Now We Shan't Never Be Parted

Yes, you're right with everything you say about the consequences of being open with the wrong person, but surely Maurice has shown by his actions that he can be trusted and that he does want a relationship. Or do you think that perhaps Clive is still unsure and believes Maurice to be sincere, but misguided and misinterpreting what he really feels in order to make Clive happy? I thought that when Maurice climbs through the window and declares his love that that was quite a strong way of showing that he truly does have feelings for Clive (I think I may be jumping ahead to the chapters I've posted about this week now - sorry!). And yet from the moment of Maurice's initial rejection, Clive begins to withdraw, culminating in the painful hand-kissing scene much later in the book. Maurice hung around for so long waiting for Clive's scraps (but I am jumping very ahead now, so will hush!)