The Actor and the Earl

by Rebecca Cohen

  “You are mistaken.”

  “I do not think so. I returned to the library to retrieve something I had forgotten, and there was no way I could have mistaken what I witnessed with my own eyes. Where before I thought we could be firm friends, I now fear I have made a great error in the nature of your character.”

  “It is not what you think,” said Sebastian quickly, his eyes darting to the bowling lawn.

  “Do not make me out to be an idiot. I know what I saw, and while I do in general have no care for whom a man lies with, I cannot condone a brother disrespecting his sister so.”

  Sebastian was torn. He liked Matthew and had hoped that he would have someone to call a friend during his time at Crofton Hall, but to put right Matthew’s misconception would mean telling him the truth. Sebastian knew the Ashtons were close allies with the Croftons, and the need for companionship other than that of Anthony and Miriam tipped his decision.

  “I do not deny what you saw, Matthew, but there is more to it. I will explain, and I assure you it will set your mind at ease about the situation, but you must swear to keep what I say a secret—for both my and Anthony’s sake.”

  Matthew did not look convinced, but replied, “I swear on my honor that nothing you will say will be repeated, but I cannot think there would be anything that could excuse your behavior.”

  Sebastian took a fortifying breath. “My sister is not here. She did not marry Earl Anthony Crofton in London. It was me, impersonating her. The real Bronwyn Hewel lives in Kent, where she eloped with another man when my family told her that her marriage to Anthony had been arranged.”

  “What?”

  “It’s true, I swear.”

  “But how did you manage such a thing?”

  Sebastian smiled weakly. “My sister is not a particularly feminine woman, and I have spent the last few years as an actor mainly playing female roles, and so for my family’s sake, I reluctantly agreed to pretend to play my sister. It was not meant to go this far. We’d thought I could be Bronwyn for the wedding, then succumb to a mystery illness. Unfortunately, Anthony recognized me from my last play, and for his own reasons, wanted to continue with the charade.”

  “And last night was…?” Matthew’s expression darkened. “He does not coerce you?”

  “No, I am willing. More than willing. Anthony is a handsome man, and given the situation I am in, I cannot go and find company elsewhere.”

  Sebastian had not realized how close they were sitting until a shadow fell across them, and he jumped away from Matthew almost guiltily as he looked up and saw Anthony standing over them.

  “Sebastian.” Anthony’s voice was cold, and a he had a hard expression on his face. “I would like to talk to you, if you have moment.”

  “Of course.”

  Sebastian got to his feet, and Anthony grabbed him by his upper arm tightly, dragging him back toward the hall. He did not speak again until they were behind the closed door of his study.

  “Explain yourself!”

  Sebastian didn’t know what Anthony was talking about, but from the sneer on Anthony’s face and his narrowed eyes, he was angry about something. “Explain what?”

  “I should have realized that you could not be as naïve as you claimed. How many others have you cuckolded me with?”

  “What? I don’t understand—”

  “Don’t pretend, Sebastian.”

  “I have done nothing to warrant this accusation.”

  “You were almost in Matthew’s lap, talking about the need to find company! How long would it have been before you disappeared into the bushes and let him have you?”

  “No! It was not like that. He is my friend, nothing more.” Sebastian could not believe Anthony’s jealousy, could not believe the gall the man had to accuse him. “You of all people have no right to say such things. You flirt with men and women alike in front of me!”

  “You should remember your place. I could have your head on a block before you could even blink.”

  The punch was not a physical one, but Sebastian staggered backward as if he’d been hit. The words were so vicious, repeating the fears that Anthony had dismissed months before but were now as real as ever. Sebastian’s eyesight blurred, but he would not cry. He breathed deeply to steady his nerve.

  “Do you want to know the truth, Anthony? Do want to know what I was talking to Matthew about?” Anthony didn’t reply, so Sebastian continued, “He saw us last night in the library. I had to tell him what was going on. He asked if you were coercing me into your bed. All you heard was me defending you, saying that I wanted to keep your company.”

  Anthony was on him in a heartbeat, and Sebastian was swept into his arms. Struggling, Sebastian tried to escape. “I am sorry, please, please forgive me. I am a possessive and jealous fool.”

  Sebastian choked back a sob. “I have not lied to you about my past.”

  “I know, and I am sorry.” Anthony’s words sounded sincere, but Sebastian’s stomach knotted painfully, as once again he was reminded of the tenuous position he’d allowed himself to get into, and how much power Anthony had over his life and potential death.

  He pushed himself out of Anthony’s arms. “You are sorry? You are sorry that you have threatened to have me beheaded?”

  Anthony tried to gather Sebastian back into his arms, but Sebastian would not allow it. “Please, I know I should not have said it. I was jealous. I was not thinking.”

  “That is not an excuse. What happens the next time I do something that you do not like? Am I to live not knowing whether you will have me dragged away and executed if I put one foot out of place?”

  “No!” Anthony grabbed his arm and would not let Sebastian break away. “I would never do that, never. I was angry and jealous. I have never cared before that my lover would take another to their bed. But the thought of Matthew—anyone—touching you… I could not bear it.”

  Sebastian had never seen Anthony look so distressed, but he was still reeling from Anthony’s earlier outburst. “I should not have to live in fear because of your misguided concerns.”

  “I am truly sorry, Sebastian. I swear on my life—on William’s life—that it will not happen again. I swear I would never sacrifice you.”

  “Listen clearly, Anthony, for I will not repeat myself. My family honor can be damned, if you threaten me in such a fashion again, I will leave this house and I will not look back.”

  DRESSED as Bronwyn, Sebastian sat down to dinner. Anthony jumped to his feet to help him with his chair.

  “Bronwyn,” said Anne, “it is good to see you are well enough to come down for supper.”

  “Thank you. It is good to be out of bed, even if it is just for a few hours.”

  “This is Matthew, my son,” she said. “I’m glad he had the chance meet you before we left in the morning.”

  Matthew took Bronwyn’s hand and kissed the back of it, surreptitiously winking as he did so. Sebastian’s eyes darted to Anthony, who smiled at him, trying to look remorseful, and showed no outward sign of jealousy at Matthew’s attention. “It is a pleasure finally to meet you.”

  “My brother has spoken warmly about you too, sir.”

  “Speaking of your brother, is he not joining us this evening, Bronwyn?” asked Richard.

  “Sebastian has decided to spend some time with friends in London now that I am feeling a little better. He should be back later in the week.”

  “Such a pity, I would so have liked to convince you both to act out a scene or two from The Comedy of Errors. It is my favorite of the plays I have seen at the Swan, and it would be such a treat to witness real twins perform it.”

  Before Sebastian could reply, Anthony answered, “That would hardly be proper, Richard. I do not think I would approve of my wife acting.”

  “Surely there would be no harm in your own home, Anthony? And if Bronwyn is anything like her brother, it would be a shame to miss such a treat.”

  “I won’t allow it,” said Anthony firmly.

&nb
sp; Richard held up his hands. “It was merely a suggestion. I meant no offence.”

  The last of the dessert plates were cleared away. “If you gentleman do not object, I will retire,” said Sebastian, standing.

  “I will escort you back to your room,” said Anthony, offering his hand, which Sebastian accepted.

  Once they were a safe distance from the hall, and Sebastian was sure they were alone, he said, “Sooner or later, people will become suspicious.”

  Anthony checked over his shoulder. “There is little we can do to rectify that.”

  “There is something. I could write to Bronwyn so at least once we can be seen together, and that should be enough to prevent any suspicion.”

  “Would she come?”

  “I think we can safely say she owes me a great deal. I doubt she would refuse a request like this is if means it will maintain the status quo. I will write to her tonight and dispatch it first thing tomorrow.”

  Anthony took hold of his hand to stop him walking away. “Say you have forgiven me for my idiocy.”

  “I….”

  “Let me take you away from the hall for a few days. I was thinking we could spend some time in London, have Bronwyn introduced at court.”

  Sebastian knew a conciliatory offer when he heard one. “I would like that. On our return, we could bring Bronwyn back with us.”

  Anthony smiled. “Then it is settled. We will travel down to London at the end of week.”

  Chapter 12

  HIGH summer had never been his favorite season; the hot weather had often given him hives as a child. The heaviness of Bronwyn’s dress was exhausting, and the stench that pervaded the whole of London was inescapable. In the carriage en route to Whitehall, Sebastian tried to cool himself with his fan, but succeeded only in wafting around the hot, foul-smelling air. Anthony had decided to travel with him, muttering something about not leaving another horse to be misappropriated into the royal stable. Sebastian envied the way that Anthony didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat. Where Sebastian was wilting, Anthony looked calm and collected, with an air of elegant ease he managed to carry with him no matter the situation.

  “I think you will enjoy yourself,” said Anthony as the coach entered the magnificent grounds of the royal palace. “I have been told there is a masked ball planned for tonight.”

  “Where will I get a mask?”

  “I would not worry. Her Majesty knows how to take care of her guests. I only wish she didn’t choose to white her face. I do not like your skin hidden from me.”

  “You have mentioned it several times, and as well you know, a noblewoman would not dare shun the fashions of the Queen.”

  “It does not mean I have to like it.”

  Sebastian sighed. “I don’t like it either, and I’m the one who has to wear it.”

  Sebastian stepped out of the carriage after it had come to a halt, and he couldn’t help but gaze wide-eyed at the splendor of Whitehall. He’d never been this close to the palace, and while he had performed at Richmond, he’d never been lucky enough to have done so here. The grounds were widespread and beautiful, so much so that Sebastian could’ve forgotten he was in one of the world’s busiest cities. Anthony cupped his elbow as a gentle hint to move, and Sebastian let him lead him to the main entrance of the palace.

  The inside of the palace was equally opulent. No expense had been spared to advertise the wealth and importance of the royal family. Once again, Anthony gave him no chance to stand and stare at the elaborate wall hangings or the floral frieze that covered the ceilings as he was swept through the building to the presence chamber.

  Hundreds of people gathered around, clustered in small groups: women whispering and laughing from behind fans, men betting on cards or bragging about their past wins or conquests. As they passed, Sebastian saw the curiosity in the women’s eyes, that same look of intrigue he’d seen at the wedding.

  “Lord Crofton!” called out a dark-haired man who Sebastian thought was about the same age as Anthony. “Glad to see you could make it.”

  “I’m not one to miss the summer masked ball,” said Anthony. “You remember my wife, Bronwyn?”

  “Of course.” The man bowed and, taking Sebastian’s hand, kissed the back of it. “Lord Chelman at your service, my lady. Your husband and I have enjoyed many adventures in our day.”

  Sebastian curtseyed. “I’m very happy to meet any friend of Anthony’s.”

  “Her Majesty is in the privy chamber. She specifically asked to speak to you when you arrived.”

  Although Sebastian already knew that Anthony had the ear of the Queen, it was another thing to see it so clearly demonstrated, and before he knew it, Anthony was being led away, leaving Sebastian standing alone. He stared around the room, standing awkwardly in the middle and on display. He didn’t know what to do next.

  “Lady Crofton?”

  Sebastian turned around to see a very pretty young woman with a kind smile and twinkling green eyes, who he thought might have been at the wedding feast. “Yes.”

  “I see Anthony has been called away. One can hardly say no to Queen Elizabeth.”

  “I suppose not, no.”

  “Please excuse my manners. I am Lady Jennifer Simmon, Lord Richard Ashton’s daughter.”

  The thought of a friendly face in the crowd of complete strangers warmed him greatly. “Of course. Lady Anne spoke at great length about your marriage last autumn.”

  “I do hope my mother did not overburden you with details.”

  “Not at all.”

  The door at the far end of the hall opened. “Time for supper. I would like it very much if you would sit with me and my husband during the meal. Often those with an audience with the Queen find it very difficult to get away, and it has been a while since Lord Anthony has been at court.”

  Sebastian was beyond grateful. Even before Anthony had disappeared, he’d been dreading supper, having to make small talk with people who gazed at him with open curiosity. He followed Jennifer as she headed toward the doors. A thickset man with a kind face took her arm, and after being introduced, confirming Sebastian’s guess that the man was her husband, the three of them entered another large hall. This room was just as richly decorated, with a row of suits of armor across the back wall, and filled with tables loaded with food.

  The supper conversation, what little Sebastian could fully hear of it over the din of nearly a thousand people sitting down to eat, was hardly highbrow or challenging. When he introduced himself to the other diners in his immediate surrounds, they were polite enough and asked about his family. No one had a bad word to say about his father or the Hewel family’s loyalty. The event was nowhere near as tortuous as Sebastian had feared. Whether it was because good manners came automatically when not hidden behind a fan or whispered in a corner, or if he’d just been lucky where he’d been seated, Sebastian wasn’t going to complain.

  After the final course of sweetmeats and fine wine had been consumed, a group of servants appeared carrying silver platters stacked with piles of masks. Sebastian noticed straightaway that most of the guests had the same mask, black with a silver trim. This type covered most of the face except for the mouth, but there were a few people who had a much more extensive mask built on the same base but covered in golden swirls and topped with a peacock feather.

  “Only the Queen’s favorite male courtiers get the feathered masks,” explained Jennifer, as she spotted Sebastian’s confusion. “I expect when Anthony turns up later, he’ll have one.”

  Sebastian accepted the mask he was given, the plainer of the two, and tied it firmly in place. A short reveille from a bugler told the guests that it was time to move back to the presence chamber and for the ball to begin. Sebastian lost track of Jennifer as the crowd entered, the sea of masks making it difficult to recognize her, so once again he found himself alone. A small band of musicians had already started to play, and couples were dancing in the center of the room. Sebastian moved to stand at the back wall, consta
ntly looking to see if he could spot Anthony while watching the guests enjoy dance after dance.

  “I can’t believe he brought her,” said a woman to her friend, who stood a few feet away. “I mean, is Anthony trying to make the point that he is available as he always was, since his wife is such a plain creature?”

  Sebastian swallowed thickly. He wanted to move away, but he also wanted to know what else they would say.

  “Anthony’s never exactly been fussy, but usually his trysts are with the more attractive options of court.”

  “She’s not even of noble blood!”

  “Really?” said the second woman, more intrigued.

  “Yes, although I think if he’d lived long enough, her father would’ve been knighted—drank himself to death, or so I heard. And her twin brother is an actor.”

  “No! But then I wouldn’t put it past Anthony to have had the brother as well. He is a bit of dog.” She spoke of Anthony with a warmth not present when she was gossiping about Bronwyn.

  Sebastian couldn’t stand to listen to any more, so he walked away, refusing to run so he wouldn’t draw attention to himself, and headed out of the hall, walking blindly until he found himself outside in the gardens. It was still light, but the long shadows of the evening had begun to set in. The words raced around his head; Sebastian was unable to shut them out: taunting and sneers about him and his family from people who didn’t even know him. He pulled off the mask, not caring where it fell, and wandered, aimless, following the pathway across the lawn and passing sculptured topiary and garden statues before sitting heavily on a stone bench by an empty fountain.

  “Out here all alone?”

  Sebastian’s head shot up, not having heard anyone approach. Standing before him was a brute of a man, tall and broad and still wearing his mask. “I needed some air.”

  “It appears that Lord Crofton is more adept at seeing to the care of other men’s wives than his own.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Sebastian found himself dragged to his feet, and no matter how he struggled, he could not escape the other man’s grip. “I think it only fair, since he had his fun with my wife, that I should have mine with his.”