Читать книгу Feather Boy онлайн | страница 10

“No.”

“OK. Any special reason for wanting me?”

She stares at me. Under her gaze, I feel quite transparent. As though she’s looking straight through me and out the other side.

“I mean me,” I persist, “me rather than any other boy?”

“No,” says Edith Sorrel.

“Well,” says Catherine, as the tea trolley finally beats a retreat, “I’d like to tell you all a story.”

“Oh aye,” says Albert.

Edith Sorrel clasps her hands in her lap. And I have this weird sensation that she’s holding herself, trying to comfort herself.

“It’s about a silent prince and the young woman who wants to free him from the curse that has rendered him mute. The Prince’s mother and father, the King and Queen, have promised the riches of their kingdom to anyone who can make the young man speak. But for those who try and fail, the penalty is to be instant death.”

“Is it Neighbours?” asks Mavis.

“You daft brush,” says Albert.

“Well, the young woman knew it would take more than skill or cunning or luck to make the Prince speak, for many had gone before her and as many had lost their lives. So the young woman took herself into the forest where her grandparents lived. And as they sat around the cottage after supper, she told them of her plan.

“‘Oh my beloved,’ cried her grandmother, ‘you know not what you ask.’

“‘Indeed I do, Grandmother,’ said the girl. ‘And that is why I’m here. I have come to listen and to learn. For you and Grandfather have lived long in the forest and understand how it is that night turns into day and winter into spring. And if this were not enough, you have lived long in each other’s hearts and so understand the dark and light of love, and if this were not enough you have read many books and told many stories and so know what makes a beginning and what an end. I beg you, Grandparents, share what you can with me, for I am eager to know what you know and to carry your wisdom to the Prince.’”

“Nurse,” cries Mavis. “Shut the curtains!”

“I’ve nearly finished now,” says Catherine, gently. “If you want to sleep. But you see, the grandparents did tell the girl their wisdom. All night long they spoke and she listened. And I was hoping we could do something similar here.”