Since this is the album where they will not stop falling in the drink... it seemed normal that it also was the time to take the plunge.
In the evening, in the room made available to them by the Embassy, as they prepare for bed, it is Blake who initiates the conversation.
"We're playing a dangerous game, Philip. I have no right to ask you to take such a risk. "
And this, too, reassures Mortimer on the fact that his friend cares for him.
"Come on, old chap," he says. "You know me. I will not leave the sensation of discovering the tomb of Judas to anyone else. If it exists." It is the truth, but it omits the fact that he also does not want to leave his friend to risk his life alone, especially if Olrik is involved. That, however, seems too compromising to blurt out so directly in this intimate atmosphere
"Besides, speaking of emotions, Francis," he continues diplomatically, "there is something I have wanted to tell you for some time. "
At these words, the captain turns his head in surprise to look at the professor.
" Oh," he says, before heading to his friend, absentmindedly discarding his tie on the way. What could Philip have to say to him in such a serious tone? The atmosphere has grown tense in seconds. "I am listening, Philip." He sits on his bed, facing Mortimer.
The professor then steels himself, but he has totally forgotten the little speech he had carefully prepared. Too bad, he has already waited long enough: he takes the plunge. "Francis, my dear," he begins, "we have known each other for nearly thirty years. I ... "
He hesitates, looks down at his hands he holds tight in one another and raises his head.
They had met a long time ago, and for more than ten years they have not lost sight of each other. Francis knows his friend well and there are not many subjects that make him hesitate. He feels his blood freeze: Philip is in love. Jessie? The last few days, the captain tried to constantly place himself between his friend and the one he occasionally calls his naiad. Has Philip decided to follow her to the States?
But Mortimer continues, interrupting Blake's dark thoughts. "I… I have noticed that... for some time... I have a tenderness for you that goes beyond friendship. " There. The main point is told. Mortimer watches Blake's face, fearing any unfavorable signs. Should he go on?
Francis is extremely surprised. He blinks, mouth ajar, and Mortimer decides to push through, extending a hand to his friend as a sign of openness: "I hope I'm right.. when I guess that you're not... indifferent."
"Philip."
Blake has interrupted him, half rising to catch the extended hand in both his, leaning forward. There was too much space between their beds. "Oh, Philip," he says in turn, eyes shining with emotion, "You are not mistaken."
The foreboding atmosphere of the room vanishes to make room for another kind of tension, and Mortimer covers the hands of his friend with his remaining hand. This simple contact between them is not new but tonight it takes on an additional meaning.
Their eyes speak for themselves, even if they do not verbalize any of the thoughts they exchange during that time. How long they have taken to find each other! A long time! They relish the moment. Both are certain at this point that nothing will make them lose the love, trust, and friendship they feel for each other.
Yet after taking the first step with this confession, they are reluctant to move forward. Mortimer had the courage to speak first, so it is up to Blake to bring the subject. Philip loves him. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. And this time he is sure that they are on the same wavelength.
And it is with this feeling that Blake smiles the mischievous smile he has sometimes and indulges in a little weak humor." My dear friend," he says, matching words with deeds, "given the country where we are, even if it's a little cavalier, I hope you will allow me this gesture I have often dreamed to use while facing you."
Moving a little closer to Mortimer, Blake stretches a hand toward the bearded cheek of his friend and puts the other on his crotch, as in the seductive gesture of ancient Greece.
Surprised, Mortimer lets out a cry and gets up abruptly. "By Jove, Francis!" But he recovers quickly and helps up his friend whom he had inadvertently shoved back. "Old chap, if that is your knowledge of the classics, I pity your university teachers," he teases. Then, copying in turn the gesture previously done by his friend. "Of the two of us, which one is the most bearded? "
" Oh!" Francis exclaims softly, closing his eyes at his touch, clutching a shoulder, an arm to counter the intensity of the sensation. Then after a moment he opens his eyes to take his friend's face between his hands. "You're far too rational, Philip." He murmurs before drawing their faces together for a first kiss.
The rustle of the mustache Blake against his upper lip is a completely new sensation for Mortimer who has previously only kissed women, but the contact of their lips raises in him a stronger emotion than anything he has felt in his life so far.
An old memory echoes in his mind before disappearing: "Only irrational love is pure. The rational is foolishness."
And when at last they separate after what seems both an eternity and too short a time, he whispers. "Let's be unreasonable together, Francis. If you will?"
The next morning, after waking, Blake helps his old friend to get up, holding out his hand in an unusual way.
"Philip," he tells him in all seriousness, "I do not know if you think like me, but I would prefer that we remain discreet."
"Of course," interrupts his friend. "I know your position as head of MI5 requires you to be beyond reproach." Mortimer hesitates a moment. "I would not make you risk permanent illegality so, and ..."
Francis Blake smiles then and interrupts him. "Old chap, if it was the illegality that scared me, we would only have had to cross the street to find a hotel. It has been nearly three years since anything we did or spoke of last night has been illegal in this country. "*
" But then... "
"Even if minds change, our country may not be ready to accept such relations** immediately, but Philip, as you may have noticed last night, you are more important to me than my career. But if we could stay discreet in public..."
"Of course, Francis. Of course. I won't object to that. "
Blake then tilts his head to languorously kiss his friend and lover.
Then, as they prepare to go for breakfast, the captain asks again: "Are you really sure you want to accompany me to look for this grave, Philip?"
This time nothing masks the anxiety he feels for the man he loves.
Mortimer smiles. "Come on Francis, you know that I would follow you into Hell."
Given their destination, this turn of phrase is more than appropriate. "To Hell and back, then. Let us not forget to come back, shall we? "
And so, back in London, when they meet at the Centaur Club after completing their Greek adventure, they begin a new habit of communicating between words.
When Mortimer says, "There is not an archaeologist on earth that would not give half his life to experience the emotion I felt holding this sack in my hands," Blake is not certain whether they speak only of the container of Judas Iscariot's denarii. And since his friend suggests they go have dinner – well!
"Tell me, Philip, how about sharing a small digestive home after dinner? "More than the activity, the proposal is unusual and Mortimer makes no mistake in understanding what is implied.
"Very good idea, Francis." He nods, putting back his pipe in his mouth. "Did you have a particular idea?" he adds teasingly.
"What about letting the dinner inspire us?" answers the captain most innocently.
And when James announces that this evening menu includes Greek kebabs, it is not only because that menu is not at all a change from their journey that Blake and Mortimer exchange a knowing smile.
* Decriminalization of sexual acts between men dates from 1951 in Greece.
** A committee was appointed by the Home Office to reassess the law concerning homosexual offenses in August 1954, but decriminalization will come only in 1967
