by Carl Leckey
Late lunch is a hurried affair. Emily and Pamela are looking after Mathew this afternoon. Toot is driving Denise and Angelique in the Rolls to go shopping in Canterbury. Dinner is arranged for eight o’clock this evening. Jonah Wilkes and his Wife Jane are to be our dinner guests. Gunter looks forward to meeting someone he has only dealt with by letter and telephone.
That evening, formally dressed, we assemble in the lounge for pre dinner drinks. Sheila, Toot’s Daughter, the youngest maid circulated with a menu and requesting our choice for dinner. It is all very formal the poor girl is so nervous her hands tremble. When I approach him and voice my concern Mr Humphreys assures me she had been the only member of staff that volunteered to carry out this duty. He explains this is a tradition going back to days of the General on such occasions. As it is my first formal dinner party with quests since arriving at the house I am slightly nervous myself. The menu stays imprinted on my memory. All the time as we chat I am thinking back to my time at the front line when I was glad to get a mess tin of lukewarm stew.
The menu consists of.
Appetizers.
Artichoke and tomato Terrine.
Melon Balls and grapes in cider.
Turkey soup with Orzo.
I haven’t a clue what this is and I am too ashamed to ask.
Mr Humphreys spots my obvious dilemma as I study the menu.
He sidles up to me and whispers. “Orzo is a type of pasta my Lord.
May I explain the other items available this evening?”
Proud of my ability to understand French I whisper back.
“Thanks Cecil I have figured out Chicken in Plonk is one of the main courses.”
He smiles and glides away.
Main course.
Coq Au Vin Served in a bed of Angel pasta and fresh asparagus spears.
Roast Rib Eye of Beef Served with baked Potato and Fresh baby carrots.
Dessert is a selection of pastries and sweets.
But for me especially Mrs Humphreys has prepared
Jam Rolly Polly this is my very favourite pudding.
The dinner party is a great success thanks to the culinary delights of Mrs Humphries and her assistants. For the benefit of Gunter she has prepared the entire meal in the kosher method giving all the guests the opportunity to experience Jewish fare.
Everyone gives it their seal of approval much to her delight when she is summoned from the kitchen to be congratulated on her endeavours.
After dinner we gather in the huge drawing room where the conversation focuses on the flights we have enjoyed on the morning.
Denise asks me out of the blue. “If you are to take up flying then who pray will teach you?”
My brain is slightly clouded by the wine and brandy when I reply to her unexpected query.
“Er, I have not given it a thought. I really haven’t made up my mind to er take up flying yet.”
“But you were so keen after your flight this morning? I heard you saying to Gunter you wish to be a pilot?” Oh. Oh I feel I am blundering into a trap and attempt an escape. The Ladies smile sensing victory, the men look on sympathetically as I wriggle on the imaginary hook.
Feebly I reply. “Yes er I did say that didn’t I. But when will I have time to learn?”
“Then you shall have to make time my Dear. If we are to live in the lakeside house and we have to spend time here as well then you need to be able to pilot an aeroplane don’t you think?”
I feel I am being manoeuvred into a corner with no escape.
Denise continues while the rest of the company watch on with amusement. The Ladies in particular appear eager to hear my responses. I have an uneasy feeling this is a conspiracy and all the Ladies are part of it. Denise continues with her innocent sounding observations.
“Gunter has proved it is the quickest and easiest way to travel between the two places, do you agree?” I answer hesitantly. “Yes I suppose so. I’ll have to look into it sometime.”
Denise springs the trap I have been half expecting. “No need to worry yourself my Dear. I have found out all about it while we were in Canterbury today. I have already made all the necessary arrangements. We shall learn to fly together. Shall we leave the Gentlemen to their cigars and brandy Ladies?”
When the door closes behind them Gunter and Jonah burst out laughing. Gunter remarks.
“Your dear Wife would make a great advocate Adam. Her technique is superb and you my friend were completely out manoeuvred. Don’t you agree Jonah?” Jonah replies with a smile.
“Without a doubt if we were giving scores I would say Ladies ten points Gentlemen nil.”
Gunter explains in French what has occurred for Marcel’s benefit. I mutter grumpily.
“There are five females to one male? How could I possibly win? Let’s go and play some snooker.”
However the Ladies have other ideas. Cecil enters the dining room and announces.
“The ball room is ready my Lord, the Ladies are waiting for you to join them.”
In bed that evening the talk of aeroplanes and flying lessons continues. “Denise, when you said we would learn to fly together, you were joking eh?”
“No indeed not, why should I joke of such a serious subject, don’t you think I am capable of being a pilot?”
“Well to be honest I er don’t think it is er a woman’s thing.”
I actually sensed her bristling with indignation before replying. “Hmmm! That’s interesting. You haven’t heard of Baroness Raymonde de Laroche then have you?”
“Can’t say I have why, who is she?”
“The Baroness my dear was the first licensed female pilot. She received her pilot’s licence in 1910, there are many more lady pilots now, it is my ambition to be one of them. When Gunter took me on a flight today it convinced me I was born to fly.”
“Ooh! My little flying Angel, you know I have to admit I felt the same way myself. It was brilliant when he flew over Dover Castle, he really swooped low. I could see the people’s faces. What a feeling”
We lay cuddling for a while each one with our own thoughts until Denise breaks the silence.
“Adam Cheri, I have to confess something. We didn’t go shopping in Canterbury today we went to visit an old friend of your Mothers.
Her name is Mrs Hewlett, she has a flying school in Surrey. She is staying with her friends in Canterbury at the moment. You will like this part she has a Spad aeroplane of her very own.”
“A Spad aeroplane eh? I remember them, they came into the war late on as I recall, but I have read a great deal about them. They reckon they are fantastic aeroplanes to fly. The Boche pilots were terrified of them. I remember watching a dog fight and two Boche Aeroplanes were shot down by one of ours. I learned later it was one of our finest aces Donald Maclaren flying the Spad Aeroplane.” In the casualty station during the war we had regular bulletins posted of the exploits of our pilot aces. In the endless war taking place in the trenches we needed heroes to admire.
I inform her proudly. “Did you know he personally shot down fifty four enemy aeroplanes?” Denise scolds me. “Adam the horrible war is over. We should not glorify in the deaths of so many young men regardless if they were the enemy at that time.”
Of course she is right I apologise and give her a hug she reveals more details of her day out in Canterbury. “Mrs Hewlett is even willing to bring her aeroplane here to the estate to give us flying lessons.”
Denise pauses I feel she has something on her mind. She reveals. “Incidentally visiting Mrs Hewlett in Canterbury, that was your Mothers idea. It wasn’t planned when we left here you know?”
“That’s alright my love I believe you, no need to worry about it.”
Denise adds. “You know Adam I feel I have known your Mother forever, isn’t that nice? We seem to like the same things and have similar ideas. This will surprise you? She told me she has always wanted to fly since she saw her first aeroplane. Isn’t that a coincidence?”
“It is lovely that you and
Mother have hit it off. What do you think about Aunt Emily?”
“She is alright, she’s a bit stuffy and short tempered but thankfully the lovely Pamela knows how to control her.”
“Ha, ha, you have noticed that eh? I knew you would like Mother, who couldn’t?
It’s the flying business that’s worrying me. A couple of days ago I hadn’t even considered it, now we are talking about learning to fly.
I don’t know Denise, it’s all a bit sudden don’t you think? I have a lot on my mind at the moment. What with the new businesses, the house by the lake, this place. To be honest I don’t think I will be able to concentrate on flying lessons just now.”
She presses closer her hands become busy under the sheets.
“Say you agree Cheri and, Denise your little Angel will be so very, very kind to her handsome husband? She will even forgive his past naughtiness and never ever mention it again. If her husband is too busy to take flying lessons then Denise shall learn to be a pilot on her own. Then I will be able to fly you anywhere you wish to go my darling.”
I feel I am definitely weakening. Denise is using those unfair tactics on me again. I attempt a final resistance
“When are we supposed to be taking these flying lessons? We have a lot on you know? We still haven’t even decided where we are spending Christmas.”
Her foreplay is truly magnificent as she uses nearly every tactic she knows I relish in our love making. As I am really enjoying myself I decide I will hold out as long as possible. I try one final ploy before I submit to her seduction.
“Anyway how will you fly me about, you haven’t even got an aeroplane?”
“I have already resolved that matter my love I will explain later. Right now I have to deal with a very stubborn naughty boy.”
Denise disappears under the sheets she knows I can’t resist her any longer. “Gasp.” I concede defeat. Forget aeroplanes and flying I have other things on my mind at this moment in time.
I lie back revelling in the rapture of her wonderful administrations.
Denise has taken her first step in becoming a pilot.
I make a mental note. Whenever Denise wants something badly enough I shall make her persuade me to agree in a similar fashion.
We are awoken in the morning by the noises from the nursery. Denise leaps out of bed and rushes across to the adjoining door. We have evidently slept in late, after yesterday and last night’s activities we were exhausted. We needn’t have worried Edith the maid has everything under control. Mathew is washed dressed and ready to meet the rest of the family. Denise thanks Edith and takes charge of Mathew.
Denise and I accompanied by Mathew are the last to arrive in the dining room for breakfast. The weather has taken a turn for the worse overnight. Gunter after checking the barometer decides to remain until the weather improves. Marcel is worried about his various engagements in France.
I advise him not to worry after all I’m the head of the organisation and it’s not bothering me. He should spend the extra time with Joe learning about the technicalities. No sooner said than done Marcel heads to the boiler room.
Talking to Gunter in the library after breakfast I have an idea.
Excusing myself I telephone the Armstrong Company. I have a long talk to one of the engineers responsible for the manufacture and installation of the hydro-electric systems. He invites me to visit their factory to see a demonstration. When I hang up I return to the library to rejoin Gunter.
I consider a few ideas and sound them out on him. I explain about my plans for the house in France and the modern systems I wish to install.
“I am thinking of sending Joe and Marcel North to see the manufacturers of the hydro-electric system I am interested in. I should really be in France myself to sort as few things out before Christmas. It seems as if we shall be spending it here with my new family.”
Gunter points out. “Marcel doesn’t speak English. Unless someone up North speaks French you have a problem.”
“Oh damn I have not considered that aspect.”
Gunter proposes. “I have a solution. How long is it since your head of household Mr Humphreys has had a holiday?”
Vaguely I reply. “I have no idea.”
He responds. “Then consider this, why not send Mr Humphreys as interpreter with the engineer chap and Marcel.” Considering it for a minute I reply. “Yes, that sounds a good idea. I shall have a word with Cecil.” Gunter is on a roller when he adds with a smile on his lips.
“Well Adam if you like that idea, how about this one. Why not fly to France with me?”
His suggestion startles me. Immediately I begin looking for excuses not to agree with his idea. The thought of flying over all that water gives me the shudders. Desperately I enquire.
“I thought you were going to America?”
Gunter’s reply gives me no escape. “I planned to but I have decided to cancel my trip to the USA. It was of little consequence anyway, more of a pleasure trip than business. Besides New York at this time of the year is not the nicest of places to be, and the Atlantic Ocean crossings?”
He shrugs his shoulders and makes a face before admitting.
“I am not the best sailor in the world. Now back to my idea. Weather permitting I will bring you back to England in about a week. I shall spend the night here if that is agreeable? I have some private business for another client to conduct with our friend Jonah. I shall fly back to France the next day taking Marcel with me? How does that sound?”
Finding no escape I reluctantly agree but desperately add a proviso.
My last hope is Denise. “It sounds a good idea to me. But before I agree I have to consult Denise. God knows what she will say. She only arrived recently and I’m talking about leaving her again. Tell you what Gunter. I’ll sound out Cecile and Marcel first. Cecil will check if Joe is agreeable to leaving his beloved boiler room. Although there will have to be a stand in while he’s away, I reckon he will know if there is anyone suitable. Only then if they all agree I will talk to Denise. Phew! What a complicated life I lead.”
Gunter leaves to telephone Jonah. I locate Cecil organising the maids in the conservatory.
He dismisses the staff when I call him to one side I put the ideas to him. As we talk we wander outdoors onto the quadrangle at the side of the house. He doesn’t answer for a moment as he considers my proposals. When he does reply he responds in a methodical manner.
“Yes I must admit I should enjoy a break. I can’t recall when I last had a holiday, as for Joe’s replacement that’s easily solved? I believe the only person he would consider trusting with his machinery is Jim Hartley the chauffeur.”
I exclaim. “Toot, well I’ll be buggered.” Cecil sternly rebukes me. “Language! My Lord.”
Whenever he scolds me for using an oath it tickles me. I burst out laughing. Unruffled by my laughter he continues explaining. “He and Joe have become good friends since we explored the cellars. I believe they both have a common interest in all things mechanical.”
“You are right about that Cecil. Toot kept the entire motor pool running smoothly single handed during the war when the Sergeant got killed. It’s more of a favour Cecil I wouldn’t consider it a holiday not at this time of year anyway. But I will make sure you and your Wife have a proper holiday in the summer how does that sound?”
His eyes go kind of dreamy as he informs me. “We had our honeymoon in Skegness. Yes that will be a nice surprise for my Enid.”
That part of the plan settled I invite him. “Wish me luck Cecil. I’ll go now into the valley of death and consult my dear Wife about the proposals.”
He assured me “I’m sure you will have no trouble my Lord, she mightn’t even miss you she is so wrapped up in young Mathew. Think of me I have to break the news to my dear Wife that I am going on a spree up north. I wonder how she will take it. We have never been parted for more than a day since we married.”
I can’t help myself when I reply smugly.
“I
’m sure you will have no trouble Cecil she’s so wrapped up in her wonderful kitchen preparing miracles she mightn’t even miss you. Besides think of all the fun she will have with the rest of the staff, none stop gossip without you to restrain them. Ha, ha.”
He mumbles as he walks away. “That’s not funny my Lord.”
I call after him. “So you are willing to go Cecil if I can persuade the others?”
“But of course my Lord, I’m looking forward to it. I shall consult Joe and Toot and let you know if they are willing.”
I catch up with Marcel just as he is entering the coach house with a piece of oily machinery in his hand. “What are you up to Marcel?” I enquire. He smiles and explains. “Joe and I are stripping down and servicing the spare central heating pump. I am learning so much about his machinery I’m glad I came over here.” This news falls in nicely with what I then suggest. I explain my proposals in a mixture of English and French he jumps at the opportunity to visit the engineering works up North.
I mention how well his English is improving he thanks me for the compliment and in turn compliments me on my French.
I have to ask him. “How do you and Joe communicate?”
“Ah we are kindred souls Adam with the love of technology we have found a way.”
If Joe is willing I will definitely have him over in France overseeing the installation of technology I intend having in the lake house if he is willing to come.
That makes two down I have an idea Toot won’t object to the plan. In fact I have only to convince Denise and I am whether I like it or not on a cross channel flight. One of the maids directs me to the studio where Denise and Pamela are located. I hear Mother and Emily’s voices interspersed with laughter emitting from the nursery as I enter the room. Denise is sitting on the chez lounge. Pamela is sitting opposite she has a thoughtful expression on her face. She is sketching Denise on a large piece of paper pinned to the easel. I note she is using a charcoal.
Denise smiles and signals for me to be quite by touching her lips with her forefinger. I creep around the back of Pamela not looking at her efforts and stand by a partly open window. A few more strokes of the charcoal then Pamela suddenly declared. “I’m finished.”
