This weeks Market Friday blog (hosted by @dswigle) titled 'Antiques and Collectables', Part 3, is a fictional story about Horace, the Henpecked Husband and Edith, his wife. The location of this Antique shop is not fictional however and it is situated in Coolangatta, Q'ld., Australia.
The story takes place many years ago in a little township in Sydney, Australia called, "Hope Springs Eternal." Its citizens are a mixed bunch of immigrants from all corners of the world but most families in this particular neighbourhood are 'well to do,' which is exactly what Edith had aimed for.
Edith and Horace's backgrounds are poles apart but only Edith is fully aware of this fact. Born on the wrong side of the tracks, Edith was determined to free herself from the constraints of her past and this meant distancing herself from the family she grew up with and moving town to begin an entirely new life.
After securing a steady job, every spare penny was spent on deportment, dancing and elocution classes and soon she was believing her own lies. And those lies led her to thinking she was worthy of pursuing gentlemen far above her station. Horace crossed her path one day and having set her mind on acquiring a husband of means, Edith 'set her cap' on this man, who fortuitously, only had eyes for her. She beguiled this innocent man to the point of him surrendering on his knees and begging for her hand in marriage.
The rest is history. And this story begins, (five years after their fated marriage) with their visit to the movies to see 'Cassablanca.' Edith continues to fabricate an ideal life for herself. She is secretly in love with Humphrey Bogart and leaves the theatre, arm in arm with Horace singing, "As Time Goes By," whilst wishing she was Ingrid Bergman, wrapped tightly in the arms of her lover.
(Have a listen to Frank Sinatra as he sings his rendition of, "As Time Goes By.")
Two days later, Edith and Horace are planning a trip to Liverpool (Sydney) to attend her girlfriend's wedding. The house is a flurry of activity and Horace is receiving instructions on what to pack and what not to pack. Their trunk is hauled down from their wooden, free-standing cupboard in the bedroom and the most important items are placed carefully into the suitcase. Horace's essentials will go in later.
Unfortunately I don't have any images of the vehicle Edith and Horace had at their disposal but we do know that down the track the very popular VW Kombi van was introduced into Australia.
Meanwhile, back in the home of Edith and Horace. Edith could not decide on which hat to place in the large round hat box she'd set aside for their trip.
E. "Horace, be a honey and tell me which hat will go best with my out fit for the wedding. The pink or the black one?"
H. "Whatever you please dear. They are both very fashionable."
E. "I'm not concerned about what is fashionable right at this moment. I need to know which one enhances the colour of my eyes. The pink or the black? Pink might be rather bright don't you think?"
H. "You're right, of course dear. Wear the black one."(Sigh.)
Edith is still not convinced. She tries them both on again in front of the mirror in the hallway. And packs the pink one. She calls out again to Horace.
"E. I hope you're ready. Time is marching on."
H. "Yes, Edith. I'm ready."
E. "Well then. Ring your mother and tell her we'll be there with the children in 30 minutes."
H. Yes Edith. Right away.
E."And check the barometer. I need to know whether to take my fur coat or my woollen shawl."
H. "Yes Edith."
E."I do hope the roads are clear. We have to call into the Emporium down the road to buy a wedding present."
Silence. Edith did not ask a question, therefore an answer was not required.
They arrive at the emporium after depositing the children at Horace's parents place. Edith gets distracted in the fashion section.
Horace admires a red pedal car and would love to buy it for their son Oliver. But he keeps these thoughts to himself.
Oliver is too old for a rocking horse but Horace pauses to examine the fine workmanship on this black and white one.
E. "Horace where are you? Horace!!!!!!"
H. "I'm right here Edith,"
Horace pants with frustration as he rushes towards the sound of the high pitched screeching sound coming from the next aisle.
E. "Do you think Mavis would like that white china swan or this unusual white wooden stand?"
H. "The wooden stand would be more practical dear."
She chooses neither and continues browsing.
E. "I wish you'd get out from under my feet Horace. Go and find something to occupy yourself whilst I concentrate on the difficult task of finding a suitable wedding present for my girlfriend."
On his way out to the front of the shop in order to find some blessed peace, Horace sees a gramophone and a tune comes unbidden to his mind. Lyrics quickly form and before he knew it a song was born; one he wasn't at all keen for his domineering and self-centred wife to hear. A wry smile dropped years off his face as he enjoyed his newly composed song.
Here are the words to Horace's song. I call it, "Ode to the Henpecked Husband.
She lured me by her artful smiles. I soon fell in her thrall
But ever since I married her, I've had no peace at all
Tho' she is fair, surpassing fair, the flower of our vale
Yet like the wind she shifts about and blows up like a gale.
A perfect charmer that she is, When she is in her best
But O! Her tongue such lengths do run, It seldom is at rest.
From morn to eve she's on at me, This beauteous wife of mine
She rules me like she would a child, She, whom I thought divine.
Would you have thought that one so fair could act thus unto me?
But she is pleased the more I'm teased, She ne'er will let me be.
All day, all night, she terrifies, and worries out my life
And says, "I'm ugly, cold and gruff, And not fit for a wife.
Do what I will, I scarce can please This charming wife of mine
'Tis only when to town I go and buy her something fine.
Then, perhaps, she will praise me a bit, an condescend to kiss
But, O, so very soon is o'er, this momentary bliss.
Young men beware of faces fair, for every art they try.
To make you think they angels are, your love to gratify
O study well your future spouse, that is as well's ye can
For ne'er I ween did live the swain, who his love's heart could scan.
Edith goes from item to item and finally decides on a hand painted wooden cabinet.
She wanted to get a photo of her and Horace before they left the store to add to the rest of the photos she planned to take at the wedding but there was no sign of her long suffering husband.
E."Horace. Horace. Where are you?"
The poet in Horace rebelled at the intrusion. The husband in Horace leapt out of the chair and sped off to do his wife's bidding. He was instructed to get the Brownie Camera out of the car 'poste haste' because she had persuaded the shop owner to take a photo of them before they went on their way. Horace returned with the camera in hand. They prepared themselves for the photo and that's when Edith glanced at Horace.
E."Oh, for pity's sake husband, remove that dour expression off your face immediately. People will think that you are less than enthusiastic about the imminent wedding of my best friend. You are looking forward to it aren't you?"
H."Yes Edith."
The wedding took place and Edith was in her element as she mingled with the guests. Horace stood on the side lines and did as he was told. They went home. To Hope Springs Eternal. Edith was exhausted. The children were returned to the fold and Harold supervised their meals, bath time and bedtime reading. Horace was exhausted.
E. "Horace honey, make me a cup of tea. There's a dear! I'll have the green cup and saucer tonight."
E. "It'll need dusting before you use it and pass me my tapestry kit. I may do a few stiches before I retire. But I may also change my mind and read, so bring me my novel too will you?"
H."Yes Edith".
The tea was made and Horace sat down next to his wife with a sigh of relief ready to sip from the blue polka dot cup which was the one delegated to him.
E. "Oh dear! Horace. I forgot to get my cushion off the sofa. You know how bad my back is. Remember when you bought that heart shaped cushion for me after you proposed? You gave me your undying love and promised to give me your heart forever. We may have our differences occasionally but you have to admit, we make a good team don't we?"
H."Yes Edith."
If you missed Part 1 and Part 2 of my Antique and Collectable series here are the links.
Awesome song selection to go with this post!! Went beautifully with the photos and story!! I loved it and beautifully written! I'd also love to have that VW clock! ;)
Many thanks for your wonderful comments an support @deerjay I hadn't planned on doing a story. It just evolved and once I created the characters of Horace and Edith I was kind of committed. Have an awesome weekend.
Ingenious Trudy! Great writing. I enjoyed the story that went along with the antiques. Gee...My Hubs is not doing his husbandly duties like Horace. 😂 🙃 😃
Oh, thanks very much @redheadpei and I'm very glad your husband is not under the thumb like Horace...…….and that might have a lot to do with why you still have a husband. (Lol) I got my husband to proof read the story last night and this morning when I asked him to fetch something for me from where he was at the time, he came to me, handed me the item and said, "Here you are Edith!" I really hope I haven't earned myself a new nick name. (Lol)
Would you really @kinglypalace? Maybe just for a day? I can't imagine why anyone would choose to be henpecked...….or rooster pecked for that matter (Lol) It seems like a very sad existence to me.
Hello dear Ceci. I'm very happy you enjoyed reading this blog and you're right. We all do know couples in this position unfortunately. But the good thing is, even thought his story is fiction, when it happens in real life (in extreme cases) it's acknowledged as abuse these days. Poor Horace. I hope he learns to be more assertive (Lol)
You had a great idea to accompany your visit to the antique shop with a fiction. I'm not a good English speaker, but that does not matter, your post is special.
I'm very grateful to receive responses like yours to blogs that have taken a bit of time to create @bluemoon Thanks you so much. I think you have a wonderful grasp of English and I really admire people who are multi-lingual especially as English is not an easy language to learn.
Thank you, @trudeehunter. I will return to your post to try to read more carefully. Your post is unique among the posts here and is a good example. I would not have thought about this way of presentation but from now on I will also think about this way of writing. A nice and quiet end of the week for you!
Many thanks for your wonderful words of encouragement my friend and if this post has inspired you to try something different with your writing, then I am very well rewarded and so happy to hear that. Have an awesome day @bluemoon
What a fabulous idea @trudeehunter! I love how you fitted the story & pics together! 100% upvoted! Horace & Edith...such great characters! Well done! 🎉
Hello @denisechips Wow.....that is a special vote. Thank you very much for your generosity and appreciation. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this blog. The story part wasn't planned. It just happened.
I hope you and your loved ones have an awesome weekend. Blessings.
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Awesome song selection to go with this post!! Went beautifully with the photos and story!! I loved it and beautifully written! I'd also love to have that VW clock! ;)
Many thanks for your wonderful comments an support @deerjay I hadn't planned on doing a story. It just evolved and once I created the characters of Horace and Edith I was kind of committed. Have an awesome weekend.
You're very welcome! Wishing you an awesome weekend as well!!
Thank you my friend.
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Ingenious Trudy! Great writing. I enjoyed the story that went along with the antiques. Gee...My Hubs is not doing his husbandly duties like Horace. 😂 🙃 😃
Oh, thanks very much @redheadpei and I'm very glad your husband is not under the thumb like Horace...…….and that might have a lot to do with why you still have a husband. (Lol) I got my husband to proof read the story last night and this morning when I asked him to fetch something for me from where he was at the time, he came to me, handed me the item and said, "Here you are Edith!" I really hope I haven't earned myself a new nick name. (Lol)
That’s so funny...Your husband has a good sense of humour, Trudee.
Yes, John does have a good sense of humour Jo......very necessary in our family. (:
I would love to be like Horace.
Would you really @kinglypalace? Maybe just for a day? I can't imagine why anyone would choose to be henpecked...….or rooster pecked for that matter (Lol) It seems like a very sad existence to me.
Wow...happy weekend and thanks for sharing
Thanks very much @mcsamm for your kind visit and support. I hope your weekend will be very enjoyable too.
This was absolutely perfect! A really nice way to do a market Friday! Poor Horace! We all know a couple like this...
Hello dear Ceci. I'm very happy you enjoyed reading this blog and you're right. We all do know couples in this position unfortunately. But the good thing is, even thought his story is fiction, when it happens in real life (in extreme cases) it's acknowledged as abuse these days. Poor Horace. I hope he learns to be more assertive (Lol)
This is a very impressive and inspiring collection! Just Amazing!!!! Perfect representations!
Many thanks for your kind visit and wonderful comments @ykdesign I'm glad you enjoyed this post.
You had a great idea to accompany your visit to the antique shop with a fiction. I'm not a good English speaker, but that does not matter, your post is special.
I'm very grateful to receive responses like yours to blogs that have taken a bit of time to create @bluemoon Thanks you so much. I think you have a wonderful grasp of English and I really admire people who are multi-lingual especially as English is not an easy language to learn.
I hope you have a very enjoyable weekend.
Thank you, @trudeehunter. I will return to your post to try to read more carefully. Your post is unique among the posts here and is a good example. I would not have thought about this way of presentation but from now on I will also think about this way of writing. A nice and quiet end of the week for you!
Many thanks for your wonderful words of encouragement my friend and if this post has inspired you to try something different with your writing, then I am very well rewarded and so happy to hear that. Have an awesome day @bluemoon
Thank you and forgive me for late reply, I had busy days.
No apology necessary @bluemoon It’s not always easy to be organised in Steemit. I’m often late with replies. 😊
That's how you respond to many comments. Instead, I am a little disorganized.
What a fabulous idea @trudeehunter! I love how you fitted the story & pics together! 100% upvoted! Horace & Edith...such great characters! Well done! 🎉
Hello @denisechips Wow.....that is a special vote. Thank you very much for your generosity and appreciation. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this blog. The story part wasn't planned. It just happened.
I hope you and your loved ones have an awesome weekend. Blessings.