Chapter 14: Culture Shock

"Nell Gwyn is a vision on-stage." Uncle Deus declared, setting down his wine.

Will's family plus Uncle Deus, Augustus and Mary sat at the dinner table together, candles still lit and burning low. The empty dishes scattered in front of them were slowly slipping off to the kitchen, one by one. Their meal had finished about fifteen minutes ago and they'd been chatting ever since.

Uncle Deus was eager to expose Will, Lily and Augustus to London's re-emerging theatre scene at their play the following night, per Augustus's birthday gift. Margaret, true to form, found something to complain about and judge.

"And not much better than a common trollop, either!" She coldly snapped.

"Yes well, you haven't seen her on stage. Her presence, her wit, and the costumes they make 'specially for her are superb!"

"Fine, she's a trollop in a nice dress." She whined, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms. After a moment she selected a sugar bowl in front of her and gently stirred some into her tea.

"And she's a mistress of the king, you know." She reminded him in a gossipy tone before sipping her tea.

"Oh, how many mistresses does the king have! At least she has talent."

He paused before responding again, looking at the younger family members and leaned in to his sister-in-law, speaking in a quieter, more stern tone:

"Better talents than most of his mistresss, none of which I shall mention in front of the children."

Both Will and Augustus snickered at this, but Margaret went silent; her face twisting in discomfort. She didn't know how to reply to an allusion to sex, even one so vague as that. She set down her tea and couldn't think of anything to say.

"Besides, we were going to see a comedy but at the last minute I've decided on a drama with Mary Saunderson as the star. Satisfied?"

"Acting is still complete nonsense." She retorted in disdain.

~*~

Uncle Deus, the thoughtful man that he was, had planned their trip carefully.

Whenever he gave presents, he was very intentional and made sure they had sincere meaning. One year, he gave Will classic philosophy he knew he'd enjoy, which started a new focus for his constant writings. And last fall, he (secretly) gave Lily a copy of an accounting primer a friend had recently re-published as a birthday gift. He gave it to her hoping to further her education without her parents noticing. She'd used it many times doing Will's endless requests from their father.

And so this trend continued now. At first, he was planning on treating his niece, nephew and Augustus to a Restoration comedy.

He was a fan of the most popular actress at the moment--and yes, a favourite of King Charles--the young Nell Gwyn. "Pretty, witty Nell" had become especially famous for her comedic styling and good looks.

The main point of Augustus's gift had initially been a chance for new experiences, but after noticing the interplay of his relationship with Will, Uncle Deus decided on something a bit more serious.

Since Augustus was still learning how to read, a copy of five acts full of Shakespeare's drama wouldn't do. But he had something very important to say to the young couple about their relationship, and hoped this was a subtle way to express his loving concern.

They arrived in the late afternoon the next day, eager to see their performance.

The sun was starting to settle and the air cooled as they made their way inside. Neither Will, Augustus or Lily had ever been to a theater before. The venue was large and had rows of long benches which coiled around the stage in the center of the room.

Uncle Deus was an avid fan of theater and Will had read a couple of Shakespeare's comedies, but this was an experience he knew wouldn't compare to words on a page. He'd never read Romeo and Juliet, but knew the general idea. He was interested in seeing the entire story put on stage as his first experience with it.

Right away, he related to the titular couple and appreciated the romantic ambiance of their story. They had just met, and he liked how smitten they were with each other. As they secretly pursued their romance, Will related to them even more; thinking about how tantalizing it was to have a forbidden affair! In the darkened theater, his hand idly traced Augustus's leg, and he laid his head on his shoulder, dreamily imagining their own new romance.

But as the drama intensified, his flirty affections stopped. He was hit with more and more anxiety as he watched everything fall apart.

"O sweet, my mother, cast me not away!" Juliet cried frantically, tugging at her mother as she slid to the floor, clinging to what looked like her last hope. "Delay this marriage for a month, a week! Or, if you do not," she growled with a tear-stained face, "make the bridal bed in that dim monument where Tybalt lies."

Shock hit Will and he gripped Augustus's hand. Maybe he was unhappy with marrying Sarah someday. Maybe his parents were equal parts indifferent and controlling like the Capulets. But they couldn't just...give up, could they?

And when the play ended, Will was in a daze. The tragedy left him empty and cold.

But he felt a rush of relief when reality hit him: he was alive and Augustus was by his side. Maybe his parents were domineering. Maybe no one would ever understand why he felt the way he did. But it wasn't too late for them. He vowed to never, ever give up, and promised himself that he wouldn't let Augustus give up either.

Suddenly, Will wanted to kiss him. More than he'd ever wanted to kiss him before. They were together and happy and while shrouded in secrecy, technically still...free.

As if on cue for his relief, the actors and actresses were reanimated, now bowing to the cheering crowd.

"That was good, but so sad." Lily mused. "Who would ever be driven to just...give up?" She shook her head.

"Well," Uncle Deus explained, as they gathered their things and started to exit their row. "Fear can change how someone acts very quickly and the results can be catastrophic--but only if they choose to let it take hold." It didn't take long until he had to reveal his warning.

As they left the theater, Will followed his Uncle and the group split, no longer in a single-file line. He felt freed walking next to Augustus.

The April night broke out before them with a crisp breeze. It was dark out and other theater-goers were piling into carriages that lined the streets.

Past being despondent, Will now felt anger at Juliet's helplessness. "How is someone supposed to ignore that kind of control?!" He spat, frustrated as they went along the cobblestone street.

"Constantly trying to fight yourself just for wanting to be with someone? That's...cruel!" He sighed sharply, angered just by contemplating the strain mirrored by the doomed lovers.

"Actually," Augustus joined in the conversation, hoping to soothe Will, happily at his side. "I think if you really care about someone, you'll just...find a way around it." He assured with a shrug. "It won't be easy, of course, but if you care about someone that much, aren't they worth it?"

"Of course they're worth it; that's not the question." Will stared at Augustus, annoyed. How was he still not understanding the pressure he was under?

"The question is, how to get what you and what they want at the same time. That's worse than openly defying them. It's more complicated than most people realise if they've never had that kind of pressure before." This was feeling less like a debate with his uncle and much more like arguing with Augustus about some very familiar issues.

"You're both getting so upset over it. It--it's just a play, right?" Lily asked, staring blankly at the pair, confused by their intense reactions.

Why did they have such strong feelings about a story with fictional characters in a fictional romance?

The boys immediately looked at each other and knew they had to mask their emotional responses.

"Yes, of course." Will confirmed with a nod. "Only a play." Augustus agreed.

"I think that true love always finds its way. If a man and a woman genuinely care for each other, it'll work out. They just have to be dedicated enough."

"Well said, Lily." Uncle Deus cheerfully agreed, patting her shoulder. "Surely we've had enough debate for one night. I thought we could go for a meal after. Would any of you care to try something...different?"

Off they went, to their Uncle's favourite coffee-house in town. It was a new kind of place, where ideas were openly expressed, without alcohol to blur logic or turn into a fight. Men would gather and chatter about current politics, or debate new scientific theories as they sampled the exotic, robust drink.

Uncle Deus wanted to show both Will and Lily that there was another way to live their lives. That there was a part of the world, a large one, in fact, that gave them freedoms that weren't possible with their parent's pre-set plans. Not to mention the possibilities with Augustus's recent career choice.

As Will entered, he smelled an invigorating wave of fresh coffee. Looking around, he realised he was in a new place with new ideas. It was revitalising!

The coffeehouse had little by way of decor with wooden tables and chairs, and a few tapestries on the walls, but the quiet atmosphere suited him.

After ordering their coffees, Uncle Deus enacted his plan, encouraging each of them to branch out. Lily was treated first:

"Lily, I have someone special I'd like you to meet." He started leading her across the room to one of his cohorts.

She was unlike herself as she shrank back, gripping her mug: "Uncle, I don't know what Mother has told you, but I'm just not ready for courting yet, and--"

He threw his head back as he laughed heartily. "No, no!" He quelled her panic, clapping her on the shoulder. "This is one of my friends; he's considering joining the Royal Society. He's a mathematician."

Uncle Deus stood up straight again and adjusted his collar for a proper introduction.

"Lily, this is John Collins." Uncle Deus explained as a man stood from his table. "John, I'd like you to meet my niece, Lily."

"Lillian Garnett. Very pleased to meet you." She said, holding out her hand for a proper introduction.

"Pleasure's all mine, young lady." He replied with a polite handshake. "Your uncle tells me you have an interest in my field."

"Collins..." She paused for a moment, squinting at him as she tried to remember where she'd heard that name before.

"You wrote that accounting primer!" She gushed, clasping her mug. "I must've read it a dozen times! It was a birthday gift from Uncle Deus."

"He showed me several months of your work. You had a governess who taught you, yes?"

"He did?! Oh my goodness! I--I hardly know what to say!" She admitted with a nervous chuckle.

"Quite alright." He assured with a polite smile, pulling out a nearby chair for her. "You seem to have done well thus far." He returned to his seat once she had sat down.

"Thank you." She replied, setting down her mug and pulling her chair in closer to their table. "I am doing more work...sort of. My brother is expected to run the accounts for my parents Merchanting company but he struggles with it, so I get to secretly help! But my father refuses to believe in my abilities. I just...wish he could see my potential." She lamented, staring at the steam rising from her coffee.

"I did most of my work with Merchants during the war. I was at sea with them for seven years. But, I prefer to be on dry land with theoretical study and my teaching." He explained, sipping his coffee. "You must be very dedicated to work without seeking recognition. That's a lot to be proud of. There are people thrice your age who aren't that industrious."

Lily beamed with pride, but paused. She had to make sure she wasn't getting ahead of herself.

"So as a professional, what is your opinion of a woman like me being interested in your field?" She asked, blowing on her drink to cool it. She added cream and slowly stirred it in.

"Well, your Uncle told me he knew someone who was talented and needed guidance, but never mention you were female until after I'd seen your work. I was thoroughly impressed by it and frankly, I was shocked when he explained it was a young lady who had done this well. I can't say how many women are able to understand mathematics, but you're gifted. Exactly how old are you?"

"Thirteen." She proudly replied.

"My goodness..." He took off his spectacles and sat back in his seat, astounded. He took another sip of coffee as Lily gathered her nerves. She had to ask him, or else what was the point of meeting with him?

"So...you don't think having an interest in your work is strange, or wrong?" Her chest tightened as she waited for his answer.

"Not in your case." He shook his head vigorously. "If you're this talented, you need to explore it. I believe that very firmly."

Lily was delighted. They went on, chatting and discussing theories.

Meanwhile, Augustus was also fitting in. Uncle Deus had introduced him to another few friends, who were discussing potential topics in the Society's next publication. Augustus was enthralled to find himself immersed in the exchange of new ideas. He'd never had money to patronize a coffeehouse, but the aroma had lured him in from time to time.

He confidently talked to the Society members, fibbing only slightly to keep up with his current company.

"Well, I'd like to go into the medical field; I just haven't finished all my primary training yet." Augustus said, sipping his coffee.

"Oh, where have you gone thus far?" One man asked, leaning back in his chair.

"I've...had private tutelage." He assured him with a nod. "But I'd like to think I'd change things a bit by exclusively helping those in need and," he paused for dramatic effect, "work alongside the men of natural philosophy, like yourselves. The Plague is very serious, and I'm interested to hear what you have to say about it."

Will sat back with his meal, and watched Augustus in admiration. He fit right in! He didn't have any medical training at all, of course. In fact, he'd just learned how to write paragraphs last week. But he was probably the right age to start an apprenticeship, and he played the part very well.

Uncle Deus was equally impressed.

"He has quite a bit of potential." His uncle said. "This happened because of his sister, yes?"

"Yes." Will replied, eating another bite of his turkey leg. "He was really upset over her. I mean, everyone was, but I think he took it the hardest. It was a few months ago. He just rushed up to me and said he wanted to be a doctor. Mother was so confused when he said he didn't care about making money!" He snickered at the memory of her bewilderment.

"That sounds exactly like your mother." Uncle Deus chuckled into another sip.

"I'm happy for him and I'm glad he's found something he's passionate about. But it makes me wonder. Please don't tell Father," he begged, looking up at his Uncle, 'but I have absolutely no interest in running the business. I'm awful with numbers, bored by appealing to investors and have no skill touting fancy goods. I don't want to let anyone down, but..." he paused, glancing at his sister, who looked positively elated chatting with Mr. Collins. "But I feel like I'm destined for something else. I just don't know what that is yet."

Uncle Deus paused and thought. Will was clever, yet business didn't suit him. He had potential, but no direction.

"All right." He leaned over to Will. "Without thinking, tell me: what do you love to do in free time?"

"Read." He automatically replied.

"All right. About anything specific?"

"It changes, but I think Utopia was very interesting to read about, and it made me think. More was smart. He know England had its problems. And he wasn't afraid to say his piece, either."

"Maybe you could do that."

"Write a book?" Will asked, scrunching up his face, confused.

"No," his Uncle replied when a chuckle. "Write about how things are today. Maybe you want something to change, like he did. Maybe you have a new idea of how to help people. I'd imagine others see flaws, and want things to change.'

Will's mind snapped back. "When Augustus first came to stay with us, he was miserable, and furious about doctors not being willing to work with natural philosophers like you to stop the Plague. Maybe something like that?"

"That's perfect!" He encouraged, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "You need to find something worthwhile to write about, and other people would be able to appreciate your perspective."

"Thank you. But I feel like right now, Augustus needs more help than I do. I don't want anyone to discourage him; he's very smart, but he didn't go to a petty school or anything." He watched Augustus, so confident with total strangers. "So we're starting with basic work. It's only reading and writing, but he's done very well so far." Will said, sipping his coffee. "I guess it's easier to learn reading and writing when you're a bit older; you already know how to speak and what all the words mean, it's just recording them. I've been reading to him too."

"It's extremely thoughtful to help him so much. You've become rather close, haven't you?"

"Yes. Well," He suddenly fidgeted with his cup of coffee. "We've just known each other for so long that--"

"It's alright," His uncle reassured him, waving it off. "You don't have to go on explaining. It's fine."

He could see he made his nephew uncomfortable with his comment on their friendship.

Too soon, he thought to himself. He sighed. It was hard to keep his protective instincts at bay. He just wanted to help Will.

He wanted so much in that moment to tell him he knew, and that it was all right, and to just make him feel strong, not scared. But he had to be gentle, and let Will come to it in his own time. He wouldn't force a talk about something so sensitive. If he pushed too hard now, Will might retreat too swiftly, and find refuge in a life that wasn't his.

"It's been a very large endeavour for us, but I think it's worth it." Will added. "And what with all the time spent together, I realised something important. That is, um,"

Will faltered. What was he doing?! Was he going to tell his uncle what was going on now? Here?

"Yes?" His uncle patiently asked, with an inkling about his answer. Was Will ready to talk after all?

"That...that...being smart and being educated can be totally separate. Yes, that's something important. Very important." He quickly disappeared into his cup of coffee, even though it nearly burned his mouth. As the hot, bitter liquid scorched his tongue, he scolded himself--he almost mentioned his feelings in public! He held the blankest look he could manage and stayed silent.

"In that case, congratulations on your educational achievements so far." Uncle Deus lifted his coffee mug up in cheers as Will did the same.

They all enjoyed the rest of their outing, and Will felt free from pressing issues waiting for him at home.

He knew he had to tell his uncle.

But where, and when?

~*~

"That was really interesting."

Will looked up from his book. Augustus had just finish changing and laid down.

"The play?" Will asked, rising from his desk. He walked to his wardrobe to change for the evening.

"Yes. I liked it at the beginning. I thought it was kind of...romantic." He added, rolling onto his side, waiting for Will to finish changing and join him.

"So did I," he replied, throwing on his long shift. "Until..."

"It got terrifying?" Augustus finished.

"Exactly." Will agreed, now joining him.

"I felt terrible at the end. I don't ever want to give up like that. And I'll make sure you won't either." He added, nudging him.

He suddenly felt more serious. He sat up, and clasped Augustus's hands. He stared into his pretty eyes, and never wanted that spark of hope to leave them. "No matter what my parents do, or say, I'm not giving up, and they're not going to change how I feel about you."

"And how is that, exactly?" Augustus teased.

Will smiled, and pulled him into another kiss. "Perhaps instead of telling you, I should show you."

"At the end," he said between kisses, "when I realised I still" -- "had you, I wanted to kiss you--" he paused as Augustus kissed his neck, "-so much—because we're...free."

"Oh, really." Augustus replied. "And just what," he asked demurely, leaning into Will, "would you like to do with said freedom?" He asked, curling his hands around his waist.

"Enjoy it." He replied, eyes sparkling.