The Flyer by Stuart Harrison Read Free Book Online Page B

you mean? Why shouldn’t he?’
    Suddenly, he didn’t know what to tell her. Every perception she had of him was wrong. No doubt she imagined he came from a reasonably well-to-do village family, that his father was perhaps a doctor or something. How would she react when she discovered that he was the penniless son of a blacksmith? And what would her father think?
    William was ashamed of himself for concealing the truth. He was certain that Emmaline wouldn’t care about his background. After all, he would have a degree from Oxford one day, and then he would be able to begin a respectable career. Perhaps once her father met him and saw what sort of person he was he wouldn’t care where he came from. He decided that he would tell Emmaline the truth about himself, but he would wait until he had the time to explain everything to her properly.
    ‘I simply mean that I shouldn’t think any father approves of a fellow his daughter wants him to meet,’ William joked.
    ‘Well, he’ll just have to get used to the idea,’ Emmaline laughed.
     
    *****
     
    During their final two years at Oundle the boys were given a room of their own. William’s was small, just large enough for a narrow bed and a desk at which to study. A few days before the Easter holidays there was a knock at the door, and when he opened it a third year boy told him that there was a gentleman to see him.
    When he went to the office where the daily running of the school was managed, he was asked to wait. Shortly a man in his forties emerged from the headmaster’s rooms.
    ‘Ah, there you are Reynolds.’ The headmaster turned to his guest. ‘I’ll leave you to introduce yourself, shall I?’
    ‘Yes, thank you.’
    The man regarded William curiously for a moment. There was no warmth in his expression.
    ‘This is rather a strange situation, William,’ he said. ‘My name is Mark Gardner. I’m your uncle. Your headmaster tells me the library is generally empty at this time of day. Why don’t you show me where it is and we can talk there.’
    In the library they sat at a reading table beside the window. William was still trying to get used to the idea that he had an uncle.
    ‘I imagine this has come as something of a surprise to you,’ Gardner said.
    ‘Yes, sir, it has.’
    ‘I take it my father… your grandfather, didn’t discuss his family with you?’
    ‘No, sir.’
    ‘I see. Well, your mother was my sister. You take after her in your looks,’ Gardner said. ‘My father said that you did. In fact, he’s the reason that I’m here. I’m afraid I have some rather bad news. Your grandfather died last month.’
    Though he couldn’t claim to have had any great feeling for his grandfather, William was surprised at the effect his uncle’s news had. His grandfather had been a tangible connection to the memory of his mother, and his death already seemed to make her more distant. William realised his uncle was watching his reaction, and he put his own feelings aside, remembering that Gardner had lost his father. ‘I’m very sorry for your loss,’ he said.
    ‘Thank you.’
    An awkward silence fell between them. Gardner looked about the room. ‘This place reminds me of my own schooldays. Your headmaster tells me that you’ve done very well here. I understand you’ve been offered a scholarship to go up to Oxford. Have you decided what you would like to study?’
    ‘Your father suggested law.’
    ‘Did he? You wish to become a solicitor?’
    ‘I’m not certain. But your father thought that a law degree would be a good basis for whatever career I choose.’
    ‘I see. And will your scholarship cover all your expenses?’
    ‘No, I would need money to live on. Your father had generously promised me an allowance.’
    ‘He told you that?’
    ‘Yes.’ William began to feel uneasy about his uncle’s questions, wondering where they were leading.  
    Gardner got up and stood looking out of the window. ‘My father didn’t come here very often did