“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

Nothing had improved. The open fighting within their family had lessened since Augustus's short brawl with Francis. However, the resentment between the parents and the couple was relentless and would come up out of seemingly nowhere. 


One night, Will and Lily were discussing plans they'd made and Will realised he already had a social outing that night. 


"Oh, Lily, I'm sorry, we have to leave in a minute. Can we do it tomorrow?" He asked, finishing his chicken. 


"Alright,." She agreed with a nod. "That'll be fine." She sipped her cider. 


His father mumbled under his breath. "Off to bugger I take it.", rolling his eyes before sipping his ale. 


"I heard you." Will snapped in annoyance, slamming his fork on the table. "You make it sound as though I don't do anything else." 


"Do you?" His mother asked sarcastically, before taking a small bite of her roasted potato. 


Chapter 30: Et Tu, Matrem?