding a model house

All of this sounds perfectly in-character and oddly in tune with some fanfics I've had the pleasure of reading, featuring for instance pilot!Julian and homebody!Dick 😀

~~~~~~

Thanks for reading!

[primelaundrylondonsblog]

7 Key Benefits For Hotels And Resorts Using Commercial Laundry Services

Laundry service is not only essential for individuals, but hotels, resorts, and other corporate houses also require professional laundry service to maintain hygiene within the corporate sector. If you are operating your hotels, restaurants, clinics, or resorts in London, it will not be a challenging task to hire professionals for commercial laundry services in the country. 

Top Benefits of Hiring Professional Commercial Laundry Service Providers

At present, different corporate houses outsource laundry services to professionals to enhance productivity within the organisation. So, let’s grab the advantages of commercial laundry services. 

More Professional Care With Enhanced Quality

Hotels, resorts, and other commercial houses require professional laundry services to enhance quality within the organisation. Hiring professional dry cleaners will help you get high-quality results when cleaning laundry. The experts use specialised equipment and will always offer advanced cleaning techniques. Specialised cleaners of commercial laundry service Birmingham are qualified to comprehend several fabric types and the specific care each requires. The professionals offer laundry service with the required professional care, including stain removal.  

Maximum Service At A Reasonable Cost

Another prime benefit of outsourcing laundry service is getting optimum service within budget. Outsourcing laundry will help you with the necessary cost reduction. Here, you don’t need to invest in buying expensive equipment because the professionals will help you get the best service at an affordable price. Experience with professional laundry service providers will lead you to significant cost savings. Additionally, it decreases the hiring and training procedures of the employees within the organisation to manage these operations.   

Improved Cleaning

Commercial laundry service providers can offer reliable service to clean the dresses, uniforms, bed linen, and other substances of hotels and resorts in a much-improved way. Professionals for commercial laundry services in London do not only possess expert knowledge; instead, they can use the best tools to clean all accessories. Hence, hiring professional laundry is always a better option to get the utmost clean clothes. 

Flexibility With Advanced Technology

To sign up for our laundry services, new customers can visit our website and click the “Sign Up” button. Fill out the registration form with your contact details and select your preferred service package. The professionals also offer on-time pickup and delivery services and this helps you to get your outfits and other laundry items on time. Many top laundry service providers maintain mobile apps via which you can easily book a pickup schedule.  

High-standard Hygiene Maintenance

Top-ranked professionals for commercial laundry service near me always offer the most advanced technologies for the maintenance of top-grade hygiene. Most versatile laundry services follow criteria and hygiene etiquette. They always ensure the highest level of safety measures along with cleanliness. It is essential for every hotel and resort. Professional laundry service providers follow the industry-standard guidelines for the maintenance of hygiene. 

Enhance Productivity and Efficiency

Every hotel and resort must hire an advanced laundry service provider like Prime laundry to get the best support in cleaning curtains, bed linen, aprons, etc. This will enhance guest comfort and also boost productivity among the staff in hotels. Hence, without hiring professionals, if staff are given the responsibility of laundry washing and cleaning, it deteriorates the productivity of the employees.  

Help in Time Saving

Everyone knows that laundry service takes up a considerable amount of time. Moreover, hotels and restaurants have piles of laundry items to clean. Hence, hiring professionals for commercial laundry services is essential to save time. This will enhance the productivity of the organization besides ensure high-end cleanliness. Well, it has been noticed that most of the owners of hotels or resorts cannot realize the worth of time. Some of the hotels sometimes do their laundry cleaning on their own, and it takes a long time.  

So, it is always suggested not to waste much time in laundry and outsource the task to a professional laundry service provider. Again, hotel staff may not have advanced knowledge regarding cleaning, washing, and ironing of different items. Hence, hiring a professional laundry cleaning agency will always be the best option.  

Measures for Deciding on a Laundry Service Provide 

No doubt, hiring a professional laundry cleaner is the best option to ensure the utmost hygiene and cleanliness inside the hotel and resorts. But, here, you need to follow some necessary measures while hiring a commercial laundry service near me.   

Consistency: You must check the consistency in service delivery without interruptions.

Turnaround Time: A professional dry cleaning company should maintain 24 24-hour delivery schedule.

Impairment Policies: While hiring a professional dry cleaner, it is necessary to check whether the company is maintaining essential impairment policies or not.  

Budget-friendly: Different laundry service providers offer different prices, so making a price comparison is always a good option. This will enhance the chances of getting budget-friendly service. 

Moreover, it is necessary to check the experience of the laundry cleaning service providers to get the best support. You should also check the customer service offered by the professional commercial laundry services in London. 

This content is originally published on Prime Laundry’s Website: 7 Key Benefits For Hotels And Resorts Using Commercial Laundry Services