Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
A Sequel
by
Joel
Seq 12:
Some of the Characters Appearing or Mentioned: Mark Henry Foster The story-teller: Pennefather Organ Scholar Tristan (Tris) Price-Williams His well-proportioned boyfriend. At College of Law. Francis Michael Foster Alias Toad/Gobbo Mark's younger brother Shelley Price-Williams Tris's sister Adam Benjamin Carr Mark's cousin: chunky and cheeky with it Ivo Richie Carr Ditto, as his twin, safely married diplomat Sophia Carr Their mother in Dorset George Carr Their father: A farmer Nathaniel Tempest Adam's boyfriend: a church historian Raphael Pack An Aussie blond bombshell Oliver Jensen A musical undergraduate
Tuesday
I woke up early feeling quite relaxed. After supper the night before I'd read through the notes James and I had concocted for one of the seminars I had to give again and I understood it all and was able to think through the various equations and proofs without any trouble. There were a couple of side issues I could quote as well if questions were asked. Not too bad!
Oliver was still asleep in his bed so I got up and was all clean and tidy when I next looked in on his dormant form. As he'd said he wanted to pop to Peterborough to see his old great-aunt I thought I'd give him a treat and prepare breakfast. He'd brought back a dozen eggs which Zack's Mum had given him. Coffee, scrambled eggs, toast and marmalade, what better breakfast for a boy to wake up to? Anyway, it would save on his Buttery fees!
"Heavenly," was his comment when I gently woke him. "Breakfast in bed served by one of my favourite hunks."
Yep, I'd deliberately only got a pair of running shorts on and was displaying the remains of my six-pack as I'd certainly put on a bit of weight with all the dinners, the booze, cooked breakfasts, more booze, the pub lunch and more booze. I'd better reduce input if I wanted to cut a fine figure on the trip to Rothenia. "Don't get any ideas, my boy." I said archly, "Just wanted to see you with a smile on your face first thing in the morning rather than the usual scowl."
Oliver was not a 'morning person'. Not grouchy but certainly not the happiest of God's creatures when faced with the prospect of having to vacate a warm and comfortable bed.
But this morning he gave me the sweetest smile. Oh! I needed my Tris as that set off a most definite stirring of the loins. The movement within the front of my shorts caught his eye. "I think you ought to pay attention to that or you'll be distracted when you're supposed to be thinking of Rickshaw's Universes, Bogmop's Spaces, or whatever!"
"Whatever? Who is Rickshaw? Bogmop?" A banal conversation was having the desired effect. The desire was diminishing.
"I don't know," he said, forking up a tasty morsel of scrambled egg and opening those sensual red lips of his... OH! "You say you dream of such things." ....The yellow egg went in and the tip of his red tongue scooped up a scrap left on his lip.... Aah! "Euler's Balls or Housemaids' Kneecaps," he grinned. "Probably the first of those but not the second." He held up a forkfull of egg. "I expect Eddie will be exploring those when he's here."
His tongue between his lips and the mention of balls had been enough to set the loins in motion again.
"What the hell are you on about?" I said, trying desperately to control an unmanageable object.
"Just teasing." The forkfull disappeared and the grin reappeared. "Sorry, but you need Tris as I need Zack and I'm determined not to succumb to temptation. You'll be seeing Tris on Friday and I'll have to wait another week." The smile now was radiant. "School finishes for him on the twenty-second and I'm going to Arkley to stay for a few days. Can't wait."
I was on the verge of succumbing to a desire to experience Oliver's no doubt also thickening member. But no! A supreme act of will.
"I'll go and have my own breakfast and you can leave me in peace," I said reversing the usual sentiment.
As I turned to go he whispered "I've been hard since you put the tray on my lap..."
Oh shit!, two hunks, needing relief, both gay, ...but faithful. I turned back and kissed the hunk on his adorable red, egg-greased lips.
His eyes were closed as I leaned back. "Thanks," he said, "But..." No! I turned and hurried from the bedroom.
I was just finishing my second mug of coffee when he came through from his own ablutions. He'd been back to the bedroom and was now fully dressed ready to go and catch the bus.
"I shall think of that kiss all day," he said as he put a hand on my bare shoulder. "But we mustn't..."
I looked up as he shook his head. I nodded. "We mustn't," I said, the words almost catching in my throat. He leant down and kissed my cheek. "I'll remember that, too," I said feeling a sense of that great friendship between us. I smiled. "Have a nice day!"
"Same, hunky boy!" he said giving me a playful slap on my shoulder. "I'll be back by six so how about a meal out somewhere? It'll just be soup at lunchtime at Auntie Pam's so I'll be ravenous by then. She's probably heard from Mum and has instructions for me."
Yes, the impending appearance of a half-brother he'd never met before. I wondered how he and Eddie would deal with him. Would they be expected to keep an eye on him when Mum went back to Australia? Poor kid! I finished breakfast and that and the thoughts of the young lad being left in a boarding school got rid of any libidinous feelings I had. I also had to hurry as I had to get over to James' room by nine o'clock.
He'd already had a note from Mr Luffman, the Michaelhouse Librarian, inviting him to visit on Thursday morning at ten o'clock when the resources of the Library would be at his and his researcher's disposal. I tried to raise my eyebrows and look quizzical when James read that out. 'Researcher'? All he did was grin and point.
"I volunteered you to explore the rat-infested closed stacks. I'll bring torches and a lifeline in case you find it's a maze."
"Like the library in 'The Name of the Rose'," I said.
"Yes, and don't go licking your fingers when turning pages..." He laughed. "...I enjoyed that book."
"I'll be careful," I said, "I don't want to end up like Venantius, dead as a door-nail."
"You have a memory," he said, I thought admiringly, "All those odd names, I had to make a list. I hope your memory will be OK when you deal with your seminars."
I was amazed how things seemed to come together as we talked through the other topics. I just hoped I wouldn't be thrown by any awkward questions or make an error when scribbling something on the blackboard. I must say I felt much more relaxed and finally looked at my watch. Wow! Nearly three hours had passed. James must have noticed my glance.
"Time goes quickly when one is enjoying oneself. Thank you, Mark, there's a great deal of satisfaction in thinking through these sorts of labyrinths." He laughed. "Must be the influence of that book. Anyway, I hope things will turn out OK tomorrow and I'll see you here at nine thirty on Thursday morning before banging on the gates of Michaelhouse."
As I gathered my pads and other notes and put them in my shoulder-bag I thanked him for all the help he'd given me and then realised he'd mentioned tomorrow. Tomorrow! The day the results would be announced for all the world to see! I had that sort of feeling one gets in a rapidly ascending lift when one thinks one's bowels are about to drop out. James must have seen the look on my face and sensed my thoughts. He waved a hand.
"Tomorrow is but another day. See you Thursday!"
I didn't quite stumble down the stairs but tomorrow - no, this afternoon at the Examiners' Board - my fate would be sealed. Too late now to worry. I'd taken the exams. Just wait and see.
As I crossed the quad to get to our stairs I saw Gabe and Josh who were carrying a bag and rucksack each. I hadn't seen them over the weekend and remembered they'd gone to stay with Lorenzo and his family. They waited until I caught up with them.
"Hiya mate!" said Gabe, "How's it hanging, as if I need to ask!"
"You two look pleased. Had a good weekend?"
"Bloody marvellous! Even this drongo had a ball. Lo's young sis took a shine to the old bastard. Don't think he had it away...."
"...Shut it, just because you and Lo were at it twenty-four seven...."
"...Three fucking days, that's all..."
"...Emphasis on the expletive," I managed to cut in. They both laughed. Obviously both had had a good time.
"Bastard day tomorrow," said Gabe, "Why the fuck they don't just hand the buggers out with the cornflakes like they did in the old days."
"Only if you were nobles were your degrees not examined," I said, remembering a little sermonette on the topic from Charles, "And I don't think they had cornflakes in those days. Cold cuts and small beer for breakfast."
"And he's not bloody noble!" said Josh, pointing at his cousin, "Just about scrape in through the servants' entrance."
Gabe lunged at Josh who evaded him and cackled.
"Never asked before...," I said to Gabe, as we went through the door to the stairway. "...But are you of convict stock?" Phrased as Charles would have asked. I also was ready for evading any retaliation through my door as I unlocked it. Not to worry.
Gabe roared with laughter. "Not our lot. Great-granddad went out on a ten pound passage and fucked the farmer's daughter. Got the farm when the old man died and just extended the holding." He laughed again. "This fucker's best pal Billy Dodds boasts his family comes down from two convicts and Billy's no fucking angel..."
"..His dad's our vicar, though," said Josh with a grin. "Billy's OK, bit wild."
"Bit fucking wild?" Gabe's voice was raised even more. "Bastard'll fuck anything on two legs and probably four if it can't get away fast enough." He looked at Josh. "Your lairy sister had a near squeak when they were at it behind the parish hall."
"They were not 'at it'," said Josh quietly, "Mel said they were just having a snog. Lucky thing I saw Billy's dad get out of his car and whistled."
"Good job he's not deaf, then. Bastard should be blind the number of times he's pumped his bloody python! Sat in front of me at Grammar School and had it in his hand all fucking day!" He laughed. "He's as fucking free of sense as a frog of feathers, just like your sis!"
Josh jerked his head and looked past Gabe at me. "Mel's had her moments but she's at Uni in Melbourne now..."
"...Reading Anthro-fucking-pology! Probably find that side of the bloody family came from fucking cavemen."
"British cavemen of the best sort, I guess," I said. "And your side?" That asked with a delicate air.
Wow. Quite a Toad sneer. "Not fucking Neanderthal, you cheeky bastard." He laughed. "Dad got some old fart to do a tree and we were good, solid, Norfolk yeomen who fell on hard times."
"Emphasis on the solid," I said.
"Good on ya," said the equally large Josh and gave his very substantial cousin a thump to his side which would have felled me, or an ox!
Gabe turned to his cousin. "Come on, gotta get unpacked and you've got to wash all those stinky knickers!" He turned to me. "Only took the fuckers he was wearing so I had to lend him a coupla pairs of mine as I wasn't letting him roam around hanging free."
Interesting. In all the three years I'd never seen either of them naked but guessed both were well-endowed from the prominent lumps in the usually very short shorts they wore on our runs. Lorenzo was well-blessed as Gabe had indicated once so the pair of them were a happy pair no doubt. Oh, shit! The thought set the usual off. I let Gabe chunter on as he drove a laughing Josh before him up the stairs. A shouted exchange confirmed they would need lunch in ten minutes.
In those ten minutes I contacted Jerzy and arranged for him to come over at three for a chat.
Jerzy was right on time. I had left the outer door ajar as I wanted to tune the harpsichord and exercise my fingers by playing a couple of my favourite Scarlatti sonatas. He sat and listened until I'd finished.
"I had never heard one of those before," he said coming over and looking inside at the strings, "How does it....." He rotated his hands in a questioning gesture. "...work, ...no, make that sound?"
I explained that the strings were plucked, then showed him the inside of the grand piano and said that the strings were hit by hammers there. He shook his head.
"My sister plays the piano, but me, no! I was in the choir at school." He wrinkled his nose. "We have a great singing tradition. My mother has a nice voice and when we have a party she always sings. When you come to Strelzen we will have a party and you can play as well. My mother likes to go to the opera."
I said my Grandfather had conducted at the opera house there. He looked very interested. "We must get you an invitation to visit. We have a good opera house and it is very popular. Do you conduct?"
I said I had only conducted the College choir but I did enjoy doing that. We then settled down and over mugs of tea he told me a good deal about the country and, especially, about Strelzen and the University. He had studied Politics and Philosophy as well as English and his older sister, Magda, had read Mathematics and now taught in the girls' school in the older part of the city. He also had a younger sister who had just started at the Rodolfer but, like him, had avoided Mathematics. I sensed straight away he didn't want to say too much about the dissensions in the country. The impression I got was of a country striving to get to grips with being part of Europe after the recent domination of a Communist regime and the previous invasion and takeover by a repressive Nazi administration during the Second World War. He did say, in the end, that he and his family were very worried about what might have happened if the King hadn't been installed and the various factions quietened. Even so, there were still undercurrents and the recent happenings in Cambridge and the death of Mr X indicated that things were brewing up.
"We are a strange country," he said, "There are many stories of peculiar things happening in our history. My uncle Hendrik is a physician at the main hospital and there have been stories of odd things happening at the palace and at a burial place in the province of Husbrau very recently."
I pricked up my ears at that. 'Burial-place', 'mausoleum'. I didn't say anything. I would have to say more at some time especially if I went looking for the Wildenstejn house.
"I heard him and father talking about some disappearances but they stopped talking when I came into the room. Uncle Hendrik has lots of important patients and he has money from an American Foundation to set up new posts and the King is engaged to an American girl who is connected to that Foundation."
Yes, in our discussions after Rudi's visit I think it was Boz who said he'd read about the King and Harriet something or other and the American influences in the country.
I thought I'd better try to get a clearer picture of the politics. "Someone said there was almost civil war before the King was elected. What happened?"
I think Jerzy was a bit more relaxed now so I had almost an hour's worth of careful analysis of the various factions involved. What was clear was that there were quite dangerous people still at large who were not mollified by the apparent peacefulness of the monarchy and still wanted to cause trouble. I heard of the 'discovery' of the Crown of Tassilo, which his Uncle Hendrik was convinced was a put-up job and swayed a lot of opinion. He said there were objects of great devotion in the country which were guarded carefully. And Jerzy, although he said he was non-religious, just about crossed himself when he mentioned the long influence of an ancient Countess and the way crises in the country seemed to have been healed or lessened by her supernatural influence. 'A continuing presence' he described it as.
I told him about Ulvescott then and mentioned my experience on the tower. He nodded. "James told me about that." He smiled. "I am certain he thinks you are special and Jacob says he is so grateful you made the connection between the damage on that car and his accident." He shook his head. "I must not say more."
Oh, so I had been discussed and how did James know the story of what happened on the tower? College life again. Everyone knows everyone and everything! I just hoped I wasn't being put on a pedestal.
I said that one job I had to do while in Rothenia was to try to source the supply of certain herbs. He was intrigued with my story of being plied with the College Amontillado and the liqueur. "We have some powerful drinks like Schnapps," he said, "and there are many fruit wines as well. You need to find herbs. No problem. Tadeuz, my friend, studied Botany and is working at the Botanical Gardens here. He and I are returning to Strelzen two weeks time. We will find your herbs for you!"
I said I would be finished with the Mathematics Department by then and I wanted to explore places. He said he would make a list and he had a car and a licence and he would be privileged to take Tris and me around. He owed Tris a great apology and also great thanks. An apology for being rude when he was evicted but grateful thanks for introducing him to the household in Girton. "Please ask me for anything you want to know," he said as we parted. On the spur of the moment I invited him and Tadeuz to come for a meal with Oliver and me that evening. Usual place. Cafe Rouge, seven o'clock. My shout!
It was a most convivial evening. Although I hadn't invited them earlier we met Gabe and Josh just going across to Hall and they joined us. Josh and Tad turned out to be chess fanatics and spent most of the meal in close conversation about various moves they favoured. Tad's father was a Grand Master and Josh had heard of him and so he also had an invitation to visit Rothenia, Gabe said he and Lo had better tag on as the bastard would likely forget his undies again and amidst laughter we found it was an international given that mothers always enquired if clean underwear had been packed. I said 'Mother Gabriel' of the Sisters of Perpetual Cursing would be a suitable title for him. A suitable veil was then drawn over his comments!
I don't think Oliver was at all concerned about visiting Rothenia. His immediate priorities were being as much as possible in Zack's company. They and Brandon also had a standing invitation to visit Uncle Francesco and Aldo and, even if Tris and I were unable to go, I knew Frankie and pals were planning for a sunny holiday in Italy. Anyway, over our food I asked Tadeuz if he was willing to help look for herbs. He said all he needed was a list and there were special mountain herbs which were collected in any case. I was told there was a suppressed monastery at Medeln which once had a reputation for its own very special liqueur which needed a particular type of blackberry which Tad's professor was researching as it was getting rare and the recipe had been passed on and manufacture was scheduled to start again.
"We will ask my mother's cousin Artur for an introduction so you can visit. He is the Archbishop's Secretary...."
What a coincidence! I said we'd had letters from him about the Abbot's Ring.
He nodded. "Jerzy told me when we looked at your exhibition." He laughed. "I see you on the wall..." I waved a dismissive hand. Tadeuz took the hint. Discussion later, perhaps.
"The Secretary is a relation?" I asked.
"Yes, my mother's family is very religious. One of her aunts is a nun as well. My father is an engineer and he says he is more interested in mechanical things which he can see how they work. Not believing in things you cannot see. But, I do not know. We learned what your Shakespear said 'There are more things in Heaven and Earth' and my country is like that."
I'd had that quoted at me about my own experience. So, another with the same opinion!
Tadeuz smiled, then looked very proud. "Cousin Artur is a very clever man, even father says that," he said, "He teaches Medieval History at the Rodolfer University where we are as well. I will phone my mother tomorrow. But you will see him about those Rings when you are there and you can ask him as well."
We were all rather late to bed as we popped to the Club after the meal for a last drink. Craig the doorman took one look at Gabe and Josh coming down the stairs behind me. "Brought your own bodyguards?" As both were but a mite smaller than the very bulky but fit Craig I just grinned and said 'Yes'. "I'd better frisk them for weapons," he said, laughing, "Looks as if they might pack some heavy artillery!"
Gabe heard that. "Pack by name and the boyfriend's ever pleased by what I bloody pack! Howdy, mate!" Two very large and meaty paws high-fived as I explained Gabe's surname and relation to Raph who helped at the bar.
"Bloody hell!" said Craig, "And that's your brother in there making half the buggers cream themselves, and those friends of yours...," he looked at me, "...young Curt and that Kiltie, setting off the rest!"
"As it's a nice warm evening I'll send Curt round with a drink for you," I said, hoping Curt was in his minimal shorts and sneakers which might give Craig cause for a spontaneous emission as well.
"Bloody marvellous," he said as he ushered us through. He winked at me as I waited until the others were through the door. "There's a few in there raises the spirits as you might say but that Curt is a bit special. Could do with a drink." He shook his head. "Nothing alky but I'll appreciate it even more if he brings it."
Oh my, another smitten! No hope of a conjugation there I thought. Curt's small body would be crushed in moments if Craig as much as rolled on top. And Curt on top looking down into Craig's bright blue eyes evoked images of a Donatello cherub clutching a statue of Hercules. A beautiful cherub and a handsome Hercules.
A fairly quiet Tuesday evening. What it would be like tomorrow evening with all the exam results announced was anybody's guess. But even tonight Curt was busy taking orders and Raph did a double take when he saw his brother who had more or less stopped frequenting the place since Lorenzo came on the scene. I saw Godders at the bar so I said I'd sent his details to my Uncle and I'd let him know as soon as I got an answer. I ordered drinks for the six of us, thanking the Lord for Uncle Francesco's top ups of my bank account, and told Curt he had to take one to Craig - and no cheekiness. As he was wearing only a pair of minuscule purple running shorts, slit up both sides and showing the most outrageous bulge in a black underslip, I thought the sight of him would set Craig's pulse racing. It certainly did mine and from the glances and outright stares he got as he went round there were plenty whose fantasies that night would be rather lurid.
When he brought our drinks he said Logan was having a quiet night in because he would be getting his results the next day. "Like us," I said. He just grinned and scurried off carrying Craig's drink.
Some time later when he came over with a second order he did say Craig sent his thanks. "I stood and waited while he drank it." He grinned his usual impish grin. "Took a while to get it down so I did a couple of wriggles to show my impatience..."
"...You mean you did a couple of wriggles and that slowed him down," I said handing him my empty glass from the first round.
"Well, I did have to bend down too, to pick up a hankie someone had dropped." He sniggered. "Can't help it." He looked at me and smiled. "You've got another fan. Two, I think." I guessed and nodded. "Those two new kids in the Servery," he said. "Saucy Sausage Boy and young Stevie. 'Who's that tall dark man? He says he's...' asked Sausage Boy. Couldn't say the rest but I knew. Told 'em..." He didn't finish either as Shawn appeared with the ever-present bar towel and Curt scampered off before retribution befell him.
"What was that about?" asked Gabe who, I knew, was another of Curt's admirers.
I told the tale and Jerzy said he'd been impressed how polite the pair had been when he'd asked what was 'Lancashire Hot Pot'. "That one is very cute," he said, nodding towards Curt, "He has nice blue eyes. I think he would be a good model."
His friend Tadeuz heard that and waved his glass at him. "He tried to get me to take my clothes off, too. Have you seen the pictures of him?"
We all said we hadn't and we needed a demonstration here and now. "Please," he said, "Not here. I will show you one picture." We crowded round as he drew out his wallet and extracted a smallish black and white snap. Small it may have been but there was a most shaggable Jerzy in the picture wearing just a pair of tight briefs to outdo any of the Dolci and Gabbana or Abercrombie and Fitch pretty boys I'd goggled at in numerous magazines. Oooh, Tadeuz was a lucky lad having him as a partner!
Oliver took the photo and held it up to see it more clearly. "I wouldn't mind a full-size one on my bedroom wall..." He paused, scrutinising it closely, "...But don't tell Zack."
Needless to say we all said we'd like a full-size one if we couldn't have the original body. A couple of other inquisitive beings demanded a sight of the goods and within minutes it was been drooled over by quite a crowd. Prurient comments were bandied about amidst much laughter. A wet tee-shirt competition or a jock-strap tournament were proposed and Shawn was called over to vet the wares on show and look over the clothed original.
"As long as it doesn't get too rowdy," he said, appraising the photo at arm's length and then giving Jerzy a long lingering scrutiny from head to toe. "We've had those bloody rugger types stripping down and they need a firm hand..."
"....Which you could give them!" one of the lookers-on chipped in amid renewed laughter.
Shawn turned to him. A big good-looking lad, shirtless and showing off well-developed pecs. "You can organise the wet tee-shirt do. Saturday night. Get competitors' labels and so on ready! Winner gets a bottle of champagne and a stick of Brighton rock to suck!"
Delighted shouts and various comments, mainly centring on mishearing 'rock'.
Shawn pointed at Jerzy. "You and your pal will be entering and I'll get Whacker to be the ref. He's big enough if there's disagreements." He looked at Oliver and me. "You two?" We shook our heads. "Home," I mouthed against the din. He knew why and smiled.
Gabe looked at Josh who was trying, unsuccessfully, to cower down. "Two more here," he said, "And that bugger'll have a wet jock as well!"
Shawn was grinning. "I'll get notices up for tomorrow night. Shiva can borrow a paddling pool from that shop of his. Right lads! Sorted, OK?"
There was a general consensus of agreement. Oliver and I grinned at each other. Pity we would be missing it. But Tris and Zack beckoned!
With that I gathered our party together and we made for home and our separate ways.
Wednesday
The conviviality of the evening must have quietened any anxieties I might have had about the exam results. I slept heavily and woke suddenly somewhere near eight o'clock and lay listening to Oliver's gentle snores in the next bed. The suddenness was due mainly to a pressing need to empty a rather full bladder. I just wanted to stay in the softness of the bed but had to shift myself. I crept out and felt so much better after a very long pee. I was just shaking myself when I heard Oliver enter the bathroom. "Get a move on," he ordered, "I'm bursting! Heard you peeing and it woke me up!"
"Little boys shouldn't drink so much!" I said loftily, relinquishing my place and retreating quickly as he let fly.
"Nothing like P for Relief is there?" he said with feeling as he finished off and came into the bathroom. "It's true you feel an ache in your back teeth when you really need to go. I wonder if anyone has done research on that?"
"Something for Eddie to do. A PhD on bladder pressure. He could fill up all the rugger- buggers with beer and measure their cries for help if he put rubber bands round their dicks to stop them peeing."
"Yeah, but how would you measure the feelings in their gobs?" he said quite genuinely.
"Don't ask me. That would be the major part of the research, I guess." I laughed. "Imagine asking for a research grant for sufficient beer." I'd heard a couple of research students bemoaning the difficulties of financing their projects which sounded a bit more useful than urine pressure and its concomitant buccal discomfort.
"Don't know about beer," he said, "I need coffee now."
We slung on pairs of shorts and as he waited for the kettle to boil I chucked a couple of pieces of bread in the toaster and got two eggs out of the box.
"Don't mind me eating your fodder?" I asked holding them up.
"Share and share alike. You must have bought the bread."
I found a saucepan and set the eggs to boil. "Pity we'll miss Saturday night," I said, "But I'm missing Tris more."
He nodded. "I just hope I'm good enough for Zack." He smiled. "I'm writing that string quartet for him. Every time I think of him I hear phrases of music and I have to remember them to write them down. I'll have to revise it soon it's just getting too long. I feel so happy when I'm writing it down."
"What about getting it played?" I asked.
"I'll talk to your Dad. He'll be lecturing here and he said after you played the Prelude if I needed any help just let him know."
Oh, I'd more or less forgotten his announcement. I still hadn't been to a concert yet where he would be leading the orchestra. He said he would be extra busy with one day a week here and two at the Royal College and travelling with the orchestra. I knew their schedule was being extended rapidly as their reviews were consistently good, especially the ones Mum had given me of the Easter performances in Manchester. Good old Dad! I hoped in my own way I would be a credit to him.
Coffee first, then boiled eggs and toast soldiers with plenty of butter. I let him go and wash first as I scribbled down a couple of thoughts I'd had about a reversion, I called it, of a particular topological shape. It seemed to work and that made me explore a further 'twist' which reduced to a nice equation. I was lost in thought as a clean and tidy Oliver poured me a third cup of coffee.
I looked up at him. He was grinning. "I think in our own tiny ways we are alike," he said. "The number of times you're lost in thought matches me and my reveries. I shan't ask you what those scribbles mean but, at least, you can understand what I produce." He laughed. "I envy you sometimes. You are in a tiny minority of people..."
"...You are, too, you invent things no one else could. That Prelude and your Aubade. They've got Oliver stamped all over them. They're unique." I reached out and held his hand. "Never stop writing such things down and as Zack loves you he'll inspire even more. A whole symphony perhaps."
A tear trickled down his cheek. He sniffed. "I have that all in my head. I just need time. He knows and he said he'll let me have my space." He got up and wiped his eyes. "Listen," he said and walked through to the main room. I followed him still clutching my half-eaten piece of toast and marmalade. He sat at the grand piano and played a single strand of melody, then played it again adding plangent harmonies. "That will be the beginning of the slow movement," he said. "I heard that as we lay together just having given our love to each other. Like our love it's got many possibilities of development. I just hope I can sustain it. I want it. I need it. I think Zack understands."
Having got to know Zack I knew he was a very strong character but would never do anything to harm Oliver. "Zack knows. I've seen him looking at you. He's deep and I think his love for you is deep."
"I hope so," Oliver almost sighed, "I feel I need him to keep me going. He'll have his work cut out next year if I get at all down if things don't go right."
"I've never seen you down" I said, "You're always so composed."
He laughed. "Composed! I like that. I hope I am. I do feel a bit discomposed sometimes though." He looked serious then. "But you and the others have been important to me. Good friends." He grinned. "Even Gabe and his rough tongue. Not really rough, just Gabe!"
I said how much I'd valued everyone's friendship and I hoped we would all continue meeting. I wondered if Gabe and Josh would be returning to Australia. There didn't seem any rush on their part to make any arrangements for that.
"Gabe and Lorenzo seem an item," Oliver said. "I don't see that breaking up at present. Josh seems to be a bit rootless, though. No one steady for him."
I said I would miss them if they went. In my own way I was very fond of the pair of them and told Oliver of our first meeting - almost being crushed between them. We laughed over Gabe's introduction in the Club and the cheerful way we had all become firm friends.
I'd finished my toast by then and looked at my watch. "Ten past nine. Just under three hours to find out our fates. Let's do something we've never done together so far."
Oliver looked a bit taken aback. Probably thinking, I hoped, of some intricate sexual coupling! "What?"
"Playing piano duets. I found a load in the piano stool. Must have been left behind by some previous incumbent."
"Fool!" he said after taking in the first three words and brightening visibly, "That'll pass the time. Bags I the bass, your fingers are a bit more nimble than mine."
Time passed as did arrangements of Beethoven's Fifth, the Siegfried Idyll, two Strauss tone poems and various chunks of Grieg, more Wagner and Mahler's Fifth Symphony, first movement only. At some point others came in as the doors were unlocked and the windows were open. All were awaiting results, First, Second and Third Years. All apprehensive, like us, but enjoying, I hoped, our exuberant, if sometimes not quite accurate playing. All the notes were there even if at times not exactly in the right order or tempo. Two short breaks were accompanied by cups of coffee prepared by Josh, Fiona, Dina, with buns brought in by other listeners. At eleven forty-five we called a halt to a great round of applause. I think I counted twenty-four bodies sitting on the sofa, chairs or on the floor.
"Thanks for that," one lad said as he levered himself up from lying almost under the piano, "I was ready to cut my throat in despair." He laughed. "Not really, but that's helped the awful wait!"
The motley crowd threaded it's way out and joined the waiting throng near the entrance to the College where the fateful noticeboards would carry the long lists of names and results. It had been decreed this year that the College would have its own results displayed rather than the screaming rampage round Senate House.
Dead on twelve o'clock Old Albert accompanied by Liam, Sean and two of the other assistant porters emerged, each with a sheaf of A4 pages. Mr Guthrie, the gardener, with Wayne appeared carrying two large display stands and these already were covered in sheets of paper.
Everyone stood back in almost silence as the notice boards were filled. Old Albert stood aside as Sean pinned up the final page. In a loud, almost stentorian voice, he announced. "Ladies and Gentlemen. With all best wishes!"
My! Old Albert almost cracked a smile as he marched off at the head of his little band of helpers. There wasn't a concerted rush. A trickle, cries of delight, then a flood. I stood, Fiona on one side, Dina on the other. We were holding hands with Oliver and Logan who had materialised by our sides. Several of the choir were also with us as we then went forward. 'Alphabetical Order of Names in Years' the notice decreed. We had to let go. 'F' was nearer one end, 'J' further along with 'M' and 'P' almost together. Oh hell! I scanned the lists 'D's and 'G's, where were the 'F's? There...
...'Ferguson',
'Ferris',
'Fish'
'Foster'....
Foster M H [Ma] 1*
I blinked. It couldn't be! What did that mean? Then it struck me. I had passed! But, not only that. Way past any expectations on my part I had a First. And what was that? It was Starred! I must have spent some time just goggling at it.
"What did you get?" It was a breathless Fiona. I was grabbed and kissed almost violently after she'd scanned the list in front of me and I stood struck dumb. "I knew you'd get it. Starred as it should be!"
I got my breath and my senses back. "And you?"
Another kiss, then "Just a First!"
I grabbed her and hugged her. "Where's Dina?"
We moved up the line. There was Dina. Tears streaming down her face. I feared the worst. NO!
Patel D M R [Ma] 1
We both grabbed her. She got kisses on both wet cheeks.
"I never thought I could do it," she sobbed. Tears of relief. "Tell me yours."
Three happy bunnies just about danced in a circle.
We went looking then for friends. Oliver looked stunned as well. He had also achieved a First as had Gabe. Josh was beaming, he'd got a Two One. "Better than I ever thought!" he said delightedly. There were a few glum faces. I saw two of the better-known Hurray Henries saunter off sneering. I checked.
Bushfield-Colne J B H R [Hi] 3
Chatterton Sir R F Bt [E] P
The last almost 'one with the cornflakes'. Still, the poor lad's dad had died, cirrhosis of the liver one had heard, when he was fifteen, so he'd inherited the Baronet's title then, plus a rather nasty attitude to anyone deemed to be of a lower class. I'd never had a run-in with him but several others had I'd heard and he certainly was disliked intensely by those superior in character to him like Liam, Sean and Curt. I knew Logan, who was on the same stair as him, had been referred to in Curt's hearing as 'that Scottish minion'. Curt had planned reprisals, but Logan had calmed him down. He later confessed one night at the Club that he'd 'accidentally' switched off Catty Chatty's refrigerator when helping Liam change a light bulb in the set, so the dressed crab he was planning to have turned rather green and smelly. "You wee imp," Logan said, "he mighta been poisoned if he'da eaten it." Curt was not subdued.
I was still chatting excitedly with quite a group of satisfied graduates, as we were now, when I saw Charles beckoning me.
"Congratulations, Mark, on a most well-deserved result," he said, grasping my hand as I reached him. "We are all most pleased." The 'we' was not specified. "Our stair has once more triumphed. I see Benjamin and Gwilym have been rewarded for their diligence as have dear Gabriel and Joshua. Joshua and I share the same classification which is not to be belittled as I have learned to my advantage. We must have a celebration. I have ordered a suitable table for all on the stair to be ready at the Arundel at seven-thirty but may I crave your indulgence and use your delightful room for a pre-prandial toast to all endeavours." I guessed what was coming next. "Mother has foreseen the need for observance of such happy outcomes and yesterday I received a case of our favourite essence. Perhaps you might invite those others who you deem deserving of special thought."
"As usual, 'Mother knows best'," was the only retort I could think of. I had another think. "I guess Ben will want to celebrate with his girlfriend so could Lorenzo take his place? I know Gabe would appreciate it. I'd like to invite Fiona and Dina and most of the choir for the pre-prandials. That OK?"
Charles raised his hands. "As you wish. You and Oliver arrange it all. I will get the boys to bring sufficient glasses and twelve bottles should suffice."
Right. That gave me the limits but I would have to do a quick flip to an off-licence for more supplies... But first I must do some phoning. Mum first. I heard her crying as I told her my so-good news. "Mum," I said, sniffing myself, but knowing they were like Dina's, tears of joy. She interrupted whatever I was going to say. "You've done just as we all hoped. I love you so much!" I heard her blow her nose. "Sorry, I'm a bit emotional," she said. "I'll phone your father he's at a rehearsal. Phone your brother, he's got my mobile and I'll get on to Francesco and Aldo. You'd better tell both Grandmothers." She laughed. "Especially my Mother or you won't be getting any more ten euro notes! I'll tell Sophie but you tell the Thugs... ...I'll go next door.. Bye!"
Oh, Mum! I looked around. Ninety-nine percent of the crowd seemed to be on their mobiles. OK. Toad first!
He answered on the first buzz. "Well?" he asked. I told him. He let out an almighty whoop. "Hear that," he announced, "Starred First. Told you he'd make it!" I could hear a roar in the background. "What about Oliver?" I told him. "Great! I'll ring Zack. See you Friday! Bye!" Short and sweet. He must have been in the Sixth Form Common Room. That roar? His assembled pals.
I rang both Grans next. Grandma Foster also cried as I told her. "Your Grandfather would have been very proud of you." Grandma Matteoli was sweetness itself. "You lovely boy," she almost trilled in her Bronx/Italian accent, "Come and see me soon." I rang Adam next. A typical response. "Bloody Hell! Starred! Cocky bastard! But at least you've kept the family tradition going. Love you lots! I'll tell them all here!"
Getting to Ivo wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. I dialled the Legation and was put through immediately to his extension. The switchboard must have been primed. I heard the well-known voice. "Ahoi, dobra denn men freund!" Ivo practising his Rothenian! I recognised the phrase from hearing Curt at the Club. "Greetings," I said, "I have news for you!" "OK, spit it out so I can go and get my lunch!" I told him. "Bloody Hell! And I thought I was the bright bugger in the family! Anyway, see you out here soon. Love!" Short and sweet and archetypically Thuggish!
I looked at my watch. Tris had said don't phone before one because he couldn't take his mobile into the exam room and he would have to get to the locker to retrieve it. It was just twenty to one. I rushed out of College and along to find Sainsbury's full of eager 'graduates' stocking up with bottles. I ran back down to the off-licence near Magdalene Bridge. Good! Only a short queue. I purchased four bottles of champagne - on offer- in fact the last four in the bin. Slow down. I strolled back towards College almost in a daze and checked my watch. Almost one. I sat on the wall outside St John's and dialled Tris. He was waiting. "I passed," I said quietly. "Yes? And?" "I got a First," I said even more quietly and burst into tears. An old lady stopped and looked at me. "It's OK," I said to her, "I've just had my results and I've passed."
She smiled. "I cried when I got my results and that was over fifty years ago. Congratulations!" She waved and went on.
I dabbed my eyes and returned to Tris. "You OK?" he asked.
"Just emotional. I got more than I hoped for."
"I knew you'd get a First. I knew that all the time."
"But I did better..."
There was a shout from the other end. "Starred!!!"
I managed a weak 'Yes'.
"Yippee!!" He quietened down. "Mark, the boy told us. You're marked for great things. He was right. Let's keep it that way. I love you so much. I must go, I've got another at two. See you Friday. Love!"
To be continued: