WHO: Carrick and Russell WHERE: The Carrick estate WHEN: Week 9. Sunset on Thursday WHY: Russell is moving in with Carrick while flood damage is repaired WARNING:
Carrick rose early the night that Russell had arranged to move into his house for a few weeks so that he could be ready for Russell's arrival as soon as the sun went down. He was almost cheerful as he dressed for the evening in a grey suit, adding a rare splash of colour with a crimson silk necktie.
Ever cautious, Carrick ordered that a guest room be made ready for Russell, but then abruptly changed his mind. It was absurd to keep a pretence in his own home. Russell was his lover, and would be sleeping in Carrick's own bedroom. The house slaves would keep their own counsel on the matter, if they knew what was good for them.
Before he left his bedroom and made his way down to the ground floor, Carrick opened the drawer in his bedside table and took out a small box covered in brushed suede. His thumb ran briefly over the textured surface before he slipped it into his trouser pocket and stepped silently out of the room.