Promises

Chapter 3-2

They repaired to Hawkins’ study. Sebastian hoped perhaps there might have been a cigar on offer, but of course there was no such thing.

“Do you enjoy reading fiction?” Hawkins asked as they settled into a pair of leather chairs by the fire. He crossed one long, slim leg over the other and pushed his glasses higher on his nose.

Of course, the man would be obsessed with reading. “Not particularly. I’m more of a practical man.” As he spoke, there was a soft thud from the vicinity of the window and a large ginger cat emerged and sauntered across the room. He was a magnificent beast.

“Hullo, old thing,” Sebastian said, dangling his fingers over the side of the chair arm, grateful for the distraction. The cat trotted over and sniffed them delicately.

“Have a care. Ulysses is rather fond of lulling a chap into a false sense of security before savaging him with his claws.”

Sebastian grinned at Hawkins as Ulysses rubbed against his hand, grateful to have the focus removed from him, even for a moment. “He’s gorgeous.” He rubbed the cat’s ears and was rewarded with a loud purr. He scratched under his chin and the cat made a soft chattering sound before leaping up onto his lap, turning around a few times, digging in his claws a little which made Sebastian wince, then settling down. The warm, soft weight was welcome. It gave Sebastian something to do with his hands. Something to focus on instead of Hawkins. He stroked him gently.

“I always wanted a cat as a pet.”

“Why didn’t you get one?”

“My father wouldn’t have them in the house.”

“I refer you back to my previous comment.”

Sebastian frowned and looked up. “Beg pardon?”

“With your own money, you can do as you wish. Have as many cats as you like.” Hawkins shrugged.

Sebastian bit back the retort on his lips and sank his fingers into the cat’s fur. He watched the silky strands brush over his fingertips. “Am I to presume that is what you do?”

Hawkins almost smiled. More a twitch of the lips and the flicker of an eye. “Indeed.”

Sebastian settled back in the chair and looked properly at Hawkins. He really was a handsome bastard. “So, tell me how you managed to make your fortune? Do you have a fortune?”

Hawkins steepled his fingers and tapped his lips. “You are asking for all my secrets on such short acquaintance?”

“Why not? I may as well make the most of my visit.”

Hawkins definitely almost smiled. “Hardly a fortune, but I am fortunate enough to be comfortable. I have my army pension, I research and write on modern warfare, I own land, I have some investments in the Indies…” He shrugged again.

Now that was more interesting. “The Indies? Have you travelled there?”

Hawkins nodded.

“I would love to travel.”

Hawkins gave him a meaningful look which made Sebastian roll his eyes. “I know, I know. Refer to your previous comment. Make my own money and I could travel. I could also travel if my father would purchase me a commission.”

Hawkins rolled his eyes. “Purchase your own damned commission. How old are you?”

“Two and twenty.”

“Hardly a babe in arms. Why do you feel your family should provide everything for you?”

Sebastian stiffened. Hawkins was becoming irritating. “Well, he bought commissions for my older brothers, why not me? It’s not as though he can’t afford it.” He still couldn’t believe it when Eddie had told him that his father had refused to purchase him a commission like his brothers. Refused point blank apparently.

“And…”

“And, it wouldn’t hurt him to support me in my wishes.”

Hawkins gave him a long look. Something flickered in his eyes but was quickly banished. “And your wishes may just get you killed. Your father has lost two sons. Don’t you think that is enough for any man to bear? Edward has lost two much loved brothers. I doubt he could stand to lose you too.”

Sebastian was shocked at the rush of emotion that tightened his throat and made it hard to breathe when Hawkins mentioned his brothers. The grief that he usually managed to keep at bay almost overwhelmed him. He focused on stroking the cat for a long moment to compose himself.

He cleared his throat, and when he replied, he kept his eyes on the cat. Watched his fingers disappear into the depths of the orange fur. “It’s all I’m good for.”