Summerhills (Ayrton Family Book 2) by Stevenson D. E

Author:Stevenson, D. E. [Stevenson, D. E.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Endeavour Media
Published: 2019-01-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

1.

Roger was always reluctant to leave Amberwell, but this time he was even more reluctant than usual—so very reluctant that he began to toy with the idea of sending in his papers, of retiring and settling down comfortably and attending to his duties as laird. He had thought of it before once or twice but he was doubtful if there would be enough to do to keep him busy and to employ his boundless energy. It was difficult to decide, for on the one hand he hated leaving home but on the other he was keenly interested in his profession and all it entailed.

Once he was back with his regiment, Roger felt happier. He was popular with his brother officers and received a warm welcome. They all wanted to know what he had been doing and were interested to hear about the school. Those with young sons or nephews were very interested indeed.

Letters from home arrived frequently. Arnold wrote twice a week reporting good progress, asking advice and showing admirable keenness. Mr. Strow’s letters were disgruntled; he hoped Major Ayrton would not be disappointed when he saw the big dormitory. Major Ayrton would remember that his plans for the apartment had been to make a new window facing south. Mr. Maddon had altered quite a number of the original plans—including the plan for the door into the changing-room—and Mr. Strow had been surprised to find that the builders had begun to construct a hatch at the far end of the dining room. Would Major Ayrton write at once and say whether he approved.

Nell wrote as usual—she always wrote to Roger when he was away—but her letters were concerned with Amberwell and she scarcely mentioned Summerhills except to say that things seemed to be going on quite well. Mary’s letters interested Roger most of all for not only were they full of detailed information about the work but they were also very amusing; Mary was an onlooker at the battle between the architect and the headmaster and saw most of the game.

You asked me to support Arnold, (wrote Mary) but Arnold does not need any support. He is standing up to Mr. Strow on his own. If they disagree—which happens frequently—Arnold merely refers to the fact that he has been given carte blanche and if this does not settle the matter he suggests that Mr. Strow should write to you. It is amusing to watch Mr. Strow’s face (which shows his feelings very plainly). He would like to tell Arnold to go to blazes and walk out with his head in the air, but then he remembers his fees and decides not to. Personally I think it would be a good thing if Mr. Strow took the huff; we could manage very well without him. He is not very good at his job. Did you ever notice his ears? They are stuck closely on to his head in a very odd way. I noticed it yesterday when he and Arnold were arguing about my hatch.

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