Robert and Cecil a Tudor romance

A week passed and Cecil heard that the Queen and King were leaving for Hampton Court and then to tour several houses of the realm as the King hated to be in London in the Summer months, so a lot of the Court were to travel to Hampton, but only the King Queen and a few personal servants and the Queens ladies were to accompany on their great process, as the King did not want to be seen having to be carried and looked after due to his ailing health.

Richard Riche had been sent to France on a diplomatic duty so Cecil decided the time was right to take Robert to his Manor on the Welsh borders as he too did not want himself or Robert in London.

They set off just the two of them the next morning early, just after the Retinue had left for Hampton, as it was a good two days ride to the Border Country.

They rode steadily at first enjoying the country air out of London. The air was warm so as soon as they were clear of Henlea, Cecil said they could dispense with their robes so they found a quiet shady spot near to the river.

Cecil took off his heavy velvet robes and passed them to the accompanying servants who loaded them on to the cart accompanying them, Robert did the same leaving them both in just doublet and house with leather jerkins in case of bad weather. Cecil sent the cart back to Whitehall and the two were left alone with just two sergents for protection.

Cecil stripped off his shirt and hose and plunged into the river telling Robert to do the same, the Sergeants retired to a respectful distance as the two were naked apart from their loincloths splashing like youngsters in the water. They enjoyed a swim and then the two of them virtually naked in their wet loincloths enjoyed the picnic, the kitchen had prepared.

They then dressed and continued their journey,

reaching the ford at Wallingford by late afternoon, Cecil knew of a good Inn The Lamb at Wantage for the night and they arrived early evening.

The landlord showed them to a pleasant room and furnished them with a tasty meal.

Cecil undressed and the two climbed into the huge bed.

Cecil slipped his hand into Roberts loincloth and untied it throwing it to the floor and Robert did the same and the two embraced, hard cocks touching as they kissed,

Cecil was so happy that for the next week they could be together properly, with no worries of Riche trying to ravish the lad, and Cecil could dispense with Courtly ritual and relax.

Now they were making love and Robert was pushing himself gently into Cecil s private place as Cecil relaxed to let this lovely member enter him, leave it there after you've delivered he told the lad and hold me.

Robert did as he was told, Cecil felt the enormous load running from him, his private place struggling to keep the vast deposit staying in there and then as instructed Robert remained with his person deep in Cecil, till some time later, Cecil felt it fall out of his hole.

The next morning they washed and dressed, the innkeeper provided a hearty breakfast and also replenished their picnic with fresh wine, Mead

and ale for the two sergeants who had replenished the horses and saddled them ready.

The party bid farewell and proceeded on their journey. the mourning was cool as

it was still early so the party set of at a fair pace, making good time and progress, arriving at Cirencester in good time and Lunched at the Bear Inn, before continuing their journey, Cecil suggesting Gloucester for their final overnight stop at the New Inn, arriving late afternoon after a good ride as the day was not too warm, so progress was good, pausing at a tributary of the River Churn to water the horses, and a pleasant swim joined this time by their sergeants while the horses drank, though propriety dictated that they kept their codpieces above water.

Gloucester was reached and Cecil announced to the sergeants to take the horses to the New Inn as he and Robert were to visit the Cathedral.

Cecil had visited the tomb of Edward the second many years before and now he took Robert to see it, devoid of most of its treasures and gilding since the monks had been removed and it was now ruled over by a Dean , no longer an Abbot.

To see it devoid of its richness and just basically its effigy and canopy, Robert detected he saw a tear run down the mans cheek as he prayed as so many still did at the once rich shrine.

Cecil saw this as Thomas Cromwell s doing, and now it was nearly six years since is fall from favour and eventually beheading.

Cecil could see the wider picture and the poor dying through lack of care, due to the infirmary s and herbalist monks no longer there to minister to them.

Cecil brushed away the tear saying the taper he had lit was sooty.

He showed Robert the wonderful architecture explaining its history. they arrived at the George Inn, to be summoned into a private dining room by the landlord, and they and the sergeants tucked in to a wholesome meal. After a gob they retired to the best room at the Inn, with a magnificent four poster for them.

No romance tonight as both had partaken of two much wine and undressed they cuddled up and within minutes sound asleep in each others arms.

Sunrise seemed to come much too early as Robert awoke first, seeing Cecil still fast asleep, he had partaken of more of the excellent wine than Robert, Robert bathed first as the Innkeeper had brought in some warm water and towelling.

Cecil awoke still feeling the effects of the wine, so a bit groggy. As he stepped into the large bath naked, Robert poured the basin of now quite cool water over him, making Cecil splutter and gasp and at the same time sobering him up.

He turned and looked at the naked Robert in hysterics at the shivering sight before him. Cecil swore he would get his revenge, and laughing they went down to breakfast.

Bidding farewell to the Innkeeper, his wife and Servant and thanking them. they set off on the final part of their journey to Cecil s country house. Their journey continued via Ross and crossing the River Wye they arrived at the village of Little Dewchurch, the nearest village to Cecil s Manor.

Robert asked as the rode through the parkland leading to the house, how he had come to have such a remote estate.

Cecil explained it belonged to his wife s family and was part of her dowry, and on her death, her father and mother having pre -deceased, it came to Cecil, who loved its seclusion and thought it would make a superior bolt -hole in time of trouble. Robert could not help but agree it was in a very wild but beautiful place, the village on the edge of the estate being the nearest habitation.

They arrived at the Manor and it was certainly an impressive place,

but not vast so easily managed by the twelve staff who were lined up to greet them.

Cecil greeted them rather as part of extended family rather than servants and knew them all by name.

H e went straight in and took Robert to their quarters.

Mistress Evans, informed them that super was being laid in the Great Hall in an hour, giving them time to rest and prepare, after their journey.

Cecil took Robert too their suite of Rooms over looking the park off the Grand staircase.

Laid out was Clothing or them both as instructed by Cecil by missive sent in advance. Cloth of gold for Cecil, Silver for Robert , no one of course was so forward as to ask what Roberts role was.

It was taken he was a close friend of the master. So no one queried why they shared adjoining bedrooms etc.

(To be Continued)