Lord Batchelor

 

by Alexander

email: johnvenn1945@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

The Solution

 

Chapter 1.

 

Miss Primm had retired by the time they returned home, rather to their relief. They picked at the cold plates she had left out for them, but neither was interested in the food very much. Sly glances from one to the other could mean only one thing, and it was two happy and excited people that ascended the stairs at the earliest opportunity, leaving the meal only half consumed.

     “It’s been a very interesting day today,” Charles said as they huddled up close, his member already expectantly erect. “Thank you.”

     “I thought it had been,” Albert replied. Did you learn anything?”

     “Oh, lots, but I need to think about them before they all make sense.”

     “And what’s the most important thing?”

     Charles giggled and gave Albert’s penis a slight squeeze. “You know that already. I adore being with you, especially when we are alone like this and we can pleasure each other.”

     “And what about the others? The boys in the Serpentine and the men at the sauna?”

     “Oh, I wouldn’t want to do anything like this with any of them, not unless I was really, really, ......”

     “Frustrated?” Albert helped.

     “Yes. Frustrated. That’s just the word. Like I am when I need Symes. And like I was at the sauna.”

     “You were? Frustrated I mean. I thought you were a trifle upset by their attentions.”

     “I was. I was frustrated because I wanted to do things with you straightaway. I was excited, but only for you. And I still am,” he giggled.

     “I can tell,” Albert said, rubbing the offending organ between his fingers.

     Charles pulled a face and said, “I feel that I’ve had enough of being serious for one day, Uncle Albert. Would you mind if we relaxed now and had a little enjoyment?”

     “What did you have in mind precisely?”

     “Anything that pleases you. But what I want to do most is, .......”he paused, leaned upwards and whispered in Albert’s ear.

     Lord Batchelor laughed and ruffled his hair.

     “Of course we can, if that is what you desire. First though, I want to kiss you and show how much I am becoming attached to you.”

     There were no more words spoken for ages as they confirmed their delight in each other’s company, both of them finding it difficult to believe quite how emotionally attached and dependent upon one another they had grown in such a relatively short space of time.

     As if to confirm these thoughts, Charles reached out, grasped the now more than half-empty jar of petroleum jelly and looked at his uncle, the unspoken plea evident in his face.

     “Which way?” Albert said quietly.

     “May I be selfish and do it to you first? Then I may be able to last longer when it is your turn.”

     “There is nothing I would like better.”

     Kneeling between upraised legs, Charles lubricated himself and with a deep sigh of ecstasy penetrated his uncle, easily and painlessly. So heightened were the lad’s passions that despite his very best efforts, he failed to maintain the slow, steady rhythm he had determined on and after just a few strokes found himself out of control. Knowing what would happen next, Albert pulled Charles down onto his chest and covered his mouth with his own, the boy still thrusting away. He was just in time, hardly had he begun to kiss him when Charles lost control completely, buried himself in as far as he could and screamed into Albert’s mouth as he spasmed time after time.

     Withdrawing almost immediately he’d orgasmed, Charles stared, open-mouthed at his uncle, eyes glazed and mouth wide open.

     “Stay as you are,” he gasped. Just lower your legs. Hurry.”

     He moved up Albert’s body, grasped his tumescence and lowered himself onto it without a seconds pause. Before he knew what was happening, Lord Batchelor found himself embedded in Charles completely, who had a look of sheer ecstasy on his face.

     “Please,” he moaned. “Please.”

     The look of intensity the boy gave and the accompanying pleas would normally have shocked Albert, but he was so aroused himself that he willingly obliged and began to work himself up and down as hard as he could. Charles, adjusting to his rhythm, synchronised perfectly and together they shared a unique and long-to-be-remembered ecstatic experience. Neither of them knew nor cared for how long they were united: the only thing they knew for certain was that they orgasmed simultaneously, Charles biting his bottom lip to stop himself screaming out, and Albert urging his body to eject every last drop of his essence to gratify his adored nephew.

     “I shall remember that for ever,” Charles whispered once he’d regained some energy. “It was unbelievable.”

     There were no apologies made for their haste and animalistic behaviour, and none were necessary. Albert understood exactly how the boy felt and how much he needed the release, and if he were honest with himself he actually enjoyed the ferocity of the act. He too would remember it for a very long time.

     Cuddling the boy to him, Albert kissed him lovingly and allowed him to fall asleep on his chest. Glancing at the mantel clock, he was amazed to notice that it was the middle of the afternoon and not the middle of the night as he thought it must be. Smiling to himself as he realised that they still had the hours of darkness to come yet, he too fell soundly asleep, dreaming dreams that are best left to the imagination.

     “Will you be attending my birthday celebration next month?” Charles asked Albert after their dinner. “I do hope you will be able to make the journey.”

     “There is nothing would give me greater pleasure,” Albert replied. “Of course I will attend. Thank you for the invitation. Is there anything particular you would like as a celebratory gift?”

     As soon as he said this, Albert knew he’d said the wrong thing, at least as far as Charles was concerned.

     “I am most grateful for what you are doing for me now, by allowing me to visit you in your home,” Charles said cheerfully. The doe-eyes and gentle smile the lad gave Lord Batchelor said more than enough to add the extra meaning his statement. “As long as you are present, that will be more than sufficient.”

     “And how old will you be?” Miss Primm enquired. “Fourteen, if I recollect rightly.”

     “You are perfectly correct, Miss Primm. I shall be fourteen years old.”

     “Boys of lower social class than yourself commence paid employment long before their fourteenth birthday. You are fortunate indeed not to have to consider that, but do you have any plans as to what to do with your life?”

     “Oh, yes, I have given the matter a great deal of thought. I intend to emulate my Uncle Albert in every way I can. Study hard, and go up to Oxford is my first intention.”

     “To read what?” Albert enquired. “I read Classics, but I fear that you are not inclined in that direction.”

     “I think I will study Medicine. I am intrigued as to how animals function and the reasons they behave as they do. The visit you took me on to the Zoological gardens was most inspirational, and the lecture you gave me today on Homo Sapiens was fascinating.”

     Albert was unsure as to whether or not Charles was jesting, once again the insertion of a double entendre in his comment sowing a seed of doubt. He gave up: the hidden meanings of Charles statements and Miss Primm’s idiosyncratic use of the English Language being too much to cope with at the same time.

     “I hope you didn’t overburden the boy with too much information,” Miss Primm said. “The study of Homo Sexuals is too much for a boy of his tender years. In my opinion the study of smaller animals such as pet rabbits and domestic cats is quite sufficient to begin with.”

     “I think a game of Chess is in order, young Charles,” Albert said, fixing him with a stare that told him enough was enough.

     “Tomorrow is Sunday,” Miss Primm reminded them, “And I shall be away to visit my sister and attend church. Would it be agreeable if I packed Master Charles baggage in the morning in readiness for his departure?”

     “Yes, of course,” Albert replied, disliking the reminder that the visit was drawing to a close.

     Charles, having one of those faces that betrays every emotion, showed that his mind was not completely devoted to the games in hand.

     “You have lost two games in a row,” Albert chided. “We will have a third and final game before we retire I think.” Then added in a whisper, “And if you lose, you will sleep in the guest room tonight.”

     Charles looked up at his uncle, shocked, not believing what he’d heard.

     “But, ......” he started.

     Albert raised his hand to signal that the conversation was at an end.

     His game improved remarkably, but not quite enough to beat his more experienced relative. In fact, it took two or three suicidal moves from Lord Batchelor to ensure a win for his nephew.

     “I thought you were being serious when you told me I would sleep in the guest room,” Charles said as they undressed. “But you lost deliberately.”

     “Only to teach you a lesson,” Albert smiled. “You must not make fun of Miss Primm

She is an old lady who deserves respect.”

     “I’m sorry,” Charles grinned, “But the temptation was too great. She didn’t comprehend anyway.”

     “No, but I did. And one day she will too, if you are not careful, and then where would we be?”

     “I apologise once again,”he said contritely. Then, grinning broadly, added, “And how can I make it up to you, Uncle Albert?”

     “You can kiss me, and then permit me to undress you.”

     The pace they adopted was somewhat less frantic than the one they’d enjoyed in the afternoon, Charles reverting to the simple enjoyment of being caressed and fondled in the comfort of Albert’s arms. Lord Batchelor too was more than content to accede to Charles mood, he thoroughly delighted in running his hands over the smooth, unblemished skin of his nephew, toying with his member once in a while, and sharing deep, loving kisses. He knew that this was the very essence of their relationship, a caring and tenderness that went far beyond the physical aspects of their relationship. In an idle moment, he even envisioned the possibility of them sharing a home, a bed and a life together. He knew, sadly, that this was an impossibility. Although perhaps Charles’ didn’t appreciate it, his life was pre-ordained. True, he would go up to Oxford, and even perhaps study Medicine if he wished. But after that, the care and management of the family’s vast estate would devolve on him. It was only right, therefore, that the child should have as happy and carefree a life as possible until then. Looking into the boy’s face, Charles smiled, kissed him tenderly and wondered what life held in store for him.

     “You are feeling morose tonight,” Charles said quietly. “Are you out of sorts?”

     “Not in the slightest, my angel,” he said. “I was just thinking how handsome and becoming you are!”

     “I am determined we are not going to be sad and despondent tonight,” Charles said firmly. “Tomorrow night, and for many more nights, I shall be alone and I want something to give me pleasant dreams to remember you by!”

     “And where do we start?” Albert grinned.

     “I don’t care, because tonight we are going to do everything at least twice!”

     Calling upon every ounce of energy he had, Albert somehow managed to comply with Charles’ request, including using the last of the petroleum jelly. It was well into the early hours before they both drifted off into a much-needed sleep, bodies and minds simply too exhausted to do anything else.

     The sun was high in the sky when they came to the following morning, Charles apparently having fallen asleep with both hands cradling Albert’s much-abused member.

     Charles opened his eyes, smiled happily to himself and woke his uncle with a kiss, his hands remaining comfortably where they were.

     “Good Morning, Uncle,” Charles yawned. “I fear we are a little late this morning!”

     “Probably,” Albert agreed. “We were awake rather late last night.”

     “But is was most enjoyable, wasn’t it?” Charles giggled. “I feel quite sore in places decency forbids me to mention.”

     Albert was distinctly aware that Charles’ hands were now gently fondling his member, causing the inevitable, and desired consequence. Whatever plans his nephew had in mind were rudely interrupted by a tap at the door.

     “Come in,” Albert called.

     Instantly, Charles closed his eyes and pretended to sleep, his hands still maintaining their delicate meanderings though.

     “I though it best to arouse you both, sir,” Miss Primm said, gazing fondly at the recumbent form of master Charles. “I observe the young master is still sleeping. Your presence must have satiated him. Will you bestir him soon, breakfast is almost ready.”

     “I will, Miss Primm. We will be down shortly.”

     True to their word, and Miss Primm’s instructions, they bestirred themselves, but not quite in the way Charles wished. Impressing upon him the need for a little urgency as the housekeeper was anxious to leave, Albert opted not to indulge themselves and instead they climbed out of their bed.

     “Your member seems rather rosy this morning,” Albert grinned as he gazed at the naked Charles. “As well as erected yet again. I do believe I have seen it in that state more than I have otherwise!”

     Charles stared at his organ, grinning. “You are right, as usual, uncle. But when I am with you, this seems to be its normal state. And it does have a certain glow to it this morning, perhaps it has been sorely used?”

     “No doubt it has. But for now, let it subside. We may find time later to test its recuperative powers.”

 

Chapter 2

 

     “Will that be all, my Lord?” Miss Primm asked as they sat down for breakfast.

     “Yes, thank you. But could I ask you to prepare Charles’ bath before you leave? We shall take care of things ourselves after that.”

     “It will be a pleasure, sir. And may I take this opportunity of wishing him the happiest of celebrations for his birthday in the not too distraint future?”

     “Thank you, Miss Primm. Your felicitations are very much appreciated. I will remember you especially on the day.” Charles said sincerely.

     Miss Primm glowed with pride at these words and with a delighted smile, set about preparing his bath.

     “At what o’clock is your father expected?” Albert asked as he watched Charles bathe himself.

     “He intimated it would be mid-afternoon. Last time we were late arriving home, the latter part of the journey being made tedious because of the darkness.”

     “Good. In that case we have about four hours before you must take your leave.”

     “Excellent.” Charles grinned as he stepped out of the bath and offered himself to be dried. “Then I shall not dress at all for at least another three hours.”

     “In the Lord’s name why?” Albert said, in astonishment.

     “Because I will only have to undress again later!” he giggled.

     Even Lord Batchelor saw the logic in this and gave his delighted, if reluctant, agreement. Wearing nothing but a bath robe, Charles followed his uncle downstairs and into the library where Lord Albert picked up his newspaper and tried to read it whilst his nephew browsed his books, first selecting one, then replacing it before finding another. Albert knew what the boy was trying to do of course, and made no attempt to look at his paper, his eyes being constantly drawn to the glimpses of flesh tantalizingly displayed as books were reached for and replaced.

     “Come here,” Albert said eventually, “And stop teasing!”

     Charles skipped over to where his uncle was sat and deposited himself on his knees, legs astride and hooked his arms round Albert’s neck.

     Allowing his robe to fall open, Charles snuggled into his uncle and sighed happily, depositing a light kiss on his lips. Albert, with his arms around the boy’s waist, returned the kiss and savoured the delicious aroma of a freshly-bathed youngster. An amicable silence descended as the pair relaxed, each happily lost in their own thoughts. Such was the tranquil mood they’d created, Albert noted, that for once the captivating organ between the boys legs remained flaccid, hanging loosely over his perfect little testicles, its now usual pinkness restored.

     Lord Batchelor thought his nephew had fallen asleep, but a smile growing on his face disproved this, as did his slowly erecting member. For a moment, Albert thought of asking the lad what he was thinking to cause the arousal, but decided against it as he didn’t want to disturb the peace.

     What was on the boy’s mind became evident as very slowly he snaked a hand down into Albert’s groin and searched for his target. Grasping it lightly, he allowed his fingers to gently wriggle around until it began to awaken.

     “Open your legs a little,” Charles whispered as he started to unfasten the buttons.

     “The Library is hardly the place ...” Lord Batchelor started to say, but was stopped by a pair of lips sealing his mouth.

     Giving in to the inevitable, he widened his legs.

     Charles released the tumescent member from its confines and sank to his knees, gazing at his prize in delight. Unable to resist the temptation it presented, he took it into his mouth and proceeded to work his tongue and lips around it, oblivious to the sounds of bliss emanating from above.

     Several times he brought his uncle to the brink of an orgasm but at the last possible moment refrained from allowing him to relieve himself. Lord Batchelor would have given anything to achieve the release he so desperately wanted, and was vastly disappointed to see Charles release his member from the warm cavern it was enjoying, and rise to his feet. Before he could remonstrate with the child, he was stunned into silence with his next manoeuvre.

Climbing back astride his uncle’s knees, Charles placed a hand on his shoulders, raised himself up and with the other hand, carefully positioned Albert’s frustrated organ between his cheeks. With a determined look, Charles slowly lowered his body. Incredibly, Lord Batchelor’s organ disappeared just as intended, and within a few seconds a very proud Charles was seated on Albert’s knees with a beatific smile on his face.

     “I thought I could,” he giggled. “How does it feel, uncle?”

     Incapable of speech, Albert simply nodded his head and stared, open-mouthed at the boy.

     Very carefully Charles leaned forwards and kissed his uncle deeply.

     “Let us remain like this for a while, without moving. It feels truly wonderful,” he whispered.

     For fifteen glorious, memorable minutes, they remained motionless except for kisses and caresses adoringly exchanged. Once in a while Charles flexed his gluteus much to the pleasure of Lord Batchelor, thus maintaining what seemed to be a permanent erection.

     Almost imperceptibly Charles started to raise and lower himself, achieving a state so ecstatic that he stared, sightless at his uncle, mouth agape. Never before had Albert travelled towards an orgasm so slowly and erotically. With each movement of Charles’ torso he climbed a little higher towards the goal he so earnestly wanted, until after some considerable time and with a violent shudder he ejaculated passionately and painfully.

     This time it was Albert who called out loudly and noisily as he lost his fluids, grateful to do so at long last. Not to be outdone, Charles instantly spasmed, ejected enough semen to draw a line from Albert’s chest to his navel and echoed his uncle’s cries of delight.

     Even after the energy-draining exercise they’d both enjoyed, the pair remained co-joined until the drying fluids on Lord Batchelor’s chest made him feel uncomfortable. Gently lifting a reluctant Charles off his flaccid member, he kissed him once more and suggested they cleaned themselves up as the hour was approaching when he would have to leave.

     Not having Miss Primm to prepare baths for them, they had to make do with strip washes, which was the source of yet further merriment and jollification, each taking great pains to remove all signs of their recent behaviour.

     By the time Lord Biggun arrived, they’d calmed down and were feeling rather dejected at the thought of being parted, comforting each other as best they could.

     “I shall see you on your birthday anyway,” Lord Batchelor said. “And I am sure we will be able to make up for lost time then.”

     “I hope so,” the rather tearful Charles said. “I don’t know what I shall do until then.”

     “I’m sure you will think of something,” Albert said, more cheerfully than he felt.

     They were about to embrace and kiss once more when they were interrupted by Charles’ father who insisted that they hurry along as time was passing.

     “And did you enjoy your visit to London?” Albert asked his brother as Charles was supervising the loading of his baggage into the carriage.

     “Oh yes, thank you.” Then, after ensuring Charles wasn’t within earshot, added, “My young companion, whom you have met I believe, has decided to give up the trade much to my regret. He has arranged a replacement though, which may necessitate a further visit in the near future. Talking of which, how has my son been this week-end? He seems to be a little out of sorts these days. Not taking much interest in things, if you understand what I mean. Did her, err, perform for you satisfactorily?”

     “He’s behaved very well, as usual, With regard to his performance as you put it, he acted perfectly normally,” Albert said carefully. “I think he is growing into a very presentable and determined young man. Perhaps that is why his interests are changing, he is of that age I believe.”

     “Maybe you’re right, Albert. We must try to find him a suitable young lady. Or other companion,” he grinned. “From what I hear, he wouldn’t be too concerned as to what sex it was! Just like his father, eh?”

     With a wan smile, Lord Batchelor shook his brother’s hand and stood on his doorstep, watching them drive out of Belgrave Square. He closed the door behind him and sat in the Library, thinking that perhaps he should have informed his brother precisely how his son was changing and what a veritable little satyr he was becoming. But then decided that perhaps he shouldn’t say too much as it would no doubt spoil the excellent relationship he had with his nephew, and additionally lead to complications Charles could do without.

 

Chapter 3.

 

     Promptly at two o’clock the following afternoon, Lord Batchelor opened his front door to admit a very chirpy Edward Welcome.

     “Afternoon, Guv.,” Edward said, hugging him and planting a kiss on his lips. “You wouldn’t believe how ‘appy - Happy - I am to see you agin!”

     “And me too,” Albert said. “I trust you are well?”

     “Am now. Told your brother that I ain’t seeing him any more, so’s its just me and you now.”

     “Did he take it well?”

     “Better’n I thought ‘e would. Wasn’t too put out, ‘specially when I told him that me mate Jack would make himself available. He even gave me an extra half guinea for me troubles!”

     Albert was walking towards the drawing room when he realised Edward wasn’t following him. Turning round, he saw the boy standing at the bottom of the stairs expectantly.

     “Can we talk upstairs?” he said. “I’s missed you and I wants to get comfortable with you without wastin’ time down ‘ere!”

     As they nestled together in bed, Edward sighed happily and rested his head on Albert’s chest, doing nothing except savour the moment and hold his man tightly.

     “Did you have a good time with your nephew?” Edward enquired lazily. “You ain’t got to tell me if you don’t want, as long as you was ‘appy is all I care about.”

     “I satisfied his needs I think,” Albert replied carefully, stroking Edward’s silky hair. “Thanks largely to your lessons!”

     “Right. His Pa told me the boy was changing, losing interest sort of thing. P’raps he ain’t liking this sort of stuff any more. Sort of growin’ out of it. An’ I’s glad I ‘elped things along a bit.”

     “Oh, you did that well enough. At least Charles seemed happy when he left. He even invited me to attend his birthday celebration in a few weeks time.”

     “You goin’?” Edward asked. “You can if’n you wants, now I know he’s changed and he ain’t interested no more!” Then, laughing lightly added, “An I’ll leave his knackers alone now I knows he don’t fancy you as much!”

     “He will never replace you,” Albert said softly. He meant it too, just as he meant it when he told Charles that he adored him.

     Lord Batchelor relaxed completely, enjoying the comforting presence of the lad, not the least pleasing thing being that he was content just to lay there and be cosseted. Adorable though he was, Charles could be too excitable and physically demanding at times, as well as unpredictable.

     “What will you do for money, now that my brother is no longer providing?” Albert asked as they fondled each other.

     “Dunno yet, milord. I’ll fink - think - of something, but I ain’t in desperate needs of it anyway. I hopes to get a better job soon an’ that’ll ‘elp.”

     “Perhaps I can help in the meanwhile,” Albert offered.

     “No!” Edward said with surprising firmness. “I telled you afore, I ain’t takin’ no dosh for doin’ what I wants wiv yer.”

     Suitably chastened, Albert reconsidered. He wanted to help the boy and his mother, but without causing offence and compromising his admirable principles.

     “Perhaps you may be able to help my housekeeper or the gardener around the house once in a while. They are both elderly and may appreciate someone who can do the heavy lifting and so on.”

     “I wouldn’t mind that. I’s be working for it then, and I can share it wiv me ma seein’ as its come by legitimate like.”

     “Good. Now, young Edward, shall we indulge ourselves a little? I feel in need of some exercise, and it’s been too long since we had the pleasure of one another.”

     Almost lazily, they re-arranged themselves so as to take each other orally and although they were both anxious for relief, took things steadily, wanting the pleasure to last.

     “Tells me when you’re gonna shoot off,” Edward said after a while. “I don’t wanna makes you do it yet.”

     Three times Albert was stopped, each time Edward taking a rest and allowing Albert to calm down.

     “Now I’s ready for the special!” he said at last. “Let me lay down where you is.”

     Quickly they changed places and Edward lifted his legs, holding them in place with his hands.

     “Take it slow, guv. I wants to enjoy this.”

     There was no need for any lubricant, Albert discovered. Edward was well and truly ready for the ‘special’, his fundament already visibly relaxed. He slid in with no difficulty at all, not even a hint of pain from either party. Edward grinned up at him and clenched his cheeks playfully.

     “It’s even better’n I remember,” he smiled. “Yous the only one as I let’s does this to me now. Your bruvver wanted to do it, even offered me more dosh but I wouldn’t let him.”

     “How did you say no?” Albert said. “Even I have difficulty in refusing anything he asks.”

     “Me arse wouldn’t open up for ‘im. He got really funny about it and made me do ‘im twice instead.” Edward laughed. “And made me bring ‘im off again wiv me ‘and. When ‘es in that mood, there ‘ain’t no stoppin’ ‘im!”

     Concentrating as much as he could, Albert settled down to give young Edward all the pleasure he deserved, watching his face contort with ecstasy as he slowly pulled in and out.

     “Faster now, guv., I’s gonna spill in a second!” Edward moaned after a good many minutes, his brow furrowed and beaded with perspiration.

     Albert had held his own release back for so long that it was with intense relief he allowed himself to ejaculate, just as Edward spilled his own seed with a very satisfied sigh.

     “That was wunnerful,” he grinned. “Real special! Gimme a few minutes an’ I’ll return the favour!”

     And so they spent a most enjoyable afternoon, mixing idle conversation and gentle recreation in equal amounts. It was with real regret that they eventually dressed themselves and prepared to meet the outside world in the form of Miss Primm.

     Taking the bull by the horns as it were, Lord Batchelor approached her nervously. When she was his nurse, many years ago, her word was law and it was a very brave person who challenged her. Even now, when in theory their roles had been reversed, he was still afraid of suggesting any changes to her established routine.

     “Miss Primm, Edward and I have a problem we would like your advice about.” he began.

     “I am all ears,” she said, wiping floury hands on her apron. “I’ll be as much assistance as I am able, I’m sure.”

     “Young Edward here finds himself financially embarrassed due to circumstances at home and would like to hear if you have any suggestions as to how he might resolve the problem and earn a few extra shillings each week.”

     “I comprehend,” she said, looking at the boy. “He has one job which takes up a lot of time and so another one with long hours isn’t visible.”

     “Correct. What we need is a job of work with only a few hours, just enough to produce a little extra income. I thought perhaps we might employ him to help yourself and the gardener with any heavy lifting and such.”

     “I don’t need any assistance,” she bridled, “But old George needs a bit of a hand now and again, what with his back and all. And if master Edward is here, he may as well help lift the sacks of flour and potatoes for me, they are rather cumbersome.”

     The fact that Miss Primm was at least ten years older than ‘old George’ seemed to have escaped her notice.

     “Good. So that is settled then. Will you tell George or shall I?”

     “I’ll tell him. He’s a stubborn old goat sometimes and needs telling properly. He won’t argue with me.” Turning to Edward, she said, “Make sure you’re clean and tidy and do as you’re told, and you and me will get on famously. I know you’re a good boy and I expect good things from you, just like his Lordship does.”

     “Thank you, Miss Primm, I am truly grateful and I am sure my old ma will be glad too.”

     Once again, Miss Primm’s ample bosom swelled with pride as she returned gaily to her work firm in the knowledge that yet again she had resolved another crisis.

     Over the next couple of weeks, Edward spent most of the daylight hours either at work or at Lord Batchelor’s house. There wasn’t a great deal to do in the kitchen or garden, and the tasks he was assigned were speedily done to everyone’s satisfaction. Satisfactory too was the relationship he was building up with Lord Batchelor, ‘Albert’ as he was called in private. His lessons were progressing well, and their companionship blossoming. They indulged themselves almost whenever they wished, although in practice they only used the bed perhaps every other day. Most of the time they were perfectly content to be in the same room together, sneaking the odd embrace and kiss when the mood took them, which seemed to be quiet often.

     The first test of their new-found relationship was when Lord Batchelor informed his household that he would be away for the forthcoming week-end, attending his nephew’s thirteenth birthday party. Miss Primm immediately set to and began to gather the ingredients for a special birthday cake, Edward took the news rather less well, although never showed it outwardly at first.

     They had retired to the bedroom the day before Albert was due to leave and were taking their ease when Albert sensed Edward had something on his mind, one clue being that Edward’s member had failed to attain its normal hardened state.

     “Tell me what’s troubling you,” he asked giving him a kiss.

     “Ain’t nothin’ serious,” Edward said. “Just that I’ll miss you.”

     “I know you well enough to know that there is more than that, but if you choose not to tell me, then than is your affair.”

     “I’s scared that that nephew of yours will entice you away from me,”he said quietly. “Him being better born and bred than me.”

     It was true that Albert had given this particular problem a great deal of thought over the past few days, knowing that this week-end would somehow bring things to a head. He idolised both boys, but in different ways. Charles was impetuous, rather wild and never dull company. His antics in the bedroom, and out of it sometimes, were exhilarating and exciting and showed an imagination Albert envied.

     Edward, on the other hand, was much more attentive and caring in the way he behaved, enjoying their simply being together as much as anything else. He was polite, well-mannered and exceedingly good company. In the bedroom, he could be innovative and just as exciting as Charles, but in a more relaxed way, ensuring that Albert had just as much fun as he.

     There was little to choose between them, Albert decided reluctantly and failed to come to any decision.

     Placing these thoughts to the back of his mind, he gazed at the young man sharing his bed and whispered, “Charles will do no such thing. We may indulge ourselves occasionally, as you well know, but he is after all, my nephew and our meetings are infrequent. You and I suit each other admirably, and to demonstrate how much I care for you, I have a birthday gift for you too, although I haven’t a notion when it is.”

     “There’s only one present I want from you,”Edward grinned, feeling much happier.

     Yet again, Albert was presented with a pair of raised legs and a sight which was impossible to ignore.

     Afterwards, Edward lay between Albert’s legs, his head on Albert’s shoulder making it easier to kiss him once in a while.

     “What will you do this week-end?” Albert asked conversationally. “Go about with your friends?”

     “Most of my mates will go boozin’ or out with the tarts from the docks. The booze gives me a headache and the tarts don’t bovver me,” he grinned. “I suppose I could go fishing with Jack if he ain’t workin’.”

     “How would you like to go to the theatre or music hall when I return?” Albert said. “Have you been before?”

     Edward’s face shone radiantly at this news and gave Albert a hug. “Can we? I’ve only been a couple o’times. We used to go up in the Gods when I was littler, Only cost a penny.”

     “The Gods?” Albert said, puzzled.

     “Right up in the roof of the theatre, where the man who works the limelights is. They sometimes let kids in for a penny each, but you gotta climb millions o’ stairs to get there,” he giggled. “And then the stage is so far away you can’t see nuffink.”

     “We’ll go downstairs, and right in front of the stage if you wish. You can see everything from there!”

     “There aren’t any nudes or anyfing, if that’s what yous thinking,” Edward said. “I likes the singin’ and comics.”

     “That’s just what I like,” Albert said.

     “That’d be a nice present for me birfday - birthday - , thank you.”

     “Oh, that isn’t a birthday gift. It’s what friends do once in a while.”

     That earned a slightly tearful embrace from Edward, together with a question. “If that ain’t me present, what you got me then?”

     “Miss Primm has a parcel for you which you may collect when you leave, and not before!”

     “That means I gotta give you another present, don’t it?” Edward laughed. “What would you like this time?”

     “Guess!” Albert grinned.

 

Chapter 4.

 

The birthday party was to be held on Sunday after Church and as he’d arrived early on Saturday morning, had an entire day free to entertain himself. He spent the first hour or so with his brother, conversing about the estate and similar matters. He was reluctant to raise any close family matters as he would have normally done, mainly because of the things Charles had told him. Significantly, neither did Lord Biggun except to say that his wife was ill a-bed with a headache and Charles hadn’t put in an appearance yet.

     Albert decided to take a horse and have a ride round the estate, just for the pleasure of being on horse-back again, and the exercise wouldn’t come amiss either.

     On his way to the stables, he came across Charles who had been out walking the dogs.

     “Hello, Uncle Albert,” he grinned, shaking his hand. “I’m pleased you have arrived.”

     He kissed Albert on the cheeks, and after a glance round to make sure no one was looking, gave him a hug and a quick kiss on the lips.

     “I’ll see you later, after luncheon,” he smiled as he broke the embrace.

     The groom who brought the gelding out to Lord Batchelor seemed familiar, he thought. As he looked at the man, it struck him:

     “Joseph!” he grinned. “I thought you’d retired years ago!”

     “Ain’t no point,” he said in his usual gruff manner. “Now the missus has gone, I ain’t got nothing else to do, so’s I comes up here and helps out where I can.”

     “Nice to see, you after all this time! Perhaps we can have a chat when I come back?”

     “I’d like that, sir.”

     Albert had a magnificent ride. It had been months since he’d had the opportunity to be in the country-side on a horse and he took full advantage of it, exploring places he knew as a child and seeing how well the estate appeared to be doing. He recognised several of the labourers and gave them a cheerful wave as he passed by, happy to be back home again.

     When he returned, Joseph was sat smoking his pipe by the stable doors, looking as morose as ever.

     He walked over to Albert, took the horse from him and walked him into the stable, Albert following along, expressing his compliments on how well the horse was groomed.

     “Aye, it’s a fine beast allright,” was all he said.

     There was something about the man’s manner that prompted Albert to wait until the horse had been unsaddled and handed over to a stable boy for rubbing down.

     “What is it, Joseph? You want to say something?”

     “Aye, my Lord, I do. But it ain’t really my place and it’s a bit sorta delicate.”

     The pair took a stroll into the vegetable garden, the only place sure to be deserted at this time of day.

     “It’s about young Master Charles,” Joseph said when they were alone.

     “Go on,” Albert replied, concern showing on his face.

     “I don’t know as to how to say this, Lord Albert, but he has gained a certain reputation which isn’t altogether wholesome if you gets my drift.”

     “How do you mean?”

     “Well, if I may be open with you sir, people thinks he has been doing things which aren’t right and proper with some of the boys on the estate and in the village.”

     “Are my brother or his mother aware of this? Have you mentioned it to them?”

     “Oh, no sir. Lord Arthur isn’t the sort of man you can talk to regarding certain things, and I wouldn’t soil his mother’s ears with such delicate matters.”

     “I see. May I ask one question to clarify my mind, and then we will consider the matter closed if you wish.”

     Joseph nodded, staring into the distance.

     “Is it to do with things below the waist?”

     “Aye,” Joseph said simply.

     Deciding to enlarge, he went on, “Boys will be boys and we knows they do things which ain’t proper, strictly speaking, but mostly they grows out of it and no harms done. But Master Charles has been making the lads do things which ain’t natural.”

     “Thank you, Joseph. It must have been difficult for you to inform me of this, and you can rest assured that I will deal with the matter. And your name won’t be mentioned.”

     “Thank you, sir. I regret having to burden you with such a thing, but Master Charles is growing into a fine young man, and I wouldn’t wish him to do himself any harm so early in life. People round here have long memories.”

     Lord Batchelor wasn’t in the least surprised at Joseph’s information; in a way he’d half-expected it from what Charles has said. He regretted that his behaviour was becoming common gossip certainly, but it appears that no permanent harm had been done to his reputation so far. Perhaps a word in his ear would suffice, after all the lad was not unintelligent.

     There were upwards of a dozen people for the informal luncheon party, most of whom Albert knew and so a very jolly time was had. His brother was on good form and regaled the party with several fascinating anecdotes, all of which were decorous and well-received. Glancing round the table, Albert caught Charles’ eye and they smiled at each other, a secretive ‘we know something they don’t’ sort of smile. Despite the surroundings, Albert felt a stirring in his trousers as they raised their glasses to each other. Moving onwards, Albert next looked at his sister-in-law, sat next to her son. Albert thought she was finding the party rather stressful and had the distinct impression that she would rather be elsewhere, and the reason why soon became apparent as her eyes kept flickering across to a pretty young maid standing against the wall, waiting to serve the next course.

     That she considered herself a cut above the other maids was obvious by her whole demeanour and Albert correctly assumed she was the one who had displaced Charles’ mother from her rightful place in the bedchamber.

     The meal was drawing to a close when Charles turned to his father and asked if he would mind if he took Uncle Albert to his room to explain a difficult Latin text to him. With hardly a pause in his conversation, Lord Biggun agreed that it was an excellent idea, and then turned his back on the lad, dismissing him from his mind.

     Once in Charles' room, they relaxed and embraced, kissing one another fervently and with a passion emboldened by their lengthy separation. Charles, however, made no move to undress himself as he always did when the prospect of some exercise was in view.

     Albert looked at the boy, the unspoken question hanging between them.

     “The house is full of guests,” Charles whispered as if they were all gathered outside his door, listening. “I am afraid that we will be discovered.”

     “Is there nowhere else, then?” Albert asked, frustrated.

     “I can’t think of anywhere,” he said, “All the other bedrooms are occupied by house guests.”

     Thinking desperately, Albert had an idea.. “What about the nursery? Surely that isn’t in use these days?”

     Charles’ face lit up and a broad grin spread over it. “Perfect,” he giggled. “I’d forgotten about that, no one ever goes there these days. We can be quite alone and safe up there.”

     The nursery had changed very little since Albert and Alfred had used it when they were younger: the twin beds were there, side by side as they always were, and across the room the larger bed for the Nurse, in their case Miss Primm. Albert smiled as he remembered the pleasurable fumblings which he and his brother indulged in, first exploring their burgeoning sexuality when they were about eight years old or so. In fact, he recollected suddenly, it was in one of these beds that Alfred first displayed his ability to produce seed, proudly demonstrating the talent on several occasions to his younger brother. By that time, he would have been about the same age that Charles is now, and now Albert was about to do something rather similar with his son.

     Once undressed, they embraced and kissed in the middle of the room. Charles sensed immediately that his uncle was unusually aroused, his penis already leaking the precious fluid onto his navel as they hugged. Smiling to himself, Charles put Albert’s excitement down to their location, and the also the effect he was having on him. Taking advantage of the situation, without any further ado Charles pressed his uncle down onto the nearest bed and hurriedly licked the moist member clean before slipping it between his lips.

     Lord Batchelor was approaching his orgasm much too quickly, and begged Charles to cease for a while, who happily moved his head up to Albert’s and kissed him deeply and adoringly.

     “Birthday.” Gasped Albert. “What would you like us to do to celebrate it whilst we have the opportunity?”

     “I thought you’d never ask,” laughed Charles, his face glowing with excitement.

     “First I would like to have you on your back. And then you can do it to me. That will be a fine gift for us both!”

     The combination of Albert’s fond memories of the room and Charles’ evident frustration at having been without such exercise for so long ensured that the next hour was filled with a serious pleasuring of each other in every way they could think of. Should anyone have the misfortune to be anywhere within earshot, they would have been left in absolutely no doubt as to what activities were taking place behind the close door.

     Silence eventually descended within the room though, as Charles and Albert, thoroughly exhausted, curled up together on the bed and recuperated from their passions.

     “You were magnificent, as always!” Albert whispered in Charles’ ear.

     “You always excite me greatly,” Charles answered. “And I’ve missed you so much.”

     “You have been doing nothing at all, then? Not even with Symes?”

     “Just a little,” Charles said. “When I am in desperate need. But he seems more and more reluctant to indulge recently.”

     “There is no one else to turn to, then?”

     “I have taken some pleasure with Jacob. He is a little younger than myself; the son of the blacksmith. He seems quite amenable.”

     There is the connection, Albert thought. The blacksmith was Joseph’s son, and hence Jacob was his grandson. No wonder he was concerned about Charles’ proclivities.

     “I would take very great care with the local boys,” Albert said, stroking Charles’ soft hair. “They are unable to keep secrets as well as we are, and they may well reveal something, even by accident.”

     “So you think I should avoid them? Stop doing things with them?”

     “That might be wise, until you find one who is trustworthy. I am sure there must be one such somewhere nearby for you.”

     “I will try, Uncle Albert, but you know how difficult it is to restrain oneself when the mood is upon you.”

     “I do, but you must take heed of what I say and try.”

     “I will, I promise. But for now, I have you and we have half an hour to spare .....”

     Albert slept alone that night, rather to his relief as the exertions of the afternoon had been more tiring than usual. It would have been difficult for he and Charles to meet anyway as the boy was sharing his room with the sixteen-year-old son of a distant relative and questions would certainly be asked if Charles was found to be missing from his bed. Lord Batchelor smiled to himself, pitying the visitor if Charles had made his mind up to seduce him.

     The birthday party seemed to start at breakfast time the following day and was planned to go on all day from what Albert could understand. There were far too many people around for Albert’s taste: he much preferred a quieter, less frenzied life style and the mass of people and accompanying noise began to play on his nerves. Searching for somewhere more restful, he chanced upon the games room which was out of bounds to the guests. Mixing himself a whisky and soda water, he eased himself into a Chesterfield and watched the activities taking place on the lawn through the French windows.

     Hearing the door open, Albert turned round, irritated at being disturbed. Fortunately, it was his brother, also seeking some tranquillity.

     “I fear I must take leave of you after luncheon,” Albert said. “I have an early appointment on the morrow and must be about early.” Strictly speaking, this wasn’t true but Albert had had enough of the gathering and wished devoutly to be back at home as soon as possible. It would be impossible to have another tryst with Charles anyway.

     “I have taken the liberty of presenting Charles with a silver casket for his birthday,” Albert said to his brother. “The family crest has been engraved upon it, suitably modified for when Charles inherits the title. A little premature, but I thought it appropriate.”

     “Indeed!” Arthur laughed, “But it is well thought of and I am sure he will appreciate it.”

     “Talking of Charles,” Albert went on. “I fear a little closer supervision of his activities may be required if the rumour I have heard is true.”

     “Oh?” said Arthur, taking a sip of his whisky.

     “I understand he may have been making something of a nuisance of himself with one of the local boys, if you understand what I mean.”

     “I see,” Arthur said. “Can you tell me more?”

     Albert knew he’d raised a very delicate topic with his brother, given the problems he’d had at his boarding school and also with one or two local boys.

     “Not really. I just overheard something in the stable yard yesterday which concerned me, and knowing Charles as we both do, it may not be groundless.”

     “Thank you very much,” Arthur said. “I would be most displeased of the family name became tarnished by youthful exuberances.” Laughing slightly, he raised a glass to his brother and said, “I think we both understand how easily that can occur. A chip of the old block, is he?”

     “Precisely,” Albert agreed.

     “I will confine him to the house and grounds for a while and find him some useful occupation to fill his time. That should cool his ardour, I think.”

     “Good,” Albert smiled. “And now, if you will excuse me, I must make preparations to leave. Will you be coming up to town in the near future?”

     “I plan to be at my club in two weeks time for a few days. I trust Charles will be welcome to stay under your roof? I have engaged the services of a new messenger and may need to spend some time with him.”

     It was evident that Lord Biggun saw no connection at all between his liaisons with messenger boys, and Charles’ behaviour, but instead of commenting, Albert simply said, “Of course. He will be most welcome.”

 

Chapter 5.

 

After the tiring week-end, Albert was grateful for Edward’s placid, more reserved nature and relaxed completely with him. They still spent a great deal of time in the bedroom comforting each other but the activities they engaged in were pleasurable diversions and not in the slightest degree strenuous.

     Albert had been back in his home for ten days only when a letter was delivered, one marked with the family crest which could only mean it was from Arthur. Opening it hurriedly, he was disappointed not to find a note from Charles, and so read the lengthy one from Arthur with more care than usual.

     Charles, apparently had not taken heed of his uncle’s warning. In his usual, rather blunt style of writing, Arthur informed his brother that one of the local boys parents had discovered signs of blood on their son’s undergarments and under close questioning had revealed that Charles was the cause. ‘I have confined Charles to the house pro tem, until a solution has been arrived at’, Arthur wrote.

     Albert sighed deeply, shocked at the news, disappointed in Charles, feeling sorry for the abused boy, and even feeling sorry for his brother. The last paragraph of the letter however made him sit up.

     ‘I am asking you, dearest brother,’ the letter concluded, ‘If you are in a position to take Charles to live with you for a time until the commotion has died down.’

     Albert’s heart missed a beat as he thought about he and Charles living together and what a delightful prospect it was. Moving across to the writing desk, he got as far as putting pen to paper when he paused. This was the moment he had been dreading for weeks: he was being forced into making a decision he had put off for far too long. Surprising even himself, the choice was easily made, and with a flourish, picked the pen up and commenced to write:

     My Dearest Brother,

     I am truly sorry to hear of Charles’ misdemeanours: I did warn the boy of his behaviours, but I assume his emotions got the better of him and led him down a path which would have been best avoided. Both you and I know he can be a very passionate young man, and once determined on an action will see it through heedless of the consequences.

     To have him live in my household would delight both myself and Miss Primm. He is happy here and causes no problems at all. However, I feel that if he were exposed to the temptations that life in a big city offers, no matter how closely he is supervised, he will find a way to take advantage of them. You and I are both aware of the ease with which boys of a certain disposition may be led astray and I don’t think Charles would be averse to it. It is with deep regret therefore, and after long consideration I feel that his presence here would do more harm than good to the child.

     May I suggest that he is sent to a boarding school for a while, until he learns to control his urges? I believe the one you and I attended is still functioning and would suit our needs admirably. At the risk of stirring up old memories, as we both know the school will tolerate certain activities if kept within bounds, but will also chastise those who transgress the code. It may come hard to my nephew, but I feel the regime will do him good and establish a mode of conduct more becoming in him.

     I look forward to seeing you in the not too distant future,

     Yours etc.

     Albert re-read the letter several times, each time becoming more convinced that he was doing the best thing for Charles and bitterly regretting having to recommend it.

     There was only one more task he had to perform to ensure his style of life changed to a more stable, acceptable one.

     Searching Miss Primm out, he sat her down at the kitchen table and explained that young Charles would no longer be visiting on such a regular basis as he was being sent away to boarding school.

     “The best place for him,” she smiled. “He is a clever young man and needs proper edification in a place with other boys of similar backgrounds.”

     Miss Primm looked at her master, concern showing on her face.

     “And what of yourself? You will miss him sorely if I am not mistaken.”

     “I will, Primm. I will. But I have decided on another course of action which may hopefully satisfy me, but may displease your good self.”

     “And what may that be?” she asked, lips pressed firmly together.

     “I intend to ask Edward if he will become my ward, and live in the house with me as a member of my family.”

     For the first time in his memory, Miss Primm burst into laughter and stared at Albert, tears running down her cheeks.

     “Why bless me sir, it’s taken you long enough to make your mind up. I think it’s an excellent notion and I welcome it. I thought for a moment you were going to close the house down and live on the estate. Or become a schoolmaster.”

     “You mean, you mean ...” Lord Batchelor was speechless.

     “I raised you and your brother from babies, remember, and there is precious little I don’t know about the pair of you. I think it was a mistake for Lord Biggun to marry in the first place, but he has produced a fine son and heir, thanks be to God, even though he seems to have inherited a family tray.”

     Taking a pause to wipe away the tears, she went on, “You never married, which was the right choice, but you still need companionship and I think Edward will be ideal. He will be the son you never had. And the activities you get up to when you are alone are no concern of mine.”

     “But you knew?” Albert blushed. “And never said anything?”

     “What’s to say? You kept your private things to yourself and were the soul of discretionary always. My only wish is that the house will become a family home and you will let an old lady get on with her work unmolested.”

 

Chapter 6.

 

It took Albert several hours to overcome the shock, hours spent not only thinking how much his life had changed in just a few short hours, but also at the amazing Miss Primm who had shown herself to be a most devoted servant, a friend almost, with an understanding of the frailties of human nature far beyond his.

     He was still not quite himself when the familiar ring on the front door bell informed him that Edward had arrived. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and led Edward straight into the library much to his surprise and consternation.

     “Before we commence our ‘lesson’, Albert started, “I have something to tell you which may cause you to leave my house straightaway, or remain. The choice will be yours.”

     Edward was taken aback at hearing this, and Albert watched his face change from surprise to shock and then puzzlement.

     “Wha, wha .. is it milord. ‘As I done sommat wrong? What you gonna say?”

     Edward was twisting his cap in his hand, tears only a breath away.

     “Listen carefully to what I have to say. And then say nothing until you have thought about it: take your time and consider all aspects of my offer before you decide.”

     Biting his lip in apprehension, Edward nodded.

     “I have decided that I would like you to come here and live as a member of my family. To make you my ward.”

     “To live ‘ere, wiv you in this great ‘ouse? For ever? Why?”

     “I think you know why, Edward. And it would be for ever as far as I am concerned, that’s why I would like you to become my ward.”

     “A ward? Wot’s a ‘ward’? The only wards I ever ‘eard of works in jails and madhouses and such. An’ I ain’t gonna be one o’ those.”

     “They’re wardens, not wards,” Albert laughed. “If you become my ward, it means that I am responsible for you. For your education, clothing, feeding and such like.”

     “Like you was my father then?”

     “Sort of, but I can’t adopt you properly because I don’t have a wife. Making you my ward is the next best thing; it means we are tied together until you come of age.”

     “What, 21? You means you will ‘ave me until I’s twenny-one?”

     “Yes, and longer if that is what you wish. Now if you have no more questions, I will wait until you have made your mind up.”

     “I ain’t gotta fink - think - Guv. If yous means wot I thinks you means, then I’ll do it gladly.”

     Then he paused as a thought struck him. “It don’t mean we gotta stop doin’ stuff do it? ‘Cause if’n it does then I ain’t interested.”

     “No, it doesn’t. But you will have a room of your own of course.”

     Screwing his eyes up, Edward looked at Albert strangely, then said quietly, “Yous serious aint’cha? You ain’t takin’ the piss - err - makin’ fun o’ me are you?”

     “Come here a moment,” Albert said.

     Edward approached Albert nervously. Taking the boy in his arms, he kissed him deeply and ran his hands through his hair.

     “Now are you convinced?” he said hoarsely.

     Edward nodded, unsmiling, and returned the kiss. “Now can we go upstairs?” he whispered. “I got a lot to fink about and you knows where I finks best.”

     Laying comfortably in the bed, wrapped up in each other’s arms, Albert could almost see the wheels turning in Edward’s mind.

     “D’ya know something,” Edward mused. “This room’s bigger’n my whole house. I’ll get lost in this ‘un sure as eggs is eggs!”

     “Talking of houses,” Albert said. “What about your mother? Will she agree to your coming to live here? After all, she will be losing a very caring son.”

     “She’ll agree OK,” Edward said. “She’s been ‘inting for ages that I aughta find a berth for meself somewhere else. There’s a new man in ‘er life and I gets in the way a bit I think!”

     Within a week everything was settled to the satisfaction of all concerned and Edward had moved in to his new home. The room he was given was rarely used, the pair still electing to share their bed and bodies whenever the fancy took them. Miss Primm too, was perfectly content, now having another young man in her household to take care of and cherish, much as she had done for Lords Albert and Arthur not so many years ago.

 

Chapter 7.

 

Once Edward had moved in with Lord Batchelor, life soon settled down into a routine of domestic harmony. They had their trials and tribulations of course, but nothing to upset their idyllic contentment for any length of time.

     After Lord Batchelor, the most important person in young Edward’s life was Miss Primm, the inestimable Housekeeper and the only other occupant of their home in Belgrave Square. He wasn’t present at the extraordinary conversation Albert had had with her when the subject of Edward’s becoming Lord Batchelor’s ward had taken place and was thus extremely nervous of her when he first arrived at his new home.

     In a matter of just a few hours, Edward’s life had changed completely, far more even than he’d imagined it would. For one thing he now had a room of his very own, one which was almost as large as the whole of the hovel which he had shared with his mother and various ‘uncles’.

     “I ain’t never seen anyfink so grand,” he whispered as he stared around the freshly cleaned and aired room. “An’ there ain’t no one else gonna be in ‘ere?” he quizzed.

     “No, it’s all yours,” Albert smiled, placing an arm across Edward’s shoulder and drawing him closer.

     Then a thought struck him. “But I ain’t gotta use it all the time ‘as I?” he said, turning his face towards Albert, the implication being left hanging in the air.

     “Not if you don’t want. Let us say that this is your refuge. Your place of sanctity.”

     “But I don’t want no sant ... , sancti... whatever it was you said,” Edward snuffled. “I wanna be wiv - with - you like we always ‘as been.”

     Edward was trying his best to emulate Lord Batchelor’s way of speaking and for the most part managed quite well, but he was inclined to revert to his native Cockney under stress.

     “And so you shall. But think how it would appear if we had guests and they discovered you hadn’t got a room and bed of your own.”

     “Oh, yeah. They’ll fink summat’s goin’ on,” he grinned as he slipped an arm round Albert’s waist and kissed him, delicately at first and then more passionately as his emotions took over.

     They were headed for Lord Batchelor’s own bedroom to let nature take its course when they were interrupted by Miss Primm bustling down the corridor. Blushing bright crimson, Edward released Albert from his grip and stared at the carpet, acutely embarrassed.

     “I’ve placed Master Edward’s clothes, such as they are, in his room my Lord,” she said, sniffing her disapproval of the apparel. “They’re still in their bag. I wasn’t sure if you wanted them putting away or disposing of.”

     “Right, Miss Primm. I must admit that the matter of Edward’s clothing hadn’t crossed my mind. I suppose we must outfit him with more suitable attire You may discard his old attire.”

     This raised a relieved smile from her and a look at the still discomfited Edward.

     “Lord Edward will ensure you are appropriately taken care of in all the ways he can,” she said to him. “And that means new investments to start with.”

     “Vestments. Clothes.” whispered Albert to his puzzled ward.

     “And perhaps we may return his uniform to the Telegraph Office too being as he won’t have any more use of it.”

     “But what am I goin’ to wear?” he said. “I ain’t got nuffin else ‘cept rags ‘n tatters. And I needs it for work anyway.”

     “Work? Why bless me, you aren’t going to work no more.” Miss Primm said. “You are Lord Albert’s ward now and none of his family work. From now on, he will take care of all your needs and desires, I am sure.”

     It was with great delight that Edward returned his uniform to the Telegraph Office, and was wished luck for the future by his fellows, mixed with a deal of envy of course. It was Albert’s intention to go from there to his tailors and have Edward fitted out with more suitable clothing, but a second glance at the lad told him that the clothes he was now wearing were too shabby even for a visit to his Saville Row tailors. Turning into a side-street, he soon located a small clothes shop from where he purchased a ready-made suit and a shirt which more or less fitted him.

     “Now we will return home for a while,” Albert said, “for you to change into these temporary clothes and then we will pay a visit to my tailors.”

     Edward had ceased being surprised at what was happening to him, being quite content to do as he was asked, and not ask questions. He failed completely to understand why, having just got one suit, the first he’d ever had, he was being taken to another establishment for another.

     “I wish to outfit my nephew, just up from the country,” Lord Batchelor said to the obsequious assistant in the outfitters. “All he has with him are clothes more suitable for the field rather than the town.”

     “Quite so,” the young man said, eyes glistening at the thought of the money about to flow through his master’s business. “Let him be measured whilst you and I discuss what he requires.”

     The nervous Edward was taken off to the fitting room by the senior assistant whilst Lord Batchelor began to list what he required. Within a few minutes, there was a strangled yelp from the fitting room, which Albert recognised instantly. Upon entering the room he saw a red-faced Edward standing on a box, with his hands clasped to his groin.

     “What’s the problem?” Batchelor enquired.

     “The young master is reluctant to have me measure him for the outfits,” the tailor said. “I asked him to remove his outer garments so I could record his size.”

     “I see,” Albert said, grinning to himself. “Let me have a few words with him and ascertain what the difficulty is.”

     “All he wants to do is take some measurements,” Albert explained. “He can’t do it accurately over these rough clothes, and you are perfectly safe, I assure you!”

     Still blushing, Edward leaned up to Albert and whispered in his ear, “I ain’t got no drawers on. You never told me I was gonna get undressed in front of a stranger!”

     Only just managing to stifle a laugh, Albert called the tailor back and informed him that there was some confusion as to what the boy required in the way of clothes, and for the time being they would simply purchase some essentials: shirts, hosiery, undergarments, neckties and so on.

     “By the time they are delivered,” Albert said, “We will have decided more precisely upon what we require and perhaps the measurements may be taken then, at my home?”

     “But of course,” the man agreed. “Shall we say five o’clock?”

     “Perfect,” Albert smiled and led the boy out of the establishment, much to his relief.

     “That weren’t fair,” Edward giggled as they walked homewards. “You coulda told me what was gonna ‘appen in there.”

     “I’m sorry, it simply never occurred to me. But you should always wear undergarments in any case.”

     “I does mostly, but I only got two pair and they’s in the bag wiv me other stuff which Miss Primm got. An’ they ain’t too respectable either.”

     “Very well,” Albert smiled. “But we must be better prepared when the tailor arrives this afternoon!”

     “An’ what we going to do ‘til then?” Edward asked with a wicked glint.

     “I have no idea. Perhaps you can suggest something to occupy the time?” Albert said with a shine in his eye as he opened their front door.

     Once they’d confirmed that Miss Primm had retired for the afternoon, the couple hugged and kissed lightly in the hallway, smiling happily at one another.

     “So? What do you suggest we do to occupy ourselves?” Albert asked, stroking Edward’s hair.

     “Can we sort of christen my room?” Edward giggled.

 

Chapter 8.

 

Although they had undressed together many times, it was somehow different this time and both sensed it as they slowly divested themselves, avoiding direct eye contact until they climbed into Edward’s single bed.

     The bed was a great deal smaller than Lord Batchelor’s of course, it being intended for use by one person only, but amid fits of giggles and with a certain amount of ingenuity they eventually manage to make themselves comfortable with Edward wrapped around Albert’s welcoming body. He sighed deeply as he snuggled up to Lord Batchelor and rested his head on his shoulder.

     As was their custom, nothing was said for a good few minutes as they savoured the warmth and intimate contact they shared. Wriggling around a little, Edward turned his face upwards and kissed his guardian lightly on the lips.

     “I loves bein’ like this,” he whispered. “Jus’ you ‘n me. Thanks.”

     “For what?” Albert replied, returning the kiss.

     “Ev’ry fink. Everything.” he grinned.

     “It’s a pleasure. You deserve it.”

     They chatted easily for some time, their hardened members being ignored except for an occasional fondle to confirm their presence. It was when their conversation ebbed that Edward, eyes sparkling with anticipation and desire, nibbled on Albert’s ear and whispered, “Well? We gonna do it then?”

     “What?” Albert answered, feigning ignorance.

     “Christen me - my - bed! I can’t wait any longer, you’re drivin’ me mad.”

     “What do wish to do?”

     “Everything! But first ....”

     The narrow bed limited their actions somewhat but with a little patience they managed to absorb each other’s tumescence in their mouths, much to their mutual delight. They were in no hurry to complete the pleasant exercise and spent as much time caressing and fondling each other as they did anything else, but long before Edward wished it, he found himself convulsing and depositing his seed into Albert’s waiting throat. With a low growl he spasmed half a dozen times before he fell on top of Lord Batchelor, breathing deeply and grinning broadly.

     “No matter how hard I try, I just can’t stop meself from firing off when you does that,” Edward sighed.

     “No matter,” Albert replied. “That was just what I needed from you and we can always try again a little later. We have all the time in the world now that you have no need to leave the house.”

     “But what about Miss Primm?” Edward said quietly. “I’d quite forgot about her. We gotta move soon or she’ll find out about what we gets up to.”

     “I wouldn’t worry yourself about that too much,” Lord Batchelor smiled. “I believe she already understands that she mustn’t disturb us in the afternoons.”

     “D’you mean that she knows about us?” Edward said, aghast at the thought.

     “She assumes we are rather well acquainted, but there are some things she would rather not have confirmed,” Albert laughed. “ I may tell you though that she is content with things as they are.”

     “She knows? She knows wot we does an’ all?”

     “I doubt very much that she knows the details,” he grinned. “But she is aware that we share the same bed.”

     “Me muvver would skin me alive if she had even half an idea wot you and me gets up to,” Edward giggled, “that’s after she’d cut your bits off o’ course!”

     “In that case, let us think of better things. I see that I am still aroused, can you think of something to do with it?”

     “If’n I puts me mind to it, I daresay I could,” Edward said, leaning up to kiss Albert. “Is you ready?”

     “I’s ready!” Albert laughed. “Will you need the petroleum jelly?”

     “No, not any more. I enjoy it better wivout.”

     So saying, Edward changed places with Albert so that he was on his back, legs raised and eyes locked on Lord Batchelor, pleading for the one thing on Earth he wanted from him just at that moment.

     Albert did indeed find entering his ward somewhat easier than he thought and in one smooth move found himself buried to the hilt. With a grunt of satisfaction, he gently began to work his full length in and out, watching Edward’s handsome face contort with bliss at every move he made. Even though Lord Batchelor and Edward had coupled many times, it was still an astounding experience for them, almost as if it were the first, memorable occasion. They had learned how to please each other intimately and so gain the absolute maximum amount of pleasure from the act, taking immense delight in knowing that each was as ecstatic as the other. Slowly at first, sensing the physical presence of one another, then a little faster as they acclimatised and built up a steady rhythm. Lastly, when Edward started to flex his cheeks together, the signal was given for Albert to exert his maximum effort and bring them both to a superb, enervating climax.

     And so it was this time, with Edward taking little trouble to muffle his voice as he orgasmed painfully for the second time within the hour. Quelling the noise with a kiss, Albert embraced the boy tightly, his heart still racing with love and deep passion.

     The were about to drop into a much needed nap when Albert happened to glance at the mantel clock and noted the time. With a start, he realised the tailor was due in half an hour: something he’d completely forgotten about thanks to Edward.

     “Hurry,” Albert said. “We must stir ourselves and prepare to meet the tailor for your measuring.”

     Mannering, the Master Tailor was shown into the Library where Lord Batchelor and his ward were trying their best to look as calm and collected as possible, despite having arrived there just five breathless minutes before.

     “If the young master would like to remove his outer garments,” Mannering said quietly. “I will commence taking the measurements.”

     Glancing at his ward, Albert was relieved to see him nod slightly in return, hopefully confirming that he’d remembered to put his drawers on this time.

     Under instructions, Edward allowed himself to be pushed and prodded about as the man measured every possibly aspect of him, all the while making careful notes in his little book. The man’s professional interest in his body didn’t cause Edward any distress whatsoever this time, until that is, he felt his hands around his posterior. Blushing slightly, he gazed fixedly at a gas mantle until he’d finished. Then, very much to his surprise, Mr Mannering moved round to the front and without warning pressed a hand tight into Edward’s groin, pushing his testicles to one side as he did so. With an audible gasp, Edward reflexively bent backwards to remove himself from the intrusion.

     “I shan’t be a moment longer, young sir,” Mannering said flatly. “If you would be so kind.”

     Nervously, Edward stood up as straight as he could, eyes glazed and bottom lip gripped firmly between his teeth. Mannering replaced his hand and noted the inside leg measurement. Then, as if to add insult to injury, did no more than repeat the movement on the other side!

     The only other hand that had touched him so intimately recently, apart from his own, was Lord Batchelor’s. And Albert’s hand always caused a certain reaction in his nether regions, which would have been welcomed. Despite his mind trying desperately to ignore the intimate contact of the stranger’s hand, his member decided otherwise and began to rise in anticipation. With a desperate ‘help me!’ stare at Albert, Edward froze.

     “Thank you, sir. That will be all,” Mannering said, but Edward never heard a word.

     It wasn’t until he saw Mr Mannering talking with his guardian that he realised he’d finished his measuring, and gratefully re-dressed himself hurriedly.

 

Chapter 9.

 

Edward survived his encounter with the tailor, thanks largely to Lord Batchelor’s help. The reward was the delivery a week later of a complete wardrobe of clothes which Edward stared at in disbelief as box after box was emptied and the contents safely place in the numerous cupboards and drawers in his room. The intervening week wasn’t wasted as, at Edward’s insistence, his lessons continued unabated. At the end of the week, he had managed to overcome his tendency to slip into his native dialect by and large and had also learned a good many new words. The only time he dropped into the more familiar cockney was when he was under stress, and as that was always in the bedroom, no one minded, least of all Albert, Lord Batchelor.

     They were lying in bed one morning, comfortably embracing and allowing themselves to greet the new day as slowly as possible when Albert turned to Edward and asked that he take particular care with his dress that day as they were going out.

     “Where?” Edward said, eyes sparkling.

     “Nowhere special, just for a stroll around town. I feel it’s about time you met some of my acquaintances, and they met you. Much as I might prefer it, I can’t keep you hidden away all to myself!”

     The prospect of meeting Albert’s friends, whilst exciting, created a feeling of nervousness in Edward’s stomach.

     “Are you sure you want to introduce me to your friends?” Edward said. “I’m afraid I may disappoint you in front of them.”

     “Nonsense!” Albert replied. “You are a fine young man anyone would be proud to meet. In any case, I want to make them feel a little envious.”

     “But who shall we tell them that I am? I can’t just appear like magic from nowhere.”

     “I’ve considered that. You are still Edward Welcome, I can’t see any reason to change that. But you are now also a distant relative of mine, who, for reasons too painful to describe, now find yourself my ward. Your previous home was, shall we say, a village not too far removed from Brighton.”

     For the next month, Edward was slowly introduced to Lord Batchelor’s friends and acquaintances, none of whom took exception to the polite young man; indeed most of them were relieved that Albert had at long last found someone to share his life with. There was never even the slightest hint that any impropriety may be occurring between the two, such care had Albert taken over the years to distance himself from any sort of discussion on ‘those subjects’ that most people just assumed that he had little or no interest in sex. The fact that he had undertaken the care of a distressed young relative more than outweighed any doubts and also sat well with his friends.

     One of their regular haunts was Lord Batchelor’s club, ‘The Misogynists’. Although Edward was much too young to become a member, he was allowed to dine in the restaurant with his guardian and even use the library on occasion. It was within the confines of the club that Lord Batchelor learned a surprising thing or two from Edward. The first thing, which Albert should have known, was that Edward knew quite a few of the members as in his past life he used to deliver their telegrams for them. Such was the change in Edward’s demeanour though that no one recognised him, if in fact they’d even looked at him twice in those days. The second thing which did surprise Albert was that several of the members were users of the Telegram Boys for purposes other than as messengers, in much the same way that his brother, the Lord Biggun did.

     “Not that I ever visited them,” Edward was at pains to point out. “I left them to the likes of my friend Jack and his mates.”

     One of the club members that Edward hadn’t met so far was David Melrose, the foppish young man who had advised Lord Batchelor that visits to the Turkish baths may be rewarding for anyone seeking ‘relief’. This was put right though later that week when Albert was settling his monthly account with the Club Secretary and Edward was stood by his side, watching the comings and goings. Quite suddenly he stiffened and grasped Lord Batchelor’s arm in panic. Turning to look at his ward, Albert saw a look of panic cross his face as he stared at David Melrose walking into the club.

     “What’s the matter?” Albert asked, taking Edward to one side. “What has frightened you so?”

     “That man, the one just come in, I knows ‘im.”

     “Oh?” Lord Batchelor enquired. “Where from?”

     “Not in here,” Edward whispered. “Can we go elsewhere?”

     A few minutes later they were seated on the embankment, with Edward somewhat calmer now that he was away from the club.

     “Like I told you afore,” Edward started, “I use to go wiv other gents sometimes, before I met your bruvver. But I stopped when one of ‘em ‘urt me. An’ that was the man.”

     “What? How?” Albert said, deeply concerned that anyone would, or could, cause pain to such a pleasant and attractive young man as Edward.

     “I used to meet him at Lord Biggun’s club, you know, the Ganymede. Fings were OK at first, just a bit o’ messin’ about sort of stuff, but then he started to want to do different fings, games sort of, ‘e said.”

     “Such as what?” Lord Batchelor enquired, intrigued.

     Edward blushed and look down at his feet, hands nervously wringing together.

     “I’m not sure as I can tell you. It don’t feel right tellin’ you such stuff, you bein’ so good to me an’ all. You might not like me any more if’n I tells you.”

     “There’s nothing you can’t tell me,” Albert said. “I know that you wouldn’t do anything unacceptable unless you were coerced.”

     “Coerced?” Edward echoed.

     “Made to,” Albert explained.

     “Oh. He did that right enough. At first he got me to smack him, you know, on his arse. That got him real excited an’ he wanted to do it to me. I wouldn’t ‘ave it at first but then ‘e said he’d give me a bit more dosh and so I let ‘im. That weren’t too bad, but one day .......”

     Edward stopped talking for a minute or two as he recollected what was obviously a painful memory.

     “... one day he wanted to tie me up to the bed ‘for a bit o’ fun’ so’s I let ‘im. But then ‘e says ‘e wants to bugger me. I ain’t ever let anyone do that afore and I keeps sayin’ no, but he didn’t listen and ‘e stuck ‘is thing in me real hard an’ ‘as ‘is way wiv me. It ‘urt real bad.”

     “Then what?” Lord Batchelor said, appalled at the thought.

     “When ‘ed done, ‘e untied me, told me to get dressed and throws a gold guinea at me an’ tells me to get out. I never went back to ‘im after that, but some of me mates did an’ ‘e did the same to them.”

     “I am truly sorry for you,” Albert said. “It must have pained you a great deal.”

     “Yeah. But I told your bruvver what he was doin’ to me an’ me mates and ‘e had to leave the club.”

     Albert wanted to hold Edward in a much-needed comforting embrace, but was unable to: instead he consoled him with words as much as he could.

     “Never mind anymore, it’s all over now,” Albert ended, “It won’t ever happen again.”

     “Not to me,” Edward sighed, clasping Albert’s hand tightly, “But it’s ‘appening to boys ‘e picks up in the Haymarket and round Piccadilly. I knows ‘cause me mates tell me. An’ I’ll still see ‘im in your club.”

     The somewhat subdued pair walked home quietly, each full of their own thoughts; Edward regretting having revealed a sordid piece of his past he’d much rather forget, and Albert resolving to stop the man from wreaking further harm in any way he could.

 

Chapter 10.

 

Albert and Edward were laying in bed together later that same afternoon when Lord Batchelor, sensing that all wasn’t quite right with his ward, turned to him and asked what was troubling him.

     “I don’t know,” he answered pensively. “I can’t help thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you, safe and comfortable when some of me friends are bein’ treated badly by the likes of Mr Melrose. It don’t seem right somehow.”

     The same thoughts had been playing on Albert’s mind too, but he had more or less decided to ignore the problem as being too delicate and difficult to solve. The comments from Albert made him think again though.

     “Do you think we can do anything to help your friends?” he enquired.

     “Dunno. It’d be nice if we could but I don’t see hows we can.”

     “There must be a way, and if it will make you and your friends feel better, then we will find it.”

     Edward cuddled up closer to Albert and kissed him gently, “I wish we could,” he whispered as he grasped Albert’s flaccid member and stirred it to life before taking it into his mouth.

     All else was forgotten for the next hour as the two pleasured themselves happily, the somewhat depressing tenor of their earlier conversations being banished as their passions took control of them.

     The subject of David Melrose wasn’t broached again until after dinner that night when Albert and Edward were sitting quietly in the lounge. With a thoughtful edge to his voice, Edward turned to Lord Batchelor and said, “I heard that the Earl of Kent had to go and leave the country after he was found messin’ with boys last year. What happened?”

     Albert recollected the incident well, the Earl being a member of the Ganymede Club and an acquaintance of his brother. There had been a number of rumours at the time about the Earl’s behaviour, which, whilst never being brought to the attention of the authorities, had given rise to serious concerns among his fellow club members.

     “It was alleged that he misused a boy or two in an unwarranted fashion,” Lord Batchelor started. “He also enticed several other youngsters into doing things against their will and better judgement.”

     Edward perked up at hearing this and asked his guardian to explain further, never having heard the full story.

     Albert explained that the Earl seemingly was never satisfied with the discrete attentions of just one or two willing boys, but set out to seduce and entrap some who were innocent and totally ignorant of such behaviours.

     “He made the mistake,” Lord Batchelor went on, “of seducing the son of one of his friends. Whether the boy was a willing partner or not I don’t know, but the boy’s father discovered their relationship and threatened to expose him in the worst possible way. The only recourse the Earl had was to decamp to Paris, where he now lives along with several others who have faced similar difficulties.”

     “That must have been a relief for the boys he abused,” Edward said. “At least they were out of his reach and were safe. Will the Earl ever be allowed back?”

     “Not for some years, I expect. But he had the last laugh though, he took with him two of his favourite boys, the son of his coachman and the butcher’s delivery boy!”

     “It’s a pity we can’t send Mr Melrose to join them,” Edward laughed grimly, “That would be justice indeed!”

     The remainder of the evening was spent in discussing various ways in which a halt could be brought to David Melrose’s activities: some serious, others whimsical and fantastic. Even when they retired for the night, the theme was continued, the only thing being decided was that they would start by finding out as much as they could about their man.

     Learning about Melrose’s life wasn’t difficult as he was quite well-known about town, not only because of his sexual proclivities, but also because of his extravagant lifestyle. He was the son of a successful trader and maintained a lavish standard of living from a small but exclusive apartment in Mayfair. By all accounts, his bills were met by his father on condition that he stayed away from the family, no doubt because of his social habits. Lord Batchelor appraised the Secretary of the Misogynist Club of the facts he had unearthed, including the fact that he had been required to resign from the Ganymede. Surprisingly, the Secretary was already aware of most of the information Albert imparted and although he took note of the latest allegations laid before him seemed unable or unwilling to take things further.

     “Surely, his membership of the Misogynist Club must be brought into question?” Lord Albert asked. “We may have made a mistake in allowing him to become a member.”

     The Secretary bridled a little at this and informed Lord Batchelor that the Membership Committee did not make mistakes, especially with members as free with their money as David Melrose. “In any case,” he carried on, “We are unaware of his alleged indiscretions bringing the club into any form of disrepute, which would be the only way of requesting his resignation. Furthermore, it may be something of a surprise to you, but the Rules of the Club do not permit us to terminate anyone’s membership.”

     There was more Albert could have said, including the names of some of the boys he had abused, but he was acutely conscious that imparting such information would place his own membership in question and also involve Edward, which he had no intention of doing.

     The Secretary, seeing Lord Albert was in some little distress at hearing this news, calmed down a little and in a conspiratorial whisper, went on, “It may be that the committee, whilst not admitting to making a mistake, may have committed an error of judgement in this case which would needs be remedied. If you are able to provide us with firm details of any indiscretions the member in question may have committed, then a request for his resignation may be made.”

     “And supposing the member in question refuses to tender his resignation, as I think would be the case here?”

     There was a slight cough from the Secretary who looked around him carefully before adding,

“Once a Gentleman is elected to membership of the club, Lord Albert, he remains a member until he resigns, or dies. I believe such is the case with all London clubs and there is only one caveat to this, as far as I am aware. It is a little known fact, My Lord, that all new members undergo a 12-month period of probation once they are elected, to ensure their probity if you understand me.”

     “Quite correct too, but how does that alter the situation?” Albert asked.

     “After the year has elapsed, the Membership Committee are supposed to confer full membership on the applicant, but they very rarely remember to do so. Which means, in effect, that most of our members are on a sort of permanent probation.”

     “I see. And should a fellow fail to pass the probationary period, he will not be granted full membership?”

     “Quite so, My Lord, but such an action has never been taken in my time. After all, this is a gentleman’s club. No one would willingly suffer the indignity of being drummed out of his own club. ‘Death before Dishonour’ I believe is an appropriately apt quotation.”

     ‘So,’ thought Albert to himself as he strolled homewards, ‘that particular avenue is closed and so another must be sought.’

     His musings were interrupted on arrival at Belgrave Square when he was handed a letter from his nephew Charles. It had been some time since he had had communication from him and was delighted to see that he hadn’t been forgotten. As usual, the letter was in two parts, the first and less important one dealt with routine school matters of no real consequence as its contents were approved by his Housemaster before being posted. The other, much more delectable part, was written hastily in Latin and placed in the envelope at the last minute.

     In it, Charles told of some of the adventures he had become involved in at school and how much he was enjoying himself. ‘There is a small group of boys who indulge themselves on a regular basis,’ he said. ‘We meet at dead of night in an empty dormitory and have the most wondrous times,’ he went on. ‘I would never have believed that such things could occur in a school unless I saw them for myself. There is even one boy, whose name I shan’t divulge, who enjoys being tied up and beaten before he allows himself to be taken from behind by several of his friends, one after the other.’

     Albert smiled to himself as he digested this information, knowing full well that Charles would relish such behaviour whole-heartedly, and may even be the un-named participant. He was just thinking how much he looked forward to seeing Charles on his next visit and hearing first-hand tales of his doings when an idea began to form in his mind.

     “What you finkin’ abaht?” Edward said, placing himself in Albert’s lap and giving him a kiss. The use of his native Cockney was now done for fun as much as anything else, and usually reserved for when they were alone and feeling playful.

     “Nothing special,” Albert smiled. “Just wondering where you were, that is all.”

     Edward giggled and dropped his hand into Albert’s groin. “I knew it must be something like that, ‘cause I can see it!”

     It was true. Reading Charles’ letter had given him an erection which Edward had noticed and assumed he was the cause of. “Wanna go upstairs?” he whispered in Albert’s ear, “And share it with me?”

     In reply, Albert kissed Edward deeply and allowed his hands to explore his body, soon finding out that his ward was just as aroused as he.

     “I think we’d better before we become carried away by our feelings and are discovered!” he laughed.

     The thoughts that had been wending their way through Lord Batchelor’s mind ensured that there was no leisurely build-up to their pleasuring each other and no sooner were they undressed and in bed than Albert lay on his back and raised his legs. More than willing to take up the invitation, Edward arranged himself between the uplifted knees and pressed himself home, slowly and delightedly. Gently, Edward moved himself in and out, taking care to use the full length of his member to satisfy Albert, who in his turn showed his appreciation by moaning softly at each insertion. Despite his anxiety to please his Lordship and delight himself at the same time, Edward kept to a slow steady pace which he knew would serve to heighten the intensity of the orgasm when it arrived. And he wasn’t mistaken. When he felt he was close to reaching his climax, he grinned broadly at Lord Albert and with an almost vicious but very satisfying thrust he buried himself as deep as he could, not moving until he was sure he had no more to offer the man he loved.

     The ecstatic feelings that Edward had just experienced seemed to be infectious as, almost without a pause, Albert pulled his ward downwards so they were chest-to-chest and they kissed passionately. Between their perspiring bodies, Batchelor’s penis was aching for some serious attention and Edward knew it. Raising himself up slightly, he rested the impatient organ against his fundament for a moment and then sank down on it, not for one second breaking eye contact with the man he had come to love so much.

     Thus they pleasured themselves once again, both taking great delight in their closeness and ability to know exactly what their needs and desires were.

     Usually when they had such an invigorating time together, they rested in each others embrace and dozed, but for once, Albert couldn’t resist looking at Edward’s handsome face and into his eyes.

     “I really am a lucky, lucky man,” he whispered as he stroked Edward’s hair.

     “Not as fortunate as I,” Edward replied. “To find a man such as yourself, and to live in a fine house ......”

     Lord Batchelor stopped any further comments by kissing him on the lips and holding him tightly.

     “We must do something about that David Melrose man,” Edward said quietly as they rested. “I feels badly for the boys he mistreats. Makes me realise how lucky I am, not bein’ treated like they is.”

     Lord Batchelor agreed entirely, and they discussed various ways in which the man could be brought to book; some serious, others more frivolous.

     “It’s a pity that someone can’t give him a taste of his own medicine, just once,” Edward sighed. “That might teach him a lesson.”

     “You’re right, Edward. But I don’t know anyone who could manage to do that.”

     Or did he?

     He hadn’t forgotten Charles' proclivities of course, but he was reluctant to place the lad in a possibly dangerous situation. But then, on reflection, realised that Charles would not allow himself to be exposed to any possibility of hurt - unless he wanted to that is, and from his own knowledge of the boy he was not always averse to a little pain.

     “You know Charles, my nephew?” Lord Batchelor asked.

     “Lord Biggun’s son, about as old as me?”

     “That’s the one. Well, he has certain, shall we say, tastes, which may be of use to us. I am sure he could deal with the likes of Mr. Melrose.”

     Edward smiled at the thought, and asked what he had in mind.

     “Nothing yet, but I am sure that between the three of us, we should be able to come up with something appropriate. Let us give it some thought”

 

Chapter 11.

 

They couldn’t devise any workable plan immediately, but the evening was spent in discussing many varied ideas.

     “First thing we must do,” Lord Batchelor mused, “Is to find out as much as we can about David Melrose. Precisely where he lives, who his friends are, and where he goes to amuse himself and so on.”

     “That bit’s easy. I can get my friends at the Telegraph Office to find out as much as you want. There ain’t much they don’t know, or can’t find out,” Edward giggled.

     “Good. Perhaps you can talk to them then. And in the meantime, I must write letters to my brother and nephew, appraising them of the situation. I am sure Arthur will relish the prospect of dealing with such a man, and grant me the loan of his son for a few days. As to Charles, I am certain he will welcome a few days away from school and the opportunity to use his somewhat dubious talents.”

     Lord Biggun was more than willing to accede to his brother’s request, not least because of the harm Melrose had done to the reputation of the Ganymede Club, its members, and that of the boys who visited it. Charles of course, despite not knowing exactly what was required of him, was more than willing to take part in the adventure, especially as it involved activities usually only available from a very few select, and often reluctant, school fellows.

     It was agreed to have a rare family gathering just as soon as it could be arranged in order to discuss plans for the demise of David Melrose. The two lords met only rarely as their worlds didn’t overlap to any degree, their only common interest being the upkeep and profitability of their estate. And Charles of course: but it was very rarely indeed that he, or his behaviour, was discussed openly. Both men were well aware of his tastes, and didn’t object to them in the slightest - how could they? The only time he was talked about was when he had misbehaved so blatantly that words had to be said - and as time went by that was less and less frequent.

     After a very satisfying dinner provided by the inimitable Miss Primm, Edward had gone out to discover what news his friends had for him, which left Lord Albert sat in his library trying to work out how best to arrange things for the gathering. Smiling ruefully to himself, he mused that the situation was indeed peculiar. Firstly there was himself and his young ward, Edward, with whom he was besotted. Then there was Charles, his equally young nephew who had first introduced him to the delights of Ganymede and for whom he still had a tenderness. Lastly there was his brother, Lord Arthur Biggun who knew both boys intimately, together with several others and who therefore had a vested interest in the proceedings.

     Uppermost in his mind were the sleeping arrangements. His apartment had three bedrooms in theory; one for himself, one for Edward (which was hardly, if ever, used), and a third which for some years now had been used as a store room and didn’t even contain a bed he thought. No matter how he juggled things around, he couldn’t find an answer that would please all. It would have been simple if Edward agreed to share with Lord Arthur for a night. That would leave Albert and Charles together, a thought which he found most alluring. But Edward had intimated that he would far prefer not to stay with Lord Biggun if it could be avoided, after all he had spent many nights with him in the past and knew his habits and preferences. Whilst they were not especially distasteful, he had changed enough in himself to bridle slightly at the thought. Plus, of course, no matter how hard he tried, he would be jealous of Charles and the attentions he knew he would receive from his uncle.

     It was whilst pondering over these matters that two things happened almost simultaneously. Firstly, Edward returned from his foray with some interesting information, and secondly a messenger arrived with a telegram. Bidding Edward wait a while, he opened the envelope and sighed with relief as he digested its contents. Showing it to Edward, a grin spread over his face as he read that Lord Biggun would not be staying with Lord Batchelor, but gracing the Ganymede Club with his presence that night. He would be appreciative, however, if Lord Albert would dine with him ‘early evening’.

     “And I know why it’s gotta be early,” Edward giggled. “He’s meeting a friend of mine, for some high jinks later!”

     Albert sighed with amusement at Edward’s obvious delight, but then frowned.

     “But what about Charles? I’m sure he won’t expect to sleep alone, I know he doesn’t like it, especially in a house other than his own.”

     “Then he needn’t!” Edward replied, raising his eyebrows. “There is one solution I can contemplate. I don’t mind if you are amenable to the suggestion.”

     “May I assume that doesn’t involve you making use of your own bedroom?” Albert smiled.

     “Perhaps!” Edward laughed as he settled himself on Lord Batchelor’s lap. “From what you’ve told me, it could be an interesting situation!”

     “You are almost as much a rogue as Charles,” Albert said. “But the idea certainly bears some merit and I am sure Charles will be agreeable.”

     “Good. That is one problem solved. Now I have another, more pressing one for you.”

     “Oh? And what may that be?” Lord Batchelor asked, concerned.

     “This!” Edward laughed and placed his guardians hand on the swelling in his groin.

     Albert fondled the tumescence concealed by the thin trousers, and allowed his own phallus to erect itself.

     “Does this mean an early night for us?” he asked.

     In reply, Edward kissed Albert softly on the lips and embraced him. “I think that is an excellent idea, my Lord. Shall we?”

     It was in the early hours of the morning that the two happy lovers finally lay back in their bed, fully sated and at perfect peace with the world.

     “When are we expecting our visitors?” Edward yawned as he nestled into Albert’s arms.

     “Early Friday evening. I will leave Charles in your charge whilst Arthur and I go to dine. We will have a family conference on Saturday morning if all goes well. Whilst I am out, have a talk with young Charles and see what you can think of between you. I will no doubt do the same with my brother.”

     “Very well,” Edward said as he dropped off into a much-needed sleep.

 

Chapter 12.

 

Edward and Charles had only met in passing, usually at the Ganymede Club when Edward was leaving after spending the night with Lord Biggun, and Charles was waiting his father. To start with, Edward had always been a little nervous around Charles as he didn’t know how much he knew about the activities his father and he practised. This had changed somewhat after Lord Albert had explained the situation to him, and although the boys still hadn’t spoken very much, at least they had something in common.

     What they had in common too was their build, both being a little taller and thinner than the average for their age, but in all other respects typical 14 and 15 year old boys. This became evident as the two adults and two boys gathered in the library soon after Lord Biggun had arrived with Charles. Their conversations were rather stilted to begin with, mainly due to the slight embarrassment that Lord Biggun felt at having met Edward in rather different circumstances than he had in the past. This was soon picked up by both the boys who began to tease the man gently until Lord Albert put a stop to it.

     “I think it is about time we went to your club Arthur,” Lord Albert said, shaking his head in mild reproof at Edward and Charles.

     “I quite agree,” he replied, grateful for the intervention. “Charles, behave yourself whilst I am away and don’t wreck the place!”

     “Of course not, father. Edward and I are sure to have a high old time whilst you and Uncle Albert are dining. About what time shall we expect you back?” Charles asked.

     “I think at about ten o’clock,” Lord Batchelor said. “We are dining early this evening.”

     “Perhaps even a little earlier,” Lord Biggun added. “I have an, err, appointment at ten o'clock.”

     Everyone knew of course what the ‘appointment’ was, but politely said nothing, the only sign of acknowledgement being from the two boys who grinned at each other.

     Once the men had left, Charles and Edward conversed politely for a while, neither knowing quite what to talk about. There was of course ‘the problem’ of David Melrose to discuss but neither was confident enough to broach the subject directly. It was Charles who had the courage to move things along a little.

     “I am in need of a bath after my journey. The roads are so dirty and dusty that I feel quite unclean,” he smiled. “Would you mind?”

     “Of course not. You know where everything is, I expect,” Edward replied. “I shall wait here for you.”

     “I would much prefer it if you accompanied me,” Charles said. “We can continue our conversation at the same time. If you don’t mind talking to me whilst I am bathing, of course. It is quite usual at my school and no one is at all put out by it.”

     The slight burgeoning in Edward’s trousers welcomed the idea and the two boys hurried upstairs, Edward’s mind picturing a huge bath room filled with naked boys

     “I used to be inspected by my father or Uncle Albert whenever I had a bath,” Charles said as he undressed. “It wasn’t necessary of course, but I do believe they took some pleasure in it.”

     “And you didn’t?” Edward grinned.

     “Well, perhaps just a little, and it always led on to other things” he laughed. “I have rather a good body, don’t you think?”

     Edward looked Charles over carefully as he displayed himself and agreed that he did, indeed, have a fine body. In particular, that special part of him that made him a boy was especially fine. It was perhaps a little larger that Edward’s, and had a little more hair beginning to grow at the base of it, but it was handsome nevertheless.

     “Do you get inspected at school?” Edward asked, unable to move his eyes.

     “Only by the other boys,” Charles grinned. “We compare appendages regularly to make sure we are developing properly.”

     “I’ll wager that isn’t all you compare!” Edward mused.

     “Perhaps not,” Charles agreed. “But now it’s your turn. Would you like to share the bath with me?”

     That was just what Edward wanted to hear, and without further comment, he too stripped off and invited Charles to examine him.

     “I can see why Uncle Albert has fallen for you,” Charles said seriously. “You and I are much alike.”

     This pleased Edward immensely and it was with a happy heart he stepped into the water and sat facing his new friend, their glans standing just proud of the water, inviting attention.

     Naturally, it was Charles who initiated further developments as he was far more accustomed not only to being naked with other boys, but also used to having his own way with them.

     “What do you receive most enjoyment from?” he asked as he grasped Edward’s tumescence and began to stroke it gently.

     Edward wasn’t sure how to answer this; on the one hand he didn’t want to reveal what he and Albert did in the privacy of their bed chamber, and secondly he knew he wasn’t anywhere near as experienced as Charles.

     “I, err, don’t really know,” he mumbled, his mind already succumbing to Charles erotic fondlings. “I think I just enjoy being toyed with and embracing for the most part. And you?”

     “Oh, most things,” Charles giggled. “I don’t suppose there is much that I haven’t tried, especially since I started to go to my school.” Then after a slight pause, added, “I don’t mind almost anything, if you understand me.”

     “I think I do, but that is something I do not particularly enjoy. I have only taken it that way on a few occasions, and each time it caused me pain. It is not something I would like to repeat, but I understand others are quite amenable.” He was lying of course, but was unwilling to divulge that it was one of his and Lord Albert’s favourite activities.

     “That is understandable. I, in fact, quite like it provided the member is of appropriate size and neither too large or too small. Rather like yours in fact.”

     The two boys looked at each other, a flash of understanding passing between them, their roles now being determined.

     “Shall we retire to bed for a while? I believe we have some time to amuse ourselves before my Uncle returns.” Charles grinned.

     “I would enjoy that,” Edward answered. “We can become better acquainted.”

     “Without doubt!” Charles laughed as he helped Edward out of the water.

     Despite their attempts to maintain some sort of savoir-faire, they were both excited enough to hurry through their drying and within a few moments were making themselves comfortable in Edward’s bed.

     “I rather like smaller beds,” Charles giggled as they embraced. “They are much more conducive to friendliness!”

     Edward smiled and nodded in reply. In fact he was struck by the thought that despite his age and experience, this was the first time that he had actually been in bed with anyone so close to his own age: in the past his bed partners had been older men. The few time he had been with other boys, it had been for a hurried fondle and orgasm hidden in the back of the Telegraph Office or other secretive place. This was certainly much better and more exciting.

     “May I kiss you?” he asked Charles. “That is one thing I enjoy, as I hope you do.”

     For answer, Charles leaned over and took Edward in his arms, pressed their lips together and allowed their tongues to entwine.

     One thing that both boys were experienced in was how to delight and pleasure their partner, and simultaneously derive their own joy. Thus it was that they were both immersed in a blissful ecstasy before long, all else forgotten: there was no need for words now as hands roamed where they will, each move taking them closer and closer to ultimate fulfilment.

     “Wait!” Charles gasped, his face flushed with excitement. “I want you inside me before it is too late.”

     More than willing to oblige, Edward rolled onto his back and allowed his penis to stand hugely erect between them, throbbing gently in anticipation.

     “Beautiful!” Charles whispered, stroking it softly. “And just the correct size too.”

     “Do you need any lubricant?” Edward gasped between breaths.

     “No!” Charles sniggered. “I have been taken this way so frequently that my fundament never knows whether something is coming in or going out, and so is prepared for either eventuality!”

     Edward laughed at this thought and tried to relax as Charles slowly lowered himself onto the waiting implement.

     “Perfect, just perfect,” Charles moaned as he gazed at his partner, satisfaction showing through his shining eyes.

     And so it was, for both of them, even to the extent that when Edward finally had no choice except to let loose his seed, Charles reciprocated by depositing his own on Edward’s chest simultaneously.

     Grinning at one another in pleasure, the two boys embraced and kissed tenderly in celebration.

     “Does this make us friends?” Edward laughed as he relaxed happily and held Charles in his arms.

     “Most certainly, Edward. Rather special friends,” Charles said as he kissed him again.

     “Good, I am pleased for that. But now I suppose we should discuss our Mr Melrose,” Edward said thoughtfully.

     “Mmmmm, I rather think we should, else Uncle Albert will wonder what we have been at,” Charles agreed.

 

     ******

 

If you want to devise any sort of sexual deviancy, especially one involving pain and humiliation, then there is no better source than two excited teenage boys, both of whom have experienced it and at least one of them actually enjoyed it. Pooling their thoughts and ideas, it wasn’t all that long before they agreed upon a rough plan which could be put before Lord Batchelor for approval.

     “Our idea should cause enough embarrassment for Mr Melrose that he will have no recourse other than to leave town at least, and possibly the country if it comes to fruition,” Charles explained to Lord Albert later that evening.

     “That would please me enormously,” Edward added, “As well as many of my friends.”

     The pair of excited teenagers told Albert the outline of their plan, which he thought highly novel as well as effective. “There is a certain amount of risk in it for you, Charles,” Albert said, worry showing in his voice. “I fear for your own safety.”

     “There is no need for concern in that regard,” the boy explained. “I have had a certain amount of experience in such matters as you may well guess and there will be no danger for me, of that I can assure you, especially as Edward is to be my aide.”

     “In that case, may I suggest that we retire for the night and discuss it further in the morning? Charles, you have the option of sleeping in the small bedroom alone if you wish, or joining Edward and I in ours.”

     “You don’t seriously expect me to sleep alone, do you?” Charles grinned. “You know how nervous I am in a strange house.”

     “I don’t believe you for a moment, young Charles!” Albert laughed. “But I am sure Edward would welcome your company just as much as I, if he hasn’t already!”

     At this the boys blushed slightly and grinned at each other, only faintly put out by the comment.

     Little conversation was held once the three were comfortably ensconced in the bed, lips having much more interesting things to do than form unnecessary words. Neither Albert not Edward had experienced the delights of three excited people in a bed before, and even for Charles, it was an all too infrequent event. The numerous experiments and investigations they carried out between them led to a huge amount of jocularity and amusement, much enjoyed by all, but it was Charles of course who was the more venturesome of the trio.

     Stretched out between Albert and Edward, with an erection in each hand, he looked from one to the other and giggling, said, “I am at a complete loss as to which one to take first, they are both so inviting!” Then, with a glint in his eye, added, “But I feel it should be Uncle Albert first, seeing as Edward has already had his turn. But so as not to leave Edward without any attention, I shall impale him on my own sword at the same time!”

     Amid much merriment and failed attempts, it was Edward who finally suggested an answer to their problem. Kneeling on the floor against the bed, he leaned forward and waited for Charles to press his sword into the scabbard. Once this was comfortably housed, all that remained was for Albert to join the team by uniting himself with Charles. Quite suddenly the room went very quiet as the trio first savoured the new sensations and then began to move to and fro in unison. The atmosphere was almost palpable as they immersed themselves in the most erotic of activities, each rapidly approaching their climax as never before. It was Albert who lost control first, thrusting his seed into a wildly groaning Charles, who in his turn fired off into the blissful Edward, causing him to shoot his offering onto the bedclothes.

     “Bleedin’ ‘ell!” stammered the shocked Edward.

     “Goodness me!” Albert gasped.

     Charles collapsed on the bed, eyes glazed, with a broad grin on his face and gasping like a fish out of water. “That. Was. Truly. Amazing.” he eventually managed to stutter.

 

Chapter 13.

 

The proposed morning discussion was held somewhat later than intended, all three of the participants sleeping in later than usual, and it was a bleary-eyed trio who eventually gathered round the library table. Once settled though, minds soon concentrated on the matter in hand and the finer details agreed upon.

     It was agreed to put the plan into action as soon as possible, one reason being that Charles had only a limited amount of time away from his school and the other being that David Melrose was known to be without a young companion at the moment. Another thing known about him was that he was in the habit of visiting the nearby Turkish bath on Monday mornings prior to having lunch at the Misogynists Club. It was there that Albert and Charles awaited his arrival.

     Ensuring that they were seated where they couldn’t be missed, the pair relaxed in the steam room, their eyes constantly on the door. Albert had his towel and loin cloth arranged so as to discretely hide his genitals. Charles, as was the rule, retained his underdrawers but in emulation of his uncle pulled them into his groin so as to leave little to the imagination. This of course attracted a deal of attention from their fellows, the majority of whom took haste to hide their own growing tumescences.

     David Melrose, of course, was also taken in by the sight as he entered the chamber and was more than delighted to recognise Lord Batchelor.

     “And who is this young man?” he enquired as he joined them, much to the envy of others around them.

     “Oh, I am sorry. This is Charles, my nephew. Son of my brother, Lord Biggun. Charles, meet Mr Melrose, a fellow member of the Misogynists.”

     The shook hands courteously, Charles noting that David’s eyes were fixed on his groin.

     “I believe we have met briefly once or twice before, at my uncle’s club.”

     David Melrose looked at the boy a little more closely and grinned. “I do believe we have, but if I may make so bold, you were dressed more formally then!”

     Charles made a show of adjusting his drawers as if embarrassed, but the slight smile he showed Melrose intimated that he wasn’t entirely displeased at the comment.

     Amiably the three chatted about inconsequentials for an hour or so before Albert informed them that it was time for their lunch.

     “May I accompany you?” David asked. “It is my habit to dine at our club on Mondays and I shall be most pleased if you would join me.”

     “It will be a pleasure. Thank you on my and Charles behalf.” Lord Batchelor said, delighted that their plan was working out as planned so far.

     They had disposed of their soup course and awaiting their veal pie when the club doorman appeared at their table with a note for Lord Batchelor.

     “I’m sorry Mr Melrose,” he said after glancing at it. “I’m afraid we must take our leave of you. I have been summoned to an urgent business meeting with my brother, Charles’ father.”

     Charles grimaced and stared at his uncle. “Must I go?” he pleaded. “Your meetings are so tedious and boring. I would much prefer to remain here and wait for your return.”

     “Would you mind?” Albert said, looking at Melrose. “I shouldn’t be too long and it would be a great help if Charles could remain here with you.”

     “Of course, of course. It will be a pleasure,” Melrose enthused, his face lighting up at this unexpected turn of events.

     “I have brought my Homer to study and so I’ll be no trouble to you,” Charles said seriously. “I have so much difficulty with it that I shall be quite absorbed.”

     “Homer!” Melrose exclaimed. “My favourite. I have an English translation at my home if that would be of any assistance to you.”

     “May I Uncle? It really would be of great help to me if I could compare them.”

     Pausing for a few moments, Albert stroked his chin as if in thought before saying, “I am content with that, provided that you return home by four o’clock when your father and I will be expecting you.”

     No sooner had Albert departed than Charles opened his textbook and pointed out the verses he was having problems with.

     “Come and sit alongside me,” Melrose said. “It will make it easier for me to explain to you.”

     More than willing to oblige, Charles slid into the chair beside his temporary tutor.

     “It’s here,” he said, turning to a page almost at random and at the same time moving up closer to Melrose so their knees were in contact.

     In fact Charles’ Latin was much better than Melrose’s but that was hardly a problem just at the moment. Instead he let him ramble on for a few moments before stopping him and asking, “Is it true that certain parts have been omitted from the texts we study at school, Mr Melrose?”

     “I believe that is so,” he said, knowing perfectly well that it was indeed so, and that the expurgated rather libidinous passages were included in his English version.

     “Why?” enquired Charles innocently.

     “Well, err, I do believe they are considered rather inappropriate for innocent young minds,” he replied, laughing lightly.

     “Would you show them to me?” Charles asked quietly, looking directly at Melrose and pressing his knee against his thigh. “I am not so innocent as you may believe and I will certainly keep it a secret between ourselves.”

     There was an almost instant reaction from Melrose, “If you wish, but it must remain strictly between ourselves. There are some who may not appreciate your knowledge of them.”

     “Thank you!” Charles effused, replacing his knee with his hand and giving Melrose a squeeze rather higher on his thigh than was strictly decent.

     At least Melrose had the grace to cough at this rather forward action, but dropped his own hand on top of Charles to ensure it remained there as long as possible.

     “Would you prefer to finish your meal first, or shall we go immediately?” he asked.

     “Just as soon as we are able,” Charles smiled. “I am rather keen to see it.”

     Whether or not Charles meant the textbook or something other was debatable as he gave Melrose’s leg another squeeze.

     “Shall we walk, or take a carriage?” Melrose asked. “My home is in Mayfair, about twenty minutes walking.”

     “Let’s take a carriage, if you don’t mind,” Charles said. “I don’t think I should be walking just at present, if you take my meaning.”

     With a quick glance under the table, David knew precisely why Charles’ was reluctant to walk abroad.

     “I fear I am in somewhat of a similar state to yourself,” Melrose whispered to Charles. “Perhaps it would be better to take a Hackney.”

     And so it was with almost indecent haste that the two departed the club and hailed a passing Hackney carriage. Before climbing in, Charles glanced across the road and was relieved to see Edward and a pair of his friends watching their departure. With a sigh of relief, he gave them the slightest of acknowledgements and joined David Melrose for the journey home.

     “I believe the volume in question is in my bedroom,” Melrose said as they entered his apartment a little later. “If you like, I will go and collect it.”

     “No matter. We may read it just as well there as anywhere else,” Charles smiled sweetly.

     “Of course.”

     It took a little while to locate the book, but once found they sat on the edge of the bed leafing through it.

     “Here,” said Melrose, indicating a verse. “Read this for example.”

     The verse in question was indeed unsuitable for young boys, especially those with imagination. And so were several others they found.

     “I am quite hot,” Charles said after a while. “May I make myself a little more comfortable?”

     “Of course. Do what you wish,” Melrose said, his heart missing a beat as he stared at the boys obvious arousal.

     The first thing Charles did was to open the window to admit some air, but before Melrose could make any comment, he loosened his trousers and made a show of rearranging his member to make it less painful, yet more obvious to an onlooker. “That book has had rather an effect on me,” he giggled. “I hope you don’t mind my commenting, but I see you have a similar problem too.”

     “Err, yes, I do seem to be rather uncomfortable. Would you mind if I did the same as yourself, Charles?”

     “Not in the slightest, Mr Melrose. In fact I would like to help you if I may.”

     “I knew there was something about you,” Melrose whispered as Charles started to unfasten Melrose’s clothes. “You really are quite a special boy, aren’t you?”

     “So I have been led to believe by my school fellows, but I have been away from school now for so long that I am quite hungry, if you understand me.”

     “Oh, yes, I believe I do. You are missing your friends I assume.”

     “A few rather special ones, yes, I am.” Charles said as he rested his hands on Melrose’s drawers.

     “Would you like me to replace them for a little while and try to relieve your, err, hunger?” Melrose said quietly.

     “That would be kind of you,” Charles whispered.

     “What would you like to do?”

     In reply Charles glanced meaningfully at the bed and then back at Melrose.

     Wordlessly, they stepped closer together and removed their clothing, item by item, until they were staring at one another, naked and aroused.

     “Shall we?” Melrose said, stepping over to the bed and gently pulling Charles along with him. “What in particular do you enjoy?” Melrose asked as they stroked each other softly.

     Hesitantly, Charles looked at his partner and whispered, “I hardly dare mention what that is. You may think I am truly perverted for admitting it.”

     “Nothing you may say or do is perverted in my eyes,” Melrose replied. “So tell me in all confidence.”

     “Well. I rather like being, err, restrained, and having someone take advantage of me whilst I am in a state of helplessness.”

     “Is that all!” Melrose laughed softly. “I too enjoy a similar past-time. It is most exciting, is it not?”

     “Oh, yes!” Charles sighed happily. “Very much so. Especially with a partner who has similar desires.”

     “I have some special bindings which I reserve for the purpose in fact. Would you like to see them?”

     Charles nodded, and despite himself found that he was becoming unusually aroused at the thought. He knew he had a predilection for being tied up, as many of his school friends were aware and the thought of being taken advantage of by this rather handsome man was almost too much. It crossed his mind that this indeed was the main reason why he was there, but he was also sure that the man couldn’t really hurt him, accustomed as he was to the treatment and the thought of a little pain only added to his arousal: something else he knew he wasn’t averse to.

     Melrose produced four lengths of red velvet-covered cotton rope, such is used for tying back drawing room curtains and draperies.

     Charles soon found himself tied face down to the four corners of the bed: not painfully so, but tightly enough to prevent him moving too much. ‘So far this is almost enjoyable’ Charles thought to himself as he tested the tautness of the restraints.

     “How’s that?” Melrose said throatily.

     “Very good,” Charles whispered. “I can hardly move at all. And now I am completely in your under your command.”

     True to his form, Melrose showed very little compassion for his victim once he was well restrained. Having ensured once more that the ropes were suitably taut, he positioned himself between Charles splayed legs and rested his phallus on his cheeks for a moment. Then, with no warning at all, he plunged himself downwards and into Charles’ fundament in one swift movement. Prepared for the intrusion, and even as experienced as he was, Charles felt intense pain as entry was forced and he had to bite the bedclothes to stifle the involuntary shout. Eventually though, the pain subsided enough for him to force himself to try and pretend he was enjoying the brutality.

     ‘If this is bad for me,’ he thought, ‘it must be truly terrible for anyone unwilling and unused to it.’ And with that thought uppermost in his mind, he gritted his teeth and determined to see the plan through to completion.

     The bestial treatment inflicted on the young form of Charles was relentless and unforgiving, no consideration at all being given to his thoughts or feeling, much as the animals do in the fields. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Melrose, hugely excited by his actions, orgasmed violently and with a last, painfully deep thrust deposited his offering inside Charles.

     Charles, despite the pain of the ordeal, wasn’t as troubled by it as he thought he may have been once the initial transitory pain had subsided. True, it wasn’t something he would enjoy every day as he did at school, but nonetheless, it wasn’t altogether unsatisfactory. In fact, once the ordeal was over, the ropes loosened and he had regained some strength, he was as excited as ever.

     “You were very pleasing,” he said to Melrose. “That is just how I like it. No one at my school can do it as well as that.”

     Melrose smiled at this unexpected compliment and kissed Charles on the cheeks.

     “And now it’s my turn,” Charles said, grinning lasciviously at his tormentor. “I hope you will be satisfied with me as my member isn’t as magnificent as yours, but I will do my best.”

     “I am sure you will be very good,” Melrose said, still in a state of intense arousal. “Come, here are the ties. But not too tight, mind.”

     “Of course not. I wouldn’t like to hurt you,” Charles whispered as he expertly arranged the ropes.

     Once he was sure they were secure in place, and taking great care to stay out of Melrose’s sight, Charles stepped over to the open window and signalled to a waiting Edward.

     Climbing in silently, Edward grinned at Charles, stepped over to the recumbent and restrained Melrose and began to stroke his back and buttocks much as Charles would have done. Charles meanwhile dressed hurriedly and once attired he extracted a short wax candle and a small sulphur ball from his pockets, and ignited them. The now smouldering sulphur ball he placed in the fire grate and the candle between Melrose’s buttocks.

     With a last satisfied look round the room, the two boys exited quickly through the window, but not before Charles stood in front of a very surprised David Melrose and wished him a cheery good bye.

     It took Melrose a few seconds to realise what had happened to him, a few more to feel an intense burning around his fundament and detect a strong smell of sulphur pervading the room.

     In something approaching a state of panic, he struggled to free himself, believing that unless he did so immediately, he would be burned alive. He was even more panic-stricken when the room became filled with the acrid, evil-smelling fumes and with a final, desperate heave, managed to snap the rope and free his hands. Simultaneous with his release, he heard shouts of ‘Fire! Fire!’ outside his window from what seemed like a horde of people.

     Confused and bewildered, he struggled to find his clothes so hurriedly and happily disposed of not very long ago. The smoke was too much for him though, and wrapping a bedsheet around himself, leapt through the window into the street below.

     “There! There! That’s the man! That’s the man what tied me up!” Melrose heard a child shout. “It’s ‘im! Look, he still ain’t got nuffink on!”

     If Melrose wasn’t in a state of blind terror before, he certainly was now as he felt a dozen pair of hands grasp him and hold on firmly.

     Half an hour later he was being interviewed by a very curious policeman in the local station.

     “So, tell me Mr Melrose. How come you were found on the street in a state of near nakedness in the middle of the afternoon?”

     “I thought my home was afire,” he mumbled, still not exactly sure of the sequence of events.

     “And the reason for your nakedness?”

     “I was taking a rest.”

     “Quite. And now for the more interesting questions. Could you explain why a child, a male child, should scream so when he saw you? A child, I may say, who by all accounts was almost as naked as yourself. And on the floor of your bedroom where you were supposedly ‘resting’ were discovered a set of child’s underthings and several lengths of rope, some of which were still attached to your bed?”

     “I have no idea. None whatsoever,” Melrose said dejectedly.

     “No, I don’t suppose you have,” the policeman said, his distaste for the man in front of him now showing. “And until we have, I suggest you remain here with us. For your own protection for one thing as there are a few people waiting outside who would like to have words with you. And for another, I am not entirely happy with your replies to my questions. Perhaps the Bow Street Magistrates will have better luck.”

 

Chapter 14.

 

“So, tell me precisely what occurred,” Lord Albert said as the family gathered together in the library of the Belgravia house.

     “Well, it all went precisely as we intended,” Charles said. “Well almost anyway.”

     “Almost?” Albert enquired.

     “I didn’t get to know Mr Melrose quite as intimately as I intended!” he laughed.

     Ignoring the comment, Albert turned to Edward and asked, “I am intrigued by one thing in particular, what was that foul-smelling smoke you created?”

     “Sulphur Ball. We uses ‘em to kill cockroaches and vermin in our houses. They smell wonderful, don’t they!”

     “Well, whatever it was, it worked.” Lord Biggun said. “There is one more question I have though. How did you engineer Charles’ escape?”

     “That was my idea,” Edward said. “We borrowed Jack’s little brother, Joe, for the afternoon. He’s only ten, but as bright as a button. I dropped some of his old underthings in Melrose’s bedroom when I was there and then got Joe to take his shirt off and scream blue murder when he saw him climb out the window. It was while he was shoutin’ and ollerin’ that Charles and me made our escape.”

     “What will happen to Melrose now?” Charles asked, uncomfortably aware that David Melrose’s perversions were dangerously similar to his own.

     “It’s my guess he is already on the way to Folkestone en route to Paris,” Lord Albert said. “For some reason the police couldn’t find the child that had presumably been abused, and therefore had no case. The boy seems to have disappeared completely! I also took the trouble to meet with David Melrose’s father this afternoon and explain a few things to him. He ended up being rather grateful to us for taking care of what was becoming an acute family embarrassment, and promised to remove him to Paris with all haste.”

     “Well, that’s it then,” Lord Biggun said. “All’s well that ends well. Does that mean I can have my son back now?”

     “Only if you insist,” Edward grinned. “I think we could become very good friends if we were allowed.”

     “You are welcome to visit us anytime you wish, but for now, Charles must return to his school where they can keep some sort of eye on him.” Then, with a serious look at his son, added, “And hopefully learn that some pleasures demand a very heavy price if taken incautiously.”

     Once Charles and Lord Biggun had departed, Albert and his ward were at something of a loose end, the events of the previous two days leaving them with a sense of anti-climax.

     “I rather like Charles you know,” Edward said as he settled himself in Albert’s lap. “But I don’t think I could live as he does. His amusements are rather different to ours.”

     “I know precisely what you mean,” Albert replied. “He can be exciting to be with, but his habits are, shall we say, a little too physical for me.”

     “Me too,” Edward cooed in Albert’s ear. “I much prefer our tenderness. Talking of which isn’t it about time we ........”

     “Had a little rest? I quite agree. Shall we?”

     Gently, and with loving care, Albert picked Edward up in his arms and carried him to the master bedroom.

 

The End