Nimisha's Ship Read Online Free PDF

They endured much to carve out the homes, fields, businesses, space stations, cities, and the amenities of which we are now so proud. That young man needs to be sent where his attitudes can be professionally altered. In fact, he should be made to earn a living as the craftsmen he killed did. He must learn to appreciate what his ancestors endured to give him the advantages he has and doesn’t seem at all able to understand and appreciate, much less improve. I shall inform the Residence Manager that Lord Vestrin is no longer received by this House.”
    “I did so myself, six weeks ago, my mother, when he—” Nimisha stopped, because Lord Vestrin’s message had been a blatant threat for her to stop visiting
his
father so often.
    “When he what, Nimisha?” Lady Rezalla demanded, tapping her fingers with displeasure.
    “When he made improper advances at me, Lady Rezalla,” Jeska said, managing a flush. “Lady Nimisha interfered and told the RM Lord Vestrin was not to be admitted to the grounds.”
    “As indeed he should have. Why was I not told of that affront, Jeska? You are in my employ and I will not have my people subjected to such embarrassments. Even by kin to Lord Tionel.” Lady Rezalla turned to Nimisha. “Your sire . . .”
    “Is above reproach, my mother, as you certainly know. You have, yourself, remarked on how Lady Vescuya seems to delight in Vestrin’s excesses. I know that Lord Tionel does not and will certainly discipline his body-heir over this latest horrific escapade.”
    “Indeed he will have to,” Lady Rezalla said with a sniff. “The Peace Guardians may upon occasion turn a blind eye to an innocent lark by high-spirited young men and women, but they take a different view entirely when deaths are involved. A period in a rehabilitation center is most certainly on the agenda. And community service. Hopefully on a difficult and primitive planet.
    “Furthermore, I don’t see how Lord Tionel could possibly allow the Ship Yard to be handed over to such a want-wit as that young man. Why, the business would be defunct in half a decade! You know how hard Lord Tionel works and how often the Fleet contracts for him to build their special designs.”
    “I do, my mother,” Nimisha said almost humbly, “which is why I regret, for Lord Tionel’s sake, that Vestrin has no interest at all in the Yard.” She did not need to add “except for the credit it earns.” Lady Rezalla’s eyebrow rose sufficiently to have mentally appended that clause. “I have always known how fortunate I am to be your body-heir, my mother, and appreciative of the care you have lavished on my upbringing and education.”
    “You’re a Boynton, after all,” Lady Rezalla said at her haughtiest.
    “And proud to be, my mother. I would like to utilize my advantages to the fullest extent possible and prove that the privilege I enjoy as a First Family scion is not wasted on stupid pastimes but turned to the best possible effect for my family name and my community.”
    Even at breakfast, Lady Rezalla was far from slow. She gave her daughter a long, thoughtful look. “I believe we have come round to your fascination with design again, have we not, Nimisha?”
    “Yes, my mother.”
    “And you wish to spend more time at Lord Tionel’s Ship Yard?”
    “Yes, my mother.”
    Lady Rezalla poured herself another cup of coffee, added the dollop of cream she liked, stirred it, and took a sip.
    “I could have wished you shared my interest in investment and how to recognize the potential of one business over another, but I can scarcely fault you for wishing to achieve . . .” She paused, her lips tight. “As the antithesis of wanton acts born of irresponsibility and lack of purpose.”
    “Then I may . . . ask Lord Tionel if I may learn more about running the Yard?”
    Lady Rezalla had never quite forgotten Lord Tionel’s casual remark about leaving Nimisha the Rondymense Yard. It surfaced propitiously.
    “Learning how to