I had just decided to accept a cigar from Hector but was interrupted by the appearance of another human being.
‘Mrs Mappass-Wynne’ announced Hector as a tall, faded figure approached hugging a small furry creature.
I stood up and bowed. ‘Michael Cricksmith. A lapsed botanist.’ ’
‘Call me Clément. I am charmed. ‘ Her hand was cool, bejewelled and lingered in my hand.
Clement sighed and inclined her face towards the creature. ‘Milo is so nocturnal. I do fear one day, he may never wake up but then- he surprises me and lazily opens just one precious eye at a time…la! I am beguiled all over again! ‘
Milo was silky to my touch; his breathing careful as if he was listening. ‘How old is Milo Clement?’
‘Gracious. Je ne sais pas. He was a gift. My love child of many years – when poor Charles was kinder and less resolute. Milo remains true. Our hearts are as one. ”Clement‘s hand trembled over her decotellage.
‘Nil desperadum.’ Said Hector lapsing into Saki. ‘ Be strong Clement. Your Charles is consumed by regrets. He looks so dreadfully aged Clement. I believe his youth was carried off by a stout female of no discernible charm.
‘You are referring to Ella Boynton Hector. I appreciate your gallantry, as always. I am victorious in private, only in public do Milo and I struggle with our composure, but we are brave. Stoic.’ She nodded to her audience. ‘WE are not subjugated by fate. We march on. ‘
I clapped hands as cheerfully as I could.
‘And you are possessed of one of the most beautiful figures in the whole of Brighton’ said Hector. ‘You endure delightfully. With consummate grace’ and he smiled.
Milo I noticed still remained silent. I hoped his silence was not a prelude to a more enduring quiet, but was reassured by the warmth of his fur as I stroked him . A whisker flickered. Then he lifted an eyelid.
‘’Milo mon cher!’’ Clement kissed him.
He opened his other eye and I had the curious feeling that whilst one eye watched Hector the other was watching me.
‘Join us Clement. We are spending our lunch being slightly relaxed and talking of my favourite theory of creation…’ said Hector.
‘Your incubation theory Hector, how very fascinating and in the company of this very handsome young man , said Clement still standing.
Milo seemed to agree as both eyes settled on Hector and blinked in a way that could only mean Milo concurred with his mistress. Naturally, I prayed that they would go away. The scraping of the chair next to me suggested otherwise. ‘Please could you both entertain Milo whilst I am called away?said Clement.
We were both nearly gentlemen, so Milo settled into his chair and rubbed his eyes. The lemur was tired.
‘Poor Milo will be thirsty and even quite hungry by now’ said Clement and disappeared through the open doors onto the veranda.
The poor creature scraped a paw on the linen cloth.
Our waiter returned with small plates for our allegedly small appetites and nodded at Milo who shrugged and held up his front paws, palms up.
Milo cleared his throat.’ I would like a medium glass of Amontillado please, in a glass with large handles,’ He glanced at his paws.
The waiter bowed; ‘ of course, your usual sir. I should have anticipated your request’ said the waiter and glided away.
‘Anticipation is not so easy to come by in Brighton during the summer months – it seems more of a winter phenomenon’ said Milo. ‘I find the Oloroso Amontillado here a hidden treasure. ‘
I moved in my chair.
‘‘Lemurs can talk readily dear boy, it depends upon how they are parented. Their early influences are so crucial’’ said Hector.
Milo gazed deeply into his glass, ruminating I didn’t doubt, about his next request.
‘Can I help you?’ I said.
Milo lifted his head and encircled the top of his head with his long striped tail.
‘’I wonder if you can Michael – my body feels force- fed after a week in the company of Mabel Chiltern’s family. Delightful imprisonment is an oxymoron after all. Could you order some simple greens for me and then afterwards, perhaps a meandering walk with you both, beyond those … those shrubberies?’