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.
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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.
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A Meeting of the Twain Part 5
A week after Lex had moved into Hugh's house he went to stay for ten days with Pierre. This was a much more relaxed visit as there were no official meetings with notes to be taken.
They were sitting on a balcony as the sun began to set on the day of Lex's arrival, as they began to enjoy the more gentle warmth of the day, .
"So ow as Calcutta been for you since you were last `ere?"
Lex told Pierre about his move in with Hugh.
"That sounds interesting. The Governor general's Aide-de-Camp! An important position. Does `e like the same things as we do?"
"Having fun with other men?"
"Oui."
"No. He has an Indian mistress who is bearing his child. I will not be having fun with him."
"Have you got anyone now in Calcutta?"
"No. Fred and I last did it together some months ago."
"'ave it you done with any one since we were together?"
"No! That is why I have come here so soon," added Lex with a broad grin.
"Why don't you go with an Indian man. They are good, exciting to go with."
"I wouldn't know how to go about finding an Indian for that sort of thing."
"I know any of my bathing servants would be only too pleased to `ave some fun with you. They're all most skilful in the arts of our sorts of love."
"Are they?"
"Yes, Very much so. I `ave learnt much from them. If you want to play with one or other of them do feel free, I'll not mind. When you went back to Calcutta they asked me a lot about you. Whether Englishmen can make love like Frenchmen. Of course, I said that no Englishman is as good at making love as a Frenchman." Pierre winked. "But I know they would be only too eager to go with you."
"But I came to see you."
"I know. Tonight for each other. But if after tonight you want to go with one of them that is good for me. I will sleep with one, or two, of the others."
"Two?"
"Yes, why not. They suggested it to me, and it is wonderful. I have had all of them at once."
"Four?" exploded Lex.
"Yes. These Indians have a book of sexual wisdom, it is of man to woman sex, but it gives a lot of ideas for man to man love making."
"I will think about it."
Later they went through the usual bathing routine, but this time they went to bed together, with many encouraging and ribald comments from the servants.
The following evening the ritual of bathing was being carried out. When the time came for the servants to enter for the final part of the procedure, dressed as usual only in a dhoti [loin cloth], Lex looked across at Pierre and winked. When he was being soaped with the usual concentration on his genitals, he reached down and pulled one of the servants' dhotis [loin cloths]. This immediately came undone, and fell on to the floor. The servants screamed with laughter. Pierre and his two servants stood there laughing too. Lex grabbed some soap, and started applying it to the prick of the nearest Indian. Lex tried to do it as gently and as efficiently as he had had it done to him. Immediately both Indians were sporting strong erections. Water and soap started going everywhere. The laughter increased. It was only when most of the water was on the floor that that part of the fun ceased. Towels were brought, and there was a great deal of mutual drying. When it was done Lex took the hand of the of the servant whose prick he had soaped, and led him in his bedroom. Pierre beckoned to another servant to go with him. The remaining servants were left to clear up the mess.
To the amazement of the servant Lex spoke to him in Bengali. "I think we could spend an enjoyable time together don't you?"
The servant, whose name was Abhizit nodded. He reached down and took hold of Lex's prick. Very quickly it was hard again. Lex directed Abhizit towards the bed, and pushed him back on to it. Lex lay on top of him and gave him a kiss. This was met with a whole hearted response.
Abhizit was slightly shorter than Lex, but in years he was nearly ten years older. He had smooth dark brown skin, and was almost hairless, except for a very small sparse patch in the middle of his chest, and the usual patches in his groin and armpits. There seemed to be a smooth silky texture to the man's skin that Lex had not encountered before. His prick was slightly shorter than Lex's, but considerably thicker. When he was erect Lex's head stood out completely from his foreskin; on Abhijit it was different in that his prick head remained partially covered.
They rolled over so that positions were reversed. Now Lex's hands felt Abhijit's smooth back. He reached down, and was just able to hold the man's firm smooth hemispherical buttocks. He squeezed them, and this obviously caused pleasure. He pushed his fingers into the crack between, and the enjoyment was increased.
Abhijit said something, but Lex did not understand. His knowledge of Bengali was growing but had not yet come to include the important vocabulary for anatomical parts and what you could do with them when making love.
Abhijit got off Lex and using signs pointed to Lex's prick and then to his own arse, with a questioning look on his face.
"Yes, Yes, please," said Lex, confirming what he said with some nods.
Abhijit reached over to where he knew a lubricant could be found, and then he prepared himself, and then Lex. Lex just lay on his back and let him do it. Abhijit knelt over Lex and, guided by his hand, slowly lowered himself on to Lex's upright prick.
When full penetration had been achieved they looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
"Good!"
"Very good," replied Lex.
Abhijit began to wriggle his hips causing a wonderful sensation for Lex as his prick felt the movement. It was not the usual up and down movement, not at this stage, it was more erotic, more arousing.
Lex put a hand on both of Abhijit's knees and began to run his hands up and down, each time getting a little higher. soon the backs of his hands made contact with the man's balls and prick at the top of each stroke. Then he used one hand to fondle Abhijit's balls, and with the other to grasp his prick.
This could not be continued for long. They watched each other intently, and they were able to bring each other to a simultaneous climax. Lex's spunk was shot deep into Abhijit, while his spunk shot out in a series of strong jets onto Lex's chest, a few drops reaching his face.
They remained in position for several minutes getting their breath. During this time the heard the noises of Pierre and Sahl coming to a climax in the next room. Lex and Abhijit looked at each other and grinned. Then Pierre and Sahl came in, both stark naked, and both with a broad grin on their faces.
"You all right, Lex?"
"Fine. Never been better." After a moments hesitation he added, "Except after I have been with you."
Pierre laughed. " `E is good, is he not?" with a nod towards Abhijit.
"An expert, as you said."
"You appy with im for the rest of the night?"
"More than."
Lex did not sleep much that night. Abhijit was an expert. There were all sorts of little things that he did that pleasured Lex. Lex was fucked in the middle of the night, and Abhijit again towards dawn, but there were many other times when pleasure was being given by one to the other. After their final love making both of them fell into a deep sleep, and were not awakened until a bleary eyed Pierre, still as naked as he was born, wandered into Lex's room and roused the two sleepy heads.
Two whole days, and three nights, of Lex's visit were spent hunting. This was the first time that Lex had seen anything of the real country. Lex was seated on an elephant and taken into the jungle. He saw his first tiger, and shot a deer and a buffalo. It was a very different hunting from the hectic pursuit of the fox at home, and the excitement was different. He enjoyed it, but had some thoughts of Artimis back home in England, and he wondered how she as getting on.
Twice Lex and Pierre dined with other members of the French community. Again he overheard some talk about Hyderabad. He also realised that he as being pumped for information. He talked very freely about some things that he knew were well known to the French, and was cagey about some other things that he thought would be equally well known to them. He found his caginess was responded to by some more indirect questioning. He kept to his resolution not to attempt to acquire information from Pierre.
On the other nights when Lex was in Chandernagore he slept with Pierre, except for his last night. It all began as usual, with the accepted routine of bathing. When the four servants came in without their sarongs, and wearing only the briefest of dhotis, at a given signal Lex and Pierre pulled the dhotis off all four Indian men. This was the signal for a very wet romp. There was much touching of pricks and squeezing of buttocks, as well as squeals of laughter.
Pierre ordered all four servants into his room. "This is where we all spend the night. There's room for six of us on this bed."
The news of this produced six very stiff pricks, and more excited laughter.
"No sleep tonight," announced Pierre.
That turned out to be not quite true. It is difficult enough for an author to describe in detail a threesome, and I am not going to attempt to do so with a sixsome. Sufficient to say there was a lot of activity, even those involved often lost track of who was doing what with whom. In the middle of the night they all had about three hours sleep, through sheer exhaustion, and with an intertwined tangle of brown and pink legs and arms, and the sound of several of them snoring.
Early the next morning Lex took Pierre on one side for a private word. "I am going to ask a favour of you. A very special favour, and will understand if you say `no'."
"What is it then?"
"Can I take Abhijit back to Calcutta with me. If he will come willingly. I have not asked him, in case you were unwilling for him to come."
"Of course, my friend. I will ask him in such a way that he can back down without losing face, or appearing disobedient."
Half an hour later Pierre took Abhijit on one side. "Well. How did you enjoy last night?"
A broad grin spread across the man's face, revealing a perfect set of white teeth against the brown background of his skin.
"You had a night with Lex, what do you think of him as a lover?"
"He is good, but he has still got a number of things to learn."
"You sound as though you would like to teach him?"
"I would, very much. But he is going back to Calcutta today." A sad look appeared on Abhijit's face. "And he may not be coming here again for a long while, especially if your two nations start fighting each other yet again."
"Would you like to go back to Calcutta with Lex?"
Abhijit nodded. "But no chance of that."
"Why?
"I'm your servant, and I like it here; and he has not asked me."
"He has asked me if I would let you go back with him."
Abhijit's face lit up.
"And you can go, if you really want to. The other three can soon find someone to replace you."
"And he really wanted me?"
"He asked for you!"
"I will go. And thank you, Monsieur Pierre."
Abhijit went back to Calcutta with Lex, where he became a personal servant, and highly satisfactory bed mate.
Five days after his return from Chandernagore Hugh North made an announcement. "I hope you are free in a week's time. I am giving a dinner party. The Gov. Gen. is coming."
"The Governor General, Warren Hastings himself?"
"Yes, the Governor himself. But you are not to tell anyone. He likes to be the surprise guest. He asks me to invite certain people who he wishes to meet."
"Why doesn't he ask them himself?"
"That would then be official. Here it is an unofficial and unexpected meeting. He can meet people who interest him, and people who are politically significant, without it being official."
"What's he like?"
"He is a colourful character. Full of life and vitality."
"Are you sure you want me to be present? I am only a lowly writer for the Company."
"He began as a writer. Who knows you may end up as the Governor General!"
Lex laughed. "Not much likelihood of that!"
The Governor General Warren Hastings arrived at Hugh's house in a coach drawn by four immaculate white horses, and with an escort of twenty out-riders in full military uniform. The arrival was at the last minute, and at speed.
"He always likes to put on a show," whispered Hugh to Lex.
There were thirty guests at the dinner. Most were men, with a few women, so the alternate gender seating was not possible. About half the guests were Indian. Hugh's Urmila was not present as she was now rather obviously pregnant. Lex was seated towards the bottom end of the table, between an Indian merchant of considerable wealth and influence, and a Scottish captain with one of the Company's regiments. Lex had more difficulty understanding the Scotsman's accent, than the Indian's Bengali.
After the meal there was a mingling of guests, and Lex noticed how Hugh escorted the Governor around, and made the introductions. Much to his surprise Hugh brought the Governor to him, and he was introduced.
"Ah yes, Penbarton! North has told me about you. But I hear that you've been hobnobbing with the French."
"Yes, Sir. I have made a couple of visits to Chandernagore. Made a friend."
"More than that; I gather you have picked up some useful information."
Lex did not know what to say to this, so he gave a slight bow in acknowledgement.
"I am told you speak Bengali?."
"Yes, Sir."
"And how long have you been out here?"
"Just under two years, Sir."
"That's good going. Why did you learn?"
"I like languages, Sir."
"Let me give you some advice. Learn some Persian. We are always in need in need of Persian readers and speakers. It is still the official language of Indian diplomacy, and we have to use it in our dealing with the great Moghul." He moved on to speak to another guest.
Lex noted that the Governor spoke at some length to some guests.
"You made a good impression on the Gov. Gen. yesterday evening," said Hugh. "He asked more about you."
"And what did you tell him?"
"State secret! That would be telling," said Hugh with a grin. "Take his advice and learn Persian."
"I started in a rather half hearted way a few months ago."
"Then make it a whole hearted effort. I will tell him you already know some."
"Some, but not much."
Lex took the advice and sought out a teacher, and began to study Persian seriously.
The next year and a quarter were strange and very busy ones for Lex. He was called on to go on a number of official visits. India continued to be in some political turmoil.
The English East India Company had been given its charter by Queen Elizabeth I on the last day of the sixteenth century, 31st December 1600. The charter gave a group of London merchants the exclusive right to trade with the East. The merchants expected to take woollen cloth out to India and sell it at a profit. This was not a totally unreasonable expectation as English prosperity had been founded on the wool trade over the previous centuries. The first merchants found that the people of India, for obvious climatic reasons, were not interested in woollen products. But India was rich in things which were desirable back home. So a trade developed in gold and silver, silk and spices, precious stones, diamonds and pearls, calico and exotic woods. These things often had to be paid for in gold. But these things could be bought cheaply in India and sold at great profit in London. The English merchants were not the first on the scene. The Portuguese Vasco de Gama had reached India in 1498. The French, Dutch, and Danes were also there for what they could get.
The dominant political power in India was the Moghul Empire, ruled over by the Great Moghul. The Moghul Empire in 1700 stretched from Kabul in Afghanistan in the north almost to the most southerly point of India, and from Baluchistan in the west across to Assam in the east. Concessions were granted to the Europeans, and the British secured footholds at Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. These, of course, had to be protected, so local troops were recruited = sepoys, with British NCOs and officers.
In 1707 the last of the great Moghul Emperors, Aurangzeb died, and Moghul power went into rapid decline. As always happens in these situations, smaller rivalries, which had been held in check by the greater power, now broke out afresh. Rajah fought Nizam and Maharajah fought great Moghul. Rajah A would ask for British help in his war with Rajah B. So Rajah B asked for help from the French. So the Europeans got involved in the politics of India, often hiring out their troops to the highest bidder. So the power and influence of the East India Company grew. There was soon a time when the East India Company, John Company as it was affectionately known, was more powerful and ruling far more territory than the United Kingdom itself. It was then that Parliament stepped in. Parliamentary control was enforced by Lord North's India Act. The East India Company was abolished by another India Act after the Indian mutiny of 1857. The last India Act was passed in 1947 giving independence to India, Pakistan, and Ceylon [Sri Lanka].
It was in this politically tumultuous world that Lex now found himself. It was a world of intrigue and power politics. The battle of Plassey in 1757 had meant that Britain, as represented by the East India Company, was the rising political power in India. The lands ceded to the company were centred on Bengal, which was then the richest and most prosperous part of India, and extended part of the way down the east coast.
As Lex travelled around he realised the beauty and complexity of India. Wherever he went he found something of interest. There were things that appalled him, not all was good and beautiful. The caste system, with the wretched lot of the untouchables at the bottom of society, with no hope of improvement offended his Christian susceptibilities. There were parts where suttee was practised, and a newly widowed woman was expected to throw herself on to her husband's funeral pyre.
It is not the purpose of this story to dwell and length and in detail on this passage of Lex's life. Abhijit went with him as his personal servant. This was expected, and it was also expected that the personal servant would sleep within calling distance of his master, should he be needed in the night. Very few knew that Abhijit slept in constant touch with his master every night. Those who knew shrugged their shoulders, in India so many things that were taboo at home were done openly. Many British Company men slept with Indian women, a lot lived with one, or more, and some went through some form of oriental marriage ceremony, so committed were they to their loved one. But most agreed with Hugh North when he had said to Lex, that there were no ten commandments in the orient.
The nature of Lex's work was changing. He slowly ceased to be taken as a secretary to take notes and keep minutes. It was soon realised that when he had something to say he was worth listening to. His knowledge of languages also proved invaluable. Soon he was being consulted and his advice taken. He was, of course, paid for his work; and there were still opportunities to make money. After all, that was what the life of Company men in India was all about, but he was not able to make as much as he had been able to in his early days in Calcutta. This did not worry him. He was not trying to amass a fortune and then return home to buy an estate and live out the rest of his days in ease and splendour. He enjoyed the different nature of his work. It was interesting and fulfilling.
Pierre paid a couple of visits to Calcutta, and Lex managed a week with him in Chandernagore. Pierre had told Lex that he had been able to clear his debts back in France.
"No more gambling for me. I've learnt my lesson."
"Glad to hear it."
"Soon I will have enough to return to France and live as I am born to live. If you are away up country, I will leave you a message that I have returned `ome. Rejoice for me."
Then as so often happens a number of things happen that bring about a change.
He had returned to Calcutta after two months away involved in settling a dispute between a couple of Indian rulers - a rajah and a Nizam, to the advantage of John Company.
There was a letter from Pierre. "My dear Lex, I have to tell you that I have returned to France. I hope to be of help to his majesty King Louis XVI and his beautiful Queen Marie Antoinette. I am sure that they will be able to make France an even greater nation than she was during the time of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Thank you, my dear friend for all the good times we had together. If you ever come to France, I hope that I will be able to entertain you in our customary way at my chateau beside le Loire. Your ever loving friend, Pierre de Montmorency.
Whenever Lex returned to Calcutta he gave Abhijit some leave. This time he was away for ten days. His people came from a small village several miles from Chandernagore.
It was a very disconsolate Abhijit who reported back to Lex at the end of his time away.
"What's the matter, Abi? You look very sad!"
"I have some sad news. For myself and I think for you."
Lex gave him his full attention. "What has happened?"
"Three days after I got to my home, my father died. He was old, and I knew that life was getting hard for him, but the end for him came suddenly."
Lex stood up and came over to Abhijit and put his arm round him. "I am sorry to hear that. I know what it is like to lose a father."
"That is only half the sadness. The other is that I must take my place as the eldest son, and take over the plot of land which belongs to my family. I have three sisters. Two are married, but I must arrange the marriage of my youngest sister. It means, Mr Lex, I must leave your service. My family duties call."
Lex was silent for a moment. "I too am very sad. You have been a good servant to me since you came to me from Chevalier Pierre's. But more than that, you have been a friend, and we have had many good times together."
Abhijit looked at Lex and smiled. "In bed?"
"Yes, I will miss you beside me. Can you stay with me for one week before returning home. I will employ another servant in your place and you can begin to train him."
"To sleep beside you?"
"No. I don't want anyone to replace you like that. If there is to be another man, let it just happen."
The love making of Lex and Abhijit had an urgency to it that night. They both realised that the number of nights to be spent together were less than the fingers on two hands. It was Abhijit who took the lead, and played the dominant role. It was his prick that penetrated. His prick that first ejected a hefty load. It was his eyes that were the first to close afterwards.
Lex lay awake thinking. He wondered what folk back in England would think if they could see him, naked in bed, satiated after love making with a brown man, a servant, an Indian. There would be the expected shock and horror that it was a man with who he had made love. The popular press in London had accounts of those caught and punished for disgusting and unlawful practices of a sexual nature with a person of the same sex. If had been an Indian woman there would still have been a strong disapproval. But out in India these things were seen differently. British men in India frequently had sex with Indian woman. Hugh North, the Prime Minister's nephew was quite open about his relationship with Urmila. Even the Governor General Warren Hastings knew about it, and had been introduced to her. Lex knew that Hugh had done the introductions that way round, because he had told him so. Amongst the Hindus there was often an open tolerance and acceptance of sex between men. Among the Moslems too it was quite widely practised by those men who liked it that way. The Koran may disapprove, but the sexual drive is strong enough in many men (and presumably women) to get round or evade the prohibitions of any religion.
He would miss Abhijit. Now that their relationship was drawing to a close he realised just how much the Indian servant meant to him. Lex turned on to his side, and snuggled up to the back of the Indian. He put his arm round the sleeping man. Abhijit stirred, and wriggled his buttocks against Lex's limp prick. Soon both of them were in a deep sleep.
There was a sadness in both men when he time came for Abhijit to leave Lex. In the morning, after their final lingering love making, while both were still naked, Lex handed to Abhijit a small purse.
Abhijit opened it, and saw that inside there were ten gold coins. "Sahib Lex, what is this. You owe me nothing. You have always paid me my wages most generously."
"This is a thank you for all the good times you have given me, as a servant, and as a lover."
"But it is so much. This will make me the richest man in my village."
"Good. Then use it wisely."
"I will."
"What will you do with it?"
"I will have to get me a wife when I get home. It is impossible to be unmarried and run a farm. I now have to father boys to inherit after me."
"Will you be able to... you know, after what we've been doing."
"I think so. I hope so, otherwise I will be disgraced."
"Does that mean no more men for you?"
Abhijit laughed. "No. No. There are always men around who like to go with men. There is a boy in the village who I go with whenever I go home. He is looking forward to having me around all the time."
"May you father many sons, and always have at least one man near by to go with." Lex took hold of Abhijit's prick, and then bent over and kissed it. "Farewell, my friend, and thank you."
Later that day Hugh announced that Warren Hastings, the Governor General was coming for another dinner in a week's time.
"Top secret?" asked Lex.
"Yes. As before. He has given me a list of guests he wants inviting." What Hugh did not tell Lex, was that the Governor General had asked whether Lex was going to be present.
When the late afternoon for the dinner arrived it was as before. Warren Hastings with the same colourful escort arrived just before the intended hour. Again Lex was seated towards the bottom end of the table, but he was near Urmila. She was gracefully attired in a colourful sari. Lex watched the easy and gracious way she talked with both the Englishmen at her end of the table. Lex found himself seated between a local ruler from the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam, and an Indian merchant. He was able to converse with them freely and easily in his now fluent Bengali.
After the meal Warren Hastings, escorted by Hugh made his rounds of the guests. What surprised Lex was his time with the Governor General.
"Ah, Penbarton. Good to see you again. I have been hearing things about you."
"I hope good things, Sir."
"Yes, many good things. I gather you made a useful contribution to the negations with the Nizam of Fangarripore. Did you enjoy the mission there?"
"Very much, Sir. I enjoyed the travel. India is such a vast and interesting country. There seems to be something different round every corner."
"A different prospect, a different language, a different religion, and different customs. Do you think we could get a greater amount out of the Nizam to pay for our soldiers giving him peace?"
Lex thought for a moment. "To try to get more at present, would I think create undue hostility. Let two years of peace and prosperity pass, and he will see the benefits for our presence, and would more readily contribute more."
Warren Hastings nodded. "My thoughts entirely. On your way to Fangarripore, you had to pass through Gangore , did you see any signs that the French are trying to get their oar in there?"
"I spotted an Indian merchant who I had met on one of my visits to Chandernagore. I have never seen him here, but that does not mean he has not been here. I have been away from Calcutta so much this last year. That was all."
So the conversation went on.
"And how is the language study going?"
"My Persian is coming on quite well. I managed to chat with a couple of Bengali speaking Indians with no difficulty earlier this evening. Even in the three weeks we were in Fangarripore I managed to pick up a few words and phrases."
"You enjoy it don't you?"
"Yes, Sir."
"You will soon know as many languages as good Queen Bess." [See footnote] With that the Governor moved on to another person.
When the party had left Hugh went to speak with Lex. "He spoke with you longer than with anyone else. You'd better watch it, you are a marked man." He laughed.
A few days later Lex received a letter from Thomas back in England.
Alec, May I express my gratitude at your communication. I eventually received two copies, so I presume, if you wrote the epistle in triplicate, that one went astray. I hope not through the foundering of any ship upon some hostile shore. Georgina and I were pleased to hear of your life in India, It sounds a most interesting country. Yes, I think, after due consideration, that Papa would have had a severe apoplexy if he had known you were consorting with the Gallic inhabitants of the farther shore of the English Channel. But having expressed the customary antipathy to that nation that seems to be expected from the inhabitants of Albion's shores, we are, at the present, at peace with them. Some friends of Edward's were here the other day, who had recently been to France. They expressed considerable consternation at the political situation in that country. We live in disturbing political times, what with the colonists the other side of the Atlantic Ocean rebelling against his gracious majesty, and obtaining their so called independence. These friends seems to think that France may be in for a period of turbulence; but I am sure that the present king and his beautiful Queen, Marie Antoinette, will be able to sort out their troubles. Life in Whitgest continues much the same. There was a bad harvest last year, and some of the poorer residents were in danger of starvation. I must say, that our brother Edward intervened, and obtained victuals for those in greatest need. For all his miserable and humourless pomposity he does take seriously the welfare of his tenants, and indeed of all living in the village. There is still no son and heir to which he can pass the title. Georgina has suggested that we give them a demonstration about the procreation of children; but in spite of our repeated efforts we have only succeeded in doing it once. Little Charles is growing apace, and is a delight to our eyes. He is a cheerful little chap, and shows great interest in the horses. Ralph Tooley, who is now in charge of the stables, put young Charles on your Artimis the other day, much to the delight of both of them. I fear that Charles must have inherited more of his grandfather's characteristics that his father's. He shows no inclination of any studious intent. But it is still early days. I made sure that Edward knew of your communication, in fact I left it lying in the library for a couple of days, but it was undisturbed. His failure to forgive and be reconciled with you is I am afraid a rather un-Christian characteristic of our elder sibling. The old Rector has died, and Edward presented me with the living, and the Lord Bishop of London was pleased to accept, so I am now the Rector of Whitgest. Edward has insisted that we continue to reside at the Hall, and not move down to the Rectory. He says he enjoys the presence of young Charles. Indeed it is a redeeming feature with both Edward and Caroline that they enjoy even playing with Charles. I think you would be amazed to see them both. I think it is all to their credit when I know that in their own hearts they would love to have a son of their own. I look forward to hearing again from you, even if it is in a year or more's time. May the good Lord look down upon you, and guide you in all your ways. Your brother, Thomas. Georgina has asked me to send you her kindest and fondest regards.
Three days later Lex started writing his reply to Thomas' letter, but he was interrupted by a knock on his door.
"Come in."
The door opened and in walked Hugh.
"Hugh! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I'm an emissary of the Governor General, His Excellency Warren Hastings himself. You are summoned to appear before him on Friday at nine of the clock." Hugh bowed.
"He wants to see me?"
"Yes, my dear Hugh, He wants to see you."
"Do you know why?" Lex was feeling rather like a schoolboy summoned to the headmaster's study, he was wondering what he had done wrong to deserve this.
"I have not the slightest idea why. I am not conversant with all that goes on in the mind of his Excellency."
"Hugh, there are times when you are a pompous prat!" Lex reached for a cushion and flung it at Hugh.
Hugh caught it and threw it back. "Make sure you're there on time, or do I need to send an armed escort to bring you bound and gagged before the Gov. Gen.?"
"Can't you give me a clue?"
"No. Unless it is for sticking your prick up the arse a certain Frenchman, and cavorting in a similar way with Indian servants like Abhijit!" Hugh winked, and left the room.
Lex found he could not concentrate on replying to Thomas' letter. His mind was searching for some reason for his summons to the Governor General's Residence.
At a quarter to nine on the Friday morning, Lex, dressed in his smartest and best clothes presented himself at the Residence. It was a smirking Hugh who escorted him along two long corridors. Outside the Governor General's inner sanctum a couple of Indian servant were pulling on ropes which manipulated a couple of fans high in the ceiling above the man himself.
Hugh knocked and opened the door. "Mr Alexander Penbarton, your Excellency." Hugh departed, but not before giving Lex a wink.
"Ah! Mr Penbarton, do come in and sit down."
Lex sat down on a chair which had been placed in front of a huge desk. So this was the place from which a large part of India was ruled.
"What do people call you, young man? Both Mr Penbarton' and Alexander' are a mouthfuls."
"My family called me Alec, but my friends call me Lex."
"Hm. As I'm almost old enough to be your father I shall call you Alec." He paused. "I have got a job for you to do. I want you to become our Resident in the state of Landerabad."
Lex gasped. A Resident was the representative of the East India Company in one of the Indian States. A Resident was the nearest equivalent to an Ambassador. India was full States, some were large and important like Hyderabad and Mysore, some small and of little consequence. "But I am only twenty years of age!"
"Let me explain my reasons. Do you know anything about Landerabad?"
"No. I am not really sure where it is."
"Landerabad is a comparatively small state. From a military perspective it is insignificant. But it is important for three reasons. One, it is wealthy State. That wealth is largely founded on the mining of diamonds. Second, Landerabad is in the mountainous country of Central India, and has only one reasonable access road. This road goes through a devil of gorge, nearly thirty miles long, and is easily defendable by a handful of men every inch of the way. The access path, it hardly ranks as a road, clings to the precipitous sides of the gorge. If it fell into alien, by that I mean French hands, it could cause trouble. Thirdly, the mouth of the gorge is less than five miles from one of the main thoroughfares leading to the whole of central India. That is why it is of importance to keep it friendly to the Company.
"There has recently been a change of Rajah. The old Rajah has died, and we had an elderly Resident with whom he related well. That Resident is desirous to return to Britain as soon as possible. His health is bad, and he wishes to see his home before he dies. The new Rajah is a young man of about your age. There is an unusual situation. Ten years ago the old Rajah took a new young wife. She was very much his favourite, but she was barren. There were no children either male or female. The new Rajah is the son of another and older wife. He is dominated by the old favourite, who secured the throne for him. The favourite, who is regarded as the Rani has so far supported the young Rajah. But she is known to have French sympathies. I have decided that to send a middle aged, or more senior man, as Resident would be a mistake. What is needed is someone young enough to relate to the young Rajah. You are my choice!"
The Governor General beamed at Lex.
"You are young enough to relate to the Rajah. You will be able to do the things that the young Rajah likes doing, like hunting, and playing certain Indian games. But above all, my dear Alec, you have a skill at languages. They speak their own particular tongue of Landerabadese. I reckon that if you learnt to speak it, they will be your friends for life. The previous resident always had to negotiate through an interpreter, always a difficulty, and an opening for misunderstanding. I expect you to leave for Landerabad in three weeks time. You will take with you an British secretary, and will be escorted by a troop of fifty sepoys with a British officer, a Captain Green, and a British sergeant. They will of course, remain with you. Such a presence will be no military threat to Landerabad, but should ensure that you are kept in reasonable security. It will also enable to proceed on formal occasions with an adequate escort, suitable for the Company's Resident in the state.
"Any questions?"
"Sir, I am honoured, and rendered speechless. I presume I am to be told more about Landerabad?"
"Of course. You will receive a general briefing with Captain Green and your secretary, Alan Smith. There will be a special political briefing privately before you go. I do not wish you to divulge this information to anyone." He looked straight at Lex. "Anyone! If the Frogs were to find out they would try to interfere, and get in there before us, and that just would not do. No, would not do at all. Part of the journey will be through Company held land, permission from local Princes will be sought where necessary. I have every confidence in your ability to carry out this task for the Company. I will see you before you go."
Warren Hastings rang a bell on his desk and Hugh entered. "You can see Mr Penbarton out, Hugh."
Lex gave His Excellency a small bow, and left the room. He walked alongside Hugh as they retraced their way along the corridors.
"Well, Lex, what did he want?"
"I've been given a job to do."
"What job?"
"I'm not allowed to say?"
"Surely you can tell me?"
"No. I've been told to tell no one, and you my dear Hugh are not the exception to that `no one', unless you can tell me what the job is. If you know it exactly, I will confirm, as that will show that the Gov. Gen. as you call him has told you. Otherwise I'm silent."
"A top secret job?"
"Stop fishing, Hugh. I'm saying no more."
The next three weeks were hectic ones for Lex. He was going to take all his belongings with him, not that these were very extensive. He got his tailor to make him some new clothes, for he knew he would need to be smart for official functions.
On the penultimate evening he finished his letters to Thomas. As before he was sending three copies of the letter on three different ships. He added a paragraph. "The other day I was summoned to attend His Excellency, the Governor General. He has appointed me Resident in a small State of Landerabad in the interior of India. I was astonished as I am so young for such work. Apparently my aptitude for languages is one reason. The local ruler is about my own age, and the Gov. Gen. thinks my tender years will enable me to relate more easily to him, than a grey head. This will also mean that your letters may take getting on for two months longer to reach me, and mine to you on the return journey. I do look forward to your letters with all the news of Whitgest. Though I am excited at the prospect of this new work, and of seeing more of this wonderful country, I would give a lot to see the Hall, and ride Artimis in the fields. I think I would even like to see Edward! Give my love to Georgina and to little Charles. Have you told him that he has an uncle who is living in disgrace in India? Your loving brother, Alec."
With one of the letters went an ancient copy of a Persian holy book for Thomas, several lengths of woven silk in various colours and a bolt of calico for Margaret, and three carved ivory elephants for Charles, and a small brass statuette of a Hindu god, - a naked man, for Ralph. He hoped the last item would not give the game away. He wished he could send a generous gift to Billy Blackstone, but that was impossible.
The day before his departure he was again summoned to attend on the Governor General. It was the same as before, except that this time Hugh was told to remain in the inner sanctum.
"So Hugh, what do you think of the appointment?"
"I don't know the nature of the appointment, Sir."
"Hasn't he told you?"
"No," said Hugh "And I tried to get it out of him."
"You said I was to tell no one," added a rather aggrieved Lex.
Warren Hastings with his arms told them both to calm down. "Lex, I had one reservation about appointing you. I was concerned whether you were able to keep a secret. That concern is now removed. If you can keep a secret from a friend like Hugh, you will keep a secret. You will be in receipt of confidential information and instructions; I know you can be trusted."
Lex and Hugh looked at each other and smiled.
"You have been briefed, and you are now ready to depart. There remains one formality. You must receive officially your appointment as Company Resident in the State of Landerabad and to the Court of the Rajah. Remember, Alec, that behind the Company stands the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and his Majesty King George III."
The Governor General stood, and immediately Lex and Hugh rose to their feet. The Governor General picked up a piece of parchment, from which two heavy red wax seals hung. He handed it to Lex, but kept his hands holding the document.
"By the authority of the Parliaments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland invested in me, Warren Hastings, Governor General of the East India Company, I appoint you Mr Alexander Penbarton, the aforementioned Company's Resident to the State of Landerabad. Signed and sealed this twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand and Eighty."
He let go of the document, which remained securely in Lex's hands.
"And all the best to you, Alec." He shook Lex's hand. "I think drinks are called for. Hugh?"
So Lex at the age of twenty and four months was appointed to the official and responsible job of Company Resident to the Indian State of Landerabad.
Half an hour later Lex and Hugh made their way out of the Governor General's palatial Residence.
"The was quite a lot of opposition on the Council to your appointment," said Hugh.
"So you knew! You knew all along?" Lex delivered a playful punch at Hugh.
"Yes, and I was told to worm it out of you."
"Just as well I didn't tell you. I was tempted because I knew you could be trusted."
"Thanks. I shall miss having you around, Lex. But we must keep in contact."
"I expect I shall be writing to Calcutta often enough. I shall enclose a message to you. Though I won't bother to send it in code to you."
"I hope you find a replacement to Abhijit, Lex."
"If I mention his name you will know I have."
Lex dined Hugh and Urmila that evening.
Footnote:-
- Elizabeth I was very well educated and knew nine different languages.