Free A Change of Fortune by Beryl Matthews

‘Raising your voice won’t solve anything.’
    He threw himself back into his chair, looking thoroughly disgruntled. ‘He’s a blasted idiot, giving up the chance of an academic career for some ludicrous whim. Matt’s damned clever.’
    ‘I must agree with John,’ their father said. ‘This doesn’t appear to be a very sound notion, Matt.’
    ‘Maybe, but I’d like to give it a try. Give me twoyears, Father. If at the end of that time I can’t earn a living at it, I’ll go back to Oxford and pick up where I left off.’ It was a concession he didn’t want to make, but he had to be fair to his parents, and this would make them feel more at ease.
    ‘You’re determined to do this?’
    He nodded to his father, and then glanced at his mother, who smiled her support.
    ‘I see.’ His father was now leaning on the mantelpiece with a glass of brandy in his hand. ‘I’ll buy you a garage to start you up.’
    ‘Father!’ John was up again. ‘You can’t do that. Our bank has weathered the crash better than most, but we’ve still lost money and must be careful.’
    ‘We’ve suffered some losses, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.’ He looked at his eldest son with pride. ‘It was your insistence that we spread our investments and not be swept up in the euphoria of the stock market chase for fast money.’
    John appeared mollified by the praise. ‘We still need to be cautious.’
    Matt watched the exchange with interest. John might be young, but when it came to banking he was a master. Their father turned to him more and more for advice, and Matt didn’t think he’d ever been wrong in his predictions. In this instance the family had cause to be very grateful to John, for he had undoubtedly saved their bank from collapse. Although his elder brother could be a touch volatile at times, he knew what he was doing. Underneath his stern and serious nature lurkeda kind man. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.
    ‘Don’t worry, John,’ Matt said. ‘I don’t want a garage. I’m going to take an apprenticeship and learn the trade that way – from the bottom up.’
    John’s mouth opened in disbelief. ‘You mean you’re going to work in dirty overalls and get grease all over your hands?’
    A chuckle of mirth came from Luke, who was keeping out of the conversation. As a future lawyer he already knew the wisdom of listening to both sides of a story.
    ‘I couldn’t strip down engines without getting greasy, could I?’ Matt said, laughing.
    His father appeared stunned and turned to his wife. ‘What do you think about all this, my dear?’
    ‘I think we should let Matt do as he wishes. He’s promised to return to his studies if it doesn’t work out and you know he always keeps his promises.’
    ‘Hmm. Yes, you’re quite right. Many young men take time out from studying to travel, so Matt might as well get this out of his system.’ The worry faded from his expression. ‘Where do you have to go to get this apprenticeship?’
    ‘I’ve already spoken to Mr Porter of Mayfair Automobiles. He’s the best in the business and is prepared to take me on after the Christmas holiday.’
    ‘Ah, I know the man. He’s the owner of a very prestigious garage. Only works on the best cars.’ He drained his glass and smiled broadly at his youngest son. ‘Verywell, you may get your hands dirty for two years with my permission.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Matt went over and shook his father’s hand. He was aware that they all thought this was something he would grow out of; he knew differently. This was a desire he’d nursed for a very long time.
    ‘You’re mad,’ John said. ‘There are going to be tough years ahead. Some people have lost entire fortunes in this disaster.’
    ‘Yes, it’s truly dreadful,’ their mother said. ‘I’ve heard some men have killed themselves because they’ve lost everything. Is that so, John?’
    ‘I’m afraid it is. Peter Tarrant killed himself and at least two