playwith me, Martin? Henry isnt doing it right.Henry was somewhatoffended that his efforts were being discounted so decisively andcasually, but he didnt want to play dolls anymore, either.Nurse stepped in.Miss, she said, wont you show your brother and Martin howwell you can entertain yourself?But theyreright here! Cora protested. I shouldnt have to play bymyself.Leave the boysalone, Father said, and that was that.Henry didntreceive any presents but he was not upset by this; he had notreceived presents in several years, though Father often suggestedoptions when the family came together. Henry was perfectly happy withthis state of affairs; all of his needs were met quite extravagantly,and he desired for nothing.Take yourself toHamiltons if you like, Father suggested. Put some things onaccount. Let Timothy know so he can tell them to expect you.Thank you, sir.Henry liked the idea of a new suit and perhaps some patternedwaistcoats, which made him wonder if he might be able to convinceMartin to wear a waistcoat a little fancier than the plain black hewore every day. Probably not. Outside of the bedroom, Martin was astickler for protocol and rules.Cora kissed everyonegoodnight and the party dispersed. Henry and Martin went back toHenrys rooms and had sleepy sex, and Henry thought that Martin wasthe best present hed ever had.On Christmasmorning, Henry woke to Martins hand on his shoulder. MerryChristmas, Henry.Merry Christmas.He pulled Martin down into the bed and kissed him. How much timedo we have?Not much,Martin admitted. I let you sleep longer than usual. Well bewanted downstairs directly for your breakfast.Henry nuzzled hisneck and squeezed his ass with both hands. Ill give you apresent later, then, he promised.Martin laughed. Imcounting on it.Henry showered andwas shaved and dressed in his bottle-green suit with a red paisleytie.Martin smoothed theshoulders of Henrys jacket, straightened his lapels, and said,You look very festive.Down in thebreakfast room, Father was in a foul mood, finding fault witheverything. Father disliked visiting the Wiltons and had discouragedHenry from becoming any closer to his Wilton cousins, but Christmaswas the one day a year Father could not avoid interacting with hiswifes family.Merry Christmas,Father, Henry said hopefully. Merry Christmas, Mother. Hesat in the chair Martin held out for him.Henry. Fathersaid in reply. He looked Henry up and down and frowned at the greensuit.Henry, darling.Mother seemed almost happy; surely it was the prospect of seeingReggie again. You look very handsome.Thank you,Mother.They had baked eggswith cheese and herbs, ham, sausage, pancakes with apple-cinnamoncompote, raisin toast with butter and jam, and spice cake. Henry hadtwo cups of milky coffee. Mother sipped her tea and ate nothing.Father, complaining of the substandard fare that would be offered inGilbert Wiltons house, ate large portions of everything.The Wiltons senttheir Clarence aroundas well they ought, Father pointed out, sincehed purchased it for themas the entire Blackwell entouragenumbered eight people and each carriage could only comfortably seatfour. Henry and Cora rode together in the Wilton carriage, with itsunfamiliar green leather upholstery and fringed curtains, along withMartin and Nurse. At Coras request, Henry allowed her to sitbeside Martin while he sat with Nurse.Cora chattered toMartin, adoring and shyly flirtatious, and Henry watched, amused.Cora could