Hearsay19

Dominic had recently met Jean. She remembered him from years ago, when he was entertaining aboard Compton Castle. It was the day she had got a book signed for her sister. She recalled how Dominc, unaware, had made her laugh. Now they found they had much in common, but distance separated their lives.

 

 

BIRDS EYE, CAPTAIN – On June 7th 1971, after long exposure, life just slipped through his fingers. Celebrity and gourmet. Mourned by Sea-Cook Jim and the Commodore, in recognition of his selfless devotion to the nutritional needs of the nation's children.

He read it again,and smiled at her using his demise to stay in touch. Now it was his turn to respond. What could he find on Joanna Southcott.

A while later, after a few dead ends, he was reading from an old newspaper. Right on his doorstep, and evolving in his own lifetime. God, it seemed had chosen a Devon lady to be not only His latest prophet, but also to be the bearer of the New Messiah.

It will change Dominic's life. But that's another story!!

This July morning held out a promise of a glorious day ahead in Dartmouth and its surrounds. And more, because Dominic had just picked up an envelope whose handwriting he recognised. How many times over recent months had he looked down at the mat hoping for a letter from her?

He decided to get some breakfast first and then to read it out on the terrace.

Duly prepared he sat down and carefully opened the envelope.

July 1971

My dear Dominic

I 've been meaning to write to you for ages but somehow when I think how to start I don't seem able to find---------well you know what I mean I'm sure.

But at last I have a solid reason. I don't think you read the Times do you?

It may therefore come as a surprise to know that I'm writing to offer my condolences on your passing away, well at least your other self.

Remember when we met last you told me about that commercial you were in. Ever since I've watched those ads with a new interest imagining you playing the part. I'm sure you're right when you said how you really were the first captain. I certainly won't argue with you. But now Dominic, now you are no more!

On to other things, although as you no longer exist perhaps this is a waste of time. I hope not. I'm coming to Dartmouth in September. Perhaps we can see each other. I am researching an article and a need to go to Dittisham. Maybe you could take me. Do you know of Joanna Southcott . Did she once live there?

Well that's all for now. Oh I forgot, the Times. Look at the back page of 10th June. I am sure you'll find a copy in the library. Then if it's not true please write.

Jean

 

A day for tying up some loose ends, and where better than Plymouth. The library first. Dominic soon found the copy he was after, and the main reason for the visit. The back page. Page 30. Personal Columns.

Classified Ads. Nothing. Births. No; obviously. Deaths; two columns; nothing.
Couldn't she have been a bit more precise. Why not forward the cutting in the first place?

Column four now. Announcements. Still no. Column five. Yet more announcements.

Auditions being held for musical--------. Then, there it was. At last.