25
Marcus and Finula were due to go back home to Shropshire, but Marcus, conscious that he needed to speak to Sebastian, or Jamie, had made plans to visit the folly before setting off. ‘We’ll leave early evening and miss the traffic,’ he’d told Finula.
‘Good idea. I’ll call in on Megan and Tobias and say goodbye,’ she’d replied.
Having given it considerable thought, Marcus was still unsure of how to open the conversation with Sebastian. He’d have to be tactful, yet direct, judging by the way he’d been avoiding Tobias’ raised concerns.
The folly, as usual, was a hive of activity, preparing for the performance that evening. Sebastian saw Marcus enter through the woods and waved him over. ‘Hello there.’ He smiled, looking genuinely pleased to see him. It warmed Marcus’ heart, especially as he was so new to the family. It was incredible to think that this time last year, he hadn’t even known of his two half-brothers, or indeed who his father had actually been.
‘Hi, Sebastian. Do you have a minute? I’d like a word.’
‘Sounds ominous.’ He gave a laugh.
Marcus nodded towards the folly. ‘Can we go inside, somewhere private?’
‘Yeah, sure.’ Sebastian frowned, clearly wondering what this was about. Marcus watched carefully as his brother led him into the old, stone building. He had a definite limp. He also noticed his hand tremor slightly as he pulled a dark green, velvet chair forward for him to sit on. They were in what used to be their father’s bolthole, a room with two comfy armchairs beside a wood burner, complete with a drinks cabinet. ‘Would you like a drink, Marcus?’ Sebastian opened it up and began pouring himself a brandy.
‘Yes, I’ll join you.’ Marcus would welcome a stiff drink. Once seated opposite each other, Sebastian stared into Marcus’ face, waiting for him to talk. Marcus gave a cough. ‘I’ll get to the point, Sebastian. Tobias is worried about you. And when I see how tired you’re looking, I can see why—’
‘I’m running this show,’ Sebastian interrupted, gesturing around the room with one hand.
‘It’s more than that, isn’t it?’ came Marcus’ soft reply. There was a short silence. ‘There’s something wrong. Your walk, it’s laboured. Your hand shakes.’ Sebastian knocked back his drink and turned his head away from Marcus’ intense stare. ‘I’m not leaving until you tell me.’ He spoke quietly, yet firmly.
Sebastian took a deep breath. ‘OK. I’ll tell you. I’ve got multiple sclerosis.’
Marcus nodded. ‘When were you diagnosed?’
‘A few months ago. Nobody knows, except Jamie, and now you of course.’
‘Why haven’t you told Tobias?’
‘Because he’d only worry.’
‘He’s worried anyway,’ Marcus immediately answered, his gaze never leaving Sebastian’s. ‘He knows something’s wrong. You need to talk to him.’
Sebastian slowly nodded his head in agreement. ‘I know. I will, but in my time.’
‘Don’t leave it too long,’ Marcus gently advised. ‘Give the guy some credit: he wants to help, not make things difficult.’
‘I know. I just…’
‘Listen.’ Marcus leant forward. ‘The three of us share the same blood. We all look out for each other, got it?’
Sebastian gulped and tears appeared in his eyes.
‘Is your condition likely to worsen?’
‘It’s too early to say, hopefully not. I attend the MS clinic every six months. It’s being monitored.’
‘Good,’ said Marcus firmly, ‘it’s early days I know, but you’re not on your own. I mean it. When you’re ready to talk properly, we’ll be here.’
‘Thanks.’ Sebastian gave a wobbly smile.
