Two weddings and several revelations (20)
Feb. 1st, 2018 08:47 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
the_comfortable_courtesanA silent declaration
Sandy looked into the parlour, where Clorinda was industriously scribbling at her desk, with a spot of ink upon her nose. She looked up at him. O, she said, raising her eyebrows, bello scozzese indeed.
Sandy scowled and went to sit down in an easy-chair near the fire. You do not think 'tis excessive fine?
Oh, poo, my dear, 'tis entire suited to a philosopher that does not desire to live in a cave or a tub and wishes to go about in society. But, my dear, do you have a little while afore you leave –
That indeed I do, I am quite foolish beforehand –
She smiled at him. Say you so! – but here is Hector, in a concern that what Julius wished to speak to you about was this enquiry into his birth -
No, 'twas nothing of that, I am like to think that he is still in ignorance –
- and I took a thought that mayhap 'twas this thought he had of exploration, that Tony Offgrange mentioned to me, desired your advice about –
- nor that –
Why, my dear, I will respect any secrets that are not your own to disclose, but I will remark that he saw a deal of dear Marcello when he was in Italy, and dear Marcello ever asks after how he does when he writes – but I will not go pry. But sure, I had forgot that I have some intelligence for you, having set Mrs Nixon upon the trail, the dear creature –
Intelligence for me?
La, my dear, you happened to say something concerning that exceeding tedious fellow Linsleigh, and I collected that I had heard some rumour as to where the family fortune originated, so I set her to it, and 'tis entire confirmed that 'twas West Indies sugar, and also, she hears there is some rumour that there was also black-birding -
That is uncommon good of you, dear spymistress-general. Indeed that is intelligence I am very glad to have.
And sure there was another matter, but I know not whether you may come at it, for I doubt not 'tis not the sort of thing gentlemen discuss among themselves. But could you prevail upon Sir Stockwell to pay some attention to his conjugal duties, at least until he succeeded in getting his wife with child, I think she would be a deal happier.
Sandy sighed. I do not think I am on such terms with Sir Stockwell as either to exhort him to go in unto his wife and know her, or to recommend to him that most remarkable expedient by which I begot that very charming infant, Miranda. He smiled fondly, then went on, I must admit I am in a little wonder that she has not yet increased by the endeavours of Geoff Merrett.
I am like to suppose, said Clorinda a little tartly, that Mr Merrett conducts himself with prudence and discretion and wishes to avoid the prospect of a crim. con. case.
I daresay you are right – O, I wonder if one might do it by way of Sir Hartley, that finds it entirely beneficial to be supposed the father of Cara and her sisters?
Clorinda sighed. Might indeed come better from another fellow that married for entire prudential reasons and is on the most amiable terms with his wife.
Sure they are considered quite Darby and Joan! But, dear silly creature, I must be off.
Well, my dear, do not look so much as if you went to your execution. I may anticipate a most unusual quiet evening at home – shall sup with dear Belinda and talk womanly gossip. Have give my instructions to Nick that you may take the carriage – no – she held up a hand – 'tis a chilly night and I am in some surmize that it may rain or even snow - even does he put you down somewhere, I daresay, at a discreet distance from your destination.
It would be fruitless to argue the point with Clorinda once she was determined, and indeed, it would be entirely more agreeable to take her carriage than to go seek a cab on an evening of inclement weather. So Sandy conceded, and arrived at the discreet door of the club only a little damp about the outer garments.
As he handed these over to an attentive footman, the door opened to admit, come most precise upon the hour, Maurice, with, Sandy observed, a wicked glitter in his eye.
While the footmen bore off greatcoats, hats, gloves, stick, Maurice stood vis-à-vis Sandy with a considering gaze. He reached up to smooth a straying lock of hair, brushed away an imaginary speck of dust, adjusted the fit of Sandy’s waistcoat, stepped back and nodded.
Sandy was aware that this performance had been observed not merely by the footmen but by Terence Offerton, Eldred Mysell-Monting, and Dr Asterley. He looked down at Maurice with his lips twitching into a smile. Will I past muster, then?
You will do, said Maurice with a smile, as they walked through in to the main part of the club, not touching but clearly together. I hear they have lately acquired a very pleasing manzanilla for the club cellar, you should take a glass – I will stick to gin in my accustomed habit. He gave instructions to the attentive footman, and looked about the room. Hmmm, I observe Lord Saythingport looking in my direction in a meaning fashion, I daresay he desires a word or two –
Sandy managed to sip his sherry rather than throwing it back at a gulp, much though he felt like doing so, and looked about the room himself. Terence Offerton in the midst of a gossiping group, Mysell-Monting speaking into Colonel Adams’ ear (for the gallant Colonel was slightly deaf), Asterley saying something to Franz Hahn. And, leaning against the wall, in a brooding miasma, Basil Linsleigh, looking as if he might be working up to a scene.
No better time to make use of the intelligence Clorinda had provided him. Sandy walked over to Linsleigh. Handsome enough if you cared for that somewhat florid style of looks. An artist of considerable technical competence. Maurice’s former lover. Maurice’s former jealous, possessive lover.
Basil! said Sandy, schooling his features to an expression of amiability, which was not at all mirrored by Linsleigh himself. Sandy lowered his voice a little and said, But how could we do without sugar and rum?, eh, Linsleigh?
Linsleigh entirely took the implication, turning a most unhealthy shade of purple.
My dear fellow, Sandy went on in somewhat louder tones, you do not look at all well – should I go fetch Asterley?
Linsleigh turned about and made for the staircase.
What’s ado with him? asked Terence Offerton.
He does not, it seems, care for the poetry of Cowper,* said Sandy, though mayhap has been drinking too much, or ate something that sits heavy upon him.
Terence gave a knowing smile. Perchance! he said, winking.
Sir Hartley Zellen came up, gave Sandy an amiable buffet upon the shoulder, and enquired of Terence had he ever seen the like?
Terence looked thoughtful. Mayhap, he said, there was a certain warmth towards Penkarding – but he was here so seldom – but indeed, nothing quite of the like.
Sandy felt that he was beginning to look dour and Calvinistical, and took a drink of his sherry. How did it come about that his glass was already empty? Almost as he thought this, a footman hastened up with a full glass upon a tray. Terence and Sir Hartley gave one another meaning looks.
Terence said that he was for the billiard room.
After he had gone, Sandy turned to Sir Hartley and asked, had he of a sudden grown a second head?
Sir Hartley grinned and said, almost as great a marvel. He frowned momentarily, and said, although Allard has ever conducted himself civil and never shown disdainful towards any to whom he granted favours, has also manifested a certain aloofness, with no particular demonstrations -
Oh. Sandy looked across the room to where Maurice was still in deep conversation with Lord Saythingport – but looked up, turned his head, and smiled before turning back to the discussion.
On an entire different matter, said Sandy with determination, as he caught sight of Sir Stockwell Channery taking Dr Asterley by the arm, and minding that he had heard somewhat concerning Asterley’s reputation in female troubles, you will I daresay know that Lady Sarah has been seeing a great deal of Lady Bexbury.
Indeed: m’wife says she is ever about the place.
Lady Bexbury had the thought – and considered that you were the fellow might put it most persuasive to Sir Stockwell – Sir Hartley raised his eyebrows – on how beneficial to many women is motherhood.
Sir Hartley laughed. Indeed 'tis so! Might indeed do a deal better for Lady Sarah than going to be quacked on cold water at Malvern, that I apprehend is Asterley’s latest fad. I will endeavour find some occasion to put it to him. He thumped Sandy upon the shoulder again, and moved away.
It was somewhat of a relief when Mysell-Monting sidled up and suggested a game of chess.
But he could not spend the entire evening thus: it seemed that Mysell-Monting had an assignation arranged and was obliged to leave him after one game. Sandy observed Pemberton in converse with Colonel Adams, and went over to greet them.
What, he said, no Chumball?
Has some ceremonious College dinner, said Pemberton, would not miss it for the world. He sniggered, But will I confide be a little chagrined to have been absent here the e’en.
Sandy raised his eyebrows. He turned to Colonel Adams with a remark about some antiquities that had recently been donated to the East India Museum.
They were still deep in discussion – Sandy apprehended that there had been somewhat of a rivalry 'twixt Adams and the fellow whose collection it was – when there was a light tap upon his shoulder and a nice little plateful of supper slid beneath his nose.
La, said Maurice, sure you will forget to eat does one not remind you. He conveyed a fork into Sandy’s hand.
Sandy looked up at him. Thank you, he said, mindful that this was a complaint he had also heard within Clorinda’s household.
At length, came the hour when it seemed entire reasonable to depart: they took a cab to Maurice’s lodgings, that had become so much more comfortable than when he had first entered them.
The door was closed and locked behind them, and Sandy took Maurice in his arms.
My dear, said Maurice in uneasy tones, you are not vexed? 'Twas mayhap a little vulgar, but I was in a great desire to boast -
Why, I was a little took aback, but 'tis already so much the on-dit - boast? you say. I do not take your meaning.
Fie, such modesty! Sure you must know that you are most exceeding admired –
What! (and then heard in memory Clorinda’s giggle and murmurs of German lessons, pamphlets upon the Bourbon tyranny, all over again.) Say you so?
Maurice began to assist him out of his coat. Do you suppose – I confide you do – that fellows come to observe you play billiards for the cunningness of your play, rather than the very fine sight you make bending over the table to take your shot?
Sandy looked down at Maurice, expecting mockery or teazing. Instead Maurice buried his face against Sandy’s chest, and said, very muffled, I am so proud - Sandy put his arms around him – but mayhap 'twas not to your liking to have it thus displayed?
Why, 'twas a little unexpected, my dear, but sure I am immense touched that you manifest a certain liking towards me –
A certain liking! Maurice looked up. Alexander MacDonald, you know I am entire besotted.
I would not dare to suppose.
Of course, I do not expect – I daresay you do not dislike me –
O, Maurice, said Sandy. I like you most extremely, surely you must have noticed? He laid a hushing finger upon the lovely mouth as it opened. No, my dear, I will not have you declare 'tis only a matter of physical charms and carnal abilities, exceeding though those are. Or venture upon comparisons. It has been a year, has it not?
Maurice looked up and nodded, and said, did you wish, I daresay I could give you the exact count.
And we are both prickly doubting fellows, and we have our differences, but here we are. Woven into one another’s lives, I apprehend. Can no longer conceal it from knowing eyes.
'Tis so. Maurice gave a sudden shiver and said, and if we stay talking here, I should stir up the fire. Or, he looked up with a mischievous grin, in the next room there is a fine large bed well provided with blankets and quilts…
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Date: 2018-02-01 11:18 pm (UTC)While the footmen bore off greatcoats, hats, gloves, stick, Maurice stood vis-à-vis Sandy with a considering gaze. He reached up to smooth a straying lock of hair, brushed away an imaginary speck of dust, adjusted the fit of Sandy’s waistcoat, stepped back and nodded.
Sandy was aware that this performance had been observed not merely by the footmen but by Terence Offerton, Eldred Mysell-Monting, and Dr Asterley. He looked down at Maurice with his lips twitching into a smile. Will I past muster, then?
You will do, said Maurice with a smile, as they walked through in to the main part of the club, not touching but clearly together.
That was Maurice basically saying "HE IS MINE," only in a very subtle and characteristic and not at all vulgar way, and not in front of everyone, but in a way that is sure to be seen and talked about in their circle(s). Sandy asks about it:
After he had gone, Sandy turned to Sir Hartley and asked, had he of a sudden grown a second head?
Sir Hartley grinned and said, almost as great a marvel. He frowned momentarily, and said, although Allard has ever conducted himself civil and never shown disdainful towards any to whom he granted favours, has also manifested a certain aloofness, with no particular demonstrations -
A heterosexual couple at the time might have done it by walking into a party arm-in-arm, and even modern couples still do it by going somewhere hand-in-hand, not a big display of PDA but a declaration nonetheless. Then Maurice worries a little about it
My dear, said Maurice in uneasy tones, you are not vexed? ‘Twas mayhap a little vulgar, but I was in a great desire to boast -
He makes a sexy joke about it (well this is Maurice), but it's a world away from when he was telling Sandy that Sandy only liked him because he was hott and kept trying to shock him with who'd had him for a guinea, &c &c. And Sandy and G- had a lovely long-term partnership, but it was pretty isolated for a long time and also they suffered from insecurities because they couldn't really commit socially, altho they were in their hearts -- remember how they kept going to Clorinda convinced that one was going to dump the other, and then they had that BIG break over her and the murder? Sandy and Maurice seem to have a bit more of a mutual community to draw support from. (As time passes and the next generation grows up and more connections are made, the web of connexion keeps increasing....)
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Date: 2018-02-01 11:01 pm (UTC)Why, ‘twas a little unexpected, my dear, but sure I am immense touched that you manifest a certain liking towards me –
A certain liking! Maurice looked up. Alexander MacDonald, you know I am entire besotted.
I would not dare to suppose.
Of course, I do not expect – I daresay you do not dislike me –
O, Maurice, said Sandy. I like you most extremely, surely you must have noticed? He laid a hushing finger upon the lovely mouth as it opened. No, my dear, I will not have you declare ‘tis only a matter of physical charms and carnal abilities, exceeding though those are. Or venture upon comparisons. It has been a year, has it not?
Maurice looked up and nodded, and said, did you wish, I daresay I could give you the exact count.
And we are both prickly doubting fellows, and we have our differences, but here we are. Woven into one another’s lives, I apprehend. Can no longer conceal it from knowing eyes.
//CRIES
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