The Actor and the Earl

by Rebecca Cohen

  “Then we should be grateful that he is a good friend. But I don’t remember anything after Titan threw me.”

  Anthony nuzzled into Sebastian’s hand. “We’d caught the second deer, and were about to break out some refreshment in the clearing we had found, when I noticed you weren’t with the rest of the hunt. At first I thought that Titan was taking his time, but after a while I began to get worried. A few of the huntsmen went back into the forest, and a yell went up. By the time I got there, you were surrounded, and I tried to go to you, but Matthew made me hold back.” He cleared his throat and continued, “You weren’t moving. Matthew told Edward to keep me in check, and then he took over and ordered you brought back here.”

  “And I’ve been here three days?”

  Anthony nodded. “The physician said there was little he could do, and we needed to wait for you to wake up. He bathed your head wound in vinegar and made a poultice of herbs to lie on your brow.”

  “At least he didn’t bleed me,” said Sebastian in disgust.

  “He said he would try that if you did not wake in a few days.”

  “Bloody charlatans—I swear they do more harm than good.”

  Anthony gently pushed Sebastian backward so he was lying down. “I am glad that it appears no serious ill has come to you. Now sleep, and if in the morning you are more recovered, I will have a carriage sent to bring you home.”

  For once Sebastian didn’t argue, and fell back to sleep as Anthony stroked his hair.

  IT WAS on shaky legs that Sebastian got out of bed with both Matthew and Anthony looking on, not disguising their concern. He’d already told them that he had no intention of spending another day bedbound, and they could help him to return to Crofton Hall or he would do so under his own steam.

  He wobbled slightly as the blood rushed from his head, and Anthony was at his side, holding his arm. “I think you should get back into bed.”

  “And I think you should stop acting like my wet nurse and pass me my clothes.”

  Anthony wasn’t happy, but he did help, and Sebastian was grateful that he didn’t fight him more on this. Once dressed, he felt better. The aches had faded into the background, his vision was clear, and the nausea had abated, and he wanted to prove to Anthony that he was no longer an invalid that required bed rest and nursing. Matthew and Anthony flanked him on either side as Sebastian descended the main staircase at Highdall House. Although he had little time to take in his surroundings, he could tell by the shape of Highdall House that it was older than Crofton Hall. But what it lacked in size compared to Anthony’s home, it more than made up for in beauty. The detailed carving of the wood and the splendor of the stained glass in the windows worked together to create a magnificent home, one that couldn’t be compared inferiorly to Crofton Hall.

  “I would like that your next visit be under better circumstances,” said Matthew as he helped Sebastian aboard the waiting carriage.

  “Then invite me soon, and I will be in good health and high spirits.”

  “When you are fully recovered, I expect to see you here.” Matthew closed the door behind Anthony, who had climbed in after Sebastian. “I am sure your sister will be glad to see you back.”

  With a final wave, the coach set off. Sebastian turned to Anthony. “Talking of Bronwyn, did you contact her?”

  “Of course not. I’d like to keep my head on my shoulders.”

  Chapter 17

  ANTHONY had protested, but on their return from Highdall Hall, Sebastian had appeared at supper as Bronwyn. And after a few days of doing nothing more exciting than reading William a bedtime story or taking a gentle walk in the gardens, Sebastian was happy to describe himself as fully recovered. He still had a scab from the cut on his head, but it was hidden by his hair, and he only noticed it when he accidentally caught it when putting on his wig. The residual headaches were now a thing of the past, and he could once again read poetry without the lines blurring together.

  Wanting to make the most of the dry weather, Sebastian decided it was the perfect opportunity to head out for a ride, before the tracks became little better than muddy gullies. And there was no way he would let being thrown by Titan put him off riding for good. Star seemed pleased to see Sebastian, or at least she was happy to receive the apple he gave her as he led her out of the stable once her tack was in place. Sebastian hoisted himself onto her back and set out at an easy pace, the fresh air as good for his constitution as any mess of herbs a physician could give him. They took it steady to avoid the steeper tracks, and Sebastian relaxed, pleased that he hadn’t let the accident ruin what had become one of his favorite pastimes.

  He returned to the hall, having whiled away a beautiful autumn afternoon, only to find Anthony waiting for him at the entrance. “I asked to be notified the moment you got back,” he said. His sullen expression and body language told Sebastian quite clearly that Anthony was displeased about something. “Come with me.”

  Sebastian trailed after him, entering Anthony’s study and feeling like a schoolboy who was about to be punished by his tutors.

  “What the hell did you think you were doing?” demanded Anthony.

  “I would think it was obvious; I was riding.”

  Anthony slammed his fist down onto the surface of his desk, making a stack of papers topple over. “What if something had happened to you? You were out on your own, not yet recovered from being thrown by a horse!”

  “I am perfectly recovered,” said Sebastian, as calmly as he could manage. “You cannot keep me imprisoned in the hall just in case something was to happen.”

  “Sebastian, you really must be more responsible. What if you had been injured again? It was hard enough convincing people that both Bronwyn and her brother were bedridden at the same time. If there was to be a repeat of that, how do you think it would look?”

  “I see,” Sebastian spat, no longer able to control his temper, “and here I was laboring under the false premise that you were angry because I may have further injured myself! My apologies, Earl Crofton, but I had forgotten that my benefits to you as your fake wife far outweigh any concern for my real person.”

  Anthony threw his hands into the air in frustration. “Do not put words in my mouth. You have acted like an irresponsible fool!”

  “I have done no such thing. It would’ve been more irresponsible for me to have never got back on a horse. I refuse to let your fear dominate my life.” Sebastian turned his back and marched out of the room, ignoring Anthony’s order to return.

  Supper was strained, as were the following days. Sebastian did not want to hear another of Anthony’s apologies, although he was not certain Anthony was even willing to admit he was in the wrong. Sebastian did his job as doting wife when guests were present or when they could be overheard, but he didn’t linger to speak with Anthony, or search him out to spend more time together, which had become his habit previously.

  Sebastian had received an invitation to visit Matthew, and had decided that a few days away from Crofton Hall was just what he needed. He was packing a few items into his duffle bag when the door to his room was flung open, slamming into the wall and then banging shut.

  Anthony stood there, eyes blazing, with a crumpled letter in his fist. “What is the meaning of this?” he said, his voice cold, throwing the paper to the floor at Sebastian’s feet.

  The remains of the polite note he had left Anthony to inform him of his intention lay abandoned on the floor. Sebastian ignored it and turned back to his packing. “Did your university education not teach you how to read?”

  “I have had enough of your sulking. You are not going.”

  Sebastian spun around to face Anthony, incensed at the implication behind Anthony’s words. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I think I made myself clear, Sebastian. You can’t disappear for a few days, I need you here.”

  “Rubbish! You can spare Bronwyn for a couple of days.”

  “I can, but I don’t want to,” he said, the anger draining out o
f Anthony’s face and his words soft, a complete reversal of the fury that had been present only moments before.

  Confused at the change in Anthony’s demeanor, Sebastian could not quite believe what he heard or formulate anything sensible to say, and all he managed was, “What?”

  “I have been an unbearable fool, and I am driving you away, which is the last thing I wanted to happen. I was concerned for your health, Sebastian, and I was too stubborn to back down.”

  Anthony grabbed him and pulled him into a heated kiss. At first Sebastian tried to pull away, but Anthony clung on, and the thrill his body associated with the other man overrode his resentment. Sebastian answered the kiss hungrily.

  This was no time for slow lovemaking. Clothes were shed in a hurry, and they toppled in a tangle of limbs onto the bed. Anthony rolled them onto their sides, capturing both of their erections in one large hand. The heat and intensity washed over Sebastian like he was on fire. He gasped as Anthony worked them both into a frenzy, stroking again and again, milking him until he came in a burst of passion, his release mingling with Anthony’s as he too reached his peak.

  Anthony kissed him lazily as they caught their breath, clinging to each other. Sebastian’s skin tingled as Anthony trailed his fingers up and down his spine, gently dragging his nails over sensitized skin.

  “I hate it when we are at odds,” murmured Anthony into Sebastian’s neck.

  Sebastian hummed in agreement. “We are both too stubborn for our own good.”

  “I am truly sorry. I should not have forbidden you to visit Matthew.”

  Sebastian rolled out of Anthony’s arms, got out of bed, and stretched, before collecting his breeches. “I really should leave if I am going to get to Highdall for when I had planned.”

  “Of course.” Anthony followed, pressing a kiss to Sebastian’s neck before grabbing his own clothes.

  There was an edge to Anthony’s tone, but his kiss as he departed after dressing made Sebastian think he’d been imagining it.

  Dressed and packed, Sebastian went straight to the stable and was mounting Star, his duffle bag already tied across her back, when he saw Anthony leading Zeus out of the block.

  “Out for a ride?” he asked, surprised, as Anthony tended not to ride solely for pleasure.

  “No, I am heading to London to attend court.”

  Sebastian thought he must have misheard, but looking at how Anthony was dressed, there was no mistake that he was going somewhere that required his best clothes. “Court? If you’re going to court, what did it matter whether or not I was going to Highdall Hall?”

  “It was a last-minute decision,” said Anthony, tugging on his gloves. “If you are off to visit friends, then I thought I would do the same.”

  “Without Bronwyn?”

  “What of it?”

  “What kind of message does that send to the court?” asked Sebastian, unimpressed with Anthony’s dismissive reply. “That you are attending alone without your wife?”

  Anthony kicked Zeus with his heels, and the horse began to walk on. “The court will make up its own mind, whatever I do.”

  “Anthony!” Sebastian called, but he didn’t turn back. With a frustrated kick to Star’s side, he headed in the opposite direction. Star made an unimpressed noise at this treatment, and Sebastian patted her neck and mumbled an apology.

  The journey to Highdall Hall was less than an hour’s ride, and Sebastian spent most of it in a foul mood, galled at Anthony’s flippant attitude. He soon forgot about Anthony, however, when Matthew greeted him with a big grin, a set of bowling balls, and a large flask of wine. They spent the afternoon with Sebastian trying to improve Matthew’s game, but try as he might, some of his friend’s bad habits were too ingrained to break.

  “I was surprised you accepted the invitation,” admitted Matthew, shaking his head at where his bowl had come to rest. “The way Anthony has been acting since the accident, I expected him to forbid it.”

  Sebastian let go of the wood a fraction too late, and it veered away from where he had wanted it to end up and knocked one of his own bowls away from the jack. “Despite all evidence to the contrary, he doesn’t own me.”

  “No, of course not—that wasn’t what I was trying to say.”

  “Then what were you implying?”

  Matthew looked puzzled. “Sebastian, is there something troubling you, because you are not acting your normal self.”

  Sebastian took a long draft of wine and sighed. “Anthony has been difficult of late. I thought we had sorted out our differences, but now he has gone off to court without Bronwyn.”

  “So?”

  He examined the flask to see how much wine was left, unable to look at Matthew as he replied. “I have to admit that I’m concerned that means he will lapse into his old lifestyle.”

  “If it brings you any comfort, my father commented only a day ago how much Anthony has changed, that he thinks he has finally retired his waywardness.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. I’m not thinking clearly and am probably making something out of nothing.”

  Matthew took the wine flask from Sebastian and helped himself to a drink. “It is often a problem for a man in love.”

  “I do not deny that is my affliction, and it is made worse knowing that my love is not returned as vehemently by the one it is directed at.”

  Matthew swung an arm around Sebastian’s shoulders. “You actor types, such wretched souls full of melodrama—it is a wonder you are able to pass the time of day with us mere unthinking mortals.”

  Sebastian pushed him away with a playful shove. “You are supposed to be my friend and take my side, drowning my sorrows and lifting my spirits.”

  “A-ha, drowning your sorrow I can do,” said Matthew, holding aloft the wine. “Drink and be merry, Sebastian. By tomorrow, your ill thoughts will be nothing more than a painful head and a rolling stomach.”

  Sebastian slapped him on the back and stole away the wine.

  “That’s the spirit!” cried Matthew, and the pair of them finished off the flask in a few generous swallows.

  The sun was setting by the time they staggered back to the house. Throughout supper, Sebastian failed to hold back his giggles, thanks to the amount of wine he’d drunk and the faces Matthew kept pulling at him from across the table to make him laugh. He received a disapproving look from one of the other guests, but Richard and Anne appeared more entertained than annoyed at his behavior.

  He passed out rather than fell asleep that night, fully dressed and face down, and only woke up the next morning because Matthew was poking him in his side with the end of a bow. “I thought we could improve your aim,” he said, waving a quiver full of arrows.

  Sebastian groaned and dragged himself onto his knees. “I’m not sure I am safe to wield a bow in this condition. I think I am seeing double!”

  Matthew wouldn’t let Sebastian crawl under the covers, and, realizing that his friend was not going to give up, Sebastian got out of bed and followed Matthew downstairs. Once outside, the fresh air made him feel a little less hungover, and the hunk of bread Matthew handed him as he set up the archery target helped soak up the residual alcohol in his system.

  Another day of being himself and acting like a man of twenty rather than the wife of an earl had chased away the last of his black mood, even if it had not improved his aim one whit. And by the time he was ready to return to Crofton Hall the next afternoon, Sebastian was feeling much more like his normal, optimistic self.

  He dressed as Bronwyn for supper, and even though he was unsure if Anthony had returned or if there would be guests, he decided that, after two days away, it would be best if the lady of the hall was seen.

  “You need not have bothered,” said Anthony as they met in the corridor en route to the dining room. “We do not have guests tonight; you could have stayed as you were.”

  Deciding against replying in an equally terse manner, Sebastian said, “Anthony, I did not know if you were here, or still in L
ondon.”

  “You were only away for two nights. I had no intention of being absent for any longer than you.”

  Sebastian did not know what to say. Anthony was distant, with a reserve Sebastian hadn’t seen before. He moved forward to press a kiss to Anthony’s cheek, but Anthony turned away.

  “What is wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong. I just have no desire to be covered in your rouge.”

  They ate together, and the conversation was stilted and awkward. No matter what subject Sebastian started, Anthony would be brusque and indifferent, until Sebastian couldn’t bring himself to continue trying. Anthony excused himself straight after supper, Sebastian left confused and alone, sitting at the dining table with no idea what he’d done to cause the situation to be so strained.

  Chapter 18

  IT HAD been nearly a week since Sebastian had returned from Highdall Hall, and every day since there had been something that had irritated Anthony further. Whether it was him leaving a book out of place in the library or a comment misinterpreted, everything that Sebastian did seemed to result in a snide remark or dirty look. Standing outside Anthony’s study, Sebastian didn’t bother to wait for his knock to be answered. Anthony was annoyed with him already; another small infraction would hardly make matters worse. He was surprised to find Anthony not seated at his desk, but instead standing by the window looking out across the grounds.

  “May I speak with you?” asked Sebastian, closing the door firmly behind him.

  “I presume from your dress that Bronwyn has once again taken to her bed?”

  “Is that part of the problem? Do you wish me to spend more time as her, and less as myself?”

  Anthony crossed his arms over his chest. “What nonsense do you speak of now? There is no problem.”

  “No problem? We snipe at each other on a daily basis, you’ve hardly touched me in the last week, and you think there is no problem?”