Abe entered the Ye Olde Cheddar Cheese tavern closer to eight o’clock than seven. Clem was sitting at their usual table, alone and forlorn. Abe cursed the informant who had delayed him.

Abe approached, attracting Clem’s notice. His aspect didn’t brighten. There was no teasing smile of welcome. 

Instead, Abe received a chilly glare. 

“You came then,” Clem said flatly.

Abe sat opposite his friend and lover. “Can I get you another drink?”

“If you like.”  

Clem’s glacial indifference continued when their gin was served together with a jug of water.

He said casually, “I was at the Old Red Lion yesterday to find you’d vacated your room. I thought you might have run out on us.” 

He took a swig of barely diluted gin, avoiding Abe’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, Clem. I should have let you know.”

If they had been in a less public place or one that catered solely for their kind, Abe would have covered Clem’s hand with his own.

“Yes, well, it’s not like you owe me an explanation.” Clem’s defensive posture said otherwise.

“Of course I do. It was remiss of me. I have been occupied with pressing matters, official-like.”

Clem’s body relaxed slightly. Abe hardly made it public that he was working for Horse Guards, but he had shared that confidence with his lovers. He eyed Abe warily under long light brown lashes, a distinct pout to his lush mouth. 

“You could have sent word to me.”

“Yes, I should have. I see that now. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Clem.”

“Who said I was hurt?” Clem’s indifferent words were at odds with his wounded expression.

“Just because I’ve been busy doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking of you. And Humphrey, too. I’ve missed you both.”

“Really?”

“I swear it.”

“Then it’s fortunate that I left a note for Humphrey to meet us here after he’s dined.” Clem’s narrow jaw clenched combatively.

He’s not letting me off lightly. At least he’s still talking to me and hasn’t flounced off in a huff, renouncing me forever.

It wasn’t the right moment to argue that either Clem or Humphrey could have taken the initiative earlier. Abe recognised that Humphrey was too self-effacing to make the first move. As for Clem, he’d learned the hard way to be sparing with his trust.

“I’m sorry,” Abe said sincerely. “I’ll say it a hundred times over if that will make amends.”

Abe was the first to admit that once he got the bit between his teeth, he could be ruthlessly single-minded. Apart from his mother, he’d never had to consider anyone’s feelings. Until now. 

That must change, he vowed.

“I’ll gladly apologise to Humphrey. I’ve neglected you both. You know what I’m like when I’m in full cry.”

There was a brief silence as the waiter topped up their glasses. 

“We all have our burdens,” Abe added. “You’re chained to your desk during the day, I’m no longer my own master and Humphrey has a flock of relatives to shepherd.” 

Clem smiled grudgingly. “Is that an excuse?”

“No, more a recognition of our circumstances. What say you if we make this our regular rendezvous? This is as good a place as any to meet every few days. That should avoid any further misunderstandings.”

“I thought you’d left me.”

Clem’s voice was so low that Abe’s strained to catch the words against the background noise of the narrow tavern. 

“I’d never abandon you, Clem. I may have many faults, but I’m no fool. I would never throw away such a treasure unthinkingly.”

Clem stared in his glass.

“Now I’ve found you and Humphrey,” Abe continued. “I won’t let go easily unless that’s your will.”

Clem gazed at Abe, his face unreadable. Then he glanced over Abe’s shoulder.

“You have an opportunity to repeat your abject apology. Humphrey’s coming this way.”