Such contrasting natures could occasionally misalign.
But that makes our reunions even sweeter,Will thought with a grin, recalling the many occasions in which their clothes had been strewn about the neat parlour in the heat of passion.
The musical phrases flowed through his fingers before he made a conscious choice. The melody unfolded, filling the room, adding another layer to the recollections of his and Martin’s enduring love.
* * * *
Chapter 2
As the last note died away, Will started at the sound of applause, breaking the spell that the music had cast.
Martin was lounging against the door frame.
“That was splendid,” he said. He straightened up and came towards Will.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I know what you’re like when you get caught up in your music.” Martin smiled. “I was content to enjoy my private recital.” He crossed towards the chair, automatically straightening Will’s discarded coat. “Was that from one of Mozart’s pieces?”
Will smiled as he set down the violin. When they first met, Martin had a fair appreciation of music, but their years together had proved an education.
“Yes, you’re correct. ‘Concerto Number One.’”
“Lovely.”
Martin placed his hands on Will’s shoulders.
Will looked up at his taller companion, conscious as always of their physical contrast. Martin’s square-jawed face was slightly flushed from food and drink, softening his slightly forbidding aspect. Will thought that the silver strands lacing his dark hair lent him distinction. Like Will, he might be approaching forty, but strict discipline meant that his solid build hadn’t dared to turn to fat.
He appeared precisely what he was, an accomplished, meticulous civil servant who dealt in straightforward competence rather than charming flattery to gain promotion.
Martin’s eyes grew soft with affection as they regarded each other. Will felt an impulse to fling himself onto Martin’s arms like he had done when they first met.
All those years before, Will was at a low ebb; thwarted, restless, and isolated. As well as finding Martin irresistibly attractive, Will had sensed his innate reliability. That this was a man with whom he could feel safe.
Martin’s lips brushed against Will’s forehead.
“Do you care to join me in a glass of wine? Or rather, since you were home before me, can I fill up your glass?”
“Why not? And I haven’t partaken as yet. I preferred to wait and enjoy a drink with you.”
Martin looked pleased at that declaration. He crossed to the sideboard where they kept the decanters.
“How was your dinner?”
“Tedious.”
Martin passed Will a glass of wine before settling into an armchair.
“The food was greasy and the conversation equally unpalatable. I wish I didn’t have to attend these things.”
“Comes with being a bigwig and running your owngovernment department.”
Will perched on Martin’s knee and took a sip of wine.
“How was the concert?”
“Well-received as far as I can tell. The orchestra was in sparkling form.”
