Broken Wing by Judith James Page A

them both from a great embarrassment, Ross felt more than entitled to a stiff drink. Pouring two glasses of his best port, he handed one to Gabriel and settled back into his chair, watching and wincing as the lad threw it back as though it were water, with no respect for pedigree or vintage. “Good God, man! That’s sublime and complex ambrosia! Show it some respect. It is meant to be sipped and savored, not carelessly tossed.”
    “What do you want with me, Huntington?”
    “I’ve decided, after much thought, that James has adjusted well enough to his new circumstances for me to consider sending him to school. He’s an extremely bright boy, eager to learn, and as you will appreciate, he has not had the opportunity to make appropriate friends. It is apparent he will quickly outstrip his tutor. How is it, by the way, that he has learned to read and write so well in English and in French?”
    Hands tightening around his now empty glass, Gabriel’s stomach clenched and roiled. So he was to be sent away after all. He shrugged. “It amused me to teach him. As you said, he learns quickly.” In fact, he’d loved teaching Jamie. It had made him feel useful and important, and he’d shared vicariously in the boy’s wonder and excitement. Books were familiar accoutrements to Madame’s’ clients, and her library had been well stocked. To her they were props, used tocreate a mood of welcome and comfort for those who wanted a piece of the familiar served with their vice. To Gabriel they were life and death, a door through which he could escape to ideas and adventures, other lands and places, converse with great minds and play with grand ideas. It was the only place that offered him any escape. Jamie’s constant barrage of questions had driven him there repeatedly in search of answers, and as he taught him in French, Gabriel’s skill in English had developed apace.
    Ross nodded thoughtfully. The man had hidden depths, no doubt about it. They owed him a great deal. “I am debating letting him try the fall term. He is eager to do so. He wants to meet other boys his age, and I believe it might be for the best. He is my heir, and he has lands of his own passed to him by my parents. He must learn to take his place. I’ll not force it, though.” He leaned back, fingers drumming on the desktop. “I am cognizant that you know him better than I do. What is your opinion on the matter?”
    Gabriel blinked, truly startled. With the exception of Jamie’s constant questions, no one had ever asked his opinion about anything before he came to this strange and unpredictable house. He took his time, striving to answer as honestly as he could. “I think he’s lost his chance to be a child, and there’s nothing you or your sister, can do to change that, but he can still be a normal boy. Let him do what other boys his age do if that’s his wish. He’s a pretty child,though, Huntington, and he’s been protected.” He gave Ross a challenging look, but the older man only nodded and gestured for him to continue.
    “One hears things about some of these places. It would be a pity to have him escape the whorehouse intact, only to be buggered at school.”
    Ross shifted uncomfortably. He’d spent time at school himself. Big for his age, and well schooled in self-defense, he’d managed well enough, but he knew what Gabriel meant. “What do you suggest, then?”
    “It seems simple enough, Huntington. Find him somewhere safe and close to home. Make your presence felt and let him know that he can leave at any time he wishes.” Gabriel tossed back the remainder of his drink and rose to leave. “If that is all?”
    “No, it’s not. Sit, please.”
    “I prefer to stand.” It was said without rancor.
    “I also wished to discuss your situation, Gabriel.”
    “That will not be necessary,” he replied, voice clipped. “With Jamie in school, you will have no need of me here. I agree it’s for the best. Pay me a third of what we agreed. It