The project took shape and was already developing. Over a couple of years they freed all their slaves, offering them a salary in exchange for their work, and granting them permission to leave or change work when they wished. At first the slaves were confused.
"Where would we go, sir? Who would want us, having to pay us a salary, when a slave works for free?" one of them asked, expressing the thoughts of many.
Barney answered: "Sure, you are right. We will remain here, just because we are well off here. But if one day we want our children to study, or if we want to marry, or anything else, we would have saved some money and therefore could decide freely, instead of hoping that our master decides for us. Freedom is not only giving or taking what one wants, it is also responsibility. It is not just being able to decide, but also having to decide."
The rumor that the De Bruine - Van Kleft had freed all their slaves and now paid them for their work, soon spread not only through their town, but also through the State. The majority of the wealthy families judged them with self-importance, as crazy idealistic people, but some families followed their example and this was a first success. In addition, Barney got in contact with Pastor Matthew and took care of financing the secret net that helped the flight of slaves. Slaves who could be redeemed often were offered work by the De Bruine Company, on the ships, or at the port or in the stores, according to their abilities. In addition, Henrietta started a school for the children of the ex-slaves, so that they could reach a sufficient level of education and eventually find something other than just manual jobs. The public schools in fact did not accept the black children. Barney took care of receiving the runaways. Kutkhay became aware that the young man, profiting by his new position and his freedom of movement, at times laid his eyes on some handsome boy and, if he were game, didn't hesitate to take him into his bed. This did not scandalize Kutkhay, but he asked himself if Jimmy were aware of it, and if his friend were not suffering because of it.
That is why one day he took Barney aside and asked him: "Barney, how are things between Jimmy and you?"
"Oh, very well. He is a delightful lover."
"Are you happy with him?"
"More than happy!"
"Well, then, why do you look for adventures with other boys?"
"I do it only with those who are game." Barney answered, on the defensive.
"Yes, I know this. But don't you think that Jimmy could be jealous, be pained if he knew that you are cheating on him?"
"No, I talked with him, he knows. I don't do it hiding from him, I always tell him after an adventure. It's just that, since my childhood, I am used to having several males, and just one doesn't suffice for me. But I love only Jimmy and he is important to me. If he asked me to stop, I would try, even if I am afraid I could not really stop... If I just see a handsome boy, I get a hard-on on the spot and I feel the need to deal with him. I'm attracted by novelty, by adventure. I'm made that way, Goldie. Don't you remember when I also tried with you? I am in love with Jimmy, I swear. Possibly because he understands me and loves me all the same."
"But do you think it is wise telling him about all your adventures?"
"He put it as a condition! He likes listening to me telling him all that I do with the boys, and while I tell him, he becomes aroused and then we make love even better. He wants me to do with him the same things I do with the other boys, in the same way. But Jimmy puts so much love in it that it becomes even better. I will never renounce him."
"I see. Mokoa, my first lover, was somewhat like you... But you have to promise me you will be careful not to hurt Jimmy."
"Sure! The others are just adventures, but he is my lover."
"Forgive me Barney, if I dared to enter in such a way in your private life..."
"Aren't we just one big family?" the young man answered him, merrily.
Then, changing the subject, he submitted to Kutkhay a new project for their campaign for freeing the slaves. All the family was engaged, beside the usual job of managing their business, in this work. Soon they were not alone -- from other cities and states came enlightened people to offer their collaboration, backing, help. They also received, it is true, abuse, menaces, friendly advice to desist, but they were nowadays determined, knowing they were running some risks, to continue. Some of their clients rescinded contracts or took their money out of their banks, but there were others who, to the contrary, because they knew about the campaign in which the De Bruine - Van Kleft were engaged, wanted in this way to give them quiet support.
It was in this climate of fervor that some of the families backing up their action, proposed to Rod that in next election for state representative he run as a candidate. In fact, Rod had great charisma and speaking ability, was really learned and convincing. Last but not least, he also had a fine, fascinating appearance. Rod at first hedged a bit, but then, under pressure from everybody, and mainly from Henrietta, Patrick and Kutkhay, he accepted. In those elections he lost by a narrow margin, but now his career was launched, and he didn't give up. In the following elections, he was elected and became a congressman. Patrick, so that Rodney would have the necessary money for his political activity without the young man having to depend on them for any support, in agreement with Henrietta and Kutkhay, took Rod as on as a partner in their business. Rodney was deeply moved. He accepted because he knew it was for a just cause. Rodney's mother, meanwhile, had married again and moved to her new husband's town. Therefore, Rod was now alone. They decided to invite him to live in the villa, using part of the guest wing as his personal residence and office. It was, moreover, now that he was a congressman, better if he lived in more dignified surroundings. Thus Rod, too, fully became part of the family.
Mike was near his seventh birthday. In the villa preparations for a party for the boy were proceeding feverishly. Henrietta and her son went for several days to the house of some relatives living in the South, so that the others could prepare a surprise for the boy on his return.
Somebody rang at the front door. Long Jack, who was now the butler, went to open.
A man not yet thirty years old, asked: "Is this Mr. George Van Kleft's home? Is he in?"
"Yes, sir. Whom do I announce?"
"I am Hugo Bush, but my name will tell him nothing, as we don't know each other. Tell him that I am a reporter from the Guardian of London, and that I would be glad if I could interview him."
Long Jack had him wait in the library, and went to warn Kutkhay who was decorating little Mike's room. He put on his jacket, tidied his hair, and went to the library.
"Mr. Bush? I am George Van Kleft." he said stretching his hand.
They shook hands and the guest said: "I imagined you to be different, somehow. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Kutkhay smiled: "Different? How?"
"Well... I don't know. To tell the truth I didn't have a mental image of you. I read your book, saw your drawings. Then I heard about your campaign against slavery. So I told myself -- it is worth going to meet him. My newspaper editor agreed, so here I am..."
The man was smiling, open, and had a refined and intelligent air. Kutkhay on instinct found him likeable.
"You are catching me at a peculiar moment -- we are preparing the birthday party for Mike, the son of my cousin Henrietta, and..."
"Ah, Henrietta Van Kleft is your cousin?" the man interrupted him.
"Yes... do you know her?"
"How could I? It is the first time that Hugo Bush comes to this beautiful land beyond the ocean, although he has wanted to for years. Anyway... is madam at home?"
Kutkhay found weird that way of speaking about himself in the third person, but didn't care -- it was perhaps just a little snobbish way to talk, possibly typical of English people. "No, my cousin is away for some days with the child."
"But let's come back to you. I would really be pleased if you would grant me an interview, if you allowed me to get to know you so that I can introduce you to our readers in England. Can you give me a little of your time?"
"I am really busy, but... If you like, you can come for lunch here at our home, so we can have time to talk at our ease."
"Thank you very much. I shall willingly take advantage of your kind offer."
"Tomorrow, then, at 12:30 if it is a good time for you."
The man accepted at once, thanked him, bade good bye and left. That evening Kutkhay, excitedly, told Patrick and Rod about the reporter. The next day the man arrived punctually. After lunch the four men went into the drawing room and the interview started. When Mr. Bush left, after making an appointment for the following day at lunch, Rod exclaimed: "Good grief, what a fascinating, handsome man! And by the way he was looking at us, I would say that perhaps... I could even have some hope."
"Love at first sight?" Patrick asked jokingly.
"Almost. I like him very much, he is exactly my type."
Kutkhay nodded: "I too got that impression. Although he has a really virile aspect, there is a I don't know what... beside his way of look. To tell the truth, the way he was looking at me put me a little bit ill at ease, some embarrassment -- he seemed as if he wanted to read inside me. He looked at you, Patrick, with but slight curiosity, and looked at Rod with genuine interest. Could he too have been struck by you, Rod?"
"If only it were true! But I think it will be better not to deceive myself. Anyway, he will come again for several days, if I understood correctly..."
"We will manage it so that the interview lasts for a long time, and we will seat you side by side..." Patrick suggested cunningly.
The next day, Mr. Bush asked some questions about the action for the abolition of slavery. Kutkhay seized the opportunity and told the reporter that, more than of him, he should ask these questions of Rod, as he was the real brain behind the movement. The reporter then addressed himself to the young congressman asking if he would devote some of his time to him. Rod, stirred up, answered that he would dedicate to him all the time he wanted, more than willingly. Therefore, after a short while, Patrick and Kutkhay, with one pretext or another, left, leaving the two young men alone.
When they met again later, Rod was lightly troubled: "You shouldn't have played that trick on me, you two!" he protested, pretending to be angry.
"Why, did it go wrong?" Kutkhay asked, feigning concern in his turn.
"No, I don't know... I just know that I like really that man too much. At times he had to repeat his questions to me twice, as I was so engrossed in looking at him that I wasn't really listening. What must I do? He attracts me very much, but I don't want to make a false step..."
At first his friends gave him joking advice but then. more seriously, they told him that there was nothing else to do than to leave them alone the longest time possible, in the hope that Rod would find out if the man were interested in him or not.
"Take him to visit the movement office, Henrietta's school, show him your congressional bills, your speeches and statements... invite him for a ride with you..." Patrick proposed.
"In my opinion he too feels attracted to you." Kutkhay said. "Today during lunch he was looking at you a little too often, and when you noticed, he moved his eyes a little too hastily. I can be wrong, but... Why don't you take him to our little lake, and invite him for a swim?"
"Why? Because if Hugo undresses in front of me, who could hold me back any more!" Rod exclaimed, half seriously, half in jest.
Hugo Bush continued to meet with them for several days, until the day before Mike's birthday party.
"Tomorrow morning my wife and my son will be back. What do you think, Mr. Bush, will you be our guest at the party? So you can meet the rest of our family." Patrick proposed.
"Thank you, Mr. De Bruine, but I think that at a family party it is better if there are no strangers..."
"No, absolutely not! Other friends of ours will come, and their children; the more people there are the more the party is a success. So then, will you be with us, tomorrow?" Patrick insisted.
"All right, then. What time is the party?"
"At eleven in the morning. My wife will be back tomorrow morning early -- they are not so far away and I will go with the coach to fetch them, so that they can be here around nine. That way they will have time to refresh themselves and change their clothes."
"See you tomorrow, then, Mr. De Bruine, and thank you. See you too. Mr. Van Kleft and you too, Rodney."
When the man left, Kutkhay noted: "Hey, he calls you by your name, now! That's a progress!"
"Well, to tell the truth, I asked him too, so there is no real meaning to it. No, I can't understand -- at times he seems particularly kind and interested in me, but at others he is so formal... It would probably be better if I don't deceive myself..." Rod said, serious.
When they were alone, Patrick asked Kutkhay: "What do you think? Rod seems to have a bad crush on our reporter."
"And in my opinion Mr. Bush, too, is anything but insensitive toward Rod. I'll stake my reputation on that. Rod should have a little more daring. How can he expect to be sure before making his move? The only means is just to try."
"Well, it is not so simple. If Rod is wrong, it could come out as a scandal and he certainly cannot afford that in his present public position."
The following morning Patrick left early with his coach to fetch Henrietta and Mike. While he was out, Mr. Bush arrived and was received by Kutkhay.
"I apologize, but I thought that later it would be difficult to continue your interview, and I have still some questions to ask you, so I I thought I would dare..." the man excused himself.
Kutkhay took him to the library. The reporter asked: "Mr. Rupert is not at home?"
"Yes, I presume he is still in his room, I didn't see him coming down. Do you want me to call him?"
"No no, it doesn't matter, I'll meet him later. Let's come to us -- there is one thing I would like to ask you. From some information I gathered, it appears that your father disinherited you. Is it true? How did that happen?"
"Yes, it is true. Strong disputes between us -- he wanted to impose things on me that I could not accept."
"I see. Therefore, at the death of your father, your cousin Henrietta inherited everything, right?"
"Not exactly. First, Henrietta's father inherited his brother' possessions, and then at his death all passed into Henrietta's hands."
"Therefore everything now belongs to your cousin."
"No. Shortly after I returned, she wanted to give me my share. I really had no legal right to it, but Henrietta insisted so much that at last I accepted, with the condition that her husband continue to manage my part also. And I made a will in favor of Mike."
"I see. And, just out of curiosity, when Henrietta saw you back after so many years, did she recognize you immediately?"
"Yes, immediately. We were really bound closely together from childhood. We grew up together, we were the confidant of each other. When I decided to leave, she tried to convince me to remain, but I wanted to be as far as possible from my father, therefore..."
While Kutkhay was confidently acting his part, the library door opened and Patrick entered: "Oh, here you are. They told me that you were already were here, Mr. Bush. In a short while my wife will be here, and I will have the pleasure introducing you. Oh, here she is. Darling, this is Mr. Bush, a repo..."
The woman entered smiling, the reporter stood up, Henrietta murmured "Oh my God!" and collapsed fainting. The three men at once helped her up and settled her in an arm chair. Almost at once Henrietta, her face suffused by a deadly pallor, opened her eyes and murmured: "George..."
At once Kutkhay and the reporter, with one voice, bending over her, answered solicitously: "Yes?"
Kutkhay became still, looked with wide eyes at the reporter and in a low voice, in his turn murmured: "Oh, my God!"
Meanwhile the reporter knelt near the woman, taking her hand between his own, and saying: "Forgive me, Henrietta, it has been a silly trick... I didn't think I would give you such a turn."
The woman caressed his hand, then said: "Sit, all of you, I think we have many things to say to each other..."
Thus, in a weak voice, Henrietta started, gradually recovering her strength. The real George was listening carefully, without interrupting. While Henrietta was talking, there was a knock at the door. It was Rodney. Henrietta waved at him to enter and take a seat, and continued to talk. At first Rodney couldn't understand what was happening -- he was staring at Henrietta's telling about Kutkhay; she was giving, to Rodney's deep amazement, the real version to the reporter. He looked at Patrick and saw he was visibly tense, and his eyes ran worriedly from Henrietta, to Hugo, to Kutkhay. The latter was sitting dejectedly his eyes to the floor, confused, nervous. The only one who seemed calm, quiet, was Hugo, the reporter.
"Of course," Rod thought, "he is a reporter, a stranger, he is not involved... but why is she revealing everything to him?"
Henrietta concluded saying: "That's all. None of us wanted to take advantage of you, of your absence, believe me. And anyway it is I, as I told you, who planned all this."
The reporter smiled at her. Then he looked at the other two and said, with a surprisingly serene voice: "It is all right, Henrietta. I just disappeared. I would possibly never have come back, but reading my name on a book, on a beautiful book I must say, then reading it again in a newspaper, made me curious. I didn't come to complain, to make any claim, but just out of curiosity, to see who revived my name, who is using it. And I must say that I am glad that it is you, Goldie, because you are carrying it with honor. And possibly also because of the irony of fortune -- my father chased me away from home because I didn't want to renounce my love for those of my gender, and the one who now has this name, made my same choice."
At this point Rodney jumped up: "You... are you George?"
"No, it is correct to say that I was George." the reporter corrected him, "Now he is George. I am Hugo and would like to remain Hugo."
They talked, The reporter, to avoid confusion, asked them to continue to call him Hugo. He made it clear that he was not at all interested in his part of the inheritance, nor in his old name, nor his old social status. He wanted everything to remain as it was. Kutkhay was not able to talk, so great was his confusion and bewilderment. Rod was the one who talked more than anybody, beside Henrietta and Patrick. One of the servants knocked at the door to remind them that the guests coming would be coming soon. So each went to prepare himself, but Hugo wanted to stay a little while alone with Kutkhay.
"Come on, my friend, George Van Kleft cannot react in this way, let me tell you, as I know him rather well. Everything is all right, really, everything."
Kutkhay looked at him: "You are really good hearted and generous, sir."
"Hey, I will never permit you to treat me formally. After all we have so much in common. I represent the first part of George's life, and you the second. Carry it on nicely, please."
"You really don't judge me badly, are not angry with me?"
"Of course not! I told that, I am rather happy that my old name lives again in you. I like you, young man. And I wish you all the happiness of this world with my cousin's husband... Oh my God, it is such a complicated story that if I read it in a novel I would judge it incredible. That's also probably why I like it so much. And then, I see how you and Patrick look at each other -- with real love. I feel like I am seeing myself again with my poor Steven. Then, too, both of you are so handsome and sweet..."
They talked a little more, until Hugo saw that Kutkhay had regained his serenity. Then they went to join the others for Mike's party.
During the party Rod approached Kutkhay: "How do you feel, my friend?"
"Fine, Rod, and you?"
"Ah, fine, me too. Hugo's being Henrietta's cousin, I may have some possibility. You know, I feel more attracted to him now than before. He is not just beautiful and likeable, but also an exceptional person."
"So then, hurry up. He said he will stay just a short while here with us, then he will return to England."
Rod went to look for Hugo and they started to chat. Kutkhay from time to time studying their expressions. They chatted all the time, without ever parting, interrupting only to greet or to exchange several words with the other guests. In the afternoon, when the other guests left, Henrietta held her cousin back and, the others agreeing, invited him to leave his hotel room and to stay with them in the villa. Hugo accepted with simplicity, so Patrick sent Jimmy and Ulysses to fetch Hugo's luggage.
Kutkhay approached Rod and asked him in a low voice: "Well then, how are things now with Hugo?"
"Well, I don't know..."
"How is that? You still didn't say anything to him?"
"I can't find the courage..."
"Not even now that you know about him?"
"Excuse me, but I can't go in there and ask him if he want to make love with me! Can I?" Rodney protested.
"Well... why not!"
At that moment Hugo approached them: "What are plotting, you two?" he asked jokingly.
Kutkhay, unconcerned by Rod's black looks, answered: "Nothing, I was just telling my friend here that if he has something to tell you, he just has to tell you, right?"
"Certainly. What do you want to tell me, Rodney?"
"I... nothing." the young man answered painfully blushing.
Hugo looked at him, nodded then said: "From the way you blush, Rodney, I presume it is something very personal. Can you leave us alone, please, George?" Kutkhay smiling withdrew. When alone, Hugo said: "Well then, Rodney, do you prefer me to be the one to talk?"
Rodney looked in his eyes, taken aback, and lost himself in them. Hugo, only now was he was aware, had very clear mauve eyes, luminous, that recalled the depths of a mountain lake.
"Well, you don't answer? What's up?" Hugo insisted seizing his arm, then added: "I like you, Rod. From the first moment I saw you, I liked you. If your character were right for me, if you too liked me as I like you, if, if, and if... you could be the person I have waited for years. I never dreamed of a type in particular, therefore I can't say you are my type, but I can tell you that from what I see and know about you at the moment, I like you very much. And I hope not to be deceived, and not to deceive you."
Rod gave a short sob, then murmured: "But you will soon go back to England... won't you?"
"Who knows? If I had a good reason, I could also decide to settle here..."
"You really would?"
"If you give me a good reason, yes, Rodney. We just have to know each other better, we just have to try. And we are lucky having friends who are like us -- it will all be easier. Would you please try, with me?"
"Oh, Hugo, I ask nothing more!"
"Then, tonight, we can start -- would you come to see me in the room they will give me?"
Rod, in answer embraced him and kissed him in the mouth.
"Hey, hey! There are two servants here... I don't think that..."
"Barney and Jimmy are our friends, not our servants, and they are lovers."
"They too? God help us, where did I turn up!" Hugo exclaimed pretending to be scandalized, then asked: "But here... everybody..."
"No, just they, so far as I know, beside Goldie and Patrick, and now we two... I'll come, you can bet on it. Rather, if it were not being impolite towards the others, I'd come right now to your room."
The rest of the day passed. The evening passed also, everybody talking, until Henrietta withdrew. Hugo stood up, bade good night to everybody, kissed Rod on his lips and quietly said: "I'll be waiting for you. Don't be late."
As soon as the young man left, Kutkhay wanted to know and Rod told him all.
"You have to thank me, then. Go quickly, don't make him wait too long, it is not good." Kutkhay cheerfully exclaimed.
Rod blushed delightfully, and went out at once saying: "Excuse me..."
"Let's hope they will fit together. I really like Hugo." Patrick noted, then said to Kutkhay: "What are we two waiting for, Goldfinch?" and taking his hand he led him to their room.
Rod went to the wing where Hugo's room was. He stopped for a moment in front of the door then knocked.
From inside came Hugo's shrill voice: "Come in, it's open!" Rod entered. Hugo was on the bed, without his shoes and his jacket, leaning against the bedstead: "I was about to get undressed, but then I thought it would be more beautiful if you were to do it for me, Rod..." he said with a smile, stretching out his hand in an gesture of invitation.
Rodney drew nearer, pulled off his shoes and jacket and got on the bed, kneeling in front of Hugo, between his parted legs. He let his eyes flow up and down Hugo, then slipped off his bow tie and started to open his shirt. He took it off and let it glide onto the floor near the bed. He slowly pulled up his undershirt, uncovering his large and beautiful chest, covered by a fine dark brown down, just a little thicker around his nipples.
"God, how beautiful you are!" Rod whispered, with emotion.
"You still haven't seen the best!" Hugo answered jokingly guiding his hands down to unbutton the sides of his trousers.
Rod continued to undress him, until he revealed all his body: "You are gorgeous, a wonderful male." he murmured.
"It could be, but it is not fair -- you are still completely dressed. I too want to see what you look like..." Hugo said starting to open Rodney's shirt. When Rod's upper body was naked, he caressed the fine, almost hairless, chest, then asked him to stand up on the bed and knelt in front of him to free the clothes from his lower body. When Rod, too, was completely naked, he admired him for a long while, brushing his body with his hands until he was completely aroused. Then, with a pleased smile, remaining in front of him on his knees, he said: "Yes, Rod, you are really well shaped, I like you..." and putting his hands on Rod's butt, he slowly pulled him towards himself and opened his lips.
Rodney jolted with pleasure and let himself slowly go down on the bed, without his partner letting go his hold. In a short while they were just a tangle of intertwining, touching, squeezing limbs. The lamp on the night table languished and died. They continued to make love in the dark, having not yet exhausted their mutual desire. When, the following morning, they went downstairs for the breakfast, everybody understood that the night flew well for both of them.
When they were alone, Kutkhay asked Rodney: "Well then, my dear friend?"
He smiled radiantly: "More beautiful than the most beautiful dream. Hugo is a unique man, and he makes love in a fantastic way. Let's just hope it lasts..."
"I, too, hope so very much, my friend. I would be really glad." Kutkhay said, affectionately squeezing his friend's shoulders.
A week elapsed, then two, and all proceeded well between the new lovers. It was enough to look at them together, or to listen how they talked, the one about the other, to be aware of that. They were more and more in love with each other.
One month elapsed and finally one day, during a meal, Hugo said: "I have decided to remain here. Rodney and I want to live together. If you can put up with us a while more, we will look for a home for the two of us."
Patrick told them they could remain in the villa as long as they liked -- it was also their home. Kutkhay and Henrietta also insisted that they remain to live with them.
The day after, during lunch, Henrietta said: "Hugo, I talked with my husband and Goldie. We thought we would give you a newspaper. It is your job, and it will be useful to our cause to have a newspaper backing it up. Our town newspaper is not the Guardian of London, but is rather widespread. We possess forty percent of its shares, as well as the office building, and we own the typesetting business completely. We can easily obtain full control, buying some more shares, which we will give you together with ours, so you will be the owner as well as editor. No, please, don't refuse, you don't have to stand on ceremony, we just owe this to you, and it's still but a little thing. We were also thinking of buying you a house, but sincerely, we would me much happier if you continue to live with us."
Hugo looked at Rodney, then smiled: "If this is a... marriage present, we accept, right Rod?"
He nodded in assent, moved, warmly squeezed his man's hand and said: "you are so sweet, I thank you all, my friends, for both of us."
"We will boost the newspaper, we will make it one of the most read in all the State and also in the neighboring states. Yes, it is a wonderful present, thank you, thank you very much." Hugo added.
That night Kutkhay said to Patrick: "Love, everybody seems happy in this house, and all thanks to you. Yes, you know I am right, all of us know it. I just ask myself if Henrietta too is really happy. Are we giving her all she needs to be happy? I don't want her to be the one to lose."
Patrick caressed him: "I think she is, Love. She says she is. But now that Hugo is here, we can ask him to find out and tell us if there is something we can do for her, that we haven't already thought of. If all proceeds nicely here, it is mainly due to her, you, Rod, and Hugo, not just me..."
"Don't forget Jimmy and that rake of a Barney..."
"No, of course. And also the servants. We really are lucky."
The following day they talked with Hugo, asking him to investigate, tactfully, to find out if his cousin were really happy or whether she had any problem. Hugo willingly accepted. After a few days he told Patrick not to worry -- Henrietta was feeling completely happy and realized. She had a delightful son, dear friends around her, her social and cultural activities, and above all she was not compelled to undergo sexual requests. She really considered herself lucky, having married Patrick and living in that house.
All then was truly proceeding for the best. Patrick was somewhat the patriarch of that community, he felt responsible for the well- being of everybody. Also, all the others tacitly recognized him as the chief of the house, the reference point for everything.
One day Jack (at the suggestion of Kutkhay they had not called him Long Jack for some time) asked Patrick if he could talk with him: "Excuse me, sir... but I have a problem..."
"Tell me Jack, what's up?"
"If you won't laugh at me..."
"Of course I won't. Nobody should ever laugh about the problems of others."
"Well, I... I'm now twenty-six, I think. The thought of having nobody with whom to share my life... I don't like it. If you permit me, sir, I would like to find a person with whom to be united, and..."
"Jack, you do not have to ask my authorization. You are a free man now. If there is a girl you like, court her, and if she wants to marry you, you can bring her here and we will find a job for her too, willingly. After all, old Annie doesn't have that much strength any more."
Jack shook his head, serious: "Here is the problem, sir. There is no girl."
"Well, look for her. If she is a free girl, there is no problem. If she is a slave, we will see about buying her and then freeing her."
"No, sir, the fact is that I was not thinking about looking for a girl. Possibly once I did, at times I thought about that, but now... now that I see you, you and Mr. George, then Barney and Jimmy, and now Mr. Bush and Mr. Rupert... and I see how happy you all are..."
Patrick smiled and asked him gently: "But did you ever make love with a man?"
"Well... yes sir, a few times with Barney. But I cannot continue with him, he has Jimmy and they love each other..."
"But did you like it? Are you really sure this is the best thing for you?"
"Oh, yes, sir. I am very sure! Barney is a really sexy male. It is enough he makes me understand he wants me, that desire awakens in me. And after I tried with him, I look at the boys more and more often and I am turned on, and I make daydreams, and I want to find a boy with whom to be, with whom to make love, and this thought arouses me so much! Just... I don't know what to do to find my right partner, a youth who likes making love with males, to be with me. With the girls you can jest, and it is easy to tell them 'I like you' and possibly to do something. But with a boy... I am not skilled like Barney, I don't dare. But I feel I need him, I can't continue to be alone, by myself. I desire to find a partner, sir. I too want to make a couple and be happy as you are..." the young man said sorrowfully.
Patrick assured Jack he would think about his problem and tried to help him to solve it, even if he really didn't know how. He talked with his friends. Barney at once proposed looking amongst his future adventures for a companion for Jack. But Kutkhay remembered Lee -- who knows whether he found a new companion? Would it be possible to buy him? Kutkhay would have liked to have that dear boy with him, even if he didn't fit in with Jack. Patrick said that this second solution was the one that took precedence, although Barney was sure that his solution could work too.
So they decided to go. Hugo, with Kutkhay and Jack, took the coach and prepared for the long journey, Jack was excited and happy at the prospect that he might possibly find a partner. They traveled for three days, and finally reached Mr. Faulkner's home. During the journey they planned everything. Kutkhay would wear more humble clothes, like those of Jack, and they both would pass as Hugo's slaves -- in fact they were going to a state that did not yet recognize the slaves' freedom.