Hold on to your Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page B

Gertrude?’
    ‘I advised him to go to David or Aunt Hanna.’
    ‘I hope he does. I’m so frightened for him. I’ve begged your father to reconsider, but he won’t hear of it.’
    She put her arms around her mother, trying to comfort, but she was just as distraught. ‘I’ll find him so we can keep an eye on him.’
    ‘Thank you, my dear. I know your father has disowned him, and in the circumstances no one could blame him, but Edward is my son. I gave birth to him and cannot turn my back on him.’
    ‘I know.’ Gertrude’s eyes were brimming with tears, but she fought them back. This terrible disaster was upon them and it had to be faced. She had to be brave for both her parents’ sakes. ‘May I see Father now?’
    Florence nodded. ‘Don’t stay too long. He’s very tired.’
    Her father was propped up on a heap of pillows to keep him in a comfortable position. His eyes were closed and deep lines of pain were etched on his face. She knew the pain wasn’t only coming from his injuries. Disowning his son would have been the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. Walking to the bed, she knelt down and took his handin hers. Not wanting to disturb him, she remained silent.
    After a while he turned his head and opened his eyes. ‘Did you know he was gambling?’ he asked.
    ‘Yes,’ she had to admit. ‘He has been asking me for money just lately, but I had no idea things were so bad. Honestly.’
    ‘You should have told me.’
    ‘I know that now, and I’m sorry.’ The tears of remorse would not stop now and they poured down her face.
    ‘Don’t cry, my dear. I’ll pay the debt. I won’t let anything happen to you.’
    ‘I am not concerned for myself. I am sad for all of us. You have been brutally attacked, Edward is lost to us, and he is now alone in the world. It is hard to bear.’
    ‘The future for us will be hard. I can’t find that kind of money without making drastic changes to our lives. I want you to promise me something.’
    ‘Anything.’
    ‘Support and comfort your mother. There are dark days ahead of us.’ His eyes closed and he gently squeezed her hand. ‘Leave me now. I must sleep, for there is much to do tomorrow.’
    She stood up. ‘I’ll help you. Just tell me what you want me to do.’
    He shook his head. ‘I don’t want you or your mother involved in this unpleasant business. I will do what has to be done. Don’t hate me for the actions I’m forced to take.’
    ‘We’d never do that,’ she said forcefully. ‘You have our support.’
    ‘Thank you. That is a comfort.’
    As she left the room, Gertrude knew their lives were about to change. Only her father knew exactly what those changes would be, but the carefree, happy life she had known was no more.
    She found her mother downstairs in the sitting room. ‘He’s asleep now,’ she told her.
    ‘Good.’ Florence looked exhausted. ‘I want you to go and stay with Hanna for a while.’
    ‘No, Mother!’ She wasn’t going to be sent away. She would not let them face this alone. ‘Father said he will pay the debt. They won’t carry out their threat to harm me. I’m quite safe.’
    Her mother sighed deeply. ‘I wish it were that easy. Have you given any thought to how we are to raise such a large amount? I am not a fool. We are ruined. But I will not see Sutton lose the business. It has been in his family for three generations.’
    ‘I am not a fool either, Mother. Whatever is to come we can face it together. Don’t send me away. Please let me stay. I’ll be strong. I promise.’
    Florence considered her daughter for a few moments, then stood up. ‘Very well. Thank you, my dear. I wish your brother had more of your strength of character. It’s painful to realise he’s so weak. Now we should try to get some rest. Cook will bring you food if you wish.’
    ‘I couldn’t eat.’ The thought of food made Gertrude’s stomach heave.
    ‘Neither could I.’
    She watched her mother leave the room, walking as if every