Rinsing Lies

Peter the Gentleman

They heard a knock on the door. Cedric was back. Edith answered the door. "Sir, this young man has been waiting for you," said Edith. "Isn't it Peter?" said Cedric with a smile. "Yes sir. I've come to visit you... and discuss something." said Peter. "Of course, Peter. Why not have dinner with us first? Edith, this is Peter. The boy I was talking about before. Peter, this is Edith. My helpful assistant!" Peter had dinner with them. It was a lovely meal.

Cedric persuaded Peter to become his assistant. Peter went to the court every day with Cedric, taking notes and searching for information that Cedric needed. In the evenings, they had a great conversation and Edith cooked a lovely meal. Cedric bought new clothes for Peter. Peter wore fine suits for the first time in his life. He looked like a gentleman. "Dear Alfie might be very happy to see me in these fine clothes!" Peter thought. After 5 months, Peter requested a month's leave to visit Alfie. "Make sure to return in a month, Peter. Cedric will be very mad if a man is not on time," Edith warned Peter. Peter promised to be on time and left.

Peter went by boat again. He sailed to his village. As soon as he got to the village, he ran all the way to the old hut he used to live in. He found Alfie there. Alfie was lying on the bed. His face was pale. "Peter old Chap!" cried Alfie. "My dear Alfie!" Peter ran into the hut and hugged Alfie.

"What happened to you, Alfie?" asked Peter. "My dear boy, I had a fever, a very bad fever and I've been like this for weeks. I don't think I have much time left. I'm so glad you came to see me. Look at you! What a gentleman you are!" said Alfie happily. "I got a job in the kingdom. We will move there! You can wear these suits too. You will be a gentleman too!" cried Peter. But it was too late. Alfie was lying still. He didn't have a chance to dress like a gentleman and have a warm meal.

Peter went back to the kingdom after Alfie's funeral. Cedric was surprised to see Peter after a week. "I thought you said you'd come back after a month. Why are you back after a week? What has made you so upset?" asked Cedric. Peter told everything. "Don't be sad, young man. You have a big chance to change your fate here," said Cedric. Peter couldn't stop thinking about Alfie for weeks so he kept working harder to get over it.

One evening, Cedric talked to Peter while Edith went out to buy groceries. "Peter, you should become a clerk like me. Edith has been studying for a long time but he seems to learn nothing. You are very clever, Peter. You learn everything around you and you know how to use this knowledge. I have a small house near the royal court. You have to move there because I don't want Edith to be jealous. You must leave before Edith comes back." Peter quickly packed and left the house. He knew that his life would change forever.

Peter lived in the small house of Cedric. He became a clerk at the royal court. He got 50 shillings a month. 50 shillings was more than enough for Peter's expenses. So, he saved some of them. One day, he ran into a royal staff. "Watch where you're going fool!" yelled the man. "I am really sorry sir," Peter replied. The man was none other than David Pearson. As soon as he saw this charming young man, he knew it was Peter. "What's your name? I have never seen you here before," asked David aggressively. "I'm Peter Jones, sir. I come from Rochdale," said Peter. David was stunned but he didn't show any emotion on his face. "You shall be my assistant, Jones," David ordered Peter. "But sir, I prefer to be a clerk," said Peter. "Remember, I'm the future of this kingdom and no one shall disobey me!" David yelled in anger. "I'm sorry, your majesty," Peter quickly apologized. Peter knew he should never mess with royals or he would get into great trouble.