Brothers at Arms

have to accept it.
    It was doubtful if Matthew would derive any educational benefits from university, but his absence from Linmore would be a desirable outcome.
    The sound of the door opening disturbed his reverie, although Tom sensed Jane’s presence, even before she crossed the threshold. He stood up and moved towards the couch.
    “Come and sit down, Jane,” he said. “I haven’t held a sensible conversation since I left home.”
    She glided forward and found a comfortable space beside him.
    “I know,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve just heard Mary Kilcot telling everyone about her travels. It seems she had a wonderful time, and I imagine she will still be talking at midnight.”
    Although the recollections amused him, Tom wanted to discuss other things.
    “What am I going to do about Mathew? I know he is grossly overindulged, but I have never before seen him lose control over something as petty as an expensive pair of boots. For a moment, I thought he would have harmed her.”
    “No, he wouldn’t have attacked Sophie,” said Jane. “She did not show any fear, which is what he wants his victims to feel. He thrives on that. I’ve seen how terrified Joshua is when he is on the receiving end of Matthew’s tantrums.”
    “I cannot let this go on any longer. He needs some kind of occupation, and company other than his mother. Kate’s influence is destroying any sense he might have. He is becoming more like her every day. What do you think she would say if I send him to Oxford? It is, after all, a legitimate place for him to go.”
    “It might help, but I’m afraid Matthew already has other company – drinking friends, with whom he meets in Norcott, at least twice a week.”
    “William Rufus told me Matthew is frequently inebriated. Do you think his mood changes are alcohol induced?”
    “Possibly, but I suspect there is more to it than that. There is something odd about him,” said Jane. “If you look at his eyes, his pupils are fixed. He looks almost distant, and there is an aromatic smell on Kate’s side of the house. I know Matthew smokes, but this is not like the cigars you use. I hate to say this, but it reminds me of…
    Tom interrupted. “Are you sure his friends come from Norcott?”
    “Yes,” said Jane, “and if the name Kate mentioned was correct, they have the most appalling reputation.”
    He looked at her, his face tense. “You mean types like his maternal uncle?”
    “Yes,” she said, “and knowing the Stretton family history, I don’t know where it will end, but it won’t be anywhere good.”
    At Jane’s words, Tom felt a chill sense of unreality creeping over him.
    “I hope you are wrong,” he said, “but if that is the case, we must assume they are supplying Matthew with opium. That is the last thing we need.”
    “What will you do?”
    “Consult with the physician, and find some way to separate Matthew from his local associates. Maybe he could visit some of the family – possibly at Rushmore. It might help distract him, and give me time to organise something more permanent for the future. I only hope we can persuade him to go.”
    “Don’t worry, Tom. If there is anything Matthew likes more than low company, it is elevated – the higher up the social scale the better.” Jane’s dry tone expressed her feelings about her nephew. “With your agreement, I will write to my sister Clarissa in London, to invite the Cardington family to make a detour here when they return home. The timing is ideal, because the parliamentary session will soon be over. I have a feeling it will take little more to achieve an invitation for Matthew to go to Rushmore. If Kate can go as well, that is all to the good. A month, spent in the company of his cousin, Atcherly, would help eliminate the influence of the low life with whom he presently consorts.”
    “Bless you, Jane. Of course you may invite them.”
    “This is expediency,” she said. “My concern is that Matthew will use the