Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:14:06 +0200 From: A.K. <andrej@andrejkoymasky.com> Subject: The Other Part of the World 10/16 (historical) ---------------------------- THE OTHER PART OF THE WORLD by Andrej Koymasky (C) 2009 written on January 12, 2002 translated by the author English text kindly revised by Bert Carley ----------------------------- USUAL DISCLAIMER "THE OTHER PART OF THE WORLD" is a gay story, with some parts containing graphic scenes of sex between males. So, if in your land, religion, family, opinion and so on this is not good for you, it will be better not to read this story. But if you really want, or because YOU don't care, or because you think you really want to read it, please be my welcomed guest. ----------------------------- Part III - Chapter 10 - A mad infatuation without hope In the late afternoon of July 20, 1840, the marquis doctor Afonso de Fonseca Fernandes was returning home all alone in his gig from a visit to a fazendero ill with gout. The weather was fine, although cold, and Afonso, a handsome man exactly thirty years old, tall, slender and elegant, established and appreciated doctor, in spite of his young age, was just longing to arrive back home to meet his former university mate who came to visit him along with his young wife. Olavo Lima Moreira, his companion, had a short but intense relationship with him during the years they both were university students in Rio de Janeiro. But then, just a short time before their graduation exams, Olavo fell in love with a girl, now his present wife, so their affair came to an end. In spite of that, they remained very good friends, and Afonso was happy that his friend came to visit him. Suddenly one of the gig's wheels that had possibly been badly mounted, possibly for the excessive speed he was travelling, or possibly because it hit against a stone on the dirt road so hard, detached and rolled away. The gig tilted, Afonso had barely time to jump away so as not to get run over as the gig turned upside down. The horse, suddenly restrained by the cab weight, reared up with a loud whinny and stopped. Afonso was lucky and fell to his feet on the road. Somewhat dazed by the accident, he went to pick up his handbag that fell a little away and looked disconsolate at the unusable gig. He looked around asking himself what he could do when he saw just a few steps from the accident spot, the entrance arch of a fazenda. So, taking a deep breath, he went quickly to ask for help. When he was in front of the arch, he read the sign on top, where was written "Fazenda Casa dos Cravos". He remembered that it belonged to the baron Da Cunha Vargas, with whom his family was related, even though it was a distant relation. He walked through the lane until he was in front of the mansion. It was the first time he ever was there. It was a two floor building, with a rather simple faade, having at its centre a triangular tympanum and three stone needles at the right and three more at the left. The faade was all painted in white and light yellow, the doors and windows jambs were in white stone and the frames were painted in a very clear blue with yellow edgings. All together it was of a certain discrete elegance. The central door was arched and preceded by five steps in grey stone, and the jambs were carved in a geometrical decoration. On the keystone the baron's arms were sculpted in stone decorated with gilded shadings. He went up the five stairs to the great door that was wide open. Through the glass of the inner door he saw the saloon, furnished with an opulence that agreeably contrasted with the external simplicity. In the saloon, on an imposing armchair padded in red velvet, was sitting a very young man, dressed in a sober elegance, fiddling with a walking cane. Afonso was about to pull the rope of the bell to announce himself, but stopped to look at the boy he saw in profile, and was at once enchanted by his fresh beauty. He almost held his breath, as he was so taken by the refined features of the boy. Then, almost without thinking about what he was doing, instead of ringing the bell he pushed the glass door that opened without making any noise. He made a couple of steps forwards on the thick and precious carpet and stopped again. At that very moment, from a side door entered a man with a tray in his hands. The man stopped in front of the splendid boy, bowed and with a strong and clear voice said, "Sir baron Raimundo, your coffee." "Thank you Prudente, you can leave it here... Oh, good, I see that you provided also some sweets... you well know how much I like them, don't you?" "Yes, baron..." the man said with a light smile. Finally Afonso gave a light cough to announce his presence. The boy and the man turned their heads towards him, with a surprised expression. Afonso made a light bow and said, "Sorry if I dare to disturb you. Allow me to introduce myself, baron. I am the marquis Afonso De Fonseca Fernandes, and I am a doctor in Curitiba. You are the young baron Raimundo, if I am not wrong, correct?" Afonso didn't notice the very short scared glance that Paulo threw to Prudente. The man, whose brain went to vortically work, turned slightly towards the newcomer - he had made his decision. "Yes, the baron Raimundo Cabral Vargas, son of Dom Bas"lio Da Cunha Vargas, the owner of this fazenda..." Prudente said, and turning towards the boy, making so that the unexpected guest could not see him, he made to Paulo a sign to play the game, to stand up and to greet the guest. Paulo had to muster up courage not to make his voice tremble but, totally trusting in his protector, he understood that he wanted him to go on playing his part. He stood up. "Welcome in our house, marquis..." he briefly said and he again looked to Prudente who made him a very small sign of approval. "The door was open and... You see, I was going back to Curitiba on my gig after a visit when unhappily an accident occurred just here in front of the entrance to your fazenda. I was asking myself if you could order your slaves to see if they would be able to repair my gig, so that I can continue on my way... A wheel detached from the gig, and I, without the right tools, don't know how..." Paulo then said, "Don't worry marquis. Prudente here will at once give suitable orders to our slaves to make them do all that can be useful and needed to solve your problem... right Prudente?" The man admired the coolness and self-control of Paulo. "Certainly baron, I will immediately take care of it." Paulo, who had recovered all his self-assuredness, said to the young doctor, "If you would meanwhile make yourself comfortable and have a seat... and stay for awhile as my guest marquis..." "Yes, with pleasure baron." "So... you are a doctor?" Paulo asked, starting at that point to feel amused for the opportunity to play-act. The boy had often observed his stepbrothers and his father, and he knew well how they would have behaved in such a predicament. The unexpected visit was making it even more entertaining and amusing to show off what he had organised with Prudente. "Yes, I graduated in Rio." "And, tell me, do you like your profession?" "Very much. Being able to help who is suffering is something that gives meaning to a man's life." Paulo, observing the young doctor, thought he was really beautiful. He liked in particular his genuine smile, his limpid eyes, and his slender and elegant figure. The more he looked at him, the more he was feeling attracted to that splendid young man. Also, Afonso couldn't stop looking at the boy that totally fascinated him, so their glances were often meeting. "Yes, I think that being a doctor can be something much more gratifying than cultivating tobacco plants..." Paulo said. "At times it can also be frustrating, particularly when one is not able to save from death a patient one has in his care..." Paulo was feeling like a fever had entered him and was feeling that he was becoming lost in the clear and luminous eyes of the beautiful doctor. They both continued talking of this and that, were unconsciously throwing to each other glances more and more coloured with desire. A real stroke of lightning passed between them. Paulo, without even understanding where he found such courage, at one point said, "Do you know, marquis, that you are a really fascinating person?" Afonso felt his heart throb hearing those words. Deeply moved, he said, "Not even to be compared to you, Raimundo. I have never ever seen such a beautiful and attractive youth as you. Having met you is the most extraordinary thing that has ever happened in all my life... I hope to have the honour to get to know you better... the honour and the pleasure." "I could not ask for anything better from my life, but you see... I am just passing here... I am afraid we can never again meet, unhappily." "Are you leaving for a journey?" "Yes... a very long journey that will take me far from here, and for a really long time, I am afraid." Prudente at that point returned, made a bow and said, "Marquis, sir, the slaves have fixed your gig and brought it here in front of the entrance. In any moment you decide..." "Can you stay a few minutes more marquis?" Paulo asked, so he wouldn't have to part company with that splendid young man who had already totally captivated his inner feelings. "I will willingly stay a few more minutes, baron..." Afonso answered, as he too had the same pleasurable desire not to end their unplanned visit yet. "Prudente, would you please make a delicious coffee for out guest?" the boy asked, as he unconsciously desired to spend some more time alone with Afonso. "Immediately, boron, sir." Prudente said, and after a light bow, he went back to the kitchen, throwing a warning glance to the boy to tell him not to take too many risks. But Paulo at that point didn't understand anything more, he lost any residual prudence, "Afonso... may I call you just so, marquis? Afonso, I will never forget this day that allowed me to meet a person like you." "Of course, Raimundo, I would be really glad if we could abandon any formality... I am sorry you have to leave, I am really sorry..." Afonso murmured and, taking a boy's hand, deposed a light kiss on it. Paulo delightfully blushed, then he drew the young doctor's hand to himself and he too deposed a light kiss on it. "Raimundo... oh, Raimundo... you are not aware of what you are arousing in me..." "I believe I am aware... I am afraid I know..." "Why do you say you are afraid?" Afonso asked looking at him with eyes glazed with emotion. "Because I know that we will never again meet. Because I know that both of us have to forget this precious moment..." "But I, Raimundo, I am feeling that..." Afonso started to say. In that moment Prudente came with the tray, "Sir, marquis, your coffee..." he said in a formal tone. Afonso sipped it, without diverting just for a moment his eyes from Paulo's face, then put down the little cup. Prudente then bowed and said, "Your gig is ready, marquis, sir. If you would please follow me..." Afonso stood up, "I would like to thank you in the convenient way for the kindness you showed me and for the assistance you offered me in this predicament..." "It has been a real pleasure being able to be of some help to you..." Paulo answered, standing up at his turn. Afonso offered his hand to Paulo and they shook them, possibly a moment longer than what was needed, with vigorous warmth. Then Afonso did a short bow and followed Prudente out of the house. He got on his gig, turned towards the entrance door and was surprised not to see Paulo there. He hoped he could exchange with the beautiful boy a last farewell. He started his gig and resumed his way to Curitiba. Prudente went back to the saloon. Paulo was again sitting on the armchair, almost abandoned, a languid expression on his face. "My dear Paulo, you have been really smart to play the part of baron Raimundo... I had a moment of panic when all of a sudden I saw that doctor in here. Now it would be better we go upstairs and you change again into your clothes, before some of the house staff comes and sees you..." Prudente who was that so fascinating man? Paulo asked with a thin voice, without standing from the armchair. He introduced himself, he was the marquis Afonso de Fonseca Fernandes... Wasn't he an angel who came down from heaven? the boy asked in a dreamlike tone. Did you like him? He bewitched me I think I fell in love with him! Come on, don't exaggerate, now. You just saw each other; you just exchanged a few words It takes much more than just that to fall in love. Ah, really? And what does it take, then? Paulo, hurry up, come upstairs now. Our play lasted even too long. Moreover you well know that, if by any chance the doctor should come here again, you have to absolutely not be seen by him. You can understand that, can't you? Of course I understand that. I even told him What did you tell him? Prudente asked him, slightly alarmed. I told him I am about leaving for a long journey and so we can never again meet. the boy answered while they were going upstairs. Why did you tell him such a thing? Because he said he wanted to meet me again, to get to know me better Because I think that he too fell in love with me. Oh, Paulo, these are just fantasies. Come on, now take off these clothes and let's put everything in order. Yes, the merrymaking is over Raimundo is in Rio and here there is only a poor white slave, Paulo Paulo who cannot be of interest to anybody Don't say so, my boy. You know that I'm feeling for you much more that a simple interest, don't you know? Yes, sure you have been and are the only one among the white men who has always treated me kindly and, I think, also like me. Of course I like you, my boy, and not only because you wanted to accept to cheer up my loneliness Life has been unfair with you, and I would be the first one to desire it could be sweeter, that your dreams could become real My dreams, mister Prudente? I never nourished any dreams, you well know it Never, at least, until this afternoon That man, that doctor, the marquis Afonso, opened in front of me a whole world of dreams that I could just look at from distance and the door has already locked again. Don't be sad, Paulo. And above all try to forget this odd afternoon. But the marquis Afonso was so beautiful so beautiful I certainly understand that his looks, his eyes conquered you. He, a noble man, rich. And so beautiful what can I be if compared to him? Nothing the secretary said with some bitterness. No, don't say that, mister Prudente. Without you, without your affection I would really be nothing And beauty is not all that counts Paulo answered, but his heart was full of the vision of the wonderful Afonso, and his hands still could feel the sweetness and the vigour of their last hand shaking they did just before the young marquis left the house. Meanwhile Afonso was also doing nothing but thinking of the fortuitous and fortunate encounter that he just had with the one he believed to be the young baron Raimundo. Going back to his home in Curitiba with his gig skilfully repaired, he was feeling incredibly agitated, and was repeating to himself that he never before met any human being of such beauty and gentleness, nobody that attracted and troubled him so deeply in the few minutes he had spent with him. When he was back home, as soon as he could be alone with his friend Olavo, he felt the need to confide with him at once that incredible, wonderful and too short meeting. Olavo was in fact one of the rare friends with whom he could talk with an open heart about his secret life, about his desires, his hopes, his troubles and his unmentionable loves. His friend listened to him with his usual liking and availability, then said, Be wary, my good Afonso, not to mistake your sudden infatuation and your dreams about that boy with the reality. He was possibly just showing a formal kindness towards you No, no, Olavo! You had to see how he was looking at me, how he was smiling If you had heard the sweetness in his voice, you would understand No, I can feel it, I am certain about it; also that beautiful boy was feeling for me what I am feeling for him! I wish I would have had a way to never leave that house, I swear! Good lord, Afonso, I never saw you so agitated, so crazy! Try to calm down, my good friend. You must remember too, the young baron told you he is about to leave for a long journey, and that you would never again meet Yes, you are right But if you heard the pain in the tone of his voice while he was telling me those words! No, my good Olavo, I am certain, Raimundo also felt a sudden and strong love and a strong attraction toward me. Attraction yes, I have no difficulty in believing it, as you are a man of uncommon beauty and elegance. It is not a case that in our university times you succeeded in fascinating me, in seducing me and making me forget my natural predisposition towards the gentle sex But how can you talk about love, and even more about a reciprocal love, if you spent with him just a few minutes? I can, because I can feel it burning inside my heart and I saw it burning in his beautiful dark eyes, I felt it reverberate in his sweet voice Come on, my good friend, love is not like a Chinese fireworks that catches fire and explodes in one only magic moment, it is rather like the fire in a fireplace, that has to be carefully prepared, skilfully lit, that has to gradually grow and that has then to be continuously fed to avoid it from burning out You know, Olavo, I feel tempted to take again my gig and go back to that fazenda, the Casa dos Cravos, to throw myself at that boy's feet and ask him to give me his love, to ask him if he wants to be only mine Calm down, calm down, please. I never saw you so exalted. Come on What you need now is to divert your mind and possibly to find some handsome boy to take in your bed, believe me. Didn't you tell me that you have some kind of relationship with the apothecary? And that you like how he makes love? Try to see him soon and he will make you forget the handsome Raimundo! Oh, the apothecary's son with him there was only a mutual, agreeable amusement but his charm and his skill in bed fades, even disappear when compared to what I am feeling for Raimundo! Come in! I never saw you in this condition. Yours is nothing but a foolish infatuation. Try to stop thinking about it, Afonso, be wise. It is easy for you to tell me so, with your wife near you - you have all that a man can desire Yes, I can't deny it. And yet I have to confess to you She is sweet, gentle, a perfect wife and a warm lover She gives me sweetness and doesn't skimp on the pleasure And yet Don't tell me that you regret having married her! I would not believe it. You seem the happiest couple in the world. And we are, we really are. I absolutely do not regret anything. And yet, you see, I never experienced with her that fire of passion that you made me feel, I have to admit it. She is a woman docile, sweet, warm in our intimacy Are you telling me that you miss you are missing a a man? No, not that. I don't feel attracted to any man, I swear. And if some day I were, I would want that man to be you. I will never forget, do you know, the crazy and passionate hours we spent together! You are still strong in my heart, Afonso. What is this? A proposal? the young doctor asked in a tone half way between the amused and the surprised. No, not at all. I am feeling very well with my wife, I don't need anything else, I swear. I want to simply tell you that I don't repudiate anything of all the good that was between us, when we were two young students there in Rio. For you at present I am feeling only a very deep and strong friendship, nothing more and nothing less. And it is exactly in the name of this friendship that I pray you will forget that boy who, even if you were right about his sentiments, as he very clearly told you, you can never again meet. You well know, Olavo, that the heart has its reasons, is it not so? But I also know that we have to make a virtue of necessity, my dear friend. What's the use of consuming yourself in this crazy dream without hope? Try to meet as soon as possible that boy, the apothecary's son, or perhaps another one and to forget in his arms this crazy, impossible dream! Try to take from the life what good it can offer you, without yearning for a paradise that doesn't exist, or that at least is not of this world! Rationally Afonso could only give reason to his friend, and yet he could not take away from inside his heart the short-lived and wonderful vision of that fortuitous encounter. The days were elapsing and none of the two seemed able to resign themselves to the idea that he would never again see the other. Paulo resumed his usual life, going on to undergo the harsh treatments of his relative-masters, who meanwhile were home again. Paulo once again took comfort in the affection of the good Prudente, with whom he was making love each time they had an opportunity. Afonso resumed his secret encounters with the apothecary's son and tried, in his arms, to forget, uselessly, that boy that he believed to be the baron Raimundo. Paulo, lost in his dream of a love of which he barely caught a glimpse, became taciturn and almost distracted, so that at times he was getting into trouble and was therefore severely punished even more often than before. Afonso immersed himself in his medical profession, uselessly hoping that caring for his patients or granting himself some pleasure moments with the apothecary's son could help him to stop going on to dream of the wonderful Raimundo that he believed to be at that point far away and unreachable, possibly, who knows, even on the other side of the ocean. Paulo was telling himself that almost surely the seductive Afonso should have already forget him, and similar thoughts were lingering in he heart of the young marquis, and yet neither was able to forget the other one. Prudente could understand that Paulo was still troubled, in spite that many days had already elapsed after that unforeseen encounter, and he regretted not to be able to take out from the heart and from the mind of the boy that fleeting vision, that absurd love that he judged not only impossible, but also unilateral. He was sure that the marquis Afonso, even admitting he could be attracted by the manly graces, had at that point forgotten Paulo. He was also persuaded that the beautiful Paulo was clinging to that presumed love to escape in one way or another to the ugly things that life, in spite of his protection, was reserving for the poor boy. After he came back from Rio, Dom Bas"lio was in a particular bad mood, as he heard rumours that the young Emperor, who having been declared of age was no more under the regent's guardianship and had assumed the full powers, was against slavery and that he even had in his heart a project to abolish in all the states of Brazil the slave trade. If we can no longer import slaves from Africa, we have our own slave women make more children, seen the growing need of labourers, as we are increasing our export of tobacco, coffee, cotton, sugar and wood! one day Dom Bas"lio declared to his superintendent. We could offer a special treatment to all our female slaves who have more children, not sending them to work to the plantation each time they are pregnant But so we would have less hands in the plantation the superintendent objected. "We will have the men, and above all the females who are not pregnant, to work more. They will understand what would be better for them to do, wouldn't they? And we could also give some more food to the family with a pregnant female, or something like that But I want my female slaves to churn out at least a child every year! And also the youngest ones, as soon as they pass the puberty, will have to marry and to start to make children. Yes, this is the solution! And if we carefully plan everything, we can soon have enough slaves breeding that we can also sell to the other fazendeiros only the males, of course, as the females have to litter for us! the baron concluded, proud of the brilliant idea he just had. His son Gregrio, who had assisted at that conversation, laughed amused for his father's enthusiasm and with some irony observed, But then we will have to change our fazenda's name, father we will call it Casa dos Escravos (house of slaves) instead than Casa dos Cravos (house of carnations)! We have just to add an 'es' before it! ----------------------------- CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 11 ----------------------------- In my home page I've put some more of my stories. If someone wants to read them, the URL is http://andrejkoymasky.com If you want to send me feed-back, or desire to help revising my English translations, so that I can put on-line more of my stories in English please e-mail at andrej@andrejkoymasky.com ---------------------------