The Reckoning by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Read Free Book Online Page A

smile. 'James, that man, Tom Batty – he spoke to me in such a way – he looked at me – as if there were no difference between us. As if we were the same. No-one has ever spoken so to me.’
    He didn't understand. 'We are all equal before God,' he tried.
    ‘ I don't mean that. We are all made equal in God's sight, but He puts us in different places, with different tasks to perform, and different duties and responsibilities. If we don't fulfil them, it makes trouble for everyone. And I've met men who were out of their place – but I've never met a man before who didn't seem to know he had one.' She looked at him, troubled, afraid. 'What will happen if there are others like him? How can we go on, if all the world becomes like that?'
    ‘ It won't happen. You've said yourself that things don't change that much. It's just the time we're living in – every thing's upside down, but it won't stay that way. Things will get back to normal again – it's just a matter of time.’
    The servants had their dinner at noon, and the nursery dinner was served at the same time. When it was finished, Héloïse went up to the day nursery to see her younger son, Benedict. She felt uneasy, afraid. No news had yet come back from Ned, and her mind had been dwelling so on the past that she caught herself listening, jumpily, for the sound of tramping feet outside. In the nursery, with Benedict, she hoped to find distraction for her thoughts.
    One of the problems that had arisen on Father Aislaby's departure was what to do with Benedict and Nicholas, whom he had taught along with the choir boys. A family debate back in February had brought forth the suggestion, from Miss Rosedale, Sophie's former governess, that Nicholas should go to school.
    Héloïse had been instant in her opposition. 'Send him away? Oh no, how could you think it? He's too young!’
    ‘ Surely he isn't strong enough?' Sophie said.
    Edward, who had been to Eton, concurred. 'It is a hard life, you know. There's a good deal of bullying, and Spartan conditions – essential for toughening up the normal lad, I grant you, but Nicholas has never been robust, and he's, well, what I'd call sensitive.' He sounded embarrassed at using the word, but everyone knew he was thinking of Nicholas's attacks of asthma, and the occasional skin rashes, which Dr Ross said were of a nervous origin.
    ‘ In any case,' James said, 'it's far better for the heir to Morland Place to be brought up at home, and learn about his duties from the earliest possible moment.’
    Miss Rosedale waited patiently until they had finished, and then said, 'I didn't mean to Eton. I agree that the regimen there would be too harsh for him. I only meant that he might benefit from going to St Edward's, as a day-boy. He would still be under the proper influence of home, but it would give him a chance to mix with other boys of his own age.'
    ‘ Yes, that would knock a few of the corners off,' Edward said approvingly. 'Oh, very gently, of course,' he added, catching Héloïse's eye.
    She smiled. 'I am not such a foolish, protecting mother as you may think, dear Ned, and I have sometimes thought it a pity he should not have friends of his own age.'
    ‘ Well, at St Edward's he'll meet all sorts,' James said. 'The sons of tenants as well as the sons of neighbours, Yes, I think it's a good idea, Rosey. Let him learn amongst the people he'll command one day – if you think his health is up to it.'
    ‘As long as he's living at home, we can keep an eye on him.'
    ‘ But what about Benedict?' Héloïse said. 'He is too young to go to St Edward's.’
    Miss Rosedale looked around the circle of faces. 'I can teach him here for a year or two, until he's old enough to join his brother – or at least, until you get another chaplain. If you will entrust him to me, that is.'
    ‘ Entrust him to you?' Héloïse said. 'Of course we will! But will you have time, with all the other things you do?’
    Miss Rosedale laughed. 'Time? My dear