Sigh..... at least May's father has learned from his mistakes. I liked seeing the contrasts between how Charlie and May reacted to the music and how her father did. I also liked seeing how his mother dealt with him after May's birth, but it's a pity that he didn't show the same consideration to his daughter that he did to his wife. Will there be a similar set of flashbacks from May's mother and grandmother? I got the impression that the male members of her family all reacted like her father to some degree. And just out of curiosity, when did Lord Amarys first notice her? I have the feeling that he would have seen her potential even if her father willfully ignored it. Many thanks for another excellent chapter....... I suspect that even if May's father said no Charlie would wear him down with sheer determination! He is the bulldog after all!
Author's response
Thanks for another thought provoking review, Teresa!
There were a few times that I almost included another scroll in the scene where her father reads her 'report' card. That scroll would have been the one from Aramys, notifying him of that Aramys expected to interview her. To include it would have de-emphasized the emotional aspects of the memory, I feel.
I am still toying with the idea of the grandparents being more involved, as they are still alive, and they do live in the compound in their own private quarters. But, as I am trying to wrap up this story in 3-4 more chapters, they may not make it. Chapter 11 is now thoroughly outlined and plotted. It will be Charlie's Birthday chapter, so to speak (Dec 12th). I hope to have it finished this weekend.
Thanks again!
--Jim