Chapter 287: Edward the Great

Summer had arrived on the Island of Sodor, and with it came many tourists to the island. Among them were the Duke and Duchess of Boxford, who had arranged for a new summer home to be built. The engine drivers were happy to have them, but they weren't very happy to see Spencer.

One morning, Spencer sped into Knapford Station, smug as ever. One of the porters stopped the watch, waving it eagerly in Spencer's face.

"You've broken the speed record once more!"

Spencer scoffed, shoving the porter out of his way.

"Of course I have! After all, this engine is in the same class as Mallard, the locomotive with the world record for steam engines. Engines like Gordon's just simply can't compare."

Gordon just snorted, and pretended that he hadn't heard. At that moment, Sir Topham Hatt came over with the Duke and Duchess.

"The Summer Home is now complete," he said proudly. "I hope you'll find it to your liking."

"Thank you," the two royals said before climbing into the coaches. Sir Topham Hatt then turned to his own employees.

"While Spencer takes the Duke and Duchess to their Summer Home, I need another person to take their furniture."

Spencer snorted.

"I can beat anyone there easily."

Gordon, sensing a way to put Spencer in his place, eagerly volunteered.

"I'll be more than happy to take the furniture, sir. Anything to help our esteemed guests."

"Thank you, Gordon, but I need you on the express. Edward shall take the furniture."

Gordon spluttered furiously.

"Edward? Pah, he couldn't beat a tired snail!"

"There's more to life than speed, Gordon," Edward said firmly. "I'm sure the Duke and Duchess would rather their furniture arrive in one piece."

"Whatever," Spencer scoffed. "Let's get this over with. Since I'm in a good mood, I'll even give you a head start. It's only fair to give you a sporting chance, after all."

Edward rolled his eyes, but set off on his journey. The train was heavy, and his engine couldn't go very fast, but he didn't let that get to him. After a few minutes, Spencer checked his watch.

"Hmm, I suppose that's enough of a chance."

And so he sped off, leaving Edward in the dust. Edward just rolled his eyes.

"Show off."

A while later, Spencer was stopped at Wellsworth. The Duke and Duchess had asked him to stop so that they could buy some tea and cakes from the refreshment lady.
"No worries," Spencer said to himself. "Even if that slowcoach does manage to catch up with me, we'll leave soon enough that it'll be almost like he never did."

Sure enough, Edward trundled in with his heavy load. A few of the passengers and workmen clapped and cheered him on as he passed, making Spencer roll his eyes. No sooner had Edward cleared the platform did the Duke and Duchess reboard the train and the guard blew his whistle. With a WHOOSH! and a roar, Spencer sped off, leaving Edward in the dust.

Later still, Spencer was rushing up Gordon's Hill. Gordon was coming the other way with his return express.

"See you later, cousin!"

Gordon just growled, but said nothing. Just then, he saw Edward. Just as he was about to chatsize him for how slow he was going, he saw how hard Edward was working and how much he was struggling. So instead, he decided to encourage him.

"You can do it, Edward!"

Edward smiled wearily, and gave a blast of the whistle as Gordon thundered away. His confidence renewed, Edward felt more determined than ever to get the job done.

Up ahead, Spencer was making excellent timing and was racing through open countryside. They were almost at the Summer Home when the bell rang, alerting him that the Duke and Duchess wanted him to stop the train. The Duke came up, holding his camera.

"Pardon me, Spencer, but is it alright if we stop the train for a while? I saw this lovely scenery, and I just HAVE to get some pictures!"

"Of course, sir. We've got plenty of time anyway."

While the Duke and Duchess took their pictures, Spencer got cozy in the cab. But it wasn't long before he began to get sleepy.

"I suppose…a quick nap…won't hurt. Not like Edward…will catch up…anyway…"

And so, Spencer fell asleep. Not long after, Edward drove past him, taking a moment to stare curiously before continuing on his way. Not long after, The Duke and Duchess returned to the coach, but Spencer was still asleep.

"Why aren't we moving? Spencer's usually much quicker than this."

"Something must be wrong. I'll try the bell."

Spencer jolted awake when he heard the bell ringing, just in time to see Edward heading down the line towards the Summer House.

"No!"

Almost instantly, he rushed forward, trying to catch up to Edward. But it was no good, the line became single tracked and he had to slow down. Spencer could only sulk in defeat as Edward reached the house first. The Duke and Duchess, on the other hand, were more than happy to congratulate Edward.

"Well done, Edward! You are really useful!"

"Indeed, and so kind too! Don't you agree, Spencer?"

Spencer was too busy seething with fury to respond.