Paths of Glory
Page 80
“A thousand pounds?” said George. “But that’s more than I’d earn at Charterhouse in three years.”
“Well, to be accurate,” said Ruth, “the AGS think the lectures could bring in as much as two thousand pounds, and the RGS is willing to split the profits with you fifty-fifty.”
“That’s unusually generous of Hinks,” said George.
“I think I can also explain that,” said Ruth. “It seems that if you turn down the offer, there’s only one other person the Americans would consider inviting in your place.”
“And Hinks would never agree to that,” said George. “So what did you tell him?”
“I said I’d discuss the idea with you, and then let him know your decision.”
“But why did he call you in the first place? Why didn’t he want to speak to me?”
“He wondered if I might like to join you on the trip.”
“The cunning old devil,” said George. “He knows that’s the one thing that might clinch the deal for me.”
“But not for me,” said Ruth.
“But why not, my darling? You’ve always wanted to visit the States, and we could turn this into a second honeymoon.”
“I knew you’d come up with some reason why I should agree to the idea, and so, obviously, did Mr. Hinks. But you seem to forget that we have three children.”
“Can’t nanny take care of them while we’re away?”
“George, the girls haven’t seen you for six months, and John didn’t even know who you were. Now, no sooner has his father returned than he disappears off to America with their mother for another s
ix weeks. No, George, that’s no way to bring up children.”
“Then you can tell Hinks that I’m not interested.”
“Good,” said Ruth, “because heaven knows I don’t want you to leave again when you’ve only just come home.” She hesitated before saying, “In any case, we can always go to America another time.”
George looked directly at her. “There’s something you haven’t told me.”
Ruth hesitated. “It’s just that Hinks did say that before you turn down such a lucrative offer, you mustn’t forget that, to quote the Americans, you’re hot property at the moment and they’re evidently a nation whose enthusiasms cool fairly quickly. And frankly, I doubt if you’ll find an easier way to earn a thousand pounds.”
“And if I don’t go,” said George quietly, “I may well have to make another appointment to see your father, and end up being even more indebted to him.”
Ruth said nothing.
“I’ll agree to do it, on one condition,” said George.
“And what might that be?” asked Ruth suspiciously.
“That you’ll let me take you to Venice for a few days. And this time,” he added, “just the two of us.”
1923
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST, 1923
GEORGE HAD BEEN on deck for over an hour by the time the SS Olympic steamed into New York harbor. During the five days of the Atlantic crossing, Ruth had been constantly in his thoughts.
She had driven him down to Southampton, and once he had reluctantly left her to board the ship, she’d remained on the dockside until it had sailed out of the harbor and become a small speck on the horizon.
Mr. and Mrs. Mallory had spent their promised break in Venice, which turned out to be something of a contrast from the last visit George had made to that city, because on this occasion he booked a suite at the Cipriani Hotel.