Act 2, Scene 1
"Barmy"
Wednesday, March 31, 9:00 am
The Entrance to Wickham Primary School, an old and prestigious public
school standing at Victoria Park on the Bay, before the start of
classes. The weather is blustery, the overcast sky steely gray with
intermittent fog creeping along the rush-hour boulevard. A light mist
begins to fall as Mrs. Martin prepares to send Nigel in to class.
"Now, Nigel," Mum cautioned, kneeling on the damp pavement to
straighten the boy's coat collar and, more importantly, confirm shirt
buttons, braces, and trouser zip were all secure, "Be a good boy today
for Mummy, and perhaps if you are very good all this week, we shan't
have to go visit that man."
"What man, Mummy?" Nigel inquired, already subconsciously fidgeting
with a shirt button. Angela gave his hand a light tap.
"None of that." She said. "You know, the doctor that talks to
you know. Don't you, dear?"
"Oh, you mean the doctor for barmy children?"
"Don't be silly, Nigel. You're not barmy."
"Daddy thinks I am."
"Does not."
"Well, Claris says I am, and they're going to put me in the booby
hatch."
"Oh, don't listen to her," Mom said, tousling her boy's hair, "She's
just jealous because you've got everyone's attention."
"But I don't want everyone's attention," Nigel said plainly, and gave
a pout. "I want to be left alone."
"People wouldn't give you a thought, then. Not even a glance."
Concerned, Angela gazed into Nigel's eyes. Nigel looked back, with
expressions both questioning and aloof, and his mother suddenly hadn't
the slightest confidence that he'd understood a word she'd said.
least, and leave your clothes on?" Mum stood up and wrapped her scarf
warmly about her neck. "I'll have some biscuits and cocoa for you
after school, if you're good."
Nigel gave a sudden, sincere smile.
"Don't worry, Mummy. I'll be good. It's too cold today, anyway. I
won't take them off." He was quite sincere.
"That's a good boy. Kissy-lovey." She cooed, and then trundled off
through the mist, reassured.
It was indeed cold that day, with a raw wind rising off the bay.
superior to any London hotel, so no child attending would ever fear
suffering a chill once inside. In truth, whether assailed by fog,
rain, wind or snow, the plant kept every school room comfortably cosy.
HMS Victor Victorian, NP-g18
God Save the Queen.
God Bless the Prince of Wales.
God Preserve the Windsors.
Rule Britannia!
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