Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  “They were married at a civic ceremony on the day Denise left France.”

  “Phew! Is that all Marcel? I thought you were going to give me some bad news.”

  Marcel looks puzzled he enquires. “Are you happy about that, I assumed you?” His voice peters out before completing the sentence. The information registers. “Oh Lord! I realise now why you are so concerned. There were plans for a joint wedding, myself and Denise, Billy and Louise. Father Peter was to be conducting the ceremony. Oh Lor! Denise will go absolutely potty.”

  Marcel and Paul have become good friends. He defends the couple’s decision to jump the gun and marry without us.

  I mutter. “Just as everything was running smoothly,” Quite wrongly it seems I blame Yvette, “Bloomin Yvette! What is she up to now?” Marcel explains. “Oh no, you have it all wrong. Paul made the decision you know? He did it for all the right reasons Adam. Yvette is beginning to show her pregnancy, tongues were wagging. I’m not explaining this very well am I?”

  I reply. “I understand, but will Denise. To actually wait until she had left France to do the deed, she won’t forgive that easily.”

  Gunter intercedes on Marcel’s behalf. “Let me explain the full story Adam. Denise told Paul and Yvette she had no intention of coming to England to meet you. I don’t know why, she didn’t enlighten anyone except Louise. Although we know now, don’t we?”

  I am sure I blush. An old adage comes to mind.

  Your past sins will come to haunt you later on.

  My brief affair with Peggy is definitely my past sins haunting me.

  Marcel continues. “They made the arrangements for the wedding hoping it would be a nice surprise for Denise. Don’t worry Adam. They still plan to have a church wedding when Father Peter is able to officiate.”

  “Thanks for telling me Marcel. Gunter. I know it must have been difficult for you. I think I will keep this titbit from my Wife until we retire tonight. Mum’s the word eh?”

  Marcel looks blankly at me when I make the last remarks. Gunter laughs and speaks rapidly in French, Marcel smiles. Gunter explains. “Adam you have mastered the French language remarkably well in such a short period of time, but some of your translations of the English sayings? Portion de boo, boo, for titbit? Mama elle est la parle?” I join them in laughter. Cecil enters the room and enquires.

  “Do you gentlemen require anything?”

  “Ah! I’m glad you are here Cecil Have you informed the staff of my decision?”

  “Yes my Lord.” “Cecil?“ “Yes my Lord.” “Explain yourself.”

  “May I speak freely my Lord?” “Of Course Cecil speak up.”

  “Well the estate needs a strong guiding figure at the helm. It always has been and it always will be.” He pauses as he gauges my reaction to his statement before he requests. “If I am permitted to add?” I wave my hand indicating impatiently for him to carry on. “Myself, I would have made you an Earl or something equally as grand. It would be beneficial for you to be superior to Lady Emily. After the General passed away things went to pieces under Lady Emily guardianship. It is essential that the staff look up to you. They need to be shall I say, in awe of you. A title makes this possible and despite your reservations the authority to command is in your blood. This is how the system works Adam er My Lord. I can assure you.” Gunter is smiling as he follows Cecil’s logic. Marcel unable to speak English hasn’t a clue what’s going on. I haven’t got a clue of how to respond to Cecil’s reasoning immediately. It appears I might have to do a rethink of my rejection of the title. I do the next best thing and change the subject. “Cecil I have introduced Marcel formally but I will now explain why he is here.

  Marcel is the architect from France we spoke about. He is rebuilding a house for me.

  I would like you to give him a guided tour of the estate.

  In particular I want him to see the Generals innovations. I planned to introduce him to Joe myself, but I have a great deal of business to conduct with Mr Cogan. They are returning to France first thing tomorrow. However there is a problem, Marcel does not speak English.”

  Cecil responds with good news. “But I do communicate in French my Lord.”

  “Cecil you are a gem, you are without doubt a man of many talents. Would you take Marcel now please? And Cecil! I shall consider your advice regarding the title.”

  Cecil has a rapid word in French with Marcel they leave together. Gunter opens his brief case and lays papers on the table. “Right Adam we shall work our way through this lot. I need you to countersign these contracts and agreements. You should read them all carefully before you sign.”

  “Did you negotiate these Gunter?”

  “Yes of course with the input of Harry, Alec and Captain Hawkins.”

  “That’s good enough for me Gunter, let’s get on with it. There is no need for me to read them. To be honest, I wouldn’t have a clue anyway.”

  “Thank you for your trust Adam.” Gunter lays the first papers down.

  “Item one. The airstrip. OSCADA has purchased the land the airstrip occupies also the former ammunition depot as well as the railway spur line from the Ministry. Sign here alongside my signature.

  This is the contract for the new ships. Sign here above Captain Hawkins signature.

  The lease on the dock warehouse. Sign here.

  The construction company. Sign here please alongside Marcel’s signature.

  The acquisition of the other transport depot and the business. Sign here alongside Harry’s signature. Now for the important business as far as you are concerned. Harry and I have untangled your personal finances from the company. OSCADA is sound enough to operate without delving into your inheritance. I have arranged finance for the new projects. Bank Geneva will finance the shipping venture.

  Harry has arranged finance for the purchase of the other transport companies through his Fathers bank on very favourable terms.”

  “Oh! That’s very interesting. The last time we spoke of his Father Harry had disowned him.”

  “It is not so much a reconciliation as an armistice. I personally do not like friction in families.

  I am glad they are in contact with each other be it only on business matters at the moment, but I am hoping relations will improve. His Father is a very well respected banker. I have known him and his Wife for many years.” Gunter confesses. “Between you and I Adam I had a little word with them both.”

  “At least if they are on talking terms and doing business together it’s a beginning.”

  “Yes his Mother is very pleased. Now back to business please. I am now moving onto your personal business. Marcel assures me the rebuilding of your house is on schedule and on budget but you will be requiring some very expensive innovations?”

  “Well I will if Marcel thinks it is feasible and most importantly affordable?” He replies.

  “Of course we won’t know that until he has examined the projects and costed them. You have spent a great deal lately Adam. The settling of the estates debts took a huge amount of your reserves you know?”

  I have a feeling I am being subtly scolded for my extravagances.

  “Don’t worry I appreciate your concern Gunter. If I can’t afford them we can live without them. There is an old English saying which goes as follows.”

  “What good is wealth if you can’t enjoy spending it?”

  He smiles reassuringly and says. There is an old Jewish saying which goes as follows.

  “Fresh cake tastes far better than stale bread.”

  It takes a moment before I realise the implications of the saying. Gunter smiles as he assures me. “You are not a pauper by any means Adam. We aim to keep you as such. Even after all your wild expenditure you are still a very wealthy young man with considerable assets as well as cash. Let’s not forget every day that goes by you are accumulating more wealth through the OSCADA activities.”

  Abruptly he advises. “I believe that concludes today’s session. Congratulations Adam the OSCADA Empire h
as almost quadrupled. Now that the business is out of the way we have free time on our hands. How would you like to have a flight in my aeroplane?”

  Taken aback by his sudden invitation I hesitate before replying.

  He states. “Like it or not, we are into the aviation business now Adam, the Chairman of OSCADA Airways should have some flying experience.” I reluctantly agree. “I suggest you dress in warm clothing including gloves. There is a spare flying helmet in the aeroplane. I’ll be a few minutes putting on my flying kit. I will meet you at the front door.”

  Having experienced harsh winter conditions in open trucks I don as many warm clothes as I am able. Ten minutes later he joins me clad in a long leather coat plus thick gauntlets. Adorning his head is a leather helmet and goggles. We find the rain has ceased when we leave the house. We are greeted by blue skies as we head for the landing field. Gunter explains we will need some help to turn the plane into the wind and crank the propeller. Toot and a young gardener are in the coach house I recruit them to assist. As we head towards the field Gunter instructs me on the safety procedures I must follow when I board the aeroplane. We arrive at the aeroplane Gunter removes the canvas sheet stretched across the open cockpits. Following his instruction we lift the tail and turn the aeroplane’s head to the wind.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Our first flights

  Gunter asks for a volunteer to crank the prop while he takes his position in the rear cockpit.

  I haven’t a clue what he means. Toot informs me he has witnessed the operation during the war. He steps forward grips the propeller high up. At a signal from the pilot he pulls the blade down. Nothing happens. He repeats the procedure, the engine coughs. On the third swing Gunter shouts contact the engine bursts into life with a deafening roar. Gunter yells for me to climb aboard. I sit in the forward cockpit and fasten the belt and don the helmet and goggles as he instructed.

  The aeroplane moves forward I grip the side of the cockpit the engine appears to roar even louder. Suddenly the bumping ceases. I open my eyes we are actually off the ground and flying. Soaring over a stand of trees I have this odd feeling in my stomach. The wind whistles passed me. What an experience, this is amazing, it’s no wonder Marcel was raving about flying when he landed earlier. Only minutes later I recognise the village of Sandwich spread out below. This is the small river port where I left for France on a fishing boat. In fact as we fly over the river the self same boats are moored in their usual berths. The aeroplane swoops over the coast out to sea then turns to fly south over the seaside town of Deal. The fishing boats are lined up on the beach. People wave, I wave back like an excited kid. We zoom out over the channel again until Gunter turns the machine towards the White Cliffs. We head inland over the port of Dover then he does a low swoop over the huge castle. Gunter turns the aeroplane north again returning to St Margaret. We climb higher and higher the engine stops. I panic we go into a dive. This is the end. I knew I shouldn’t trust these damn machines.

  I pray. Guardian Angel if you are still looking after me please do it now. The engine bursts into life. Thank goodness it appears I am still in my Guardian Angels good books. We pass over the landing field very low then climb swiftly over the trees. Denise, Emily, Angelique, and Pamela wave as we flash by. Toot and the lad stand to one side.

  Toot gives me the thumbs up sign. We complete one circuit before Gunter gently lands the aeroplane and taxis towards the group of Ladies. We climb down. My knees are slightly wobbly but I have been thrilled by my first flight. I shake his hand and inform him.

  “You have convinced me Gunter. I must learn to fly one of these things as soon as possible.

  But I’m not having one like yours with a dodgy engine thank you.” Gunter looks indignant. “Dodgy engine? What do you mean? I have had this aeroplane for over a year now, it’s never let me down.”

  “Well it did just now when it cut out. I’m not kidding you Gunter. I thought we were goners for sure.” Gunter roars with laughter.

  “The engine didn’t cut out Adam. I did that so you would experience the sensation. I can actually land this machine from a glide. Would you like to climb back aboard and I’ll show you how it is done?”

  “No thank you Gunter too many treats spoil the child I’ll pass on that lesson if you don’t mind.”

  Denise approaches. She hugs me and enquires. “What was it like Adam?”

  “Fantastic! That is the only way to describe it.”

  She turns to Gunter. “I would like to experience flying. Gunter, will you take me up for a flight please?”

  Her request makes me uneasy I try to deter her. “Er are you sure, it’s very scary Denise?

  I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Tut, tut. Adam.” She replies. “I’m sure if it didn’t frighten you it won’t frighten me. See I have my thick coat on already, lend me your big gloves and helmet.”

  Gunter looks at me for approval. I shrug my shoulders and declare. “Gunter you may as well take her up otherwise my life won’t be worth living.” We turn the plane, as before Toot cranks the propeller and they are off. Up, up and away the machine disappears from sight heading towards Dover carrying my darling Wife. I spend the worst ten minutes of my life biting my nails and fretting.

  It doesn’t help when Emily remarks. “I am surprised at you Adam letting your Wife ride in that silly machine. They are so dangerous, you read about them crashing every day.”

  Mother intercedes “Oh do be quite Emily can’t you see Adam is worried enough. I think Denise is a very brave young Lady.”

  The relief I feel when they reappear is unbelievable. He lands as before and taxis across the field to us.

  Denise is thrilled as she describes her flight. Gunter says.

  “I have left the engine running does anyone else want a flight?” Angelique goes for a flight next followed by Pamela. Emily refuses the invitation. One of the maids arrives as he lands with Pamela as his passenger. The maid announces nervously lunch will be delayed until we return to the house. Gunter has a word with Toot then we decide we should have our meal.

  On the way to the house I notice Cecil and Marcel in deep discussion in the coach house. Excusing myself from the others I join them.

  “Did you have a good look around? So Marcel what do you think?”

  “This place is truly magnificent. They have such fantastic inventions. We have met Joe the boiler engineer he is a wealth of knowledge. Adam. We need to have a meeting to discuss my findings. Give me a chance to write them down, I will furnish you with a full report.”

  With a hint of impatience I request.

  “Yes that’s alright Marcel, but I would like your immediate opinion about say the boiler house. Take the central heating would it be practical out at the lake house?” Marcel responds enthusiastically.

  “Right then an instant summary you shall have. The central heating system will not be practical unless we have a guaranteed source of good quality coke. Transporting to the remote house will be costly.”

  He evidently observes my disappointment. “Do not despair I have other ideas to light and heat your house Adam. Let me deal with the lighting first of all. Do you recall the fast flowing stream running near the house?”

  “Yes of course.”

  “That is the source of energy we shall use. It is clean, the stream is within your own boundaries, what is more it will be free energy.

  Joe told me about a Sir William Armstrong, he has illuminated his property Cragside with hydro electric power.”

  Huh! I recall that name from a conversation I had with Sandy.

  “William Armstrong I believe he is an arms manufacturer; His factory is somewhere up the east coast. I don’t approve of arms manufacturers Marcel. They made lots of money through the bloody war. Some of my mates reckoned them buggers didn’t want the war to ever end.”

  Marcel looks sympathetic but he continues. “Be that as it may Adam, someone had to make the weapons to defend ourselves or we would have
been part of Germany by now.

  The war is over and the Armstrong system is the one I recommend.”

  “Yeah I suppose you’re right, sorry to interrupt carry on please.”

  “The initial cost of turbines will be expensive but the running costs will be negligible. Joe assures me it’s possible to purchase the entire system in England. We could even have it shipped to France on one of our own ships, another cost saving.

  Heating the house is another matter. If we are able to utilise the fuels we already have. I mean the woods on the property. The source of fuel is guaranteed. There will however be a cost factor you will have to employ a forester.”

  “Why do we need a forester Marcel?”

  He explains. “The woods will have to be coppiced long term to sustain a continuous supply of fuel.”

  “Whoa! That’s enough for now Marcel, It’s getting too technical for me. Let’s get lunch and talk later, it all sounds very promising to me. Thank you Cecil for helping out today.”

  “Thank you my Lord it has been a very rewarding day. Joe evidently appreciates someone with his enthusiasm for mechanical things. We had difficulty stopping him talking about his favourite subject.”

  “You have him talking again? That’s brilliant Cecil. You know we might require Joe to travel to my place in France to oversee the engineering, if he is willing that is?”

  “You did mention it My Lord.”

  “Cecil will you do me another favour? Sound him out for me please. He will have to train someone to handle his duties here while he is away. See if there is anyone on the staff that’s suitable. Oh! Of course he will have to be acceptable to Joe. We don’t want to upset him do we?”

  “That goes without saying My Lord. As a matter of fact I do have someone in mind.”

  On our way to the house I give Marcel’s ideas some thought until I suggest. “We should contact the Armstrong Company and see if they have the equipment available we will require. I could do that on the telephone today. In fact let’s get the ball rolling Marcel. You have me convinced. I must admit I do like the idea of generating our own supply of electricity.”