31 Plays in 31 Days, #12 - “Not Canonized”

[breakinglight11]

Another exchange between Justin and Nathaniel in letters that will punctuate the events of the story. The relationship between the brothers has always been one I’ve found interesting, given the push-pull of affection and antagonism. I really enjoy writing the tension of that between them, which is one of the reasons I wanted a letter exchange between the two of them to act as a framing device when I finally told one of Justin’s adventures. Also by the time of this communication, 1889, they are both a bit older, thirty-four and thirty-seven, and have evolved since their last major interaction in Mrs. Hawking part III: Base Instruments in June 1883. I want to maintain the fundamental way they are with each other while tempering it with those intervening experiences. Nathaniel in particular has been through a lot in those six years and has changed in a lot of ways.

This takes place at some point following #10 - “On Your Terms” and #11 - “Need Someone” . So this scene is in response to Nathaniel hearing about those events, and specifically attempts to factor in the evolution of the characters and their relationship.

Nathaniel’s Kipling reference is over a decade too early. I will eventually cut it.


Photo by John Benfield

Day #12 - “Not Canonized”
From The Libertine Abroad
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

Rome and London, 1889

JUSTIN HAWKING, a liberated gentleman, late thirties
NATHANIEL HAWKING, his younger brother and business partner, mid thirties
~~~

NATHANIEL: Did you mean that? What you said to your man?

JUSTIN: I’m a rake, not a liar. Are you surprised?

NATHANIEL: I never could tell. If it wounded only your pride, or something else.

JUSTIN: I’m not like Morgan, or you. I don’t believe there’s just one someone I’m meant to walk the way with. But… there are some that left their mark. And when they don’t leave the same… well.

NATHANIEL: You never liked to talk about it.

JUSTIN: You never liked to hear about it. Though I can’t say that I blame you.

NATHANIEL: I suppose in my old age I’ve gained a little perspective on the matter. And it has been thirteen years. She’s hardly pining across the moors for Heathcliff.

JUSTIN: Oh, really? You’re ready for any gory details then, are you?

NATHANIEL: I said I’ve grown, not been canonized.

(JUSTIN laughs.)

NATHANIEL: I must say, I’m glad that you can speak it your man that way. I envy it, honestly.

JUSTIN: I take it you can’t talk to Chapman?

NATHANIEL: Oh, well, you know I inherited him. He’s still Uncle’s man, really, not mine. But it’s more… I know you’re rather the cat who walks by himself. I’m glad you’ve got someone you can count on, when you need him.

JUSTIN: Are you saying you worry for me?

NATHANIEL: Well. I do hating thinking of you out there all alone.

JUSTIN: Goodness, my baby brother worries for me. I suppose that makes it more bearable how desperately you envy me.

NATHANIEL: Envy you? Not a chance.

JUSTIN: Not even a bit?

NATHANIEL: Not even a bit.

JUSTIN: Oh, really? And why then, did you have that letter of mine out on your desk where my sweet nephew could find it?

(Pause.)

NATHANIEL: I told you. I’m not canonized.