Wayward Wanderer

A man cannot be too careful in his choice of enemies.   Oscar Wilde

SCANDAL    PART 1 OF 3

As I looked at the 1898 painting Lament for Icarus by Herbert James Draper, I recalled the words of my father who sent me off to Europe on my first journey at age 18: “Beware of everyone; Trust few”  I embraced the painting as if to console myself as I saw the tragedy that was my destiny.

Evening brought on a headache so Robbie gave me a dose of Laudanum: my mood improved as we proceeded to dinner at Lord Somerset’s quarters. We were a bit intrigued as to the invitation since rumor had it that Podge (Somerset’s nickname) has been involved in the recent Cleveland Street Scandal. The newspapers had printed the speculation along with a  caricature of Somerset as Podge.  The evening was a blur. As the evening ended, Somerset asked me to stay for a moment on some pretense offering to have his carriage drive me home. Robbie was off with Oscar. It seemed a perfect solution.