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Tobias clipped Edward into the straps of his buggy. ‘Come on, Edward, let’s go see Uncle Sebastian.’ Edward jibber-jabbered in baby talk, then blew a raspberry, making Tobias smile with affection. His son was growing by the day. Megan was right: Edward resembled every inch of him. Already his black, tufty hair was growing and his green eyes sparkled with mischief. He tried to grab his daddy’s hair, but Tobias backed off in time. ‘Oh no you don’t, you little tinker.’
Tobias pushed the buggy through the estate, earning them lots of admiring comments from the staff tending the grounds. Edward lapped the attention up, gurgling and beaming up at all the smiling faces cooing over him. Tobias walked along the footpath past Keeper’s Cottage and paused for a moment to inspect the building. Yes, they’d all done an extremely good job there, he thought, taking in the solid, stone cottage with its new wooden sash windows and oak door. Once the outside space was cleared and landscaped, it would look even better.
Tobias continued through the clearing to reach The Folly. TheA Midsummer Night’s Dreamproduction was now drawing to a close, which meant hopefully he’d see more of his brother. He couldn’t help but worry about him, knowing Sebastian wouldn’t be flattered to hear that. Tobias knelt down and pulled Edward out of his buggy. ‘Let’s see where he is.’ Entering The Folly, all was quiet. Expecting it to be full of the cast and the usual flurry of activity, he carried Edward through to the sitting room where he thought Sebastian would be. He was, fast asleep in the armchair. Tobias walked forward to him. Sebastian slowly opened his eyes. Tobias spoke quietly. ‘Hi, stranger, I thought we’d come and pay a visit.’
‘Hi.’ He sat up and rubbed his eyes. ‘I was just catching up on some sleep.’
Tobias looked thoughtfully at his brother. To all intents and purposes he appeared fine, but then, why shouldn’t he? Since learning of Sebastian’s condition, he’d researched MS and realised it didn’t always mean the worst.
‘It must take it out of you,’ Tobias replied, then quickly added, ‘I mean the play, night after night.’
‘It does, but it’s not every evening and tomorrow’s the last performance. To be honest, I’ll be glad of a break,’ he admitted, stretching languidly.
‘I’ll bet.’
‘And how’s my favourite nephew?’ said Sebastian, reaching out to hold him. Edward giggled with glee at being held by him. ‘Aren’t you the most adorable little chap?’ He pressed his cheek against Edward’s and kissed his forehead. Edward gurgled and chatted back with a gummy smile. Tobias sat in the armchair opposite them.
‘Can I ask you something, Sebastian?’
‘Yes, of course,’ he replied never taking his eyes off Edward wriggling in his arms.
‘How are you really feeling?’
Sebastian turned to face him now. ‘Apart from feeling tired, I’m OK. I went to see the consultant last week and he seems happy enough with me.’
‘What did he do?’
‘He examined me, to see if there are any differences, but everything’s the same – no change apart from the limp.’
Tobias nodded. ‘So you’re still not on any medication?’
‘No. Another brain scan would indicate any further lesions, but up to now I don’t warrant one.’
Tobias sat and listened. There was a long pause. What could he say?
Sebastian, sensing his unease spoke gently. ‘Listen, Tobias, I don’t want you to worry.’
‘Easier said than done,’ he replied. His eyes started to fill.
‘Please, Tobias, don’t.’
‘Sorry.’ He coughed. Then changed the subject. ‘Marcus and Finula will be staying at The Hall, for the documentary.’
‘Good, it’ll be great having him around.’ Sebastian smiled, looking forward to seeing his eldest brother.
‘Yes. He’s anxious about the reaction to the documentary.’
‘Don’t blame him.’
‘And the intrusion it’ll bring.’
‘Welcome to our world,’ Sebastian replied dryly. He was still smarting over the rather nasty review he’d been given weeks ago. Like most actors, he took any criticism to heart.
‘I think it makes sense, him being here, with us.’
‘So do I – at least here we can lock the gates and hide away with some privacy. What protection has he got in Shropshire?’
‘Exactly. None.’
‘It’s what Father would have wanted.’
Tobias turned his head sharply. Yes, he thought, it’s what their fatherwouldhave wanted: all his sons together, regardless of illegitimacy. Tobias was left in deep thought. For very different reasons, he felt compelled to protect both his brothers. The feeling stayed with him as he strolled back to The Hall. Edward was asleep in his buggy, looking blissfully peaceful. The need to protect increased. The seedling of an idea was beginning to take root.
