A Proper Lover (Ganymede Quartet Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

until you reach 18, but I think it important for you to be involved in any decisions regarding his welfare.”
    “Wh-what do you want me to think about, exactly?” Henry felt the heat rising in his cheeks. He felt so stupid. “I guess I don’t understand what you’d like me to decide, sir.”
    “If something were to happen to you, son, we’d have no use for Martin in our household. He’s a good slave, and a valuable one, and while he’s young we could get a good price for him.”
    The idea of selling Martin, even if Henry were no longer around to appreciate him, was panic-inducing. Stricken, Henry whirled to look at Martin; Martin gave Henry the tiniest shake of the head, his lips pressed together, and Henry struggled to pull himself together. It was shocking to him that his Father felt no allegiance to Martin, that he wouldn’t cleave to him in the event of Henry’s demise, but then again, why would he? Martin was Henry’s slave and Father had little do with him.
    “For instance,” Father continued, “when I die, Timothy will be emancipated and a sum will be settled on him so that he can live as he sees fit.” Timothy didn’t look impressed by this at all; Henry imagined that Timothy wouldn’t adjust to being emancipated terribly well.
    “Can I do that with Martin, then? Emancipate him?” Actually, he doubted Martin would like being emancipated, either.
    “I don’t know that he’s earned it as yet,” Father said, seeming amused by the idea. “The current plan is that, in the event of your death, Martin would be resold.” He looked at Henry as if expecting a response, but Henry felt numb with horror and could not have spoken even if he’d had something to say.
    Father continued, his tone businesslike. “It’s quite usual, Henry. When you’re 18, he’ll become your property, of course, and we’ll have papers drawn up in your name. At that time, I’m going to recommend that he be sold before age 20, repurposed between 20 and 45, emancipated between 45 and 55, and retired into the family’s care or emancipated at any point thereafter .” Again, he paused for a response, but Henry did not have anything to say. “It’s absolutely standard practice, Henry. Nothing to get upset about.”
    Henry opened his mouth but nothing came out. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I don’t ever want someone else to own him. I hate that idea.”
    “You’re being sentimental,” Father said dismissively. “He’d be better off going to someone who could use him.”
    “It’s true, Sir,” Timothy said. “I went two years between masters and it was a very unhappy time for me. A slave likes to be of use.”
    It was apparent that Henry’s input was not actually wanted or required, that including Henry in any decision was mere lip service.
    “This is the best way,” Father said confidently, drawing on his cigar. “But if you have a feasible counter-proposal, I’ll be glad to hear it.”
    Henry did not have any counter-proposal. Clearly, Father would not allow him to emancipate Martin, nor would he agree to keep Martin on if Henry died young. Father didn’t need Henry’s permission to make decisions, of course, and he wasn’t really asking for it. He was merely trying to allow Henry to feel a little important. Henry didn’t feel important, though; he felt patronized and hurt.
    “No,” Henry said in a grudging mumble, looking down at his boots. “I don’t have any other ideas.” He felt very upset and feared he would cry in front of his father, which right then seemed like the worst thing that could ever happen to him.
    “This really is the best plan, Sir,” Timothy told him quite earnestly, his voice very kind. “Please take my word for it, it’s a bad situation for a slave if these matters haven’t been settled before a master dies.”
    There was a long, uncomfortable silence in the room. Henry’s pulse pounded in his ears.
    “Well, then,” Father said. “You’re dismissed, Henry.