You're right, of course. My opinion hardly matters. We should certainly take your word that your father's suddenly realised after only 20 years that he's backed the wrong broomrider.

He's always assumed you'd follow in his footsteps, that's what you've said. So if even he doesn't want you joining up, shouldn't that tell you that there might be other ways to proceed? Do you have to join Him? Couldn't you take a different sort of stand that wouldn't involve pretending to be one of them?