Chapter 8
1888–1890, Cambridge, England
Leander helped Raphael deal with the Spartan conditions at Cambridge. Raphael helped him traverse the social scene, coaching him in the appropriate manners, dress, and conversations. They kept their relationship private and continued to be intimate with each other. Leander’s roommate fell ill and returned to home shortly after the term started. The college didn’t replace him, so he had the room to himself. Most nights of the week, Raphael slept with him.
One evening, they lounged on one of the beds in Leander’s room, each reading and studying his own books. Leander laid his head on Raphael’s chest, and Raphael stroked his hair.
“Ray, what are you studying?” he asked.
“First Corinthians, chapter thirteen, you?”
“First Samuel, chapter eighteen.”
