Charles shook out his clothes, hung them neatly, and placed his shaving equipment by the washstand in a neat line. He paused by the window. The view out over the sea was beautiful. He hoped Harry and an equally good vista. The room was warm thanks to a fire roaring in the grate, and clean. The whole place had that soft, underlying smell of hops and polish that alehouses did, but all in all the facilities were acceptable. A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
“Can I come in?” Harry said with a smile as Charles opened the door. He stood back to allow him through.
“My room is wonderful. I can see the sea,” he said.
“Mine, too.”
Charles was startled to realise how much he wanted to share a room with Harry. Share his joy at the sea as well as his fear about Julian.
“We should
