He wiped the rest of the face paint, scrubbing his face until it burned, but at last he felt clean. His new friend studied him with solemn gray eyes.
“Why do you wear that contraption?”
“It is a brace. My spine is all bent and twisted. This is supposed to make it better.” His mouth distorted with bitterness as he turned so Gabriel could see his back. “I don’t think it’s working, though. It still looks deformed to me.”
“Your right side protrudes a bit. But it is not significant,” Gabriel replied. “Does it hurt?”
He shrugged. “Not usually. Not unless I walk or ride in excess.”
“Well, that’s good. You would do well to stay away from that gang of bullies. I don’t think we have seen the last of them.”
“This is the last they’ll see of me, though. I’m leaving this school today. And I’m never coming back.”
“That’s a shame.” Gabriel said, disappointment coloring his voice. “I just started here a week ago, and could use a friend.”
“I’ll always be your friend,” Colin vowed. “You have my eternal gratitude for standing up for me today. But I can’t stay here. The abuse will only escalate. They want me gone from their house.”
“Maybe you can transfer to this house?” Gabriel said, handing him one of his shirts.
“Thank you.” Colin said, pulling the shirt over his head. “I’ll consider it. Although I would rather never see this damned school.” He headed towards the door, but just before exiting the room, he turned and regarded Gabriel.
“You could come visit me sometime. My father is the Earl of Hartfield. You’d be welcome at Hartfield Park.”
“Maybe I’ll visit you during the school holidays. God knows I’m not looking forward to going home,” Gabriel answered with stark honesty and, for a moment, his eyes looked haunted with deep sorrow.
“You could come with me if you want. Let’s escape this cursed school.”
Gabriel looked tempted, but then he shook his head. “Nah, I’m better off here at school. And anyway, my father would just send me back within a sennight all the worse after a beating.”
The bitter statement from his new friend took Colin out of his own problems for a moment.
“The offer stands. My mother would be glad to meet you, after what you did for me.”
With that, Colin left and went straight to his room. There, he hurriedly finished dressing and packed what he could throw in a saddlebag. Next stop were the stables, where he saddled his horse. By nightfall, he would be home. Even if he had to ride all day to reach his destination.
CHAPTER 1
