Chapter 40
1906, Southampton
After their outing at the watering hole, Basil continued to pursue Leander. Basil would show up at the parish house midweek in the morning, or for tea in the late afternoon. Leander decided to invite him for dinner, his goal being to stop Basil’s advances. He arranged for the Davenports to take Peter for the night, and Mrs. Davenport prepared the dinner before she left.
“What excuse did you give Mrs. Shocking for leaving tonight?” he asked between bites of lamb.
An evil grin washed across Basil’s face. “I told her I was coming over for some counseling.”
Leander put down the bite he was about to take. “Basil, you can’t tell her that. If we would be found out, I’d be painted a monster, a predator, if you will.”
“It’s harmless, old man. Besides, we’re not go
