When Edward inherits the family textile mill from his deceased parents, he knows where his duty lies. As a young Victorian gentleman, he devotes himself to the family business and doing right by his customers and employees. What concern is it that he surrenders his own artistic ambitions and romantic passions?<br><br>But a hideous accident at the mill one day brings him into close contact with Mori, one of his most productive workers, a beautiful yet seemingly delicate and vulnerable young man. Edward takes Mori under his protection, bringing him back to his house. At last, Edward has found a friend and companion. His fascination for Mori grows swiftly into love, and he’s drawn out of his quiet introspection into a world of delight and passion.<br><br>Yet Mori has a private task that both baffles and concerns Edward: the completion of a stunningly beautiful, abstract tapestry. Edward doesn’t understand its significance, Mori’s devotion to it, or Mori’s strange behaviour when Edward tries to part the man from his mission. Mori loves him in return, he’s sure – but can that ever be enough? As Edward is tangled more deeply and irretrievably into the web of Mori’s love and mystery, what bittersweet price might he have to pay?

Threadbare

He looked shocked.His eyes were dark and bright against his pale sheen.“But I thought you understood.This is what I am.It’s all been about being strong enough.To spin,to create the beauty,to produce.”He withdrew his hand,hugging it back in against his side.I could see the thread making silken webs between his fingers now,binding his arm to the rest of his body.The sound I made was like a sob.


He frowned.“Now I’m strong enough,healthy and happy,thanks to you.But there’s no one else to share it with,to mate with.To complete the cycle.”He gazed at me,the wide eyes full of the na?ve trust I’d come to love.“Isn’t that the irony of life that you’ve mentioned to me before,Edward?At last I can do what I was meant to,but there’s none of my kind to carry it on for me.”He stared,and his eyes filled with tears.“That’s the very thing you can’tdo for me.”


Chapter 8