Sarum - Edward Rutherfurd [552]
He wondered what Forest wanted with him.
He was ushered by a footman into a small room overlooking the gardens behind the house, which Forest used as a study. Lord Forest was standing in front of the fire, grey-haired, very thin and erect.
Canon Porteus was standing beside him.
Forest greeted him courteously, then asked the two men to sit while he remained where he was. He came straight to the point.
“You know of your family’s long association with us,” he said pleasantly. “And so you will know that my questions are not directed by any malice.” He gave a shrewd glance towards Porteus as he said this. In fact Forest had never forgiven Adam Shockley for refusing his offer; but he had nothing against the young man now before him. “You know I am also,” he continued, “a governor of your school.”
Ralph had forgotten. It was only a small private school, one of several in Salisbury which had sprung up in recent years, while the choristers’ school had somewhat declined. The fact that, technically, it had a board of governors at all was something which both the school and the governors themselves, who included Forest and the old bishop, had almost forgotten. Five years before, he could have bought the school himself if Porteus had been prepared to advance him the money; but though Frances had urged the idea, the canon had refused.
“There is still, I fear, a certain instability in his character,” he explained, “that makes me feel he is not yet ready for such a responsibility.”
Ralph gazed at Forest now, wondering what was coming.
“I understand you hold certain views,” Lord Forest went on. “Radical views.”
“Such as reform of the rotten boroughs. And I support Mr Fox. Is that what you mean?”
Forest bowed pleasantly.
“I am proud to know Mr Fox very well,” he said suavely. Canon Porteus looked aghast. “Though I by no means always agree with him.” He looked at Ralph thoughtfully. “You also hold republican views?”
“That is my affair,” Ralph snapped.
“Quite so. And there I propose to leave it,” Forest replied equably.
Porteus frowned. Ralph looked at them both.
“Is that all?”
“Almost.” Forest gazed at the ceiling for a moment. “These are difficult times, Mr Shockley,” he went on. “The possibility of a French invasion is always with us. In such circumstances, a man, whatever his views, must be wise.” He paused. “May I have your assurance that, whatever may be your private reflections on these matters, you will not seek to express them to your pupils in the school? You understand me I am sure.”
He did indeed. Nor had he, as far as he could remember, ever tried to convert his pupils to his point of view. Normally he would not have hesitated to agree.
But it was the sight of Porteus, sitting smugly opposite, his own brother-in-law who had obviously taken all this trouble to humiliate him, that infuriated Ralph.
“Do you mean that, even if I am asked my opinion, I should lie?” he asked coldly.
And now Porteus burst out.
“It means, sir, that you will keep your seditious treason to yourself! That you will not attempt to infect the minds of your charges with your infamy.”
“Enough, Porteus,” Lord Forest said mildly but firmly.
But now Ralph was pale with rage. This was just the tyranny he despised.
“I am not obliged to give any undertakings whatever,” he answered furiously.
“Ha!” It was an explosion, half of triumph, half of rage that broke from Porteus.
“Are you sure, Mr Shockley, that you would not prefer to consider this matter?” Forest asked.
“There is nothing to consider.”
Forest sighed.
“Very well. I must tell you Mr Shockley that in my view it would be unwise – most unwise – for you to continue at your post for the time being. Tempers run high on these matters, you know. We must be prudent. I shall speak to the other governors, but you should consider yourself relieved of your post.”
Ralph looked at him in horror. He had not realised it would come