Football Queens & Kings

We walk out into Moray Place, where Emelia’s new carriage waits, decorated with the Kilnave Distillery Coat of Arms. The coachman, wearing a navy blue jacket and white breeches, jumps down from the footplate and opens the door.“M’lady.”, said the Coachmen.“Morning, Flora.”, said Mary.“Morning, Sir.”, said Flora to me, whose bright green eyes lit up … Continue reading Chapter 259 – Fools Seldom Differ →

The following day is not for football, nor Thompson & French. Today may be Tuesday, but today focussed on the two activities Emelia has been grappling with since returning to Glasgow."My carriage will pick us up in twenty minutes. You promised me your complete attention today, and I need it more than ever.", said Emelia … Continue reading Chapter 258 – Quintum Novembris, Remembered →

I spent the rest of the afternoon surveying every inch of the map with Alexander Campbell and going through every detail before leaving the Princes Street Printworks. Today has been an invigorating rollercoaster, finished with my walk along the newly built Kenmuir Street taking me straight into the heart of sleepy Strathbungo. I stand and … Continue reading Chapter 257 – Most Important Weapon →

Alexander Campbell looks down at the first blank sheet of paper measuring twenty-nine and a half inches long by eleven and three-quarters inches wide."This is blank. Is this a trick?" asked Alexander."No trick. The contents will be delivered by Malcolm Anderson on the evening of the last day of November. You will need your entire … Continue reading Chapter 256 – Moment of Madness →

David Mackintosh expertly navigates the hive of activity within the Printworks Yard on Princes Street and brings the carriage to a halt. I observe Alexander Campbell, a General amongst his troops, maintaining the required high tempo. The tramline map has been a considerable success, and every Glaswegian wants a copy. This new artery, flowing through … Continue reading Chapter 255 – Secrets Lie Beneath →

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 →