Page 32 of Love, Will

“As I am preparing for my trip to Italy, with the Earl of Essex…”

“Yes, I can see the Earl of Essex is taking quite a lot of your time lately,” I rasped in jealousy, not caring that I had interrupted him.

He smiled bitterly. “If only that were the case.”

That was the first time my mind realised it. Henry was not only attracted to me, but toother menas well. My mind had been wrapped in cloudy skies, overjoyed by the happiness I felt at his side, and never stopped to think that he was a young and beautiful man, ready and eager to devour the world and everyone along with it.

“Regarding Robert,” Henry clarified, before taking a deep breath. “It is his cousin that has my interest,” he barely said.

It took me a moment to realize that the Robert he was mentioning was the Earl of Essex.

“Are you telling me you met a nobleman at court who sparks your interest?” I said harshly while jumping from bed, putting my shirt back on in a hurry. I couldn’t think, couldn't breathe, this was not happening. Henry was not telling me this. And somehow, all my brain could focus on was trying to find my pants.

“Not so much of a nobleman, but a lady.”

I looked at him, shocked. Tears gathered in my eyes and started flowing down my face without permission. I tried my best to keep them hidden, but my cheeks betrayed me. I only nodded, putting my pants on.

“Will, she is one of the chief ladies-in-waiting for the Queen, and Robert’s first cousin. We only met a few times but…”

“You fancy her,” I replied for him.

The affirmation came with another sip of wine.

“Her name is Elizabeth.”

“I wish you and Elizabeth a wonderful life together,” I barely said before I opened the door and slammed it hard, making my way down the stairs as fast as I could.

In my agitated state, I heard the door opening, but I knew Henry could not chase after me as he remained naked.

“Will, I am an Earl. I must have heirs someday,” he shouted after me.

“Will,

Please accept my deepest apologies for last night’s events. It was a conversation that we must have together and I just bore it onto you with no preparation.

Please, I beg you, do not let this moment ruin the magic of your play.

I love you,

Henry”

“Will,

I called at the theatre and Richard told me you are sick and have not been to the playhouse for three days. I also called at your inn and they told me you left the room in a haste and they do not know where you are.

Please Will, let me come and see you.

H”

“Will,

I am leaving for Italy in a week. Please call at my residence, we need to speak before I go. I miss you.

H”

“Dear Master Shakespeare,

This is my last letter in which I am begging you, if you ever loved me, to do me the honour of having supper at my residence one last time. I am to leave London tomorrow and start my journey overseas.

---