hisback very straight, his eyes cast down.Oh,what isit, Eli? Jesse asked with a put-upon sigh. Are you frettingabout nothing?Ihoped Henry would be a voice of reason, Eli remarked, scowling.Instead, hes just as incorrigible as you.Henryblushed again, but was pleased to be categorized with his impetuouscousin.Henryfed Martin a taste of his roast beef from his own fork, scarcely ableto breathe at his own bold actions. No one in the restaurant seemedto notice how they were carrying on, which was a littledisappointinghe wanted to be recognized for his daring!butmostly a relief.Jesseoffered Henry a bit of his veal, as well, but did not attempt to feedit to him from his own fork. Eli declined a taste of anyone elsesfood, and no one offered or asked for tastes from any other boysslave.Butback to the ball, Jesse said. We got hold of some champagne andgot quite drunk, all of us and our slaves. I imagine that happens atall the balls, actually.Youpractically had to carry Russ, Eli remembered. You on one sideand Owen on the other, dragging him out to the carriage. Russ wasshamefaced at this revelation and looked down at his plate.Jesselaughed. Our girls were furious. They wouldnt even sit with usin the carriage. It was us with our slaves and them with theirs.Jesse reached over and smoothed Russ hair. Dont beembarrassed. I didnt mind taking care of you. You take care of meall the time. Russ tilted his head against Jesses hand,welcoming the touch.Jesse!Eli said in a sharp whisper. Knock it off!Jessewaved off Elis concern. No one notices anything, he saidblithely. And no one cares, either.Doesno one really notice? Henry blurted. He was dying to know.Because at Christmas I certainly noticed!Jesselaughed. You were shocked, I could tell!Dontyour parents...?Imtold my father and his Harold were exceptionally close when they wereyoung, Jesse said with a shrug. Reggie and Benjamin, too. Soperhaps its a Wilton tradition. He reached over and squeezedRuss shoulder. I have a great need for affection in my life,both the giving and the getting.Youlike shocking people, Eli said accusingly.Idont mindit, Jesse admitted. I dont set out with that intention, butit doesnt bother me when it happens.Icould never get away with being so demonstrative, Henry noted. Myfather would definitely disapprove and my friends would havesomething to say about it, too.Idont wantto get away with it, Eli said. Im quite content to keepeverything between me and Owen private.Jessecocked an eyebrow at Eli and snorted. Semi-private, maybe. Iveseen plentyfrom you and Owen.Eliblushed a furious red and glowered at his cousin. Shut up, Jesse.Theywere all quiet an uncomfortable few seconds before the waiterappeared to take their dessert orders, four chocolate tortes, twococonut cakes, and coffee for all.Sorry,Eli, Jesse said after the waiter left. He actually seemedcontrite. I didnt mean to make you uncomfortable, you know.Younever do mean it, Eli grumped, leaning back in his chair andcrossing his arms over his chest. But you cause problems for meall the same.ButHenrys our cousin, Jesse pointed out. Its okay if heknows. He cares about his slave, too. I let him in on my gameSprungit on him, more likely, Eli said knowingly. Cornered him