“We're planning on meeting with Sarah and her parents next week. How would you like that?"

"That sounds...brilliant." Will plastered on a fake smile and tried to sound excited. It was difficult when he'd just discovered where his feelings truly lay. Not with a total stranger, but with someone he'd known for years. 

Life in Restoration England isn't easy for William Garnett, especially when he realizes he's falling in love with a boy—his best friend, Augustus.

After London's Great Plague claims Augustus's youngest sister, their parents turn to trusted friends. Augustus and his other sister are sent to safely live with Will's rich family in the English countryside. 

Will is anxious as he hides his feelings from the object of his affection and his domineering parents. But he lets go when their feelings become mutual. Will and Augustus brazenly defy society and Will's parents by secretly pursuing their romance. 

Will's strait-laced parents have already planned his future: an arranged courtship and marriage to Sarah, the daughter of another wealthy family. 

They're also pushing him into an accounting position in the family business. His gifted sister Lily would be perfect for the job, but her priority is to start looking for a husband—even at age thirteen. 

Yet there might be hope for Will and his sister! Their free-spirited uncle believes they should follow their own path.

But just when things seem to be looking up, everything goes wrong. Through a cruel twist of Fate, the boys are left to fend for themselves while in grave danger.

As the repercussions of deviating from their rigid society stare them down, they are faced with a daunting choice that could destroy their lives: Will they follow the rules, or follow their hearts?

Cover Art by Jordan Mislang Samera, 2021

Book 1: Burnt Bliss

In early August, Sarah's parents were going on a trip for a few days, visiting friends who were considering doing business with her family. Sarah had chosen to stay back and mind the house for the next few days. She felt she needed a break from all the talk her parents had done with Will's over the past few months. She hoped for a long engagement--to eventually break it off, somehow--but Margaret kept dropping hints of wedding plans. 


"Promise to be good while we're away?" Natalie playfully quipped, leaning into her daughter as they walked out of their home. 


"I'll do my very best." She replied, linking arms with her mother as they approached her carriage. 


"I hope it goes well with their account. Tell everyone I said hello." She said, hugging her mother, then handing her luggage to a nearby servant. 


"That's our hope." Her father said, joining them, satchel in hand. She hugged him as well before he climbed into the carriage. 


Chapter 28: The Ways of Love