I think Maurice had been riding on the concept of Alec being The Friend. It's all he's ever known, even when it was merely this vague concept that spoke to him in his dreams.
To be honest, I find the fact that Alec writes a bit surprising.
I'm with into_the_greenwood on this one. I mean, what else was he to do? I don't believe that their night in the Russet Room was meant to be anything more than a one time occurence. Or at least that's what Alec told himself, when in fact he had had his eye on Maurice since the beginning. Now having had a taste of what he wanted, and with his departure for Buenos Aires fast approaching, how could we question his desire for more?
Having some understanding of Maurice's position, Alec didn't wish to impede on his life. This meant that he couldn't just turn up or call, as queen_ypolita said, but rather send a letter/telegram leaving an open window for Maurice to reach him whether that was to come to the boathouse or write a rejection. Alec didn't even say to meet him on a certain time on a particular date, but gave the gentleman some leeway so that he could come at his convenience.
As for the content of the letters, I feel that they were reflective of their conversation the morning after their night in the Russet Room. Alec asked to share once more with Maurice, which to them must mean more than mere sex. Alec's confession to having a copy of the key is no surprise to us for we already know he can be insubordinate. Not only does he resent the Durhams for treating him so lowly, but... if we were to go back to the dinner scene where he had Simcox ask if Maurice would like to take a bath, that was bordering on 'too bold'. Not to mention that he climbed into a gentleman's window in the dead of night. Both actions were telling signs of his mounting desperation.
it does seem a bit over the top for Lasker Jones.
I'm afraid I disagree. That's incriminating evidence of his client's misconduct. Best to get rid of it immediately rather than risk it falling into the wrong hands one way or another. As for Maurice's betrayal in handing it over to Lasker Jones... While it may be frustrating for one partner to be so open and the other so mistrusting... well, Maurice has very good reasons. Nevermind the class difference or the legality issues of homosexual relationships, though both very valid points for it's time, EVERYONE, even his former lover, tells him how wrong this is. He feels weak, as though his body and it's desires are not his own. And although he's already begun treatment for his condition, all Alec had to do was climb into his window when Maurice had been feeling particularly low and say, "I know." A man he hardly knew and yet what power he has over Maurice. Of course he was frightened.
Now, I'm not a huge Maurice Hall fan considering how he treats his family and so forth, but I can forgive him this.
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It's all he's ever known, even when it was merely this vague concept that spoke to him in his dreams.
To be honest, I find the fact that Alec writes a bit surprising.
I'm with
Having some understanding of Maurice's position, Alec didn't wish to impede on his life. This meant that he couldn't just turn up or call, as
As for the content of the letters, I feel that they were reflective of their conversation the morning after their night in the Russet Room. Alec asked to share once more with Maurice, which to them must mean more than mere sex. Alec's confession to having a copy of the key is no surprise to us for we already know he can be insubordinate. Not only does he resent the Durhams for treating him so lowly, but... if we were to go back to the dinner scene where he had Simcox ask if Maurice would like to take a bath, that was bordering on 'too bold'. Not to mention that he climbed into a gentleman's window in the dead of night. Both actions were telling signs of his mounting desperation.
it does seem a bit over the top for Lasker Jones.
I'm afraid I disagree. That's incriminating evidence of his client's misconduct. Best to get rid of it immediately rather than risk it falling into the wrong hands one way or another. As for Maurice's betrayal in handing it over to Lasker Jones... While it may be frustrating for one partner to be so open and the other so mistrusting... well, Maurice has very good reasons. Nevermind the class difference or the legality issues of homosexual relationships, though both very valid points for it's time, EVERYONE, even his former lover, tells him how wrong this is. He feels weak, as though his body and it's desires are not his own. And although he's already begun treatment for his condition, all Alec had to do was climb into his window when Maurice had been feeling particularly low and say, "I know." A man he hardly knew and yet what power he has over Maurice. Of course he was frightened.
Now, I'm not a huge Maurice Hall fan considering how he treats his family and so forth, but I can forgive him this.