by David Munro
Mr Lawson murmured, “a volatile situation indeed.”
“What’s up?”
“This article refers to the Balkans as a ‘powder keg’ about to go off. There are a number of countries in the region at loggerheads with each other.”
Mrs Lawson sat back on the wooden chair. “Thankfully, Britain is many miles away, a conflict will not affect us.”
Her husband lowered the newspaper. “If a conflict begins with the smaller countries of Bosnia and Serbia, others could be drawn in.”
“Which countries?”
“Russia has an allegiance to Serbia, and Austria with Bosnia.”
“Will the larger countries not try to avert a major conflict?”
“You would expect them to, however, this article adds that when a large country mobilises, it is difficult to reverse.”
“Thank goodness we are not involved.” Mrs Lawson sighed. “At present, our Liberal Government has enough problems.”
“Prime Minister Asquith has his hands full with the Irish problem, plus further threats of strike action.”
“Not to mention the Suffragettes.”
Mr Lawson turned a page, and smiled.
“Why are you smiling?”
“The Football Federation of Brazil has been formed. Due to a lack of amenities, teams will have to play games on the country’s beaches.” Mr Lawson shook his head. “I can’t see Brazil being a force to be reckoned with.”
Mrs Lawson got up, and walked to the window, then returned to her seat. Her husband lowered the newspaper.
“The boys are sitting and drinking their lemonade.”
“The window panes will remain intact?”
Mrs Lawson nodded.
“James appears fine.”
“He’s an active boy, which will help keep his mind preoccupied until his parents are traced.”
A few minutes later, Alan and James came into the kitchen with their empty tumblers. Alan looked at his uncle, then his aunt.
“Do you want more lemonade?” Mrs Lawson took both tumblers.
“Can we go to the park, Auntie?”
“There are no ball games allowed on a Sunday.”
“We can visit the play area.”
Mrs Lawson looked at her husband.
He nodded.
Both boys left the property and then headed for the park. When they arrived, June’s glorious warm sunshine had brought out the crowds, resulting in queues for the swings and seesaw.
Alan turned to James. “We will have to wait a while.”
James sighed.
Alan smiled at James. “It’s just as well Auntie didn’t dispose of my old togs.”
James looked at his outfit, and rolled up the cuffs. As two children came off the seesaw, Alan and James dashed forward. They sat opposite each other, and started to move up and down.
“This is better than my garden swing.”
James grinned.
After several minutes, Alan moaned. James stared at his friend and the seesaw came to a standstill.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t feel well.”
“Your face has gone white!”
Alan held his stomach.
“Take deep breaths.”
Alan managed a wry smile, and both boys got off the seesaw, much to the delight of queuing children. Alan and James left the play area, and sat down on a nearby wooden bench. Alan took several deep breaths.
“How do you feel?”
“Not as bad.”
“Let’s go down to the canal. My gran told me that sea air is good for you.”
“Does she live close to the sea?”
James nodded. “Newhaven.”
“In England?”
James shook his head. “Leith.”
The boys left Ardrishaig’s public park, and made for the canal. When they arrived, as with the park, families had converged in large numbers. Alan looked around, then at his friend. “It took seven years to build.”
“Why did they build it?”
“So that commercial boats could make quicker journeys to other parts of Scotland.”
James stared at Alan. “What does commercial mean?”
“Provide food and coal for families and businesses.”
“Why don’t you have a railway to do that?”
Alan shrugged his shoulders.
“My gran has a railway close to her house!”
“Where does it go?”
“From Granton Harbour to Leith Docks.”
“Have you travelled on it?”
James shook his head. “It’s not a passenger train.”
“Are there any passenger stations in Edinburgh?”
“Waverley and Haymarket. The others are closed.”
“Why?”
“Because of Dr Beeching.”
“Is he a GP?”
“I’m not sure. I enjoyed my trips to Princes Street on the train.”
“It’s also closed?”
James nodded. “Two years ago.”
“Let’s head home, my appetite has returned.”
Two young teenage girls with straw boater hats accompanied by parents had stood next to the boys. The father looked at James, then his wife.
“What’s up Bill?” She adjusted her cream hat.
“The blond-haired boy with an Edinburgh accent.”
“What about him?” The woman glanced back.
“He said that Edinburgh had only two stations, and Princes Street had been closed.”
“We went shopping in Princes Street last week.”
The husband smiled. “The boy referred to its railway station.”
“That remains open too, we took the train from Princes Street to Glasgow.”
The husband nodded, looking at James in the distance. “There is also a suburban railway network in and around Edinburgh.”
“I’m certain it will still be there!”
“Daddy, can Mary and I have an ice cream cone, please?”
The father turned around.
“A seller.” The daughter pointed. “Over there.”
The father lifted his dark hat, pulled out a white handkerchief from his flannels, and mopped his brow. “Good idea.” He replaced the handkerchief, and replaced his hat. “Let’s go.”
The husband, wife and smiling daughters walked towards a queue of thirsty customers, which had grown longer.
As the boys left the park, James looked back, then at his friend. “Why do men look as if they’re at work?”
Alan stared at James.
“Why do they wear suits to the park?”
Alan looked at the park.
“It’s the weekend.”
“When visiting a park, what do men in Edinburgh wear?”
“A shirt and trousers.”
“What, no hat?”
James shook his head.
A short while later, the boys arrived at Alan’s aunt’s house. After they entered from the back door, Mrs Lawson greeted them. James looked at her. “Have my mum and dad been found yet?”
“Sergeant Buchan is still searching, and when he finds them, I will let you know as soon as possible.” Mrs Lawson gave James a comforting smile.
“Can we play football in the garden, please, Auntie?”
“It won’t be long until dinner.” Mrs Lawson glanced at James expression of anticipation. “Just for a short while.”
“Thanks, Auntie!”
The boys went into the garden, but shortly after, Alan returned to the kitchen for a glass of water. When his aunt handed it to him, Alan took a sip.
“James appears fine.”
“Edinburgh people are strange, Auntie.”
“In what way?”
“James told me that men don’t wear hats or suits to a park!”
“Oh?” Mrs Lawson raised her eyebrows.
Alan looked towards the garden. “He plays football with a rugby ball.”
“Your uncle believes James may become a terrific rugby k
icker.”
“He is skilful.”
Mrs Lawson glanced anxiously out the window.
CHAPTER 4 - CAPTIVATED
After they left the vehicle, Edward and Ann walked to a secluded idyllic location. Situated outside Ardrishaig, and away from village glare, it allowed them to spend special times together. However, the couple’s relationship remained complicated. Edward had not long been married, and soon he would become a father.
Four months earlier, Edward and Ann met by chance. She had been walking along the edge of a country road, on her way home from work. As Edward drove past in his new vehicle, mud splattered onto a young lady’s white dress. When she screamed, the vehicle came to a halt, and Edward got out. Lifting his driving goggles, he walked up to the young lady and raised his cap. “I’m terribly sorry.”
She examined her dress.
“I will pay to have it cleaned.”
“It’s okay.” The young lady looked at Edward.
“No, it is my fault, I insist. Allow me to give you a lift home. Where do you stay?’
“A mile from here.” The young lady stared. “You’re the son of Lady Beaumont?”
“Yes, I am.”
She glanced at Edward’s vehicle.
“C’mon, you’ll be home in a jiffy!”
“Is it new?”
“Not quite, I bought it six months ago.”
Edward replaced his cap, and escorted the young lady to his vehicle. As he opened the passenger door, she stepped inside. Edward closed the door, got into the driver’s seat, and replaced his goggles. The young lady looked at Edward, and he grinned. “Glad I left the engine running, it saves having to start the damn thing again. Where do you want dropped off?”
“Do you have the correct time, please?” The young lady removed a white hat, and adjusted her long black hair.
Edward stared. “You look younger without the hat, how old are you?”
“A gentleman does not ask a lady her age.”
Edward glanced at her.
“I am in my twenties.”
Edward took out a gold watch on a matching chain from his waistcoat pocket. He tapped it with his forefinger. “My watch has stopped!”
“Let us hope your vehicle performs better.”
Edward laughed.
“I’ll give you directions to where I live.” The young lady put on her hat.
Edward nodded. “Splendid.”
“If you carry on down this road and then turn left.”
As the automobile moved off, Edward’s passenger held onto her hat, amidst a slight breeze. She gazed at the surrounding countryside. After the vehicle turned left into a narrow road, the young lady looked at Edward. “This is fine, thank you.”
“Here?” Edward glanced at his passenger.
She nodded.
Edward brought the vehicle to a halt. He looked around the vicinity, then at his passenger.
“Thank you for the lift.”
Edward raised his goggles. “The nearest house is further down the road!”
“Being seen with a married man would not be prudent.” The young lady smiled at Edward.
“I am escorting you home.”
“My father would not approve.”
Edward looked at the young lady, and sighed.
“What if your wife found out?”
“It is hardly a scandal. And, due to my driving, your dress was stained.”
The young lady smiled. “I’m aware of that. However, this is a village, and people gossip.”
“Haven’t they better things to do?” Edward shook his head. “I will be glad to get back to my regiment in Edinburgh.”
“When do you return?”
“Soon.”
“I must go.”
Edward got out, and went around to open her door. He held out his hand, and the young lady stepped out. “Goodbye, and again, thank you.”
“My pleasure, goodbye.”
Edward got into the driver’s seat and then gazed at his passenger walking away down the narrow road. He smiled, lowered his goggles and drove off.
Edward drove along the country road where he’d recently encountered a delightful young lady. Would their paths cross again? Then, he spotted her and brought the vehicle to an abrupt halt. “I’ve learned to drive in a careful manner.”
“Thank you. It’ll save me having to wash another dress!”
Edward laughed. “Get in, I’ll give you a lift.” He leaned over, and opened the passenger door.
“I’m not sure, kind sir. My older brother spotted me with you.”
“Explain to him that I’m a friend.”
“And, a married one!”
“I’m also a gentleman.”
The young lady gave a faint smile, and got in.
“What type of work is it you do?” Edward asked as they drove off.
“I’m a maid to one of the families in Dochar.”
“For how long?”
“Nine years. I started after leaving school.”
Edward glanced at his beautiful young passenger. That makes her around twenty-one.
“My family is not privileged as your family, sir. After school, my two brothers went to work on a farm. What about you, may I ask?”
“After school, I went to an academy and then onto university.”
“In Glasgow?”
“Yes, old Glasgow town, then I joined the army. It’s a family tradition, which stretches way back to fighting Napoleon.”
He’s younger than I thought.
Edward drove on to Ardrishaig, and a short time later, came to a halt. The young lady opened her door, and stepped out.
“What is your name?”
“Ann.”
“It’s been a pleasure, Ann. Oh, and do tell your brother not to worry.”
Ann gave a forced smile.
As Edward drove away, Ann hurried down the lane to her parent’s cottage. After looking around, she walked slowly up the garden path. On entering the front door, Ann removed her hat, shaking out her long dark hair.
“I saw you.” Her older brother, a tall well-built individual, greeted her.
Ann jumped.
“He’s a married man, Ann,” he continued with a stern glare.
“Oh, Roy. It was only a lift.”
“That’s twice. Father and mother would not approve.”
“I don’t want to discuss the matter.”
Roy scowled at his sister.
Ann hurried past him, went into her room, and shut the door. She took a couple of deep breaths, and then smiled as she threw her hat onto the bed.
Ann picked up a book, which lay on a brown wicker chair, sat down, and started to read DH Lawrence’s, ‘Sons and Lovers’.
Roy went into the garden, and lifted a large wooden handled axe off the ground. He made for a nearby cut-down thick tree trunk. Swinging the axe in a frantic manner, he chopped the trunk into small pieces. Roy’s grunting and fierce swinging continued until he was forced to stop.
The following day, Edward and Ann’s paths crossed once more. Two miles from Ardrishaig, he noticed her walking along the roadside. Hearing a vehicle, she turned around. It drew up beside her, and stopped. Edward raised his distinctive driving goggles. “A beautiful day, is it not?”
“Yes, lovely.”
“Would you like to go for a spin?”
“Where is your wife?”
“She is staying with her mother in Inveraray.”
Ann hesitated.
“I can show you a picturesque spot, not far from here.”
“I have to be home within the hour.”
“I will see to it.”
Edward leaned forward, opened the passenger door, and Ann stepped inside. She closed the door, looked behind her, then at Edward.
“If it rains, the roof folds back into place.”
“It would save the use of an umbrella.”
Edward grinned.
The Rover headed for the outskirts of Ardrishaig and then ont
o a narrow road through woodland. From there, Loch Fyne came into view. After the vehicle came to a halt, Ann stepped out, and gazed around in awe. Edward removed his goggles and cap, and put them on the rear seat. He got out, closed the door, and walked towards Ann. She turned to face him, then at the loch.
“Glad you came?”
Ann nodded. “It’s beautiful, I haven’t seen the loch from this location.” She turned to face Edward. “Do you bring your wife here?”
He shook his head.
Ann returned to the view and stood still for a few minutes, then she turned to face Edward and pointed to the slope. “There’s a bench, would you like to sit?”
As she walked down the slope, Edward followed. Ann reached the bench, sat down and stared at Loch Fyne. Edward sat next to her, then admired the loch. She removed her hat, laid it on the bench and looked at Edward. “How did you discover this place?”
“I found out about it from someone who painted landscapes.”
“From the village?”
“Dochar.”
“What was his name?”
Edward grinned. “The artist was a lady, she stayed at Docharnea.”
“I worked there for a short time, assisting Nancy, the housekeeper.”
“Before moving to America, Elizabeth often came here to paint. I believe she once persuaded the coachman to pose.” Edward grinned as he glanced at Ann.
“He left Docharnea in a hurry.”
“Back to Edinburgh, from what I am aware.”
“Edinburgh?”
“As a boy, I met him. I would ask all types of questions about Scotland’s capital, and he would answer with enthusiasm.”
“Was his portrayal of Edinburgh the reason you wanted to be based there?”
Edward nodded, then looked at Ann. “If not a maid, what would you have wanted to become?”
She sighed. “My family are not well-off, therefore, opportunities are limited.”
“If people have money, are you suggesting opportunities will exist?”
“You know they do!”
Edward grinned.
Ann stared upwards, then at Edward. “I would love to have my own business, a dress shop.”
“Sell dresses?”
“And design them.”
“Ann, that is a splendid idea. What’s stopping you?”
“Edward, there are various reasons.”
“Tell me.”
Once more, Ann sighed. “I have to work, and give my parents the income. Therefore, no money is available to purchase stock, or rent premises.”