As the week is drawing to a close once again, I must ask all patrons to cast their vote of Ms. Bevan's tale before Sunday is upon us and a new storyteller is chosen. For those of you that have recently joined our discussion, we have found that a few guidelines for voting should be considered*. So what say we? Do we choose to believe Ms. Bevan discovered the lost city of Atlantis or was she simply stuck on an island with a bunch of idiots and nincompoops who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag? Some say it takes a village and some say there is no I in idiot! Did Ms. Bevan and her band of lost souls discover Atlantis or no? The decision is yours...
*For example, a good tale is as much a measure of one's cleverness as much as it is a story of events. A series of events is nothing more than the doldrums of an insipid mind, but a tale cleverly told makes you want to believe it. Therefore, do you "believe" the tale?
Welcome to Lady Finley's Royal Tea Emporium & Steamery. We are the premiere Tea House of London and occasionally attended to by the Majesty herself. Finley's offers an afternoon of fine tea and fantastical adventure. Our collection of tales are usually inspired to be of the romantic nature as well as scientific. Any tale can be called in to question by another patron. However, the patron must improvise another plausible end or embellishment for which to examine and consider.
I think Ms.Bevan certainly had more than her fair share of fools on this island. However,the amount of detail she explained concerning her discoveries certainly convinced me that this tale is completely true. As a matter of fact, I think this may be the most "true" tale of adventure we have been fortunate to hear thus far. I will certainly be buying the novel and I hope that I may get an autograph from our esteemed adventurer. Well done, Ms. Bevan.
ReplyDeleteI must respectfully disagree with the Lady Finley in reference to the detail in the story. For my part the story was exquisite, but in the answering our questions I found there to be an apalling lack of detail.
ReplyDeleteHowever, as I am a gentleman, I will render a vote in favor of the story's believability with the expectation of reading her upcoming novel sooner rather than later.
Details, madam! I must have details!
Hmmph! Well, Major, I must "respectfully" disagree with your assessment of the tale as well. I think she gave more detail concerning the discovery of Atlantis than one would reasonably expect from our discussions. The volume of information alone lends itself to be "believable" and can hardly be critiqued as a "lack of detail." I suspect you were disappointed by the fact that she didn't remember the name of the farmer and you were unable to obtain the balloon material that you clearly envied. Major, I saw your eyes light up at the aspect of obtaining such an impervious material. I could see the clockwork gears rumbling about with the notion of using it for your next flight to the moon. I should suppose that would be disappointing for the Americans and to once again follow English footsteps in the colonization of the moon. However, this has no bearing on the believability of Ms. Bevan's story and/or my assessment of "details!" Now, where did I put that Ottoman Whisk?
ReplyDeleteMy dear Lady Finley! I do apologize if I have offended. In all frankness my disappointment was most keenly directed at her response to your question, and not mine. I am as curious as I am skeptical with regard to the diving bell, and am awaiting her book with keen interest.
ReplyDeleteYou wound me to the quick, however, when you slight my country. Please bear in mind when referring to humankind's ascent into the aether that it was not solely a British enterprise!
Since it it quite clear - and understandable - that you were not privy to the details of this grand adventure, allow me to elaborate:
It was in fact a German who drew up the plans for the first Aethership, and he was invited by our own President Grant to do so after travelling with our armies and observing balloons and airships in action during our own recent civil war. His name, if you're curious, is none other than Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
Since America was in the process of rebuilding our southern states and of waging yet another campaign against the Indians in the west, we turned to you - the greatest empire of our time - to finance the building of these grand ships, and it is with our blessing and glad cooperation that they fly under the flag of your most noble Queen.
So please, let us raise a toast to Queen Victoria's health and make amends! I hold you in too much esteem to have you angry with me for longer than a moment.
Zeppelin! What a preposterous name that is. However, I must admit that the Germans are known for their fine engineering and craftsmanship. This Aethership of yours sounds very promising indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Major, I shall raise my glass at your kind gesture and please note that I do respect your opinion in all things. God save the queen!
My Dear Ms. Bevan, I must confess that your tale of finding Atlantis is quite intriguing to say the least. Also, the ariel photograph (I assume you took it from your baloon) is captivating. I have spent a good deal of time examining it under my glass.
ReplyDeleteEven though there are some unanswered questions in my mind about your ability to escape harm under such dire circumstances, I burst out with a rousing cheer and applaud your courage and levelheadedness throughout your tale.
But, since there is simply no possibility of such a lady as yourself being able to accomplish the deeds herein described (deeds that would cause abject fear in the strongest of men's heart), I can only conclude that you have been having a little fun with us. While I applaud your imagination and persuasiveness of oratory performance, I must vote (as I've beheld your poise and (forgive me, your daintiness) a regretful No to the truthfulness of your experience with the lost continent of Atlantis (please! do not be offended, I only salute your femininity, grace and beauty).
It is so refreshing to find a lady with such a keen grasp on how to embellish a story that would normally be (ahem) dull and boring with the telling by another ...
I am reminded of a time when Miss Nightengale and I were sitting on the floor in a hospital hallway waiting for... Hmmph, maybe another time.
Sir Doyle, am I correct in assuming that you are voting against Ms. Bevan based on the fact that she is a woman? Is this based on the some detail in the story or are you just being a pig-headed? I certainly hope that you will not vote negatively for all the ladies. Otherwise I may need to serve some rather fibrous digestive biscuits to unstuff your shirt.
ReplyDeleteI have taken my time in casting my opinion into the mix for I both am rather enjoying this exquisite blend of leaves and scones with jam and also I wished to consider carefully what I truly believe.
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect to the gentlemen, the appearance of daintiness does not necessarily mean fragility. Why look at the weeping willow, for example. It's branches are very delicate and yet more difficult to break than that of the great oak. Therefore I dismiss the masagonistic standpoint that Miss Bevans couldn't have accomplished her adventure on the basis of her being petite. She has shown keeness of mind and abundance of curiosity from the day we first started meeting here to share our small repast and tales.
While there were some parts of her story I wish to learn more about, I do understand her unwillingness to divulge that which shall be in her book completely. After all, why buy the cow if you can have the milk for free? (as I have overheard some of the stableboys saying while returning from a ride. Clever saying that, I find it applies to more than just farming.) Miss Bevans has explained, in great detail, her adventure. Now, under different circumstances I would consider such great detail to be doing it a bit brown, however, knowing she's been writing a book of this very story, it is only natural for her to still have such vivid and detailed information about her adventure and, therefore, is perfectly believable. As for her companions, well, I have met many a prig that had difficulty finding a way to keep their hair out of their eyes when there were sheers right there, therefore it does not surprise me in the least that Miss Bevans would be the only sensible person surviving that would have time to explore such a city. Do keep in mind that it was under dire circumstances and they were running low on food and water, therefore, did what was necessary to survive. While I find Miss Bevans' story incredible, I do not find it unbelievable.
I vote it is true and would ask our hostess if she is planning to serve any tarts on our next visit? The Colonials have this wonderful fruit called a peach that I've tasted not long ago and it would be delicious in a tart, I dare say.
Forget the peaches. You should try our Boysenberries, although I will confess you'll have the devil to pay to get the blue stains out should you spill any on your blouse.
ReplyDeleteEven so they are worth a cracker - or even three - and my mouth waters at the prospect of a tart made with such sweet ambrosia.
Greetings, all! Please allow me to express my apologies for my tardiness as well as my deportment. I had found myself entangled in matters involving the local constabulary. Oh, completely in an advisory capacity, however. Not because of any wrongdoings on my part, let me assure you!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Lady Finley, I quite agree. Zeppelin is an outrageous name. His compatriots warmly refer to him as Zeppo. But whatever you do, don't call him "Ferdie" unless you are prepared for quite the Germanic tounge-lashing!
But enough tom-foolery, let us discuss Atlantis! I for one would like to cast my vote in favor of the validity of this grand tale. I found it an exciting account of exploration and bravado, and as I consider myself an expert in both of these categories, I would gladly proclaim that Miss Bevan's story is every bit as believable as any of my own tales.
As for the matter of whether or not a lady is capable of such derring-do I would like to say that in my own travels I have been witness to performances by the fairer sex that would raise the hair on the sternest man's head!
Er, ahem, I mean to say . . . may I have a scone and some jam, if you please?
I wonder Major Collins if you might take my hypo-steam glider for a quick trip to the Americas. I think tarts of peaches and boysenberries is most delightful and I am anxious to try these exotic delicacies. As for the steam glider, I think you will find it rather enjoyable considering your love for flying machines. Please remember that it most certainly not fit for such endeavors such as aetherspace but your trip will be most expedient and you will certainly make it back by the next discussion.
ReplyDeleteNow that we have settled on the food, I would like to congratulate Ms. Bevan on a most adventurous tale of discovery and quick wit. As a reward for her efforts, I have awarded what has been termed the Molten Lava cake. I suppose this delicious treat reminded me of her Atlantis in that there is a small gem hidden inside of what would otherwise be just a plain dessert of chocolate cake. Delicious!
Why, thank you, Lady Finley! I shall write a review on the cake itself for my readers. Might I have the recipe to include so those unfortunate enough not to be here in your fine presence can enjoy a taste of what is offered here?
ReplyDeleteI would also, like to graciously thank each of you for your attention and fine words, and I hope, that the obviously well educated and experienced good Sir Chadwick is more convinced of the doings of myself and other ladies capabilities in the future as his mind expands to the realm of modern reality. My good Sir, all I can say to your stubbornness on the state of my stature and gender is I am in no doubt that upon further knowing women such as you are blessed to share the company with this evening, your narrow mindedness will dissipate as quickly as Lady Finely's delicious reward this evening!
It has been utter pleasure to share this tale with you. Each of you, my fine companions, can look forward to your own personal autographed copy when the novel is published!
Lady Finely, It is my honor to be able to ask you to tell us the brave tale of how you personally and single handedly accomplished what all of Scotland Yard was unable to do when you took down the fiend, known to the press, as Jack the Ripper and how and why they hid your involvement.
Why Ms. Bevan you are a sassy lil' columnist aren't you? And here I thought that little incident with Jack had finally been considered a "hoax". I suppose a quick note to her Majesty must be sent directly to inform her of the paper's recent inquiries. She won't be happy, you know, a columnist bringing up this kind of vile murderer. I suspect telling you the truth is better than you digging around on your own and mucking up the details. Very well, but remember you asked for it.
ReplyDeleteSince my tale will be in question, I must ask the level-headed Doctor Staunton to preside over the discussion and it's many details. My staff and the mechanical servants are at your full disposal Doctor as are the food stores and many teas.