Tales From The Pantry: A Butler's Diary

From the pantry of an historic country house comes the ongoing diary of its butler, Mr Dean Fielding. I shall be giving you a glimpse of the family I serve and of the lives both 'Below Stairs' and 'Above'. I hope you follow my jottings daily.

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Have been butler here for over 15 years. Having previously, and unusually for these days, worked my way up from footman to under-butler to my current post. You can now follow me on Twitter via: http://www.twitter.com/butlerfielding

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Bonfire Night at Carstone

Bonfires. In general I am in favour of them. Traditionally they have been an essential part of sundry British celebrations. A new monarch? Light a bonfire. A plot is foiled? Light a bonfire. A glorious victory in battle overseas? Light a bonfire. This year, however, I spent most of Bonfire Night cradling a shaking dog in my arms. Sir Geoffrey's favourite border terrier (Bailey by name) took exception to the fireworks exploding in the night sky and expressed his disaffection by shaking uncontrollably. I am a stern butler. Some (but not many) say 'intimidating.' I can make a stillroom maid quail with merely a glance, but I have a terribly soft spot for dogs. Poor Bailey did not like the fireworks.

King James I survived in 1605 and most in this realm rejoiced. I cannot help thinking that most pets in the land have cursed that day of deliverance ever since.