Invitation in hand, I began to concern myself with transport to the Estate of the Brigadier's cousin, the Duke of Portland. My humble estate lies just outside of Shrewsbury in the West Midlands and the Duke of Portland has taken residence in Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghampshire which is currently in the East Midlands. As is patently obvious our humble town is not served by the modern broad gauge railways although Great Western Railway has made promises only to break them time and time again!
Therefore, I shall have to make my way to the nearest station Wolverhampton via limousine and board a Pyracom class 0-6-0 broad gauge class steam locomotive. I believe the sleek and powerful Caliban is currently the top of the line locomotive servicing that particular route. No doubt I shall enjoy the fine velvet chairs in the deluxe sitting car. From Wolverhampton, I shall catch the 8:13 to Birmingham with a change of station northwards to Derby at 2 of the O'Clock Post Meridian and then Nottinghampshire that evening.
Since all should go according to plan and since the Great Western offers the utmost in comfort and security to its passengers (of my class), I shall direct my manservant, Sebastian, to pack the additional gems, precious metals and antique daggers as a necessary for a weekend outing of this sort.
Ah, I do wonder though, what his Grace, William Cavendish Scott Bentinck has in mind regarding Prince Otto. Although we all certainly shall enjoy the good sport and manly fellowship, I cannot but feel a bit uneasy - I have heard that Prince Otto has made disparaging remarks concerning our Annual Flower Show. I also understand he has hired as his manservant, a certain "wild-west gunslinger" by the name of Johnny Six-Guns.
But, tosh, I shall enjoy my eventide sherry and put my mind to rest. What could go wrong?
For a truly spectacular railway experience, I recommend a voyage of any distance on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. If you survive, it will reafirm your belief in God Almighty. I had to move a company of East Indian Company regulars via railroad during the Sepoy Mutiny in '57, and let me tell you what a horrid experince it was. The bloody troops were drunk from the moment they boarded to the moment we disembarked. Let 'em walk is what I say! Hard work maintains the proper consitution in the lower classes.
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