Magdalen College, Oxford, 1835
'It seems all matters are at order, and the office has approved of your place in the student halls, Mr Cunningham,' said the secretary.
Mr Cunningham replied with a curt nod.
'I must say the examination board were thoroughly impressed with your penmanship. Such an extraordinariness amongst men of your age.'
Mr Cunningham's lips stretched into a smile. His silence earned a furrow of the secretary's brows.
Surely the praise of his penmanship would have lured some response, however Mr Cunningham continued staring at the man before him, waiting for further instructions.
'I assure you will thoroughly like your time at Oxford. The foundation scholarship is a clear reflection of your abilities and wit. Perhaps, you have not been blessed with a fortune, but your father, Dean Cunningham is a respectable clergyman. I pray your father is in good health.'
'Yes, he is, indeed, sir' came a hoarse reply.
The secretary opened his mouth and then clamped it shut. 'Well, I suppose we shall part at this time point. I shall leave you to your devices and let you explore the magnificent town. It is particularly lovely today.'
The accepted student, Mr Cunningham, gracefully stood up, swishing a navy-blue tailcoat. He gathered the papers from the secretary, nodding at him, and vacated the stuffed office.
Taking the staircase, the student rushed down, eager to breathe in freshness of crisp morning.
The cravat knot obstructed his throat, and he aberrantly tugged at it with his clammy gloved hands.
Outside of the college, Mr Cunningham stared up at the sky, apologising hoarsely to a professor, at whom he had stumbled upon moments ago.
It seemed as if his plan was successful, and no concerns had been arisen.
It was only the beginning of Mr Cunningham's journey, perhaps the path was rich with hardships and trials, nevertheless there was determination to reach the end. A fruitful end.
'Gr-,' a voice behind the student started, 'I meant Edmund! You shall get used to it, darling.'
Mr Cunningham whirled around in disbelief.
'Do you wish for someone to hear us? Do you wish death upon me, brother?'
Mr Cunningham's brother relaxed his complexion, putting a hand on the student's shoulder. 'Do not you worry. I made sure no one was around to eavesdrop. Have you your bags?'
Mr Cunningham patted the bag and his grey eyes glinted with mischief from under coal-black lashes.
'I will help you to the student halls shortly. My carriage shall be waiting for me any minute,' he uttered after checking the time on the watch. Their father's gift.
'I do hope our father forgives us. I pray he is merciful should this affair be exposed to his knowledge. Or mother's,' the student looked at his brother with pleading eyes.
'This is for the greater good, Edmund.'
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Mischief in Oxford | July'22
Historical Fiction** Please note this book will be released in July 2022 ** Hugh Beaumont is a young man of genteel family background and strict rules. He starts his education at University of Oxford as a future chemist, but little does he know what life has prepared...
