Inspired by 1905 photo by permission of the estate of H. H. J. Barkshire

“Children, come along now, we must be going!” Father called. There was the clatter and thud of running feet, and the Watson children lined up in a row in front of their father, breathless and excited.

“Hmmm…”Father looked them over. Abigail, aged 14, trying very hard to look like a grown up lady in her best gown and hat; Adeline, 12, fidgeting but trying to control herself, also dressed in her best; Amelia, 10, pulling at her skirt and buffing one shoe against her stocking, grinning under her Sunday bonnet, and little Annabelle, dressed in a pretty summer dress and, as usual, hatless. At the end of the line was his only son, twin to Abigail, Aubrey Arthur Alexander, called triple A by his sisters. He looked quite the young gentleman in his tweed suit and cap, shoes gleaming. Though he tried not to show it, he was as excited as the girls. They were going to Henley-on-Thames for the annual Regatta.

“All right, everyone out and into the automobile, and mind you sit still and quiet while I am driving.” The children chorused “Yes father”, and ran off. Andrew Watson watched them go, smiling proudly, and turned to greet his wife as she came down the stairs. He felt his heart swell with love at the sight of her, his sweet Alison, glowing with health and dressed as always in the newest style. Blue suited her above all other colours, with her golden hair and blue eyes. Smiling, he held out his hand. “Shall we go, my dear?” he asked. She took his hand, smiled, and they went out.

The drive to Henley-on-Thames was not too long, and well before noon they were walking along the Thames shore to find an advantageous places to watch the races. The one they were most interested in was the Grand Challenge Cup race, with men’s eights racing for the prestigious prize. Andrew had been one of the eight from his school to compete in the first Grand Challenge Cup in 1839. Whenever they were able to make the trip, made sure they had a good vantage point to cheer their own crew on.

Soon the banks of the river were crowded, and the starting gun sent off. Cheers and shouts broke out, and everyone surged forward to watch for their own crew skimming by excitedly urging them on.

Annabelle, as usual, had managed to worm her way through the crowd, and was on the very edge of the river when the people lunged ahead. Too late, a man realised that she was right in front of him. He grabbed for her, but missed, and with a squeal of fright she went in. He got down on his knees and tried to grasp her arm, but she was panicked, arms and legs splashing, and she went under.

Suddenly, a teenage body pushed by, and Aubrey dove in. He went under, groping for his sister. He couldn’t see much, but he felt cloth, and grasped it, pulling until he could feel the little body. Annabelle flung an arm out and gave him a hard thump on the side of his head, but he held on, swimming to the surface. Eager hands reached out and took the child from him, and others helped him back on land.

By this time the whole family had pushed through the crowd and they gathered around. One of the gentlemen nearby pushed through. “Let me past, please, I am a doctor,” he was saying. He dropped to his knees beside Annabelle, and proceeded to press her chest, causing the water she had taken in to gush out. In a very few moments, she coughed, and started crying.

Mother knelt beside her, gathering her in her arms. “Hush, my love. It’s all right now.” She whispered softly. She looked up at Andrew and the other children. “She will be all right, I’m sure she will.” She turned to the doctor, who was standing by, smiling. “She will, won’t she, sir?”

The doctor smiled. “Yes, Ma’am, she should be fine. If she shows any signs of fever, bring her to me immediately. I am Dr. James Worrall, of Harley Street. Here is my card.” He turned and gave Andrew a card. “The water in the river is not the cleanest, so there is a possibility she will sicken. However, I have known many who have fallen in and suffered no serious consequences, and she was in only a very short time, thanks to this brave young man.” He turned to Aubrey. “Well done, son. You thought and acted quickly, and many men fail to do so.”

“Oh, Triple A,” Abigail hugged him. You are a hero!” The other girls agreed. “Triple A is our hero – he saved our little sister!” they chanted, dancing in a circle around him. Aubrey smiled shyly, blushing, as Father reached out and shook his hand. “Well done, son. We are all proud of you. Now, I think we should get you and Annabelle back home and dry. By the way, did anyone see who won the race?”

He was told his crew had won, and that, for him, was the crowning touch to the day.

 

 

 

Inspired by the above photo, about 1910.By permission of the estate of H. H.J. Barkshire.

Susan and Sarah sat still and smiling, waiting for Father to get everything set to take the picture. It wasn’t so bad, now he had the new Kodak Brownie camera; not at all like when Grandfather took a picture. That took just about forever, with Grandfather fussing with the lights and the reflectors, and the camera, and their hair, and skirts, and heads and just everything! And they had to sit so still for so long they were aching when they were finally allowed to go. At least with Father, it only took a few minutes.

Father held the camera steady, pressed the control and then turned the crank and did it again. “All right, girls, one of them should turn out fine. You may go now and thank you for being such good models.” They jumped up and ran to the door, saying “You’re welcome, Father. Goodbye for now,” and they were gone. Father looked at the empty doorway and chuckled. ‘Pauline will be scolding them again for unladylike behaviour, if she sees them,’ he mused. ‘I do wish she would let them be children while they still are. Time enough for being ladylike when they are six or eight years older.’ He shrugged. He would try to calm her down some during the holidays. If the boys could run and play, the girls should be allowed to, too. If necessary, he would step in and insist.

Susan and Sarah hurried up to their room, and quickly changed out of their good school clothes. Once changed, they stood and looked at each other for a moment. “Um – what will we do now?” Susan asked.

“I’d like to go and explore in the little woods, but Mother would be very upset if we went off on our own. And the boys won’t let us go with them.”

“Right,” Susan agreed. She thought for a moment then brightened. “I know – let’s explore the attic! We’ve never been up there, and we don’t need anyone to take us there it’s right inside the house!”

“Oh, yes! I’ll bet there are lots of exciting and mysterious things up there to find. Come on, let’s go!” Grabbing Susan’s hand, Sarah headed out the door.

She was right; there were many things to discover in the attic. Broken furniture, but that wasn’t interesting. The trunks, boxes and chests of drawers, however, promised untold treasure. They spent several happy hours delving into trunks full of old fashioned clothes, and trying on some of them. They found big hat boxes with huge hats in, hats with wide brims, decorated with big feathers, and birds and bows. They found a tall mirror on a stand and had fun looking at how funny they looked in the clothes and hats.

 

In one of the chests of drawers, they found many old pictures. Some of the ladies were wearing some of the clothes and hats they had found. “How odd,” Sarah said. “Those things looked so funny on us, but on the ladies in the pictures, they look beautiful!”

“I guess that’s because they were meant to wear them, and we aren’t,” Susan said. “Oh, look!” she lifted a large picture out. “It’s Mother and Father’s wedding!”

Sarah leaned over to look. “Oh, wasn’t Mother beautiful? And Father is so handsome in his uniform. I wonder why they don’t have this in a frame downstairs where everyone can see it? Should we take it down and ask her to hang it: Or put it on the piano? It would be so nice to see it whenever we want.”

“Hmm…I think it would be better if we left it here, but we can talk to her about it. But I am getting very hot and thirsty, and I think it might be almost time for lunch. We’d better go down and wash our hands.” Putting the pictures back in the drawer, they walked down the stairs.

“Oh! Whatever have you two been doing?” Mother stood glowering at them, hands on hips and foot tapping. “You are a disgrace! Look at you – covered in dust and cobwebs, you look almost as bad as chimney sweeps. Into your room, now!” she pointed an imperious finger. “You will have to be bathed and your hair washed. And you can do without lunch. When are you ever going to act like ladies?”

The girls went, heads bent sadly, hand in hand along the hall to their room, with Mother following. They were stripped and scrubbed, and clad in nightdresses. “Into bed with you,” she said. “Perhaps I will allow you to join the family for dinner.” She looked at them. “But for now, here,” she handed them the carafe water and a glass. “Drink as much water as you can, you are probably parched from all the dust you breathed in. And I don’t want to hear a sound, is that clear?”

They nodded. How was it that, no matter what they did, they were still in trouble? They hadn’t gone out of the yard, nor made a mess in their room, hadn’t played noisy games, but here they were, punished again. They couldn’t help wishing they were back in school. Sighing, Susan poured some water into the glass and gave it to Sarah. Sarah took it and drank, and echoed the sigh.

Home From School – part 2

Susan and Sarah sat quietly at the breakfast table, slowly spooning small amounts of porridge into their mouths. They were dressed in clean play dresses, faces and hands clean, hair neatly combed. They didn’t raise their eyes from their food, and were very subdued, faces sad.

Father sat watching them, worrying. They should not be so cowed. At eight and ten years old, they should be full of fun and laughter, and eating with good appetite. He shifted his eyes to his wife at the other end of the table. She sat stiff and frozen faced, though her eyes kept shifting toward the girls, watching their every move.

Just as he was about to ask where the boys were, he heard them. Pounding down the stairs, shouting and laughing – they sounded like a veritable army of boys. He turned his head to the door and watched as they burst into the dining room, like Boers attacking British troops. The boys flung themselves into their chairs and snatched pieces of toast, smeared them with preserves and tried to cram the entire piece into their mouths. Father frowned and spoke sternly.

“Alexander, Christopher, how dare you come into the dining room like that?” he demanded. “You know you are not to charge around like wild men in the house. And look at you! When was the last time either of you bathed, or changed your clothes? And your hair looks like rats nests. And your table manners are deplorable. I will not stand for such behaviour. You are both old enough to know better. Now up you go to your rooms and clean yourselves. Go quietly! And you can do without breakfast. Next time I see you, I expect to see two decently clad, clean young men. Is that clear?”

The boys looked shocked, but quickly climbed to their feet. “Yes, Father. Sorry.” They walked out of the room and headed back upstairs. Mother looked up. “But Godfrey, they need their food – they’re growing boys!” she said.

Father looked at her. “We will discuss this later, Pauline,” he said. “Meanwhile – Susan, Sarah, would you like eggs and toast instead of the porridge?”

The girls looked up, faces brightening some. “Oh, yes please, Father, if we may.” they chorused. He nodded to the servant who placed a plate of eggs, bacon and toast in front of each girl. Father moved the dish of preserves over where they could reach it, and settled down to eat his meal. Mother took a deep breath, frowning, then shook her head and said nothing. As soon as the girls had finished their meal, Father gave them permission to leave the table.

“Why don’t you take your ball and go into the back garden and play for a while?” he said. They paused on the way to the door, cast an apprehensive glance at their Mother, and said “May we, really, Father?” When he said they could, they went off happily, talking softly.

Mother waited until the servants left the room, and then turned in anger. “Godfrey, how could you? I have been trying and trying to make ladies out of those two, and you not only encourage them to eat unsuitable food, but give them permission to run around like hooligans! And the way you treated the boys – making them go without their breakfast, and calling them wild men. Really, Godfrey!”

“Did you not make the girls go without lunch yesterday? And why? Because they did the only thing they could think of that would not get them in trouble. They did not make a mess, make any noise, leave the grounds without an escort; they went upstairs to the attic. A place in the house, where they could do some exploring. So they got dusty and covered in cobwebs. Even at their worst, they have never been the disgraceful sight Alexander and Christopher presented this morning. And they are twelve and fourteen. Why the difference in the treatment of your children? I will not allow it any longer. From now on the girls will be allowed to play and get exercise. They will be allowed to go out into the field behind the house and explore, and run, as much as they like. And if they get dirty – that is what children do. I really do not understand why you are so hard on them.”

Pauline sat and stared at him, stunned at his words. Then she bent her head and sat for a while, deep in thought. “You are correct, Godfrey, I have been very unfair to the girls. You have made me look deeply into my heart.” She looked up again, her face sad. “I know what the trouble is. I was so shocked by my sister’s wild behaviour. I was so ashamed of her – riding around in those awful bloomers! And bathing at the beach with young men – her behaviour was just too much for me. I did not want my girls to grow up like their aunt Lizzy.”

“Hmph – nothing wrong with Lizzy there never was. The trouble is you are still old fashioned, and she is modern. Do you know that Susan and Sarah play field hockey at school? And go on hikes in the woods, and get thoroughly disheveled? They need freedom to be children while they are. And do for goodness sake, take the boys in hand. They have no more manners then heathens. I will discipline them when I am home, but you know that I must be away a lot. Promise me you will be even handed in dealing with them all, and do let the girls have some freedom, please.”

“I’m sorry, Godfrey, you are correct, I have been being much too lenient with the boys, and too strict with the girls. From now on, I will try my best to do as you ask. All I really want is for us to be able to be proud of our children.”

School holidays were almost over, and Susan and Sarah were walking across the field, looking for the little mice, and the moles and other things they had discovered.

“We will be back in school by this time next week,” Susan said. “I will be sorry to go. This has been the best summer ever!”

“Yes,” Sarah agreed. “I’m so happy that Mother is so nice to us now. And Alex and Chris aren’t getting away with all the awful things they did before. Being home is great, now. Come on, let’s go home and tell Mother how much we love her.”

They joined hands and ran swiftly across the field, laughing and happy. Alex and Chris met them, and all four headed home. Not only were the girls happier, but they were better friends now with their brothers. They knew they were part of a happy family, at last.

 

 

 

Inspired by this 1910 photo by permission of the estate of H. H. J. Barkshire

“Daisy, Daisy. Give me your answer, do” Charles Mitchell caroled as he peddled along. Philip Warrall, on the front seat of the tandem bicycle, turned his head a bit and called back:

“Chaz, save your breath! We are preparing to enter a race – you’ll need to give it all you have if we’re to win. And I, for one, am entering to win!”

Chaz called “Ok, ok! I’m just feeling very happy.” He shook his head. Phil was so serious about everything; he needed to loosen up a bit. This race was going to be fun, everyone on tandem bicycles. He did want to make a good showing, but being first wasn’t as important to him as having a good time. Then again, Phil was always telling him he should ‘grow up’ and ‘be serious’. Hmph! Time enough for that when he was preparing to get married. He put more effort into his peddling and they fairly flew along.

Not long after, he was surprised to see another tandem pulling alongside, ridden by two young ladies. He turned his head and took a good look, and was astounded when they went sailing past!

“Hey, Phil! Did you see that? That was Charlene Michaels and Phoebe Taylor! Pump away, boy, we can’t let them beat us!”

“And who was dawdling just now?” Philip growled. “You pump away, and we’ll catch up.”

It wasn‘t long before they had caught up with Charlene and Phoebe, and they finished the practise session neck and neck. Chaz and Charley were laughing when they all stopped.

“We almost beat you!” Charley cried.

Phoebe shook her head. “We would have, if you’d been really trying, Charley. I hope you’re going to really try for the race, tomorrow. I want to win!”

Chaz looked at Philip and Phoebe. Both were casting accusing glances at him and Charley. She, on the other hand, was still chuckling, and looked like she had been having fun.

“I have a solution to your problems, Phil and Phoebe!” he chuckled at the thought. “Why don’t we change partners? You two against me and Charley and, of course, the rest of the racers. What do you think?”

They all stood and looked at each other then Charley started laughing and said “That’s brilliant! We can have fun and still try to win, and they can work hard and be serious about it all. I’m all for it.”

Philip looked at Phoebe, she looked at him, and they both nodded. “Fine,” Philip said. “Let’s all meet at the starting line tomorrow. And be prepared, you two – we are going to win!” Phoebe nodded. “We will!” she agreed.

The next morning was clear and warm, with a light breeze blowing. “It’s a perfect day for a race,” Chaz exclaimed, as the four met. “You two look fetching in your bicycling bloomers,” he said to the girls. Charley laughed and Phoebe flushed and smiled. They paired off and stood ready to mount and ride.

It was an exhilarating experience, taking off with a dozen or more other pairs when the whistle blew. Off they went, and soon both pairs were among the leading riders. Charley and Chaz were smiling widely enough to almost split their faces as they peddled along. This was even more fun than they had expected. Phil and Phoebe were neck and neck with them as they slowly advanced past the competition.

At last, they were in the lead, first and second, with hardly a hand span between them. “We’re going to beat you!” Charley taunted as she peddled even harder. Chaz yelled “Yes!”, and they inched ahead, crossing the finish line. Both Bicycles crossed so close together that the judges gasped.

Then, it happened. Chaz and Charley hit a rut in the road, the bicycle flipped, and they sailed off, describing two beautiful arcs, to land with large splashes in the river. The sat in the water, shocked and staring for a moment, and then started laughing. They laughed so hard they couldn’t get up, and the judges waded out to help them. Onshore, Philip and Phoebe stared in shock, until they saw that their friends were unhurt. Then they laughed, too.

“Well,” one of the judges said, once they were safe on shore. “That is a unique way to end a race! It’s a good thing it’s a warm day, at least you won’t catch cold from the soaking.” By this time all the racers had arrived. The judges gathered together, and addressed the crowd.

“We have had a great race, thanks to all who entered. The first in had a spectacular ending.” The judge smiled, and the crowd laughed. “First prize goes to Charles Mitchell and Charlene Michaels. Second prize winners are Philip Warrall and Phoebe Taylor.” He had to stop then, until the cheering died – they were four of the most popular young people in town. The third winner was then announced, prizes awarded, and the crowd moved to the picnic area for lunch.

“Told you we’d win!” Charley laughed. “Only I didn’t really intend to go swimming!” The others joined the laughter, and Chaz agreed, “No, swimming wasn’t in the plans for today.” he chuckled. “We’d better take a cab home and get changed. We’ll be back as fast as we can, and join you for the picnic. See you soon.”

 

“Right, you should get changed. We’ll save some food for you. And congratulations on the win. Maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to have fun sometimes.” Philip smiled and shook their hands. “Hurry back!”

inspired by a picture of a young woman in a field of stubble facing a scarecrow at sunset

‘Well, the harvest is in, the days are getting shorter and colder, winter is coming for sure. I wonder if Young Miss will come and see me again like she…oh, there she is. And that silly goat is with her, as always. This will be the last time I will see her, until Spring planting starts. Soon, I’ll be stored away in the warm barn, to sleep the winter away. I like it in the barn; the smell of the cows, the contented clucking of the chickens. Even the rats and mice add a comfortable, warm feeling to it. And in the Spring, when I am taken out to the field again, I will be all fresh and clean.

‘Young Miss has been home for what humans call Thanksgiving. They thank their God for a good harvest and good health. Young Miss said humans have a lot of things that can go wrong with their bodies. Too bad they can’t do what is done for me. Store away the body, let it sleep all through the cold weather, and come back all new and fresh. It’s odd, though; I am always stuffed with new straw, and often have a new head as well as fresh clothing, yet I remember everything. I recall things from when I was first placed here, by the father of Young Miss’s father; so many years.’

“Hello again, Mr. Scarecrow,” Young Miss smiled and touched the scarecrow’s cheek. “I’m off for the city again tomorrow early. I do miss the quiet here, and chatting with you. I know you are just old clothes, a cloth head and stuffed with straw, but I’ve always known that you hear and understand me. It has helped me a lot when things weren’t going well. Thank you, and have a good winter rest. I’ll see you at Easter, I hope. Till then, rest well, and remember me.” She stretched up on her toes and kissed his cheek, then turned and walked away.

Scarecrow watched as she made her way across the field, feeling all weepy and happy. Young Miss had kissed him! ‘I’ll remember that, and treasure the memory for as long as I last. Take care, Young Miss, be well and happy.’ He sighed, and looked around. ‘Soon this will all be covered in snow. Most of the birds will fly away, and the little animals will go to their dens and burrows. There will be no signs of life.

‘It is nice now, though. The trees are so beautiful in reds and golds; there are still a lot of greens, too. And the flowers in the next field! It is so full of colour. The blue Asters, the yellow Bur-Marigold, the red Bee Balm. There are yellow Black Eyed Susans, purple Bell flowers, blue Hepaticus Red Trilium and white Queen Anne’s Lace. Young Miss told me what they area all called. The reds and yellows echo the colours of the trees, almost like reflections; Fall is such a beautiful time of year, yet sad, too. The year is dying, almost all life hides wherever there is warmth and shelter. But even though I know winter is coming, I also know Spring will follow, and the trees will be green, flowers will bloom and bring colour back, the birds will return and sing again, and I’ll see butterflies, too. And Young Miss will come home, and visit me again, so I am happy even when Fall comes.’