It now seems that he was Edmund Shakespeare, Will's youngest brother, who joined Will in London and was an actor himself, dying after only a brief few years in London. This explains my pleasure everytime I watch the present incarnation of Waterhouse play a role I had once played - Ned is getting his turn!
It also explains the feelings of anger and rivalry that cropped up again in this lifetime between us. In spite of my memories of being Esther, this current lifetime is pretty much anchored in what I experienced as Will, and my energy is very male. It doesn't suit Ned - the sibling rivalry is alive and well!
Some other things also fell into place. Enough to where I finally told a family member that I remember being Will. Her response was - "I think I knew that..."
