Debt of Dishonour Book II: A Gothic Palace

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Brookhill Abbey

 
 

Part I
 

As they passed through the small village of Hindon all three officers were becoming anxious to see the infamous residence toward which they were headed. As they climbed out of the valley they were rewarded by their first glimpse of it through the trees.

"My Lord! Did you see, Horatio?" Archie exclaimed. "Did you see the size of it?"

Horatio merely nodded, as they quickly got a longer view of the loftiest private residence in the world.

Edward, too, was most curious to see the much-talked-about home of the scandalous Mr Stansford, and what he saw did nothing to allay his misgivings about their forthcoming weekend.

"Do you suppose it will be all dark and dank and covered in gargoyles?" Archie speculated. Horatio appeared dismayed at the very thought. "Maybe it's haunted!" Archie continued.

"Oh, Archie, everyone knows it's only old places that are haunted," Horatio disagreed.

As they finally drove through the gatehouse and up the long, broad Western Avenue and the great mansion loomed hugely before them they discovered two things: There were no gargoyles, and Brookhill Abbey was far more immense than they could have possibly imagined.

As they approached the western side of the abbey with its disproportionately huge entrance hall, all three were awestruck by the immensity and grandeur of the structure before them. Behind the great hall the gargantuan octagonal tower rose vertically into the sky and they found themselves craning their necks to see its full height. From one end to the other the whole place seemed like a fairytale castle with its towers, turrets, battlements, finials and its various wings. Its myriad stained-glass windows reflected the brilliant late afternoon sun, the overall effect dazzling to the eyes and senses of the visitors.

As he descended from the carriage, Edward Pellew decided that it was as well he did not have a weak heart, for the entrance alone was enough to give one pause for thought. Above its imposing height in a niche at the apex was a statue of St Anthony with a crucifix above it. The height of the pointed arch doorway was at least as high as a two-storey building and the tiny man adorned in jewels and lace who greeted them seemed only to emphasise its sheer ostentatiousness.

"Welcome, honoured guests! Welcome!" cried the dwarf, as the three officers ascended the steps into the great hall.

The sight that greeted them inside was one that they would never forget. The western hall of Brookhill Abbey, seemingly even more immense within, was filled with light and colour from its enormous stained glass windows and the many decorations and banners that adorned it. Far above their heads brightly coloured armorial bearings adorned the heavy oak beams of the roof. The walls themselves were of pale pink with crimson drapes and the whole effect was of a richly decorated medieval banqueting hall.

Stansford was there to greet them with much effulgence. Dressed in black with white ruffles and a red sash adorning his lithe figure, the man presented the picture of the perfect host. The three naval officers in their uniforms looked very smart indeed and Stansford seemed genuinely glad that they had taken the trouble of the long journey to come to his elegant abode, assuring all that they were in for a grand time of it.

Edward paused to admire a life-sized statue in a niche.

"Your father, sir?"

"Indeed."

"A most courageous man."

"That he was," Stansford concurred, also gazing up at the statue and smiling.

The archway at the rear was more than seventy feet in height, Stansford explained, as Edward found himself gazing up at it in amazement as they ascended one of the broadest sets of stairs ever seen in a private residence.

As he accompanied them, Stansford explained some of the processes of designing and building the place, the style of which he described as Modern Gothic and about which he showed much knowledge and enthusiasm.

As they passed under the arch they found themselves in the great octagon directly beneath the tower. Brightly Illuminated by lamps and candles and with the last rays of sunset streaming in through the tall stained glass windows, the thick clustered shafts that supported the three hundred foot high tower were tinted in shades of pink, and the three visitors stopped in awe at the sight. The deep scarlet of the carpet, the fifty foot high purple drapes, the rich velvet couches arranged in circular fashion and the gold filigree design around the tall, arched windows combined with the light to create a feeling of utmost tranquillity and opulence. In addition, the sounds of an unseen orchestra seemed to waft up into the dizzy heights.

Stansford remained quiet, content to stand behind his guests as they gazed silently about them, their eyes drawn inevitably to the high balconies of the arcade and huge, ornate, rose lantern above their heads.

Horatio, filled with wonder at the splendour before him, reached out to touch Edward's hand, wishing only to share the moment with him.

Edward, felt the touch but did not flinch away, knowing that their host would see; knowing also that the man was of like mind and that this place, this incredible and soothing place that was filled with light, seemed somehow more sacred than a cathedral in its beauty and its majesty.

Archie, struck dumb by the Gothic wonders surrounding him, reached out to touch Edward's shoulder, feeling the touch returned as Edward covered his hand with his own as the three stood in a silent and reverential tableau.

Behind them, Stansford stood quietly. He had observed their shared looks of wonder, and as they stood touching in unashamed affection he had known the acute loneliness of one who often had a willing body with whom to share his bed but no one to share his vision. In his lifetime he had dearly loved two people: Lord Courtenay, now living in forced exile in Paris; and his dear Margaret, who had died so very young after giving birth to their second child. Many thought that he had only married her to give himself a veneer of respectability while he secretly carried on his liaisons with the young Courtenay. However, he really had loved her dearly and she had stood staunchly by his side when scandal had overwhelmed him. Now, as he observed the casual and so-intimate touches of the men before him, he knew intense aloneness, yet he also felt honoured that they were comfortable enough in his presence to allow him to witness their affection.

Unable to tear his gaze away from the three handsome and noble men standing so close to him and yet, for the moment, totally unaware of his presence, Stansford found his vision unaccountably blurred. Consequently, he was quite unaware when they finally remembered him and turned to him once more.

Horatio, on seeing Stansford's emotion, was greatly moved. He remembered the affectionate way in which the man had farewelled them only three days ago and as he looked at him now, standing there alone with tears pouring down his cheeks, he could not bear it.

Archie, too, had noticed the man's distress, and stepped forward to take his hand in his own warm ones.

Edward, on seeing his officers move to their host's side, felt no jealousy for he, too, had grown fond of the man. Besides, there was such an irresistible charm about Stansford that he reminded one of a small boy. He also wondered if Admiral Briggs had arrived yet and if this might not be an opportune moment to speak with their host regarding their strategy for the evening. His thoughts were answered as Stansford led them to one of the alcoves around the octagon, drew the heavy purple drapes behind them and lit some candles.

"Gentlemen, I trust you will forgive my unseemly display. Sometimes my feelings get the better of me."

"Already forgotten, sir," Edward assured him

"My dear Sir Edward, it is so good to see you again!" he exclaimed softly. "May I now welcome you properly?"

Without waiting, he proffered a gentle kiss to the older man's cheeks in the French fashion before greeting the others in the same manner after which they settled themselves for a quiet conversation.

"Much though we are pleased to see you, sir, you know of the unhappy circumstances behind our visit," Edward began. "Would that it could be otherwise. However, I trust that we shall set matters to rights?"

"Indeed, Sir Edward, I believe we shall."

"Excellent. In the meantime, I believe we can find a way to prevent a certain personage calling on my officers to perform favours of an intimate nature for him, can we not?"

"Indeed we can, Sir Edward! A substance added to his drinks?"

"Allow me!" Archie volunteered.

All three men turned to him in surprise but he merely smiled cherubically.

"All right, but be careful," Edward warned. "Do it gradually throughout the course of the evening, a little at a time."

"The dwarf will pass you some laudanum to add to his wine later on," Stansford added. "Never fear. I have some small experience of court intrigue and I have things well planned."

"That is excellent, sir," Edward declared as they all stood. "I knew that we could count on you."

Stansford gave a graceful bow. "At your service, kind sirs."

Edward turned to his officers. "And now, good sirs, I shall leave you in Mr Stansford's capable hands and shall see you throughout the course of the evening."

"We will not let you down, Edward," Horatio murmured, as their gazes held for a long moment.

As Edward's dark eyes roamed from one to the other of his officers he was struck once again by their beauty. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Stansford also gazing on them in most fond manner. He smiled inwardly. The man was intriguing, talented and thoroughly unrepentant. However, he was also trustworthy. Most of all he was now an ally.

As Stansford held open the heavy drapes for his guests to depart the alcove he found himself gazing at the imposing man in a Commodore's uniform. Not for the first time he questioned his attraction to this man.

Edward noticed the small smile on Stansford's mouth. The man had the most sweetly voluptuous lips that he had ever seen outside of his own dear Horatio's, and they somehow reminded him of a half-open rosebud, sweetly pink and turning up at the corners. Not for the first time he was struck by Stansford's utter sensuality for the man was beautiful in a way that few men were. His large dark grey eyes also reminded him of Horatio's, as did the thick waves of his hair. The man seemed both ageless and charming and Edward found himself remembering the man's uniquely virile kiss. More than that, his mind immediately shied away from. However, as he moved to exit the alcove Stansford caught his look and smiled disarmingly at him.

Still within the alcove, Stansford unexpectedly let go of the drape, closing it before Edward could exit. Turning fully to Edward he stepped close and murmured, "Sir Edward, please forgive me, but..."

Whatever Edward might have said it was stifled by Stansford's mouth claiming his. However, the blatant sexuality that had been present in Edward's home was now entirely missing; instead Stansford's kiss was as warm and affectionate as it was refined and gentle.

Astounded that Stansford had somehow divined his thoughts, Sir Edward Pellew's protest died on his lips as they were met by the sweet and voluptuous ones of their host. Even though it was a chaste kiss the effect on Edward was stunning. He had always felt that kisses of this nature were gestures of such complete affection and intimacy that they should only be exchanged between lovers. Also, because such gestures affected him deeply, both physically and emotionally, he had always revelled in them when alone with his dear lovers where it mattered not if they noticed his physical reaction, or he theirs. There was also the loving aspect of it as well - and he loved them both so dearly that gestures of sweet affection were far more precious than wine. Now, in the face of an equally sweet pair of lips offered to him, his body's reaction was swift and predictable, no matter that the person who embraced him was neither of his lovers.

Archie's eyes widened in shock as Stansford blatantly kissed Edward and he tried manfully to keep a straight face. However, as he glanced at Horatio and saw him in the same difficulty he gave up and grinned. Although they had seen Stansford kiss their courageous yet reserved Commodore, that had been in bed, and they were shocked that Stansford would now be so bold as to take liberties. Additionally, both remembered vividly what it was like to be kissed by Stansford and were of the opinion that he could kiss the dead back to life. Knowing full well the effect of his kisses, they now found themselves highly amused as they waited to see the effect on Edward.

Just at the instant when he would have pushed Stansford forcefully away, his host pulled back with a last caress to his cheeks. He remembered to breathe once more and took several deep draughts, momentarily turning his back on his three companions. Not so easily remedied was the engorged state of his member. Fortunately, his usual remedy of imagining his ship sinking beneath the waves forever as he accompanied her to a cold and watery grave still worked, for which he was immensely grateful in the circumstances. However, much to his chagrin, he realised that Stansford had most probably divined his difficulty. Doubtless his lovers had also noticed for, as he turned around, he saw that they were trying, without success, to hide their smiles at his predicament. To add to his woes he felt hot in the face and realised that he was quite likely blushing like a boy.

Gazing straight into Stansford's dark, compelling eyes, he growled, "How very bold you are, sir!"

Stansford gave a small bow. "Why thank you, sir. I do not believe in living by society's rules. I break them deliberately and without regret and, if I am any judge of character - and you may believe that I am an excellent judge of character - you, too, my good Commodore, are also such a man." With his eyes he indicated the bemused younger men. "Is it not so?"

His grey eyes blazed as he gazed on Edward, daring him to deny the love he felt and the pleasures he took with his two most handsome officers.

"My dear sir, this is hardly the time or the place."

For his part, Stansford now wondered why he had arbitrarily kissed a distinguished guest when he could have sworn that he had had no such intention. He seemed to be attracted to the senior officer more than he would have imagined - had been ever since they had met at Plymouth, if truth be told - and he felt it again now. He also knew that what he felt was a far cry from the envy he had previously felt that this man should own the hearts of two such beautiful boys; boys whose charms he had sampled twice now and wanted again no matter that he knew that they dearly loved - and were loved - by the man before him. They were Commodore Sir Edward Pellew's lovers, as he was theirs, and that would not change. His own involvement with their lives was a pure act of fate - or was it destiny? - and bound to be most ephemeral. However, he believed in his dreams, and he always believed that he could make them come true. Two nights ago he had dreamt that a handsome king and two beautiful princes would pay homage to him; now that they were here before him, it was he who felt humbled in their presence.

"Forgive me, Sir Edward. Whilst it would be true to say that I have lived too long by my own rules, I do not normally treat my guests in so cavalier a manner. I can only repeat that I... know not what came over me, only that the temptation was much too powerful to resist."

Stansford at least appeared, and sounded, contrite, Edward thought, noticing his smiling officers out of the corner of his eye. He also realised that his anger was purely due to embarrassment at his physical reaction to the kiss.

He cleared his throat. "Apology accepted, sir. Shall we proceed?"

As they exited the alcove and found themselves once more in the roseate splendour of the gigantic octagon, the three naval officers once more gazed about them in perfect awe.

"Mr Stansford, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that I have never seen anything quite so splendid anywhere," Edward murmured into the quiet, his voice seeming to echo around the thick supporting columns with their impossibly high archways leading off in the direction of the four winds.

"And I am honoured by your presence, brave sirs," Stansford declared with all sincerity.

"It is truly amazing," Horatio quietly agreed.

"It is beautiful, is it not?" Stansford agreed. "Although I designed much of it myself, I have truly to thank my architect, Mr Wyatt, who assured me that it would be a work of art. I come here every day just to observe the light patterns and to contemplate. I will show you the tower tomorrow. There is a magnificent view. I would also enjoy showing you the estate, especially the gardens."

"Indeed I would enjoy that, sir," Edward murmured.

As they left the octagon behind and passed under two more archways, they found themselves in the east wing. Horatio could not help but notice the beauty of the stained-glass windows with their gold patterns, the heavy drapes in crimson and violet with gold fringes, and, most of all, he noticed the books. He realised that during their short journey they had passed by at least five hundred books and he would have loved to have stopped and inspected their titles. As it was, he could not help remarking them.

"I see you collect books, Mr Stansford."

"Oh, I collect many things. I'm afraid the place is rather littered with books. I would be happy to show you more tomorrow if you like."

Horatio's eyes lit up at the mere thought of books to explore. He would rather read books than ride horses any day. It occurred to him that while the others were out exploring he could read. Who knew what treasures he might find?

As they came upon a final archway and a set of heavy glass doors, Stansford hesitated, gazing at Horatio and Archie. On meeting Edward's eyes, his look was apologetic.

"Come, sir! This is no time for faint hearts!" Edward declared.

"Touché, Sir Edward." Stansford bowed his head to Edward's wisdom.

Striding confidently, the four men burst into a scene of light, colour and sound as they entered Brookhill Abbey' grand drawing room, now transformed into a ballroom for the occasion. Though their host was perfectly at ease, the young men who accompanied him were somewhat daunted in the face of more than fifty people in finery whirling and dancing to the sounds of an orchestra at the far end of the huge room.

Not a room but a hall, Archie thought. A hall built for entertaining and which could comfortably hold more three times the number it now accommodated. Still, no doubt there would be more guests arriving in the course of the evening. Gazing upward, he beheld the gigantic oak beams of the ceiling from which were suspended five enormous chandeliers lit with hundreds of candles. Around the heavy stone walls torches glittered in silver sconces. Servants were everywhere. Many people sat about conversing and laughing on elegant crimson lounges while others danced to a lilting gavotte.

To everyone they met, Stansford introduced the two handsome naval officers as companions. As such, they circulated constantly among the guests.

Over in the corner Horatio spotted Admiral Briggs in conversation with two wealthy gentlemen. Turning, the man spotted them with Stansford, nodded his approval, and went on with his conversation.

For the next hour Archie and Horatio fetched an occasional drink for their host, though, as they discovered, he drank only moderately, smiled, made polite conversation, kept an eye on Admiral Briggs and, of course, on their commanding officer. They had met everyone in the room and greeted all the new arrivals. It seemed that just about everyone there was aware of Stansford's sexual proclivities for more than one looked on in envy at the two attractive officers who never left his side.

"Apparently not everyone thinks Mr Stansford's a pariah," Archie remarked sotto voce when their host was engaged in conversation.

Later as the guests were adjourning for dinner three people arrived late to be greeted by all: they were Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson accompanied by Sir William Hamilton, English Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and his wife Emma. Lady Hamilton, it was rumoured, was carrying Nelson's child.

As a beaming Stansford greeted them Sir William apologised for their lateness explaining that they had suffered a broken wheel on their carriage whilst still some twenty miles away.

Stansford introduced them all to Edward and had arranged for Edward to be seated next to Nelson at dinner, much to the annoyance of Briggs who was seated further down the table. Nelson, with his white hair, one remaining arm and only one good eye, seemed slender and fragile, far older than his years for in truth he was younger than Edward. It seemed that he had met Edward only once before at a ball in Naples some years ago and the two men, each an ardent admirer of the other, had much to catch up on during a sumptuous feast which included pheasant, goose, ham and pork with all manner of condiments and all cooked to perfection by their charming host's excellent French chef.

*

After dinner it was made clear to Archie and Horatio that they were to be the companions of Admiral Briggs for the rest of the evening and Stansford was forced to say farewell to his handsome companions, though, as he stated, only for the time being - and not before he had whisked them both into an alcove and begged a kiss from each.

Briggs expected them to fetch and carry for him. As he bade Archie fetch him more wine, Horatio smiled inwardly. Outwardly, he distracted the Admiral, remarking how grand he found the place with its rich medieval decor while Archie added a little rum to the man's wine. Thereafter, each time Briggs asked for a refill, he added a few drops more to his glass.

In the meantime Stansford set about entertaining his guests by playing the piano, singing and doing various impersonations of the famous and the infamous. He was indeed well known for his impromptu mimicries and was in his element as his guests applauded wildly and cheered him on.

"Oh, does he not sing like an angel!" a well-dressed lady remarked.

"More like a damned eunuch!" remarked her disgruntled husband.

"Mr Stansford is a counter tenor and I just wish you could sing half as well!" retorted his wife.

Thereafter Lady Hamilton took her place on stage, sheet music in hand. Wearing a long, white muslin dress, her hair in heavy ringlets falling down her back, she announced that the composition she was about to sing was a new one specially written by Mr Stansford for the occasion. As he accompanied her on the piano and she sang 'O Astra, O Caelum' in her clear, strong voice, her performance was so extraordinary that even those in the crowd who resented her found themselves applauding wildly, Nelson shouting, "Bravo, my Emma!" She thereupon sang several other compositions, ending the performance with 'Ah del crudel momento', another composition of Stansford's to which she brought such depth of feeling that she reduced many in the audience to tears.

As Stansford kissed her hand and Lady Hamilton left the room to rapturous applause Horatio nudged Archie to indicate that Briggs's glass needed refilling once more. It was apparent to both that the combined effects of the wine and rum were having a distinct effect on the older man.

Admiral Briggs had brought his wife, an attractive, fair-haired woman of indeterminate age who was as tall as her husband was short. Why he had bothered to bring her no one could quite fathom for he ignored her all night. She was now dancing with a handsome army officer. Her husband seemed to pay little or no attention to her and seemed only to be interested in making business deals. From time to time he would shoo away his companions if he wished to converse in private.

Now, left to their own devices once more, Archie indicated the entrance. Horatio stifled a smile as they disappeared together, heading for the octagon. As they reached their destination a servant offered to help them. Archie asked how they reached the arcade high above and the servant showed them to an entrance leading to a tower with a steep, circular staircase.

As they bounded up it to the very top, curious as to where it might lead, they at last found themselves high above the octagon, looking down from its stone balustrades. Whilst others might have found the sheer height dizzying, the two young officers found it no higher than climbing the Indy's mainmast.

Archie turned to Horatio.

"I have never danced with you."

Horatio smiled. "Then may I have the honour of this dance, kind sir?"

Archie beamed. "With pleasure, handsome sir!"

Strangely, the sound of the orchestra was clearer high above the octagon as they began to dance together, their bodies moving gently with the rhythm of a gavotte.

For those all-too-fleeting moments high above Brookhill Abbey' octagon, the music floating up to their keen ears and seeming to reverberate in the heights of the rose lantern, they allowed themselves to drift, their spirits seeming to hover, each touch now a lingering caress until, finally, Archie touched Horatio's cheek - and they stilled. Inevitably drawn together, their mouths merged in an echo of their souls' longing.

Unseen by them, a small figure had crept up the stairs behind them and watched them dance in the arcade. Now, as they kissed, it slid silently past them, touching Archie briefly on the arm as it did so.

"This way, gentle sirs," a small voice beseeched. They immediately broke apart, both startled to find that they were not only not alone but that they had also been observed.

"Come! Come this way!" the dwarf encouraged, leading them up a narrow flight of stairs to the nunneries and opening a door on the right at the first landing.

The room he led them into was a most elegant bedchamber, its furnishings as rich as the rest of the place.

"Please make yourselves at home, gentle sirs," the dwarf insisted as he lit a lamp and left them alone, closing the door quietly behind him.

Archie grinned. "This place is amazing!"

"Yes. Come here."

Horatio caught him up in his arms, kissing his cheeks in sheer delight.

"God, but I want you!" he hissed.

"How much do you want me?" Archie murmured, his gaze lingering on the large bed with its red silk drapes.

"No time, my love. No time. We must get back before we are missed."

Archie knelt down on the thick rug and unbuttoned his breeches, sliding them down over his hips before lying down, smiling up at his lover.

Horatio, his breathing far from steady, knelt over him, his hands worshipping though the thin materials of his lover's uniform, his eyes feasting on the swollen member standing proudly awaiting his touch.

Archie's hands made short work of undoing his lover's breeches and guiding him to turn around so that he too might gorge himself on the delectable swelling now before his eyes.

The room was filled with the sounds of their soft moans and gasps as they brought each other to a swift but no less pleasurable completion.

*

Back in the ballroom Admiral Briggs was not best pleased that the two officers seemed to have disappeared. Marching straight over to Edward, he demanded to know their whereabouts.

"Why I thought they were with you, sir," Edward replied, his voice laced with irony.

"Can't turn me back on the scoundrels for a moment!" Briggs complained. "I'll 'ave 'em drummed out of service, I will!"

The combination of wine and rum was bringing out Briggs northern accent with a vengeance.

"That is your privilege, sir," Edward responded mildly.

Some five minutes later as Briggs saw the missing officers re-enter the room his suspicions arose.

"And just where have you two layabouts been?"

Archie was sorely tempted to give the obvious answer. Fortunately Horatio advised the Admiral that they had been answering the call of nature while Archie endeavoured to keep a straight face.

"You were gone a mighty long time just to 'answer the call of nature'," Briggs accused.

"We could not find the head, sir," Horatio asserted.

"And lost our way," Archie added.

"Huh! Didn't you bring a compass?" he sneered. "Fetch me a drink!" He held out his glass to Archie.

As Archie took the glass Horatio remarked, "A most delightful evening, sir."

Briggs looked at him slyly. "The evening's not over yet, young man!"

Horatio forced himself to gaze into the man's eyes and smile. "I trust not, sir."

"Glad to hear you say that, young man." Briggs deliberately ogled Horatio, allowing his eyes to roam the length of the youthful officer's excellent body.

Horatio forced himself to stand still and smile as Archie returned with the Admiral's drink.

"I'll see both of you in my room as the clock strikes midnight - and that's an order!"

"Aye, sir!" Horatio replied.

"With pleasure, sir," Archie replied.

"Oh, the pleasure will be all mine, I assure you!" Briggs retorted, his smile a sneer of triumph.

* * *