Time Story (v1.0) by Unknown Author

Author:Unknown Author
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

Joel MacReady had the face of a ferret.

‘What would you suggest we do with young Amiss?’ he asked Mr Cuthbert at their weekly private conclave. ‘Insofar as staff relations are concerned, he seems to be causing some difficulty…’

‘Yet it’s hardly his fault,’ enjoined Mr Cuthbert, scratching his pate. ‘He is quite the most promising youth I have ever trained. I cannot comprehend his dedication, but there is no denying it. I had to order him to take time off, he is swift, efficient, his mind is quick, he remembers his functions to perfection. Yet…’

He spread almost-pudgy hands helplessly.

‘What is your personal opinion of the man, Cuthbert?’

‘I have hardly been able to form one. He is so secretive. So bound up into his work, as though he has poured his spirit into it. He does not seem to have other interests, although I heard scurrilous rumours about his adventures with a young lady in the City during the Winter Holiday. I suppose it is possible that he is ambitious…?’

Mr MacReady smiled sharply, moustache bristling.

‘Both of us were once likewise, Mr Cuthbert. And as I recall, I cannot claim to have been popularly loved. People who see somewhere to go are disliked by the rest.’

‘But what do we do, Mr MacReady?’ Cuthbert gestured helplessly. ’The situation is bad. It is exacerbated by his evident efficiency. Already I have given him duties which in a strict sense exceed in importance those of his immediate superiors, some of whom have served here for years. Naturally, they resent him for it, and his sudden manner scarcely assists!’

Mr MacReady dabbed his narrow head up and down as though cogitating upon this information. ‘I suggest,’ he said, ’that we recommend him to the Master for Honourable Transfer to another Household in a capacity of junior authority. He is very young to gain guild status and thus increase his wer, but it might be the most suitable solution, do you not agree?’

The Courtman’s voice was quiet, but the subordinate detected a submarine current of enthusiasm. Emergent sun entered the wide window, splashed the walls yellow. ‘Who knows,’ the Courtman continued, ’one day he might be a High Courtman, fit to attend the Father. I would always feel honoured to have recognised and assisted embryonic genius when it most required nurturing and encouragement!* Mr Cuthbert enthused cautiously.

’That would indeed solve our problems,’ he acknowledged. ‘But - Honourable Transfers don’t grow on trees!’ The span of the Courtman’s face increased considerably as he smiled. ‘I have some friends,’ he said. ’Over the Winter Holiday I guested with Thomas Christabel at North Thamesside.’ He nodded with remembered satisfaction. The man selects a very excellent cellar! But, yes - I mentioned Amiss to ibim, and he expressed interest. His present Under Courtman is deficient in etiquette and attitude. I did warn him that the temper of this young man is glacial, and as he said correctly, Courtmen must always preserve their appropriate dignity.*

Mr MacReady stretched with satisfaction, thin-bodied beneath his braided wool robe, morning-wear.

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