Young bloods

Chapter 8

'I always knew he had it in him!' Letizia smiled in delight as she brandished the school report in front of her husband's eyes when he returned from the courthouse. Carlos took the report and read it through while his family sat round the table expectantly. The two years at Abbot Rocco's school appeared to have paid off.Two years and two more children, Carlos reflected. In addition to Giuseppe and Naboleone there were now three more mouths to feed: Lucien, Elisa and young Louis, who had yet to master the correct application of cutlery and was busy trying to stick the handle of a spoon up his nose.

Abbot Rocco was extremely complimentary about Naboleone's progress. The boy had excelled in maths and history but as ever, his performance in arts subjects and languages was lagging well behind. His behaviour had improved too – far fewer tantrums and fights with the other boys – and while he still tended to question authority from time to time, on the whole he was causing no problems. Carlos laid the sheet of paper down and nodded slowly at his son.

'Most respectable. Well done.'

Naboleone's eyes sparkled with pleasure.

'Father!' Giuseppe piped up. 'Read my report!'

'Where is it?'

'Here.' Letizia lifted it up from the chopping board and handed it to her husband. 'No surprises there.'

It took far less time to read about the older boy's academic progress. Giuseppe was a kind, considerate and polite boy who was making good progress in every subject and seemed to show a particular interest in ecclesiastical matters. Carlos laid the report down on top of Naboleone's.

'Well done, boys. I'm proud of you both. Giuseppe, have you considered a career in the Church? It would seem to suit you.'

'I had thought of it, Father.'

Letizia nodded. 'A good career. You have the temperament for it.'

'Do I?'

'Oh, yes.'

As Giuseppe smiled at her, Carlos turned to his younger son. 'And you, Naboleone, what do you want to be when you grow up?'

'A soldier,' he said without an instant's hesitation.

Carlos smiled. 'That's an admirable aim, my son. I think you might make an excellent soldier, although you must realise that you will have to obey orders.'

'But, Father, I want to give orders, not obey them.'

'Well then, you must be prepared to do both if you are to be a good soldier.'

'Oh…'

Letizia began to serve up the evening meal: a rich stew of goat and stewed hazelnuts – a favourite recipe of the family. When every bowl was filled she took her place and the children fell silent, closed their eyes and pressed their hands together as Carlos said grace. As the children started eating she looked down the table at her husband.

'Has there been any word on the boys' scholarships?'

'No. I've heard nothing from the academy at Montpellier. It looks as if they'll be going to Autun after all.'

Letizia frowned. 'Autun?'

'Autun will do to start with,' Carlos said.'They have good links with some of the military schools. If Naboleone wants to join the army it would be a good start for him until I can find a better opening. I sent an application to Brienne this morning.'

'That's all very well,' Letizia said quietly, 'but even if the boys do get the scholarships, how can we afford to pay the balance of the fees?'

'We might not have to,' Carlos continued. 'The governor has promised to pay our share of the fees.'

Letizia froze for a moment, then shook her head. 'To think we have sunk so low as to accept common charity.'

'It's not charity, my dear,' Carlos said, forcing himself to keep his tone even. 'He places great value on our service to France.'

'Oh, I'm sure he does.'

'Besides, he can easily afford it and we can't. It would not be very gracious to refuse his offer.'

'Huh!'

Letizia continued eating for a while before she addressed her husband again. 'Do you really think it's for the best?'

'Yes. Their future is in France. That's their best hope for advancement. So, that's where they must be educated.'

'But they'll leave home. When will we see them again?'

'I don't know,' Carlos replied. 'When we can afford it, we can have the boys home for holidays, or travel to see them.'

'And how will they cope without me?'

'Ask them,' he said firmly. 'See what they think. Naboleone!'

'Father?'

'Do you want to go to school in France?'

The boy glanced quickly at his mother. 'If I must…'

Carlos looked at him, and smiled. 'Bravo! See, Letizia, he understands.'

'But I don't.' She shook her head sadly. 'I don't understand what I have done that my children should want to leave me before they have even grown up. Leave home and forget me.'

'Mother,' Naboleone spoke earnestly, 'I shall never forget you. I will come back as often as I can. I swear it. Giuseppe too.' He turned to his older brother. 'Swear it!'

'I promise, Mother.'

She shrugged her thin shoulders. 'We'll see.'