This is a story that involves sex between males. If such a story is offensive, or illegal for you to read where you live, then do not continue, go and surf elsewhere.
This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any specific person or persons. If there is any similarity to any real persons or events it is entirely coincidental.
The work is copyrighted (c) by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the written permission of the author.
My thanks to John who has read this through and made a number of corrections and suggestions. Any remaining errors , grammatical, spelling or historical or whatever are entirely my fault.
Thank you to those who have commented on my stories. If you want to comment on the story then do contact me on Jeffyrks@hotmail.com. I aim to reply to all messages.
Part 11
Lex wrote to Thomas every three months or so. Thomas no longer waited for a letter from Lex. This led to some complications in that questions asked by one would have a reply over a year later, often when the original query had been forgotten. Both started keeping copies of their own letters, and acknowledging which letter they had most recently received.
The news from England was full of village and domestic matters. There were frequent messages from Ralph. Thomas told Lex that Edward's wife had decided not to live in the dower house, but had returned to care for her aged father who lived in the family home at Bunting Manor. So the scheme of Lex's father that the Bunting estate should be added to the Penbarton estate came to nothing. Thomas reported that there was less and less contact between Caroline and the Whitgest family, as she was now fully identified with the Methodists and regarded Thomas, a Church of England Rector as, at best, a Laodicean Christian - luke warm.
All Thomas' letters contained news of young Charles. First how he was crawling, then walking. He sounded a lively youngster. All too soon it seemed Thomas was teaching his son to read and write. "He learns quickly, but I do not think he will be a scholar as he is far too interested in people and animals. Whenever he can he slips out to the stables to talk to Ralph. He is very patient with the boy, telling him about horses, and letting him ride. He was seated on Artimis the other day."
On the political front the mid 1780s were marked with a growing concern about affairs in France. Thomas was shocked by what was happening. Lex had heard in a communication from the Governor General about the execution of Louis XVI in 1793, so he was not surprised when he received a letter full of the horrors that had taken place in Paris, and full of foreboding that similar events would soon take place in London. Thomas had the usual Englishman's contempt for his political leaders. One letter described William Pitt the Younger as "not a patch on his Father, but a chinless wonder incapable of running a whelk stall." {See footnote}
Lex frequently sent gifts back to England. He always tried to include something for his nephew. One time he worked out how old, and possibly how big his nephew would be in a year's time. He ordered a tailor to make the garments of a Landerabad Omrah that would fit the boy. A year and a half later he received a reply from Thomas; "Young Charles was exceedingly gratified with the exquisite Indian garments. For several days it was difficult to restrain him wearing them. He cavorted round the Hall, and, when he could, down to the village so attired, much to the amusement and interest of the populace." Several times Lex send them carvings of elephants in ivory, or made of brass. "Your young nephew has requested that I beseech you to send him a real live elephant!!!" wrote Thomas. Another time he sent a tiger skin. "I showed the tiger pelt to the congregation in the parish church one Sunday, to illustrate the diversity and wonder of God's creation." He often sent back to England silks and fine fabrics for Georgina. "Georgina was exceedingly gratified with the silk cloth that you sent for her. She always has these fabrics made up by her dressmaker in London. Whenever she sees her the dressmaker says, 'And what wonderful silk or satin have you brought for me today?" The dressmaker is well acquainted with the latest fashions, so my beloved Georgina ends up one of the best dressed women in the metropolis. So may I convey the intense gratitude of both of us." As the years went by there was an increasingly serious note about the activities of young Charles. When the lad was ten, Thomas wrote, 'The other day young Charles was caught under the dinning room table trying to look up the skirts of one of the maids, I am beginning to fear that he may take after our Father.' Then when the boy was fifteen there was a more serious note. 'Young Charles, definitely seems to have the same instincts and affections as our revered father. I am ashamed to relate to you, that the young man has had congress with one of the serving maids, with the result that she is now great with child. I rather fear that this will not be the last of such eventualities.'
So the years rolled by.
In October 1795 Kainshka and Lex were on one of their hunting expeditions in Soumitra's part of the State. No longer was there any pretence on these occasions. There was one tent erected for the Rajah and the Resident. The closeness of the relationship was accepted. Kainshka was married, had fathered several children, an heir was in sight for whenever the time might come. That Lex was not married, and had no Indian woman, was put down as yet another of the peculiarities of the English.
They were away for a week. The hunting was good. They still enjoyed their after hunting dip in the river, though they were not quite as frolicsome as they had been seven or eight years before. Lex was now thirty five years of age, and Kainshka just five months younger.
Their love making was not quite as frequent as it had been. There were a couple of nights when they were so exhausted by their day hunting that they just fell asleep in each other's arms.
The final evening was different. Both knew that it would be quite a while before they would be sleeping together again.
They had a custom of undressing each other when they were both particularly eager to make love. As so often with them both, this was a prolonged procedure. They played a game as though they had never done it before.
Kainshka expressed great surprise at the hairiness of Lex's chest, marvelling that hair could grow with such profusion on that part of a man's body. Lex in turned searched in vain with eye, finger and tongue all over Kainshka's chest for the slightest trace of hair.
When their pricks were uncovered the comments were loud and long. Kainshka's small black patch of pubic hair was admired, as was Lex's far more abundant patch of much lighter hair. They discussed at length who had the biggest balls. It was decided that Lex's were the bigger, but Kainshka's were the heavier. The admiration of each other's prick led to a discussion as to the purposes to which it could be put. Urinary suggestions were abundant, and all possibilities were mentioned except the one uppermost in their minds, and to which they were both moving.
Kainshka's hairless crack was examined and fully investigated by eye and tongue. Kainshka professed amazement at finding blond hair even in that place on Lex's anatomy. Kainshka then teased Lex by saying that Europeans must be of lower caste than Indians like himself, because their bodies were covered with fur like an animal. Lex then pointed out that some Europeans had little or no body hair, and some Indians he had seen had every bit as much hair on their body as he had.
"But they are of lower caste."
"I don't understand how you can let even your exalted eyes gaze on a low caste foreigner like myself."
"I have a taste for the exotic," was Kainshka's response.
"I'll give you a taste of the exotic." Lex grabbed Kainshka's head and pushed it down into his crotch. "Just get sucking, and you'll soon get a taste of the exotic."
"I have been hoping for the last half hour that you'd let me do that." Kainshka sucked at some length before looking up at Lex. "I have been thinking about what you taste like."
"And ....?"
"I reckon you taste of roast goat and whisky." (Lex had obtained several bottles of whisky over the years, which he had shared with Kainshka)
"So that's what you think? Let me have a taste of you now."
Kainshka got into a position where Lex could get his mouth in action. "I think you taste of elephant dung and beer."
Kainshka gave him a playful cuff on his ear. "No Rajah of Landerabad tastes of elephant dung," said Kainshka with a giggle.
"But really, I think you taste of honey and curry, and for me it is the best taste in the world."
They lay for a while side by side kissing, and delighting in stroking and feeling each other.
"I want you inside me. Deep inside me. Filling me with your prick, and leaving in the depth of my being your seed of life," whispered Kainshka.
"And how do you want me?"
"I want to be on my front, so that we can take a really long time, you can be at ease, and I will be at ease. We can take a long time, all night if necessary."
"Your wish, is my command, Rajadhiraz."
Kainshka rolled over onto his front. Lex prepared them both. First Kainshka with kisses and tongue before applying the sweet smelling ointment that had been specially made on Kainshka's instructions for this activity. Lex put the jar containing the ointment down among his discarded clothes.
Slowly Lex pushed his prick into Kainshka.
"I love it when you do it slowly."
"Last time you said you liked it when I pushed straight in quickly."
"I think I just like it, however you do it."
Kainshka lay on his front, with his legs close together at first. Lex was upon him, with his legs gripping Kainshka. Lex's prick pushed as far as it would go. He took most of his weight on his arms, but because he was that bit taller than Kainshka his face was on a level with Kainshka's. With their faces turned towards each other they could kiss, and whisper easily. Lex kisses were into Kainshka's neck, and ear. He nibbled at the ear lobe nearest him.
Their love making was long and languid at first. Slowly their passion began to mount. Lex's prick slid in and out of Kainshka, who began to push up to meet the thrusts from above. This movement meant that his own prick was rubbing up and down on the material below.
"Lex, when I die, I hope it is with your lund inside me like this."
"What a morbid thought! I hope we are still doing this when we have reached our three score year and ten or more."
"Why that figure?"
"My holy book says that men should reach three score years and ten, and some even four score."
"Well, let's hope that we both get to our fourscore."
"I say, 'Amen' to that."
"I hope we die together, Lex."
"You are morbid tonight. What's the matter with you?"
"Perhaps we can die together in battle. Me trying to save your life."
"Oh no, It's for the Resident to die trying to save the Rajah's life."
"But our death is not ours to choose. Ah, Lex. I just wish I could have your lund like that all the time."
"And how would your Council meetings go, with you saying oooh and aaah at frequent intervals."
Kainshka giggled, and Lex followed.
It was well into the night when Lex's prick emitted great gushes of seed into the bowels of Kainshka. This immediately triggered it for Kainshka, and his seed shot out onto the bedding below. They fell asleep joined together. They had had a long hard day hunting, and their love making, though not as energetic as it often was, had completed the process of exhaustion. It was sometime later in the night that Lex's limp prick slipped out of Kainshka, and they moved into another, non- penetrative embrace.
When the sun began to shine into the tent, they awoke fully refreshed. They were, after all, two healthy, strong and mature men.
After they had eaten they began the long day's ride back to the City of Landerabad. The day was bright and fresh. The colours seemed more brilliant than ever. They rode side by side. One group of the escort rode several hundred yards ahead, allowing any dust to settle, and then fifty or so yards behind came the rest of the escort. It was a long journey, but they did not need to hurry. They talked as they rode steadily.
"I've got a bit of a headache," said Kainshka as they neared their destination. They could see the walls and roofs of the Palace presiding above the City.
"It was all that love making last night. We're not as young as we were."
"Speak for yourself Mr Resident. I'm a lot younger than you."
"All of five months."
"All of five months and fifteen days, I would have you know."
"All right, Boy. Have it your own way."
"I like the thought of being your boy. Especially when you, as a much older man, have me as you had me last night."
They laughed. When they entered the City Gate, they soon went their separate ways. Lex went to the Residence, and Kainshka continued up the steep road to the Palace.
Lex did not see Kainshka the following day. Lex had his monthly report to Calcutta to draw up, so that his secretary, the third since Alan Smith, could put it into code. Kainshka had a meeting of the Council, and wished to spend some time with Sushmita and the children.
It had been arranged that Lex would go up to the Palace the following afternoon to play 'chess'. It was a rather subdued Kainshka that greeted Lex.
"Do you know, that headache that I had when coming back from our hunting trip is still hanging around. Not all the time. But it usually comes on as the day progresses."
"What are you saying, 'No chess, either literally or otherwise?"
"Yes. I'm afraid I am. Let's go up top, perhaps the cooler air will help it go."
They went up to their secluded place on the Palace roof. They sat on the cushions in the shade of the pavilion. They talked, and Kainshka dozed. The sun ran its course, but they did not make love. This was not the first time, but previous occasions had been rare, usually when there was important political matters to discuss.
During the following four weeks Kainshka's headaches became more frequent and stronger, and he began to complain of a fever. The local physicians were called in and advocated various treatments. None of these seemed to have any remedial effect.
Lex began to get worried. He talked it over with Sushmita, and found that she too was very concerned.
Then Kainshka began spending time, and increasing amounts of time, in his own room prostrate, and with the room darkened.
The concern for the Rajah's welfare spread around the Palace. As always there was also a lot of discussion about what would happen if Kainshka should die.
One day when he was a little better, he went out onto one of the terraces with Lex. "I am getting fearful, Lex. I'm beginning to think that this is a sickness to death."
"Don't say that!"
"As Rajah with responsibilities of State, I have to attend to these things. I have made my purposes known should I die."
Lex put his arm round him. "Whatever happens I hope I can be with you. I have never had such a friend as you. You have become my life. You give me meaning and purpose."
"Thank you. You are every bit the same to me. I shall give instructions that whatever happens to me you are not to be turned away - however ill I am."
"We once spoke of dying together.
"That is not for us to arrange," interrupted Kainshka.
"I know. But if you are to step into that 'Undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns' as one of our English poets puts it, I want to be alongside you, holding your hand, resting you head in my arms, whatever."
"If we cannot go together, I want you with me for as long as you can remain beside me."
Kainshka's appearance began to change, he began to lose weight, and he did not have much surplus flesh on him. His eyes seemed to sink into his face, as his cheekbones and chin became more prominent.
There were a few days when he seemed to improve. He ate more. He seemed to have a greater vitality.
Then came the first of the days that Lex would remember for the rest of his life. They were alone together in Kainshka's darkened room. It was a large lofty room. The three large windowed doors that opened onto a balcony were shuttered. What breeze there was could enter, but little light. The furnishings were strangely austere for that society and a ruling Rajah, but Lex knew that was the way Kainshka liked it. Lex walked up to the bed on which Kainshka lay. The attendant servants withdrew from the room, leaving the two alone.
"I know that I'm dying, Lex. And it won't be very long now."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I know, my friend. Don't ask me how I know. I just know."
Lex put an arm round his friend's shoulder. "I love you, Kainy."
"I know. It is one of the things of this life of which I am absolutely certain. You love me; and I love you. I cannot show my love in that wonderful way we have done so often. So I must show you my love in another way. It is a lesser way, but it is the only way that I now can."
He reached over for a small wooden box. It was unpainted, unvarnished and unadorned. He handed it to Lex. "Open it."
Lex opened the plain wooden box, it was full of uncut diamonds. Lex immediately realised their worth. This gift made him a very rich man indeed.
"What can I say, Kainy?" He gulped as he choked back the tears which were threatening to come. "What can I say? This is most generous of you. But great and generous as it is, you are infinitely of more value to me."
"I know, my loved one. But we must soon part. All that is in that box is to help ease your way through the rest of your life's journey."
"I'm not exactly poor."
"I know. But it will help. It will help when you find someone else."
"I don't want someone else. I want you."
"Yes, I know you do now. But grief and sorrow lessen as the days go by. Yes, you will always remember me, for what we have had together is too beautiful to be forgotten. But don't let the memory of me, or any mistaken loyalty and commitment to me, hold you back should the right person come along. A second best is always better than nothing," added Kainshka with a rueful grin.
"But that gift is to help. I have something else. Something more personal to give you." Kainshka reached across for another, a smaller box. This one was wonderfully carved and inlaid with gold and ivory. It was a work of exquisite craftsmanship. "This is to help you remember me."
Lex took this box and opened it. The inside was lined with silk, and there, lying side by side, were the two diamond pendant ear-rings that Kainshka wore on formal occasions.
"You were wearing these the first time I saw you!"
"I know. And now they are yours."
Lex removed one, and held it in the palm of his hand. "It is beautiful, Kainy. The finest Indian workmanship. But aren't they part of the Landerabad - - crown jewels?"
"No; they belong to me personally. I've always liked them. That's why I'm giving them to you."
"I don't know what to say!"
"Take them, and remember me. I am tired now, I need to rest." Kainshka sank back onto this divan and its cushions. Lex got alongside him, and cradled him in his arms. Kainshka slept, and Lex continued holding him.
Ten days later Lex was awakened by one of his servants. "There is a message from the Palace, Sahib, the Rajah has taken a turn for the worse."
Lex quickly washed, dressed, and snatched a bite to eat, and within twenty five minutes was on his way up to the Palace. There was consternation on everyone's face. Lex made his was into the private apartments of the Palace, and was shown into the room where Kainshka lay. It was obvious from his first glance, that Kainshka was now very seriously ill. His breathing was laboured and his eyes closed.
Sushmita was present. She signalled for all the attendants to withdraw. Soon just the three were present in the room.
Kainshka opened his eyes. "The two people I love." He opened the palms of his hands, he had not got the strength to raise his arms. Sushmita on one side held a hand, as did Lex on the other.
It was a long day. Two servants stood just outside the door, and from time to time one of those who attended to Kainshka came in to see if their Rajah had any particular need. Sometimes Kainshka asked to be raised a little on the cushions. Sometimes he asked for a drink, but only took a few drops, more to moisten his mouth and lips.
From time to time Sushmita or Lex would leave the room, to relieve themselves. They were offered refreshments, which they hurriedly took.
Once Sushmita left with Lex. "He has asked to be alone with you when the end comes. When it is very near I shall say my farewell, and leave the two of you alone together. You will not be interrupted."
"Sushmita, you are a wonderful person. He loves you too, you know."
"Yes, I know that. But he loved you before he came to love me, and he has continued to love you, and he wants you beside him. I have never been at the death of a loved one. I am glad he is not to be the first. I do not want to watch him die."
Lex reached out and held her hand. He wanted to give her a kiss, but he knew that would be against all protocol in the State of Landerabad, so he gave her the formal European kissing of her hand.
She smiled. "Kai chose well when he chose you to be his friend. He owes a great deal to you."
"And to you. You have been a wonderful wife and mother to his children."
Sushmita gave a wistful smile and gave Lex a slight inclination of her head. He bowed formally to her, and made his way back into the sick room.
It was in the early evening that Kainshka's breathing seemed to change. Lex looked across at Sushmita. She nodded and he withdrew from the room so as to leave Kainshka and his Rani alone together. Five minutes later she emerged from the room, her eyes full of tears. She had said her farewells.
Lex went back into the room. He clambered on to the shayya where Kainshka lay. He pulled the dying man into his arms and held him close.
Kainshka's eyes opened, and there was the briefest hint of a smile. "Thank you, Lex," he whispered, and snuggled back into Lex's arms.
Lex held Kainshka in his arms for over an hour. He felt the cramp creeping into his arms, but he did not move.
Then Kainshka stirred again. "I love you, Lex," were the barely heard last words. Kainshka lay still, in a coma. It was forty minutes later that with a gentle sigh he breathed his last.
Lex continued to hold him, the tears ran down his face and anointed Kainshka's forehead. He continued to hold him until he felt the body begin to grow cold. Then with gentleness he disentangled himself. He rubbed and exercised his arm to get the blood and feeling back into it again. He wiped his own tears from the face of the dead man. He lay Kainshka flat on the bed. He bent over and kissed him on the mouth for the last time. He got off the shayya, and stood for a few minutes looking down his best friend.
"Thanks, Kainy, for everything."
He turned and left the room.
When he entered the outer room, all turned towards him, Sushmita, Soumitra, the other Councillors and the attendant servants. Lex closed the door, and stood for a moment with his back to it, before whispering, "Kainshka, the Rajah of Landerabad, is dead."
Jeffrey at jeffyrks@hotmail.com
Footnote:-
William the Younger Pitt was Prime Minster from 1783-1801 and 1804-1806. He is the Younger because his father, another William, was Prime Minster some years before. When he became Prime Minster he was the youngest man ever to hold that office. He led the country during the opening years of Napoleonic Wars. He ably dealt with the country's finances; but when he died his personal finances were in chaos and he was in considerable debt. So perhaps he could not run a whelk stall when it came to his personal finances. Another interesting fact is that he never married. He had a circle of male friends, one of whom was William Wilberforce who was responsible for the Parliamentary side of the anti slavery movement. William Hague who has written a very readable biography does not think he was gay, and definitely not in an active sense.