Page 52 of The Songbird of Wychwood

“Did I? You must be mistaken sir, for I am so very pure and virginal. I have never kissed a boy in my life,” I jested coquettishly.

“Oh, my sweet innocent angel, if that’s the case, please let me show you how things are done…for research, of course.”

“Of course. Very well sir.”

“A kiss is always best if the person is at close quarters, like this,” Percy said, leaning in pressing us chest to chest until I could feel the rapid beating of his heart and smell his wine scented breath against my skin.

“And then we press our mouths together and let the pleasure take us where it will.”

We luxuriated in sensual kisses while the bedroom heated up. I could have lain there all night, but Percy insisted we wash. While he readied the bath, I took a look in the study. A cobwebbed, half-consumed glass of whisky was on the desk and a journal was open. Naturally, I was curious, and then shocked to my core when I read the final words on the page.

“I know that this is the end and it will come at the hand of the man who loved me so dearly. I wish it to be this way, and I pray that we will be reunited beyond the veil, finally at peace, away from the constrictions of human bonds…”

I wondered how Theodore Harcourt had perished and didn’t know if it was suitable conversation when bathing. Percy opened the door,

“Ah, there you are. What have you found?”

“Sorry, sorry, I shouldn’t be nosey,” I said wracked with guilt, ”But I must admit I am curious as to who Theodore was.”

“Come, join me in the tub. I shall tell you about Theo and his Edmund,” Percy reached out a hand of invitation.

“Oh,” I’d never bathed with a lover before and the thought of it made my pego twitch. I met Percy’s eyes and noted, “You don’t have a night shirt, or any smalls.”

“My belongings will be delivered tomorrow. I’ll make do tonight. I’d rather hoped a nightshirt and smalls would be unnecessary!”

So, this was how it would be from now on! I liked this turn of events very much.

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