Chapter 25

I’m still sorting through the mail when I catch a glimpse of Lester returning to the kitchen with the tray of cups and plates.

“Lester, can you draw me a bath, please? I’ll be up in few minutes.”

Lester nods and hurries away to the kitchen.

Other naked servants pass by as they go about their duties. I barely notice. I’ve received three invitations to dinner parties, a notice about a hole in one of my fences, which should have gone to Fredrick, the groundskeeper, and a letter from an aunt. There’s nothing from Eduardo at all. It isn’t surprising. He was quite angry when he left and I’ve been a fool to even entertain the idea he’d want to communicate with me again.

I gather up the letters and take them into my study. I throw them on the table and notice how dusty it is in there.

On my way upstairs I meet a houseboy, small cock and freckles.

“Who are you?” I ask.

“Graham, sir.”