Chapter 12
The weather has been inclement for several days, but the distractions of London have given me solace.
There is nothing so good for the soul as meeting with old chums whom one has known for decades and who understand one without explanation.
Charlie, Jocelyn and I are holed up together in our club, as we do every year to celebrate Jocelyn’s birthday and catch up on each other’s news.
They have been understanding as I discussed my problems with my wife, Veronica. Although, I believe they were more interested in my discovery of a curious manuscript in a secret space, behind the library, when we were doing some repairs.
This ancient tome is truly extraordinary, with its illuminations and handwritten comments around the edges – Jocelyn told me I was a heathen and this is known as ‘marginalia’ – but I believe this could be the legendary ‘missing masterpiece’ that was left by the nuns and about which my forebears have oft written.
Charlie arranged a meeting with his cousin, Selwyn, who works at the British Museum. He’s the expert and he was rendered speechless when he saw the book. With my permission, he has taken it to serious men to check its validity.
On Sunday afternoon, to amuse ourselves, after a hearty lunch of roast beef with all the trimmings and a bottle of exceptional claret, we avoided the dreary October rain by indulging in a few games of billiards.
As we played, we discussed the curious manuscript.
However, until such time as we have a response from Selwyn, there is nothing to be done.
We reverted to our usual topic of finding entertainments for Jocelyn’s birthday.
After he had lost for the third time, Jocelyn exclaimed he craved another diversion and buried himself in the newspaper while Charlie and I continued to play.
Suddenly, Jocelyn let out a cry of delight and exclaimed he had found a spiffing way to continue his birthday celebrations.
He showed us a large advertisement for the opening of the new Popular Café run by Lyons.
It is in Piccadilly and, from the photograph, looks like a palace of a place, apparently seating over two thousand customers. The music is to be supplied by a band with a new young leader called Victor Sylvester. It opens on 10 October and we have decided to go along and join in the fun.