Shakespeare's Changeling

“Good day, sir. May I help you find a particular book today?”

“N-no, I-I’m not here to buy a book,” he stammered. “My name is William Shaxper and I’ve come to see my friend, Richard Field.”

“Ah yes, Richard told us all about you,” she said. “Your friend is a very hard worker.”

“He always worked hard, especially in school. But as for myself, I cannot say the same.”

“I’m sure you’re being modest, sir. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jacqueline Vautrollier, proprietor of this shop.”

“You own this shop?”

“My husband and I are partners in marriage and in business. Why do you look so surprised?” she laughed. “I’m sure there are marriages in Stratford.”

“Yes, but no publishing partnerships. Most of Stratford’s women are housewives.”

“Most of London’s female publishers are widows, which is a fate we all hope to avoid since we are married to our work. Oh, but it’s time for Monsieur’s medicine. Richard!” she called. “Your friend from Stratford is here. Come and visit while Monsieur and I take our herbs.”

When the couple had gone, the two sworn brothers from the country school in Stratford greeted each other with friendly fisticuffs.

“Why, Willy Nilly!” Richard shouted. “I can’t believe you’re finally here!”

“I haven’t heard that nickname in years, Dickie.”

“But look at you. Where in God’s name did you get that doublet?”

“I stole it from a corpse.”

“God’s blood, you didn’t!”

“Well, that’s partly true. Mister Houghton left it to me in his will.”

“Alexander Houghton of Lea Hall, the man who hired us to sing?”

“The same. He stipulated that I make good use of it. Well, what do you think? Have I followed his wishes?”

 “He certainly left you well suited,” Richard quipped. “Remember that secret maze of tunnels under his house and how we celebrated Mass underground? We were so young and foolhardy, toying with the authorities who would have arrested us in the middle of our prayers.”

“How true,” William sighed. “It seems like another lifetime. But since then, I’ve made some exciting new plans.”

“I know. I’ve been fascinated by your letters. Why the sudden change in your career? Will you be moving Anne and the family to London?”

“Not exactly. I’ll explain everything in a moment. But I can see you’ve been secretive, too. Your letters rambled on about your success, but you never mentioned anything about the beautiful Jacqueline Vautrollier.”

“She’s a good wife. She takes excellent care of my master. He hasn’t been well lately, but his condition is improving.”

“It sounded serious in your letters. Maybe you’ll get lucky and he’ll die and you can take over the shop.”

“Quiet, Willy, she’ll hear you. Show some respect. She’s my master’s wife, for God’s sake.”