"Duncan, Dave - Paragon Lost v1" - читать интересную книгу автора (Duncan Dave)

A smile flickered and was gone. From his pocket came a paper
that she recognized instantly as one of BeauТs handbills. She had
helped him design it and was still furious that Master SniderТs
printer had ruined it by setting Available At GossipsТ Corner in the
largest type. The visitor spread it on the table and her suspicion
flamed higher.

УThat is outdated, my lord. We have a newer version. I can fetch
one.Ф She began to rise.

УPray do not trouble. I have seen that, also. The only difference is
that Sir BeaumontТs name was changed to СNed Cookson.Т Will you
tell me why?Ф

5 Paragon Lost

Long-smoldering anger made her blurt out the truth. УHe was
ordered not to claim to be a gentleman, my lord.Ф

УOrdered by whom?Ф

УBy Blades from the palace! The Royal Guard! They harass him!
They threaten to report him to the Watch for wearing a sword when
he is not of rank. They frighten his pupils away. Is that why you are
here, master? To cause us more trouble?Ф

Master Harvest shook his head vigorously. УMistress, I am shocked
by this. I thought I had put a stop to it.Ф

УThey are not so bad now as they were last year,Ф she conceded.
УBut by any name he is still the same expert fencer, my lord. His
time is almost all spoken for just now, but I am sure he would be
honored to wait upon your lordship at your convenience.Ф

The visitor sighed and laid his hands on the table. He stared at
them, not at her. УMistress, I truly believe it is in BeauТs interest that
I speak with him as soon as possible.Ф

УHe is currently instructing at a noble house not very far away from
here. I could send a boy and have him call on you at your
residence.Ф

Another sigh. УLady Beaumont, pardon my doubts. Your husband
is far from the first man to try teaching Ironhall fencing outside the
school itself. In four centuries, very few have succeeded in earning
a living at it. It is the best system, of course, but it needs great
dedication. At Ironhall we pound the boysТ heads with mallets of
honor and service and tradition, day in and day out, all through their
adolescence. Anything less than that and it wonТt work.Ф