Chapter 31

Ambrose

Ambrose had retired to bed, tired and dispirited. It had been a mistake to come to Ohio. He could see that now. Daniel did not want him here—had made it clear to everyone. He had thought perhaps they were going to talk in private and have a chance to argue out their feelings, but shortly after dinner, Daniel had gone to his father's study and not returned for the rest of the evening. Ambrose had waited to speak to him, all to no avail. He was beginning to see how little he mattered to the family—and to Daniel—too little to be even afforded a private audience.

Now, several hours into the night, the sound of heavy footsteps alerted Ambrose to Daniel's presence in the corridor outside. The footsteps stopped and a door close by slammed shut. Ambrose was being put up in Benjamin's old room, vacant since his brother-in-law now had a house of his own. It had not taken much deduction to realise that this room was next to Daniel's.

He waited some tense minutes to hear further sounds, but all went quiet. Getting to sleep became impossible, knowing that Daniel was lying on a bed just next door. Eventually, he gave it up with a sigh and threw off his covers. He had to speak to him. In bare feet, he tiptoed to the door of his room and stepped into the corridor.

He had to find his way by touch, as it was dark as pitch. When his hands found the next door, he knocked softly and waited for a reply. None came. He hesitated some more then, trying to maintain his courage, he turned the handle and let himself inside. He could not see much in the dark, but immediately, he could perceive the familiar clean scent of Daniel. He listened closely and heard the sound of deep breathing.

Slowly, he let his eyes accustom themselves to the dark. He made out the shape of the bed, and on it, a figure lying prone. On soft feet, he approached. A sliver of moonlight came through the window, illuminating his path. Daniel was fast asleep, still in his clothes, on top of the bed. For a long time, Ambrose watched him, watched the steady rise and fall of his breaths. Finally, he came closer and lifted the edge of the bedcovers, tucking them loosely over Daniel's body. Then he left quietly and returned to his room.

Next morning, he lingered in bed in a hazy state between slumber and sleep. He ought to get up, he knew. A noise caught his attention. It was Daniel's door, opening and shutting, then the sound of footsteps which paused outside his door. He held his breath. A moment later, the footsteps continued and went down the stairs.

Ambrose released his breath. He did not know whether he was relieved or disappointed. There was no point in dilly dallying in bed though. He threw back the covers and hastened to wash and dress. Once he was ready, he opened his room door and stepped out into the corridor, intending to make his way downstairs. Something though, made him hesitate. He turned around and stared at Daniel's door. He could not say why his feet took him to that door nor why he quietly let himself into the empty room.

He cast a quick glance around. The bedcovers were mussed and yesterday's clothes thrown in a heap on a nearby chair. He sniffed the air, taking in Daniel's scent. He wanted more. With the furtiveness of a thief, he went to the bed and put his nose to the pillow, breathing in deeply. There it was. He would never tire of that scent. He let himself have a minute, just breathing it in.

Eventually, he sat up and looked about him. He knew he should leave, but he could not make his feet move. Being in Daniel's space was both intoxicating and calming. Slowly, he drew open the bedside drawer, studying its contents. He picked up a book—a collection of Tennyson's poems. He smiled to himself; it was a favourite of his. As he went to put the book down, something fluttered from within the pages. It was a sheet of paper with some words written in Daniel's recognisable script.

I can be the person you talk to whenever you are in need of companionship. I can be the person who you come to when you have a problem to solve. I can be the person you share good news of your successes with, and the person to help lift you out of your sorrows. All these things I can be for you and you can be for me.

Then below, at the bottom of the page, Daniel had added one last sentence.

Is that enough for me?

Ambrose remembered once saying those words to Daniel. It had been the basis upon which they had built their relationship, these last five years. But it seemed this was no longer a satisfactory arrangement for Daniel. Was it enough? He had always thought it would have to be. What other choice was there? The question sent fear spiralling through his body. If Daniel wanted more from him and Ambrose could not provide it, would Daniel consider looking for love elsewhere, finding himself a wife and starting a family with her? He was twenty-nine, a good age for marriage—certainly too young to want to be shackled for life in an unsatisfactory relationship with him.

Carefully, Ambrose inserted the sheet back in the book and returned it to the drawer. The only other item in there was a small glass bottle. Ambrose unstoppered it and sniffed—some kind of viscous oil, most likely castor oil. He carefully replaced the lid. On an impulse, he slipped the bottle into the pocket of his jacket. He stood then and shut the drawer.

He had come here wanting to feel some connection with Daniel, knowing he would soon have to begin his journey back to England. He could not linger here anymore without risking discovery. On tiptoes, he trod to the door and listened. When he was sure the corridor was clear, he slipped out of the room and hastily made his way down the stairs.

He headed to the dining parlour, from where he could hear voices. Upon entering the room, he found Daniel, Isabella and Lady Stanton lingering over the remains of their breakfast. "Good morning," he greeted. "I seem to have overslept," he added by way of apology for his tardiness, avoiding Daniel's gaze.

Lady Stanton smiled at him kindly. "That is quite alright, Mr Cranshaw. You have had a long journey to get here and no doubt were very weary. Do come sit here beside Daniel." She pointed to a chair on Daniel's right.

Feeling flustered, he pulled the chair back and took the seat indicated, eyes cast down. Guilt flooded him at the knowledge he had just now been in Daniel's room uninvited. A clinking noise made him look up. Coffee was being poured into a cup for him. "Thank you," he murmured as Daniel added a dash of milk, just the way he liked it. Next, Daniel reached for a platter of cold meats and began serving him, putting a generous amount on his plate.

As he did so, he said casually, "After breakfast, Ambrose, I should like to take you on a walk around the estate. I am sure you will want to see it after the many things you have heard me say about it over the years." He cut a thick slice of bread and gave it to him, then passed the butter dish, adding, "It will also give us an opportunity to discuss matters."

"Of course," acquiesced Ambrose. So, they were going to have a private talk after all.

His reflections were interrupted by Isabella exclaiming, "What a good idea! I think I shall join you too."

"No, you will not," said Daniel shortly.

His sister gave him an injured look. "I can see where I am not wanted," she muttered.

"Isabella, my love," interjected Lady Stanton diplomatically. "Remember you were going to help me organise the books at the school today and to choose some to take to Mr Wilson's children."

"Yes, of course, Mama," she replied, still sounding stung.

Ambrose gazed at her apologetically as Daniel huffed, "Bella, don't take on so. I simply need to talk to Ambrose in private."

"Far be it from me to stand in your way, Daniel," she said haughtily. Taking a final gulp of her tea, she stood and made her excuses. "I shall go get myself ready, Mama."

Lady Stanton too rose to her feet, beaming at Ambrose. "It is dry and not too windy out there today," she assured him. "I am sure you will enjoy the walk. Now please do excuse me."

Ambrose stood politely to see her out. When they were alone again, he sat to eat once more, still not looking at Daniel.

"I am sorry about yesterday," Daniel began.

Ambrose waved a dismissive hand. "You were well within your rights to demand why I am here," he stated. "But fear not," he went on, "I shall soon be returning home. I simply wanted to ensure Sarah is well settled before I leave." Despite Daniel's apology, he could see there was no path to real reconciliation between them.

"We shall all return together," Daniel stated firmly. "But first, you and I must talk."

"Yes," said Ambrose. He finished his last bite of bread and drank up his coffee.

Seeing this, Daniel said, "I shall meet you on the front porch in five minutes. Will that be sufficient time for you?"

"Yes, of course."

They both stood and left the dining parlour, going up to get themselves ready. Five minutes later, they met as planned on the front porch. Ambrose followed Daniel down the steps and then strolled beside him as they took a curving path that began just beyond a group of outbuildings. "Over there is the vegetable garden and a glass house," Daniel said, pointing to the right. "On the other side are ten acres of pasture land. We keep a livestock of eighty heads of cattle here, in addition to the two dozen pigs in the pens back there."

Over the next half-hour, they continued their tour, Daniel pointing out the main features on the estate. It was large, though not as massive as the Stanton lands back in England. Everything looked neat and orderly. Daniel's father and uncle had done well for themselves here.

After a time, Ambrose noticed that they were now walking in woodland. The natural landscape was somewhat different to what he was used to. Tall pines dotted their path, the tips still bearing wisps of snow that must have fallen some days ago. The air was cool and fresh, but not unpleasant. They had not met a soul since they had left the cultivated fields and made their way to this wooded area. It gave Ambrose a curious feeling of liberation. Here, nobody could judge him. Social and class distinctions fell away, as did morality judgements. In this space, there was only him and Daniel.

Presently, he felt Daniel sigh gently beside him. "We can talk at ease here," he said, "with no fear that anyone will overhear us. There is a lake a mile further down, which we swim in during the summer."

They walked on, gathering their thoughts. This then was to be their talk. Where to start? Remembering the words Daniel had written, Ambrose blurted out, "Being just friends, is it enough for you?"

Daniel gazed at him quizzically. Unable to help himself, Ambrose went on, "I saw what you wrote on that sheet tucked inside the book of poems."

"So, you have been poking around in my room," huffed Daniel.

"It was wrong of me, I know."

"Yes, it was," agreed Daniel. "There again, in your shoes, I would have done the same."

"I am sorry," Ambrose said. "I should not have entered your room uninvited. I—I also came in during the night to speak with you, but you were fast asleep."

"So, you were the one to tuck the covers around me. I did wonder," mused Daniel.

"My behaviour has not been quite what it should. I will blame the upheaval of the past few weeks for my impaired judgement."

Daniel snorted but did not comment. They kept on walking. Up in the distance, Ambrose detected the faint glimmer of the water in the lake. He glanced at the man beside him. "You did not answer my question," he reminded him. "Is friendship with me enough?"

"Is it enough for you?" Daniel countered. Then he blew out a frustrated breath. "It will have to be enough if it is all you will allow me, but you know that I would like there to be more between us."

"Does that mean you have forgiven me?" asked Ambrose hopefully.

"Oh, I am a very long way from having forgiven you, Ambrose, but I am working on it. It does not take away from the fact that I still want you."

Ambrose's pulse quickened. His breaths came short and sharp. With an effort, he reined in his excitement. "I have not changed my mind on the matter," he said hoarsely. "We cannot be lovers."

"No?"

"No."

"Ah well," said Daniel, and was silent, a grim turn to his mouth. They had reached the lake by now. It was not large, more like an oversized pond. Reeds grew tall along one bank. On the other side, water lapped at pebbly ground. Ambrose stopped and looked around. To their left was a small wooden cabin with a thatched roof. "What is that?" he asked, pointing to it.

"It is just a cabin my family uses when we come to swim at the lake. Mama and the girls change in there." Daniel shrugged. "When it is just the men, we do not bother. We simply throw our clothes to the ground and jump into the water."

"Do you not wear bathing suits?" asked Ambrose, much perturbed.

"Whatever for?"

"For modesty of course!" protested Ambrose, though in his mind, he imagined what it would be like to swim here naked with Daniel. He felt an involuntary twitch of arousal.

Daniel laughed. "There is no need for it. We have all seen each other bare. Before we had the new bathing room built into the house, we were in the habit of washing in the tub outside."

Ambrose shuddered at the thought. Daniel's smile widened. "You really are so very prim and proper, aren't you?" he teased.

"I am the son of a clergyman after all," demurred Ambrose.

"Yes, so you are. You would be a fish out of water at Tremayne's," pondered Daniel.

"Tremayne's? What is that?"

Daniel seemed to regret the slip of his tongue. He tried to dismiss the question with a casual explanation, "Oh, it is simply a members' club that Philip Templeton took me to."

"What sort of a club?" prodded Ambrose, his curiosity growing.

"Just an ordinary club, nothing of great interest," Daniel evaded.

But Ambrose was not to be fobbed off. "Then why do you say that as a consequence of being a clergyman's son, I would be a fish out of water there?" He tried not to imagine what this could mean.

Daniel huffed irritably, "It is simply not the kind of place you would frequent, Ambrose."

He was hiding something, he just knew it. Ambrose faced him, hands on hips. "You will explain that," he said softly.

Looking uncomfortable, Daniel prevaricated some more. "It is a place of jollity and high spirits," he said.

"And why would I not enjoy a place of jollity and high spirits?" demanded Ambrose.

"Because you are modest, Ambrose, that is why!"

Ambrose narrowed his eyes dangerously, feeling his ire grow. "What do you mean by that?" he hissed.

Daniel threw up his hands in exasperation. "I mean, Ambrose, that people go about in this club without a stitch of clothing on."

"What?"

"On first arriving, a maid removes all my clothes and I then cavort naked with everyone," said Daniel, hardening his tone.

Ambrose's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. "Cavort?" he roared.

"Fornicate. I go to Tremayne's to fornicate, Ambrose."

White hot fury surged through Ambrose's veins. He grabbed Daniel by the collar of his coat. "Why?" he snarled.

"Why do you think?" spat out Daniel. "It is because I have needs, and the man I love refuses to fuck me. It is because I will not engage in romantic seductions with anyone but him. Why else do you think I would debase myself so each month?"

"I suspected you might have some hussy in London who you visited, but never in my wildest imaginings did I entertain the idea that you would fornicate with multiple people in a public space," grated Ambrose, the flames of his anger still burning bright.

"Well," mocked Daniel. "I am sorry to disappoint you, but that is the way it is. And as you still refuse to be my lover, Ambrose, I will have to resume my visits to Tremayne's just as soon as we return to England."

Ambrose was still holding on to Daniel's coat, but now, his anger boiled over. Shoving him backwards until his back hit the wall of the cabin, he yelled, "You will do no such thing!"

"And how will you stop me?" taunted Daniel.

"Like this!" Ambrose grabbed Daniel by the throat. A moment later, his mouth clamped down onto Daniel's lips in a savage kiss.

He had fought against this. Lord how he had fought. But he could not resist the lure of this infuriating man a minute longer. The hands that were around Daniel's throat slid upwards to bury themselves in the soft strands of his hair. Ambrose pulled his face closer and kissed him with desperate desire. "Like this," he repeated, sucking Daniel's bottom lip into his mouth. His tongue traced a line along his luscious lips then dived inside for a taste of paradise.

But he was not alone in this kiss. Daniel's hands gripped his head close as his tongue too came out to play with his. It was Daniel now that took the lead, stroking his tongue inside Ambrose's mouth and giving light nips to his lips. At last, they drew back to gasp for air. "You will never go to Tremayne's again," ordered Ambrose.

Daniel merely responded with another kiss. It distracted Ambrose for a time, but he drew back again, breathless, and rasped, "Promise me!"

"I promise," moaned Daniel. "Now kiss me."

Ambrose could not refuse when he was desperate for another kiss. Their lips met again and again, their hunger unrelenting. Their breaths fused and became one. "You are mine," Ambrose mumbled against Daniel's lips. "Say it!"

"I am yours. I am yours," chanted Daniel, punctuating each sentence with a kiss.

"I want you," groaned Ambrose, licking a path along the velvet softness on the inside of Daniel's lip.

"Yes," breathed Daniel.

"I want to claim you." More licks. More kisses.

"Then claim me," invited Daniel.

"Have you ever—had a man fuck you?"

"No," Daniel panted. "Never."

"Me neither. I have read about it though." Ambrose drew slightly back to look into Daniel's blazing eyes.

"So have I," whispered Daniel. "And once at Tremayne's, I saw two men do it."

"Do not mention that place again," growled Ambrose, but Daniel smiled mischievously.

"If it makes you do what you just did, I will keep mentioning it," he quipped.

Ambrose distracted him with another kiss. "So," he murmured against his lips, "will you let me?"

"Yes," came Daniel's breathless response. "Now?"

"Yes, now. In the cabin." With a firm hand on Daniel's arm, he led him to the cabin's door. It was unlocked, though the hinge was stiff, and it needed a few pushes to get it open. Inside it was dim, with only a few rays of light coming in through the small glass window. The cabin was sparsely furnished—a small chest of drawers, a wooden bench.

Daniel pulled a drawer open and took out a towel. "We may need this," he grinned. Then, nerves coming to the surface, he bit his lip. "We will need lubrication," he said hesitantly.

"Do not concern yourself with that, Daniel. Undress. Now."

Daniel did not immediately comply. "How about you?" he asked.

"You first. I want to see what kind of show you gave them at Tremayne's." Their eyes met for a long moment, then Daniel smiled ruefully. He unbuttoned his coat and took it off, laying it flat on the bench. Next it was his jacket, then his necktie and finally his shirt. Ambrose watched in rapt concentration. Daniel's naked chest was broad, dusted with dark hair, the muscles sinewy and strong from all the work he had been doing. He stood for him now, hands open by his sides. "Do you like what you see?" he asked, a trifle uncertainly.

"Yes, I do," murmured Ambrose. "Keep going. Do not stop."

Daniel kicked off his shoes, then slowly, he unfastened his trousers and pulled them down. Keeping his eyes fixed on Ambrose, he lowered his drawers and exposed his jutting hard cock, which rose majestically from a thick patch of dark, curling hair. Ambrose took a sharp breath, his eyes glued to Daniel's magnificent penis. He stepped forward, his chest heaving. "Oh my," he thought.

Next moment, his legs folded beneath him as he dropped down to his knees and buried his face in Daniel's groin, breathing in the musky scent of his sex. It was glorious. One hand crept up and cupped the two heavy sacs that hung like ripe fruit, while the other hand wrapped itself around Daniel's thick length. "Oh, you beauty," Ambrose murmured under his breath. He looked up into Daniel's scorching eyes. "Will you let me put my mouth to it?"

"Yes. Please, yes."

Ambrose bent his head and kissed the tip of Daniel's cock, which dribbled small amounts of his seed. He licked it, not wanting to see any of it go to waste. It had a musky tang with a trace of saltiness. He came back for more, licking it with increased fervour. Daniel groaned. Encouraged, this time Ambrose opened his mouth and sucked the tip in. "Ah," cried Daniel. Ambrose sucked another inch into his mouth, then another and another until he could take no more. The skin felt satiny smooth under his tongue as he pulled back, letting Daniel's cock slip out of his mouth with a pop.

He was letting himself get distracted when he had a task to do. Slowly, he got to his feet again and stared into Daniel's needy eyes. He asked one more time. "Will you let me claim you?"

And once more, Daniel replied, "Yes."

"Then turn around, my love, and lean on the bench with your elbows."

Daniel licked his lips nervously. "Will you take care of me?" he pleaded.

"Always," Ambrose promised. "Now do as I say."

Exhaling a deep breath, Daniel turned to face the bench and leaned on it with his elbows. His firm buttocks, brushed with a soft layer of downy hair, were raised up into the air in invitation. Ambrose looked on hungrily. He laid a gentle hand to that firm swell, stroking towards the curve of Daniel's lower back, where he was delighted to see two small dimples—a match for the ones on his face.

With determination, he put his hands to each buttock and pulled them apart, exposing the entrance where he was going to lay his claim. On impulse, he leaned forward and kissed that spot. He heard Daniel let out a whooshed breath. "Do you like that?" he whispered.

"Yes," breathed Daniel.

So, he kissed that spot again. Then, he straightened and took out the bottle of oil that was in his pocket. Had he known that he was going to use it on Daniel? Maybe so, in the far reaches of his mind. He poured a few drops of oil into his palm, then greased Daniel's puckered entrance with it. "Oh!" groaned Daniel. "What was that?"

Ambrose held out the bottle for Daniel to see. "I took a little memento from your drawer this morning," he explained.

Daniel huffed, "You devil! Was this your plan all along?"

Ambrose chuckled darkly, "So it seems. I did not know it then."

Daniel laughed. "I always knew you were no angel, Ambrose Cranshaw."

"Hush now, and let me do my business," chided Ambrose. He began to stroke that puckered entrance again. Then, bravely, he pushed one greased finger until the entrance gave way, and his finger was sucked inside the tight heat of Daniel's body. "Oh my," he thought again. "This is what will envelop my cock." He felt his shaft pulse with excitement.

Slowly, he let his finger plunge in and out of that puckered hole. He poured a little more oil, then tried to insert a second finger. Daniel gasped, so he stopped at once. "Did I hurt you, love?" he asked worriedly.

"No, it is fine. Keep going," urged Daniel.

His fingers resumed their task, slowly widening and stretching that passage. Could a third finger fit? He tried, and Daniel took a sharp breath. "Too much?" queried Ambrose.

"Give me a moment," panted Daniel.

Ambrose waited patiently. "Do it again now," said Daniel.

Very slowly and looking out for any sign of pain, Ambrose pushed three fingers into him. There was a tight ridge which obstructed their passage at first, but with a little persistence, his fingers were able to push through. "How does that feel?" he wondered.

"It feels good. Very good," breathed Daniel.

"Will you let me take you now?" asked Ambrose.

"Do it!" barked Daniel.

Wiping his fingers on the towel first, Ambrose undid the fastenings of his trousers and pulled them down together with his drawers, releasing his long, slender cock. "Look at me, Daniel," he commanded.

Daniel turned his head and his eyes landed on Ambrose's erect penis. "You are long!" he exclaimed.

"All the better to claim you with," said Ambrose with a wolfish grin. He poured some more oil and greased his shaft. "I am going to take you now, Daniel," he said huskily, "and I will make you mine. You will never give your body to anyone else, do you hear?"

"Yes, Ambrose, I hear you. I promise. Now make me yours."

With infinite care, Ambrose brought the tip of his shaft to that puckered hole and pushed in slowly. He had only penetrated an inch or two when Daniel moaned. Ambrose paused, the sweat gathering on his brow. Gently, he tried to push in again. This time he was able to go in a little further before he heard Daniel's cry. He paused again, rubbing comforting circles to the small of his back. "I am fine," muttered Daniel. "Keep going."

Ambrose tried a third time, pushing slowly but determinedly inside until his whole length was sheathed in Daniel's body. He paused again, this time to try to compose himself. It was too good. He was not sure he could hold out for very long. "You feel divine, my love," he whispered into Daniel's ear.

Nuzzling his face into the back of Daniel's neck, he wrapped his arms around his chest, surrounding him like a blanket, and began to move—small little plunges at first, then longer and more powerful thrusts. "Ah," cried Daniel.

"Yes, my love, take me." He thrust powerfully again. "You are mine, Daniel."

"Yes!"

Ambrose was losing his mind, losing himself in the heavenly heat of Daniel's body. They were one, not two separate entities, but one body, one soul. He began a punishing rhythm, plunging in and out, in and out, delirious with pleasure, desperate to reach that hallowed peak. "Daniel," he grunted. "Oh, Daniel." Those were his last coherent words as he quickened his pace, feeling his cock swell, and with a harsh cry, he emptied himself into Daniel's warm body.

It took several moments for sanity to return. He stayed impaled inside Daniel, not wishing to part from him just yet. "Talk to me, love. How do you feel?" he asked urgently.

Daniel's voice was dazed as he breathed, "I feel claimed. I feel yours."

Ambrose kissed the back of his neck. "That you are," he murmured. His hand reached for Daniel's erect shaft, wanting to give back some of the pleasure he had just taken. He took out the bottle of oil from his pocket and poured a few more drops, then began to stroke Daniel's thick length. "Let me please you, my love," he urged, stroking rapidly up and down, grip firm on Daniel's cock.

"It won't take long," said Daniel throatily. "I am nearly there."

Ambrose's spent cock, still buried inside Daniel's body, pulsed with renewed desire as he heard Daniel's moans of pleasure. "Go on, my love," he urged. "Spend your seed into my hand."

Daniel gave a loud groan as sticky jets of his spend spurted from the tip of his cock. "Oh you clever, clever boy," crooned Ambrose, raining little kisses to the back of his neck and the side of his jaw. Slowly, excruciatingly, he pulled himself out, pleased at the rush of his seed as it dripped out of Daniel's hole.

Then, it was time to clean the mess. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his cock, then re-arranged his clothes. "Stay here, darling," he told Daniel. "I am going to wet this in the lake so I can clean you."

Quickly, he went outside, dazzled by the bright light after the dimness of the cabin, and wet the handkerchief. He was back presently, wiping Daniel as clean as he could. "There you go," he whispered soothingly as if to a babe. "Let me help you dress." With tender care, he assisted Daniel, who seemed to be in a strange, dreamy state. Once dressed, he sat him down on the bench and nestled his long body into the crook of his arms. For a long time, Ambrose held Daniel, stroking his hair, stroking his arms, dropping sweet little kisses.

When finally, Daniel spoke, it was to say these three words, "I love you."

"And I love you," murmured Ambrose.

"That was… that was incredible," breathed Daniel.

"It felt amazing to me too."

"So, I think your rule about us not being lovers has already been broken," remarked Daniel dryly.

"Yes," said Ambrose ruefully, "at least while we are here and nobody can find us out. But darling, I fear it would not be quite so easy back in England."

Daniel took Ambrose's hand and kissed it. "We will work it out," he promised. "As long as we love one another and can be honest, we will find a way."

They left the cabin and walked slowly back towards the house, reluctant to leave their little oasis of love. As they neared the edge of the woodland, Daniel stopped and gave him one last ferocious kiss. "I shall need sustenance to keep me going until tonight," he explained.

"Tonight?" queried Ambrose.

Daniel's expression hardened. "You will come to my room tonight, Ambrose, else I shall pay a visit to yours. I too can be commanding and forceful when it comes to us."

Ambrose did not put up a fight. "Very well," he said quietly. "Wait and I shall come to you when I am sure the coast is clear."

For the rest of the day, Ambrose floated in a dizzy cloud of happiness. His logical mind pointed out to him at odd times that this happiness could not last, that things would once again become complicated when they returned to England. He was too happy though to listen to that voice for long. There would be time enough to deal with whatever was to come next. At dinner, he felt himself being observed closely, first by the Earl of Stanton, then by his lady. Each time he encountered those observing eyes, however, he was met with bland smiles. He was not sure what to make of it.

At last, they all retired for bed. Ambrose washed and put on his nightshirt, then read until the house went quiet. Then, pulling on a robe, he tiptoed silently to the room next door. He did not knock this time, merely turned the handle and went in. Daniel lay in bed, a candle casting a golden glow upon his beautiful face. On seeing him, he lifted back the covers in invitation, and Ambrose got into the bed after casting off his robe and nightshirt. The two of them came together then, naked skin on naked skin.

Hours were spent in kisses and explorations of each other's body. There was no repeat of the occurrence in the cabin, yet each of them through loving touch spent their seed in pleasurable satisfaction. Afterwards, they got themselves clean then returned to bed, holding each other and talking quietly into the night.

"When was it you knew of your feelings for me?" Daniel wondered.

"I was struck dumb the moment I first saw you," confessed Ambrose. "But if you meant to ask when it was that I fell in love with you, I think it was the morning after your grandfather died and we got drunk together in my study. I remember seeing you curled up, asleep on my settee. You gave a soft sigh as I covered you with a blanket, and my heart stopped. I knew then."

Daniel groaned. "It was the same for me. When I woke up from sleeping on that damned uncomfortable settee and saw you asleep across from me, I realised what I felt for you was not just lust but love." He sighed softly. "How much time we have wasted! We could have been together from that day."

Ambrose could not fully agree. "I think there were still too many obstacles in our way then. I was not ready to acknowledge the true nature of my feelings even if I felt them strongly. And I had no way of knowing then that what you felt would stand the test of time. I was convinced that you would soon move on to greener pastures."

"But I did not. I think, Ambrose, that perhaps you misjudged me at the start."

Ambrose consoled him with a quick kiss. "I may have done," he conceded. "However, instead of ruing the time we lost, maybe we should appreciate the greater knowledge we came to have of each other over all these years, for it is with a certainty that I can say to you now that you own my heart and always will." So saying, he took Daniel's hand and placed it on his chest, close to his heart.

Daniel reciprocated the gesture in kind, taking Ambrose's hand and placing it on his chest. "And you own mine," he said softly. Then he smirked, "Although it did not take me long to find it out. I knew it all those years ago."

Ambrose decided it was time to distract his lover with a kiss. They did not come up for air for a very long time. Much later, Ambrose murmured, "I shall want to pay a visit to Benjamin and Sarah tomorrow."

"And get them out of their marriage bed? They shall not thank us for the interruption to their loving," remarked Daniel in amusement.

"Please, darling, no," Ambrose shuddered. "Do not put disturbing images about my sister into my mind. It was bad enough when Lexie spoke of some such things to me the last time we met."

"Lexie," said Daniel flatly, his body stiffening. "You know, Ambrose," he went on coldly, "that if I am to promise fidelity to you, then you must do so too. Please end your affair with her."

Ambrose laughed softly, kissing Daniel's stubbly cheek. "It has been done already. Do you think I could lie with anyone else after what happened with us that day we kissed? Of course not."

Daniel blew out a long breath, his body still unyielding. "I am very fond of Lexie," he rasped softly, "but do you know, Ambrose, just what level of jealousy the two of you caused me?"

Ambrose brought his face to Daniel's chest, peppering it with little kisses and nuzzling the curling hair, then whispered, "And visions of your depravity at Tremayne's will haunt me forever, so I suppose we are even." After a while, he added, "In any case, I had no plan to arrive at my sister's house unannounced. I will send them a note in the morning letting them know that we shall visit in the afternoon."

Daniel ran his fingers through Ambrose's hair, holding him to his chest. "You shall see the house I built," he said with a touch of pride.

"Is it well built?"

Daniel's hand slid from Ambrose's head down to his cheek, giving it a punishing tap. "This hand, Ambrose, can do many things," he growled. "It can caress. It can punish your insolence. It can also build a magnificent house. You will see."

And indeed, he did. Their visit, the following day, went a long way towards allaying Ambrose's worries about Sarah's future. He was secretly impressed with the house that Daniel had built in such a short time, but he would not say so, as Daniel's head was already big enough. Of course, it would need more furnishings and decoration on the inside, but he felt sure that Sarah would soon put her talents to making the house feel like a welcoming home, as she had done with Ivy Cottage. It brought a momentary and unwelcome reminder that he would live alone in that cottage from there on, but he pushed the melancholic thought aside.

Later, they went for a stroll in the meadow outside the house, and there, Ambrose was amused to see both Benjamin and Sarah chatter excitedly about the workshop that would be built there, just as soon as they could break ground in the spring. It would be a place for Benjamin to tinker with and invent new machinery, such as a steam plough with an improved design that he had in mind and which his papa had promised to try out on the Stanton lands when it was ready. Sarah was determined to assist him in this work, having already proved herself an able assistant when together, they had fixed a leak on the steam plough that Daniel had purchased for his lands in England.

That night in bed, after a bout of loving, Daniel kissed the top of his head and murmured, "Those two are like two peas in a pod."

"I think they are well matched," agreed Ambrose. "Even though I am glad to see Sarah so happy, it will be hard to say goodbye." He turned his head to look into Daniel's eyes. "Soon, I must return to England," he stated firmly. "Quite apart from the estate requiring my attention, there is also Emily. I have never been apart from her for so long."

"How is the little rascal?" chuckled Daniel.

"That madam has us wrapped firmly around her little finger," replied Ambrose. "She has asked about you, several times. Where's Uncle Daniel?"

"I have missed her too." Daniel sighed. "Will you give me another two days here with you? Then, we shall all return to England, Isabella too, unless she wishes to remain here."

Ambrose buried his nose in the warm crook of Daniel's neck, inhaling his essence. It was fast becoming one of his favourite places to be. "Once we leave," he murmured, "things will be different."

"I know."

"I—I love you Daniel," he said haltingly, "but I cannot risk anybody finding out about our love."

"I know."

"We shall have to agree… on some boundaries."

Daniel gathered Ambrose to him and kissed him soundly. "We shall draw up a contract," he said. "Tomorrow, we will sit together and write down the terms."

And so it was that after breakfast the following morning, Daniel took Ambrose to his father's study and sat him down across from his desk. He withdrew a blank sheet of paper and wrote with a flourish at the top: "Agreement between Daniel Stanton and Ambrose Cranshaw".

He glanced up at Ambrose. "Number one, absolute fidelity. Do you agree?" Ambrose nodded, and Daniel wrote it down.

"Number two," began Ambrose. "No overt signs of affection between us. In front of others, I will continue to address you as ‘my lord'."

Daniel thought about it then nodded and wrote it down. "How about physical love?" he ventured. "Are we to remain celibate as monks?"

"I would like to see you try!" teased Ambrose. Then, turning serious, he went on, "I do not think I can resist you, my love, but we shall have to be very careful and very discreet. There are too many eyes and ears at Stanton Hall, so I will not feel right doing anything more than kissing in your study when we are alone there."

"How about Ivy Cottage?" wondered Daniel.

Ambrose considered the matter. "Once Elsie leaves the cottage in the evening after her work is done, then I shall be alone," he said slowly.

"Then may I visit you there?" asked Daniel.

"You cannot do it every day, or it will raise suspicion," decided Ambrose. "How about twice—no three times–a week? Come after dusk and stay for a few hours."

"If I must," said Daniel sombrely, writing this down. He looked up again once he was done. "Now I have some conditions of my own," he said in a firm tone.

"What are they?"

"I will employ an assistant estate manager who you will train in all the responsibilities of your work," stated Daniel.

"Whyever so?" demanded Ambrose, affronted.

Daniel huffed, "It is not any disparagement on your work, Ambrose, merely a strategic consideration. Only think, if there is someone to look after the affairs of the Stanton estate, then we may both absent ourselves from it."

"Where would we go?" Ambrose wanted to know.

"I am a rich man, my dear," retorted Daniel. "We can go wherever we want, abroad where nobody knows who we are. You do know, countries on the Continent that have adopted the Napoleonic code have no laws outlawing sodomy."

Ambrose took a sharp breath. "I… I am aware of this, yes," he murmured.

Daniel eyed him severely. "Then this is my condition. We shall travel abroad and spend at least two months of the year together, sharing a bed."

Ambrose touched a finger to Daniel's pursed lips. "Very well, my love," he whispered. The condition was duly written down.

Daniel looked up enquiringly. "Is there anything else we need to add to this agreement?"

Ambrose hesitated. "Have you considered, Daniel, what will happen if you do not marry?"

Daniel's expression became mulish. "I will never marry, Ambrose, and I can write that now into the agreement. I do not care much about my title, but it will pass on to Benjamin and his children after me. I will ensure Benjamin's eldest son inherits the estate, as well as provide for you and Emily in my will should I predecease you. Do you have any objections?" Ambrose shook his head, and this was duly written down.

Daniel put the pen down and rose to his feet. He folded the contract and slipped it into his pocket, then came round the desk to stand before Ambrose. "Then we are in agreement, my love," he said softly. "Kiss me now and seal our bargain." He drew Ambrose to his feet and took him into his arms for a celebratory kiss.