Chapter 6During the week, Jacob became accustomed to seeing two sides of Sebastian. He was no longer daunted by his groomed perfection and poise at every social engagement. He had gradually realised that this was Sebastian’s social armour as much as Jacob’s was a naval uniform and fixed scowl.
Although it was not discussed between them, they did not mix a great deal in the Assembly Rooms or the Pump Rooms, as though neither wanted to show a marked preference for the other in amongst a crowd. This gave an unacknowledged frisson to their morning rides.
It was clear, even to Jacob, that after the second invitation, this would be an ongoing arrangement. He tried to hide, even from himself, how much he looked forward to their private meetings.
Although the second version of Sebastian, reserv
