Chapter 44: The Big Wine Glass Bar
After William left, he sat in his car and sent a text message to Tina, telling her he had something to do today but would take her out to see London soon.
Driving his Porsche 911, William eventually found the bar, called 'The Big Wine Glass,' tucked away in a small lane in the Mayfair district. It was surprisingly hard to find. Walking into the small establishment, William wondered why on earth Gary had chosen a place that looked more like a rustic country pub than a bar in the heart of London.
William took a seat at the bar and ordered a glass of Irish whiskey. It was only 2 o'clock, so there were just a few other people inside. To pass the time, William started playfully teasing the beautiful bartender.
The bartender told William that the bar was founded in the 1950s and was the second oldest pub in the Mayfair district.
She also pointed out the portraits of several 18th-century politicians on the wall. William turned to look and recognized one immediately. Hanging alone above the fireplace was a portrait of the famous Winston Churchill.
William and the beautiful bartender chatted about the bar's history and other fun trivia. She would frequently cover her mouth and laugh at his jokes. He was so engrossed in their conversation that he didn't notice Gary and several others walk in.
When Gary came in, he saw William chatting up the beautiful bartender. He shrugged at the seven or eight people with him, a speechless expression on his face. He never realized William Devinshire was such a flirt. Ever since selling his game, it was like he was a different person. He used to be quiet and introverted, but now, wherever he went, you could find him hitting on girls.
"Hey, William."
William turned around and saw Gary walk in with a group of seven or eight people. The men, both black and white, were all dressed impeccably in gentlemanly suits. At first glance, William recognized the future King of England, Prince Charles, and his 19-year-old son, Prince Wilson.
William nodded and greeted everyone.
Gary made the introductions. "Everyone, this is William Devinshire."
"William, I don't think I need to introduce these two: Prince Charles and his son, Prince Wilson."
Who in England didn't know the two princes? William nodded to them both. "Of course. Who doesn't know Prince Charles and Prince Wilson? It's a pleasure to meet Your Highnesses."
Prince Charles shook William's hand with a nod and a smile. "I'm also glad to meet you, William. But you're mistaken. Right now, *you're* the most famous person in London. I don't think there's anyone in the city who doesn't know your name. The newspapers and television have been all about you these days. When Wilson learned you would be at this gathering today, he insisted on coming to meet you. It's fortunate he's just reached the age where he can come to a bar. William, I'd like to invite you to be a guest at our home sometime. Harry is also a big fan of yours, but unfortunately, he's not old enough to join us here."
"It would be my honor, Your Highness."
William then shook hands with Prince Wilson.
The young prince held William's hand excitedly. "William, I'm a huge fan! Harry and I both admire you so much, especially the fact that you made that game all by yourself. It amazed me and my friends. We really love the game you created. Unfortunately, my younger brother and I have been playing for days and we can't get past the fourth level. Would you be willing to come over to my house, William? We could play games together. I really want to see what's after level four. If you can come to Kensington Palace, I think Harry and I would be thrilled."
William smiled at the second heir to the throne, who, unlike in his previous life, was not yet bald. He nodded and promised, "Of course. I would be delighted to be a guest at your home, Your Highness."
"Then it's settled! How about tomorrow? It's the weekend, so Harry and I don't have school. And you can call me Wilson, and I'll call you William, alright?"
William thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay, Your Highness, that would be my honor. I will visit you tomorrow at 10 a.m. sharp."
"Great! It's a date then, William." In this world, the relationship between Prince Charles and Princess Diana was very good. They had no family problems, so the childhoods of Prince Wilson and Prince Harry were happy and stable. As a result, Prince Wilson was still a bit boyish, but from their brief conversation, William found him to be very genuine. He took an immediate liking to the shy prince.
Gary continued with the introductions. "This is Commander Richard Bromhead, of the London Police."
"Hello, Commander Richard."
"Hello, William."
Gary went on, "This is Arthur, Harry Hart, Merlin, and this is Johnny English."
*Ha, Johnny English,* William thought. *Isn't that Rowan Atkinson from the spy movies?* He recognized the other names from the *Kingsman* films.
Arthur, the leader of the Kingsman; Harry Hart, a senior agent and instructor; Merlin, the technical expert. *What are these guys doing here?* William wondered. *Am I looking for trouble?*
William smiled and greeted the agents. Johnny English covered his mouth with his hand and yawned with boredom. William watched him, thinking he really did look and act just like Rowan Atkinson. He was so easy to recognize.
"Well, since everyone knows each other now, shall we head to the cigar room in the back for a drink?" Gary proposed.
"An excellent idea. I was about to fall asleep," Mr. English said, shaking his head.
Prince Wilson, encountering his father's drinking buddies for the first time, looked at his dad helplessly. He couldn't understand how his father knew such a rude man, and they even seemed to be close friends.
Prince Charles chuckled and explained to Wilson and William, "That's just how Johnny is. But once you get to know him, you'll find he's actually a very interesting person. He always brings us joy. My son, this is your first time at a bar, so I'll have to keep a close eye on you. If you go home drunk, your mother will give me trouble, and I don't want to end up sleeping in the study tonight."
William followed the quintessential gentleman, Prince Charles, to a two-story Gothic building behind the pub. He now realized that the bar out front was just a façade; *this* was the real 'The Big Wine Glass' bar.
Compared to the pub out front, the bar here was far more retro. The room was filled with medieval furnishings and decorations. Inside, there were only waiters and a bartender, but no other guests.
Prince Charles explained to William, "This is a members-only establishment, William. You need a membership to enter. If you like it, you can get one yourself. There are two tiers of membership here. Ordinary membership is only £3,000 a year. Premium membership is £10,000. Members can enjoy the house-brewed whiskey and beer for free. Other drinks have a charge, but the whiskey here is still very good."
Well, that wasn't too expensive; it was more of a private club for a small circle. William decided to become a member. After tasting the whiskey they poured, which was even better than the Irish whiskey he had just drunk, his decision was sealed. The taste was excellent. The owner of this place must be very rich.
William called a waiter over and used his card to purchase a premium membership. He had a feeling he'd be coming here often.
William and Wilson sat together, exchanging tips about video games. William also asked about many of the traditional English noble sports: fox hunting, golf, tennis, polo, snooker, cricket, and kayaking. These were all traditional aristocratic pastimes, but now, with the exception of polo and fox hunting, they were popular among the common people as well.
The aristocracy was no longer a lofty, untouchable class, but their influence was still deeply rooted in society.
The two chatted for a while, and Prince Wilson invited William to join them for a fox hunt in the autumn. William was interested and nodded in agreement, but he knew that to go fox hunting, he'd need a horse and a good shotgun.
William made a mental note to find time to learn to ride. It would be shameful to show up with poor equestrian skills.
"Hey, William, are you interested in joining our card game?" Gary called out.
William turned and saw that, except for him and Prince Wilson who were chatting at the bar, everyone else was sitting at a large round table, waiting for the beautiful dealer to deal the cards.
He thought about it for a moment, then got up and walked over with his glass.
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