believe theyd have a happy marriage, Sir, do you?Not at all. Icant imagine James married, period. I want to talk more about thiswhole James situation, Henry said as they walked through theBlackwell gate. but I guess it will have to wait until after ourdinners.Certainly, Sir.Martin hurried up the front steps and rang the bell and Paul let theminside.Hurry or youllmiss dinner, Paul said to Martin. To Henry, he said, Goodevening, Sir.Martin said, Illsee you soon, Sir. He shed his coat into Pauls hands and headedfor the rear of the house at a near-run.They had little timeto talk when Martin joined Henry upstairs to help him dress, as theywere running latestilland Martin had special news that hewished to impart.Ive arranged atreat for you, Henry, Martin said, smiling, as he tied Henrystie.Is it food?Henry asked hopefully. Is it?Martins grinwidened. Yes. Its macaroni and cheese. I ate so much atmy dinner! I feel quite overstuffed.Youre so fatnow, Henry told him, pulling him in for a tight embrace. I canbarely get my arms around you. Martin laughed and squirmed in hisarms.Let me finishdressing you, or youll be late.At the table, Henrybarely tasted anything offered to him, his taste buds thoroughlyprimed for his macaroni and cheese. When he got his macaroni at last,following a fillet de boeuf a la Rossine, the pleasure he tookin eating it was almost sexual, so closely tied was it to Martin andMartins desire to please him. He embarrassed himself with aninadvertent growl that expressed his immense satisfaction, and as thesound escaped his throat, both his parents looked at him witheyebrows raised.As usual, Pearl readafter dinner. They were nearing the end of Best Intentions, arather tedious moralizing tale about a well-off do-gooder and hislittle working-class helpmate, who was clearly in love with him. Thestory had featured no heaving bosoms, no rakish sons, and no shockingcontent whatsoever, for which Henry was grateful, but neither had itbeen interesting, unfortunately.Henry used thefamily hour to consider what he should do to Martin as soon as he wasgiven his freedom. The pleasure of having eaten something that he soenjoyed had him wanting to keep putting things in his mouth.Pearl closed thebook and smiled at Henry. Tomorrow Ill read the last chapter,Maam, Sirs.Mother was possiblyasleep, and Father was busy, as always.Thank you,Pearl, Henry said. You have such a nice reading voice.Thank you, Sir.Pearl colored a little at the praise.Father? May I beexcused?What? Oh,certainly. Go. Goodnight. Father waved him off, and Henry left theroom at a fast walk, Martin right behind him.Sir?Come on. Henryreached back for Martin, grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward. Heleaned close and said, More than anything, tonight I want to suckyour cock.Martin gave athroaty laugh and picked up his pace. I certainly wont deny youthe pleasure, Sir.They kissed behindthe locked door, tugging at each others clothes and unbuttoningwhatever they could reach. Their jackets fell to the floor, followedby their waistcoats. Henry pulled the tie out of Martins hair andlet it fall loose around his shoulders, held it in handfuls andlifted it off his neck. Martin tilted his head to the side, archinghis neck, offering it