Collingsworth Read Online Free

too. His emotions running high, he felt himself near tears again.
    “Do you have any questions, Michael?” Dr. Kennedy spoke quietly, comforting and calming.
    Laughing, feeling more free than he had since his childhood, Michael said, “I think I must have a thousand questions and don’t know where to begin! This really isn’t a trap? I’m not in trouble? David has been looking at me too?”
    “I do believe that you found a place to begin. Have another cup of tea and we’ll have a chat now that you’re convinced you’re not in trouble. Although there aren’t many who agree with us, we believe that love, freely given between adults, is never wrong.” Dr. Kennedy looked tenderly at Mr. Hardison again. “Those of us who believe this must, unfortunately, remain hidden.”
    Michael stood at the door some time later, overwhelmed with new information. “Michael, remember your promises. You will never speak of this matter outside of this room, and if the opportunity should present itself to speak with Mr. Bennington, you won’t run away.”
     
    *  *  *
    Straightening his bow tie, Michael walked out the door to leave for the ball, mask held in his hand. He had asked if he could be driven in the coach but had been refused, so he set off walking.
    Remembering his promise to Dr. Kennedy, he wondered if he would dare to dance with David during this most unusual masked ball. The entire conversation with Dr. Kennedy and Mr. Hardison had been a revelation that shook the foundation of everything Michael had ever been taught. He knew that his life would not be easy, but he finally saw the chance of happiness.
    The ballroom had been transformed from the austere site of their practice sessions with the addition of opulent draperies, pine boughs, and golden light from the gas jets and candles. There was a sumptuous dinner set up at one end of the room and this is where the students clustered. The orchestra had begun playing but, perhaps predictably, none of the boys were dancing. Walking over to the tables with the food, Michael felt unusually confident in his mask and new finery.
    Although all of the students were wearing their masks, some stood out and were easily identified. Michael picked out Smith by his fiery red curls, Hobbs by his massively protruding belly, and finally Bennington with the light blond waves that he would recognize anywhere. With his own medium brown locks, he felt completely anonymous and moved to stand near David. Before he found the courage to strike up a conversation, the professors walked through the crowd of fifth and sixth years, randomly pairing them up and pushing them toward the dance floor.
    Dr. Kennedy appeared at his elbow and, with a hand on his shoulder, pushed him toward David. “Gentlemen, we’re here to practice your dancing. There will be time to eat during the orchestra’s break.” Michael looked back at him to see if there was any sign of recognition in his face or if it was mere coincidence that Dr. Kennedy had paired him with David. Dr. Kennedy had already turned to push another pair onto the floor.
    “Well, I believe that we’ll be dancing together tonight. Who will lead, do you think?” David asked, amusement showing in his voice, his full lips quirked into a small smile.
    Feeling unusually bold, Michael stepped in to David and placed his left hand on a muscular shoulder and raised his right hand, waiting for his classmate’s left. “You’re a bit taller, you may have the honor.”
    “Am I to know who you are?” David moved into position and they moved across the floor.
    Michael smiled, “Ah, but that’s what the masks are for. We’ll know who the other is at the unmasking.”
    “Fair enough, but I do believe that my hair gives you an advantage. You surely know who I am.” They moved gracefully, their bodies and their abilities well-matched. Michael was determined to relax and enjoy the dance, the unique circumstances of the evening unlikely to be repeated.
    “Yes,