Robert entered his next Shakespeare session with a small smile on his face. They would be discussing King Lear today, and although he found it annoying that a play that took place about 2000 years ago would include dukes and earls, let alone the king of France, he appreciated a story set in Britain.

Several drama students fought over the front row, which made sense as they always looked for attention, while Robert chose a seat in the middle of the room. To his surprise, the tall American drama student did not argue for a front seat, but calmly chose a seat behind the front row, off to the side.

Professor Brown suddenly marched into the room, still carrying a great deal of authority despite his age. "All right," he said clearly to the students, "What did you think of King Lear?"

Opening his tablet, Robert quickly pulled out his copy of the play on his e – reader.

A blonde student sitting across from Robert raised her hand. "I think King Learis an idiot. He tells his three daughters he will give them so much of his land based on how much they say they love him. And then he is surprised that two of his daughters take advantage of him, lying so they can receive the land?"

Professor Brown's grey, balding head nodded. "That's definitely one of the lessons of this play. 'Actions speak louder than words.'"

The American student raised her hand. "I'm not certain that the king loved his daughters as he should. A good father should give all of his daughters equal treatment because they are his children, not base his love on such mercenary concerns."

Robert digested that comment for a moment, having never thought about that before. But then, it wasn't that simple. He raised his hand. "But the kingdom was being split into factions anyway, which was common at the time this was set, and those factions are never 'even' no matter how we wish them to be."

A bloke's voice from behind Robert said, "But would King Lear have done what he did if he wasn't suffering from dementia? It's clear even in the first scene that his mind was already disappearing, and the two elder daughters say as much. How can we blame him for something when he wasn't in control of his facilities?

"But was King Lear truly suffering from dementia at that time, or is that just what Goneril and Regan wanted to believe because it served their goals?" A drama student from the front row said. "It seems to me that the two oldest daughters caused their father's dementia because of their behavior."

Professor Brown nodded. "Many people see it that way. The eldest girl's husband husband, the Duke of Albany, said as much in the play."

An English student sitting near Robert raised her hand. "I like the character that is just called 'the fool.' He is the only one who tells the king the truth yet is called a fool for doing so. It's so funny."

Even Robert chuckled at the reality of that statement. "Telling the truth to a king when they don't want to hear it was rather foolish when this was set," he said with a nod.

Suddenly Professor Brown said, "Let us read act two, scene four in class." Robert clicked on the appropriate scene on his e – reader, while several male drama students argued who would read the part of King Lear himself. When the king was chosen, others argued who would read the Fool and the Earl of Kent. A girl with short blonde hair was chosen to read Goneril. Robert was rather surprised that the American drama student was picked to read Regan, especially as she wasn't sitting in the front row, but the bloke who was chosen to play Regan's husband, the Duke of Cornwall, was in the front.

The scene began when the Earl of Kent proved that King Lear's eldest daughter, Goneril, had betrayed him, and the king was extremely cross and heartbroken. Meanwhile, the fool said they shouldn't listen to the king because he was clearly going mad.

Then the American began, and Robert was once again impressed with how quickly she adapted a British accent for reading Shakespeare. "I am glad to see your Highness," the American said in a way that indicated Regan truly was, rather than pretending to be pleased to see her father.

The student playing King Lear said, "'Regan, I think you are; I know the reason I have to think so.

If thou shouldst not be glad, I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb, Sepulchring an adultress.

(To Kent) O Are you free? Some other time for that. Beloved Regan,

Thy sister's naught. O Regan she hath tied

Sharp – tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here!

I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'll not believe

With how depraved a quality – O Regan."' Of course, he sounded completely brokenhearted.

The American student said, "I pray you sir, take patience. I have hope

You know how to value her desert

Than she to scant her duty.''

Lear/student said, "'Say how is that?''

Regan/American said, "'I cannot think my sister in the least

Would fail her obligation. If sir, perchance

She have restrained the riots of your followers,

Tis on such a ground, and tis a wholesome end,

As clears her all from blame.'" She certainly was nice to look at, Robert thought again, as she read the lines, and watched her dark hair offset her pale skin.

Lear/Student said, "My curses on her!" his rage and bitterness against his eldest clear.

Regan/American said, "O sir, you are old!

Nature in you stands on the very verge

Of her confine. You shall be rul'd and led

By some discretion that discerns your state

Better than yourself. Therefore, I pray you

That to our sister you do make return;

Say you have wronged her, sir.'"

Lear/student said, "'Ask her forgiveness?

Do you but mark how this becomes the house

Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.

Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg

That you vouchsafe for me raiment, bed and food."

Regan/American said, "'Good sir no more! These are unsightly tricks

Return you to my sister."' Once again, Robert almost stared at her in fascination, before forcing himself to appear neutral. *

Not only could the American read Shakespeare with a proper rhythm and a British accent, but she was capable of portraying different types of characters. Gertrude was rather weak, but Regan was strong – willed, resilient, and cunning. Besides that, the American drama student gave Regan depth, making it clear Regan cared about her father and sister, even as the villainess pursued her own agenda.

"I know you expect us to sympathize with Regan, at least," another student said to the American after they finished reading the scene, "but I find it difficult to sympathize with someone who treated her father like he was a burden she didn't need, not to mention waged war against her father and youngest sister's army at the end of the play."

The American shrugged, causing her hair to bounce in an attractive way. "I'm not saying what Regan did was right or acceptable. I'm saying we should try to understand that she was struggling with a father who was going mad and a broken family at the same time. It was probably overwhelming for her, although she would never admit it. She wanted reconciliation between her family, while at the same time, accepting that the people no longer accepted her father as a ruler, so she should be able to seize power." Her American accent was a bit jarring to Robert's ears after hearing her speak proper British, but her comment was smart.

The same student who spoke first shook her head and said, "But if Regan wanted 'reconciliation' why would she also try to manipulate her oldest sister as well? It seems to me that Regan only cared about herself."

The American shrugged again, and Robert tried to pretend the movement didn't fascinate him so much. "In a way, that is obviously true. But villian, or villainesses in this case, are never inhuman. I believe she did care about her family, she just let her lust for power and her oldest sister's own manipulations get in the way of what was important."

Everyone paused, thinking about it for a moment.

Eventually, another blonde girl, sitting on the other side of the room raised her hand. "What I think is interesting is that Goneril and Regan are such strong, take – charge women, and there is no reference of witchcraft in this play. Isn't witchcraft usually a part of Shakespeare if the women are determined to 'take control', especially in a sinister way?"

Professor Brown nodded slowly. "Often times that was the case."

Robert nodded, thinking of several examples himself. "That certainly was the case with MacBeth, and I think witchcraft was mentioned in a lot of the strong female roles in Henry VI. Perhaps that was because the setting of King Lear was at a time when paganism, particularly witchcraft was a normal part of life, rather than sinister."

A drama student from the front row raised her hand. "I suppose that fits with strong roles like Juliet, who did everything in her power to honor her marriage to Romeo, or Ophelia, who as we have said before, may have only been pretending to be submissive. But both of them were heroines, rather than villainess."

Robert rolled his eyes to himself at the idea of immature, whiny Juliet as a heroine, but he said nothing.

OOOOOOOOOO

As students prepared to leave, the American student stopped him. "Robert?" she said softly, a bit questioningly.

He nodded, wondering how she remembered his first name, let alone why she was taking time to speak to him. They may be taking the same course, but they lived in completely different worlds.

"That's the second time you've mentioned Henry VI in this course, and you have excellent insight. I think it would be nice if we could study that play together, and it might help me to understand the other plays we read in class."

"I don not believe you need any extra help," he told her honestly, daring to look into her lovely blue eyes. "Your reading of Regan today and insight into her character was great."

Her smile widened at the compliment, and her eyes sparkled in a way that made her appear even more attractive. "Thank you, but sometimes I do miss things. Like your perspective on why King Lear divided his kingdom. I'd really like to understand more and studying Henry VI with you seems like a good way to do that. I know it will add perspective to my midterm, and probably my term paper."

It was clear this American was less frivolous than he'd expected a drama student to be, but Robert still doubted she knew what she was asking. Obviously, she still expected to date every man on the campus, judging by her reputation and the different blokes she entered every time the course met. She wouldn't have time for that much reading. "Henry VI is Shakespeare's longest work," Robert said honestly. "It's actually divided into three different plays."

Two Robert's extreme surprise, her eyes sparkled even more at that answer. "That sounds even better. Are you free Friday afternoon? We could meet in the library."

"Ah… well…," Robert hated it when he made himself look like an idiot in front of a pretty girl. And this was even worse, considering she appeared intelligent in more ways than one. "All right…" he wished he could remember her name, especially as she remembered his.

For some reason she put her slender hand gently on his arm. "Cora," she said softly, as if she wasn't all offended that he couldn't recall it. "My name is Cora."

Nodding, Robert finally relaxed a bit. "Cora," he said with a smile she left the room.

It wasn't a date, of course. Women like Cora dated one type of bloke and read with the serious, intelligent blokes like Robert. Not that he minded being the serious intelligent type. On the contrary, Robert took an enormous amount of pride in the effort he placed on education.

But it didn't hurt to spend time with a pretty girl if she offered. Even if their worlds were too different to actually date.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

On Friday, Cora stood in her dorm room, dressed in a simple, but very pretty, grey skirt that fell just below the knee. She'd been told many times that she had great legs, as she was tall, and her legs were thin. There was no reason why Cora couldn't show them a bit more when she met with Robert today.

"Which blouse should I wear?" she asked Maggie, holding up a silky red one and a royal blue one with tiny white flowers and a lower neckline.

Maggie stared at Cora, confused as she picked up the philosophy books she required for her next course. "Why does it matter? I thought your date wasn't until Saturday night."

Cora shrugged, holding one blouse up to her chest, and then other. It was true that she had another dinner date this weekend, this time with Mark. "Yes, but I'm meeting Robert from my Shakespeare course at the library this afternoon, and there is no harm in looking nice."

Maggie's eyes widened and she smiled. "Especially when you're interested in this 'Robert.'

Cora blushed, which happened frequently as her skin was so pale. "Yes, I suppose I am," she admitted, smiling as she thought of how cute Robert was with his curly brown hair. "So which blouse?"

Maggie inspected both of them carefully before finally saying, "the red one. Save the blue for your second 'meeting.'" She said it in a way that implied their meeting was actually a date, and the idea sent a ripple of excitement through Cora.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The library at Exeter College at Oxford looked old. Father would say it was deteriorating and needed to be completely redone. Cora admitted the outside walls could certainly use a bit of new paint, but the roof was not in danger of caving. And she knew the community would never tolerate one of their proud, historic buildings to be changed. A library that Tolkien had once used himself. And personally, that was fine with Cora.

She honestly loved the old – fashioned architecture of these buildings, and the library looked fine enough, especially with all the beautiful, colorful flowers growing in front of it.

It looked even better today, with the handsome young man with brown, curly hair standing near the door.

"Hello Robert!" Cora said cheerfully, walking even quicker to meet him.

"Hello…Cora," Robert said, firmly, as if he were trying to prove he remembered her name this time. She met his eyes and her smile widened, especially with the way he appeared to admire her outfit.

They found a spot in the corner of the library with a small table and sat down. With that, they opened their e – readers. It took them a couple of moments to find Henry VI, but then they began reading, careful to keep their voices lower than they would in the classroom. Cora was quick to switch her voice to a British accent as she read, while at the same time enjoying Robert's accent, which she was growing more attractive to each time he spoke.

It began with the funeral of the previous king, Henry V, and several English subjects discussing the war in France, then continued with the king of France and 'Joan La Pucelle', and several battle scenes in France with different lords.

"See, where they discuss the white and red roses in act II, scene four, they are actually subtly speaking of the growing feud between the nobles of the houses of York and Lancaster," Robert said, his voice quickening with excitement as they clicked to a new scene. "The white rose was the symbol of the House of York, and the red was the House of Lancaster.

Richard Plantagenet says,

'Since you are tongue – tied and so loathe to speak,

In dumb significance, proclaim your thoughts:

Let him that is a true – born gentleman

And stands up to the honour of his birth,

If he supposed I had pleaded truth,

From off this brier, pick a white rose with me.'

The Earl of Somerset then says,

'Let him that is no coward nor flatterer,

But darer maintain the party of truth,

Pluck a red rose from off the thorn with me.'

And then we have the Earl of Warrick say,

'I love no colors, and without all colour,

Of base insinuating flattery,

I pluck this white rose with Plantagenet.

And the Earl of Suffolk says,

'I pluck the red rose with young Somerset,

And say withal I think he had the right.' **"

Robert grinned as he finished reading, still staring at the screen on his e – reader.

"I suppose that's why it's called 'The War of the Roses,'" Cora said, trying to grasp that they were speaking about a feud, while they appeared to be speaking about which flower that they liked best.

"Quite," Robert nodded, still grinning. "But see how much more subtle Shakespeare begins the feud between the Yorks and the Lancasters, than with the Capulets and the Montagues? Here, they discuss which side they support cleverly, while still trying to sound like civilized people. In Romeo and Juliet, they start babbling about how they hate each other right away, and attack too quickly, too. Not to mention that the Capulets and the Montagues are never clear why they are fighting, while the Yorks and the Lancasters both believe they had a legitimate claim to the throne."

Cora nodded, letting his words sink into her brain. "I definitely see the difference. I suppose that Shakespeare, being English, wished the English to look better than the Italians ." She paused for a moment, hoping Robert wouldn't be offended by that comment.

Slowly he met her eyes and nodded. He didn't smile, but he didn't appear angry.

Thinking about Romeo and Juliet, she thought of another difference. "But then, Henry VI is actually divided into three separate plays. Shakespeare had enough time to explain how the feud began and how it developed slowly. Whereas Romeo and Juliet is one play that takes place in a few weeks. The story jumps right into the middle of the feud, because it's about Romeo and Juliet's love despite it."

Robert looked at her, but still didn't smile. "I still think the Capulets and the Montagues were senseless, and that it's a boring play." Cora wondered if he were just stubborn.

"Ah," Cora said eagerly, many scenes later. "I see what you meant about Henry VI strong women being involved with witchcraft. The French king certainly views Joan La Pucelle as a powerful woman who can help him but here, in act III, scene two, the Earl of Shrewsbury says to her, 'Dare you come forth and meet us in the field?' And Joan says, 'Be like your lordship takes us then for fools. To try that on our own, be yes or no.' And the Earl of Shrewsbury says in reply, 'I speak not to that railing Hecate, But unto thee Alencon' – who is, of course, a duke, 'and the rest; Will ye soldiers, come and fight it out?' And Hecate, of course is the Greek goddess of witchcraft." ***

Robert looked up from his screen to smile at her briefly, and it sent another surge of excitement through Cora. "Quite. That being said, Joan was a historical figure during this war. The French called her 'Joan of Arc, a miracle worker, while we called her a witch."

Cora nodded, glancing from him to her text and back to him. "This is exactly why I wanted to read this with you. Your knowledge adds so much to understanding everything."

They continued reading, taking turns based on different scenes and monologues, when Cora suddenly stopped again, examining the text closely.

"This scene with Joan La Pucelle and the Duke of Burgundy is interesting. She tells him he should change sides, because the English didn't seem to care about him, as they never paid his ransom. So, he agrees!" **** Cora shook her head, not expecting to read that.

She could see Robert's scowl from the corner of her eye, even as she focused on her e – reader. "He was a traitor. He'd promised to support us, and then changed his mind because Joan of Arc spoke pretty words to him. And historically, the Duke of Burgundy had a great reason to be allied with England, as the supporters of the French king, his so – called countrymen, killed his father."

Cora studied him for a moment, adjusting to this new information.

Reading the text silently, Cora thought of something. "But couldn't it be argued that Romeo did the same thing when he married Juliet, even if he killed Tybalt Capulet? A lot of the Montagues would say Romeo was a traitor, by deserting their family."

Shaking his head, the scowl still on his face, Robert said, "It's not the same thing at all. The Montagues and the Capulets were engaging in a ridiculous feud over nothing, while the Duke of Burgundy promised to be our ally, and then changed his mind. I suppose Shakespeare wished to show why not to trust a Frenchmen in that scene. Besides, Romeo didn't wish to desert his family by marrying Juliet, either."

Cora sighed and said calmly, "I didn't say I thought Romeo was a traitor when he married Juliet, Robert. Personally, I think he married her because he loved her, and hoped their families could find peace eventually. I just think some of the Montagues would have thought he was deserting them. When you read plays like this, you should try to understand all the character's perspectives, rather than just your own."

Robert still scowled. He was definitely being stubborn.

"This is taking longer than I thought it would," Cora said a few moments later. "It's almost four o'clock. Teatime. What do you think about going to a tearoom together? There is one just off campus." Her smile widened and her voice quickened at the possibly of doing something social with Robert, even if it was just tea.

Robert stared at her for a moment, his handsome blue eyes blinking. "Ah…yes…that sounds good." It was interesting how different he reacted, depending on the subject. When they discussed Shakespeare, Robert was confident, comfortable, and a bit strong – willed. But anytime Cora spoke of personal issues or even spending more time together, he became flustered and uncertain.

Cora thought it was probably because he was so sincere, as he appeared more honest than some of the other men she'd dated. She liked to believe it was also because Cora was becoming important to him, just as he was becoming important to her. At any rate, it was adorable, causing her smile to grow even more when he struggled to respond.

"Great," she said, standing and picking up her e – reader. Robert did the same.

OOOOOOOOO

Cora inhaled the delicious aroma of spiced tea and baked goods as they entered the small tearoom. There were about ten wooden tables surrounded by large windows, which showed the city in the background and the college in the distance.

They mutually agreed on the table furthest from the door, similar to their small table in the corner of the library. "So, you like afternoon tea?" Robert said as they sat down. His voice was far more confident than it was when she first suggested the outing, but nowhere near as confident as when they discussed Shakespeare and history. Cora wondered if he may be trying to appear more assured than he was.

"You mean because I'm American?" She laughed gently, showing she wasn't offended by the implied assumption, and looked directly into his blue eyes, hoping to make him more comfortable. "You'd be surprised how many British traditions I've already adapted, after only living here a year. Afternoon tea is one of them."

Robert smiled in response to that. "That's great."

"Sometimes I get homesick," she sighed, "but overall, I really like it here. I do miss my family the most, of course," she said. For some reason, speaking of more personal matters felt natural. Was it the little corner table in the tearoom? Was it because they'd already spent half the afternoon together? Or was there something about Robert's sincerity that made Cora want to confide in him?

"You would think I wouldn't miss my father, considering he works so much I never see him when I'm at home, but" she shook her head. "Sometimes I miss knowing he's nearby."

Robert nodded.

Cora opened her mouth to say more when a waitress interrupted.

Robert ordered a cup of earl grey and a scone, while Cora ordered raspberry tea and a scone.

"I honestly wish I could see more of my brother," Cora said with a sigh when the waitress left. "He's only sixteen, and in the last couple of years, has made some questionable choices. He likes showing off our father's money in ways that get him into trouble. I know I'm not responsible for him or his choices, but…it's difficult to remember that when he gets into another mess." The pictures from Harold's latest wild party flashed through her mind, and once again, Cora hoped there were no consequences this time.

"I understand," Robert said softly. "I…ah, have a younger sibling, too. Rosamund. I've always felt responsible for her, even though she's quick to tell me I don't need to be."

He sighed, trying to conceal his worry, but somehow Cora saw it hidden in his eyes. Maybe it was the universal bond of older siblings. She ached to comfort him. She wished to run her hands through his curly brown hair, but she knew that was impossible given the setting.

She settled for reaching across the table to squeeze his hand.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"… And I cannot decide whether I like theater or film better," Cora said, much later as she sipped her raspberry tea. Robert appeared much more relaxed, sipping his earl grey. "Last year I took a course on theater, and then there is the Shakespeare." Robert smiled at the same time in response to that. "But now I'm taking a course on film, and we're talking about its history and purpose…It was rather exciting."

Robert took another sip of his tea and nodded. "The course on the War of the Roses I took last semester was fascinating, but so is the course this semester on World War II. Winston Churchill verses Neville Chamberlain, the Blitz, George VI…it has so many different facets." His voice was smooth and confident again, like it always was when he discussed history and Shakespeare.

"I wish I was confident about my chemistry course, though," Cora said with a sigh as she finished the last of her tea. "I'm afraid I may struggle on the midterm." Sciences had never been a strong point for her, but it was required at Oxford.

"My roommate is majoring in science," Robert said causally. "He might be willing to help you. Would you like me to ask?"

"Yes, please."

"I will ask him right away, so I don't forget," Robert said with a smile, taking out his phone. He quickly sent a text.

"And we have to read Julius Caesar for our next Shakespeare session," Robert said a few moments later, finishing the last of his tea.

Cora nodded and giggled a little. "I suppose you're disappointed its not another one that's set in Britain."

Robert shrugged giving a small smile in return. "A little, but there is a lot to discuss with Julius Caesar, anyway."

"So, it's better than Romeo and Juliet?" she said with another giggle. She hoped he didn't mind a bit of teasing. He appeared rather serious.

Standing up, Robert said, "Definitely. Although you have given me more appreciation for Romeo and Juliet with your comparisons to Henry VI." He said it softly, but she felt her face warm in response.

Cora had a feeling that was an enormous compliment from him, and it wasn't just her face that felt it. "Thank you," she said just as softly. "So, you'd be interested in reading more Henry VI together next week?" she asked as she stood up herself.

"Quite," Robert said with another nod.

*The Tragedy of King Lear Act II, scene 4 by William Shakespeare. wwwdotopensourceshakespearedotorg

**Henry VI Part I , Act II, Scene 4 by William Shakespeare. wwwdotopensourceshakespeareorg

*** ibid, Act III, Scene two.

****ibid, Act III, Scene three.