This is the first of the 50s years where I actually knew enough songs for it to warrent a top 13 on its own merit.
A lot of these classics have stood the test and time and are still played on the radio six decades later. Others featured in movies like “That’ll Be the Day” and appear again and again in any show set in the fifties.
1. Peggy Lee – Fever – 08-58 – Capitol 2. Big Bopper – Chantilly Lace – 10-58 – Mercury 3. Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode – 05-58 – Chess 4. The Platters – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – 12-58 – Mercury 5. Perry Como – Catch A Falling Star/Magic Moments – 02-58 – RCA 6. The Everly Brothers – All I Have To Do Is Dream – 05-58 – Cadence 7. The Teddy Bears – To Know Him Is To Love Him – 10-58 – Dore 8. Tommy Edwards – It’s All In The Game – 09-58 – MGM 9. The Champs – Tequila – 03-58 – Challenge 10. The Coasters – Yakety Yak – 06-58 – Atco 11. Eddie Cochran – Summertime Blues – 09-58 – Liberty 12. The Crickets [with Buddy Holly] – Oh Boy! – 01-58 – Brunswick 13. Connie Francis – Who’s Sorry Now – 03-58 – MGM
And a few bubbling under: Elvis Presley – One Night – 11-58 – RCA Ricky Nelson – Poor Little Fool – 07-58 – Imperial Conway Twitty – It’s Only Make Believe – 10-58 – MGM Little Richard – Good Golly, Miss Molly – 03-58 – Specialty The McGuire Sisters – Sugartime – 01-58 – Coral
While we wait for Ken (just over a week to go), here’s some teasers in the syle of Popmaster questions. Not long now my lovelies. And if you’d like to challenge me, I’d love to hear your questions.
Rationing continued after the end of World War II: sugar, butter, cheese, margarine, cooking fat, bacon, meat and tea were all still rationed when the Queen came to the throne in 1952. Sugar rationing ending in 1953 and meat rationing in 1954. The meagre choice of ingredients and flavourings, whilst concentrating the cook’s mind on creating filling and satisfying meals, would preclude even the best of cooks from creating cordon bleu dishes. Food was seasonal (no tomatoes in winter for example); there were no supermarkets, no frozen food or freezers to store it in and the only takeaway was from the fish and chip shop.
Meat and two veg was the staple diet for most families in the 1950s. It was the age of spam fritters, salmon sandwiches, tinned fruit with evaporated milk and fish on Fridays. Sunday lunch was a roast, then ham salad for high tea, followed by trifle or fruit cake. The only way to add flavour to this bland cooking was with tomato ketchup or brown sauce. Salad in the summer consisted of lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes, and the only dressing available was Heinz Salad Cream. In the winter, this was replaced with a coleslaw of thinly sliced white cabbage, onions and carrots, coated in Salad Cream.
The average family rarely if ever ate out. The closest most people came to eating out was in the pub. There you could get potato crisps, a pickled egg, and perhaps a pasty or some cockles, winkles and whelks from the seafood man on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening.
Things started to change when the UK’s answer to the burger bars in America arrived in the 1950s to cater for that new group of consumers, the teenagers. The first Wimpy Bars opened in 1954 selling hamburgers and milkshakes and proved extremely popular.
These are some popular dishes in the 50s:
1950: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Because sweet treats were in short supply during the years after the war, this amazingly colourful bake was welcomed with open arms when it burst onto the foodie scene in 1950. Made with tinned goods, pineapple upside down cake was an easy thing to whip up with your butter and sugar rations, and could make its way round a big family if sliced thinly enough.
1951: SPAM. While fresh meat was still being heavily rationed, SPAM provided an unlikely source of protein to thousands of British families during the 1950s. Love them or hate them, SPAM fritters were the dish of the year. These crispy morsels were coated in batter, deep-fried and served up for many a supper.
1952: Baked Alaska. To be a true child of 1952 you’ve got to have had a baked Alaska or two in your time. This science-defying pud wowed the masses when it was introduced in the 1950s with its hot outside and freezing cold inside. Made with a sponge bottom, a thick layer of jam, a mound of ice cream and a baked meringue shell it really was an impressive party centrepiece.
1953: Devilled Eggs. Liberated from egg and sugar rations but still firmly in the grips of cheese and meat rationing British cooks of 1953 were keen to make the most of their new found culinary freedom. The result? Devilled eggs! These curried canapés were a real favourite for serving up as part of a party spread.
1954: Burgers and milkshakes. 1954 saw the end of rationing altogether and the opening of the first Wimpy Bars, selling burgers and milkshakes to Britain’s teenagers – and they loved it.
1955: Black Forest Gateau. With its layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream and cherry syrup, Black Forest Gateau was the dish of the moment in 1955, after being invented in Germany some years earlier (known by its German title, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte). It appeared in recipe books everywhere following its inclusion on a list of best-known German cakes in 1949, and aren’t we so glad of it? This classic cake is still a favourite for many today.
1956: Coronation Chicken. Coronation chicken was invented for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and gathered popularity with every year that passed. In 1956 this exotic mix of cooked chicken, mayonnaise and curry powder and truly become one of Britain’s favourite lunchtime sandwich fillers and could even be found on the shelves of grocery shops, pre-made.
1957: Rice Pudding. Ah, Rice pudding, a deliciously creamy dessert that was traditionally made in a pot but somehow found its way into a tin during the first world war. Despite the tinned version coming years earlier it was 1957 that marked a huge step change for the most popular brand, Ambrosia, when it had to open up a whole new factory to cope with the demand for its famous tinned pud.
1958: Chop Suey. A rise in immigration during the 1950s and 60s gave Brits a real taste for strong flavours from further afield. 1958 was the year Chop Suey was introduced to the menu of Butlins’ holiday camps – making it officially a British favourite!
1959: Arctic Roll. Birds Eye inherited Arctic Roll in 1959, when it bought an Eastbourne ice cream factory and went on to have great success with this freezer staple of the time. Much like a traditional Swiss roll, this ice cream filled alternative captured the hearts of those who couldn’t face having to make a pudding every evening.
A definite move away from crooners as Rock ‘n’ Roll dominates the charts. A couple of these have made it into my top 13 because of their association with favourite movies: True Love from High Society (1956, with Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly), Jailhouse Rock (1957) and On The Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady (1964 with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison). Also, That’ll Be the Day (1973, starring David Essex and Ringo Starr) gave me Wake Up Little Susie & Great Balls Of Fire. And finally, Dirty Dancing wouldn’t be the same without Baby and Johnny lip-syncing to Love Is Strange, or the moody Still of the Night (not to be confused with the phenomenal Whitesnake version – same title, different song).
1. Doris Day – Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) – 07-56 – Columbia 2. Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel – 03-56 –RCA 3. Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers – Why Do Fools Fall In Love – 02-56 – Gee 4. The Everly Brothers – Wake Up Little Susie – 10-57 – Cadence 5. Mickey & Sylvia – Love Is Strange – 02-57 – Groove 6. Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly – True Love – 10-56 – Capitol 7. Vic Damone – On The Street Where You Live – 06-56 – Columbia 8. Jimmie Rodgers – Kisses Sweeter Than Wine – 12-57 – Roulette 9. Johnny Mathis – The Twelfth Of Never/Chances Are – 09-57 – Columbia 10. Fats Domino – Blueberry Hill – 10-56 – Imperial 11. Carl Perkins – Blue Suede Shoes – 03-56 – Sun 12. Buddy Holly – Peggy Sue – 12-57 – Coral 13. Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line – 11-56 – Sun
And the ones not quite cool enough to make the grade The Five Satins – In The Still Of The Night – 09-1956 – Ember Jerry Lee Lewis – Great Balls Of Fire – 12-57 – Sun Bill Haley & His Comets – See You Later, Alligator – 01-56 – Decca Little Richard – Long Tall Sally – 04-56 – Specialty Johnnie Ray – Just Walking In The Rain – 09-56 – Columbia Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock – 10-57 – RCA Billy Williams – I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter – 07-57 – Coral
Quick quiz: Who released the theme tune to Friends TV show – I’ll be there for you?
Friday 3rd March was a sad day for people all over the UK who have stopped what they’re doing at 10:30 each weekday morning to challenge their knowledge of pop music with the kindest, most generous of hosts, whose gentle Scottish brogue and sharp wit have been a bright spot in uncertain times.
Like thousands of others, I’ve tuned in for a daily fix of warm, irreverent good-humour and a reminder about everything good about living in the UK as Ken entertains with witty throwaways. His gentle disparagement of the ridiculous schemes conjured up by those who think they have power over us always raises a smile as he puts the worst excesses into perspective, having the courage to say what those of us with a working brain cell are thinking. But it’s all done in the best possible taste as a certain Mr Everett would say.
And what can you say about Popmaster? Other than the fact it’s really hard, except on the days it’s quite easy! The one time I got through, over a decade ago, I never got to speak to Ken, but I was responsible for Zoe Ball’s first tie-break on only 12 points. Thankfully, it was short and sweet as I bugged out on the first question – something to do with Eurovision. And that question above was the one I couldn’t remember on the day, but now will never forget – The Rembrants. Woulda got me another 6 points in the bonus topic of Hits from TV.
I must say, it’s been quite a poignant swansong, ending as it did with the phenomenal Piano Room Month. For most of February, my daily five-mile walk has been accompanied by the fabulous shows featuring artists as diverse as Michael Ball, Raye and Haircut 100.
For us oldies, there was Richard Marx, Belinda Carlisle and Simply Red – a real treat on Valentines’ Day, covering Stylistics’ You Make me Feel Brand New and Wings’ My Love. If you haven’t listened to them, I can thoroughly recommend every single show – I even enjoyed Stormzy’s tracks. Steady on, girl!
But he did wrap the whole thing up with a beautifully soulful rendition of Oleta Adams’ Get Here. And for those of you who love a quiz but don’t immediately recognise her, there’s a snooker theme to the right hand pix which might help you guess the identity of the middle performer.</
Also in February, Ken featured Chris Packham’s Tracks of My Years – an eclectic mix which started with Puff the magic Dragon, Thunderbirds theme, and included Bowie, Eddie & the Hot Rods, and Psychedelic Furs. You have 9 days left to listen here. During the show, they chatted about the wonderful BBC Two documentary – Inside Our Autistic Minds. It features stories of two peoples’ struggles with Autism, and one was Ken’s son Murray. Well worth a watch, and you have 11 months to follow the link.
Ken feels like family to me – well I have been listening to him spinning discs for over half my life, so I got up in time to listen to all the fun. What an absolute gent. Professional to the last, Ken Bruce showed those less-than executives at the Beeb why he’s the Nation’s, if not the World’s favourite radio presenter.
And what a day! I was already wobbling by the last half hour of Zoe’s show and I have to say, she and her listeners did him proud. After playing Holding Out for a Hero, she described “the Mighty Bruce” as a super-smart class act, so supportive of everyone at Radio 2, self-deprecating, a true gent with razor-sharp wit and genuinely hilarious. She then played a tribute created by a couple of listeners, Dear Ken.
During his show, various people hijacked with tributes, including a clip from Rob Brydon’s April Fool show. After some decidedly dodgy maths to calculate approximately how many hours he’s invaded Ken’s show, Jeremy Vine said this: “I’m gonna miss you so much. I’ve worked with some great people and you’re the best. I know you don’t like praise, but you’re the most generous, intelligent, talented colleague. For the presenters at Radio two, you are the Charlie Watts – the presenter we all want to be like.”
So now I have a long wait while the short-sighted people at R2 have put Ken on gardening leave because they’re not happy about giving Greatest Hits Radio free advertising. They must be livid about losing Popmaster, even if they don’t give a damn about any of their listeners over forty – or is it fourteen?
History repeats itself as I’m reminded of poor old Simon Mayo’s disgraceful ejection back in 2018 from the drive-time show which is now an area I avoid like the plague along with many of my contemporaries.
Looking at the plethora of GHR ads, his nose must be a tad out of joint, but GHR have billed themselves as “the home of Simon Mayo” for two years since he joined in March 2021. Interesting that when I searched for posters advertising this, they’re nowhere to be found. Just saying.
But R2 seem determined to continue with this foot-shooting. That’s me finished with daily shows.
You’d be surprised by the number of inventions stemming from the nineteen fifties, I certainly was. This is by no means a full list, but it gives you an idea of how ahead of their time some people were.
1950 – Credit card – Frank X McNamara
1951 – Power steering, Super glue – Francis W. Davis 1951 – Videotape recorder (VTR) – Charles Ginsburg 1951 – Festival of Britain – this event marked the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The festival generated demand for new fashions in furniture and furnishings. The exhibits introduced new styles of pottery, ceramics, fabrics and furniture made from revolutionary materials – fibreglass, plywood, formica and plastics.
1952 – The first jet aeroplane to carry passengers, called Comet, began a regular passenger service. The small jet could not carry many people.
1953 – Black box flight recorder – David Warren 1953 – The summit of Mount Everest was reached for the first time by Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzinf, his Nepalese guide.
1954 – All rationing comes to an end 1954 – The first nonstick pan produced
1955 – Lego – Gotfried Kirk Christiansen
1956 – Velcro – George de Mestral 1956 – First hovercraft – Christopher Cockerell 1956 – The first computer hard disk used
1957 – The space Race began with the Soviet Union launching the first vehicle to orbit the Earth, the satellite Sputnik 1, on 4th October 1957. This was followed a month later by the launch of Sputnik 2. On board was the first living creature to travel from Earth into space, a dog named Laika.
1959 – Barbie Doll 1959 – Britain’s first motorway, the M1, between Birmingham and London, opened. 1959 – The Mini is launched, designed by Alec Issigonis, and becomes the best-selling British car of all time. It cost £496 – about the amount of money someone earned in a whole year.
So we’re still firmly in the years of Mum’s choices, not mine, and because she and Dad met while ballroom dancing, everything is heavily dance influenced. These were the songs I heard mostly in my early years – possibly even from the womb in 1959!
Mambo was king, and I challenge anyone not to strike a Tango pose when Hernando’s Hideaway starts. Or if you prefer your tango Argentinian … The movie Moonstruck affirmed my number 1 from this era. After all: “When the Moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie …”
1. Dean Martin – That’s Amore – 11-53 – Capitol 2. Archie Bleyer – Hernando’s Hideaway – 06-54 – Cadence 3. Perry Como – Papa Loves Mambo – 10-54 – RCA 4. Rosemary Clooney – Mambo Italiano – 11-54 – Columbia 5. Doris Day – Secret Love – 01-54 – Columbia 6. Dean Martin – Sway – 08-54 – Capitol 7. Frank Sinatra – Young-At-Heart – 02-54 – Capitol 8. Tony Bennett – Stranger In Paradise – 12-53 – Columbia 9. Bill Haley & His Comets – Rock Around The Clock – 05-55 – Decca 10. Hank Williams – Your Cheatin’ Heart – 01-53 11. Sarah Vaughan – Whatever Lola Wants – 05-55 – Mercury 12. The Platters – Only You – 10-55 – Mercury 13. Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby – 12-53 – RCA Victor
And couple that got away … Chuck Berry – Maybelline – 08-55 – Chess Frank Sinatra – Three Coins In The Fountain – 06-54 – Capitol Dean Martin – Memories Are Made Of This – 12-55 – Capitol
Yet again, certain songs seem to catch the imagination of the record publishers (if not the public), resulting in two or three copies of the same song released within a few years of each other. For example in 53: Crying In the Chapel by Rex Allen/David Glenn/June Valli. Then in 55: Unchained Melody by Les Baxter & His Orchestra /Roy Hamilton/Al Hibbler and The Ballad Of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes/Tennessee Ernie Ford/Fess Parker. And one with a slight name change – and I’m not talking about the singer! Oh My Papa – Eddie Fisher/Oh, mein Papa – Eddie Calvert
The 1950s saw many technical innovations, but the biggest advance was in the new approaches to acting and narrative storytelling resulting in grittier drama, towering performances and some unforgettable movies. Here are some of them.
Cinderella (1950) When Cinderella’s cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and from her Fairy Godmother. Sunset Blvd. (1950) A screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return. A Streetcar Names Desire (1951) Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.
The African Queen (1951)
In WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952) A silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood. High Noon (1952) A town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at “high noon” when the gang leader, an outlaw he “sent up” years ago, arrives on the noon train. Shane (1953) A weary gunfighter in 1880s Wyoming begins to envision a quieter life after befriending a homestead family with a young son who idolizes him, but a smoldering range war forces him to act.
Roman Holiday (1953) A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei’s fiancé, as well as a rich, enamored old man and many other doting admirers. Rear Window (1954) A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.
Dial M for Murder (1954) A tennis player frames his neglected wife for murder after she inadvertently foils his plan to have her murdered. Lady and the Tramp (1955) The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt. Rebel Without a cause (1955) A rebellious young man with a troubled past comes to a new town, finding friends and enemies.
The Ladykillers (1955) Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians. …And God Created Woman (1956) In sunny St. Tropez, a young sexpot loves one brother but marries the other. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) British POWs build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors, oblivious of the Allies’ plans to destroy it.
12 Angry Men (1957) The jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict. Vertigo (1958) A former police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with a hauntingly beautiful woman. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) An alcoholic ex-football player, drinks his days away and resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father, who is dying of cancer, jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.
North by Northwest (1959) A New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt. Ben Hur (1959) When a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge. Some Like it Hot (1959) When two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.
If you were expecting a continuation of the 80s top thirteens, apologies. I will pick them up again when the fourth book is released. In the meantime, we’ll be looking mostly at the 50s when Just in Time, the second Time Doctors book is partially set. After that, there’s a wee surprise for the third book.
I have to confess I wasn’t around for all but the last 2 and a half months of the fifties, so these songs are mostly my Mum’s music – she was the one who bequeathed me my inability to function without music – and for that I thank her tremendously. Dad recons she had a radio in every room in the house and would switch them on as she moved from room to room. So when he came home, he’d go round the house switching most of them off. I’m proud to say I am my mother’s daughter – although mostly the music is on my phone and moves with me. I didn’t recognise many of the early 50s stuff – apart from Doris Day, Frankie Laine and Mario Lanza who were always playing! So here’s my list cobbled together from the first three years of the decade.
1. Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa – 06-50 – Capitol 2. Frankie Laine – Jezebel – 05-51 – Columbia 3. Mario Lanza – Because You’re Mine – 11-52 – RCA Victor 4. Les Paul & Mary Ford – How High The Moon – 04-51 – Capitol 5. Billy Eckstine – My Foolish Heart – 05-50 – MGM 6. Doris Day – Bewitched – 06-50 – Columbia 7. Guy Lombardo & Royal Canadians – Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) – 03-50 8. Perry Como & Betty Hutton – A Bushel And A Peck – 11-50 – RCA Victor 9. Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters – Quicksilver – 03-50 – Decca 10. Mel Blanc – I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat – 02-51 – Capitol 11. Nat King Cole – Too Young – 04-51 – Capitol 12. Mario Lanza – The Loveliest Night Of The Year – 05-51 – RCA Victor 13. Don Howard – Oh Happy Day – 12-52 – Essex
These are not so much bubbling under as representative of the top artists of the early fifties. The Andrews Sisters – I Can’t Dream, Can’t I – (1949) – Decca Vera Lynn – Auf Wiedersehn Sweetheart – 06-52 – London Frankie Laine – High Noon – 08-52 – Columbia Eddie Fisher – I’m Yours – 05-52 – RCA Victor Peggy Lee – Lover – 07-52 – Decca
A curious phenomenon I noticed when trawling through the excellent lists from http://www.severing.nu/music/1950UK.html, is the number of occurrences of the same song by different artists within weeks of each other.
Take Rodgers and Hart’s Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered), first sung on stage by Vivienne Segal on December 25, 1940, in the Broadway production of the musical Pal Joey. The songs were prevented from becoming popular standards because of a dispute resulting in thousands of popular songs being banned from radio play. The broadcasters refused to pay the fees that ASCAP imposed, and the situation wasn’t resolved until the late 1940s when the ban was lifted.
In 1950, The Bill Snyder Orchestra released a version in April, Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra released one in May. Then Columbia released the Doris Day version in June (apparently recorded the previous May), so that made three. This was not unusual throughout the rest of the decade and into the 60s. I never noticed this happening anything like as much in the decades I cared about the charts (mostly 70s, 80s).
In writing the second Time Doctors book, I created a bunch of scenes which my new editor, Paul, said did not fit the Dungeons and Dragons feel I was aiming for.
This one stands up on its own and gives a taste of melding history with role-play. Plus I had so much fun researching Guy of Warwick, I’d like to pass on some of his heroic deeds.
The jester gathered his ghost hunters into the library, his excitement evident. “Good evening, my friends. Tonight’s session is a little different because its subject is of truly great significance to the history of the whole town, as well as the castle. Streets all over Warwick still bear his name.”
Evadne sneered. “Oh no, not more history lessons with Rosalina being taken over by the spirit of a wanton female ghost.”
He chuckled. “The exact opposite. Tonight you will all have the opportunity to take part in an immersive experience so you can better understand the spirits involved. It concerns a legendary hero known as Guy of Warwick, whose massive footsteps can be heard walking from one tower to another, in particular the Bear and Clarence gun towers which form the north-west entrance to the castle enclosure.” “They were built by Richard the third in the fifteenth century.” Professor Grenville couldn’t help himself Neither could Kurt. “I believe Bear tower is so called because it held the creatures used in bear-baiting.” “I don’t think that’s ever been proven.” Before the pair could get into another pissing contest, the jester informed them of the characters they would be connecting with, and Kurt smirked, pleased to be taking on the leading-man role. The jester set the scene. Guy Gorian was a humble cupbearer, a page at the court of Lord Rohand, the Earl of Warwick. We find him in the kitchen, bemoaning his troubles with his best friend, Barty Miller. He glanced at Rosalina, who mimed glancing up from her bread-making task. “What ails thee, my friend? You grouse like a dog with a sore head.” “Talk not to me of dogs.” Guy slumped on a bench. Unless it is the pup who shares my beloved’s fair lap.” “So she’s finally chosen. Did she go for the white one?” “Of course. It may be the runt of the litter, but she dotes on it as though it were of the finest pedigree.” “So why on God’s good earth would you be sad because Lady Felice has finally chosen a pup?” “Felice.” Guy clasped his hands in rapture. “Even her name means happiness, and nothing fills my heart with more joy than one of her smiles.” “You have seen her do this? On the few occasions I’ve caught a glimpse, her very mouth seems beset by a weight which turns down her lips so.” Barty demonstrated. “You have lain eyes on her? Is she not the most beautiful of all women?” Guy sighed. “And one of the richest. Or her father is. What makes you think the esteemed Earl would allow a match between his beloved daughter and a humble cupbearer?” Guy’s face dropped and his friend nudged his arm. “I know your father was a noble Northumbrian knight, but now he’s a mere steward. You should lower your sights.” “You don’t understand. Lord Rohand has invited me to join in tomorrow’s Tournament to show my valour.” “But that’s wonderful news. He must have heard of your progress in the training yards. So why the sad face?” “Because he invited me to the great dinner first.” “How is that a bad thing?” “Because one of the knights said they’d allow dogs at the table next. Not so loud the Earl heard, but I did. And everyone around him laughed at me.” “They won’t be laughing when they’re on the ground, staring up at your broken lance, you mark my words.” ending Barty’s speech, Rosalina glanced at the jester, who inclined his head at her as he set the next scene. And so our hero found himself sitting at the grand top table, after her father made a huge fuss, treating Guy as an honoured guest and introducing him to all the nobles. Shy at finding himself among so many grand lords, and knights, and fair ladies, he took courage and, raising his eyes, saw the Earl’s daughter Lady Felice staring at him thoughtfully. Evadne picked up on the cue, affecting a cultured tone. “Are you the same Guy whose courage and swordsmanship have set a stir amongst all the brave knights here?” Felice gestured lower down the table and he felt the hostile glares of several men. “I have some skills, but there are several squires who are my equal and many better.” “Is there another named Guy?” “N-no, my lady.” “Then you are modest as well as handsome.” Her smile brought the sun out, dazzling his poor eyes, which lowered as he desperately sought a suitable riposte: something witty, profound, or simply made of words. But none came, and her expectant silence dragged his shoulders down more than the heftiest pauldron. More than anything, he wished the dinner would be over so he could impress this beautiful lady with his combat skills. He sensed her interest waning, and when the nobleman sitting to her left asked a question, she seemed more than happy for him to claim her attention. Guy was never so relieved as when the Earl stood, bidding his guests to follow him to the tilt, where the tournament would shortly commence. The jester stood with an exaggerated bow. “As you may perceive, my fellows, the gentle Guy is far too modest to do any justice to the telling of his prowess that day. So it falls to me to hint at how well our hero fought in this great spectacle.” He gestured at Isaac, who mimed fighting Ben and Georgie, while a backing track gave the clang of clashing metal. The detailed replica weapons were made from solid wood, which was strong enough to withstand blows, but light enough to wield easily. The jester continued, describing how Lord Rohand, Lady Felice, and many lords and ladies, watched while the knights jousted and fought. “No one expected this newcomer to conquer his opponents with such ease, apart from Guy himself. He had no need to resort to underhand tactics as he unhorsed every one of the knights, and dazzled his opponents with speed, agility and such rare swordsmanship as had ever been seen. Shouts and cheers filled the air as he knelt before Felice.” Guy bent forward as she placed a golden chain around his neck. He slid a glance at his trusted friend, whispering. “My heart beats so loud and fast – can you hear?”
Barty shook his head. “No, my friend.”
“Are you sure? I fear these nobles will heed it and know my every thought.”
“Well gone, Guy. Now lift your head.” Felice smiled kindly at him as she put the crown of roses upon his head. “It pleases my father greatly that the son of his trusted steward should be so brave.” She bent so close he could almost taste her sweetly-scented skin.
As he knelt before her, Guy knew he loved her, although he did not dare tell her so.
If this has whetted your appetite for some Dungeons and Dragons ghost-hunting role-play in Warwick castle, click the link to read the first chapters of Just in Time
JRo Author 