The Actor and the Earl
Page 13
“He’s on old friend of Anthony’s. Why?”
Bronwyn paced up and down the room, an old habit she’d picked up in her early teens and had never lost. “I heard them talking. He knows about you.”
Sebastian sat up properly and closed his book. “I know he does—it’s not a problem.”
“Not a problem?” she said with a grimace. “So I suppose it is also not a problem that he is trying to undermine your importance to Anthony?”
“What?”
She sat on the edge of the bed. “While I’m not completely convinced of the benefits of your—” She waved her hands as if searching for a word. “—dalliance with Anthony, you do appear to be happy in your own way. So I take exception at an outsider trying to belittle that.”
“What did you hear?” Sebastian asked, hoping that Anthony had not been as dismissive as he had been months ago when Sebastian had overheard a similar conversation.
“Edward thinks that Anthony is tiring of you, that he’s no longer as ardent with his passion.”
“Then he is an idiot. And I’m sure Anthony told him so,” he said, sounding surer than he believed.
“Not in so many words.” Bronwyn sighed. “He said nothing—neither agreed nor denied. And Edward went on to warn Anthony about playing with your feelings—as if Edward would care!”
“It is not the first time I’ve heard this,” Sebastian admitted. “I just thought that Anthony would’ve said something to correct him. I thought I would mean more to him by now.”
Bronwyn’s expression was meant to be sympathetic, but Sebastian knew Bronwyn was not good with empathetic emotions, so instead she simply looked uncomfortable. “You need to be careful, Sebastian. Please tell me you will guard yourself, that you won’t make yourself even more vulnerable than you already have.”
He collapsed back onto his pillow. “And just how am I meant to do that?”
Chapter 15
BREAKFAST was best described as awkward, and Sebastian was glad that only a few of the guests had joined them. Bronwyn’s face was set in a permanent scowl, and Anthony obviously couldn’t understand her animosity.
“Did you sleep well, my love?” asked Anthony.
“Well enough,” she replied, her tone clipped. “Did you play cards until the early hours?”
“Not that late. We missed your brother. Sebastian is often very entertaining at the card table.”
“Perhaps tonight I could be persuaded,” said Sebastian, cutting off Bronwyn’s answer.
“Oh, I do hope so. Maybe we could revisit the wagers we’ve made in the past.”
Bronwyn grunted and speared a piece of cheese with her knife. “Sebastian, your constitution would thank you if you spent more time sleeping than gambling. Remember that time you were sick after losing a bet to Claire that you could not eat a dozen raw eggs?”
Matthew laughed so hard that he snorted beer out of his nose. “It seems you have always been surrounded by feisty females, Sebastian.”
“You speak the truth,” Sebastian said with a grimace. “My cousin Claire is even worse than my sister.”
“She must be quite the character.”
Bronwyn cocked her head to one side and looked thoughtful, and Sebastian wondered what was going through his sister’s mind. He didn’t have to wait long to find out. “Sebastian is merely joking. Claire is a lovely girl from a very good family. And she escaped from the unenviable fate of ending up as Sebastian’s wife, since there is no way her father would’ve sanctioned an actor as a son-in law.”
“I happen to think it was me who was fortunate to avoid that,” said Sebastian.
Matthew laughed. “A lucky escape indeed.”
Anne suddenly appeared interested in the conversation. “Is she betrothed elsewhere, Bronwyn?”
“No, not as yet, but her father is keen for her to make a good match in readiness for her twenty-first birthday next spring.”
“And who is her father?”
“Sir Francis Haven. He spends much of his time split between court and his travels for business.”
Sebastian could see where Bronwyn’s machinations were heading, and even though he thought her hypocrisy lamentable given her own marriage choice, Matthew appeared as interested as his mother. “And he allows her to live in London?”
“Given the time he spends in London in service to the crown, she is more protected there than at his estate. And he is probably right in his belief that there is more intrigue in the provinces than under the constant eye of the court,” explained Bronwyn with a raised eyebrow at Sebastian.
“Very true,” said Anne, smiling wryly.
“Perhaps I could write to her father about an introduction next time you find yourself in London, Matthew?” Bronwyn offered. “Or maybe we could invite Sir Haven to Crofton Hall?”
Anne nodded. “That sounds like a splendid idea. I will mention it to Anthony before we return home after dinner.”
Anthony appeared at their end of the table. “Ladies, gentlemen,” he said with a shallow bow, “I have had the archery targets set up, and there is of course tennis for the more energetic among you. I thought we should continue to enjoy the weather while we still can.”
As they got up make their way outside, Anthony said, “Bronwyn, a moment if you will.”
Sebastian left with the others, but held back on the pretense that he wanted to collect something from his room. Making sure the door to the dining room wasn’t completely closed, he listened to Bronwyn and Anthony’s conversation, while keeping half an eye on the corridor in case anyone should see him eavesdropping.
“You need to tone down your glares,” Anthony was saying. “The Bronwyn these people know would never act as you have done this morning.”
“Then maybe they should be introduced to her properly,” replied Bronwyn, and Sebastian knew she was scowling without having to see her. “I can easily teach Sebastian a few ways to improve his performance.”
“I don’t even know why you’re being so hostile. You were perfectly civil yesterday.”
“That was before I got a better measure of you.”
“And what do mean by that?” demanded Anthony.
“My brother is very dear to me, Earl Crofton. I do not approve of you using him as a plaything.”
“I do not!” said Anthony hotly. “We have a mutually gratifying agreement.”
“I may only be a woman, but mark my words, if you hurt him, I will not stop until the pain has been repaid threefold.”
“Whatever it is that I have done to make you think I would hurt Sebastian, then I apologize. For I have no intention of doing so.”
Bronwyn snorted. “Save your words for people who believe them.”
Sebastian heard footsteps heading toward the door, and he just managed to duck around the corner as Bronwyn marched angrily out of the dining room and down the corridor.
SEBASTIAN spent the rest of the morning playing tennis with Matthew, at which he had a modicum of success, and chanced his hand at archery, at which he fared much worse, only hitting the target twice. It hadn’t helped that he was distracted by the conversation he’d heard, and now Bronwyn and Anthony’s standoffish behavior toward each other.
“Trouble in paradise?” asked Matthew, nodding in their direction as he handed Sebastian the bow. “She does know she’s supposed to be helping by being here?”
“She’s just being overprotective about something she heard. She’ll calm down eventually.”
Matthew didn’t look convinced, and Sebastian couldn’t blame him. And it was a good thing Anthony and Bronwyn usually sat at opposite ends of the table during dinner, as he could tell Bronwyn was scarcely keeping herself in check during the meal. She excused herself as soon as possible, complaining of a headache.
The guests who had intended to leave followed her example, departing after dinner, and Sebastian thought it would be best to speak with Anthony about Bronwyn, not wanting him to think he had asked his sister to intervene.
“Not at all. I always welcome a respite from the tedium of paperwork.”
“I was wondering if there was something wrong… I mean between you and Bronwyn.” Sebastian leaned against Anthony’s desk, taking care not to knock the crystal rose bowl that sat on the polished surface of the wood. “You both appeared somewhat tense after breakfast.”
“I would like to say we had words, but it would be more accurate to say she had words with me.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I have never been so glad that she decided to elope and you were the Hewel twin that came to Crofton Hall. Her husband must be a saint.”
“She can be difficult, but she means well.”
“If this is her meaning well, I would hate to see her when she is being malevolent. Do think you could speak to her? Get her to stop treating me as if I am the devil?”
Sebastian licked his lips, wondering if should admit to overhearing their conversation, but thought better of it. “What was it that sparked her off?”
Anthony played with the feather of the quill he was holding, looking as if he too wanted to be careful with his words. “She doesn’t understand our arrangement, and is concerned that I might hurt you. I tried to persuade her otherwise, but she is quite formidable if she thinks someone close to her is threatened.”
“I will talk to her. At least get her to be a little warmer toward you in public.”
“Thank you. Otherwise I may say something I will regret before the week is out and she returns to Kent.”
Sebastian laughed softly. “I’m sure you are much too noble to do such a thing.”
“I wish I had your confidence in me,” said Anthony. He sighed and pointed at the pile of papers on his desk. “Unfortunately, I do need to get back to these. They are the plans for the west field and need to be finalized in time for the planting season.”
“Since I have never been one for farming, I would be of little assistance. I will leave that to you, dear husband.”
Sebastian saw the smile disappear from Anthony’s face, to be replaced by a cold glare. “I am Bronwyn’s husband, Sebastian, not yours. You need to be careful what you say. One false slip would be difficult to explain, especially since we’ve gone to all the trouble of having your sister visit.”
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry—I never meant… I should go.”
He hurried out of the room, ignoring Anthony calling after him. But he didn’t miss the loud smash that sounded like the crystal rose bowl hitting the floor.
Sebastian headed out of the hall, wanting to put some distance between himself and Anthony, and found himself at the stables. While at the hall he had often thought of riding out to pass the time, but as Bronwyn, he could hardly go on his own, and it was only recently that Sebastian had been accepted as a regular member of the household.
The head groom eyed him warily as he approached. “Sir?”
“I was wondering if the earl has a horse in his stables with a gentle temperament? I was quite a proficient rider when I was younger, but I fear it has been a few years since I have ridden.”
“Star would be the best, sir. She was the first Lady Crofton’s horse and is a lovely beast, but she doesn’t get the time out that she needs.”
Sebastian smiled warmly. “She sounds perfect.”
The groom departed, and returned leading a beautiful chestnut mare, her saddle and tack in place. He helped Sebastian mount. “I’d suggest taking the track through the woods for level ground, while you get used to being in the saddle again. It will lead out into open land, and then you’ll see a copse a bit further along. There’s a patch of grass up there that Star’s strangely fond of.”
Star needed only a gentle tap of Sebastian’s heels to move, and she walked on. He hadn’t been lying that it had been some time since he’d been on horseback, and it took several minutes to get used to being back in the saddle and in tune with the sway that accompanied every step. But as Sebastian headed into the woodland, the track clearly marked ahead, he started to relax and relish the time to himself. Star did indeed have a gentle temperament, and ignored Sebastian’s squirming as she plodded steadily on.
It was much cooler in the shade of the trees, and not being directly in the sun made the ride much more comfortable for both Sebastian and Star, although she was forever having to swish her tail to ward away the flies. Sebastian decided he needed to make the effort to get out of the hall more often, and thought he’d suggest going hunting with Anthony. Not even the thought of Anthony could ruin his mood now, and as they left the woodland behind and headed into open land, he saw the copse ahead, and Star’s ears pricked up.
Feeling braver, Sebastian kicked his heels, and Star picked up the pace to a trot. They crossed the open ground in only a matter of minutes, leaving behind any of Sebastian’s remaining concerns about being back on a horse.
Reaching the copse, Star slowed to a halt of her own accord, and Sebastian dismounted. She made straight for a clump of grass that must have looked appetizing to a horse. Sebastian tied her reins to the narrow trunk of a sapling and entered the small group of trees, thinking it was as good a place as anywhere to while away a few hours. The ground was springy underfoot due to a deep layer of moss, and Sebastian settled down under a large tree, determined to close his eyes for a short nap.
The snapping of twigs alerted him he wasn’t alone, and Sebastian saw Anthony leaning against a tree opposite. “I seem to spend an awful lot of time apologizing to you,” Anthony said, with a half smile. “I took my annoyance about your sister out on you, and I am sorry.”
“You could stop doing things that require an apology,” Sebastian suggested.
“Very true.” Anthony walked over and gestured to the ground. “May I?”
“Of course. How did you find me?”
“John—the groom—told me he’d sent you this way.” Anthony joined him on the ground. “You found a nice spot. I used to come up here regularly when I was younger.”
Sebastian groaned. “Please don’t tell me this is where you used to bring your lovers.”
“No, not at all.” Anthony laughed. “I like the peace and quiet. It gave me a place to think. Especially after my father died.”
“Oh.”
Anthony put his arm around Sebastian, and Sebastian rested his head on his shoulder. The warmth of Anthony’s body and his earthy smell chased away his anger. “Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” asked Anthony, pressing a kiss to the top of Sebastian’s head.
“Why are you so upset at Bronwyn? Is it just because she’s acting differently to how I do?”
Anthony was quiet for a moment. “Not really. We can pass off her actions as her being tired from her illness. She made the assumption that I would actively choose to hurt you, to use you like a plaything, and that angered me.”
Sebastian wasn’t sure what to say. His heart soared at the words, but at the same time it was not an admission that Anthony cared for him in the same way he cared for Anthony.
“She assumed things she shouldn’t,” Anthony continued. “What we’re doing might not be conventional, or even legal, but we’re not hurting anyone. Especially not each other. We both knew what we were getting into, and I think she needs to respect your decisions.”
Sebastian pulled away to look at Anthony properly. “What is it you think we have?”
Anthony looked confused. “We have an agreement. You play my wife, and we find pleasure in each other’s company. And while you’re here, there will be no other sharing either of our bedchambers.”
It was not a declaration of love. But Sebastian thought rather sadly that it would be the closest to it that he would ever get from Anthony Crofton.
BRONWYN was sitting, embroidering, in the rose garden when he found her. He was glad to see that her abilities at aesthetic sewing were as poor as his own. The thread
she was using was horribly knotted, and she was yanking it through the linen, leaving a large hole behind with every stitch.
“I am heartened to see that in some small way you are trying to behave as I would,” he said sitting next to her and batting at the material in her hand.
“Sewing is so dull! There must be more to do as Lady Crofton than sit around and get bored.”
“You could start by not annoying Anthony.”
“The man’s an idiot.”
“He really isn’t,” Sebastian said, and Bronwyn rolled her eyes. “And even if that is your opinion of him, you’re supposed to be here to throw off suspicion, not make everyone think Lady Crofton has endured some great personality-changing malady.”
Bronwyn slammed the embroidery down onto the bench. “So he has convinced you that the conversation he had with his oh-so-dear friend is nothing to concern your pretty little head about, has he?”
“Yes, he has. I know you worry, but acting this way will not help matters. Can you at least try to be civil?”
“I will try my best, for you, brother. But I do think that the sooner the second Lady Crofton succumbs to a swift and deadly disease, the better off you’ll be.”
Sebastian laughed and stood up. “You can put your newfound tolerance into practice at supper, then.”
Bronwyn took his arm when he offered it, and they walked leisurely through the gardens. “Although it is a lovely place, Crofton Hall,” she said. “If only Anthony himself were more like it.”
“That is the first positive thing you’ve said since you got here. Well done.”
DURING dinner, Bronwyn was as good as her word, and although it couldn’t be said she was playing the doting wife to Anthony, she was significantly less abrasive. Anthony mouthed “thank you” to him as Bronwyn complimented Anthony on his choice of clothing for supper and suggested that he could introduce Sebastian to his tailor. And once supper had finished, Bronwyn retired to her room after placing a kiss to Anthony’s cheek.
Matthew grinned at Sebastian. “It appears your sister has found her better mood.”