Chapter Text
Saltburn was exactly as expected, pompous and all too grand for a family ennobled solely for their blood. You could see the appeal, could see why, despite their many problems, the Catton family clung to each other and their estate. There was hardly any warmth in how Venetia spoke of her parents, looking at the cool-toned mansion’s exterior you found it less appalling. You never expressed anything of the sort to Venetia, however, you were here to play the part of pauper plaything for the summer. You had come from the States to study at Oxford and met Venetia at one of the cafes on campus. She was a siren but in that moment she looked just as helpless as you felt. After befriending her you learned about her and her family. You did adore the girl for all her flaws and secrets but you couldn’t help irritation boil in your blood at the sight of a stereotypically terrifying butler greeting you at the door.
“Jeeves I presume?” Your heavy American accent did nothing to remove the sour expression of the man. You, despite your squarely middle-class upbringing, were underdressed in your billowy cotton dress and sandals. Well in comparison to his coattail, most people would be underdressed.
“Ma’am I’m Duncan the butler, welcome to Saltburn.” You stifled a giggle at his uptight response and nodded with a gracious smile. You had resolved yourself to be the sweet little thing Venetia brought along ever since you had met her. The state you found her in really had made you care for her but you owed this family nothing. You would simply sit back and observe, let them be as excessive and profligate as you expected. You would have to hold your tongue and bow your head. That resolve would surely last days, but for now, you intended to do so.
You tried to pick up your suitcase from the vintage Benz they had sent to pick you up but were stopped by another butler appearing from nowhere carrying it for you. You fought back the urge to tell him you could take it yourself, your fists balled up in indignation.
“Follow me Miss L/N.” Jeeves resounded from behind you and you nodded curtly, following after his long strides. It seemed Jeeves was as fond of you as you were of him because his pace never faltered as you briefly took in your surroundings and tried to memorize the layout of the rooms.
“Just Y/N is fine.” You mumbled, knowing it fell on deaf ears.
“Here you are Miss L/N, the young Miss Catton’s quarters are currently occupied so you will be staying near Mister Start.” You had no idea who that was but you nodded nonetheless taking in the grounds. Eventually, after you were slightly out of breath practically running after Jeeves you were brought down a hallway to a room with lavish wooden furniture. You were a bit overwhelmed by the size of the room and the view of a large empty field. You’d have to get your bearings when you weren’t being stared down by the staff.
“Could you please point me to where Venetia’s quarters are?” You thanked the attendant who set down your suitcase and received a curt bow in response. Jeeves ignored the other man completely as he looked at you.
“Certainly, I can return in ten minutes to show you the way?” You took one glance at the clock to note the time and thanked him before he took off. Maybe Jeeves was bad at expressing anything other than arrogance but he didn’t seem to hate you. You closed the door after him, unpacking your suitcase and changing into something that stuck to your sweaty skin less. You opted for a billowy skirt and tank top, washing your face in the attached bathroom before taking in the room. There was a dressing table, a large mahogany four-poster bed straight out of a Henry the 8th documentary, and a study table. The view from your room was of an open field with tall grass and whistles. There were tall green trees in the distance, mundane in contrast to the gaudiness of your current residence. Your head was hurting from the estate; it smelled of old books and heavy perfume that followed you everywhere. You needed a smoke.
You fished your cigarettes out of your bag, opened the window and leaned against the wall to blow the smoke out, you had three minutes till Jeeves was back. The smoke cooled the incessant headache, the familiar smell of your cigarettes seeping into your fingernails and wafting over your nose. You breathed in deep and slow, snuffing it out only when you heard a familiar click of heeled shoes bounding towards your room. Long, assured strides, that could only be your new favorite resident. Sure enough, he knocked on your door before entering and you threw your cigarette into the trash can before closing the window. Jeeves seemed to relax as you walked towards him, seemingly less irritable than when you met.
“Miss L/N you may smoke inside.” His hands were behind his back, scowl making him look much like how you felt. You stared him down, he couldn’t be older than 40, but Venetia had mentioned he’d been here when her father was young. How strange.
“Feels a bit scummy,” You shrugged, nodding him towards the hallway and following him as he turned around without another word. The walk to Venetia’s room was thankfully quite short. You’d be able to get back without Jeeves’s help as you told him.
“Thank you.” He looked uncomfortable as he nodded and stepped away. You didn’t think much of it as you knocked on Venetia’s door greeted by your friend pulling you inside with a hug.
“I thought I heard your voice!” Venetia was taller than you and her arms squeezed around you tightly. She pulled you towards her bed, flopping down on her back and propping up onto her elbows to look at you as you shuffled onto it next to her.
“Ven love, does Jeeves hate everyone or just me?” Your thumb pointed back at the now unoccupied door frame, lying on your stomach with your feet kicking behind you. Your skirt was falling down your legs collecting at the back of your knees and the breeze from the open window felt nice against your skin.
“Mostly everyone, he’s only somewhat agreeable to Mum and Dad.” You nodded, clearly, he knew who mattered and did nothing to appease the rest. Venetia looked a bit paler than when she was at Oxford with you, her eyes were sullen like she hadn’t slept in the days she’d been apart from you.
“Ven the trip was so long, do you care if I snooze a little?” You shuffled up her bed, tugging her hand to make her settle in next to you.
“Hmm? Not at all we have dinner at 6 pm sharp and you must dress up.” She lay her head down on the pillow next to you, facing you as she spoke.
“I know you already warned me I brought my best dresses.” You smirked, Venetia rolling her eyes as images of your many informal dresses flashed in her head.
“You can't possibly wear any of those dresses, Father might have a heart attack.” Venetia had cataloged all your dresses in her mind, you were sure, all the short and tight ones in particular.
“Don’t worry I brought some less cardiovascularly disarming ones.” You faked a yawn, closing your eyes as your hand remained clasped around hers. Truthfully you had stayed awake the entire ride over, untrusting of the mysterious and quiet driver and vintage car. “Sleep with me.” You heard an agreeable hum resound near you and let yourself sleep.
It must have been only a couple of hours later when you were awoken by Venetia’s hand tugging out of yours. You grumbled in your sleep, eyes fluttering open as you watched Venetia being hoisted up into someone’s arms. She was giggling, your panic leaving your bones as you sat up, your skirt had ridden up to your mid-thigh now and you assumed that this could only be Venetia’s elder brother. He was beautiful in the same way she was, untouchable and tempting all at once. The dim sunlight that slipped through the blinds confirmed that he was something Michelangelo’s hands would itch to sculpt.
“Venetia, who's your friend?” You swiped a hand through your hair, no doubt messy by now. You stood up off the bed, tugging down your skirt as her brother’s eyes tracked the movement. He set her down and she faced towards you, smiled wide, sleep still heavy on her lids.
“Oh, that’s Y/n.” You wracked your bleary mind for what his name was, he was damn tall, and your head was already stiff from sleeping in one position, and now you were looking up at him. You were sure the rest of the family wouldn’t help your neck pain.
“Morning, you must be Felix.” Your voice was gruff as you said it but you forced a warm smile, Felix returned it, eyes once again wandering from your face to the drooping strap of your tank top that you had yet to fix. He seemed to see you just like Venetia, a cute small toy. Venetia at least tried to disguise it with some decency.
“Leave her alone Felix she just woke up, you can interrogate her later.” She shoved him lightly and it was enough to get him to leave. You giggled at your friend’s defensive actions and were grateful for it. You were already failing at hiding your irritation it seemed. He was the next Lord Catton. Of course, he’d waltz into any room and do what he wanted, regardless that you were an entirely vulnerable guest.
You blew a kiss to Venetia, gaining a laugh from her as she asked you to go look at the dresses you were claiming were family-friendly. The time till dinner passed smoothly, you both chatting and laughing as you caught up on what happened over the past few days. You noticed Venetia had some interest blooming towards Felix’s new toy. You swallowed down your nerves as you pulled on your black and purple chiffon dress, it wasn’t exactly luxe couture but it was the nicest dress you had. If you had to make a good impression today was the only chance you’d get. It was elegant but still hugged your curves and you paired it with satin gloves, making sure to cover even more skin as you didn’t know just how old-fashioned and judgemental Venetia’s parents were.
“Oh, you look stunning.” Venetia grinned as she adjusted a piece of your hair, you let her fix you up, used to the feeling. You had come to her room after getting ready, wanting to walk over with her. She was adorned in a baby pink dress similar to yours, which you had decided on matching earlier.
Your arm looped through hers as she led the way to dinner. A loud masculine voice was hot on your heels as you walked, Venetia turning you both around to face Felix with another shorter man by his side, he looked mousy and out of place.
“Ven and Y/n wait up!” You stood still as their eyes took you in, the shorter man’s gaze narrowed before widening again to his stunned place expression. Maybe you were more similar than you thought.
“Wow, you look stunning.” You both thanked Felix, your eyes flitting between him and the man next to him. You wondered if he knew how Felix had an annual summer plaything.
“Thanks, Felix, is Mum already in?”
“Must be, you ready?” He was asking you, and you smiled wide and nodded. You were good with parents most of the time but you truly were out of your depth here.
“What’s your name?” You whispered to the mystery man as you walked inside, arm unclasping from Venetia’s.
“Oliver.” You stuck out your hand, his dazed eyes framed by large frames looking at your hand once before shaking it.
“Nice to meet you, Oliver.”
As soon as you entered the dining room your eyes were flooded with light and shining objects. It all contrasted the darkness of the quarters. You let your eyes adjust as you made out a beautiful blonde woman moving towards you. You had barely stepped into the room when Venetia’s mother was clasping your hands in hers.
“Oh my word, Venetia she’s stunning. Why have you been hiding her from us?” Her face turned slightly towards Venetia as she looked directly into your eyes as if speaking about a dog at the pound.
“She’s busy, I would know I have to make an appointment just to see her.” Venetia grabbed a wine glass from the table, filling it up casually as she went back to stand by her mother’s side. Your eyes barely tracked her movement as you held Venetia’s mother’s gaze. She was unsurprisingly stunning, you didn’t even have to hide your staring as you marked out her features.
“Y/n you’re staying the whole summer right, you must?” Her hands shook your arms lightly, jarring you for a response. You wondered if Oliver got the same treatment days prior.
“I-well my parents expect me to go home to the States in July.” You missed them terribly, being away from home for so long made your heartache.
“No that won’t do. I'm enchanted by you now.” You were finding it hard to keep up the act with her round eyes staring you down, and delicate hands caging you in.
“Oh Mrs Catton I appreciate-“
“Elspeth is fine God I don’t look that old do I?”
“If Ven told me you were her older sister I’d believe it.” You grinned wide as you said it, a blush warming your cheeks from her intense gaze. Her expression broke into a wicked smile and you decided that Venetia never had a chance to be anything but stunning when she was born.
“Well, we will discuss the length of your visit later please come sit.” You let out a sigh of relief as you took Venetia’s arm back in yours. Unfortunately, the walk to your seats was long just as the room was entirely too large.
You passed by Felix’s seat with Oliver dutifully next to him and an empty seat on his other side. Unfortunately, it seemed this was you and Venetia’s stop as she plopped down with you only being able to sit at the empty seat.
“You go to Oxford too? How come I’ve never seen you before? I’m sure I’d remember you.” Felix half-smiled with bright eyes, his attention undivided as he studied you, a look you’re sure many fell to their knees for. Flattery and charm dripped easily from Felix’s lips, out of the corner of your vision you could see Oliver’s serpentine eyes watching your reaction. Clearly, their relationship was more complicated than even Felix was aware. You’d have to play it safe, you didn’t want to step on Oliver’s toes on your first day, playing into your aloof American pauper role.
“Oh you know I spend a lot of time with my head in the books, but now that I’m in both my courses I'll be alright.” You shrugged and cast your eyes away, shy and demur in your expressions. Oliver seemed to buy your act as his eyes rounded and he took a sip from his wine glass.
“Two courses? You must be a genius." Felix laughed and Oliver agreed emphatically. You shook your head, acting as humble as you could.
“Pre-med and English.” You didn’t notice another person walk in and take a seat across from you four, pressing a kiss to Elspeth’s hand as he did.
“English? You’re in our course?” A distinctly American voice spoke up, your attention immediately snatched from Felix. You managed to hold back the gasp that would’ve left your lips in any normal circumstance when you looked across the table. Immediately two things stood out about this new dinner attendee, he was different like how you were, with skin that wasn’t oranged by hours of sunlight, but instead honeyed and warm and curly hair that brought you comfort. Secondly, the one that rid any comfort you had, he still possessed that aura that was distinctly Catton: siren-like and intimidating. His features were entrancing, plump lips and catlike eyes with glitter that had seemingly been attempted to be wiped off next to his eye. He had all the alluring charm of Venetia mixed with the silent masculinity of Felix. Even sitting down you could tell this new attendee was just as tall as him, great you would no doubt be the brunt of many jabs this summer. Despite the condescending tone in his voice, you felt an ironic sense of joy that for once you’d been referred to directly first not just as Venetia’s pet. Your eyes met his briefly before answering, his narrowed ones never faltered, you would have a hard time figuring him out if you were sure of it.
“As I said, I hardly get out.” The new attendee’s lips curled into a smirk, your attention barely on Felix now. You were sure that the smirk was not a good sign of things to come.
“I’d remember you, I'm sure of it,” Oliver spoke quietly, his voice sweet and laced with an undertone you couldn’t quite figure out. You smiled sweetly at him, earning a scoff from across the table.
“Please enough flirting with my friend,” Venetia groaned and you giggled at your perceptive friend, kissing the crown of her head as you turned towards her.
Sir James was quieter than the rest and polite in a way you imagined most Lords were. Elspeth had her own pet named Pamela who was skittish and eccentric, definitely more entertaining than you and Oliver. You learned over the course that Farleigh, the mystery attendee, was the one you’re sharing quarters with and he also hated Oliver. The only reason behind it so far was that he was poor and taking up space in Saltburn. You’re sure you’d be next on Farleigh’s shit list. You stayed quiet during dinner, not much conversation was made anyway as it seemed dinner was just as formal as the attire.
“Y/n you’re studying pre-medical and English is that right? How come you decided to take two courses?” Elspeth asked from across the table, she must have heard your conversation with Felix. All eyes were on you expecting a response, you swallowed down your food before answering carefully.
“Yes I am, English has always fascinated me, and medicine…well, I’d make my parents proud if I became a doctor.” At the tip of your tongue was the statement that not everyone had the luxury of studying whatever they pleased without the fear of being broke. You were paying your own way through Oxford with loans and savings but you owed it to your family to do your best and not be a burden on them.
“You seem like a bright young girl. I'm sure they’re proud now.” Sir James said and you smiled brightly in response, grateful for his seemingly genuine statement. The conversation turned back to casual discussion and Venetia leaned over to you, her plate still practically full despite it being nearly dessert time.
“Everyone seems smitten with you.” She whispered and you flushed at the words. You didn’t mean to make her jealous or insecure, Venetia already had a fraught relationship with her parents.
“They seem kind, they just don’t know how incorrigible I am yet.” You smirked at her winking as you did, earning back a smile of her own. You did plan to win everyone over but losing Venetia’s friendship was the last thing you wanted. Venetia relaxed next to you and you felt sick as she continued to not eat. You managed to coax her into it at Oxford, but here she seemed worse. Dessert came out and the ice cream and cake looked delectable, you quickly thought of a ploy to make her try it.
“Ven, can you try some of this? I can't tell if it’s got Pineapple in it?” You scooped up ice cream on your spoon, holding it out to her making use of your allergy. She nodded dazedly and ate it off your spoon, humming at the flavor.
“It’s safe.” You watched her swallow before nodding slowly.
“And the cake?” You did the same with the cake. You could feel stares at the back of your head and from across the table but you didn’t care much. You’d make sure Venetia ate no matter what the consequences were tomorrow. You could feel her hesitance as she leaned forward again and ate from the outstretched spoon, plump lips curling around the silver. Your eyes tracked her every movement, narrowed and extremely focused as the color rose to her cheeks and she swallowed after chewing. She took her time making sure her dear friend’s allergy wasn’t present in the cake. Truthfully you could’ve asked Jeeves in a much shorter time than this but then you wouldn’t be watching Venetia eat after what you’re sure was days.
“It’s fine too.” Your eyes widened to a soft stare as you used the same spoon to shovel a bite into your mouth with a hum of acknowledgment.
“It’s lovely, want some more?” You finally looked up briefly to see Farleigh’s curious gaze on you. You’re sure if you turned your head you’d find the same look on Felix’s face.
“No thanks.” Maybe the Cattons were realizing you weren’t as inconsequential as they originally thought. Elspeth cleared her throat, dispelling some of the tension in the room.
“You two have a lovely friendship, I’m so happy our Venetia has such a great friend at school.” Sir James nodded enthusiastically at the statement, clearly supportive of his wife more than anything.
“I’m so fortunate to have met her.” Venetia scoffed at your statement, she knew you meant it but your friendship wasn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows, especially at the start.
“I was practically dead when we met.” Oliver coughed on air and Farleigh took a long sip of his wine, no other reactions could be heard around the room. You winced at her reminder.
“Oh do tell us how you met!” Elspeth seemed to completely disregard Venetia’s statement. You followed after Farleigh, taking a sip of your wine and swallowing down your indignation.
“Ven was feeling faint when I met her at the Eaton cafe. I’d volunteered as a medic before so I was able to take care of her, we fell into a friendship after that.” Truthfully you had pulled her from the edge of malnutrition, forcing her to eat slowly and carefully and regain strength. You ate breakfast and lunch with her every day for two weeks and eventually, you both opened up to one another. Venetia perhaps due to her beauty and gender never had received attention without the guise of something in return. You had no idea who she was until two weeks later when one of your friends asked why you’d been hanging around a Catton.
“How sweet.” Felix resounded from your side and you smiled sickeningly sweet at him. You will yourself not to narrow your eyes at him, he was at Oxford too and so was Farleigh they could’ve taken care of her as much as you could’ve.
Dinner was finished, and you snuck a bread roll into your purse, planning to talk Venetia into eating it.
“I’ll meet you in the garden for a smoke?” You murmured to her as you followed Felix and Oliver out.
“Darling, we can smoke inside.” She laughed at you, echoing Jeeves.
“Oh I don’t know Ven I feel a bit-“
“Loosen up Y/n you’re not in Kansas anymore.” Farleigh cut you off as he rounded Felix's side, as you had guessed he was just as tall as him. You hid your annoyance with a smile, appeasing his request.
“Alright then.” Felix and Farleigh led the way to one of the living rooms you’d passed on the way to your room. It smelled of smoke unsurprisingly and the red walls swirled with patterns of flowers. The two brothers took their seats on the couch, Oliver settling into a singular chair as you and Venetia crowded onto the couch. You were once again stuck between Venetia and one of her family members, this time it was the alluring Farleigh Start. He lit up a cigarette in record time huffing it once and relaxing back into the couch, your stiff posture unnerved him.
“Are you always this fucking tense?” Farleigh looked pointedly at you, you really had to fight against every instinct in response to him as you suppressed a roll of your eyes. Instead of responding you took the cigarette from his fingers and inhaled slowly, relaxing back into the couch and Venetia’s side. He maintained eye contact with you, amber eyes challenging you to break, you never did.
“Pick on someone else Farleigh.” Venetia cooed as she petted your hair, you giggled as she took his cigarette from your fingers. He grumbled before lighting up another one and taking her advice, turning his attention towards Oliver. Felix was quick to diffuse the situation.
“Have you done the summer work Y/n?” Oliver asked you pointedly. Farleigh rolled his eyes likely at the boring change of topic, he’d much rather discuss Oliver’s lack of title.
“I was planning to when I got home to Cali.”
“California? You must hate the weather here.” Felix huffed out a breath as he asked you, his body outstretched and taking up far more space than anyone else.
“Not really, it’s unfamiliar and new for now. Ask me next year.” You pointed out gaining a curt laugh from the pretty boy.
“Ugh I’m bored, let's dance.” Venetia resounded, unhappy with this topic of conversation. She pressed a few buttons on the expensive music deck across the room. A popular dance song started and you sprung out of your seat to dance with her. The boys hooted and hollered as you showed off your moves, airy and soft in your movements not any bit the sultriness you usually danced with. You were surrounded by sirens, you had no intent in seducing anything among them.
The night capped off with you and Venetia giggling out of the room and heading to her room. You still remembered your mission of getting her to eat. After some stern words and reminders of the friendship you shared, she managed to eat half of the roll. You both washed your faces and stripped down to your underwear as you fell asleep.
The next morning you were woken up by the bright sun shining through the window, groaning at the sight. It took a few moments for you to remember where you were, grounded by the sight of Venetia sleeping soundly by your side. You’d let her sleep as long as she wanted, slipping out of the bed quietly and getting dressed in the bathroom to maintain the only sound in the room being her steady breathing. You drew the curtains closed and padded barefoot out of the room, only slipping into your heels when you were down the hallway. You remembered how to get back to your room, fortunately, ignoring the looks of the staff at your unruly attire. It was clear you were in the clothes from the night before.
Just as you felt relief flooding your system that you had made it to Farleigh’s wing successfully, you found him lounging in the adjoined living room and library, you just had to cross it quietly to make it to your room. The chair he was in faced the entrance as if he’d been waiting for you, despite your suspicions he looked giddy at the surprise of you standing in the door frame looking a mess.
“Fun night roomie?” His lips curled into a teasing smile as he cocked his head to the side, he leaned back in the chair taking up space as his legs were crossed. Farleigh Start was a cat ready to pounce at any hint of weakness.
“Something like that.” You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of answering his question, moving towards the hallway, and ignoring how his eyes followed you.
“I didn’t expect Venetia to follow in her brother’s footsteps but I guess it’s not surprising.” The statement came out of nowhere, almost nonchalantly thrown out into the otherwise quiet room. Your back was to him as you tensed, your balls fisted at your side as you bit the inside of your cheek and willed away the red-hot rage seeping through your bones. You breathed in slow and deep turning to face Farleigh, whose attention was back on the book you just noticed in his lap.
“And what about you? Whose toy are you?” Your expression was managed now, a small lifting of your lips and mirth in your eyes. It irked Farleigh to no end but like you, he wouldn’t let it show so easily. Despite being mostly successful in controlling your expression, your eyes were still narrowed, Farleigh could see your chest rising and falling and your nostrils flaring. He stood quickly, walking towards you, amusement on his face and you were struggling to control yourself. There were inches between you as he leaned down and spoke.
“So the kitten has claws...you’ll just have to find out won’t you?” Farleigh murmured, his attention flickering away once more and walking off. He didn’t want to continue this conversation and neither did you. You didn’t need time to figure it out though, Farleigh was the Catton’s symbol of good faith. Venetia had never mentioned a cousin nor had she disclosed any loving close aunts. Farleigh wasn’t much different from you and Oliver. It only took you one day to figure it out, he was scared of you both. You could easily become the next Farleigh Start.