Spoiled Read Free Page B

that he knew about pottery; had shown him how to handle it correctly and with knowledge. He had also encouraged the boy not to feel sorry for himself because of his circumstances. ‘You don’t know how fortunate you are,’ Warrener had said on one occasion when Michael had been inclined to bemoan his fate. ‘Some
of the fellows you attend school with are constrained by their position, and will one day be obliged to rule over estates whether they care to do so or not. You are free from such obligations.’
    Yes, he had not been subject to those constraints; but there had been others. It had been partly to please his stepfather that he had decided to take orders, for example, and he had gone to Oxford to study for his degree. There he had kicked over the traces a little, spent some time with a wild set and frightened himself by losing a large sum of money in gaming. The following night, he had managed to recoup his losses and had resolved never to gamble again, a resolve to which he had adhered without ever having been tempted to do otherwise.
    While at university, he had also discovered that he was attractive to women. He was not personally vain, but he could interpret what he saw in the mirror and had begun to realize from his late adolescence that ash-blond hair combined dramatically with black, well-arched brows, chiselled features and a fine physique together produced a package that was appealing to women. He might think his looks rather peculiar, but this did not seem to deter them; quite the contrary. For a time, as part of his rebellion after leaving home, he had made the most of his sexual appeal. Then he had discovered that the indulgence of this particular appetite broke hearts. At much the same time, he realized that to be a womanizer was not fitting behaviour for a clergyman. Thereafter he had taken great care to be moderate and discreet in satisfying his physical needs.
    He had finally managed to gain a more than respectable degree and had taken up his curacy with the air of a man shouldering an unpleasant duty. To his surprise, he had found much satisfaction in visiting people, listening to their problems and having them refer to him in time of need. He had even found that the creative part of his mind gained pleasure from writing sermons! Then, not once but twice, and not entirely through his own fault, everything had come crashing down upon his head. He had no idea what he would do if the bishop declared that he must be unfrocked. His stepfather would be horrified and he himself would be denied the means of earning a livelihood which would support his sister in time to come.
    Needing to shake off the constraint of behaving like a clergyman, he returned to the modest inn where he was staying and pulled off the high stock that he was wearing. Then, with the neck of his shirt raffishly open, he sauntered out into the street. Everywhere he looked he seemed to see carefree faces. Did anyone have the threat of disgrace hanging over them as did he?

    Suddenly, on this dull day amid the drab stonework and serviceable walking clothes, he saw a flash of pink. An entrancingly beautiful young woman in a most unsuitable gown was walking down the street accompanied by her maid. She had lustrous fair hair and he would have been prepared to bet that her eyes were blue. Her gown and pelisse fitted her admirably, bringing out the sculptured perfection of her figure. The vivid shade of what she was wearing contrasted strongly with her surroundings. It was as if an artist, having executed a pen and ink sketch, suddenly decided to add a perfect rose in oils.
    Who was she? Briefly, he wondered whether she could possibly be a street-walker. He dismissed this idea almost as soon as it came into his mind. Her maid was with her for one thing. For another, her carriage was elegant and graceful rather than bold, and her gown expensive rather than tawdry. Her very loveliness made him want to smile. Then she turned and saw