Sequel to The Actor and the EarlThe Crofton Chronicles: Book Two Despite the uncomfortable clothing and the gossip at court, Sebastian Hewel is still enjoying the role of Lady Crofton, wife of Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton. But when Queen Elizabeth asks a favor of Anthony, Sebastian's world fractures and his heart threatens to break. The Queen wants Anthony to seduce Lady Marie Valois, the beautiful daughter of a French noble, to discover the whereabouts of her father, who is wanted by the King of France. Sebastian knows Anthony can't refuse the Queen, especially since he has something of a reputation at court. But the situation is further complicated when Lady Marie meets Sebastian without his disguiseaand starts flirting with him. Her brother, Lord Nicholas, arrives at Crofton Hall, not happy that his sister has been linked to a man like Anthony, only to find his own head turned by Lady Crofton and her acerbic wit. Contending with the attentions of both siblingsaand a very jealous Anthonyawould be bad enough. But then Sebastian's uncle demands Sebastian and Anthony stage Bronwyn's death to avoid discoverya|