Kate Warren

fiction with humor and heart

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Excerpt

WeWriWa Jan 14, 2023

1/14/2023

10 Comments

 
Two weeks into January already? How did that happen? Well it's WeWriWa time again. Click the image below to visit the blog and learn all about it.
Picture
Continuing with the Regency story we started last week, our hero character is making pleasant conversation.

     "...And how do you like the chestnut business?”
     The taller boy shrugged. “It’s alright.”
     “Warmer than selling pencils.” The shorter one put in. His brother gave him a look that clearly spoke of displeasure.
     “You sell pencils?” Nicholas looked them over carefully as he handed the elder one his coin. They were not quite dressed for the weather, in clothes that were expertly patched, but patched nonetheless. Not particularly stylish either, but certainly respectable. 


That's my ten for the week. The rest of the scene is below if you'd like to read a bit more.

See you around the 'hop!

Kate

...


Their speech indicated some level of education had been attained before their choice to seek employment.
     “Henry does.” The older boy handed over the bag of piping hot chestnuts.
     “And what about you? What do you do most days?”
     “Whatever I can.”
    “Edmund is a genius.” Henry said with a smile. “He should be at school, mother says.”
     “Henry.” Edmund silenced his brother. “Sorry sir.”
     The other boy’s eyes went round. “Is he a knight?”
   Edmund closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly searching for patience.
   “Not a knight, I’m afraid.” Nicholas answered with a smile. “I am but a lowly baronet. Sir Nicholas Carroll.”
   The boy smiled back and stuck out a hand. “Henry Shawley.”
     “Henry,” Edmund began again, but quieted when Sir Nicholas shifted the bag of chestnuts to his left hand in order to shake Henry’s hand with his right.
     “I’d like two more, please.” He told Edmund, as he seemed to be the one in charge. “Not for me, for the two of you. When you’ve finished.”
     “Really?” Henry’s eyes lit.
     “Do you like chestnuts?” Nicholas asked him.
     The boy nodded happily.
     “You’ve never had them.” Edmund commented.
     “Then today he shall.”
     Edmund turned to address their customer. “It’s very kind of you, sir, but we cannot accept.”
      The light drained from Henry’s eyes.
    “Ah, but you must. You see, I’ve had a piece of luck today,” Nicholas explained, “and I feel it my duty to share my good fortune with others.”
     Edmund looked at his brother’s pleading expression and sighed. “Very well sir. And thank you.”
     “Thank you!” Henry echoed, grinning widely.
   Nicholas handed over the price of two more bags, touched a finger to the brim of his hat, and turned to go with a smile on his own face. It was clear that young Henry Shawley was not quite as one would expect a boy of his age to be, and that his brother Edmund took great care of him. It was also clear that the boys came from a family that must have been respectable before falling on hard times. Being the means of giving them a treat made Nicholas feel as if in some small way, he had brightened the world just a little, and it always pleased him to do so.

10 Comments
Cie from Naughty Netherworld Press link
1/15/2023 08:32:00 am

I think I would prefer selling chestnuts to pencils too.

Reply
Nancy Gideon link
1/15/2023 12:18:36 pm

I so admire our hero for the respect he shows these two boys. It elevates him as well as lightens the boys' spirits.

Reply
Kate Warren
1/15/2023 01:07:11 pm

I agree, Cie. Thanks.

Thank you, Nancy. Nicholas is an admirable man.

Reply
Aurora Springer link
1/15/2023 04:24:34 pm

He is certainly a kind man. Will the boys appear in the rest of the story?

Reply
Kate Warren
1/15/2023 04:54:47 pm

They will, along with their sister. Thank you, Aurora!

Reply
Jenna Jaxon
1/15/2023 08:27:26 pm

I love your hero already. So kind and able to be on easy terms with the boys. I'm looking forward to reading more about him. Tweeted.

Reply
Diane Burton
1/15/2023 08:37:50 pm

I do admire the way Nicholas talked to the boys--kindly, not at all condescending. I suspect, like Nicholas, that the boys had recently come on hard times. I'm glad we'll see much more of them.

Reply
Kate Warren
1/15/2023 09:01:35 pm

Thanks, Jenna!

Thank you, Diane. I'm pleased that my hero is coming across well.

Reply
Veronica Scott link
1/19/2023 01:02:00 pm

Very kind of your hero here, although the boys probably need a lot more help than free chestnuts, but in those times...enjoyed the excerpt, sorry to be so late in commenting.

Reply
Kate Warren
1/19/2023 05:40:16 pm

Thank you, Veronica. Yes, they do need more help. And this is not the last they've seen of Sir Nicholas.

Reply



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