Page 71 of The Affairs of Ashmore Castle

‘Mr Wilkins, the butler at my last place, said in the letter, the ref-ref—’

‘Reference.’

‘Yes, sir – he said I’d been well trained. He told me what he’d said. And Mr Moss said I could come on a trile. So I got to do things right. I got to.’ His face reddened again as tears threatened.

Crooks laid a hand on his arm. He flinched but then was still. ‘You mustn’t be ashamed. It’s not your fault. And you mustn’t be afraid to ask. You can always ask me. I will help you.’

‘You’re ever so good, sir,’ Sam whispered.

‘We must all help each other in this life. And, look here, would you like to learn to read?’

‘I reckon it’s too late for that, sir.’

‘Nonsense! Lots of people learn to read late in life. And you’re hardly more than a boy. I’ve helped people to read before, I’d be happy to help you. With a lesson each evening, and some practice when you have your time off, you’ll be reading in no time.’

‘I couldn’t trouble you like that, sir.’

‘It’s no trouble. I’m happy to do it. And you’re a fine young man with all your life before you. You could go far, really make something of yourself. I’ll look out a suitable book, and we’ll start tonight, after supper.’

He gave the arm another pat and walked on, moving more briskly than usual, his heart lighter than it had been for months. Here was something to fill the gap left by Axe Brandom, something to fill the long hours when Mr Sebastian didn’t need him. And having the lad at hand, under the same roof, would make it all so much easier. He seemed such a nice boy, too. Crooks felt very warm towards him, as he considered the books he owned, and pondered about what he might borrow from the library.