"What have you done…?"
Note: theme of Beckett's personality is rather interesting for me, but I write not only for my pleasure, I also try to make stories enjoyable for you, dear readers. So, if you're interested in reading more stories about him, I'll write more. If not – then maybe this theme will wait for better times. Actually, this story is not about that Beckett we know. It's about his childhood, how and why he became ruthless, powerful person. It's an introduction written to explain the situation in his family before his birth.
Prologue:
Sir Cedric Beckett was dealing with suppliers of tea in Port-Royal when he got a letter from London. Troubled thoughts were in his head, because he had received a letter from his wife not long ago. Postman advised to read it as soon as possible, but Sir Beckett couldn't do it at work. Unfortunately, there're no indispensable people, it's not a problem for Britain to discharge somebody, and it's a problem for these dismissed to find a normal job. But actually, he had other reasons to be always careful.
Cedric Beckett had enough enemies, and they'd written too much "complaints" and false reports. "And why are they so envious? Am I so lucky or rich?" – This question was always with him. Son of impoverished aristocrat, he wasn't very handsome and smart; it always prevents him to communicate with supreme persons. Even marriage with rather wealthy woman he truly loved hasn't change anything in his life – nearly all her money were spent on her dead father's active debts, and her relations with importaint persons don't help his much in his career. Maybe, only love was the happiest thing in his life. For Sir Beckett his wife, Jane, was the dearest person in the world. And when he learnt that he'll be father soon, nothing could spoil his happiness. But he's too far from her, last letters were more anxious about her health. But maybe soon he'll be given a holiday for his zealous work. To provide the future of his family, Sir Beckett works often overtime. His dream was a wealthy, happy future with his wife and their future children. He wants to have a son, maybe once young Beckett will be greater than anybody in the family.
On the way back home he prayed to give his wife patience and health, to be cured of all her diseases, which were so unexpected, like a curse. He wanted to read the letter in the street, but decided to learn everything himself, without witnesses, either good or bad news. This way seemed endless, everything can happen at that moment in London, and he must know about it immediately.
At home Beckett rushed at the letter, with some hope and fear. But it brought only sorrows…
"Sir, come back as soon as you can. Your wife is near to death, her illness sapped her spirits. She has just given a premature birth to son, and we are not sure if he will survive…"
Beckett couldn't read more; he was only able to shout: "God, why do you punish me? Why have You chosen me to suffer? Please, save Jane and my poor son, I beg You!"
When he arrived, nobody met him. He ran into the house, but hasn't found anybody. He went upstairs, to the bedroom. There he found Jane lying in her bed and doctor examining her. Jane smiled weakly.
"Dear, you've come. I even began to think I'll die alone in this empty house…"
The doctor said with relief:
"Mrs. Beckett, I think you won't die at least to bring up your future children. Some moments were really critical, but now your life isn't in danger."
Sir Beckett was too nervous and asked hesitantly:
"What do you mean by saying "future children"?"
Dead silence was disturbed by weeping of a baby. The old maid, who had being honestly served for 20 years said proudly:
"Sir Beckett, your son - Cutler"
"He is a lucky boy. Not many can survive, he was born too early."
Cedric Beckett didn't know what to say:
"Doctor, let's have a drop of good rum. Such things must be celebrated"
Did you like the beginning? If yes - soon the story will be continued.