1963, EMILY

Emily settles herself on the bench in St James Park. On fine days she enjoys the walk to the Foreign Office where she has worked for more than six years now. She loves her work but also feels extremely privileged to be in such a beautiful building with its stunning architecture. Her colleagues are kind and friendly. After university she worked at a succession of posts within the civil service but always knew it was the Foreign Office for her. Who knows, one day she may even be a diplomat in some far-flung country.

It is a beautiful July day. The bright blue sky carries the odd puff of white cloud and a gentle breeze sways the trees. The London pavements are already beginning to feel quite hot underfoot. That is not to be complained about though. The snow of last winter had lasted until April. Today she can enjoy the fresh air a little longer as she does not have to be at her desk until 11 o’clock. What better place to read a letter from her good friend Edward Clemens which she received this morning. She hasn’t heard from him for a couple of months and was beginning to worry if he was well. 

She removes the cream vellum envelope from her handbag. Edward’s distinctive handwriting in bold black ink is always a welcome sight. She feels a thrill of excitement as she opens the envelope. It is always so good to hear from dear Edward. They have been friends now for nearly twenty years. How lucky she was to have been evacuated to Tregethlan. She will never forget the first day she met the little boy who was more interested in whether she could play cricket.

Emily opens the envelope to find three whole pages. Edward has excelled himself.

Tregethlan

July 1963

Dear Emily

I am so sorry for the delay in replying to your letter. I have been away on ‘Kittiwake’ sailing the Brittany coastline down as far as La Rochelle. It’s dear old Dickie Davenport’s little yacht – you remember him, I met him in the army. Lucky chap, he stayed in, a Colonel now. I have been home for only a few days. Your letter was among the pile of post awaiting my return. It was so good to see it.

Firstly, I have to say how shocked I was to hear the news of your engagement to Samuel ending. How unkind of him. You were so well suited, I thought so anyway. Has he still not given you a proper reason? Are you sure there is no one else involved? I don’t mean to pry but it really must have been a terrible shock and I only wish it had never happened to you. You really do not deserve such treatment. Is this the ‘swinging 60’s’ we are to be such a part of?

By the way, changing the subject entirely. What do you think of the Profumo affair? You must be ahead of all the news in the civil service. Personally, I think Miss Keeler is an attractive young woman. I wish I’d met her! Mother keeps introducing me to the most unattractive girls, while I don’t think she’d approve of my choices when I’m away. “A girl in every port”, as they say!

I confess to feeling quite glum at being back at Tregethlan. Please don’t think ill of me. You know how much I love it here but I prefer being on the sea and the freedom it  allows me, much more. I love the solitude and the challenge of sailing. I do enjoy the different ports too and meeting like-minded individuals. One thing I am very sure of, my (yet to be found) wife will have to share this passion.

If only I could have stayed in the Forces, but Father insisted on me taking on the estate when he couldn’t manage it himself. I must concentrate now on that. There are crops to be harvested and running repairs to see to. The house itself is a veritable money pit. We may need a new roof sooner rather than later. There are leaks in some of the bedrooms and even the ballroom looks like it has suffered some water damage. Mother seems oblivious to the cost of everything, bless her. I cannot possibly increase the rent on Byghan’s place. He works so hard all over the estate and he must be struggling himself, it would be just too unfair. He is full of ideas of where to save and make money. He is more than a tenant to us. I am considering selling a couple of acres to a local builder and one of the cottages on the edge of the wood. It is vacant now and will fall into disrepair if left too long.

Tregethlan is looking beautiful though. The trees are in full leaf, crops healthy and the animals continue to thrive. By the way, did I tell you we have two more peacocks since you last visited? I know they are noisy creatures but they are such a part of Tregethlan. Both have the most beautiful plumage and they already strut around the lawns as if owners of all they survey. I realise how lucky I am to live here but it carries many responsibilities.

Have you heard from Sophy recently? I do hope she is enjoying her time in the Greek islands. She is indeed a free spirit.

Well dear Em, when are you planning to visit us again? Please try to come this summer. We could take Kittiwake out day sailing together and enjoy a meal or two in the Clipper. You must be craving some fresh Cornish air.

I do hope to hear from you again soon with all news of London and your busy life.

Take care Emily.

Your dear friend Edward

Emily sighs with pleasure. How lovely to hear from him and catch up on all his news. It has made her feel quite homesick for Tregethlan. She will reply this evening with the promise of a summer visit. She does feel worried for him though. Running the estate is a huge responsibility for someone of his age. So much is expected of him. She wishes she could help him in a more practical way.

It is time to go to work. Popping the letter back in her handbag she crosses the park and heads for the office, imagining Tregethlan today in the sunshine.

Chapter 27