Long ago, in a quiet village near York, young Edward refused to wed his pregnant sweetheart. His mother stood by him, but his father would not forsake the unborn child.
“Father, Ive news,” Edward said the moment he stepped inside their cottage. “Molly from next door shes with child. Mine.”
Arthur, his father, paused a long moment before answering calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Youre jesting! Im too young for family burdens. We barely courted properly”
“Properly?” Arthur gave a bitter chuckle. “You were man enough to chase the girl, but now youre a boy when its time to face your deeds. Very well.” Without another word, he called for his wife, “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret entered the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Whats the matter?”
“Our sons got Molly next door with child and wont wed her,” Arthur said sharply, then turned away.
Margaret didnt flinch. Her face hardened. “And hes right. Why bring the first stray into our home? Girls these days are cunningsnare a lad with coin, then cry for marriage. Whos to say the babes even his? He ought to demand proof. And Edwards younga man cant always resist temptation. But we shant raise anothers child.”
Arthur exhaled slowly. “And if it is his?”
“What if it is? Must we bear the shame? Let him test the matter, then decide.” She turned her back and returned to her work, leaving Arthur with their son.
“Listen, lad,” Arthur began quietly. “I was young once too. Fancied one girl, wed anothernot for love, but duty. Being a man isnt just about passion. Its choices and consequences. Your mother carried you. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew this muchthe child bore no blame. My blood, my conscience. And mark this, Edward Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The test came back clear: 99.9% certainty the child was Edwards.
“Well?” Margaret scoffed when Arthur laid the paper before her. “Aye, its his. But that doesnt mean Molly sets foot in this house. Never. I wont have it!”
Edward sat silent, fists clenched, refusing to meet his fathers eye. His choice was plainhe stood with his mother.
Arthur rose slowly from the table. “Since youve both made your decision, now hear mine.” His voice was low but unshaken. “As long as I live, my grandchild shall want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a home, and everything I own shall go to that child. You two may forget my aid. Ill have no part in this disgrace. Edward, from this day, youre no son of mine. Not a farthing shall you inherit.”
Margaret shrieked, “Have you gone mad? Disown your own flesh?”
Arthur didnt answer. He walked out, deaf to her curses. Edward stood frozen in the stillness, scarcely believing his fathers words. Yet he knew one thingif Arthur said it, he meant every word.
