The Monsoon by Wilbur Smith Read Free Book Online

Tom. Although twins ran strongly in the Courtney line, and each generation usually threw up at least one set, Tom and Guy were not identical. To the contrary. They were different in almost every way that Hal could divine.
    Guy was by far the better-looking of the two, with delicate, rather feminine features, and a graceful body that yet lacked the physical power and force of Tom’s. In nature he was cautious to the point of timidity, yet he was bright and intelligent, with the ability to apply himself to even the most repetitive tasks with all his attention.
    Hal did not have the gentry’s usual disdain for merchants and moneylenders, and had no qualms in encouraging one of his sons to make a career in that direction.
    He recognized that Guy might be best suited to such a life.
    It was hard to imagine him as a warrior or a sailor. Hal frowned.
    There were numerous openings in John Company for clerks and secretaries, safe, secure jobs that could lead to swift advancement, especially for a bright, industrious young man whose father was a governor of the Company.
    He would speak to Childs next week when they met.
    Hal intended to leave for London early the following morning, directly after he had seen William wed safely to Lady Alice, and the transfer of her dowry into the Courtney estate. The horses were standing ready and Big Daniel and Aboli could have them harnessed to the coach and on the way within an hour of Hal calling for them. Even at their best speed, though, it would take at least five days to get up to London and the quarterly meeting of the Company board was due to be held on the first day of next month.
    I will have to take the boys with me, he thought suddenly, and it was a measure of his concern that he made that decision. It would be tempting providence to leave them at High Weald with William as master of the estate, and himself not there to mediate and protect. Even Dorian had best come, he decided.
    He looked down fondly at his youngest son, perched beside him on the pew, and received in return a sunny, adoring smile. Dorian wriggled a little closer to him on the hard oak bench. Hal felt strangely moved by the contact of that small body. He placed a casual hand on the boy’s shoulder. It’s too early to tell how this one will turn out, he thought, but it seems that he might have all the good points of the others and fewer of their weaknesses. But it is still far too soon to tell.
    At that moment he was distracted by the organ music as it burst dramatically into the bridal march. Then there was a rustle and hum as the congregation turned in their seats and strained for a first glimpse of the bride.
    Although the sun was not yet clear of the treetops, and only a few stray rays were catching the high Lgables and towers of the big house, the entire household turned out to see them away to London, from William with his new bride at his side, Ben Green the estate steward, Evan the house-steward, right down to the lowest kitchen maid and groom.
    In order of seniority they were marshalled down the main staircase that led up to the front doors, and the servants were gathered in orderly ranks on the front lawn. Big Daniel and Aboli were on the coachman’s box, and the horses were snorting steam from their nostrils in the morning chill.
    Hal embraced William briefly, while Alice, pink and glowing with happiness and love, clung adoringly to her new husband’s arm. On their father’s instructions the boys lined up unsmiling behind him to shake their elder brother’s hand and then, whooping with excitement, raced each other down to the waiting carriage.
    “Can I ride up with Aboli and Big Daniel?” Tom pleaded, and his father nodded indulgently.
    Me, too?” Dorian danced beside him.
    “You ride in the coach with me and Mr. Walsh.” Mr. Walsh was their tutor, and Dorian faced four days of captivity with him and his books, Latin, French and arithmetic.
    “Please, Father, why can’t I?” Dorian demanded, then