‘ It is not my place to say , sir .’
‘ True . The man is a gentleman , a war hero , and an insufferable arse . My … associate Edward hates him with a passion that could fuel her majesty ’ s factories and refineries for a thousand years .’ He groaned and clutched the edge of the desk .
‘ Sir ? Are you- ’
He nodded quickly . ‘ I am … sometimes unwell . But it will pass .’ He sat up straight again , but it was clear he was still in discomfort . ‘ That ’ ll be all for tonight , boy . Good night .’
door .
‘ Sir ,’ I said . I got to my feet and backed to the
As I closed it behind me , I heard him groan and say , ‘ Let me rest . Just one night .’
The kitchen was empty when I returned .
Mary and her maids were housed in another building down the road and must all be there asleep or knitting or whatever it is young women do when they ’ re not working .
The cook had kindly left a bowl of stew out for me , and I wolfed it down . Mother , it was not as good as the stew you made , but it did the job . Thinking now of eating stew with you pains me , and I must continue writing , or I will be consumed by thoughts of home and be sunk by melancholy .
After the stew , to my shame , I stole a small tot from the PM ’ s whiskey bottle before bed and then I
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