Football Queens & Kings

Hope Street. 2nd November 1872. Deadline day for the cartography design of Glasgow South, and Margaret Scott awaits one last review. I walk to No. 123, where the Thompson & French HQ sign rocks gently in the morning Autumnal breeze, beckoning me into the inner sanctum of the most important building in my world.I proceed … Continue reading Chapter 254 – Checking For Completeness →

I sit at my table and stare into the silence of my kitchen. I have risen so early, everyone, including our housekeeper Agnes, is still sleeping. I clear my head by running through the parallel world of Thompson & French; and the upcoming football match, Scotland v England.Before breakfast, it’s football; then full tilt in … Continue reading Chapter 253 – Master of Detection →

With the Dunbartonshire faithful now satisfied and the association football acorn sowed deep into the Vale, I return to Glasgow in my carriage. David Wotherspoon and I finalise what is required to organise the game against England.Through my rugby friends, I have heard there is a plan for a Glasgow District v Edinburgh District match … Continue reading Chapter 252 – Acorns Sewn Deep →

One of the most challenging problems in life is when work overtakes everything, and your recreational vocation goes on hold."You have to go. I delivered Queen's Park invitation personally.", said Anne Elliot, my steadfast receptionist. "There is interest from across the county for this exhibition match.""I understand, Anne, but the repercussions are enormous if we … Continue reading Chapter 251 – Parkneuk Exhibition Match →

There is nothing harder in life. The prospect of your hardest working, most accomplished and innovative protégé, moving to your bitterest of rivals. Robert MacLeod was the shining diamond of Thompson & French’s staff, which Carey & Fortis has prized away with no recompense or favour.I swirl the teaspoon in my teacup, provided by Mrs … Continue reading Chapter 250 – Forged In Poetry →

I slump down onto the stone-cold landing, swing my legs around the top three steps, wrap my arms around my head and fight with the double edge sword of fear and anger.My mind drifts back to the night in Thompson & French HQ, where Mary warned me about several of my staff. I believed I … Continue reading Chapter 249 – An Ambitious Traitor →

Over the next four weeks, Margaret and I focus the entire Glasgow operation on completing the Dean of Guild contract."Margaret, please summon everyone together at 3 o'clock this afternoon.", I said.I make my way out of the office onto Hope Street, where the characteristically horizontal rain greeted me. Today, nothing will get in my way, … Continue reading Chapter 248 – Organisational Sucker Punch →

Margaret looks across at me. Her tired eyes and crumpled forehead betray the long nights spent under candlelight. I remember those days when an opportunity is so great you plough every inch of your heart and soul into its completion.Now is the time for positivity, not ridicule, angst, worry or concern. Now is the time … Continue reading Chapter 247 – Furrowed Frown Lines →

Finally, I have the whole family in one place, and we settle back into our Moray Place abode. Emelia and I sit staring into the coal fire, listening to the gentle roar pulsing up the chimney. The autumn winds beat against the windows as we curl up tighter on the couch."All the plans for the … Continue reading Chapter 246 – Planning For Success →

The following day, Iain Falcon and I prepare to leave Prestwick and Malcolm Anderson for his journalistic tasks. As promised, David Mackintosh is waiting at the hotel's entrance at ten o'clock, and we board the carriage."I wondered if you would come and find out how this went?" I said to Mary, looking her usual elegant … Continue reading Chapter 245 – Expecting The Unexpected →