James, Earl of Crofton

by Rebecca Cohen

  Adam was awake. He looked terrible, but to James it was the most beautiful sight in the world. He ignored the pale skin and dark rings under Adam’s eyes and leaned over to cup his cheek.

  “You’re awake,” he whispered in awe.

  “Nothing gets past you,” said Adam in a slow drawl that spoke to the pain he must have been in.

  James placed a gentle kiss on Adam’s forehead, and stopped Adam from pulling him down for more. “When you are better I will help you celebrate your mortality, but for now, take your medicine and rest.”

  “I will if you will.”

  “Naturally.”

  Adam tutted. “I mean it. I will take the pain draught, but only if you go and sleep in your own bed for a few hours. You know I will be sleeping once I take it, and it’s not like I’m going away.”

  “For once I will humour you,” said James, reaching out to snatch up the green vial. He took out the cork out and handed the bottle to Adam. “Just a few sips. It is quite potent.”

  “That is the point.”

  Adam took the medicine, grimacing at the taste. Then, with a drowsy smile, he drifted back to sleep. James held back for a few minutes, but his soul was lighter than it had been for months. He had begun to prepare himself for the worst, but now he once again believed he had a life ahead of him with the man he loved. That had been snatched from him before, and he had thought fate would be as cruel to him a second time, but it seemed he had escaped that miserable future. James would sleep for a few hours and then have Lindon come to inform him of how things were progressing.

  A lighter heart made for sound sleep and it was several hours later when Remembrance woke him.. “Sheriff Lindon is here, my lord.”

  Groggily, James sat up and rubbed his eyes. With a loud yawn, he swung himself out of bed and saw Remembrance had had the foresight to lay out fresh clothes, so he began to undress. “I hope the good sheriff has brought me news about the fate of the bandits.”

  “I expect so, my lord. The servants are all of a twitter with Clement and three other men being arrested. But you’ll be glad to hear Mr Stokes has kept them calm.”

  It seemed that Stokes had been a good addition to his household, extending his duties beyond that of his role as private secretary. “Glad to hear it. Still, I will need a new steward and several new servants.”

  “Mr Stokes is a local. He might know of a few good men.” Remembrance held up James’s clean shirt so James could slip it on. “And, well, I assume now Mr Dowson is on the mend he will be staying.” There was a hint of uncertainty in Remembrance’s tone.

  “I expect him to. But he will not be my steward. Although, he did steer me to Stokes, so I think he will have adequate suggestions for a replacement for Clement.”

  “I was much relieved to hear of his recovery. If you don’t mind me saying, my lord, he is a good man and you have been happier with him as your… advisor.”

  James chuckled. “I am sure he will be moved to hear he has your blessing. I hope he will continue to advise me for many years to come.”

  The tips of Remembrance’s ears were bright red. He was still a relatively naïve youth, but he was loyal, and that was worth more than decorum any day.

  Remembrance pulled a small leather pouch from his pocket. “I had meant to return this to you earlier, my lord, but I hadn’t the chance.”

  James took the pouch and opened it to see a collection of coins. “What are these?”

  “From the trail you left for us in the forest, my lord. I collected what I could, but I cannot swear I got them all.”

  Once again the lad had surprised him. He closed the pouch and pressed it back into Remembrance’s hand. “Keep it.”

  “But, my lord—”

  “No, I insist. You have shown me great loyalty—no amount of money can recompense for that—and I am sure you can find a use for the coins.”

  Remembrance was even redder, but he slid the pouch back into his pocket. “Thank you, my lord.”

  “It is I who thanks you, Remembrance.”

  He finished dressing and headed downstairs to the reception room where Lindon waited. “Do forgive my tardiness, Sheriff Lindon.”

  Lindon stood as James entered and bowed. “Not at all, my lord. I imagine you’ve had much to deal with over the last few days.”

  James sat, motioning for Lindon to do the same. Lindon was not aware, as far as he knew, of what had happened to Adam. For now he would keep that to himself, and if word spread that Adam had been injured he would devise a plausible story. “Indeed. My household has my attention, yet I will still be needed back in London before long. So you can understand that I am anxious to hear your update on events.”

  “Absolutely. We arrested eight men, four of whom were identified as your servants. As you suspected, my lord, they have been siphoning funds from your estate, but, in Clement’s case, also informing his brother of when nobles were travelling to and from Crofton Hall.”

  “Did they admit their crimes willingly?”

  “There was some persuasion needed,” said Lindon, his manner business-like. “But having been caught at the scene it was not a matter of their guilt, just the details that were required.”

  “I have no doubt you have acted in the best interests of the local population. These men, if the vermin can be counted as such, are not fit to live among good people and should be swiftly punished for their crimes.”

  “Due process must be seen to take place, my lord.”

  “Of course. I would not have it any other way, but I assume they are being kept securely until they can appear before Crown court.”

  “The crimes they are accused of relate to highway robbery, which means they must appear before a judge at the quarterly assizes, the next being six weeks hence.”

  James was keen for justice to be dealt, but he could not force this faster without being seen to be meddling. “The alternative is for them to be tried in London.”

  “That is true, but given their crimes, I fear if we were to transport them to London there would be too high a risk they would escape. No doubt there are others out there who would assist them.”

  The risk would be considerable, and James did not want any of these men to go unpunished. It was a pity Silas was already dead—he’d hoped to see him hang—but at least he would get the same pleasure once Clement was tried, as there was no chance he would be found innocent.

  “Then I must be patient.”

  “I assure you they are securely held, my lord. It is a pity, though, that the so-called Chivalrous Highwayman escaped justice.”

  “Only in this world. The good Lord will see to it he gets what he deserves.” Which, in the case of the real Chivalrous Highwayman, was a lifetime as James’s bedfellow, but that was another bit of information Lindon would not be privy to.

  “We did not find a body, but I believe you are correct in your assertion he is dead. The amount of blood he lost surely would have done for him.”

  “Even in death he is a legend. There will be many at court who cling to the hope he survived.”

  Lindon chuckled. “Court loves nothing more than a romantic tale.”

  “Never has a truer word been said.”

  James stood. There was nothing further to learn from Lindon and he was eager to return to Adam. “I am beyond grateful for all you have done to assist me.”

  Lindon levered himself to his feet. If he was surprised at James’s departure he made no show of it. He bowed. “I am but a humble servant.”

  He left Lindon to be escorted out by Remembrance. However, his intention to see Adam was thwarted when Stokes appeared, seemingly out of nowhere—a trait shared by the best secretaries. “A moment of your time, my lord.”

  James did not wish to be waylaid, but neither did he want Stokes trying to find him later. “Very well.”

  He diverted to his study, Stokes on his heels.

  “It will not take too long, my lord. I know you have other pressing matters.”

  J
ames sat at his desk, and Stokes handed him a number of sheets of paper. “Accounts to be settled. I need a signature on each and, while you are without a steward, some sort of access to funds to pay them.”

  James scanned what he had been handed; all looked in order. The figures were reasonable and, moreover, they were items that could be easily checked, such as leatherwork and the blacksmith’s bill for the stables. “I will see to it. But I wish to examine all accounts before anything is paid.”

  “Naturally, my lord. Perhaps Mr Dowson might be of short-term assistance. I have had many experiences, but I am not the man to be your steward.”

  “Mr Dowson is not that man either.”

  “Yes, my lord.” Stokes gripped the pages he was holding tighter, and James could see he was deeply uncomfortable in the position he had been put in.

  “Mr Stokes, you are my secretary. I do not expect you to do duties aside from those we have already agreed. I am very grateful you have intervened with these accounts and, from what I hear, settled the nerves of some my servants.”

  Stokes smiled thinly. “Thank you, my lord.”

  “Mr Dowson is… unavailable at the moment. I hope that in a few days he will be in rude health and amenable to helping me acquire a new steward.”

  Stokes gnawed his bottom lip, and there was a long pause before he spoke. “I do hope his convalescence is quick and complete. I was somewhat surprised about the nature of injury, but then I thought I was somehow mistaken in his involvement with the sheriff.”

  James laid the documents on his desk and examined Stokes, wondering if Stokes knew more than he was letting on. “He is not the type of man to sit idle.”

  “That is for certain.” Again, he paused. “My lord, I have a great respect for Mr Dowson. He has helped me in more ways than I can repay. He has mine and my family’s loyalty. I can only thank you for seeing to his care.”

  “He is a good man,” said James carefully.

  “A better man than most. Although, not everyone would agree. But I would say one thing, you would certainly be safe if he were to travel with you to London. His aim is always true, especially on horseback.”

  Neither were about to admit they knew the truth of Adam’s previous activities, but the unsaid words were clear. James realised Stokes was not making any threats. If anything, he was making it known to James, if it came to it, where his loyalty lay, and instead of feeling outraged that his secretary would choose Adam over him, James was oddly charmed by it. “Then I shall make sure he is at my side.”

  “The best the place for him.” Stokes collected the papers from James’s desk. “I do not wish to delay you further, my lord. Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be even the slightest assistance to yourself, or Mr Dowson.”

  Chapter 31

  James readjusted the pillow on the top of the mound he was leaning against, propped up next to Adam in bed. Over the last three days, Adam had gone from strength to strength and was now well enough to moan about still being confined to bed for non-interesting reasons.

  He’d kept Adam company as much as he could, Adam’s waking hours getting longer and longer as his health improved. He was scratching comments onto the papers Stokes had given him regarding an initial outline for the poor relief charity when Adam stirred. With an exaggerated stretch, he opened his eyes.

  “Have you been here all this time?” Adam asked.

  “For some of it. I do have an earldom to run, if you hadn’t noticed.”

  “You may have mentioned it in passing at some time.” He grinned. “I am feeling much better.”

  “Well, the doctor did say, if you were properly rested, you could try standing on your damaged leg—maybe take a few steps.”

  Adam’s fingers danced across his thigh. “I think there are other ways to build up my strength.”

  James snorted. “When you can walk to the door and back unaided, then we will discuss alternate means of exercise.”

  “Oh, James, surely there is no need to wait that long. You are in rude health and could easily sit astride me.”

  James batted away Adam’s hand as it scuttled closer to his crotch. “Then what incentive will you have to fully recover? No, I will stand firm on this. You will not die from a few extra days of abstinence.”

  “I am not sure I like this stubborn side of you.” He moved to make himself more comfortable and winced.

  “The green bottle,” said James, not missing a beat. “You still need the pain tonic—that should tell you that you are not ready for physical exertion.”

  Adam tutted, but he uncorked the bottle and took a sip. James noticed he now needed less to dull the pain—another positive step in his recovery.

  “What are you reading?”

  “Plans for a way to manage your ill-gotten gains. Mr Stokes has been a marvel. I am very grateful you sent him to my door. But I must admit, I did not expect him to be privy to your secret.”

  “He isn’t.”

  “Given what he said to me, about your loyalty and your ability atop a horse, I think you need to reassess that.”

  Adam huffed. “Stokes is too intelligent for his own good. He would not hear of your mother being disturbed, so he helped Remembrance get me to bed and cleaned and dressed my wounds while Remembrance fetched a doctor. I think he fitted the pieces together then. But I don’t believe it will be a problem.”

  “Of that I have no fear. He made it clear he thought you a good man; his loyalty is not in question.”

  What James had learnt over the last few months was that Adam was a man who instilled loyalty. No one spoke ill of him. His father’s reputation had got him introductions, but it was Adam’s actions and good grace that ensured he was never turned away. James’s thoughts on the man had been driven by lust, but that would have faded if there hadn’t been more to him. No other had ever kept James at arm’s length and still made him wish to pursue them. And now, from the position of a man in love, he could see all of Adam’s other qualities. Adam was no angel, and he had a temper to match James’s own, but they were well suited and James couldn’t be happier.

  “James? Is there something wrong?”

  “What? No. Just thinking.”

  “Do I want to know about what?”

  “About how content I am.” He reached over and took Adam’s hand. “And that’s because of you.”

  Adam brought their combined hands to his mouth and kissed James’s knuckles. “If someone had told me a few months ago that I would find love and happiness I would have called them a fool. Yet, here I am, even with a hole in my leg, the happiest man in England.”

  “Before you know it, your leg will be repaired and we will need to find something for you to do. I imagine you are the type to get bored easily, especially as you no longer have your previous entertainment as an option.”

  “I will be busy with the charity and other investments. Then there is the little matter of keeping an eye on a certain earl. They are prone to getting themselves into trouble.”

  “Is that so? In my experience they are very well behaved.”

  Adam laughed. “You are biased. I cannot condone you wandering around London without someone to keep you out of trouble.”

  “Do you know someone who might be willing to help?” He looked innocently at Adam. “It could take up a lot of their time.”

  “For many years, I envision.”

  “Oh, I would think it would need to be a permanent arrangement.”

  Adam squeezed his hand, and a sadness settled across his face. “That, I fear, may not be possible, not in your situation, but you can put off siring an heir and taking a wife for a few years.”

  “For such a clever man, you can be quite stupid.” He needed to disavow Adam of these thoughts—not just settle them but bury them deep, so they would not resurface. “I have already told you I have no desire to marry, and I will not.”

  “But—”

  “Marchent has assured me he will not stand in the way of my brother Francis
taking his sister to be his wife. There is a big difference between wife to the second son of an earl and mother to the future Earl of Crofton.”

  “James, are you sure?”

  The hope on Adam’s face was charming. “Completely. While we can only be seen as friends to the world at large, we and our closest confidantes will know the truth.”

  “I will do anything to make you happy and keep you so. It will not be easy,” Adam cautioned.

  “Nothing worthwhile is. The truth is, my family and my estate need me to be the best man I can, and I am a better man with you by my side.”

  Adam leaned forwards and cupped his cheek. James kissed him, soft and gentle, to seal a promise as sacred to James as any vow given in church. He had spent years thinking he was happy, but he knew it was a shadow of what he had now, and James would do everything in his power to protect the love he and Adam shared.

  Happy Birthday to the Earl of Crofton

  Adam had become accustomed to standing to one side and watching James. Court was a melee of the rich and beautiful, with a host of onlookers hoping to bathe in the scraps of their beauty. He might have been the esteemed son of a well-respected general, and known as a good friend of the Earl of Crofton, but he would never be one of the elite.

  The spring fashions were out in force now winter had finally left, painting the palace’s halls in a flood of colour. It was too bright, leaving Adam feeling dour, almost invisible, by contrast. As with most days when he was in attendance, he was hiding in plain sight, dressed in dark colours and keeping his engagement with others to a minimum. The last few months had been a revelation. He’d never thought he’d be this happy, or be worthy of the love of a man as alive and beautiful as James.

  From across the room, he saw James take a glass of red wine from a striking young fellow who was almost as attractive as James. Adam did not recognise him, but the pang of jealousy when James rewarded him with one of his smiles, made Adam want to intervene and stand between them. James was laughing, and the impudent pup next to him had the audacity to place a hand on James’s arm. The involuntary twitch of his fingers, as if reaching for a ghostly pistol, told Adam he needed to step away and clear his head. Remaining here, watching James, would be a pathway to madness.