Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:12:46 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mystery and Mayhem at St Mark's: 19
Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
by
Joel
Some of the Characters Appearing or Mentioned:
Mark Henry Foster The story-teller: Pennefather Organ Scholar
Tristan (Tris) Price-Williams His well-proportioned boyfriend
Francis [Toad] Foster Mark's younger brother
Ivo Richie Carr Mark's cousin: chunky and cheeky with it
Adam Benjamin Carr Ditto, as his twin
Oliver Jensen A Musical undergraduate with allure
Charles Fane-Stuart The 'Servant of the Chapel'
Jason Knott An Assistant Porter with long antecedents
Bradley Wolstencroft A Detective Chief Inspector, a leatherman off duty
[Brad]
Dudley Woolpit A Detective Sergeant, a leatherman off duty [Whippet; Dude]
Carl Bachmann A Detective Constable, a leatherman off duty [Carlo; Batman]
Brian (Bulgy-Boy) Barnes The ever ready drinks carrier at the Club
Daniel Springer A young catering student enamoured with Jonty
Jonathan (Jonty) Matthews A trainee Estate Agent
Gabriel Pack A most friendly Aussie
Joshua Gibbons Another friendly Aussie
Paul Phillips A friendly solicitor, companion of Professor Tanner
Jacob Van Zyl Another friendly solicitor but badly crippled
Barry Hall A young man with a past who is Mr Van Zyl's carer and caterer
Gordon Foster Father of Mark and Francis. Fiddles for a living
Francesco Matteoli Designer and Uncle of Mark and Francis
Aldo Leopardi Companion of Uncle Francesco
Rev Dr Basil Henson A very astute Chaplain
Matthew Thyssen Another organ scholar [1999+] studying English
Drew Penry-Jones A third organ scholar [2000+] studying Natural Sciences
Fiona McKenzie A Mathematical undergraduate with presence
Dina Patel A second Mathematical undergraduate with prescience
Dr Eric Mays The Master of St Mark's College
Lorenzo di Falcone-Browne Gabriel's new-found friend
19. Towards the End of Term
Tris was grinning as the train pulled away. "Though I say it myself, he's
not a bad kid." I had to agree. I suppose that being the elder I hadn't
had someone to play off against. Tris and I had met and were, to all
intents and purposes, equal. I'd asked the girls how they got on with
their younger brothers. "Malodorous hobbledehoys!" was Fiona's immediate
response, "But I love 'em, really. Must say Dad keeps them under control."
Dina laughed. "Mum's the one in our household. The only thing is
they use me to wheedle things out of Pop."
I told them a little about Frankie's obsession with girls and that I
was no help there. They both laughed. "You don't need to worry," said
Fiona, "You and Tris are objects of devotion among our lot. In fact we're
having a Girls' Night Out at the Club next Friday. Shawn the boss says we
can have the Ladies' Room so you'd all better be careful if you're in."
I didn't say Tris and I were having an evening there tonight. Just a
quiet drink, a dance or two, a boys' night out with Oliver and Adam in tow.
As I was getting ready Tris came in laughing. "Come up to my rooms."
Toad had got hold of a bundle of Drew's leaflets, including the
anti-wank ones, from the pigeon-holes under the notice-boards in the Chapel
lobby. They were carefully arranged around the bedroom, the main room, the
bathroom and on the kitchen work top.
On top of each one was a screwed up tissue. The contents of each did not
bear investigation, but, if it was what we were supposed to assume, Toad
had been busy. There were twenty-one in all. All was revealed when we
found a saucer which hadn't been washed properly. A sticky mix of sugar
and milk! Even Toad hadn't been able to surpass the weekly output of
Johannes Knottus in one day!.
In the Club I'd just finished telling Brad about the Boudicca
performance and Frankie's involvement when I looked up and saw, in the
rather dim light of our secluded booth, two looming forms. I'd seen them
before. They were the pair of large menacing bodies from whom Frankie had
recoiled when we were going out of the College gate.
They stopped as they reached our booth and one, definitely the larger,
looked across. "They told us out there we'd find a nest of bloody poofters
in here!" he began in a very marked Australian drawl. Immediately Brad,
Whippet and Carlo stood up. The big one looked at Carlo and stuck out a
hand. "I'm Gabe, and I'm a bloody poofter."
Automatically Carlo shook his hand. "And from the feel of that you are
bloody too!" Rather stunned Carlo let go and a hand was stuck out towards
Whippet. "Hi, I'm Gabe," the hand was shaken, "and you are, too!" He
looked Brad up and down and thrust out his hand again. Brad shook it.
"Hiya Mate, I'm Gabe. You ain't. Are you the bloody Daddy?"
Bulgy-boy came scurrying up. "It's OK, Mr B," he almost shouted.
Gabe turned. "You're bloody slow, Blondie. Had to introduce my own
bloody self. You know what they're all bloody downing - same again and two
Diet Cokes for Josh and me!"
The situation was defused. We were told in no uncertain terms to move
up and we did so to accommodate two fat backsides. Explanations then came
thick and fast.
"I'm Gabe Pack and that's me cousin Josh Gibbons. Been sent over here
because Dad didn't want a big poofter like me roaming the bloody streets.
Josh is me bloody minder and he's bloody miserable. He ain't and he's
worried in case his bloody pecker's getting rusty. Hasn't had a bloody
shag since he's been here." A quiet 'Shut up, Gabe' came from Josh. "I
always tell the bloody truth," said Gabe. He looked at the assembled
group. "And who are you?"
As he was sitting between Brad and me, Brad took up the introductions.
He said he was Brad and those, he pointed to Whippet and Carlo and then to
Dave, are good friends of all here, and then said their names.
Gabe laughed. "I think I'd be good in bloody leather. Need a couple
of your Dad's cows for me bloody chaps, though, Josh!"
I thought I'd better be polite and started off by saying I was Mark -
a large hand nearly put paid to my organ-playing days of any sort - and
this was Tristan.
He was sitting next to me the other side. His hand got crushed as well.
Gabe looked across the central table and saw Adam.
"I didn't recognise you with your bloody clothes on, mate!" he
bellowed, trying to stand in the rather confined space but sank back again.
"Last time I saw you, you were bloody starkers, waving that whang of yours
and singing 'Swing Low'. Bloody good voice and your whang's not bloody bad
either! You a bloody poofter, too?"
Poor Adam. I rather compounded it. I said quietly. "Just
wondering."
Gabe laughed. "Best of both bloody worlds, eh?"
That left Oliver. He was staring intently at Gabe. It was almost a
rapturous look if that could be described. He stood and leaned over. "I'm
Oliver and I'm a bloody poofter, too."
"Bloody hell," said Gabe giving his hand and arm a mighty shake,
"Ain't had a night with such a good-looking bloody lot since leaving King's
Cross. See what you're bloody missing, Josh!"
That set the tone for the evening. We found out that Gabe's father
was big in property development in Sydney and Gabe was the black sheep of
the family as far as he was concerned. Josh's father was a big-scale
farmer whose only interest was in his cattle. So Gabe was given the option
of coming to England or ending up in the arse end of Australia, as he said,
and Josh was glad to come as at the time he was getting over being rejected
by the love of his life. But Josh's great bloody gripe was the lack of
'footy' - Australian Rules Football - as there was none around and he was a
keen player.
"Had to do bloody something for him," Gabe said, "Joined the bloody
Rugby Club and we were on the other bloody side when I saw him last." This
with a finger pointed at Adam, who was getting over being included in the
'don't knows', but also secretly proud of being the possessor of a bloody
good whang, I assumed. Adam smiled and raised his glass. The whang had
triumphed over the 'don't know'. "Needs to get his bloody end away," Gabe
went on relentlessly, "Afraid his reputation will take a bloody battering
if it ain't soon."
"Shut up, Gabe," came a low almost melancholy response to that.
Adam perked up. "Has he seen the Ladies' Rugger team?" he asked,
"Some good girls in that. They need a bit of support."
Support. Having seen one or two hanging about in the Students' Union
bar the major support quite a few were in need of was way out in front.
Good job Toad wasn't old enough to enter there or he'd have been
transfixed.
"Bloody good idea, mate!" said Gabe. "There you are. We ain't bloody
playing tomorrow. We'll find out in the morning and you can bloody
pounce!"
"And what about you," I said.
He laughed. "Ain't found anyone over here yet. Thought I was being
bloody pursued by some little poofter, though. Came banging on the door a
couple of times last week and when I opened it first time asked was I saved
and had I repented my sins. I asked him what sins and he was getting all
bloody cosy about how boys were tempted and gave me some bit of paper. I
said I'd bloody read it and shut the door. He was back the next day and
was on about it all again and kept staring at me as I was just in my bloody
shorts 'cause I'd been on the weights we've got in our rooms. I thought he
was bloody perving me so I did a few bloody twitches of me pecs and so on
to give him the come on and he was almost bloody drooling when bloody Josh
came up behind me. He'd been working out on the weights as well and he was
in a sweat and just had his bloody jock on. The kid just stood and
screamed as Josh put his arm over my bloody shoulder. Should'a heard him.
Scared the shit outta me. I went to grab him and he bloody flew down the
stairs yelling about sin and dam-bloody- nation."
"That's Drew," I said as everyone laughed. "He's had a go at most of
us. Has a thing about boys and their evil habits. Probably thought you
and Josh..."
Gabe laughed. "Not bloody likely! But he was along the road tonight.
He bloody went when he saw us."
The beat of the music was getting to me. I nudged Tris. We stood and
left the others and began to circle the room. We were soon joined by Dave
and Carl and soon all had our shirts off and really getting into the
rhythm. Tris and I circled a couple of lads dancing together we'd had a
dance or two with before and exchanged partners. Mine wanted to get up
close and we had a slight smooch and I was battered by his hard-on.
"You've got a nice one there," he said as mine pressed into him as well,
"You need something any time." He grinned up at me. "Only joking, I can
see you're hitched. Trying to get Danny to move in but he's scared of his
Mum or that fucking big brother of his. Still, mustn't grumble, we
manage."
It was after the next number, when I'd exchanged and had Danny who was
all arms and legs but sweet with it, that I noted the new pair. Oliver and
Gabe. For someone about six foot two and bulky with it, Gabe was a
surprisingly good dancer, light on his feet and leading an equally good
dancer around the floor. Perhaps Adam might be supplanted! Anyway Danny
was murmuring something.
"What was that?" I asked.
He moved his head up close and his soft hair brushed my neck and I
went even stiffer. "Got to tell someone," he said in a slightly clearer
voice. "I love him so much but I daren't..."
"...Come out?" I asked.
He nodded against me. Poor lad, he was almost in tears. I bent down
a bit and kissed his ear. "That's lovely," he said, "Will you do that
again?" I did and we clung together as we hit the beat again. "Mum
wouldn't understand and my brother would beat me up. He hates us since he
was in the Scouts and some old chap caught him with one of his pals and
said he'd tell Skip and Mum if he didn't go with him. I had to clean him
up and I was only eleven then. Made me promise not to tell but you
understand, don't you?"
Why tell me? Was I a willing ear? He must have been eighteen like me
so I wasn't a threat and he'd seen me and Tris together.
"Why don't you just leave home and go and live with...." I hesitated,
I didn't know the other lad's name.
"He's Jonty. He's got a nice flat. He works for an estate agent
who's gay as well. It's OK, he's old and he's got a friend." He shook his
head. "I want to, but Mum would go spare."
I thought I would pry a little as the DJ announced the next tune.
Tris was in earnest conversation with Jonty. "What do you do?"
"I'm doing a catering course. I want to be a chef and there's plenty
of work around. My cousin works for one of the colleges and he says he
could put in a good word for me."
"Just left school?"
He nodded and we started off as the music started. "Three A levels,
but I didn't want to go to University. Too expensive. Jason says it's
probably best."
"Jason Knott?" I said without thinking.
He nodded. "Yeah, St Mark's. You there?"
"Yes. And I know Jason well. He's a good lad."
He nodded again. I was getting used to dancing and having a
conversation at the same time. Soft lips brushed against ears as we had to
say things close because of the loud music and it added a certain something
to one's sexual tone. My tone was around top C at the moment.
"He knows about me. I had to tell someone. He said he'd do my
brother if he touched me but my Mum's his Auntie and it's difficult."
"So your brother doesn't know you're..." I let it hang in the air.
He shook his head. "He calls me a bloody pouf 'cause I've got posters
of a couple of boy bands in my room." He laughed and his hair brushed my
neck again. I shall have to get Tris to grow his a bit longer and give up
the gel. "I said he must be too as he's got three fucking great pictures
of rugby players on his wall. He tries to be too fucking macho, it's
unbelievable."
A bit of amateur psychology popped out. "You don't think he's
compensating?" I said and tried to move my hard-on into a less constricting
position.
"Thought that, too. I did Psychology as an A level and he kept
looking at my text- books." He sniggered. "Bloody hell, that'uld be a
turn up for the book. I'd have him down here pronto and sell him to the
highest bidder. He's got a good body. Like your friend's. Fucking hell,
just look!"
He nodded across the floor. We turned and I saw a shirtless, gleaming
Adam gyrating with an equally glistening Whippet. In fact it seemed all
eyes were on them. All the dancers were moving nearer and there were
several collisions as couples were not keeping one eye on the dance floor
but two eyes on the pair.
"He's a copper," whispered Danny, "Sorted 'em out when Brian got
mugged."
Oh, yes, Bulgy-Boy was Brian. And Adam was with Whippet. Whippet was
looking and Adam was wondering. Difference in ages, but... I couldn't see
Adam hitching up yet, though. Was I being too complacent about Tris and my
relationship? Were we really hitched or was it just adolescent, and then
late adolescent, infatuation which might pass? I sincerely hoped not and
Tris had given no indication that it would.
"Why not talk to Jason a bit more and keep an eye on your brother.
Does he have a girlfriend?"
He shook his head. Answers in the negative were very arousing as I
got both the hair and a secondary caress as he turned slightly and our bare
torsos rubbed together. I liked dancing - especially with Danny! "No,
says they're too expensive. He's got a couple of pals he watches rugby
with, though."
"He doesn't play then?"
Ooh! - I kept asking the right questions. If I wasn't careful I might
do a Toad in my undies!
"Bloody hell, no! He might get hurt."
"It sounds to me like big brother might be hiding his light under a
bushel," I said.
He laughed. "Good one that. You think it's a case of 'he without
sin'?"
"Definitely. If we could only get him in here...."
"Lovely!" He laughed and gave my neck a kiss.
Luckily it didn't go any further. Danny was a lad I could go for. He
was obviously intelligent. I could tell he was honest and nice and, sadly,
not able at present to have everything life was offering him. But, could I
tell Jason I'd met him? Better not. I don't think Jason knew that we came
to the Club though I'd left a couple of flyers of future events in my
study.
"Here's Jonty," I said as that number finished. I gave Danny a hug
and he responded with a sweet smile. "Come and sit with us and have a
drink."
As there was room with the others still dancing we sat and Tris and I
chatted to the love-struck pair while Brad and Josh argued the relative
merits of rugger and footy. At one point I heard Brad say, "Of course, all
you lot are closet gays. I've seen games on the telly. Tight little
shorts and singlets and grabbing and groping all the time. Bet you get it
on in the dressing-room. Eh?"
Josh was losing his melancholy look. He laughed. "You're as bad as
bloody Gabe. But I'm not into that. Trouble is, being big means it scares
most of the women off."
"Trust me," I interrupted, "Some of those girls are big, too!" Wow!
I couldn't even imagine what might happen if Josh was on top of Melanie, I
think that was what her name was. I hoped he had sufficient equipment to
make a connection!
"Tomorrow, then!" he said and bought as all another drink.
When we got back to my rooms Tris and I worked off all the pent-up
passion built up during the evening. We both confessed we'd have had Jonty
and Danny in bed in a moment and that both the lads were well-equipped for
the fray. As we lay and kissed and licked and sucked we both said it was
so sad they couldn't be together. As I climaxed to the ministrations of
Tris's tongue around the ridge of my cock I thanked all the deities I could
think of for being with my chosen one. With my legs up around his
shoulders I came a second time as he filled me with his love. Again I was
so thankful he was mine and I was his. We lay and kissed and we both came
a third time just with the lightest of touches to engorged, heavy pricks in
perfect harmony. We slept, I hoped, safe in the knowledge that our love
was secure.
I was woken by the softest kisses on my lips. "You're my only
thought," said Tris, "I want you all the time but we'll wait until
tonight."
We cleaned ourselves up a bit and were ready kitted up for our run
when there was a knock at the door. It was Oliver.
"Good, you're up. Gabriel's gone to get his kit. He's coming too.
Ivo and Adam are rowing about something as usual but they'll be ready
soon."
I said nothing. Tris took up the implication. "So Gabriel...," he
put emphasis on the full name, "...spent the night with you?"
Oliver smiled. "Of course. He's great fun." He must have spotted a
warning light in Tris's eye. "It's OK, we did nothing too exotic! Just
boys together."
"I don't have to tell you to take good care," said Tris, "I guess he's
been around a bit more than you."
Oliver smiled and nodded. "Thanks Tris, if you hadn't said that I
would have been worried. You'll keep an eye on me, eh? You and Mark?" He
reached out and held my arm. "I saw how you looked after your brother."
He laughed. "It's OK Tris, I'm still a virgin. We talked a lot and you're
right he's very experienced and he's never settled....."
At that moment there was another bang on the door. I went. There was
Gabe swathed in a voluminous sweatshirt but the smallest running shorts
ever seen showing off his massive, muscular thighs. "Where's that bloody
little queer?"
Tris came through and faced Gabe. He beckoned him into the main room.
"Gabe," he said when they were standing face to face, "Don't take me
wrong but please stop the 'poofters' and the 'queers'. It was funny last
night but it's not this morning and it's likely to be misunderstood and
you'll end up being heartily disliked by people who could be good friends.
Also, I want you to understand that Oliver is our friend and we won't stand
by and see him used. I'm speaking bluntly because I think you appreciate
that sort of openness..."
A voice came from behind us. "Good on yer, mate. You said it right."
It was Josh.
Gabe put his arms out and enveloped Tris in a great bear hug. "You're
so bloody right!" He let go and a rather dazed Tris stepped back. "I've
got a big mouth and I've always used it. Got in more trouble because of
that. Another reason for coming here. Got me away from a bunch who were
after me." He stood and opened his arms. "Let's start again. I'm Gabe and
I want to be a friend."
My turn. I stepped forward. "I'm Mark. These are all my friends and
yours too. Come on, we'd better start running, I can hear Ivo and Adam on
the stairs."
Josh whispered to me as we went through the door. "You bloody English
have done more in two minutes...." His usual melancholy look went and we
laughed as we ran together following the oddly matched pair of Gabe and
Oliver.
I had lectures at ten and eleven fifteen so had to be clean and tidy.
Tris said he would spend the morning in the Library sorting out precedents
for some case he and his fellow tutees were arguing on Monday. I also
needed to practice and to sort out the forces required for the Cantata,
plus thinking about the problems set from the lectures. That would take up
the afternoon. At least we would have an evening at the Club.
All went well. Oliver and Gabe were full of the description of the
Ladies' Rugby match. There had been quite a sprinkling of males watching
with them and Josh had well and truly pounced. From the description I
didn't think it was the large Melanie but he'd been invited to a post-game
celebration by one of the girls which he'd accepted with alacrity leaving a
well-satisfied Gabe and Oliver to join us later.
It was a noisy night. No Brad or Whippet. Carl said there was a bit
of trouble they were sorting out but Brad had left his usual kitty behind
the bar for us. Carl and Dave shared Adam and one of the other lads who
were always intrigued with our group. Jonty and Danny weren't around,
probably at Jonty's flat, I thought. We even got Bulgy-Boy on the dance-
floor and his padding certainly made an impression on my lower regions.
Gabe and Oliver just danced and danced. Gabe was giggling most of the time
he was sitting out. "Bloody hell," he confided to me as he took an
enormous draught of his Diet Coke, "Never been so happy. You fuckers have
brought me down to bloody earth." He nudged me. "That bloody Tris of
yours, best mate anyone could have."
I must admit I had four scotches that evening, plus a litre bottle of
water to stop dehydration, so my libido was rampant and I wasn't too gentle
dealing with Tris's own fired- up carnality in bed. After giving him the
tweak and lick all over treatment he was a squirming bundle of readiness as
I positioned my rigid tool and entered him slowly and purposively for the
longest loving fuck I could manage. His legs were round my back for the
best part of an hour as I looked down into his eyes and watched the
changing expressions as I came twice and wanked him twice and then fell on
top of him where we wallowed in the sensuousness of two muscular young
bodies sliding in his boycream spread from belly to chest. After a myriad
kisses he rolled me so he was now on top and I stared, up this time, into
his beautiful blue eyes and watched the smile on his face as he entered me
and fucked me until his third ejaculation of the evening and watched
upwards again as he lovingly brought me to my third excruciatingly
beautiful climax with his clasping hand. We shared kisses as we unwound
and slept entwined in each other's arms.
As it was Drew's turn for the service music I popped into Chapel
towards the end. A large congregation were swaying and raising arms and
singing to a steady beat from a really good group. Not my style but I
could see why it was hypnotic and why it was so popular. As I left the
Chapel before the service finished and crossed the Quad to see if there was
anything in my pigeon-hole in the Porter's Lodge I was accosted by none
other than Mr Finch- Hampton. It was the first time I'd spoken to him
since the day when Charles had introduced us again..
"Can see you don't approve of that row over there," he began, "Why
they allow it I don't know and the whole thing's a farce anyway."
"It's not I don't approve, it's just not my scene. I prefer my
worship to be old-style. What I was brought up to, I suppose."
"Huh, indoctrinated no doubt with all that out-moded pap. It's all
the same whether you're bowing and scraping to idols or guzzling the
so-called blood and body. It's all a hysterical nonsense!"
"I agree somewhat," I said, "There's much which would appear to be
nonsense, but if people wish to believe and find it helps in their life
then we shouldn't criticise."
He stared at me. "I really thought you'd be one of those Holy
Rollers.
You've thought about it, though?"
"Yes," I said, "I'm not sure over many things but I do take comfort
from some of the ideas."
"More sensible than I would have thought. But we shouldn't be
purveying all that rubbish in this day and age. The College has better
things to do than waste good money on that building and its contents."
I was trying to keep calm. "My father is coming to give a recital in
that place to help the College with its finances," I said. "I hope you'll
attend. I can assure you it will be good." I couldn't resist it. "And a
good use for that building!"
With a "I have tickets" he turned on his heel and stalked off.
What a peculiar altercation I thought as I walked back to the set. I
could see why Charles was so worried about him. I wondered how Drew would
really take it if the Chapel was actually closed. There was the motion on
closure to be set before the College Council and the move to break the
Pennefather Trust. I wondered what support all that had?
Tris greeted me with a hug and a kiss as I went into the main room.
"I guess you're the best lover in the world," he said, "I couldn't imagine
anything better than last night."
I stroked his back. "I wouldn't want anything better," I said
nuzzling his neck, "Just you, me and our combined hormones."
He shook his head. "It's more than just hormones. It's indefinable.
It's you, me and that funny little word..... ......love."
We kissed tenderly and just felt as one.
As usual all good things come to an end. Our reverie was disturbed by
a thump on the outer door. Ivo and Adam.
"Just saying that Drew's got something going," said Ivo, "He may be an
insufferable little prick but he's livened up that place."
"You're only saying that because it gives you an excuse to rub your
body up and down against 'Tory on one side and that cross-eyed wench the
other side. Keeps your little willy at attention, doesn't it!" said Adam,
doing a shimmy with arms raised and rotating his pelvis.
"Just because Titty's off to London again and you've had to rely on
Mrs Palm." Ivo flipped him two fingers. He turned to Tris who was
nearest. "I hear Polly's got a beau now so he's been rejected there, too."
Poor Adam. That was a nasty blow. Quite below the belt and not
really like Ivo. It seemed that Tris was having his work cut out putting
the world to rights.
"I wouldn't say Adam has been rejected. I understood, in the first
place, he'd been ejected from your rooms to accommodate your desires and
Oliver had taken him in and they had comforted each other in their joint
loneliness," he said in his best adversarial manner. He couldn't keep it
up. "And you've been listening to him slapping his meat no doubt since,
while you've been indulging in a similar activity," he laughed, "And from
what we witnessed Friday night there might be a Detective Sergeant in your
family soon. Wow! You should have seen the stares when Whippet just about
had him by the short and curlies...."
"...Bastard," said Adam, "Thought I'd get a bit more support from you.
But then the pair of you were just about shagging those kids...." He
laughed and shook his head. "...God, they were a lovely pair... ..never
got a look in. And anyway it wasn't short and it wasn't curly... ..it was
a rigid straight-up seven inches all evening..."
"You mean Whippet's, don't you?" I said. I tried to emulate a Toad
sneer and held my finger and thumb apart about three inches. "That's more
like yours."
"Ivo!" he said, "I'm being attacked on all sides!"
"Defend yourself. I've been accused of the solitary vice as well by
this pair. Christ, they were so dumb when they were kids they would never
have found out what use their little spouts were for if we hadn't taken
them in hand!"
"You did, literally," I said, "And speaking for myself, I am eternally
grateful." I pointed at Tris. "He's the only one I know who's suffered
the ultimate rejection..." All turned and looked at him. "..Yeah, his
hand went to sleep while he was wanking one night!"
I was set on by all three. I had to cry 'Pax' as my carefully coiffed
hair and neatly pressed shirt would have been crumpled.
Having sorted ourselves out we set off for Professor Tanner's place.
I was glad Toad had left me that bike as I needed it today. On the way Ivo
told me about whom we would probably meet.
"You realise the Prof's gay don't you," he said. I had a good idea
from his response to Tris and me at the interview and nodded. "His
companion is someone he was here with. They were at separate colleges and
he's a solicitor in the city. His name is Phillips, Paul Phillips. You'll
like him, got a great sense of humour. They've got a bungalow now because
about four years ago a colleague of Mr Phillips was in a serious car
accident and he's still getting over it. He's South African and there's
some story he was exiled over here as a schoolboy but I'm not sure. He's
gay too, and his companion is another South African who's a banker of some
sort and I haven't met him. You and Tris will be well away. Adam and I
have been to lunch a couple of times because the Prof is President of the
College Rugby Club and I was Secretary most of last year."
A potted listing and I was intrigued. Even at school I'd heard
stories about the homosexual groups and ties which were supposedly extant
in Cambridge. Everyone knew anyway of Philby and Maclean the spies, so
there was a certain anti-gay sentiment around - especially in the press.
But, having known Professor Tanner for such a short while I wasn't too sure
of his inclinations, though I should have guessed. He'd certainly never
put the moves on me. It would be interesting to observe him at home
At home seemed no different than anywhere else, except all present
were male. Paul Phillips was presiding over the pre-prandial drinks. Good
stiff gins and tonic. The crippled solicitor was Jacob Van Zyl. A most
strikingly handsome middle-aged man. There were a couple of photographs of
him on the wall as a young man in rowing kit and he was truly beautiful.
He was being wheeled around by a young man in his early twenties who was
introduced as Barry Hall. His face seemed familiar and I didn't like to
ask why. Anyway conversation flowed freely and Tris and I were soon in
conversation with Mr Van Zyl. In fact, they all insisted we used Christian
names. Tris was asked what he wanted to do when he finished his degree.
Did he want to study for the Bar and become a barrister like his father?
We had already discussed this many times and although he wanted to work in
the law he didn't think that was the route he wanted to take. He said he
would probably like to take articles and train as a solicitor. I didn't
get a look in after that as he and Jacob were in deep conversation. I
talked to Barry. The penny dropped. Prof, or James as he insisted we
called him, said he'd been at school with Barry's father, Billy. Yes,
Billy Hall - his craggy face was well-known on televison and in a number of
British-made films as an actor. Barry wasn't craggy but the family
likeness was there.
Barry said he was doing a catering course. I wondered if I should ask
him if he knew Danny. But I didn't know Danny's surname and also I didn't
know if Danny would relish being known as a habitue of the gay Club. Barry
said he was in charge of the lunch menu today - roast beef with all the
trimmings - and would have to go and check. I offered to help as I said
I'd often had to get meals ready when Mum was busy. So, I went off to the
kitchen and we had plenty to talk about.
He said James Tanner had taken him in as he'd gone off the rails
rather badly as a teenager. In the end he'd gone on the usual trek to
India and the Himalayas and got more heavily involved in drugs and finally
had been shipped back to England in a rather derelict state after being
found by an Indian ex-student of Dr Tanner's. What had brought him to his
senses was being asked to look after Jacob. I then heard that the car
accident was a mystery. Jacob had been driving back one evening after
visiting a client in Huntingdon and next thing he knew he woke in hospital
with a fractured pelvis and both legs broken. All he remembered was a
flash of red as another car must have side-swiped the front of his. The
injuries were being dealt with slowly as the pelvis had to be reconstructed
and both hips and knees had to be replaced. Barry said he one more set of
procedures to be done and it was hoped he would be able to walk again.
Barry said they'd never found the car or its owner although there was
evidence of what had happened from the red paint left on Jacob's car.
All this time I was happily pouring the already resting batter into
patty tins ready for cooking as Yorkshire puddings. I mixed the gravy and
supervised the final browning of lovely roast spuds. Barry then gave me a
quick lesson on how to carve a joint properly. Not hack it as I had done
on many occasions at home. Dad always said he couldn't carve and here I
was being taught by an expert. Barry laughed when I told him that. He
said he'd actually learned to carve in a monastery in the Indian foothills
where the monks lived mainly on the young kids from their flocks of goats.
Sunday lunch was a great success then. I did get praise for my gravy.
No lumps, Jacob said and was rewarded with the threat of no second helpings
by Barry who said gravy was one of his specialties as he should know.
Ivo and Adam were in their element. Adam told about finding the rhyme
and the scratches in the cell. James Tanner said there were many strange
stories of happenings in the College. It was then I learned more about
Augustus Pennefather.
James said as an undergraduate he'd had a Dr Bell as his tutor who
had, as an undergraduate himself, been in the College choir just after the
first World War with Augustus in charge. He said he'd been a superb
musician but was very shy and almost a recluse and the story was around
even then that he'd had a secret son. He'd also been a very keen
photographer and some of the stories were that he was very much like Lewis
Carroll was, but with boys rather than girls.
I had Grandad's photo in my wallet so I took it out and showed him.
James looked at it closely and pointed. "I've seen others like this and
they're all the same. He must have photographed his choirboys many times
and he always put an A in the right hand corner. Here it is."
He handed the photo back and there it was. A small, faint but clear A
which I hadn't noticed. The others all wanted a look. "You must have
looked just like him when you were younger," said Jacob.
"It's the big ears," said Adam.
"He's your Grandfather as well," I said, "And your lugs aren't all
that small."
"Come to think of it, you three are strikingly similar in looks.
You're a bit darker," said Jacob.
"That's his Italian background," said Ivo. "The family Matteoli, eh
Mark?"
"Matteoli?" said Jacob. "I know that name. There's a designer isn't
there?"
"His Uncle Francesco," chimed in Adam before I had a chance to answer.
Jacob nodded. "Yes, there's been a lot in the press about the company
expanding. Probably opening up outlets over here."
That did it. We then had to tell the tale of the summer holiday, Aldo
and Charles, and Toad and Nesto's good fortune. I was wearing the signet
ring so that was circulated as well. As Adam and Ivo had plenty of gossip
to impart I helped Barry clear away and put things in the dishwasher. I
asked him if he did anything in his spare time. He grimaced, then smiled.
"I've got to behave myself. I don't know where I would be if Uncle
James hadn't offered to take me in. I owe him a lot and Jacob's been a
terrific help." He shook his head. "If I hadn't have had him to look
after I think I might have gone AWOL again. I've promised to do the
catering course and I'm keeping clear of anything ...."
"....You mean drugs?" I asked.
"Yeah!" he said and looked at me straight in the eyes, "If you're ever
offered. Don't! It's taken me nearly two years to get clean..." He shook
his head again. ".....and there's no way I want to go through what I've
been through again." He smiled. "My Dad and Mum's put up with a lot. I
can't let them down again. And I certainly can't let them all here down,
either. So, I go to College, I learn, I come home.. ...and I look after
Jacob."
"Do you have any friends here?"
"No, all my so-called friends were in London - far enough away. I
don't want them and the only reason they wanted me was because Dad kept me
supplied with money."
"If you need a friend or two I'm certain we'd be around," I grinned at
him, "That is, if you don't mind most of us being gay, or not sure!"
He laughed. "Don't worry. I'm not gay, but I did have to earn a bit
of money at times in the past. Uncle James has put me right over all that.
He knows what I had to do. This is a gay household. It's happy and I'm
happy." He smiled. "You and Tristan. You're happy I can see and I would
certainly like to have friends like you." He laughed again. "And the
twins! I've met them before here. You're lucky to have them as
cousins..."
"....and friends," I said. I made a decision. "If you don't mind
visiting a gay Club you could join some of us next Saturday. It's clean.
We have a police presence..." I told him about the set-up and I gave him
Tris's and my e-mail addresses. Tris's mainly as he kept an eye on mine as
well. Barry said he would talk it over with Uncle James, as he called the
Prof.
When we got back I told Tris of my conversation. He said he had a
feeling Barry had been led astray and he liked the look of him. But,....
The 'but' was that we had to make sure both he and us were not tempted. We
knew the Club was clean and we would have to make sure any contacts were
OK.
Monday was a busy day. Eight o'clock service, followed by organ
practice with two lectures later in the morning, then I was meeting up with
Louie as he was going through some problems with me. He said it was good
for him, too, as it revised stuff he would need next term. A quick lunch,
tutorial with the Prof at two followed by the usual brainstorming session
with the girls. More work on the Maths after that, food, and whatever was
left of the evening checking if I had everything ready for the rest of the
week.
The lectures raised quite a few new points and I was glad I could ask
Louie a few things before parading my ignorance to the Prof, or, even more
so, to the girls. Louie laughed when I moaned about the work. He asked me
to go over one of the problems without him saying anything. I did. His
only response was 'Oh, my God, you've done it in half the time it would
have taken me and the reasoning is clearer than what I would have put down.
I don't see what you have to worry about.' In fact, we did a couple more
and he said I was OK so I then told him about yesterday's lunch. I had
just got to the bit about Augustus and that Prof's tutor had been a Choral
Scholar when he laughed even more.
"You didn't twig, then?" he said.
"Twig what?"
"You've heard of the Bell-Tanner conjecture, haven't you?"
"No. Should I?"
He shook his head. "You have one of the greatest mathematicians in
Cambridge as your tutor and you don't know his fame?"
I shook my head. I heard then about his interview with Dr Bell when
as a schoolboy he'd solved a difficult problem and then he hadn't realised
the set of problems Dr Bell had set him to do after the two days of
tutoring were really extremely tricky. He had been a starred First and had
stayed on to do a doctorate and he had worked on a particular aspect of set
theory and quite fortuitously both he and Dr Bell arrived one morning for a
supervision with the same problem which had occurred to them independently
overnight. It was a conjecture about what could happen if two rather
abstruse ways of thinking about sets were related. If so, then certain
even more complex forms might be generated which would solve some very
fundamental theorems. It was still a conjecture, Louie said, and he had no
idea what it was all about.
So, here was I, Mark Foster, probably wasting the time when James
Tanner should be thinking about his conjecture. And here was I, wasting
time not thinking about the end of term concert and my requirements for the
players to accompany the singers for the cantata. I would have to ask some
of the players from the University Orchestra.
Wednesday evening I was armed with my requirements. From my seat as
second clarinet I looked around. I needed another oboe to add to Fiona and
Oliver.
I had been told Dr Al-Hamed's wife was an oboist. He was in the flutes.
I saw him talk to a lady with an oboe, so in the tea break in the rehearsal
I buttonholed him and his wife was introduced and, yes, she would play.
Actually at the end of the rehearsal he presented me with a list of names
of players for all the instruments needed. Two horns, two violins, cello,
double bass, bassoon and timpani. Rehearsals to be arranged!
But, it wasn't all work and no play! Play definitely took place each
evening as soon as Tris and I decided it was time to go to bed. Most
evenings he worked quietly in the main room while I cogitated on Maths in
my study until both our brains ached. - so we said. Tris was now more or
less a permanent inhabitant of my rooms and especially the bedroom. It was
there we talked over our days and loved into the night. We were so
together in our love making we didn't have to hurry. But, on the other
hand, nothing was deliberate. Whoever was feeling particularly randy at
that moment took the lead. Most nights we came at least twice each and in
the mornings after our run with the others we generally shed another load
of our accumulated nighttime juices. Several times when Oliver stayed and
showered with us we relived that morning when the three of us creamed the
wall tiles with gay abandon. But, with Oliver that was as far as we went.
In fact, Oliver was now spending a good deal of time with Gabriel and
as he told us more than once, he was still a virgin and wasn't letting
Gabriel's unexpectedly slim prick, given his general bodily configuration,
anywhere near his precious rosebud. Oliver could be quite poetic at times.
He and Gabe knew they were not 'together', they were good friends and were
able to share that friendship with plenty of sexual relief, but not to
allow the ultimate. It was quite surprising one night when Gabriel and
Oliver had joined us for a snifter of brandy before bedtime that Gabriel
told us he was a confirmed 'bottom'.
"Not asking for anything, mates," he said, "But I miss me old pal,
Fabs. Made me feel bloody wanted!" We heard more about Fabrico. A second
generation Aussie of Polish and Italian descent. Gabe looked at me. "Got
a bloody good'un, has Fabs. Says it's his bloody heritage, says nothing
touches the Poles or the Italians....." He left the rest unsaid.
Bloody Tris! "I can assure you, Gabe, Fabs is wrong if he thinks just
Poles and Italians are like that. In Marky's case it's his bloody good
Italian and English heritage which combined, I should think, gives him the
edge. Anyway, whatever it's like the old adage goes 'long and thin goes
well in, but short and thick does the trick'." He laughed.. "We witnessed
the second in action in Italy and it's certainly true."
"Tris, stop telling tales. That was between Guido and Nesto...." Oh,
shit! I'd let the cat out of the bag. So, who cares.... Tris told the
whole story, suitably embellished with sound effects and exaggerated
descriptions.
Highly delighted with the tale the pair took off to Oliver's rooms and
I guess a good night was had by all. Having witnessed Oliver's in action I
doubted if Fabs had anything more than that to boast about! Anyway, after
all that I was particularly randy and Tris was on his back and 'long and
fat, that was that!' was his reward."
Friday night came and I was reminded that the girls would be having a
night out at the Club. After they danced the conga through the three main
rooms with everyone present joining in it was a boys and girls night out.
Tris, Oliver, Carlo and Dave were commandeered by most of the Ladies' Rugby
team it seemed and Josh was much in evidence overshadowing the ebullient
Gabe for once. Carlo and Tris were especially welcome as they knew all the
usual rugby jokes and even heard one or two, which Tris related to me later
in bed, which were new, such as female scrum halves don't kick back when
they're taken from behind, and some a bit sexist, like, how do you know if
the boyfriend's had an orgasm? He's snoring! I grabbed him by the goolies
with one hand and tousled his fair hair with the other. "Why are blondes
like doorknobs?" I asked. All I got was a muffled yelp as I stuck my mouth
over his, then moved it to his ear. "Because everyone gets a turn! My
turn now!!" So Tris got fucked twice that week!
Saturday night was boys' night and Tris had e-mailed Barry to say we
would be at the Club at ten o'clock. I waited near the door and was
surprised when he was driven up - by Jacob. He waved as he drove off.
Barry looked a bit embarrassed.
"Shouldn't have let him," he said, "I should have taken a taxi but he
insisted." He smiled then. "Keeping an eye on me."
"He drives then?"
"Oh, yes. The car's specially adapted and it's hand controlled."
I led him in. The usual bouncer had been forewarned and I'd already
paid his entrance fee.
He nudged me as the wave of music hit him. "Been in a few clubs in my
time," he said, "Usually pissed out of my mind or stoned. Quite a few gay
ones, too. Tell you sometime."
I guided him through to our usual booth. Brad and the other two
leathermen were there. Barry did a double take. "Uncle Brad! Didn't
expect to see you here. I thought you were still in London in the Met."
"Mark told me you were coming and I didn't let on." He laughed and
looked round at us. "His Mum is my sister. And, no, I'm not gay if that's
what you're thinking, Barry!"
The next hour was full of family stories. Brad had lost sight of
Barry once he was sixteen or so and had run away from home. He'd had
police searches done but as Barry had skipped off to Holland and then
worked his way to India by undefined means he'd only heard where he was
once he'd settled in Cambridge when James Tanner had taken him in. It was
thought politic that he should keep his distance in case Barry thought he
was been monitored but Jacob had phoned him during the week to say what was
planned. So Uncle Brad's little secret was also out! Actually, Barry was
very pleased to see his Uncle and any possible uneasiness was not evident.
I even got Barry to dance and he said he'd had quite a lot of experience as
a kid going to stage schools as he thought he might follow in his Dad's
footsteps. Even if he said he wasn't gay he and Dave had a real smoochy
slow dance and I was given a huge wink by Dave and shown a surreptitious
hard fist. Neither Danny nor Jonty were there and Dave said he thought
they'd managed to go to Brighton for the weekend to stay with a friend of
Jonty's.
I'd said we usually wound up just before one a.m. and Barry grinned
when we started to say our general goodbyes. "Mustn't be late or I'll turn
into a pumpkin!" he said, "Jacob said he'd be waiting and you lot are to
come to lunch again next week if I'm all in one piece!" He looked at his
Uncle. "You'll get an invite, too. And wait till I phone Mum." He looked
at the others. "That'll be another eight or nine so what Uncle James will
say, I don't know. We'll manage."
My Monday tutorial with James Tanner was a hoot. He wanted a rundown
on the crowd, who was who, etc., etc.! I apologised profusely.
"No apologies needed," he said, laughing. "Barry needs company and
from the happy lad we had in the bungalow yesterday he's over another
hurdle. Brad's been in the background and it was just accidental you lot
and he went to the same club."
He laughed. "No such things when I was an undergrad. But, like you and
Tris I had Paul, and Jacob was a good companion as well. You'll meet Pauli
next week. I think they told you he works for some special finance setup
and he travels a lot. Anyway, we won't have a proper sit-down lunch -
Barry can plan something for his sins - now, what is the integral of......"
It was another busy week. Dad, Mum and the Toad were arriving Friday
morning with Roger. Dad would be rehearsing in the Chapel during the
afternoon and I was able to announce every ticket was sold and there would
be extra chairs at the back. In fact I, Tris, Matt, Oliver, Charles and
the Toad would be in the organ loft. Uncle Francesco and Aldo flew in that
morning and the family, that is, including Charles, all met for tea at the
Garden House Hotel where they were all staying. The first thing a laughing
Unc did was to present us lads with dark-red headbands with the prominent
M. In fact, he produced about twenty for distribution and said the local
sports shop would be stocking enough to satisfy all the sweaty hordes.
Toad was in his element. More cash to come as he also knew that wristbands
and a line in sports socks he'd suggested were also in production!!
As expected the Chapel was crowded. There was a buzz of excitement as
everyone who was anyone in Cambridge came in. Peering over the edge of the
organ loft I was really pleased when I saw a row of Brad, Whippet and Carlo
with Dave and several others from the Club. Jacob was wheeled in by Barry
and I noted another middle-aged man standing by him as he was positioned.
I assumed that was Pauli, his companion. Last to arrive was the Master's
party, including the Vice-Chancellor and the Heads of some other colleges.
He looked up at the organ loft and smiled.
The recital was wonderful. All French pieces. Firstly the short
Debussy Sonata in g minor. A querulous work - the quiet opening held the
audience and as the soaring phrases developed so there was rapt attention.
I was particularly taken with the scurrying phrases at the beginning of the
second movement with the piano chords punctuating them which sent shivers
down my back.. The last movement with the interplay of piano and violin
electrified the audience. Roger's dexterity with the rapid piano part and
his oneness with Dad's virtuosity was really something to experience. As
the work came to its conclusion there was a real feeling of rapport between
audience and players. There was a moment's silence then great applause.
Roger then played two of Satie's Gymnopedies. Their seeming
artlessness disguising a very subtle musical mind. Ravel's Sonata in G
followed, and after more solo Satie the first half ended with a Romance for
the duo by Faure. The interval was filled with chat, as well as coffee,
squash or wine, depending on one's tastes. I talked to the Club crowd and
introduced Unc and Aldo to them. Perhaps a line of leatherwear - not in
evidence tonight - might be a venture. Charles was engaging all around him
in animated conversation and I saw the Master and Vice-Chancellor
surrounded by the girls in the choir much to their wives' amusement. Tris
was chatting to the Prof and his party with the Chaplain and his wife much
in evidence with the out of College visitors. On the sidelines I saw Mr
Finch-Hampton with two of the elderly dons I'd only seen eating at High
Table. Everyone seemed very convivial.
The second half was just the Franck Sonata. Dad introduced it by
saying he had played it here when he was fourteen and he was playing it
tonight in memory of that occasion and his Father on a special violin. A
gift - I saw him look over to where Dr Al-Hamed was sitting - and a gift he
prized because it was a violin with a most distinctive and wonderful tone
and he hoped he could do the work and the instrument justice. From the
very first hushed phrase there was not a movement in the Chapel. It was as
if all were spellbound. The melodies did weave a peculiar magic. They
soared and resonated in the lofty building and those phrases I knew would
haunt my thoughts for ever. As passage followed passage and movement
followed movement one knew we were in the presence of true artistry. The
simple phrases at the beginning of the last movement gradually blossomed
into that great melodic ending. There was again complete silence as the
last note rang out and died away. Tris was clutching my hand so hard as
that ending came I could do nothing. Tears were running down his cheeks -
and mine also. The applause was deafening and went on and on. Dad and
Roger took four bows. There was no encore. We all knew that the Franck
could not be followed by anything else that evening.
As soon as Dad appeared finally without his violin Uncle Francesco
rushed up to him and hugged him and planted kisses on both his cheeks.
There was another round of applause then which was redoubled when Roger,
rather hesitantly, also appeared from the small vestry. The Master was
wiping his eyes. In fact, I think the majority of the audience had been
emotionally moved and drained by such an encounter, no, a full immersion in
that great work. I felt so happy and exhilarated that my Father was able
to give us such an experience.
After the performance family and friends, a whole host, repaired to my
rooms where Uncle Francesco had arranged for a buffet to be set up. Jason,
who had been on the door at the recital, was in charge with both Sean and
young Liam as helpers. He and Toad kept exchanging glances and I saw Toad
give all three a headband each.
I was in the kitchen snooping at the extra food still to be taken in
when Toad came through to go to the loo. "Got something for you," he said
as he rushed to the bedroom and came back with a Marks and Spencer bag.
"It's yours really." The Toad nose-twitch. "I borrowed it when we had the
rehearsal and I had a slight accident. It's OK it's been washed."
I opened the bag rather gingerly. Oh, yes, my missing jockstrap! I
thought it had got mixed up with our joint muddle of shorts, socks, tops
and so on which now inhabited quite a bit of my wardrobe shelf space. As
Tris and I were just about equal in size and shape it didn't matter who
wore what for our morning runs but I had noticed that one vital piece of
equipment was rather depleted in number.
"Accident?" I said, knowing full well he'd blown a load of boycream
in his excitement. "You'd better keep it. It'll probably fit once your
balls have dropped." I reached out and grabbed him as his eyes filled with
tears. "What's the matter Frankie?"
"Oh, Marky. Thanks, but I'm really so worked up with Dad's playing.
He was wonderful wasn't he? I only hope I can be as good as him."
I gave my almost as tall as me little brother a great hug. "I hope we
both can," I stroked the back of his neck. "Sorry if I took the mick then,
but you do seem to have a hair- trigger reaction. Still it shows all
systems are working OK. Shan't say keep it up as you'll take it the wrong
way."
His response was to kiss me fully on the lips. A real kiss. "Thanks
Marky," he breathed out as we disengaged. "Oh God! Better get back to the
food before it happens again." The nose twitch before he scampered off
with a good hearty slap on his young bum.
Tris and Oliver came in just as he went skipping out leaving me still
holding the bag. I opened it and showed them. "Toad didn't cream his own
undies. I said he can have it as it's probably still rather aromatic."
Tris grabbed the bag from me, opened it and inhaled deeply. "Nah," he
said, "Just Persil and a bit of fabric conditioner. Otherwise I'd pinch it
and have it wrapped round....."
I grabbed back the bag. "That's my little brother....."
Oliver wrapped an arm round Tris's shoulder. "You could always borrow
mine and I wouldn't mind yours!"
I hit both with the bag and the three of us just giggled.
Saturday evening saw us again at the Club. Brad and the others all
said how much they'd enjoyed the recital. I had been rather surprised to
have seen them there but found they all liked classical music and were most
complimentary about Dad's playing. Adam had tagged along with us and it
wasn't long before he was with Whippet on the dance floor following Carlo
and Dave with Oliver and one of the lads who were always somewhere near our
booth.
Brad was smiling as we watched the shirtless couples circle the floor.
"I think our Whippet's in love," he said, "And I mean that seriously." He
was sitting between Tris and me and looked from one to the other of us. "I
hope Adam knows what's happening but my lad's been off his food a bit this
week. Real moony." He laughed. "I say 'my lad' as he's very much another
son to me. He confides a bit more than my rapscallion does. Whippet says
he's really fallen for Adam and should he say anything. I said he should
see how it goes, just remember Carlo and that dickhead he was fucking about
with. That's settled nicely with Dave, now." He nodded. "I can see that
in his work, too. But, Whippet....."
I said I was sure Adam was not certain about his sexuality and perhaps
Whippet might be good for him. But if Whippet was infatuated... Who
knows? Tris said he hoped neither got hurt and we could sound Adam out
when we got back to College. Would Brad mind if we told Adam about
Whippet's feelings?
"No, I think he may be going to say something tonight. Suggest Adam
might like a couple of days in London. Whippet's brother's got a flat he
uses for clients. He's a solicitor for one of the big firms. Quite a bit
older - I think his mother had Whippet late in life." He laughed. "I'm
very fond of Whippet and, yes, I would be very sorry to see him hurt. I
think Adam's a very steady lad and Whippet's no idiot."
Our conversation was interrupted by the entry of a radiant looking
Gabe. He was shepherding a tall, very good-looking lad of about twenty.
"Hi, how's you lot?" he didn't wait for a reply, "This is Lorenzo," He
looked at me. "We met at your Dad's recital last night. His Mum's Italian
like yours." He turned to Lorenzo and clasped his hand. "Lorenzo, this is
Mark, my good mate I was telling you about. And these are my other good
mates, Brad and Tris." We all dutifully shook hands and Bulgy- Boy
appeared with a tray laden with glasses. "Knew there would be a crowd in
so I got the usuals," said Gabe with a beaming smile.
We shifted along and Lorenzo turned out to be a most enjoyable
companion. He was reading Modern Languages at Clare, was friendly with Dr
Al-Hamed's son and they'd come to the recital. Lorenzo had sat next to
Gabe and that was that. In fact as Gabe told me later when we were
standing at adjoining urinals "Bloody Josh was away shagging Carry so
Lorenzo moved in with me last night." He shook a rather slim prick to get
the drops off. "Didn't get up until bloody lunchtime. You bloody Italians
and fucking Poles," Then with greater emphasis. "All bloody
well-hung... ...and he's a bloody top!" The smile was seraphic. So Gabe
had found a soul-mate. Or, perhaps, a hole-mate! "Good on ya," was the
only possible reply as I shook my own Italian and English heritage. I
looked down. Yeah! Well-hung!
When we got back the others were crowded round the booth and Gabe was
toasted. Lorenzo took it all in good part and just about dragged Gabe off
about midnight. As they disappeared Tris raised his glass. "To Josh, free
at last to indulge his passions and to Gabe whose passions will be freely
indulged, and, especially, to Lorenzo, for indulging that passion!"
Sunday lunch at the Prof's was hilarious. What I didn't know was that
Brad and Whippet were also accomplished singers and with me at the piano,
sight-reading, we entertained the assembled group with numerous songs from
various shows after a huge buffet spread. I particularly enjoyed 'I've
gonna wash that guy outta my hair' from South Pacific and 'You'll never
walk alone' from Carousel. The highlight was when a very happy Barry took
the leading role from 'Sound of Music' and a bunch of very over-grown Von
Trapps did 'Do Re Mi'. Another one for Clarissa to contemplate as well. I
could just see Charles as an un-frocked nun with seven of the largest
boaties and rugger-buggers as the kiddies draped in net curtains, perhaps!
The holier the better!! And I didn't mean the nun!
Christmas was coming up fast. Actually the end of term concert went
well. Again the Chapel was full and even Drew's group got a good response
at the end of the first half with a lot of swaying and humming along. I
was very taken with Matt's two contributions of organ pieces and my first
venture into conducting went off without a hitch. Dr Al-Hamed had given me
a number of good hints on keeping the choir and orchestra together and also
how to keep a recitative flowing and I'd rehearsed my soloists, Dina as
soprano, 'Tory as Alto, Tris as tenor and Adam as bass, until I was really
satisfied. The choir and instrumental ensemble came up trumps, too, so I
came away very pleased.
So term came to an end. Back to London and then down to Dorset to
meet someone who had known Grandad as a boy.
To be Continued: