Page 34 of Brave New Earl (The Way to a Lord's Heart 1)

“That’s a good idea,” said Arthur. He’d been impressed by Tom’s common sense.

“I don’t know,” said Benjamin. “Tom’s little more than a boy himself.”

Arthur wondered if his nephew liked to argue, or just couldn’t resist teasing Miss Saunders. Catching the glint in Benjamin’s eyes, he suspected the latter.

“A youth,” said Miss Saunders, refusing the bait, “whose life has made him older than his years.”

“Let’s talk to him,” said Arthur. He was interested in what Tom might have to say, regardless of its practical uses.

Tom was sent for and offered a chair in the library, to which the group had adjourned. He appeared in the same clothes as before, with the same cheerful air. They ought to see about finding him another coat, Arthur thought. And a shirt or two. The lad was rapidly outgrowing the ones he had. His own clothes would be too large, as would Benjamin’s, but surely the household could come up with something suitable.

“We wanted to talk to you about Geoffrey,” Miss Saunders said.

Tom nodded. His round face and prominent front teeth gave him the look of a friendly squirrel. His expression was sharply intelligent, however. And he didn’t look the least bit anxious. That was remarkable in itself, Arthur thought, for a youngster in his position.

“What would you say about his character?” Miss Saunders asked.

“He’s hardly old enough to have one,” objected Benjamin.

“I’da said he was older than he is,” Tom replied. “If it weren’t for his size and all. He’s that quick. If he hears a word once, he knows it. Better than me, half the time.” He grinned, unconcerned by the comparison.

“Very intelligent,” said Arthur. He’d marked it himself.

“He’s got a cartload of opinions too,” added Tom. “More than you’d credit. Mrs. McGinnis said he’s like one of them—what was it?—barristers. The ones who stand up in court. Geoffrey don’t easily change his mind.”

“That is to say, stubborn,” said Benjamin. “I’ve noticed.”

Tom nodded. “Though hewilllisten, if a thing is laid out for him in a way he can understand.”

“I would have said he was too young to be swayed by reason,” Benjamin replied.

“He can see a fact when it’s in his face. Little as he may like it.”

There was a short silence as the adults contemplated the facts that had governed Geoffrey’s life so far. At least, Arthur did. And he thought the others did as well.

“He’s curious as a cat, but he don’t always stick with things,” Tom went on. “See now, he’s finished with the red Indians since that he got the pony. I’d think the two would go together. Don’t those Indians ride about marauding?”

“Donotsuggest it to him,” Benjamin said.

Tom grinned again. “No, my lord. Anyhow, the cook thinks Geoffrey’s a sneak, ’cause he nicks the odd muffin, but she’s wrong.”

“You sound quite certain of that,” said Arthur. Tom was an interesting character.

“I am, my lord. Geoffrey’s always on the lookout for ways to get what he wants. Well, who of us ain’t? He don’t lie or cheat for ’em though. He does tell stories—and a pure wonder some of ’em are. But he knows the difference between a tale and an untruth.”

“Which is?” asked Miss Saunders curiously.

Tom blinked, considered the question. “A story’s fun, yeh? You might learn summat or have a laugh, but no more than that. A lie gets you something that mebbe you have no right to, or covers up your sins, like.”

“Where did you learn such wisdom?” Arthur wondered.

“Wisdom?” Tom looked abashed. “I don’t claim nothing like that. I’ve been watching people all my life, that’s all. On the streets, you have to figure who’s all right and who’s dangerous.”

“My son has not been a homeless wanderer,” said Benjamin, his voice harsh with reproach. Was it directed at Tom or himself, Arthur wondered?

Miss Saunders looked distressed. “He didn’t mean—”

“’Course he hasn’t,” said Tom. “Beg pardon if I offended, my lord.”

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