Trials of Faith

Chapter VII

Chapter VII

The 1 o'clock whistle for the train blows, and Peter helps his mother put up her small suitcase, and then puts his own, larger one on the overhead rack. They have the compartment to themselves, so his mother is free to speak privately. He twists his hands anxiously and waits for her to yell, but she doesn't. Peter would prefer her to yell over this silence.

His mother breaks the silence. "Peter Pevensie, don't understand what possessed you to do such a horrible thing to a classmate. You have some explaining to do, young man."

Peter shifts uncomfortably.

Mrs. Pevensie sighs, "Perhaps it was a mistake to send you all to boarding school in the first place."

"It's the only school we can afford, Mother." Peter says, his voice soft. "You did the right thing, and I have wasted your money. I apologize."

"Save your apologies for Lord and Lady Schultz." She replies in a bitter tone.

Peter casts his eyes to the floor. "What can I do to help pay for the rest of my tuition?" He asks instead.

"That won't be necessary, Peter." Mrs. Pevensie says, her voice quavering for the first time since her arrival. "Because if you cannot return to Hendon House, I will have to send you to the Duke of York's Royal Military School." She hides her face so that Peter doesn't see her tears.

Peter decides to make the best of the dismal situation. "Well, at least then I'll be able to have a decent job in a few years." He reasons. "I'll give you all the money for University tuitions."

Mrs. Pevensie remains silent. She knows if she speaks, she will burst into tears, and she doesn't want her son to see her like that. Peter puts an arm around his mother.

"I'll make this right. I promise." He says solemnly.

***

Susan, Edmund, and Lucy sit at a large communal tables, the girls being permitted to stay for lunch.

"We have to think. What argument could we make to help Peter?" Edmund asks his sisters.

"I don't know!" Lucy says. "You're the one who's supposed to be good at this sort of thing!"

Susan thinks for a moment. "Isn't Earl Schultz a soldier too?" She questions.

Edmund raises both eyebrows and smiles mischievously, "Indeed. He is, Susan. Brilliant!"

They all know that they could use this to argue their brother's case, Jacob's father was fighting on the same side as Mr. Pevensie. They know there is a fair chance this defense will hold, but they won't get their hopes up.

"I hope Peter's doing all right with Mum." Lucy says softly.

"I'm sure he is, Lu." Edmund replies.

Susan speaks."Peter probably is punishing himself the most."

"Agreed. That's why we need to bring him back. He doesn't deserve this." Edmund responds.

Susan looks at Edmund, knowing that he has, indeed, grown up since last year.

"What can we do to cheer him up?" Lucy asks.

"Hello, Pevensies." Carter interrupts. "Hello, my Pevensie." He says before kissing Susan's cheek.

Edmund looks slightly disgusted, and mumbles an awkward greeting.

"You know what? I've lost my appetite." Edmund says. "I'm going to head back up to my dorm."

"I'll go with you." Lucy responds quickly. They deposit their trays onto the conveyor belt and walk out of the hall.