A Regency Tale 13
Jan. 21st, 2007 12:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ismeninGood morning! The sun is shining again - how lovely! Herein is hot boisecks, which should be NC-17, but I can never think of anything to do with the DomLij that is worthy of the rating. My beautiful boys!
Anyway, here it is! Recipe for the negus at the end!! :D
Thanks to lady sunrope for beta. :D
Part 13 - Communion
They continued up the stairs hand in hand, and when they reached Elijah's room, he stopped.
"Dom, may I get my dressing robe? I wish to be comfortable."
Dom smiled, the corners of his mouth turning up in a whimsical fashion.
"You need not ask me, Lij, what you may do. You are your own man. Certainly bring your dressing robe if you think it will afford you comfort - I have no objection to it."
Elijah dashed into his bedroom and came out a few seconds later, his robe draped over his arm, together with some other garments.
As they entered Dom's chamber, the men saw that another chair had been placed beside the fire burning merrily in the grate, and that a small table contained a tray on which was placed a bottle of brandy and one of wine and some glasses.
"As I said to you, Lij - Matty does not miss a great deal. She has amply provided for our comfort and entertainment." Dom poured out two glasses of wine, and picked his up, sipping it whilst watching Elijah disrobe.
He sat down, the better to view this interesting sight, and Elijah, not the slightest discomposed by his audience, took his clothing off and placed it over the back of a chair. Donning the robe, he sat opposite Dom, and cocked his head to one side.
"Why are you waiting, Dom? Do you not wish to undress?" The look on Elijah's face was anxious and Dom wished to reassure him.
He thought carefully before he spoke. "Lij, making love to someone for whom you care greatly should not be conducted as a race. It is not only the destination that is desirable, it is equally important to enjoy the journey. Last night we were hot with desire from the beginning, and needed to come quickly. Tonight we are merely warm - and I shall enjoy it all the more for that."
"I need to touch you, to feel your skin under my hands - to smell you, to taste you, and to hear the sounds you make whilst I am doing so."
Elijah blushed, and Dom thought his love looked delightful in confusion.
They lay on the bed, naked, the firelight the only illumination in the room. Dom stared down at the man lying next to him. Last night, in the heat of love-desire, he had had no time or thought to truly appreciate what lay before him. Now he saw the nipples rise, the skin about them contract, and a faint blush stained Elijah's chest a rosy pink. How beautiful was this man!
Dom's long and delicate fingers traced patterns over the warm skin, and he saw Elijah breathe in sharply, as he brushed one of the nipples. He nipped one between his teeth, but saw immediately that Elijah did not enjoy the pain of it as did he, so he quickly rubbed his tongue over it, and moved to Elijah's mouth, where he kissed and rubbed and licked until the man gasped for breath.
He set himself to arouse Elijah as much as he could, for he intended to make love to him, to show Elijah what more there was to be had of love between two men.
Elijah was just as anxious to experience everything that there was to know. The texture of Dom's skin under his hands caused him to rise, hard and quick. It was a thing he had hardly noticed - or so he told himself - when he was tending to Dom in his sickness. Now that Dom was well the experience was almost magical.
The muscles burgeoning under taut skin; the sheen of sweat rising as their excitement grew, were all observed and enjoyed.
The pads of Elijah's small fingers grew damp with sweat and excitement. His breathing became more laboured as Dom worked on his body, teasing it to full erection.
"Dom..." Elijah managed, almost squeaking as Dom ran his tongue around the rim of his penis. "Please... I would like...more... please!"
Dom smiled around the hardened flesh. He rose and softly kissed Elijah's open mouth.
"Do you trust me enough, Lij, to let me do what I will without question? Without drawing away?"
Elijah nodded, too aroused to speak. His eyes were closed, but they flew open in shocked surprise when he felt Dom's fingers, wet with oil, touch him. No one had ever touched him there. For a moment he thought he would refuse, but Dom's fingers were pleasant on his body, and the steady movement of his circling fingers made Elijah throb with excitement. This was uncharted territory, but he trusted Dom - why, he did not understand.
Dom had turned him over and placed him on his stomach, his nimble fingers still working. Elijah gave himself up to the sensations, both inside him and without, and said nothing as Dom grew more adventurous.
He heard Dom whisper into his ear. "You must be patient, my love, for I promise you that you will find great pleasure in what we are about to do. I promise..."
Elijah gasped and gritted his teeth as Dom's cock entered him. He had never experienced anything like it. He could not say it was pain, but ... more like fullness.
He could hear Dom murmuring to him as his mouth came to rest on the back of Elijah's neck. There was a steady rhythm in and out of his body, that he could not say was pleasing, but neither was it not. Elijah did not understand, therefore, the strong feelings of possession that enveloped him.
Then Dom moved, and a sensation so exquisite it nearly deprived him of his senses, shot through his body, down his legs, and up through his chest.
"Ah!" Elijah cried out, and Dom whispered..."Yes, I know!"
Elijah did not know what to do. He was almost unconscious with desire and ecstasy. His body throbbed as the feelings mounted within him.
"Oh, God! Dom!"
Dom did not know whether it was a plea to stop or for more, but whichever it was, he was too far gone to stop now. Never had he experienced such tightness, Elijah was so small, so soft - exquisite. He knew he must hold on until Elijah came. This was for him - his Lij's first experience of sexual congress. It must be for Elijah something that he would wish to do again - it must be a joy.
Dom reached under Elijah and took hold of him, grasping the rigid cock, and jerking it, once, twice, and Elijah came, moaning in spent satisfaction.
Dom was only a few seconds behind him. "Lij! God, Lij!" he managed before shuddering to his climax.
Although his vision was clouded, and his senses reeling, he knew he had to turn Elijah on the bed, and gather him in his arms. This was the moment that must not be rushed. The moment of completion.
Elijah lay unmoving in Dom's arms, his eyes closed, his mouth slightly open. Dom began talking in a low voice. "I love you, Lij...I love you. I must tell you so, now, for it is more than I understand. I have never...please... believe me. You are such beauty. Lij. So dear to me...Lij?"
Dom was just beginning to be afraid that he had hurt his love, when Elijah opened his eyes, and Dom saw there everything that he had wished and hoped and dreamed, for Elijah was staring at him as if all his desire was in Dom...only Dom.
Elijah lifted a trembling hand, and ran it over Dom's face. He said nothing, but turned his face into Dom's neck, and wept.
"What is it, my heart? Why do you weep?" Dom whispered, frightened that he had either hurt or disgusted Elijah.
In a few moments, Elijah raised his head and kissed Dom on the cheek. "For the first time in my life I have felt what is is to be truly loved. You have brought me such happiness - I cannot begin to express to you how much it means to me to be loved so. And I know you do love me as I love you. Thank you!"
Dom held Elijah in a tight embrace. "It is odd, for, I too feel the same. The joy, the love between us...words almost fail me. You are so dear to me, and have nestled into my heart as if you were meant always to be there."
They lay, content, in each others arms, not aware of time passing, or of anything except each other.
In a little while Dom rose and brought Lij a small glass of brandy, and made him drink it. "Come, it will help."
Elijah took the glass and drank, then both men lay against the pillows, spent but happy.
After they had stopped speaking of their feelings for each other, revelling almost, in their love together, Dom turned his head, a little embarrassed at what he was about to say. "I need to speak with you about something, Lij. It has been worrying me."
Elijah put his head on Dom's shoulder. "Go on, love. Whatever you have to say, I will listen."
Dom cleared his throat. "You will hardly be gratified at what I have to tell you - but I must say it. You remember the time in Ned's house that you found me out of bed, and I tried to attack you?"
Elijah nodded, but did not speak. It was obvious that Dom was labouring under a slight tension, and he did not wish to interrupt.
"You must know I was in a high fever, but it does not excuse me. I knew exactly what I was about. When I saw him I thought that you had hired Billy to kill me on the road, and the last thought I had before I fell senseless was that I would never now kiss you, or make love with you, or hold you in my arms..."
Dom's voice trailed away into silence. All that could be heard in the room was the crackle of the fire, and the sounds of the two men breathing. "I am heartily sorry I harboured such thoughts of you - it was indeed unworthy of me. Forgive me!"
Elijah did not for one moment reveal what his own thoughts had been at that time. He wished to forget he ever had imagined, even for a fleeting moment that advantage might come to him by Dom's death. His hand pressing lightly on Dom's, made Dom turn his head towards him. Then Lij kissed him, tenderly.
"There is nothing of which you need feel ashamed, Dom. I daresay both of us behaved badly, but that is all forgotten now. And you have held me, and kissed me, and made love with me, and it has all been more than I ever could have hoped. I thank you for this gift, for I would have lived and died without knowing, if it were not for you. Come, let us forget all that went before, and start anew, here..."
Their lips pressed softly together, then Dom allowed himself to be gathered into Elijah's arms. "I am sure that we should wash, Lij, but I tell you I have not the strength. You have taken from me every ounce of resolution to do such a thing, and I am usually so particular in these matters."
Elijah smiled. "It can wait until the morning, Dom. At least then we will have warm water for our ablutions. It cannot be said to be pleasant washing in cold water, except at the height of summer. Let us sleep now. Goodnight, my love."
Goodnight, my love! Dom fell asleep, the sound of these words wreathing pleasantly about his brain.
*****
"Master Dominic - my Lord - Ben has brought the bath. May we come in?"
Elijah's eyes flew open as he heard Matty's voice outside the door. Dom stirred at his side, and glanced quizzically at Elijah, seeking his permission. When Elijah nodded, Dom called, "come in, do!" and Ben, labouring under the weight of an enormous metal bath, entered the room backwards, and puffing slightly, placed it on the carpet in front of the fire, not even glancing at the occupants of the bed.
"I'll soon have this fire blazing," Ben promised as Matty came in carrying two enormous enamel buckets filled with hot water. "I'll fetch some more - would you like first a cup of tea? Or chocolate? We have both," she said proudly, glancing at Elijah with a motherly eye. "I know Master Dom prefers tea."
"Um, tea, if you will, and I shall be very glad of that," Elijah answered, smiling, but pulling the sheets further up his naked body.
Matty quickly placed two sheets inside it to line the bath and poured the contents of the two buckets into it. "That's just to take the chill off the metal. Some people have no idea of filling a bath, and put cold water in first. Do you remember that silly fussock you had for a nurse before I came, Master Dom? ...no, of course you wouldn't." Matty fussed about the room, picking up yesterday's linens for laundering, whilst Ben, having finished with the fire, went downstairs to fetch the tea.
Matty continued her monologue. "Well, she was a cold-water-in-first type of hussy, if I ever met one. Didn't even know how to make a good negus! That shows you!"
Quickly brushing the hearth, which Ben had neglected to do, she left the room. "There is no need for haste, Master Dominic. Breakfast will be held back for your convenience."
She did not shut the door behind her, as Ben was coming in with the tray. As soon as he had bowed himself out of the room, Dom leapt out of bed and poured two cups of tea from the steaming pot. When he turned towards the bed again, Elijah's eyes were alight with laughter.
"Does nothing shock that woman? To see two men in bed, tousled after a night of love must surely shock the sensibilities of any female."
Dom, grinning, handed him his tea. "But my Matty is not any female, Lij. She is the most remarkable woman. Indeed, I think if she caught us in the very act she would do no more than to advise us to be careful, in case we hurt each other."
He cast a speculative glance at Elijah, elegantly sipping his tea.
Elijah returned the look. "If you are wondering, Dom, if I am hurt, the answer is no. I am a trifle sore, I must admit, but nothing else, I assure you. I will be glad of the bath, but you must have known that."
Just as they had finished the tea, Matty and Ben appeared with more water, and, as soon as they had left the room, Dom gestured to Lij to get into the bath.
"I am sure it will do you good, Lij... I remember my own first..."
He stopped, not sure if Elijah would wish to hear about his previous amorous adventures, but Elijah gestured for him to carry on, as he sat gingerly, but gratefully, in the hot water.
"Who was he, Dom? Was it Arthur?"
Dom shook his head. "It was a long time before Arthur, Lij. I was in Dublin, visiting my great-grandmother, who ordered us to appear before her at regular intervals - a little like the old Queen, in fact, very like the old Queen - and we had to attend her."
"She was a parrot faced old dear, but she liked me - probably because I didn't need to toady up to her. I was rich enough to buy an abbey from the day of my birth, so I did not need any money she would leave to me. She knew this and also knew that I was kind to her because I liked her, not for anything I would get from her."
"During this visit, I found there, a cousin of my father. He was very handsome in his regimentals, and I fell for him as hard as any schoolboy could. I was sixteen, but I knew, even then, what I wanted."
As Dom spoke he had taken a large sponge out of the washstand drawer, and picked up the slightly scented soap. As Elijah leaned back in the bath, sighing with contentment, Dom began to wash him as he spoke.
"I wanted him. He was about thirty five, old enough to know what he was doing. I did not want my first experience to be some fumbling act furtively consummated in a back alley in the stews. I wanted it to be conducted in clean sheets, with somebody I knew. As soon as he realised what I was after, he obliged me. It meant nothing to me as an act of love as all I wished to know was what to do and how to do it, and this I discovered from him. He even let me do him, which came as a surprise to me. I had not heard during my furtive schoolboy questionings that there were men who liked both to give and to receive."
The sponge moved slowly over Elijah's body. He lay there with his eyes closed; it was a very pleasant experience and he enjoyed learning more about Dom and his life. It had been so much more interesting than his own.
"However, I left my Mamo richer by a draft on her bank for ten thousand pounds, which I had neither needed nor wanted, perhaps that was why she gave it - and I was bereft of my virginity, which I did desire, at that time, above all things. I did not wish to seem - untutored - in the art of love, although I was, patently, a novice. And there was someone, a young man, who had caught my eye..."
"So there you have it, Lij. That is the story of my first experience. I hope yours was more... pleasing."
Elijah smiled as Dom took his hand and gestured for him to rise. The friction of the sponge on certain parts of Elijah's anatomy had had its inevitable effect, and Dom kissed him there, and wrapped a large towel around him.
"If the water is not to be totally cold, I must ask you to give me your place in it," Dom said, almost pulling Elijah from the water, and climbing in.
"You may wash me, and tell me of your own schoolboy fumblings at the same time. Was he a nice boy?"
Elijah lathered the sponge and began working on Dom's back. "He was a quiet boy. We seldom spoke, except to arrange an assignation every week or so. He was the son of a cleric - a bishop, I believe - and much disturbed by our behaviour together. However, he could not stop himself. He needed me as much as I had needed him. I never was content with my own hand - I thought it a ridiculous position to be in. Besides," he said in a low, hesitant tone, "I was never left alone, even at night my valet slept in a truckle at the foot of my bed. The thought of anyone finding me touching myself in that way" - the hand wielding the sponge stopped momentarily - "was abhorrent to me. Our trysts behind the carriage house were all the release I had."
Dom could hear the pain in Elijah's voice. He bitterly resented his constricted life, one could not doubt it. It was evident.
"The boy grew pale, and thin, and it was thought he had taken the consumption, so his father removed him from school. I did not see him before he left and I do not know what has become of him. I expect he has a fine plump wife, and six stout children."
The water was growing cold, so Dom stood, and Elijah handed him a towel. "I never sought anyone after him. I knew that in my world, confined as I was by my father's edicts, I would never be able to do anything about it... about my... inclinations. I dare say you think me a poor, spiritless soul..."
Dom swiftly moved forward and took Elijah in his arms. "I think you have a great spirit, my love. Do not describe yourself so meanly. It offends me to hear you speak so ill of yourself."
Dom kissed him and Elijah sighed in his arms. "I am more grateful to you than I can tell, Dom, for you have taken me to a place I never thought to see, and experienced feelings that I never believed would come to me. I wish there was time for you to love me again..."
As if she had heard the declaration, the heavy sound of Matty's feet were heard traversing the corridor.
"Breakfast will be ready when you so desire it," she called through the door, and Dom grinned at Elijah, dispelling the solemn mood that seemed to have invaded the room.
"I wonder that she did not come in and begin to dry you off, Dom. Does she always treat you as if you are five years old?"
Dom pulled on his underdrawers, and began to laugh. "Only in private, Lij - she is the model of servitude and decorum when we are in company."
Elijah stopped in the knotting of his cravat. "Does she not judge me to be company?"
Dom slapped him on the shoulder, nearly disarranging the model of artistry around Elijah's neck.
"Not if you spend the night in my bed, she doesn't. You are now regarded as one of my childhood friends who slept with me during nursery days, and will now be treated as one. When she begins calling you "Master Elijah," beware! She will be enquiring next about the state of your bowels."
Laughing together, they entered the breakfast room.
Elijah examined Dom across the breakfast table. What he saw greatly pleased him. His companion was addressing a large plate of beef, ham and pickle. He was eating it with obvious enjoyment. Although a fastidious eater, Elijah enjoyed his food, and had no patience with men or women who held up their hands in horror when faced with a kipper or some nice fried kidneys. Elijah was very fond of kippers. He would ask Matty if there were any to be had.
Dom, sensing Elijah's eyes upon him, looked up and smiled, and Elijah saw - as no one who was looking at him could fail to see - the love shining for him in Dom's countenance.
How blessed I am to have found Dom. Someone whom I can trust. At last I have someone of my own to love! My Dom. I will never let him go.
Recipe for Negus
600ml (1 pint) Port
600ml (1 pint) Boiling Water
85g (3oz) Sugar Cubes
1 Lemon
ΒΌ Small Nutmeg
1 Vanilla pod
Rub sugar on rind of lemon until all zest is extracted.
Crush in basin and pour over the port and boiling water.
Add nutmeg and vanilla.
Allow to stand for a few minutes.
Serve hot.
Anyway, here it is! Recipe for the negus at the end!! :D
Thanks to lady sunrope for beta. :D
Part 13 - Communion
They continued up the stairs hand in hand, and when they reached Elijah's room, he stopped.
"Dom, may I get my dressing robe? I wish to be comfortable."
Dom smiled, the corners of his mouth turning up in a whimsical fashion.
"You need not ask me, Lij, what you may do. You are your own man. Certainly bring your dressing robe if you think it will afford you comfort - I have no objection to it."
Elijah dashed into his bedroom and came out a few seconds later, his robe draped over his arm, together with some other garments.
As they entered Dom's chamber, the men saw that another chair had been placed beside the fire burning merrily in the grate, and that a small table contained a tray on which was placed a bottle of brandy and one of wine and some glasses.
"As I said to you, Lij - Matty does not miss a great deal. She has amply provided for our comfort and entertainment." Dom poured out two glasses of wine, and picked his up, sipping it whilst watching Elijah disrobe.
He sat down, the better to view this interesting sight, and Elijah, not the slightest discomposed by his audience, took his clothing off and placed it over the back of a chair. Donning the robe, he sat opposite Dom, and cocked his head to one side.
"Why are you waiting, Dom? Do you not wish to undress?" The look on Elijah's face was anxious and Dom wished to reassure him.
He thought carefully before he spoke. "Lij, making love to someone for whom you care greatly should not be conducted as a race. It is not only the destination that is desirable, it is equally important to enjoy the journey. Last night we were hot with desire from the beginning, and needed to come quickly. Tonight we are merely warm - and I shall enjoy it all the more for that."
"I need to touch you, to feel your skin under my hands - to smell you, to taste you, and to hear the sounds you make whilst I am doing so."
Elijah blushed, and Dom thought his love looked delightful in confusion.
They lay on the bed, naked, the firelight the only illumination in the room. Dom stared down at the man lying next to him. Last night, in the heat of love-desire, he had had no time or thought to truly appreciate what lay before him. Now he saw the nipples rise, the skin about them contract, and a faint blush stained Elijah's chest a rosy pink. How beautiful was this man!
Dom's long and delicate fingers traced patterns over the warm skin, and he saw Elijah breathe in sharply, as he brushed one of the nipples. He nipped one between his teeth, but saw immediately that Elijah did not enjoy the pain of it as did he, so he quickly rubbed his tongue over it, and moved to Elijah's mouth, where he kissed and rubbed and licked until the man gasped for breath.
He set himself to arouse Elijah as much as he could, for he intended to make love to him, to show Elijah what more there was to be had of love between two men.
Elijah was just as anxious to experience everything that there was to know. The texture of Dom's skin under his hands caused him to rise, hard and quick. It was a thing he had hardly noticed - or so he told himself - when he was tending to Dom in his sickness. Now that Dom was well the experience was almost magical.
The muscles burgeoning under taut skin; the sheen of sweat rising as their excitement grew, were all observed and enjoyed.
The pads of Elijah's small fingers grew damp with sweat and excitement. His breathing became more laboured as Dom worked on his body, teasing it to full erection.
"Dom..." Elijah managed, almost squeaking as Dom ran his tongue around the rim of his penis. "Please... I would like...more... please!"
Dom smiled around the hardened flesh. He rose and softly kissed Elijah's open mouth.
"Do you trust me enough, Lij, to let me do what I will without question? Without drawing away?"
Elijah nodded, too aroused to speak. His eyes were closed, but they flew open in shocked surprise when he felt Dom's fingers, wet with oil, touch him. No one had ever touched him there. For a moment he thought he would refuse, but Dom's fingers were pleasant on his body, and the steady movement of his circling fingers made Elijah throb with excitement. This was uncharted territory, but he trusted Dom - why, he did not understand.
Dom had turned him over and placed him on his stomach, his nimble fingers still working. Elijah gave himself up to the sensations, both inside him and without, and said nothing as Dom grew more adventurous.
He heard Dom whisper into his ear. "You must be patient, my love, for I promise you that you will find great pleasure in what we are about to do. I promise..."
Elijah gasped and gritted his teeth as Dom's cock entered him. He had never experienced anything like it. He could not say it was pain, but ... more like fullness.
He could hear Dom murmuring to him as his mouth came to rest on the back of Elijah's neck. There was a steady rhythm in and out of his body, that he could not say was pleasing, but neither was it not. Elijah did not understand, therefore, the strong feelings of possession that enveloped him.
Then Dom moved, and a sensation so exquisite it nearly deprived him of his senses, shot through his body, down his legs, and up through his chest.
"Ah!" Elijah cried out, and Dom whispered..."Yes, I know!"
Elijah did not know what to do. He was almost unconscious with desire and ecstasy. His body throbbed as the feelings mounted within him.
"Oh, God! Dom!"
Dom did not know whether it was a plea to stop or for more, but whichever it was, he was too far gone to stop now. Never had he experienced such tightness, Elijah was so small, so soft - exquisite. He knew he must hold on until Elijah came. This was for him - his Lij's first experience of sexual congress. It must be for Elijah something that he would wish to do again - it must be a joy.
Dom reached under Elijah and took hold of him, grasping the rigid cock, and jerking it, once, twice, and Elijah came, moaning in spent satisfaction.
Dom was only a few seconds behind him. "Lij! God, Lij!" he managed before shuddering to his climax.
Although his vision was clouded, and his senses reeling, he knew he had to turn Elijah on the bed, and gather him in his arms. This was the moment that must not be rushed. The moment of completion.
Elijah lay unmoving in Dom's arms, his eyes closed, his mouth slightly open. Dom began talking in a low voice. "I love you, Lij...I love you. I must tell you so, now, for it is more than I understand. I have never...please... believe me. You are such beauty. Lij. So dear to me...Lij?"
Dom was just beginning to be afraid that he had hurt his love, when Elijah opened his eyes, and Dom saw there everything that he had wished and hoped and dreamed, for Elijah was staring at him as if all his desire was in Dom...only Dom.
Elijah lifted a trembling hand, and ran it over Dom's face. He said nothing, but turned his face into Dom's neck, and wept.
"What is it, my heart? Why do you weep?" Dom whispered, frightened that he had either hurt or disgusted Elijah.
In a few moments, Elijah raised his head and kissed Dom on the cheek. "For the first time in my life I have felt what is is to be truly loved. You have brought me such happiness - I cannot begin to express to you how much it means to me to be loved so. And I know you do love me as I love you. Thank you!"
Dom held Elijah in a tight embrace. "It is odd, for, I too feel the same. The joy, the love between us...words almost fail me. You are so dear to me, and have nestled into my heart as if you were meant always to be there."
They lay, content, in each others arms, not aware of time passing, or of anything except each other.
In a little while Dom rose and brought Lij a small glass of brandy, and made him drink it. "Come, it will help."
Elijah took the glass and drank, then both men lay against the pillows, spent but happy.
After they had stopped speaking of their feelings for each other, revelling almost, in their love together, Dom turned his head, a little embarrassed at what he was about to say. "I need to speak with you about something, Lij. It has been worrying me."
Elijah put his head on Dom's shoulder. "Go on, love. Whatever you have to say, I will listen."
Dom cleared his throat. "You will hardly be gratified at what I have to tell you - but I must say it. You remember the time in Ned's house that you found me out of bed, and I tried to attack you?"
Elijah nodded, but did not speak. It was obvious that Dom was labouring under a slight tension, and he did not wish to interrupt.
"You must know I was in a high fever, but it does not excuse me. I knew exactly what I was about. When I saw him I thought that you had hired Billy to kill me on the road, and the last thought I had before I fell senseless was that I would never now kiss you, or make love with you, or hold you in my arms..."
Dom's voice trailed away into silence. All that could be heard in the room was the crackle of the fire, and the sounds of the two men breathing. "I am heartily sorry I harboured such thoughts of you - it was indeed unworthy of me. Forgive me!"
Elijah did not for one moment reveal what his own thoughts had been at that time. He wished to forget he ever had imagined, even for a fleeting moment that advantage might come to him by Dom's death. His hand pressing lightly on Dom's, made Dom turn his head towards him. Then Lij kissed him, tenderly.
"There is nothing of which you need feel ashamed, Dom. I daresay both of us behaved badly, but that is all forgotten now. And you have held me, and kissed me, and made love with me, and it has all been more than I ever could have hoped. I thank you for this gift, for I would have lived and died without knowing, if it were not for you. Come, let us forget all that went before, and start anew, here..."
Their lips pressed softly together, then Dom allowed himself to be gathered into Elijah's arms. "I am sure that we should wash, Lij, but I tell you I have not the strength. You have taken from me every ounce of resolution to do such a thing, and I am usually so particular in these matters."
Elijah smiled. "It can wait until the morning, Dom. At least then we will have warm water for our ablutions. It cannot be said to be pleasant washing in cold water, except at the height of summer. Let us sleep now. Goodnight, my love."
Goodnight, my love! Dom fell asleep, the sound of these words wreathing pleasantly about his brain.
*****
"Master Dominic - my Lord - Ben has brought the bath. May we come in?"
Elijah's eyes flew open as he heard Matty's voice outside the door. Dom stirred at his side, and glanced quizzically at Elijah, seeking his permission. When Elijah nodded, Dom called, "come in, do!" and Ben, labouring under the weight of an enormous metal bath, entered the room backwards, and puffing slightly, placed it on the carpet in front of the fire, not even glancing at the occupants of the bed.
"I'll soon have this fire blazing," Ben promised as Matty came in carrying two enormous enamel buckets filled with hot water. "I'll fetch some more - would you like first a cup of tea? Or chocolate? We have both," she said proudly, glancing at Elijah with a motherly eye. "I know Master Dom prefers tea."
"Um, tea, if you will, and I shall be very glad of that," Elijah answered, smiling, but pulling the sheets further up his naked body.
Matty quickly placed two sheets inside it to line the bath and poured the contents of the two buckets into it. "That's just to take the chill off the metal. Some people have no idea of filling a bath, and put cold water in first. Do you remember that silly fussock you had for a nurse before I came, Master Dom? ...no, of course you wouldn't." Matty fussed about the room, picking up yesterday's linens for laundering, whilst Ben, having finished with the fire, went downstairs to fetch the tea.
Matty continued her monologue. "Well, she was a cold-water-in-first type of hussy, if I ever met one. Didn't even know how to make a good negus! That shows you!"
Quickly brushing the hearth, which Ben had neglected to do, she left the room. "There is no need for haste, Master Dominic. Breakfast will be held back for your convenience."
She did not shut the door behind her, as Ben was coming in with the tray. As soon as he had bowed himself out of the room, Dom leapt out of bed and poured two cups of tea from the steaming pot. When he turned towards the bed again, Elijah's eyes were alight with laughter.
"Does nothing shock that woman? To see two men in bed, tousled after a night of love must surely shock the sensibilities of any female."
Dom, grinning, handed him his tea. "But my Matty is not any female, Lij. She is the most remarkable woman. Indeed, I think if she caught us in the very act she would do no more than to advise us to be careful, in case we hurt each other."
He cast a speculative glance at Elijah, elegantly sipping his tea.
Elijah returned the look. "If you are wondering, Dom, if I am hurt, the answer is no. I am a trifle sore, I must admit, but nothing else, I assure you. I will be glad of the bath, but you must have known that."
Just as they had finished the tea, Matty and Ben appeared with more water, and, as soon as they had left the room, Dom gestured to Lij to get into the bath.
"I am sure it will do you good, Lij... I remember my own first..."
He stopped, not sure if Elijah would wish to hear about his previous amorous adventures, but Elijah gestured for him to carry on, as he sat gingerly, but gratefully, in the hot water.
"Who was he, Dom? Was it Arthur?"
Dom shook his head. "It was a long time before Arthur, Lij. I was in Dublin, visiting my great-grandmother, who ordered us to appear before her at regular intervals - a little like the old Queen, in fact, very like the old Queen - and we had to attend her."
"She was a parrot faced old dear, but she liked me - probably because I didn't need to toady up to her. I was rich enough to buy an abbey from the day of my birth, so I did not need any money she would leave to me. She knew this and also knew that I was kind to her because I liked her, not for anything I would get from her."
"During this visit, I found there, a cousin of my father. He was very handsome in his regimentals, and I fell for him as hard as any schoolboy could. I was sixteen, but I knew, even then, what I wanted."
As Dom spoke he had taken a large sponge out of the washstand drawer, and picked up the slightly scented soap. As Elijah leaned back in the bath, sighing with contentment, Dom began to wash him as he spoke.
"I wanted him. He was about thirty five, old enough to know what he was doing. I did not want my first experience to be some fumbling act furtively consummated in a back alley in the stews. I wanted it to be conducted in clean sheets, with somebody I knew. As soon as he realised what I was after, he obliged me. It meant nothing to me as an act of love as all I wished to know was what to do and how to do it, and this I discovered from him. He even let me do him, which came as a surprise to me. I had not heard during my furtive schoolboy questionings that there were men who liked both to give and to receive."
The sponge moved slowly over Elijah's body. He lay there with his eyes closed; it was a very pleasant experience and he enjoyed learning more about Dom and his life. It had been so much more interesting than his own.
"However, I left my Mamo richer by a draft on her bank for ten thousand pounds, which I had neither needed nor wanted, perhaps that was why she gave it - and I was bereft of my virginity, which I did desire, at that time, above all things. I did not wish to seem - untutored - in the art of love, although I was, patently, a novice. And there was someone, a young man, who had caught my eye..."
"So there you have it, Lij. That is the story of my first experience. I hope yours was more... pleasing."
Elijah smiled as Dom took his hand and gestured for him to rise. The friction of the sponge on certain parts of Elijah's anatomy had had its inevitable effect, and Dom kissed him there, and wrapped a large towel around him.
"If the water is not to be totally cold, I must ask you to give me your place in it," Dom said, almost pulling Elijah from the water, and climbing in.
"You may wash me, and tell me of your own schoolboy fumblings at the same time. Was he a nice boy?"
Elijah lathered the sponge and began working on Dom's back. "He was a quiet boy. We seldom spoke, except to arrange an assignation every week or so. He was the son of a cleric - a bishop, I believe - and much disturbed by our behaviour together. However, he could not stop himself. He needed me as much as I had needed him. I never was content with my own hand - I thought it a ridiculous position to be in. Besides," he said in a low, hesitant tone, "I was never left alone, even at night my valet slept in a truckle at the foot of my bed. The thought of anyone finding me touching myself in that way" - the hand wielding the sponge stopped momentarily - "was abhorrent to me. Our trysts behind the carriage house were all the release I had."
Dom could hear the pain in Elijah's voice. He bitterly resented his constricted life, one could not doubt it. It was evident.
"The boy grew pale, and thin, and it was thought he had taken the consumption, so his father removed him from school. I did not see him before he left and I do not know what has become of him. I expect he has a fine plump wife, and six stout children."
The water was growing cold, so Dom stood, and Elijah handed him a towel. "I never sought anyone after him. I knew that in my world, confined as I was by my father's edicts, I would never be able to do anything about it... about my... inclinations. I dare say you think me a poor, spiritless soul..."
Dom swiftly moved forward and took Elijah in his arms. "I think you have a great spirit, my love. Do not describe yourself so meanly. It offends me to hear you speak so ill of yourself."
Dom kissed him and Elijah sighed in his arms. "I am more grateful to you than I can tell, Dom, for you have taken me to a place I never thought to see, and experienced feelings that I never believed would come to me. I wish there was time for you to love me again..."
As if she had heard the declaration, the heavy sound of Matty's feet were heard traversing the corridor.
"Breakfast will be ready when you so desire it," she called through the door, and Dom grinned at Elijah, dispelling the solemn mood that seemed to have invaded the room.
"I wonder that she did not come in and begin to dry you off, Dom. Does she always treat you as if you are five years old?"
Dom pulled on his underdrawers, and began to laugh. "Only in private, Lij - she is the model of servitude and decorum when we are in company."
Elijah stopped in the knotting of his cravat. "Does she not judge me to be company?"
Dom slapped him on the shoulder, nearly disarranging the model of artistry around Elijah's neck.
"Not if you spend the night in my bed, she doesn't. You are now regarded as one of my childhood friends who slept with me during nursery days, and will now be treated as one. When she begins calling you "Master Elijah," beware! She will be enquiring next about the state of your bowels."
Laughing together, they entered the breakfast room.
Elijah examined Dom across the breakfast table. What he saw greatly pleased him. His companion was addressing a large plate of beef, ham and pickle. He was eating it with obvious enjoyment. Although a fastidious eater, Elijah enjoyed his food, and had no patience with men or women who held up their hands in horror when faced with a kipper or some nice fried kidneys. Elijah was very fond of kippers. He would ask Matty if there were any to be had.
Dom, sensing Elijah's eyes upon him, looked up and smiled, and Elijah saw - as no one who was looking at him could fail to see - the love shining for him in Dom's countenance.
How blessed I am to have found Dom. Someone whom I can trust. At last I have someone of my own to love! My Dom. I will never let him go.
Recipe for Negus
600ml (1 pint) Port
600ml (1 pint) Boiling Water
85g (3oz) Sugar Cubes
1 Lemon
ΒΌ Small Nutmeg
1 Vanilla pod
Rub sugar on rind of lemon until all zest is extracted.
Crush in basin and pour over the port and boiling water.
Add nutmeg and vanilla.
Allow to stand for a few minutes.
Serve hot.
