GENRE: Gay Historical Spicy Romance
LENGTH: 4,200 words
RATING:

In the early spring of 1818, violinist Luc Gerrard completes a performance in a London concert hall and rushes away to meet his actor lover Harry Kent in a Covent Garden tavern.

Surrounded by members of the theatrical community, Luc ponders over a sense of belonging, something that eluded him growing up in rural Essex as the son of French émigrés, and having to hide his attraction to men.

Sitting in the tavern, surrounded by unconventional theatricals, Luc feels at ease with his current companions, and considers the close circle of men who have befriended him and his lover. Has Luc truly found contentment? And can he trust in the special affinity he feels for Harry?

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

“What can I get you?” the harried barman asked without looking at Luc.

“A glass each of port and gin.”

A familiar voice called over Luc’s shoulder, “Make that two gins.”

Luc turned to face Harry, who grinned at him.

“If you’re buying, that is, Frenchie.”

He’s looking particularly handsome tonight, Luc thought. Harry’s fair skin was flushed with animation, a pleasing contrast to the deep smoky blue of his coat that brought out the copper tints in his fair hair and made his eyes seem more blue than green or grey.

“New coat?” Luc asked. “From Percy?”

“Daniel, this time,” Harry said, referring to their friend who managed a tailor’s establishment on Tottenham Court Road, rather than their aristocratic companion whose extensive wardrobe rivalled the shop’s stock. “A customer ordered the coat, paid for it and never collected it, despite several reminders. I can never believe the number of posh coves with more money than brains. Not that I’m complaining, since I benefit.”

So do I, Luc thought admiringly.

“It suits you,” he said. In the crowded pub, filled with friends, he could have quietly voiced his thoughts. You look so desirable. You take my breath away.

But Luc never found it easy to spontaneously utter his feelings, so he occupied himself with counting out coins to place on the bar.

Nevertheless, Harry must have caught something in his expression.

“You know how much I like you in concert black,” Harry muttered in his ear. “Severe and untouchable.” Harry was standing so close that Luc could feel the heat emanating from his body. “And I like you even better out of it.”

Luc blushed, his hand stilled on the counter.

Five years together, off and on, and he still has that effect on me.

Before they admitted their love for each other nearly two years ago, Luc had his fair share of passing dalliances, but found attraction to be short-lived. The desire he felt for Harry remained a steady flame rather than a brief candle.

Harry stepped back and said in a normal voice, “How did it go tonight? The concert, I mean.”

“Very well, I think. Will seemed pleased and the audience seemed to enjoy it.”

“Got to please the crowd, Frenchie.”

They smiled at each other in understanding of the basic rule of theatrical success.

“Harry!” A plaintive female voice called from across the tavern. “I’m dying of thirst here.”

“Can you make that another gin?” Harry asked the barman. Luc fumbled in his pockets for the extra coins.

“Thanks, Luc. I’ll get the next round. If I returned empty-handed, Clara would kill me. And that would ruin Shakespeare’s double death scene.”

“And the rest of the play,” Luc said drily.

“Come and join us,” Harry said, his head cocked in invitation. “Once you’ve paid your dues to Mr. Entwhistle.”