by Michael Gill
“Pass the salad cream, will you?” He poured a big dollop over his food. Anne frowned as always. He took the red wine out of the fridge which Anne had placed there thirty minutes earlier.
“A Pinot Noir should go well with this light and healthy fare.”
“It would if you went easier on the salad cream.”
“Loved it since I was a kid. Only thing that made salad tolerable. I promise to read your thesis this week. I got so sidetracked today. In the meantime, why don’t you give me a summary of your feelings on Shackleton and what you focused on? You said it wasn’t the explorations but more on his personal life.”
“Raymond, there is a lot more than meet the eye when it comes to your heroic explorer. I’d totally forgotten all the studies I did on the man until the tasting. All that information on the whisky they found brought back the memories of that thesis so long ago. Now it’s got my juices flowing again.”
They both sat enjoying the wine for a moment.
“Tell me more,” said Raymond finally.
“I stayed clear writing about his three explorations and the fact that he failed each time.”
“Then why have leadership programmes all over the world named after him?”
“When he was backed up against a corner, the whole expedition down the toilet, he became brilliant. Not losing a single man on the endurance trek was amazing.”
“So you are saying he has a lot of skeletons in his closet?”
“You bet he does. He was a charming man, especially with the ladies. I think he should have salesmanship programmes after him more than leadership.”
“Enlighten me,” he said.
“The endurance was a mistake right off the bat and the more you research the more you just shake your head. They set sail the day the war broke out. The Fleet Admiral at that time was Winston Churchill who sent a one-liner telegram: ‘Proceed’.”
“Really?”
“Yes, twenty-eight men, some sailors, others scientists, would be valuable for the war effort. Strange hey. Then the experts, one Norwegian, said turn around you will never make it. How they did it is still incredible to me. To cap that off, two of the crew weren’t awarded the polar medal and the Scotsman... his name escapes me for a second. Anyway, he was one of the key members of the crew. Quite odd I thought at the time.
“Anyway, I decided to write about almost anything else other than the expeditions he took to Antarctica. Either there are a pile of cover-ups or it was simply an explorer was so vogue back in those days. There is plenty written about him and yet it doesn’t seem to make the slightest difference. Just like in his time - no matter what he did wrong, or failed at, the country seemed to love him anyway.”
“Keep giving me the facts ma’am,” said Raymond in a fake American accent.
“I can do that. Okay, first off he was from an Irish Protestant family. It might be important when we see what you have on Irish history.
“While he did attend top schools and the naval academy it wasn’t in his heart. He really was a bit of a dreamer and schemer, coming up with all sorts of wild business ideas or dreaming about looking for treasure in far off places. The thing was, he could get the wealthy, the most intelligent of people to invest money in his ideas. They all failed and still they came back for more.”
“Sounds like a salesman with a great story.”
“He was and particularly with the ladies. All age groups and even an American actress. Made no difference if they were tall, small, chubby, slim, old or young. Women absolutely adored him and he loved either talking to them for hours or, if his physical type, then a whole lot more.”
“Why haven’t I read something about him more on the lines of Casanova?”
“The expeditions to Antarctica have always taken precedence over anything else in his life and made him a hero. Back then it was very hip to support exploration. The King and country were always hoping for someone like him to be the first to plant the Union Jack somewhere no man had ever been. It was a morale booster for the entire country. With him, he was such a talker it would mean so much publicity - world trips to lecture on the subject and all with the pride of Britain right there with him.”
“So how much are we talking on all these investments that failed?”
“I don’t know exactly but I do know many for the two polar expeditions. The discovery was a lot of money and since the discovery trek failed you would think the Endurance some eight years later would be tougher to raise the cash for. However, the rich ladies were still there ready to sign cheques after afternoon tea and listening to the handsome man talk of the next journey with so much passion. ‘We will shoot a film on it. I’ll show the film when I conduct a world tour upon our return. All of us involved in the Endurance expedition will be looked upon as heroes. Great Britain will continue to lead the way,’ he would explain to any potential supporter.
“What he needed was some stability at home and money so he could make his plans for expeditions to Antarctica and become a national hero. He found the perfect lady to make that happen. Looking at all the other ladies he seemed to be attracted to, she wasn’t his type. However, as wife and mother she was just what he needed and she had money. Her father was never a big fan of his but when he died just in a trust alone his wife would make over fifty thousand pounds a year by today’s standard, while he made three times less while on the discovery expedition.
“For the discovery alone, one lady with connections to the King gave him what would be about a hundred and fifty thousand pounds in today’s value.”
Chapter 12
“Right, that gives me a solid foundation to work on. What about the love angle?” he asked, while refilling their wine glasses? “Try this Primitivo wine from Puglia. It’s from the south of Italy.”
“I thought you were going to read my thesis?”
“I will. Just give me the background tonight. I can plug all this into my latest software in the morning.”
“There is really little in the any of records on who he was seeing prior to meeting Emily Dorman in 1901. He had spent most of his younger years at sea. However, he pursued this relationship with all the vigour and gusto he could muster. You will see from the pictures I’ve attached that she isn’t like any of the other women we will meet in the timeline of this Casanova. In looks at least she wasn’t his type.
“She did have exactly what he needed which was money, which was always a concern and a motivating factor in all he did. She came from a wealthy family and was independently well off, and at thirty two years old and not previously married she was ready and he was a charming man. Why at her age and single minded spirit did she decide her father’s approval was necessary for marriage?
“Did he give his blessing?” Raymond asked.
“Eventually.” Anne replied.
“In the meantime, he was charming elderly ladies of status. Elizabeth Dawson–Lambton was totally smitten by the young adventurer and would listen with keen interest to all his ideas, whether they be exploring or business ventures. She donated a thousand pounds immediately to the Scott expedition thanks to him which today is a huge amount of money.
“Before his marriage, he set sail for New Zealand and while out at sea, news came in of Emily’s father dying. When he arrived back in England he had a wife with a trust fund that paid seven hundred pounds a year. When I wrote the paper in 1990 that would be worth close to one hundred thousand pounds a year. Not bad!
“They moved to Edinburgh when he was involved with some top businessmen, deciding to enter politics. He found a woman of a similar age for a change who was wealthy, engaging, pretty and smart. The only problem was her husband had become a likely target to be a huge sponsor for this next endeavour. Still, not a problem for the Casanova who easily won over Mr. Beadmore and his wife Elspeth, the latter in bed. Another distinguished woman in her fifties was Lady Annie Lee Brocklehurst who immediately donated two thousand pounds, worth over a quarter of a million pounds by today’s value.
“Queen Alexandria, my leading lady, publicly supported his polar quests. She would give him personal gifts for each voyage which seemed very strange if you look into her history. Completely overshadowed by a king who reportedly had fifty-five affairs that are known of, she kept under the radar throughout her life. But not in his case, and like all the other married ladies with power they would convince husbands that he should be supported.
“This is quite unreal - and you say all of the sources you used were written by established and reputable writers?”
“Absolutely.”
“Incredible. More wine I believe.”
“Okay, I agree this guy was a Casanova although my point earlier is he’s still a hero to all of us and an inspiration in leadership,” said Raymond. “Why were the King and Queen so supportive of him?”
“Well I mentioned the King would support anything that would give the country a boost. However, I focused more on the Queen in my thesis. There was a quote from Mark Twain I wrote,” she said while skipping through the pages. “I think it is no exaggeration to say that the Queen looks as young and beautiful as she did thirty five years ago. The quote from twain was made when she was over sixty years old. She was a wonderful Queen and stayed in the background often while her husband was having affairs all over the place. I think she and Shackleton formed a close relationship.”
“You mean…?”
“That was never proved and I only offer my opinion that something more than friendship could have taken place.”
“Wow,” said Raymond. “So all of this is conjecture on your part. I mean when it comes to his possible affairs.”
“Yes, except the American actress. She was his mistress and there has been plenty written on that subject. She was ten years younger than him and lived in a highly fashionable part of London, paid for by wealthy parents.”
“Besides all the love connections and the dodgy business investment ideas at the time, he had something else to worry about that could tarnish all he had strived to build. His reputation with the wealthy, the powerful people in London at the time.” Anne paused.
“His brother. Nice touch bringing us back to the Irish Crown Jewels,” said Raymond with a smile.
Anne laughed. “Honestly though, he and his brother were into all sorts of shady deals using money from people with wealth and power. Most of them were flops. Through all the business investments that flopped was his brother lurking in the shadows.
“Frank!”
“Anne, lay the papers down on the sofa. I’ve had enough for one night but I have to admit this - my juices are flowing again.”
“Back when I did this paper it was probably the most interesting subject I had ever studied. There is so much mystique, so many different avenues to explore. Actually right up your alley.”
Chapter 13
“Good morning. What’s happening in your world today?” asked Anne. Raymond was always up at least one hour before her.
“Post has already been. A nice bottle of single malt for one of our future tastings. Glen Breton finished in ice wine casks,” he said, handing her the bottle from the carton box.
“This should be available here at least in places like Harrods,” said Anne examining the box.
“I agree. Well the members will like it. Perhaps we could do a Canadian theme.”
“Rye would be good.”
Anne got some coffee and sat opposite Raymond at the breakfast bar. “I have been thinking about a day out. Are you busy?”
“Yes, where to?”
“The Norfolk coast.”
“Are you thinking about Shackleton already? At least finish your first cup of coffee.”
“I can’t. The house move to Sheringham is too weird,” she continued.
“I’ve been. It has a station in the middle of the town.”
“Wait don’t tell me, steam trains.”
“Yes, there is an excellent preservation society there. It’s a charming town and a great place to live except its miles away from anywhere and even today has really bad connections by train or road - it’d take you forever to reach a city. Back then it would have to be an all-day job to successfully get yourself to London.”
“He probably took the family there to be in the quiet while she had their next child. I have been reading up you know. My thesis finally?”
“No not yet.”
“Anyway, that’s rubbish. She always preferred living in London.”
“Okay, why then smarty pants?”
“It’s close to Sandringham. This was the choice for both the King and Queen. In fact, of all royals I think they stayed there more than in London. It was their house. I mean yes it’s our Queen’s house today although she’s hardly ever there. I mean the original hall before they made changes and additions was purchased by Queen Victoria for The Prince of Wales and his wife-to-be.”
“Queen Alexandria,” they both said in unison.
“So, how about we have a drive out to the Norfolk coast. A few nights in a cute B & B in Sheringham I just found on the internet. Such a long time since I last had a look around Sandringham House. Think it was a school trip. I do remember the magnificent grounds.”
“Hold that thought.” Raymond’s phone vibrated.
“Louisa how the heck are you?” Raymond said into his iPhone. What, a trip to Nova Scotia? When?
“Would love to come. Yes, I’ll a book a ticket and see you at Heathrow terminal two.
“Late cancellation from one of Louisa’s colleagues. I am leaving today for Nova Scotia Canada. Do you mind?”
“How long?”
“Just two nights.”
“Well that isn’t like you.”
“What?”
“Going off on a trip when you have a case to solve.”
“I need to clear my head of it and relax. Some whisky chat will refresh my mind, get me looking at it from some different angles. Besides I can’t let Louisa go on her own.
“I understand, Uncle Raymond,” she said with a smile. “While you are on your way to lovely Canada, mind if I do some more research on my own?”
“Be my guest. This trip is only two days and then I’ll focus on finding this whisky thief.”
“Would you like this?” Anne said, handing him her thesis.
“Perfect reading for the plane.”
Part 3
Chapter 14
Antarctica April 1916
Chippy lay in his sleeping bag with three other men in the tent. The shivering, the snoring waking him up constantly. Can’t sleep? Vinnie’s asked.
Vinny had become his only friend and the good companion he had needed to fill the void of emptiness without his cat. Go back to sleep lad, you will need all your strength tomorrow.
The seaman and boxer from Birmingham had stood up for him last week. Laid his life on the line really. What a silly bugger sticking up for a silly self-opinionated Scot like me, Chippy had thought at the time. They had taken all three boats on the sleds in search of the Promised Land that the boss kept saying was just around the corner. The hull on the dory was getting beaten up badly. He was concerned and always maintained two boats wouldn’t be enough for twenty eight men. He lost it! The boss brought out the mutiny card once again. This time, in front of all the crew. Chippy calmed down instantly, apologizing to all of them.
The camp site on an ice floe they had endured for a year or more had finally cracked and he was finally back on water where he belonged. They had spotted land way off in the distance and hopes were high.
The boss had been a source of inspiration with his optimism and the two of them had seemed to
be at peace with each other, at least for now. He had made sure all three boats were sea worthy and was convinced this was why he had been spared from a shot to the head.
Suddenly, the boss barked Launch the boats. Chippy jumped to his feet and for the first time on this voyage he wanted to give the boss a hug. Shackleton continued shouting, naming the crew for each boat. The Cairn was the largest and would take eleven men while the other two would take the remaining seventeen. Chippy had worked hard on having all three boats seaworthy to withstand all that Antarctica could throw at them. The Cairn in particular being a double ended whale boat was strengthened by his very hands making the sides over a foot higher on either side. Chippy! Shackleton yelled, you will come with me on the Cairn, along with… as he yelled off the crew members. Bloody hell he thought, why me? He listened to the names that consisted of many of the top crew. Only one thing to deduce from this - he wants to keep an eye on me at all times.
The crew members were made up of Shackleton’s two favourite fellow Irishmen and thank god they had Worsley who was a terrific navigator. All his favourites and so maybe when the time is right he will try to kill me. Chippy felt a chill, much stranger than the north winds going through his body.
They had open water and kept seeing land but now finally they could make it to one of these barren islands. Might be just as bad as being on a floe or in these tiny boats.
They rowed for days, often falling asleep with oar in hand, starving, many suffering frostbite with temperatures well below zero. Finally, thirty miles dead ahead was Elephant Island according to the navigator. No one knew much about this island but it was land and the men all began to row faster.
At ten miles out they could get no nearer. They could now see the island with mountain peaks looming on the horizon but no matter how hard they tried, the tidal current kept them from advancing. The boss finally announced - We will be there by morning. No one has ever landed on this island. He actually smiled with pride. Chippy thought nobody in their right mind ever wanted to land at Elephant Island.
