The Little Candleford Story
In the small town of Little Candleford, The Bakery has a new owner, the new squire Sir Timothy Middleton. He is a Wealthy mysterious man of whom the Town Residents know little of . Rumours were he would close the bakery after purchasing it but to everyone’s surprise he extended the building and opened a Shop and Tea Room. The two rooms above the bakery kitchen which were previously store rooms have been converted into living accommodation but as yet no one knows who the new tenant will be, however the house maid has been seen bringing in articles of ladies clothing. As Sir Timothy is a single man, so could the new resident of the bakery be a female relative, a future wife, a mistress or someone completely different ? The Town Gossips are mystified. While the town people await the new arrival, the builders have been back at the bakery and put a new window in the bedroom, built an inside Toilet and made new furniture for both rooms. It is also rumoured that Sir Timothy has bought the plot of land next door to the Bakery and plans to build another property.
The Middletons
Who is Sir Timothy
Sir Timothy and Lady Adelaide were lovers long ago until Sir Timothy's father died leaving the Family Estate to Timothy's brother Amos. Unfortunately Lady Adelaide was seen to be "bit of a Gold Digger" and when Amos inherited the estate and title she turned her affections towards him and left Sir Timothy alone and broken hearted. Soon after the relationship between Adelaide and Amos had started Adelaide was pregnant but who was the father Sir Timothy or Sir Amos? - The baby girl (born with a Lady's title) was adopted as Sir Amos had doubts whether she was his, so what happened to the girl? And who adopted her?
Not being able to stand the pain of a broken heart and hearing the news of Adelaide's baby, Sir Timothy left the area and has not returned until now (20 years later). Sir Amos died recently and so Sir Timothy has returned to take control of the Estate and become the New Squire. He presently resides in The Little Candleford Hotel but will he return to the Manor House and if he does, what will happen to Lady Adelaide as they haven't spoken since she left him for Amos?
Sir Timothy and Lady Adelaide were lovers long ago until Sir Timothy's father died leaving the Family Estate to Timothy's brother Amos. Unfortunately Lady Adelaide was seen to be "bit of a Gold Digger" and when Amos inherited the estate and title she turned her affections towards him and left Sir Timothy alone and broken hearted. Soon after the relationship between Adelaide and Amos had started Adelaide was pregnant but who was the father Sir Timothy or Sir Amos? - The baby girl (born with a Lady's title) was adopted as Sir Amos had doubts whether she was his, so what happened to the girl? And who adopted her?
Not being able to stand the pain of a broken heart and hearing the news of Adelaide's baby, Sir Timothy left the area and has not returned until now (20 years later). Sir Amos died recently and so Sir Timothy has returned to take control of the Estate and become the New Squire. He presently resides in The Little Candleford Hotel but will he return to the Manor House and if he does, what will happen to Lady Adelaide as they haven't spoken since she left him for Amos?
Lady AdelaideBefore marrying into the gentry Adelaide was a normal working town girl. Unbeknown to the Town Residents and Sir Timothy, Lady Adelaide was forced by her strict father into marrying Sir Amos to gain a title and inherit some of The Middleton’s wealth. After leaving Sir Timothy she kept her broken heart a secret and tried to pursue a happy marriage with Amos but the news of her being pregnant was not welcomed by her new husband who refused to believe the baby was his. As soon as the baby arrived, she was sent away and no one including Lady Adelaide has seen her since or knows what has become of her.
After briefly seeing Sir Timothy at her husband’s funeral, Lady Adelaide has written to the New Squire and requested a meeting to discuss her future at the Manor House, his future plans and to tell him its time he stopped the Town’s gossips and rumours of who the new tenant at the bakery is. |
The Meeting
The Bakery is covered in winter snow, and it’s almost Christmas when Lady Adelaide and Sir Timothy meet for first time in 20 years. Both are nervous at the reconciliation but Adelaide quickly relaxes as Sir Timothy announces she may live at The Manor House for the rest of her life and continue with the lifestyle she has become accustomed to. “And where will you live Timothy? Surely as The Squire you must reside at The Manor asks Adelaide,” No I will continue to stay at The Little Candleford Hotel until the New Tenant at The Bakery moves into the New House when its built, then I shall move into the accommodation above the bakery”….”So who is this New Lady Tenant” asks Adelaide, “Someone very close to my heart" replies Timothy “and all will be revealed soon.
The New Arrival
The Big day finally arrives and there is much interest between the town folk as they eagerly await the arrival of The New Bakery Tenant. Accompanying the young lady The Squire quickly makes an announcement to the waiting crowd “Ladies and Gentleman of Little Candleford, I would like you to meet My Daughter Lady Katherine Middleton”
From the bemused crowd Lady Adelaide appears, “Timothy you never mention you were married let alone had a child”. With a loving smile on his face Timothy replies“Didn’t I? Then I better introduce you, Adelaide this is Lady Katherine Middleton ……. Our Daughter”
From the bemused crowd Lady Adelaide appears, “Timothy you never mention you were married let alone had a child”. With a loving smile on his face Timothy replies“Didn’t I? Then I better introduce you, Adelaide this is Lady Katherine Middleton ……. Our Daughter”
Lady Katherine
Katherine is well educated young lady with strong opinions and a determination to succeed in life. She is well educated and was sent to a Girls Finishing School by her father, She is a trained seamstress, loves music, fashion and dreams of owning her own ladies clothes shop. She is a 19th Century girl with 21st Century ideas.
Having declined Lady Adelaide’s offer to reside at The Manor House, Lady Katherine has now moved into The Living Accommodation at The Bakery. The Furniture has arrived and the builders have finished converting the Bakery storerooms into living accomodation. The arrangement is that Mrs Cook the Bakery Chef will provide Katherine with her meals and she will be served them in The Tea Rooms before and after opening hours by Daisy Maid. “But why would you wish to live alone” asks her mother Lady Adelaide, “Because I wish to be Independent, Self Supporting and Entertain a friend you may not approve of” replies Katherine . . . .
Having declined Lady Adelaide’s offer to reside at The Manor House, Lady Katherine has now moved into The Living Accommodation at The Bakery. The Furniture has arrived and the builders have finished converting the Bakery storerooms into living accomodation. The arrangement is that Mrs Cook the Bakery Chef will provide Katherine with her meals and she will be served them in The Tea Rooms before and after opening hours by Daisy Maid. “But why would you wish to live alone” asks her mother Lady Adelaide, “Because I wish to be Independent, Self Supporting and Entertain a friend you may not approve of” replies Katherine . . . .
The Christmas Surprise
When Christmas arrived in Little Candleford, Lady Katherine had a lovely present from her father "The Squire". On Christmas day he handed her the plans for her new living accommodation and the shop she has always dreamed of owning. The Squire has always been aware of Katherine’s need to be independent and tells her “the new shop can be whatever you desire and you may entertain whoever you likes in your new house whether Lady Adelaide approves or not”. “But Papa you may not approve either, I plan to share my new house with my Business Partner Louisa Pendleton and our plan for the new shop is to sell Ladies Merchandise of the highest quality including Hats, Clothes, Perfume and the very latest fashion in Ladies undergarments which some folk in Little Candleford may find Scandalous and a little embarrassing”… “Well” answers The Squire, “the people of Little Candleford will have to get used to your 20th century ideas and what is wrong with sharing a house with your friend?” “Because Papa Louisa is more to me than just a Business Partner and friend . . .
A Shock for Lady Adelaide
Whilst enjoying “Tea for Two” in the Bakery Tearooms Mrs Scandal and Mrs Rumours overheard The Squire and Lady Katherine’s conversation. The story fled around Little Candleford and soon reached The Manor House. On hearing the rumours Lady Adelaide sent for her daughter and demanded an explanation.
“There’s nothing to explain Mama, Louisa and I are opening a Ladies Accessory Shop and we are going to live together as a couple”
"But we know nothing about Louisa, Her background, family, upbringing, she has no title and you mean you are going to sleep together like two Floozies, I will never accept it or give you my approval” says the angry Lady Adelaide.
“I don’t need your approval, Papa knows all about Louisa has given me his so that’s all I need”. Turning towards the door Katherine continues “At least something good has come out of this argument”
“And what might that be?” asks Adelaide
“Well, at least you have given me a name for my new shop” replies Katherine . . . . “Floozies”
“There’s nothing to explain Mama, Louisa and I are opening a Ladies Accessory Shop and we are going to live together as a couple”
"But we know nothing about Louisa, Her background, family, upbringing, she has no title and you mean you are going to sleep together like two Floozies, I will never accept it or give you my approval” says the angry Lady Adelaide.
“I don’t need your approval, Papa knows all about Louisa has given me his so that’s all I need”. Turning towards the door Katherine continues “At least something good has come out of this argument”
“And what might that be?” asks Adelaide
“Well, at least you have given me a name for my new shop” replies Katherine . . . . “Floozies”
Who is Louisa ?
Upset by the argument with Katherine and eager to find out whom Louisa is, Adelaide invites Sir Timothy to The Manor for an Evening meal and asks “What do you know of this Louisa? From what I have heard she is nothing more than a common prostitute”.
“Louisa is the daughter of my friends Jonathan and Victoria who both died when she was 15 years old. Orphaned, she was sent to the workhouse but was only there for a matter of weeks before a man named Isaac Smith rescued her but only for his own needs. He owns a house of IL repute in Dark Rise. She was put to work as a Prostitute. I didn’t hear of her parent’s death until a few months after they had died. I searched and eventually found her. She had been abused and forced to give men favours against her will. I paid Smith on the pretence of wanting favours from her and helped her escape.
I took her home, nursed her injuries, bought her new clothes and helped her recover from her terrible ordeal. I sent her to the same Girls School as Katherine and they became close friends.”
“I’d say a little more than close friends” replies Adelaide.
“Adelaide, you must accept things the way they are, I think Louisa has every right to prefer the company of young ladies after what she’s been through”
“Oh I suppose you have a point” says Adelaide “but what about Katherine? Why does she prefer the company of young ladies when should could have the pick of any eligible young man?”
“If you wish to know that you will have to ask Katherine” replies Sir Timothy . . . . . . . .
“Louisa is the daughter of my friends Jonathan and Victoria who both died when she was 15 years old. Orphaned, she was sent to the workhouse but was only there for a matter of weeks before a man named Isaac Smith rescued her but only for his own needs. He owns a house of IL repute in Dark Rise. She was put to work as a Prostitute. I didn’t hear of her parent’s death until a few months after they had died. I searched and eventually found her. She had been abused and forced to give men favours against her will. I paid Smith on the pretence of wanting favours from her and helped her escape.
I took her home, nursed her injuries, bought her new clothes and helped her recover from her terrible ordeal. I sent her to the same Girls School as Katherine and they became close friends.”
“I’d say a little more than close friends” replies Adelaide.
“Adelaide, you must accept things the way they are, I think Louisa has every right to prefer the company of young ladies after what she’s been through”
“Oh I suppose you have a point” says Adelaide “but what about Katherine? Why does she prefer the company of young ladies when should could have the pick of any eligible young man?”
“If you wish to know that you will have to ask Katherine” replies Sir Timothy . . . . . . . .
A Trip to Ireland
On a rare visit to The Bakery, Lady Adelaide finds Katherine distraught and in tears, Oh Mama, I fear the worse, despite writing many letters to Ireland, I have not heard from Louisa for two months.
“Perhaps she has had second thoughts or met someone else” says Adelaide sarcastically.
Louisa would never have second thoughts or be unfaithful Mama, how could you think such a thing?
Well, the fact is, she is not here so why don’t you just forget all about her,
Because Papa has gone to Ireland to search for her and find out what has happened and why Louisa has disappeared, replies Katherine.
After searching for two weeks The Squire finally learns that Louisa has been arrested for soliciting and is in custody at a Dublin Prison for “Fallen Women”.
Determined to know the truth, Sir Timothy visits the home of Louisa’s only living relatives, an old Uncle and cousin who she had visited prior to her arrest. The frail old uncle clearly upset by what had happened to his niece confesses “I’m ashamed to say this but it was my Greedy Son who is responsible for the girl’s downfall. After Louisa rejected him and his ungentle manly advances, He was offered money from an English lady if he could get Louisa arrested so that she could not return home, so looking for revenge he approached her whilst she was shopping in Dublin and reported her to the police on the pretence that she was offering her services to him, The police believed him and arrested her for Prostitution.”
And where is your son now? asks The Squire. He’s fled with his new found wealth and I don’t know of his whereabouts.
Do you know who offered him the money to plot Louisa’s downfall?
No, I do not know her; all I know is that she is a Lady from a town in England called Little Candleford.
Seething at the thoughts of Louisa being ill-treated and wrongly accused, Sir Timothy uses his influence to speak with The Police Commissioner and after explaining the truth; Louisa is released from prison and returns to England with The Squire.
Continuing with their discussion which is now developing into another argument, Lady Adelaide and Katherine are disturbed by a knock at the door.
Sarcastically Adelaide says “You better see who’s at the door Katherine, you never know it may be your long lost floozy”
Lady Katherine opens the door and to her surprise and Lady Adelaide's disgust, it’s her Father and standing next to him the lovely Louisa.
“Perhaps she has had second thoughts or met someone else” says Adelaide sarcastically.
Louisa would never have second thoughts or be unfaithful Mama, how could you think such a thing?
Well, the fact is, she is not here so why don’t you just forget all about her,
Because Papa has gone to Ireland to search for her and find out what has happened and why Louisa has disappeared, replies Katherine.
After searching for two weeks The Squire finally learns that Louisa has been arrested for soliciting and is in custody at a Dublin Prison for “Fallen Women”.
Determined to know the truth, Sir Timothy visits the home of Louisa’s only living relatives, an old Uncle and cousin who she had visited prior to her arrest. The frail old uncle clearly upset by what had happened to his niece confesses “I’m ashamed to say this but it was my Greedy Son who is responsible for the girl’s downfall. After Louisa rejected him and his ungentle manly advances, He was offered money from an English lady if he could get Louisa arrested so that she could not return home, so looking for revenge he approached her whilst she was shopping in Dublin and reported her to the police on the pretence that she was offering her services to him, The police believed him and arrested her for Prostitution.”
And where is your son now? asks The Squire. He’s fled with his new found wealth and I don’t know of his whereabouts.
Do you know who offered him the money to plot Louisa’s downfall?
No, I do not know her; all I know is that she is a Lady from a town in England called Little Candleford.
Seething at the thoughts of Louisa being ill-treated and wrongly accused, Sir Timothy uses his influence to speak with The Police Commissioner and after explaining the truth; Louisa is released from prison and returns to England with The Squire.
Continuing with their discussion which is now developing into another argument, Lady Adelaide and Katherine are disturbed by a knock at the door.
Sarcastically Adelaide says “You better see who’s at the door Katherine, you never know it may be your long lost floozy”
Lady Katherine opens the door and to her surprise and Lady Adelaide's disgust, it’s her Father and standing next to him the lovely Louisa.
Louisa Pendleton (Click on photos to Enlarge)
Floozies
It’s been six weeks since Louisa’s reconciliation with Katherine and the days have been busy with the girls preparing their shop for the Grand opening. Invitations have been sent out and an advertisement placed in The Candleford Chronicle. Every invitation has been answered and all invited guests have agreed to attend except for Lady Adelaide.
"I shall go and visit and ask Mama why she is not coming" says Katherine
"But we already know why" Louisa replies.
Arriving at The Manor, Katherine finds Lady Adelaide taking afternoon tea with The Squire.
"Mama why will you not come and support our new venture?" Asks Katherine
"Katherine, you already know I cannot accept your relationship with Louisa and besides I will not support something that is doomed for failure",
"Mama, we will not fail, we will have the finest Ladies shop in the county"
"And how will you continue to finance this business and pay the staffs wages if the people of Little Candleford cannot
afford your luxury items?" Adelaide asks.
"We shall have merchandise that all can afford both Rich and Poor and as for the staff, Louisa and I will work in the shop
until we can afford hired help."
"You mean you are to become a common shop girl Katherine?"
"Yes Mama, just like you were when you met Papa! "
And Katherine slams the door in anger as she leaves.
"Adelaide, why must you keep persecuting these two girls", asks Timothy, "you lost your daughter twenty years ago and are in great danger of losing her again".
"I also lost you Twenty years ago Timothy and now I have lost you again to Katherine and Louisa who apparently idolise you and you dote on them".
"Adelaide, surely the reason for not attending the opening is because you are jealous of the girls ? "
"Can’t you understand Timothy, you have the affection of both those girls and I have no one so how could I possibly attend
the opening of Floozies without an escort".
"Then you must accompany me and we will go as a couple" Timothy suggests.
"A couple?" Replies Adelaide
"But of course" says Timothy smiling, "after all we wouldn’t want the townsfolk of Little Candleford thinking you were one of my floozies".
And for the first time in a long while, Adelaide smiles and replies “Oh I don’t know Timothy I may just enjoy being your Floozy. . . . . .
"I shall go and visit and ask Mama why she is not coming" says Katherine
"But we already know why" Louisa replies.
Arriving at The Manor, Katherine finds Lady Adelaide taking afternoon tea with The Squire.
"Mama why will you not come and support our new venture?" Asks Katherine
"Katherine, you already know I cannot accept your relationship with Louisa and besides I will not support something that is doomed for failure",
"Mama, we will not fail, we will have the finest Ladies shop in the county"
"And how will you continue to finance this business and pay the staffs wages if the people of Little Candleford cannot
afford your luxury items?" Adelaide asks.
"We shall have merchandise that all can afford both Rich and Poor and as for the staff, Louisa and I will work in the shop
until we can afford hired help."
"You mean you are to become a common shop girl Katherine?"
"Yes Mama, just like you were when you met Papa! "
And Katherine slams the door in anger as she leaves.
"Adelaide, why must you keep persecuting these two girls", asks Timothy, "you lost your daughter twenty years ago and are in great danger of losing her again".
"I also lost you Twenty years ago Timothy and now I have lost you again to Katherine and Louisa who apparently idolise you and you dote on them".
"Adelaide, surely the reason for not attending the opening is because you are jealous of the girls ? "
"Can’t you understand Timothy, you have the affection of both those girls and I have no one so how could I possibly attend
the opening of Floozies without an escort".
"Then you must accompany me and we will go as a couple" Timothy suggests.
"A couple?" Replies Adelaide
"But of course" says Timothy smiling, "after all we wouldn’t want the townsfolk of Little Candleford thinking you were one of my floozies".
And for the first time in a long while, Adelaide smiles and replies “Oh I don’t know Timothy I may just enjoy being your Floozy. . . . . .