“You’ll never forgive me for this!” shouted his sister as Ignatius made up his mind to leave the family, refusing to be manipulated for the sake of his niece.
During Sunday lunch at their mother’s house, Ignatius noticed his mother and sister exchanging glances and giggling nervouslysomething entirely out of character for them.
*They must be plotting something again,* he thought uneasily. *I just hope theyre not getting tangled up in some dodgy scheme. Theyre far too trustingany con artist could take them for a ride. And worst of all, theyll never admit their mistakes until its too late to fix anything. Mum, fine, shes getting on in yearsbut Natalie? Why does she keep falling for nonsense? Shes not stupid!*
Ignatius glanced again from his mother to his sister, then to his niece, who sat quietly, lost in her own thoughts, seemingly oblivious to everything around her.
To break the awkward silence, he asked her,
“So, Emily, hows university treating you? Enjoying it?”
“You’ll never forgive me for this!” his sister shrieked as Ignatius turned to leave, refusing to play along with their scheme for Emily’s sake.
“Yes, Uncle, I love it. Everythings brilliant. Its just” She hesitated, meeting his eyes with timid uncertainty.
“Whats the matter?” Ignatius frowned. “I went to the same university, and Ive got no regrets. The degrees well-respectedlanded me a job straight away, practically fought over. Built my career from there, all thanks to that education.”
“Yes, Emily,” his mother chimed in eagerly, “your uncle got in on merit, no connections, no handouts. Graduated with honours, made his own way. Thats the kind of man he isyou should follow his example. Never caused me a moments worry, always helped your mum when she needed it!”
“My dear brother,” Natalie smiled sweetly at him, “Ive seen so much kindness from him. Always stood by me. Raised Emily after the divorce from Victor. Became a father figure to Mum after Dad passed. Hes our rock.”
*Somethings definitely off,* Ignatius thought. *They want something from methats why theyre buttering me up. Usually, Natalie blames me for her divorce, claims I couldnt get along with Victor. How could I? The man only cared about the pub. Never held down a jobI got him a few, but hed quit after a week, moaning about the wages, saying I embarrassed him. And now suddenly Im the perfect brother? Right.*
After tea, they moved to the sitting room, settling in front of the telly. But the tension in the air told Ignatius the real conversation was yet to come.
“Listen, love,” his mother finally broke the silence, “weve got this situation.” She paused.
“You see, little brother,” Natalie began sweetly, “Emilys grown up now. She doesnt want to live with me anymore.”
“No surprise there,” Ignatius snorted. “Shes an adultprobably got a boyfriend, eh, Em?”
Emily said nothing, just lowered her eyes and blushed.
“Perfectly normal at her age,” Ignatius continued. “Young people need independence. Youve probably been coddling her, doing everything for her, smothering her. If she doesnt want to stay with you, she can apply for student housing.”
“Student housing!” His mother, Margaret, bristled. “You know what its like there!”
“Its perfectly fine!” Ignatius retorted. “They keep things in order. Ive got no issue with it. Time she learned to stand on her own two feet.”
“No, Ignatius, youve misunderstood,” Natalie said smoothly. “Emilys nineteen. And yes, shes got a boyfriendOliver, lovely lad, very bright. Things might get serious. But weve got to think ahead. Student housings temporarywhat then?”
“What then? Shell work, rent a place, maybe get a mortgage like everyone else. Or theres that Young Professionals in Rural Areas schemehelp with relocation, even housing.”
“No, Uncle, I dont want to move to the countryside,” Emily pouted. “Id rather go to London. But flats there cost a fortune. Even rentings mad.”
“Thats why we need to give the girl a leg up,” Margaret cut in. “Lets not beat around the bushwere family, and we think you should help Emily.”
“How, exactly?”
“Well, theres this special mortgage scheme. Natalie and Ive saved a bit for Emilys future, but youd need to take the mortgage in your name. With your connectionsthat old schoolmate of yours, Simon Parker, works in finance. He told us all about it. Said hed sort it for you. Be a good uncle, help your only niece.”
“Mum, Ive told you a hundred timesI wont get involved in anything shady. I dont qualify for any special scheme.”
“I know, love, but Simon said theres a way”
“I dont care what Simon said. Its fraud. I wont risk my reputation so Emily can get a flat. I earned my place the hard wayno shortcuts. Shell finish uni, work, save up. Ill chip in when the time comes. Why the rush?”
“Uncle, I want to be independent. Id get a job, help pay the mortgage,” Emily said.
Natalie shot her a warning look, but Emily pressed on.
“Mum and Gran said theyd cover half. Youd only need to help a little. The rates are practically nothing!”
“So youve already decided Im paying for this? Splendid. Dividing my money without asking. Not just the schemeyou want me funding the flat too. Why not just say, Ignatius, buy Emily a flatshes grown up but still expects handouts? Independence means paying your own way.”
“Why are you being so difficult?” Natalies voice trembled. “Look at hershes in tears! Were not asking for cash. She trusted you, and youre treating her like a stranger. Shes got no fatheryou took his place, and now”
Emily sobbed openly.
“Uncle, this scheme might not come again! Rates are insane! Weve got it all sortedMum and Simon arranged everything. You just sign the papers, get a nominal job with him for five years”
“Enough!” Ignatius snapped. “I wont be part of this. And since I know Simon well, Ill be ringing him today to warn his bosses about his little scams. Tell me, Nathave you paid him already, or just promised?”
Natalie went pale. “Ive paid nothing! Dont you dare threaten himhe was trying to help!”
Margaret, silent until now, finally spoke. “Ignatius, I dont recognise you! Youre her uncleher family. Who else will help them?”
“Oh, Mum, see what kind of family he is?” Natalie sneered. “The minute its about money, he bolts. Hes tight even with you!”
The accusation stunned Ignatius.
“Youre saying Ive been stingy with you and Mum?” he managed.
“Well, the moment real moneys involved, you vanish. Emilyll spend her life paying a mortgagethirty years! This was her chance, and you!”
Ignatius stood and headed for the door.
“Im leaving. Well talk when youve calmed down.”
“Youll *never* be forgiven for this!” Natalie screamed after him.
Emilys weeping echoed from the kitchen.
“No, Ignatius,” Margaret said coldly. “I never expected this from you. You were always a good sonbut today, youve let me down. Family helps family. Youve turned against your sister, your niecebroken my heart. Have you no shame?”
“Mum, cant you see why I refuse?” he asked bitterly. “I wont betray my principles.”
“Principles are finebut for family, people make sacrifices. Youve severed those bonds today. Natalie and Emily wont forgive you. And neither will I.”
As he descended the stairs, Margaret slammed the door behind himthe sound a sharp, final blow, as though hed cut himself off from them forever.
