Chapter 8: Unpredictable Seas—Liam

Coffee and Frustration

Liam was more nervous about his coffee date with Meredith than he’d been about their first date. Meredith came to the door to announce her presence and Liam called out to Erich that he was leaving. He half expected Erich to join them at the last minute so he was not out unchaperoned. Apparently, however, Meredith was considered one of the adults authorized to escort him when he was away from Buxton House. Meredith immediately gave him a little kiss on the cheek and led him to her car.

“I’m glad to be out of the house and off with you,” Liam said. “My parents got home last evening and the entire household is topsy-turvy getting them settled after their big trip. At least they are jetlagged and won’t bother me for dinner with them until tomorrow.”

“Don’t you enjoy dinner with your parents, Liam?”

“Oh, I like spending time with them and the food is always delicious. But it always seems to be such a production for them. The meal must be paired with exactly the right wine. The dishes must be served at exactly the right temperature. There must be time for a cocktail before dinner and coffee after. I understand the need for all those things when we have guests and are seated in the formal dining room, but the table in their dining nook is scarcely larger than the one we ate at in the kitchen. And I can’t in any way imagine them eating their game hens with their fingers and feeding each other.”

“Oh, they might surprise you about that if you knew what happened behind closed doors. It is sad they don’t expose more of their real life to you. That is a sign of the merchant class, though. The trappings of success keep them separate from others.”

“Regardless, I am happy to be out of the house and in your company.”

“I’m happy, too.” Meredith parked in front of a large chain coffee shop and they went inside. She whispered that she would like an iced latte and went to find a table for them. Liam was left in line to fend for himself. He succeeded in ordering the correct drink for Meredith and simply hot coffee for himself. He found Meredith and took their drinks to the table.

“You know, I never get to do that. If I’m out and want a coffee or ice cream, Erich always jumps out and gets it for me. I felt rather grown up ordering for myself. Can we do that again sometime?”

“Well, you should know now what to expect when you take Hana out Saturday night. After the concert, you should walk her across the street to Chez Panisse and, after consulting with her about what she would like, order a dessert and coffee for each of you.”

“Is she ... nice? It seems so strange to ask a complete stranger on a date. Do I really need to do this?”

“Don’t complain, Liam. I’ve done most of the work on this one. The next time we arrange a date for you, you’ll have to figure most of this out for yourself.”

“I’ll have to keep doing this, won’t I?” Liam sighed heavily. He really just wanted to spend all his time with Meredith. She was lively and witty and sensual. What a kisser! He had visions of what they would do alone for a night. He shifted in his seat.

“Please try to look at it as a pleasant activity. It is difficult for me as well. You ... have captured a large part of my heart but we also have a mission. We don’t need to find you a wife right away. But we should establish you with women of appropriate classes on a regular basis. It will help to divert attention away from how much time you and I spend together.”

Liam was still stuck on the idea of finding a wife. In his heart, he imagined that would be Meredith. His grandmother had explained the facts of life to him and he knew he would no longer be considered royal if he married a servant. Giving up his class as a royal didn’t bother him so much as finding any other class that had the remotest interest to him. He would rather die than become like his parents. That ruled out the merchant class. He could never force himself into the mindset of collecting and cashing in on favors like Lonnie and Susan. That ruled out the politico class. Meredith’s parents seemed to be fun-loving and very much in love but even though Liam dabbled in drawing and painting, he had no passion for the arts. He had no trade, no craft, no profession, and no interest in the military. If he married Meredith, he would truly be outcaste.

“I suppose I must. Please help me through this, Meredith.”

“You are probably unaware of this but most young men your age would be delighted to have their girlfriend fix them up with other women on a regular basis. Imagine what Lonnie would be doing if Susan decided to bring him a new woman every few weeks.”

“He would be insufferable!” Both laughed and Liam relaxed. “I’m still so new at this I can’t tell what is the difference between dating because I care about someone and dating because I need to relate to someone or some class. Meredith, do you feel obligated to date me?”

“There is a great deal of difference between what I am advising you to do and what we do. Liam, I am very fond of you and find myself only interested in spending time with you. We need to be sure we are fully in control of our emotions before we can progress to the next level of dating. It doesn’t mean we cannot care for each other but it means we must understand the limitations of what we can be to each other.”

“That is difficult but I will be your student.”

“Good. Now, here is Hana’s phone number. You should talk to her this evening. Make sure you have made all the arrangements in advance so you can tell her when you will pick her up. Consult with Erich regarding the timing you will need in order to make it from our dormitory to the concert hall. Plan on an hour after the concert for coffee and dessert at Chez Panisse. Call them for a reservation. That means you will need to know the length of the performance. And that will set the timing up for when Erich should pick you up.”

“Are all dates so complex? It doesn’t seem any of our dates have been so complicated.”

“Think about it. On our first date, your stableman had horses ready when I arrived. Erich had a room prepared for me to change in and a maid to help me. Cook had a meal prepared to be served on the minute. And at precisely nine o’clock, Erich showed up with my bag and I left. I’m not saying there will never be impromptu dates that are unplanned but when you are meeting a young woman for the first time, she should have confidence that you have made all the arrangements.”

“I will do my best. What about picking her up and taking her home?”

“I can supply you with the address of my dormitory. Our apartment is on the second floor, number 2C. It would be nice if you brought her some small gift. A flower. A small box of chocolates. Just a little token that you appreciate her company. I will be absent when you pick her up so you will not have me to distract you from her. When you return, you will, of course, escort her to her door, thank her for the lovely evening and wait until she is securely inside before you leave. Of course, you will call her in the morning—after ten—to tell her that you enjoyed yourself and hope you can repeat the adventure in the future. You must say thank you and that you enjoyed her company, but only mention your desire to repeat in the future if you mean it. Women take such statements seriously.”

“There is so much to remember but I will do my best to make you proud of me.”

“That will be determined by how much Hana is pleased with the date. But I have confidence in you. You will do fine.”

Making the Call

Liam paced around his room staring at the phone. He had written down notes for what he should say. It didn’t make a difference. His mouth was dry and his hands were sweating. Dinner with his grandmother had done nothing to calm him down.

“We were getting on so well,” Liam complained. “But now she wants me to date other women. She’s actually set up things so I should call her roommate tonight and invite her out on Saturday.”

“And have you prepared for the call?” Regina calmly cut another bit of the chicken marsala and put it in her mouth without looking up at Liam. He scowled. He’d been about to put another bite in his mouth and halted it to answer the question.

“I’ve consulted on the schedule with Erich and confirmed that he will drive us. I’ve purchased the tickets to the orchestra. I’ve made the reservation at Chez Panisse. I still need to get chocolates or a flower, but I thought that would be better left until Saturday.” He shoved the bite in his mouth before his grandmother could interrupt the motion again.

“It sounds like you are well-prepared. What is stopping you from calling the young lady?” His grandmother was being infuriatingly calm when Liam wanted to rant or to be comforted. Anything but having her simply accept that things were normal.

“It’s ... Meredith. I thought we would be ... with each other. I mean ... Grandmother, I’ve fallen in love with her. I don’t want anyone else. Even when she was giving me instructions on what I needed for Saturday, all I could think of was that I wished I was taking her out.” Liam laid his flatware on his plate and hung his head. A tear was threatening to drop from his eye.

“You are sixteen, Liam. You will fall in love with everyone. Every woman you go out with. No. Don’t protest. If you do not give this young woman a chance to enjoy your company, or if you deliberately sabotage your date, you will demonstrate that you might not be ready to take on the role and responsibilities of being a royal. Yes, love Meredith. I’ve no doubt she is falling in love with you. But she understands that you must meet and marry someone closer to your class. Miss Ito could be acceptable. Fall in love with her and see what comes of it. The next woman Meredith introduces you to might be a military or a politico. Fall in love with her and see what comes next. But the one thing you must never do, Liam, is force your expectations into the situation. Because you love Meredith and she loves you does not mean you will marry and live happily ever after. Life is not a fairy tale. If you become involved with Miss Ito and have sex with her, it does not mean you will marry her and live happily ever after. Dancing with Miss Ritter does not mean she will behave in what you consider to be an appropriate manner. You might well sleep with her as well but in that instance, I encourage you to be sure you want to be in her debt. She will always hold that chit.”

“I understand, Grandmother. But it makes me sad. I have only known Meredith as an adult for three weeks and already I want to imagine life with her by my side.”

“Well ... I hesitate to tell you this. Do I have your confidence that you will not share what I am about to say with anyone? It doesn’t mean that no one else knows, but no one is ever to mention it.” Grandmother looked toward the door which was closed tightly. Liam nodded.

“Whatever it is, Grandmother, I swear never to discuss it.”

“Not marrying a person does not mean you will not be together for many years. When I was your age, I fell in love. I fell in love with the mentor who was instructing me on how to behave in a royal fashion. He danced with me. He treated me like a princess before I ever imagined I was one. And he became my lover—my happily ever after. After introducing me to several other young men, he introduced me to William Cyning and told me I should give him a chance. I became William’s bride and over time, I developed a very real fondness for him.”

“But you never forgot your first lover?” Liam was enrapt by his grandmother’s story and had forgotten entirely to continue eating. It seemed so sad that she had left the lover to marry his grandfather.

“Forget? How could I? I see him every day. He often spends the night in my suite—with me. And he continues to help a young royal become the man he can be. He is your valet.”

“Erich? Erich was your ... mentor? Like Meredith is mine? Grandmother...”

“Now, we shall never mention this matter again. Erich has been a part of my life in every way for nearly fifty years. If you and Meredith can both manage your emotions, understanding that your stations in life place certain requirements on you, you may still have her in your life fifty years from now. But don’t under any circumstances build that as your expectation. Let life take the course it chooses.”

Liam dialed the number he had been given and held his breath. The phone rang and before he could chicken out a light voice answered.

“Good evening. This is Hana Ito.” She sounded nice.

“Miss Ito, this is Liam Cyning.”

“Mr. Cyning. What a pleasant surprise to hear from you. How may I help you?”

“I know we have not met, but your roommate suggested that we might find some common interest if I were to invite you out.”

“Ah, yes. Meredith mentioned you to me. I remember now.”

“It happens I have tickets for the symphony this Saturday evening which I foolishly purchased without having a companion to share them with. Would you consider attending the performance with me? And perhaps dessert after?”

“Oh, that does sound lovely, Mr. Cyning. Let me check my work schedule. I’m often tied up at the hospital at odd hours. May I ask you to hold for a moment?”

“Yes, certainly.” Liam listened as the phone was set down and papers rustled. This was curious. Meredith had presented the idea that Hana was already prepared for the invitation. What was going on?

“It happens that I am free Saturday evening and the orchestra is featuring one of my favorite pieces by Berlioz. Mr. Cyning, I would be thrilled to join you for the evening.”

“Shall I call for you at, shall we say, seven-fifteen? My driver will take us to the theater and pick us up after we have had dessert at Chez Panisse.”

“Oh! Chez Panisse! You shall spoil me on our first meeting. I will look forward to our engagement. Seven-fifteen on Saturday. I will not keep you waiting.”

“I hope you have a very good evening, Miss Ito.”

“And good evening to you as well, Mr. Cyning.”

They hung up the phone and Liam sighed. It felt like every bone in his body had just melted and he flopped on his bed. He had done it. He had spoken to a woman he had never met before and asked her out. And she accepted. And now he was on the hook to take her to the concert and see that she had a good time.

He debated calling Meredith and then realized she might be sitting with Hana at this very moment, reliving the phone conversation. As a gentleman, he realized calling her now might make things awkward for her. He would simply lie there in bed and when he stopped shaking, he would take a shower and go to sleep.

Sage Advise

“Women are so confusing!” Liam lined up a shot in the billiards room, stroked the cue silkily through his fingers. The cue ball hit the red three ball and caromed into the yellow-striped nine ball to sink it in the corner pocket.

“Already?” Lonnie might have been responding to either Liam’s statement or the shot.

“It’s easier when you have an hour or two each day to practice.”

“You see, that’s the thing with women. They’re easier if you practice an hour or two a day. Now tell me the problem and let the master give you some guidance.” The boys placed their cues in the rack and went to a small table where they’d left their soft drinks. Liam thought the room was comfortable while visitors were often intimidated by it. He thought the room made Lonnie nervous because he fidgeted much more when they played at Buxton House than in the school rec hall.

“Well, first of all, there’s talking to them. I never know what to say. I wrote down everything I intended to say to Miss Ito before I called her. And even then, I forgot half of it. I thought she knew the details and had already agreed to the date. She acted like my calling was the first she’d heard of it. What was with that?”

“You never seem to have difficulty talking to Meredith, either on the phone or in person.”

“It was difficult at first but we seem to be playing in the same orchestra. Now everything seems natural. I didn’t even understand half of what your Susan was saying when we were together Saturday. Talking to her was like speaking a foreign language.”

“Well, that’s just Susan. She’s getting better, but she hasn’t matured mentally as much as she has physically. And oh, my God! Has she matured physically! Not that Meredith isn’t a dish. You have it so good with her!”

Liam contemplated his glass for a moment. If only.

“We haven’t gotten that far yet. Just a few little kisses.”

“You’ve been together for four weeks! What’s taking you so long?”

“I just let her set the pace and ... I don’t want to scare her away. I’m really...”

“You’re really whipped. See here, lad, you need to take the lead. I knew the minute I saw her that Susan was that girl. I wasn’t about to wait to seal the deal. I had my hands on her breasts on the first date and sex the second. A woman needs to be taken firmly in hand. Don’t ask. Just move in. You would be surprised how quickly she rises to the level of passion you are feeling.”

“I don’t know.”

“Try it with your date this weekend. Who is it, again? Ito? When you see what you want, reach out and take it. You’ll see.”

Testing the Waters

Liam knew what he wanted. He wanted Meredith. He couldn’t get her out of his mind all week. He called again Thursday morning.

“Hello, this is Meredith.”

“I miss you. May I pick you up this afternoon for another coffee date?”

“No. I have a class.”

“Oh.”

“It’s out at five. We could have an early dinner.”

“Oh, yes! That would be even better. What time would you like me to pick you up?”

“I need to walk back to my dormitory and change clothes after class. Six o’clock? Let’s make this smart casual. Button up shirt and tie with nice slacks. Perhaps the chinos. No jacket. I’ll dress smart casual, as well.”

“I can hardly wait to see you.”

“Any time, Liam. Any time.”

Liam could hardly contain himself. Perhaps he’d ask Meredith back to the house. Or to come over on Sunday. They could walk hand-in-hand through the woods. Or ride and sit on the log to kiss. Anything. As long as he could hold her hand and kiss her.

He was ready to leave twenty minutes before the time Erich had given him as proper to leave for her dormitory. He stood by the door waiting impatiently, knowing that it was a social crime to arrive early for your date. She might not be ready yet and feel rushed. But if you were too late, she would become impatient and think you didn’t care. He’d read contemporary romances in addition to his classic readings. Being mistakenly late for a date caused the woman to doubt your desire to be with her. Being too early was a source of irritation. He really had to be careful about this.

He figured being as close to exactly on time would be the best course of action.

Erich finally brought the car around and Liam ran to get in. He sat in the seat fairly bouncing with his impatience as they made the twenty-mile drive into town. True to his word, Erich pulled up in front of the dormitory at five minutes until six. Liam didn’t move. He held his wristwatch in front of his face willing the minutes to tick faster. At one minute before the hour, he jumped out of the car and ran to the dormitory. Meredith had given him directions to her apartment so he could pick up Hana on Saturday. Second floor, second door on the right. He stopped in front of the door and paused to catch his breath. Then he raised his hand and knocked. A moment later, Meredith opened the door and smiled at him.

“You are right on time.” She raised herself on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Handsome man.”

“Beautiful, lovely woman.” She allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the car. Erich, of course, was standing by to open the door for them. Meredith slid in first, only going to the center of the seat, and then pulled her full skirt close to her so Liam wouldn’t sit on it. He slid in next to her and took her hand again.

Their hands fit so perfectly together. He never wanted to let go.

The dress she wore was navy blue with white polka dots. It had a halter top, leaving her arms and shoulders bare. A white trim collar was not at her throat but rather at the rise of her bosom, emphasizing its shape. Red pumps and a red ribbon in her hair matched the red clutch she carried in the hand Liam wasn’t holding.

“You look stunning. Are you sure I’m dressed well enough to be seen with you? I love ... the look. These um ... straps and your ... um ... bare shoulders. I shall be unable to look at anything else all evening.”

“I hope you will look in my eyes. That way I will know it is me that you like and not just my ... dress.”

In a few minutes time, Erich pulled up in front of the large chain restaurant and hurried around the car to hold the door for Liam and Meredith. There was a line waiting to get in but Liam gave the hostess his name and she checked her list. They were led immediately to a table as those who had not made reservations looked at them harshly.

“You have learned how to open doors with just your name.” Meredith grinned at him across the table.

“I just made a reservation. Anyone could have done the same.” He looked at the line outside. A few people turned and left. The others were gradually being seated.

“Perhaps. But the fact that you called and gave your name almost certainly assured you of a table. If the restaurant was reserved to capacity, they would apologize to the next person with a reservation and tell them the previous party had not left yet. That is why you must always be careful of when and how you use your name.”

“Perhaps I could use an alias?”

“If you truly want to see how all the other classes are treated, that would be a good idea.”

“Does no one else get favored treatment?”

“Oh, many people do. Your parents, even without the Cyning name, would be known and moved to the top of the list. I would not be surprised if Lonnie’s name was known well enough to get preferential treatment. And there are some entertainers in the artist class who would be seated immediately.”

Liam had prepared a list of things to talk about should he be unable to think of anything. The couple got through small talk about Meredith’s classes and Liam’s preparations for school in a few weeks. He had received all the clothes from Monsieur LeFevre and from the department store. He wanted to keep conversation going so brought up another topic that had puzzled him.

“Tell me about the other classes. I’ve been doing some reading in our library. There are books there that I never knew about—or at least that never sparked my curiosity. From what I’ve read, I gather there are ten classes but I haven’t gotten into how people are placed in them. Can you enlighten me?”

“Your inquisitive nature is part of the mix that makes up the royal class. It will be seen in your ability to negotiate—as you easily did with Monsieur LeFevre. You effectively got him away from that ghastly blue suit he attempted to put you in and instead to the charcoal pinstripe. Do not mistake that as merely a sales tactic. He was testing you by putting out something in poor taste to see if you would convince him otherwise. You demonstrated your ability as well by your choice of the Alpaca wool for your jacket. Another thing that distinguishes you is your leadership ability. You might create a following and you need to be sure they are people you want in your train. It is not merely your good looks, but your respect for others that will do this.”

“I know most about the royal class through your tutorage. I know a bit about servant class through example. I’ve met politicos and my parents are merchants. You’ve arranged for me to get firsthand exposure to a religious this weekend. I find, though, that I have virtually no knowledge of the other five classes.”

“First of all, the text you have read must have been Roald’s Compendium of Class and History. It is a good book but is a bit out of date. It’s commonly accepted that there are twelve classes now. I suspect there are or will be others added to the list as our society matures and becomes more complex. In addition to the twelve, there are four subclasses which are either temporary or may be subsumed under any of the other classes. For example, what class were you in before your sixteenth birthday?”