back, you understand. Once everyone has seen me,theyll tire of me quickly, and youll have me all to yourself.Thatssimply not true, Mother said gently, patting his arm. Everyoneloves you, Reggie.Perhaps,Reggie said noncommittally.Allthree of them got up from the table and Mother left the dining roomon Reggies arm. They all lingered in the hall while Randolphfetched Reggies coat and hat.Reggiereached out and felt the lapel of Henrys jacket, seemingly just tohave some contact with him, and Henry was happy to let him do it. Doyou go back to school tomorrow, darling?Yes,Uncle.Wellhave to see each other often the rest of this month, if we can. Iplan on returning to Italy to settle my affairs at the beginning ofFebruary and I expect Ill be there some months.Butyou willreturn? You arecoming back?Ipromise. He squeezed Henrys arm. Youre such a dear boy.His eyes welled with tears and he smiled tremulously before wavingoff Henrys concern. Oh, look what a silly old thing I am!Benjamin stepped forward and slipped Reggie a handkerchief which heused to dab at his eyes.Randolphcame back with both Reggies and Benjamins coats and held thempatiently while everyone hugged their goodbyes. Benjamin helpedReggie to put on his coat, and then Martin did the same for Benjamin,which Henry thought was very good manners. They all stood in thedoorway waving as Benjamin handed Reggie up into the Wilton broughamand climbed in after him.Assoon as the front door was closed, Mother dabbed at her eyes with alacy handkerchief. Was she crying? Pearl put an arm about hermistress shoulders and Henry stood feeling stupid and useless,unsure of what to say.Mother...?Ivejust missed my Reggie so, Mother said, sounding terribly tired,her voice tremulous. She dabbed at her eyes again. Forgive me, Ifind Im quite emotional.Arentyou happy hes coming home, though? Henry felt that the lastnine years had been the time to cry over Reggie; now was the time tocelebrate.Motherfrowned and shot Henry a sharp glare. Well of course I am, Henry!She seemed annoyed when she said, You certainly do have a positiveoutlook, darling. I envy you that. Mother turned to Pearl. Imafraid Im not feeling well. Pearl, help me upstairs, please. Ineed to lie down.Ofcourse, Maam. Pearl took Mothers elbow and steered hertoward the stairs.Henrylingered with Martin in the freezing marble hall to wait while thewomen ascended; he did not relish the thought of climbing the stairson his temperamental mothers heels.Youruncle is an interesting person, Sir.Henrylooked up and Martin was smiling at him, amused. Is that good?Ithink so, Sir. Martin edged closer, their shoulders touching. Iwant to see that painting, dont you?Henrylaughed. We shouldget a painting done. Well do it when were a bit older andFather cant tell us not to.Anudepainting? Martin smiled happily at the idea. He leaned close andwhispered, Your beautiful cock in oils, Sir? That I want to see!Letsgo upstairs, he suggested. You want to see it? Ill show itto you now.Behinda locked door, they undressed shivering before the fire. In a hurryto be naked, Henry didnt wait for Martins help but undressedhimself, tossing clothes haphazardly onto the nearby armchair. Evenclose to the fire, the air was arctic. Martins