Many engines had been to London before- even engines on the Island of Sodor. For instance, Gordon the Express Engine went in 1957 - and was disgruntled to find that its main station was not King's Cross like he thought initially, but instead St Pancras.
The narrow gauge engines of Sodor have never been to London. One of the oldest engines on the line, however, knows of his siblings visiting London- Duke. His brother Palmerston is on display at King's Cross, along with a carriage. Their sister, Princess, had visited Paddington and their brother, Prince, had been to the London Transport Depot.
Gordon and Duck had been impressed with these stories Duke told, but he himself had not been there.
"Bah, what does it matter?" Grumbles Sir Handel rudely, in response to all this, one cold, bitter morning in mid-February.
"It should matter, Sir Handel, and it is very unkind of you to say that!" Peter Sam replies sternly, before turning to Duke. "I'm sorry Granpuff- he's being very rude lately."
"Bah!" Snorts Duke dismissively- he is too used to Sir Handel's rude behaviour by now. "I've put up with his antics for 16 more years than I have with yours, Stuart- I mean, Peter Sam." He amends. "It doesn't sting now."
Luke and Rheneas are idly chatting next to them, and they overhear the conversation between the three engines.
"Why are you talking about London?" Rheneas asks. Peter Sam explains, and adds that Sir Handel was being unnecessarily rude about it. "Hm," Says Gallant Old Engine thoughtfully. "Nothing new I'm afraid, Peter Sam."
"Your siblings went to London, Granpuff?" Luke repeats in awe.
"Yes- they were on display at stations like King's Cross and Paddington." Duke explains. "They had their drivers send letters telling me all about the stations they visited and the people that came to see them."
"That must have been exciting," Luke muses, excited by the thought of such an adventure, and immediately begins dreaming about what it's like in London.
"Not really- they liked the attention, but they couldn't move about, and weren't allowed to go home until after several weeks." Duke replies. "Mind you, my poor sister isn't in service anyway, so she is used to it, but Palmerston and Prince don't like idling around- that definitely never suited his Grace!"
Even so, Luke is captivated by the sound of London, and wouldn't stop asking questions about it all day such as about the stations and how big it was. In fact, the only way he would cease was when Duke threatens to make Luke sleep at the Wharf unless he stops bringing London up in every conversation.
It works wonders.
...
"What's all this fuss about London then?" Asks Skarloey curiously in the shed, as the engines settle down for the night.
"Well, Duke told us of how his brothers and sister visited London and now Luke wants to see it for himself!" Sighs Rheneas dramatically.
"Is that so bad?" Luke asks their leader imploringly. "I think London sounds like a wonderful place to visit!"
"Well, a little engine like you will never survive in the capital city of the UK." Sir Handel jeers rudely.
"Sir Handel!" Several voices admonish at once.
"That will never suit his Grace!" Duke admonishes his former student.
"Oh boy," Sir Handel groans, rolling his eyes.
"Never repeat that statement again..." Rheneas hisses darkly.
"Aye- those comments were uncalled for, laddie!" Duncan bellows furiously. The other engines don't say a word, but their expressions are thunderous.
At this point, Duke sees Luke fighting back tears, and he softens- despite the rough start to their friendship, Duke has grown fond of the newest addition to the railway, and vice versa.
"Don't mind that impudent scallywag, young 'un- you never know what might happen." He whispers gruffly, but with heart. "Besides, Peter Sam's giving him an earful!"
Luke giggles weakly. "Thanks Granpuff- but he's right. I'm just a small engine."
"Nonsense, young Luke!" Replies Duke. "Small engines are still engines, Luke, and there is always a chance for one to prove their worth."
"Thanks Granpuff." Luke sniffs.
"And I am also sorry for threatening to send you to the Wharf earlier." Duke adds, as an afterthought. "I wouldn't really do it- unless it was Sir Handel or Duncan, perhaps."
"That's alright, Granpuff," The little engine answers tiredly. "And you're right- no one really knows what will happen. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, youngster,"
...
The next morning, the Thin Controller arrives at his office, and checks his mail. Rummaging through it disinterestedly, he finds a letter from Kings Cross Station...opening it, he carefully scans over his contents, and it is addressed to Duke!
Without another word, he grabs his bowler hat, and dashes out of the door, frantically attempting to unlock his bicycle chain- without any luck.
Giving up, he spots Skarloey hauling some empty trucks behind him. "Perfect!" He mutters. "Skarloey! Where are you off to this morning?"
"The quarry, sir- that's where these empties are headed." The old engine replies. "Why?"
"I need to see Duke- where is he? I have important news for him in this letter!" And he waves the piece of paper around frantically.
"Sir, is everything all right? With all due respect, you're dashing round like a mad hare with a high fever and a sugar high to boot." Skarloey asks in concern.
"Yes, yes, I'm alright. I just need to find Duke urgently. And don't worry about being late to the quarry, either- I'll inform Mr Bailey." And with that, he disappears to make a phone call, ignoring Skarloey's bizarre simile.
'Old Faithful' sighs dramatically. "Driver," he begins. "It's high time Rheneas and I bail in favour of retirement."
The driver merely chuckles. "It can't be that bad."
...
Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Rusty Duncan, Duke and Luke are working at the Blue Mountain Quarry, waiting for their leader and friend to arrive.
"Where is Skarloey?" Paxton asks. "Shouldn't he be here by now?"
"I hope he's not in trouble," Wheeshes Rheneas in concern. "If those trucks are giving him trouble I swear I'll"-
"Wait- I hear him now!" Exclaims Rusty breathlessly, interrupting his friend- just as a fuming Skarloey steams in late, to say the least.
"Slipping back into old habits, are we?" Rheneas teases, oblivious to his brother's anger.
"I spent half an hour looking for Duke on the line, then I spent twenty minutes to catch some runaway trucks that broke loose, and spent twenty five minutes getting here- when it turns out he was here all along!" Skarloey fumes. "I've kept you all waiting!"
"It's not the first time, either!" Jokes Peter Sam cheekily. The other engines laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.
Shooting the two engines a glare, Duke looks at Skarloey. "Is there a reason I'm needed?"
"The Thin Controller received a letter from King's Cross Station this morning for you." Skarloey grunts, who is still annoyed by the unnecessary and traumatic time wasting.
"Yes," The Thin Controller adds, smoothly stepping out from Skarloey's cab. "I do apologise for the delay, Skarloey- I forgot Duke was here this morning. Now, Duke- you have a request from your brother Palmerston to come to London and visit him for a few days," The Thin Controller explains. "I will allow you to go- and you are allowed to invite one friend to come with you."
The engines begin chatting feverishly about this exciting proposition. "And, it will be Duke's choice. I can cover for both engines by talking to Mr Rue should I need to borrow anyone from Callathain to help."
Duke cannot speak at first...he knows that his brother is there for an important historical event, and the fact that Palmerston wants him there is an honour indeed!
"Thank you, sir," He grins boldly. "And I know just who to take, sir."
"Who might that be, Duke?" Mr Percival asks, surprised.
"I have decided, sir, to take Luke to London with me." Duke declares.
Luke is stunned, and then his eyes fill with tears of happiness when he realises why Duke chose him. "Go raibh maith agat, Granpuff." He whispers in fluent Gaelic.