Downton Abbey:
Guy(s) Night
by Mirwalker
Chapter Nineteen: Fishing
Monday, 18 November 1912
"Sit anywhere you like, mam," the barman called to her, noting she seemed unsure how to proceed beyond stepping inside The Dog and Duck.
Feeling it best not to alight at the bar itself—both unladylike, and too obvious for her purposes, she chose a table near the bar, but off the direct line between it and the front door. Glancing about as she took her seat and removed her gloves, she didn't recognize the few faces in the place; and if they knew her, they were doing well not to show it. It was to be a delicate balance, this visit; her status could be off-putting, or even mildly scandalous in the less classy of the two village pubs, but hopefully also brought some deference to her inquiries.
"It's Mrs Crawley, isn't it?" her greeter asked politely, having come around to give her table an extra wipe, and her, extra attention. Seeing her startled by the foreknowledge, he explained, "Beggin' your pardon; we've not met. It's just that your arrival in the village has been a matter of understandable interest, given how little excitement we get out here. You're more than welcome, of course."
"Well," Isobel stalled, not pleased that her reputation had preceded her, and that she'd not been able to make the decision on whether to introduce herself. But, the man's prompt hospitality and rather blunt backstory suggested that she could and should be direct herself. "That is very kind, Mister…?"
"Hislop, mam. Benny Hislop. This here's my establishment."
"And a fine place it is indeed, Mr Hislop," she smiled, looking around admiringly. "As I settle into the village, I am trying to meet my new neighbours, and take in all the local flavors. I'm only sorry I haven't been by sooner."
"That's to be understood, mam, as I expect the House staff take good care of you…" He knew her business to be sure.
"And thus have earned their time off, leaving me in need of a quality midday meal," she explained, appealing to his. "And the postmistress spoke most highly of your fish and chips–a hearty meal for such a cold autumn's day."
"A fine choice, mam. And to drink?"
She glanced around obviously, and leaned in to share an open secret to secure their bond, "If I can count on your discretion, Mr Hislop, I think that would go well with a half-pint of stout?"
Having been concerned his menu and cellars would not be up to her standards, he was shocked, and pleased, at the everyman tastes of the new noble. He liked this one! With a wink back, he assured, "'Twould be my pleasure."
With a smile and nod, he headed back toward the bar, saying welcome to two regulars who entered as he passed. When the barmaid approached them shortly thereafter, it seemed clear that he had made a particular point of engaging the unexpected guest himself.
For that reason along with her additional agenda, she engaged him warmly as he brought her drink, and then her lunch. Having received them, she then took her time to enjoy them—as they were quite good, and thus to prolong the opportunity for conversation with this well-placed, and apparently well-liked public house proprietor.
As the late lunch crowd cleared, and she finally finished, she settled her bill and complimented him on the meal and hospitality.
"You're most welcome, mam. Though, I imagine you might miss some of the bustle and conveniences of the big city."
"Occasionally," she confided. "But I must confess, the people here can be considerably more friendly. And I am very much enjoying the fresh air and quiet as compared to Manchester. Though, I must admit that storm on Guy Fawkes' Night was frightful. Is that sort of weather common in the area?" Bait on hook.
"We can have some strong fronts come through; but that one was of rare might."
"Do you find that business lessens, as people are less likely to go out in it, or increases, as people take advantage of the weather to stay in, and enjoy themselves?" Fish approaches hook.
He waved over the barmaid to take away the dishes as he stood to chat, "Mostly it keeps people home, I'm afraid; safer for all, I suppose. And most boarders with us stay in, as there's not much else to do on any evening in the village, for them just passing through."
"That night especially, I imagine!" she suggested. Wiggle it a little…
"So you'd think," he laughed, before turning more gossipy, "But we had a few visitors that night we'd expected to stay in. But they got a message, and headed out quick into the worst of the storm. City folk…! Oh, no offense, 'course."
Caught! She laughed herself entirely un-insulted, "Oh my! None taken; but how do you mean 'city folks'?"
"Well, I'm just presuming Manchester, based on their accents. None of us know them; and haven't seen them since… But, they paid their tab; so I can naught but wish them well."
"How odd," Isobel agreed cheerfully, before again leaning in to this newfound confidant, "As do I, of course. But you know, I did hear that there may have been some sort of accident on the north road that night. I understand the police believe someone may have been injured; something about a fallen tree… I was trained as a nurse; and the idea of anyone being wounded and unwell…" She fanned herself in demonstration of her delicacy, as the barmaid wiped the tables around them.
"That's right Christian of you, mam. And I can't speak to what happened," he leaned in to share, "But you're not the only persons concerned. The police came here as a matter of fact, asking about any guests or suspicious persons that night—but I could only share what I just told you… And that footman from the Abbey; seems he was worried about some friends who might have been passing through... Wish I could calm everyone with some good news; but I only know what I know!"
And the fish offered her a morsel in return… Thomas?! "Well, I appreciate your cooperation and compassion, as well as your cuisine!"
He beamed at her use of the fancy term to describe his country menu, forgetting the old storm news immediately. "Too kind, mam!"
"Well, I should be getting on." She began to stand, prompting him to assist with the chair. "Why thank you, Mr Hislop. Just one more reason I shall have to return again soon for more exquisite fare and conversation."
"Any time, Mrs Crawley," he all but bowed. "Welcome again to Downton, and any time to our humble establishment."
Still smiling at his simple charm, and the information she had gleaned from it, she hadn't gotten very far up the street, when the barmaid came running after her.
"Mam? Mrs Crawley? Mam, you dropped your glove," she explained as Isobel turned to her.
"So I did; how clumsy of me. It's so kind of you to bring it out to me. Here," she fished a few coins from her purse. "For your troubles, and for my taking up the table and so much of your employer's time today."
The young woman glanced about, as such tips were rare, and the transaction might seem odd on the open street especially. "Thank you, mam. It were no trouble."
Isobel began to turn, when the woman continued, "And mam? I heard you asking charitably after the men who went out into the storm. I was touched by your worry for them and all; and just wanted to let you know that they was well. Just a little wet for the rain."
"Oh?" This fish had just jumped into her boat entirely of its own accord. "That is comforting to know. You knew them?" Isobel smiled motherly.
"Know them, mam; one is my brother, Willy. When their business here didn't work out, they headed back to Leeds that night. The roads were a bit rough; but he sent me a letter that he was safe and well back home."
"I am glad, …?" she stuck her hand out to pat the girl's, and call her by name.
"Tessie, mam."
"Tessie. You've brought my heart much comfort, beyond a good lunch for the rest of me. Now, I should let you get back, before the good Mr Hilsop worries after you. Thank you again, on all counts."
"My pleasure, mam," Tessie grinned, and headed back with the good graces of, and a little change from, the approachable new aristocrat in the village.
Returning to her walk home, Isobel considered what all she gained for the time and money invested today, beyond a genuinely good meal.
tbc...
A/N: A shorter bit to hold/tease ya through choppy posts over next !fortnight...