A gentlemans first visit to London

Ebenezer Cottingley was the youngest son of a Gentlemen Tailor in a small village just outside Winchester, now at 21 and a qualified Tailor, thanks to his fathers tuition, he had secured a place as tailor in Brook Street, London. His father had a friend whose wife kept a lodging house a few streets away from his new place of employment. This had all been done at his fathers suggestion, as now qualified, there was insufficient demand to keep two tailors in the village.

Therefore, it was that Ebenezer found himself at an Inn in Winchester awaiting the arrival of the Mail Coach that would take him to London. He had just finished his tankard of ale, when sound of the post horn was heard in the distance. He and his fellow travellers made their way to the front of the Inn to await its arrival. Due to finances and not wanting to waste money, Ebenezer had arranged to ride on top with the driver and within half an hour, his luggage aboard, and he sat next to the driver, the coach set off, fortunately they had good weather for the trip.

They stopped at a couple of Inns on route for refreshment and to water and refresh the horses, and arrived at their destination. Ebenezer was amazed as they drove into the City, it was much busier than even Winchester, with people milling about, carts selling wares etc. He was feeling a combination of excitement and apprehension on what his new life might bring.

The coach pulled up and the driver pointed down a nearby street, and sent Ebenezer on his way. fortunately though the street seemed to go on for miles into the distance , his lodging was close by, which he was glad of as he had a fair amount of luggage. He soon found the number he was looking for and rang the bell of a tall Georgian town house and the door was opened by a jolly looking woman of about 50. You must be Ebenezer, come in come in, we don't stand on ceremony here, leave your bags here and my son will carry them up for you.

I've prepared a small supper as I was sure you wouldn't want to go exploring as soon a s you arrived, as its late and you haven't got your bearings yet. Come through and leaving his coat in the Hall he followed her through to the large room, where sat, a man of similar age to the lady, he presumed was her husband and a girl of about 15 he guessed and in the corner, a lad of similar age to himself.

Within minutes a large bowl of soup and some crusty bread was served up for him and she introduced the assembled company. Right, I am Mabel, this is my Husband, John, my daughter Pheobe and my son Richard, better known as Dick, hes similar age to you and sure you will get on well with him.

Thank you said Ebenezer, Im Ebenezer, but if you prefer my middle name is Gregory, I was known as Greg to my customers back home so that will do fine. He finished the soup and a glass of ale, and then Dick showed him to his room, he was on the next to the top floor. Dick explained that the house had been left to them many years ago by an elderly relative and in order to maintain it they let out the two rooms , a bedroom and sitting room to help with the up keep.

Dick showed him around and then explained that bath was on the ground floor as the pump was located in the yard so was more convenient, for heating water, though the room was quite private. He would get the water ready in time for him for about seven thirty, that would give him time for a bath and breakfast as his new place of work was only a short walk away.

Greg settled into his new lodgings, unpacking a book and having a look around, it was indeed spacious, a large sitting room with a settee and an armchair, and the adjoining room held a large formerly four poster bed but the top had to be cut off to fit in. he stripped and got into his nightshirt and settled to read his book, but within half an hour was fast asleep.

He was awakened next morning, by a tap on the door it was Dick , telling him all was prepared for his bath downstairs, he led the way and Greg followed still in his nightshirt as Dick told him no one was about, he showed Greg the bath and filled it with hot water from the stove. he left a bar of soap and towels and as Greg stripped off his nightshirt, Dick took his leave, telling Greg that his breakfast would be ready soon. Greg slipped into the bath and soaped and shaved himself, dressed and proceeded to join Dick in the large room, from the other night.

After breakfast Greg collected all he would need and the two set off for his new employment. It was indeed close as it only took a quarter of an hour to get there. Dick said that he would be outside at 5 to guide him back till he got his bearings. Would you like to visit the Mucky Duck on the way home, my father will most likely be in there after his work.

The Mucky Duck? said Greg enquiringly , Dick said its The Black Swan, but everyone calls it the mucky duck! Greg laughed and said yes he would love that. He had really taken to Dick, and hoped they would become good friends ( to be continued)

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