Debt of Dishonour Book II: A Gothic Palace

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Part VII
 

That evening as the three naval officers dined formally for the last time at Brookhill Abbey, there were far fewer guests, many having already departed with profuse compliments for Stansford's impeccable taste and his lavish abode.

Under Nelson's instructions, Briggs had been locked in his room until Nelson and Captain Hardy departed as they planned to escort the disgraced senior officer to Admiralty House whence he had promised to make a full confession. Stansford had been most put out at having to have a bolt put on the door, complaining that no room in the abbey was ever locked. Nelson and his dear Captain Hardy were happily ensconced in the Lancaster Tower.

Later, Stansford showed the three naval officers what the other guests had not seen, the yellow drawing room. As with other parts of the abbey it, too, was filled with flowers, their sweet scents mingling with the rich smell of the new cedar panelling.

Such a glittering array of precious objects Archie Kennedy had never seen before. Everywhere he looked they were arranged in a manner to set them off to best advantage. As Stansford proudly showed off treasure after rare treasure and explained its provenance, from the remarkable tazza with its mounted silver dolphins to an elaborately decorated Japanese bottle; from a beautiful marble and gilt table to a lovely little gold teapot, he lost count of the wealth on display. Indeed all were held in thrall by their host's astonishingly valuable collection, Archie observing Edward's eyes light up at sight of each new item, the senior officer displaying much knowledge of the art of collecting.

As the tour ended Edward invited their host to his home when next they had leave for Stansford, having previously arrived very late at night and left before dawn, had had no time to spare for Edward to show him around.

"Unlike your fine collection, sir, I have few treasures, but there are some that you might find of interest."

"My dearest Sir Edward, I can state to a moral certainty that I have already seen the two most rare and precious treasures in your possession and can attest to their value being beyond measure. Indeed I can state that I would give away - and with good cheer - every precious object in this room, nay the whole Abbey, to
own such treasures. I think you know, sir, that I am not a fighting man, and yet I will tell you now from the fullness of my heart that I would willingly give my life's blood to protect such a fortune as you possess."

For once lost for words, Edward gazed at a large vase of roses, realising that, as favoured by good fortune as the man had certainly been, he was yet poor as a church mouse for he was bereft of the one thing for which he longed - someone to share all this with. Coupled with that knowledge came the simultaneous realisation that Stansford was so utterly unique that he would most likely never find that person, or perhaps had found it once in his wife Lady Margaret, only to lose her to the grave.

"I take it you will come, sir?"

Stansford grinned at him. "With bells on, my dear sir! With bells on. By the by, I assume you keep your piano in tune?"

"I do indeed, sir."

"Then I shall sing for you."

"Then I shall look forward to your visit with much anticipation," Edward murmured, his voice only just above a whisper.

Stansford smiled gently, his manner shy and somehow charming.

"Gentle sirs, it is presumptuous of me I know, but I trust that you will forgive any audacity on my part if I invite you to once more share my bedchamber on your last night at Brookhill."

He gazed at Horatio who in turn glanced at his companions.

"'Twould be a pleasure, sir," Horatio answered for all of them.

*

As the four men were bathed by servants in warm, scented water, their hair washed, dried and carefully brushed, their bodies warm and fragrant with perfumed oils, a deep sensuality seemed to pervade their beings.

Afterwards they stood before the fire while Stansford poured chilled champagne into long-stemmed goblets. The three naval officers wore long, black silk Oriental robes with a pattern of intertwined gold and red dragons which their host had insisted on making them presents of as he said how handsome they looked in them. His own robe was of crimson with gold dragons.

"To my most honoured guests," he proposed. "May your last night at Brookhill be a memorable one."

"And to our most kind and gracious host for rescuing us from stormy seas and making our voyage to the shores of Brookhill more than pleasant," Edward proposed.

As they clinked glasses and drank once more, Edward found Stansford's gaze on him; a gaze that somehow encompassed lust, longing and something more.

"Was it truly only two days ago that we arrived here?" Edward shook his head. "I seem to have quite lost track of time since I have been in your fine abbey."

Stansford smiled warmly, his pink lips turning up in delight. "As I planned it. Oh, the world sometimes intrudes, but only when I let it."

"This place is truly a sanctuary."

"From the barbed and wicked tongues of men, yes. I was brought up nearby in my father's mansion. I trust that I shall die here."

"But not yet."

"No. Not yet." He chanced to look at the other two who appeared to have eyes only for each other. "Such an honourable man you are, Sir Edward," he continued, his large eyes alight, the flames in the hearth a reflection of the fire now growing within him; a fire that was beginning to lick deliciously at his loins, leaving him warm with a most sweet anticipation.

Edward shook his head. "I am no different to many other competent commanders. It is often difficult to act with honour in times of war, and yet I feel that, of all times, that is the time when honour is most desperately needed."

"It will not last forever. I only regret that my own peace-making efforts came to naught."

"You said that Pitt detests you?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I drew up a peace treaty. Damn good terms for England too. They would have kept the Cape of Good Hope. The French were even willing to sign it, but..." He shook his head.

"Pitt turned it down?"

Stansford nodded sadly. "Had the treaty been a success His Majesty would have had to grant me a title. This they would not do."

"So the war goes on and good men continue to die because they refuse to grant you a peerage? But I can not believe this!"

"Believe it, gentle sir. It galls me more than I can possibly say, especially when I think that you and your dear ones have to go back to sea and fight for king and country when the war could have ended four years ago."

Edward shook his head again.

"I had no idea."

"No one does, except for Pitt, and no doubt his ungracious majesty."

Stansford clinked glasses with him again. "To a swift end to the war, sir!" he proposed.

"To a swift end to all war, sir!"

They drank.

*

The young officers on the bed drained their glasses and Archie set them aside.

"Are you upset with me, Horatio?"

"Of course not! Why should I be upset with you?"

"Because I will be leaving you."

Horatio shook his curly head. "No! No, Archie. We both saw what happened to Edward when we were forced to leave him. I would not have him be alone." He placed the palm of one long-fingered hand against Archie's cheek. "The subject has also occupied my own mind of late and I... I had been going to suggest that
you might stay with Edward, but to my everlasting shame I did not know how. I was afraid that you would think I did not want you with me. Dearest friend, your wisdom has saved me an agony of torment. I know that you will be safe in Edward's hands, as he will be in yours. Just don't wear him out before I return to claim you both!"

"On the ship? That's hardly likely!"

"I know you too well, Archie."

"Yes, and just wait till we get you back. We shall wear you out until it falls off!"

"But, Archie, I'll be a eunuch!"

"Yes, a most beautiful and desirable eunuch and I shall make a fortune hiring you out to the highest bidder!"

"Archie!" Horatio giggled infectiously as his friend deliberately placed his hand over his groin to stroke lightly through the thin folds of the robe.

"But not yet," Archie whispered. "Not tonight, my Horatio. Tonight I want to do everything to you..." Horatio was hardening wonderfully beneath his hand, "...and have you do the same to me, my love."

Horatio's lips fell to his lover's neck and began to suck gently.

"Yes, mark me," Archie moaned.

"And shall we mark our dearest Edward?"

"And our host!"

"A token of our visit!"

"Done!"

*

For William Stansford, the idea of joining with Edward Pellew was now overwhelming. He had thought to adjourn to the bed but, without warning, turned and kissed his guest hard in that unique manner he had. The older man's soft groan only served to enhance his own strident arousal as their legs wound around each
other. Sliding his hands down Edward's back, he grasped his firm buttocks, moulding them in his hands through the slippery robe as the Commodore deliberately rubbed against him, the stiffness of his member more than a match for Stansford's own.

Gratified by the older man's fervent response, Stansford whispered into his ear, "Shall we adjourn to the bed, my dear sir, where we may be more comfortable and there are scented oils to aid our joining?"

Edward nodded and together they repaired to the outstandingly large and elaborate bed.

"Quite a bed, sir," he could not help but remark.

"It originally came from Windsor Castle but it's far too large. I had even thought of selling it."

"I am pleased that you did not."

Stansford bowed to Edward, covering the man's hand with his own.

"My dearest Sir Edward, if you will permit, may I have the privilege of seeing you without clothing? I would gaze on your bare flesh only in fondest manner for I would fain remember you that way, here, in my bed."

Edward smiled, a merry twinkle in his brown eyes.

"Since your entreaty is so very charming, sir, you leave me no choice but to comply."

Stansford helped him off with his robe, also disposing of his own in the process as Edward lay down amid the cushions.

Stansford gazed on him most fondly.

"Such excellent limbs, sir!" he remarked, leaning over to kiss the older man's muscular thighs as Edward sighed and ran playful fingers through the man's hair, all the while urging him closer to his groin.

Of a sudden, a tongue darted out to lick at his balls and his whole body jerked in reaction, his hips involuntarily pushing forward, seeking more. He was gratified to feel a second, then a third touch and he parted his legs further, welcoming the delectable stimulation.

Stansford mouthed his balls knowing full well the effect he was having on the other man, desiring only to give pleasure. As he did so he could feel the tremors in Edward's body - a most vigorous man indeed, he decided, gratified by the other's keen response. As a lover of men he well knew exactly what to do to so fill a man with desire that he begged - literally begged - for him to cease and desist.

After mouthing the warm sack of the testicles while his fingers occasionally strayed over the opening to Edward's body, Stansford deliberately ran his tongue in one long, slow, swipe up the length of the man's lovely, tall prick, feeling it jerk and bob as Edward groaned his pleasure at the delicious touch. Holding it with one hand, he licked at the tip, his tongue swirling around the crown until he was rewarded by a drop of slippery salt wetness seeping from the tiny slit. Holding it on his tongue, he returned to Edward's mouth to ravish it deeply, tongues meeting, tasting, entwining.

Tasting of his own desire on the other's tongue, Edward groaned, longing to bury his flesh in this dear man's eager body. Sucking wantonly on Stansford's tongue, he ground their hips together, glorying in the other's desire, knowing that at this moment it was for him, and him alone, for the man seemed oblivious to the amorous activities now taking place only a few short feet away.

As Stansford kissed his way over Edward's cheeks and down his neck Edward glanced to his left to see a bare and beautiful Archie gently fucking Horatio while the latter groaned softly urging his lover to take him deeply.

Smiling, Edward reached over to stroke Archie's lower back and the fine, rounded globes of his buttocks, running a possessive hand over them.

Stansford, turning to watch, saw Archie murmur, "My Edward," and take his face in possessive hands; saw Edward lean over and claim his lips with the greatest of affection and murmur, "Dearest Archie"; saw Archie gasp and cry out at the unexpected suddenness of the fervour that released him with the touch of Edward's lips; heard Horatio groan as his lover's fire filled him and left him unsatisfied; saw Archie withdraw and turn Horatio over to take the heavy shaft of his sex into his mouth; saw Horatio's whole body jerk and sway as his lover's greedy, sucking mouth devoured every drop until he was drained and utterly defenceless in his arms; saw both of them collapse, boneless, to rest together among the bed's array of scattered cushions.

For Stansford, eyeing the amorous frolics of the younger men only served to increase his ardour almost to the point of his undoing. He decided it was time to claim all of Edward's attention for himself.

Sucking on the man's lovely nipples while the older man positively writhed beneath him, Stansford decided that perhaps he had been wrong. He had assumed that the good Commodore would wish to be the aggressor, but the man in his arms who growled softly in his throat and continually thrust upward with his hips to press his rampant member against his own hardness was utterly wanton.

"My dear sir," Edward gasped. "Whilst your ardent attentions are most gratifying, I must beg you to cease - at least until I can get my breath," he added.

Stansford gave a most seductive grin. "I please you too much, do I not?"

Edward smiled and shook his head at his host's smugness. "You do, sir. You do indeed," he panted.

Turning the tables, he urged Stansford onto his back on the cushions, allowing his eyes to roam thoughtfully over the attractive male body laid out like a feast before him. Stansford's hair had dried into curls around his face and the rest was spread out in auburn waves on the pillow.

"Do you like what you see, my dearest Commodore?" Stansford inquired softly, sighing with pleasure and wriggling a little under the other's admiring gaze. His body, unlike Edward's, was smooth and unblemished by scars, his manhood flushed and full.

Edward's hands were stroking over Stansford's ribs and delightfully smooth, flat belly, his eyes on small, pale pink nipples with their darker pink tips that somehow reminded him of dear little rosebuds.

Stansford reached for one of the small jars of oil on the shelf. Opening it, he inhaled its scent. "Ah, yes!" he sighed, handing it to Edward so that he might also enjoy its heady scent of jasmine and orange.

Edward smiled, tipped a little onto his finger and spread it lightly over Stansford's nipple, watching it stand at his light touch, before doing the same to its twin, his companion smiling in anticipation.

Inexorably drawn to them, Edward revelled in sucking them, the oil warm and sweet-tasting on his tongue, the small nipples now hardened little points of bliss as Stansford stroked Edward's hair, crooning in delight.

"I will admit, my dear sir, that... umm... there is nothing... ahh... quite like having one's nipples sucked with care and... oh, yessss!... such tenderness."

To Stansford, in spite of their short acquaintance, this man's respect and affection had come to mean a great deal to him. Besides, he found the senior officer, like himself, a man of spotless integrity who also happened to be a most attractive male of the species, and he had to admit that he did so love men in uniform - older ones too it seemed. Perhaps it was the idea that they were defenders of the realm - a romantic notion no doubt - but he would always rise to the occasion for an attractive officer, and this one was so very much more than a brief encounter on Hounslow heath, as enjoyable as that might be.

Edward kissed his way up to his neck as Stansford arched and sighed beneath him, the tip of his manhood now thoroughly wet and slippery in his desperate need for completion while, above him, Edward took his time, exploring this most desirable body.

With gentle hands and mouth Edward explored Stansford's flat belly and small navel, leaving sucking kisses. His eyes greedily drank in the state of his partner's arousal, gratified by what he saw.

Grasping one of the large cushions, he urged Stansford to raise his hips, which he did, his body arching eagerly upward. Edward proceeded to dribble a little of the oil over the testicles, gently rubbing it in, his hands worshipping their heaviness while Stansford murmured encouragement.

He trailed the oil lower, allowing four large drops to fall on the small opening.

"My dear sir, I fear I shall expire!"

"Shhh," Edward soothed, reaching up to pinch the man's hard nipples while trailing his lips over firm buttocks.

He had never thought to do this to a stranger but he knew the extreme rapture it could bring, had known it ever since the night in Gibraltar when Horatio had tried it for the first time. Lord, but he would never forget that night for many reasons! As for Archie, the lad had loved it from the start. He, himself, had learnt to revel in it with complete and total abandon whenever either of his dear ones savoured him in that exceedingly intimate way with practised and wicked tongues.

Without further ado, he licked with determination at the small rose of the opening. He was rewarded by a loud groan from Stansford as the other's body contorted in sheer euphoria. Repeating the action elicited a second, louder groan, the opening quivering beneath his tongue.

As he continued to tease his host, Edward drank in Stansford's expressions of unadulterated delirium; watched as the man's graceful hands gripping the quilt in sheer desperation. Knowing the feeling well, he smiled.

"Open to me, sir," he commanded, shoving a well-padded cushion under Stansford's hips, "and let me bring you such pleasure as you so wantonly desire."

"God, yes!" was the fervent reply as Stansford complied, almost immediately feeling Edward's exploring tongue penetrate him.

"Yes, yes, yes!" he groaned.

Stansford, in a state bordering insanity, thrust helplessly with each movement of Edward's marvellous tongue. Desperate for release, he grasped his weeping member, only to be stopped by Edward.

"Not yet, my dear one. Not yet," Edward commanded, while Stansford whimpered in longing and denial, his shaft thrumming to each excited beat of his heart. He managed to nod, relishing the small endearment.

"Together, my dearest," Stansford panted, his eyes begging for relief. "Together we shall pay homage to the sweet goddess of love."

Leaning over Stansford, he observed the man's face, the large dark eyes with their long lashes that opened even as he watched. The full lips that smiled at sight of him and parted, awaiting a kiss.

There was about this man a voluptuousness that would not be denied, Edward decided. It was something he innately possessed; a quality that would always be with him. It was a willingness to not merely surrender, but die of pleasure in the process if necessary; a total giving that was unconscious and unaffected; it was what his own two lovers gave to him, and his heart was touched now as it was each time with his dear ones. This man of many talents with his slim and beautiful body also was a treasure to behold, and he had touched Edward's heart as very few had.

With shaking hands, Stansford grasped Edward's face, feeling the other's gaze roaming over him. Stansford gloried in his desire; revelled in his body's rapturous response to this powerful man's erotic and tender attentions.

As their lips met, greedy and devouring, they hungered on each other, tongues plundering and sucking ravenously.

Their gazes hot, their eyes glowing with the haze of unfulfilled lust, Stansford reached down, grasped Edward's hardness and brought it to the opening of his body, raising his hips further as he did so until the angle was perfect and it was pushed up snug against the opening. Then with both hands, he gripped Edward's buttocks, pulling him down, opening to him in utter joyousness. As the wonderfully swollen and slippery member entered him, he crooned his pleasure, his inner muscles contracting, clutching desperately at the beauty of their joining, his legs encircling Edward.

Hearts hammering, bodies gleaming with perspiration, they fitted together as though they were always meant to.

Together, they laboured, their movements timed to bring only fulfilment of aching need, desperate to make it last and knowing that neither one of them could prolong it.

As Stansford again sought his own relief, Edward ceased all movement, grasped his hand and held it still. As his companion gazed up at him, large eyes hooded with desire, Edward shook his head. At the other's questioning gaze, Edward gave the tiniest of smiles.

"You shall have me, my dear," he rasped, his breathing heavy with his exertions. "It is what you wish, is it not?" he queried gently.

Stansford had hoped for, but not really expected, that this strong, wilful man would allow him that privilege. In gratitude, he nodded, touching Edward's face and gazing into his eyes in a moment of tenderness that took his breath away.

"My dear sir, you honour me," he rasped, squeezing with strong, internal muscles until his partner's eyes glazed over in pleasure and he resumed his glorious movements.

In the years that he had had two exquisite lovers Edward Pellew had never sought sexual favours with another; had never even contemplated it. Yet in only two days, he had not only shared a bed with this man, but was even now fucking him with utmost ardour and had even demanded that he do the same. Small wonder that he now found himself vaguely pondering what on earth had come over him. Perhaps Nelson was right and it really was in the water. Right now he knew that he did not have the answer for his brain was far too addled by passion to fathom the reason behind his extraordinary behaviour. He did know that the man greatly desired him and, God help him, but the feeling was mutual.

Gazing into the man's large, dark eyes, something gave inside him and, as Stansford whispered, "Yes! Yes, my sweet Commodore!" and his sex was gripped and squeezed interminably, he let go his restraint, ceasing to query his attraction to this wholly desirable man in spite of the fact that he already had two beautiful lovers of his own. As fire rose in his veins, he knew only that this was right; that it was incredibly beautiful and one of the sweetest, most intense experiences of release he had ever known.

Stansford revelled in his partner's fervent response, observing his complete surrender. He had brought this powerful man to a state of utter, helpless passion - and he rejoiced in it.

Sliding his now-pliant lover off him and rolling him onto his stomach was not difficult. Dipping his finger into the oil, he quickly inserted it, stroking now with two fingers, preparing a most relaxed Edward for his entry.

William Stansford's long wait for fulfilment had made him painfully needful and the long, slow slide into ecstasy as his member was gripped by the other's heat and tightness almost finished him. He began to thrust almost immediately, grinding his hips against Edward's fine buttocks, penetrating deeply each time. He was fucking a fine, sleek and powerful stallion and he rejoiced in his glory. However, as he leaned forward, stretching out his arms, Edward intertwined their fingers, the gesture touching his heart with fondness. Strength tempered by tenderness, he thrust slower, gliding over that heavenly spot, listening to the man's soft, passionate moans.

A stallion indeed, Stansford marvelled, starting a little as he felt the delicious press of soft lips on the back of his neck and a voice whispered, "Is he not wonderful?"

Horatio, he realised.

Hands were fondling his rear now too and a finger penetrated him, circling there, feeling the slippery wetness within.

"Yes, Horatio," he whispered. "Yes!"

The sweet boy's heavy sex was there, entering him, and God but he wanted it in him! Needed it so very much!

In sheer delirium, William Stansford experienced the most glorious, prolonged orgasm that he could remember, his drawn-out cry of delicious abandon reverberating in the large room, his release triggering that of his lovers as a glowing Archie watched in delight.

*

Edward drifted, aware of soft noises around him but not quite awake. As he opened his eyes it was to the sight of two people silhouetted before the fire in a fond embrace. As he watched them Archie offered him a drink of water and he drank thirstily. His lover then produced a large basket of strawberries and a bowl of soft, warm chocolate, which he proceeded to dip one into before popping it into his mouth.

The couple by the fire continued to embrace, Stansford now singing softly to Horatio in Italian.

Archie smiled at them. "I think William's in love," he whispered.

Edward grinned. "With both of you!"

"And you!" Archie accused, feeding his lover more chocolate coated strawberries before putting the basket aside.

Lying down, he whispered, "I would hold you, my Edward."

Without hesitation, Edward rolled over to rest his head on Archie's breast as the younger man gathered him close, Stansford's soft voice lulling them.

*

With loving eyes, Horatio watched Stansford in the throes of passion with both of his lovers. Afterwards he offered each a drink of water before taking up a damp washcloth and bathing their heated and perspiring bodies.

"Sweet Horatio, what a fine nursemaid you would make!" Stansford sighed happily.

"Believe me, sir, I am better at firing a canon."

Stansford giggled. "I should say so. You have quite a canon there, my dear!"

Horatio blushed, Archie giggled, Edward smiled.

"A superb piece of equipment if ever I saw one," Stansford praised, now openly fondling said canon, watching keenly as it grew in his hand.

Taking up the bowl of thick chocolate, he grasped Horatio's member and dipped it into the bowl until it was thoroughly coated.

"And now!" he announced, eyeing it like a hawk, "Now for a sweet treat!"

Bending, he proceeded to lick his way delicately up and down the length of the lovely organ while the boy whimpered with pleasure and wriggled in delight.

*

Archie woke sometime later to find himself lying in Stansford's arms, their faces side by side on the pillow. Close by, Horatio was slowly licking his way up Edward's ribcage toward his nipples, each now coated in chocolate.

He smiled, loving to be in that position himself.

Stansford, observing Archie's fond expression, picked up the bowl of chocolate, murmuring, "Shall I?"

Smiling, Archie nodded.

*

William Stansford woke to find himself entangled in the fine, strong limbs of three handsome naval officers now sleeping soundly in his bed.

They had all drunk a little too much champagne and later had trussed him up with the drape sashes, declaring that they were pirates and he was the fair prize they had rescued from the sea, only to suffer a fate worse than death!

He giggled softly at the memory.

He had definitely drunk too much and could not quite remember how many times he had been blessed with transports of pure rapture. However, on lifting the covers and glancing down at his body - what he could see of it - he saw that he was covered with the marks of passion.

Smiling fondly, he touched some of them, wishing that he could keep them always.

Tomorrow night he would be back in his small, solitary bed in the south-east tower. He would go back to his reading, his walks in the surrounding woods where he would talk to the birds and the animals and swim in the lake. There was a painting that he was interested in, if the price was right, as well as several objets d'art shortly to be auctioned. But would life ever be quite the same again? he wondered. Somehow he doubted it.

Fingering the St Anthony around his neck, he thought of the lovely new ones that he had had prepared for his most favoured guests. In the morning he would give them to them as well as the other gifts he had in mind. Later, he would pray to the dear saint to grant them deliverance and utmost protection, in war and peace.

The room was cold now, the fire long gone out, the tall candles beside the bed reduced to little more than stumps. He managed to free an arm enough to reach the snuffer and put them out.

Pulling up the lovely violet quilt, he covered his lovers well before settling down once more to sleep in their arms. A single tear escaped to soak wetly into the fine linen pillowcase.

* * *