Sundown - Sparrows Choir

by

Thomas Leathan-drum

Chapter 1

Billy is late for school

Running towards the group of elderly ladies of the Sundown Sparrows choir is little Billy Brownhill; his bare thin legs are going one way and his arms the other.   Billy's small head covered with un-brushed orange hair is bouncing up and down on his shoulders.     His trousers not covering his knees, his shirt not covering his elbows, and If you we're to see under his clothes, a sight for your eyes would be muscles twisting and thrusting his youthful bones in his forward motion.  Late~late again; Billy is for school, it is the fifth day, that running to school is necessary.

    Out of my way Mrs. McKay, Billy yelled loudly, but with his best manners.  'I've never been spoken to like that in my life before'  Mrs. McKay said to Mrs. Boyle, who was walking next to her.   Children today was Mrs. Boyle's reply, sung this response with the voice of a tenor, which she is normally not.    By the time this conversion was completed, Billy was almost at the school gate.  Now to get by Mr. Jones who was blocking the path to his class: unfortunately he could not.     No matter how fast Billy's legs would take him, he was no match for Mr. Jones.  You see Mr.Jones was not only the gate master, he was also the athletic coach.     Detained by his left ear Billy was dragged by the smiling Mr. Jones, not to the headmaster as he was yesterday but to the coal shed and beaten with the wooden shovel used to feed the boiler with coal.    'That'll teach to to be late three days in a row Billy Brownhill', laughed Mr. Jones, using his baritone voice, which is most celebrated in the Sundown singing sparrows choir.  Truth be known, Billy is a servant to both Mr. Jones and Lottie.  He has see as much of Lottie's under garments as have most of her admirers. Not because she allows him privileges; but rewards him for carrying her washing basket home on wash days.  Mr. Jones has Billy spying on both Lottie and Mrs. Boyle, seeking information relating to their lovers and going ons.    Not that is matters to him what they do, he informs Billy, it's just that he likes to know.  Billy's reward is that Mr. Jones advises the Head master, he is late for school only three days a week — not all five.

Chapter 2

Mrs. Proctor's daughter

The ladies of the county recover from their experience of a youth of today and arrive at  Sundown Hall.    They are greeted at the door by Mr. Proctor the most respected lawyer of the county, his wife Mrs. Proctor the most quarrelsome of all women and their daughter Lottie, the most obliging.    Lottie has the looks of her father, not feminine at all, although her skin is of fine olive colour, she has a long straight nose, a large bridge with two sparkling blue eyes either side, shaded by solid heavy eyebrows; high cheek bones, puffy lips, firm square chin — how luckily it is that she has long silky hair like her mother to cover ears like her father, expectable on a man, not so good on a young lady.     If you can call twenty-four young.       In Mrs. Proctor's youth girls of twenty-four would well and truly be married, with at least five children; unfortunately Lottie as to date, has been unsuccessful in hooking a husband — although Reggie Robertson did come close once.    She has many admirers, sadly none looking for commitment — just her body.

    'Good morning Isabelle', Mrs. Proctor said accompanied with a hum, as she is known to do.

    'Good morning Margaret', Mrs. Proctor said in her normal voice.

    'Good morning Anne', uttered quickly by Mrs. Proctor.

    'Good morning Janet', Mrs. Proctor said with an enormous smile for Janet is her dear sister.

    Lottie stood by her mother smiling as the ladies entered the hall, if Lottie wished to address the others, she would have to say, Good morning Mrs. ..... who ever, or may I have a word with you Mrs. .... who ever.

    However Lottie, is the youngest in the choir and also with the sweetish voice, she  can sing without a song sheet, her memory is new, her eyes are young and do not need as much light.      She may not have the face of a beauty queen, but her figure is still slim and her female shape is well detected.  Men are captured by her manners, her  deportment and her inviting smile.    As much as Mrs. Proctor would like to see her daughter with a husband and children of her own, it's good to have a servant who is family, family secrets — remain secrets.Chapter 3

Mr. Jones and Mr. Birman,

of the Sundown Sparrows choir.

We know Mr. Sid Jones is ... as is Mr. Ben Birman and Mr. Robert Barton, members of the choir.     Robert Barton is the husband of Mrs. Margaret Barton - who arrived earlier at the hall with Mrs. Isabelle McKay, in the company of  Mrs. Proctor's sister - Janet.

    Janet never married, it's not to say she could not have.   She could have given to heart to any member of gentleman who sort after her, but the right man never asked the question at the time she could have said yes.     So it is she fills her time in the company of her sister, her friends, the choir, flower arranging, any garden club event going, county fairs, social parties — the list goes on and on.       

    Mr. Jones, single, in their late fifties ... has never sort love (although we know likes to keep and eye on a couple of young ladies of the county), nor seeks power or adventure, more then the Sundown County can provide; happy to be the odd job man and school caretaker, also content to own a singing voice between tenor and bass. 

    Mr. Birman, also single, forty, heir to his father's fortune — a threat to all women, young, old, married — none are safe to his wealth, what he cannot obtain free, he purchases.  He once made an approach towards Mrs. Proctor's sister Janet; however no amount of money, or prestige that would come Janet's way could persuade her to except his proposal of marriage — the reasons would be many.   Once her refusal became common knowledge, Mrs. Proctor offered her daughter Lottie as a wife, regardless of her age.   Mr. Proctor and Mrs. Proctor saw benefits in the marriage. Ben Birman said he would give it some thought.   Lottie to please her parents did visit the Birman family home and spent quality time enjoying the wealth.     Ben coincided Lottie as only handsome, yet still pleasing in appearance and always free with her favours ... he was in need of a wife and an heir, Lottie is someone he can own, only giving the minimum of attention to her, freeing him to all his other pleasures.

    Lottie thought she may like to be his wife and mistress of the Birman estate.     Unfortunately Reggie Robertson was at this time making himself interested to her female requirements.    Lottie thought she could have both men; a rich wife to one, a fun lover to the other, and enjoy two different life styles.

Chapter 4

Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Boyle

 of the Sundown singing sparrows choir.

Mrs. Margaret Barton has no memory for words and little eye sight to read them; she is constantly overheating and uses the song sheet as a fan, making her forget the words she is singing.  This is an annoyance to all others of the choir, but not only would her sweet voice be missed if she were asked to leave, so would her money and connections to other beneficiaries who may withdraw the donations to the running of the Sundown singing sparrows choir.   Money to the upkeep of the hall and the sum required to take them all on their regular day trips in the newly acquired County bus.  So it is ... Margaret's little disturbing habits are excepted.

    Mrs. Anne Boyle.  If Lottie had a rival in the county it would be Mrs. Boyle.     Although older than Lottie, yet the youngest by far of the other choir ladies — free from husband and children, and with means to support herself. Owner of a large house, an  automobile — envy of many men without one.     She is also a member of the classical and vintage car club; the same club as our Reverend Cyril Osborne - who have together — enjoyed many a trip into the country-side alone.    In fact she rather be driving than singing.Chapter 5

The afternoon concert.

The people of Sundown fill the hall.  The weather is very warm, Mrs. Barton will be using her fan in great waves today.     The program reveals the ten songs to be sung, each a favourite of the audience.

    An elderly gentleman sitting near the stage fainted, he was carried to an empty seat at the back.    It was surely hot.     Men removed their coats, women their bonnets.   A late comer spotted the vacant seat and made a dart towards it.   A woman rose, clapping to acknowledge the choir entering from the left.     Her premature ovation was rewarded with a smile and a wave from Mr. Jones; the women is his neighbour and house keeper, and one who's heart and sole — if so requested ... could be his.

    The lights are dimmed, old Mrs. Birch is seated at the organ.   Billy Brownhill (recovered from his beating by the shovel of Mr. Jones), has his hands on the light switch and the curtain rope.

    The choir is lead in by the Reverend Osborne, wearing his best Sunday robe, with batten in hand, followed by the men of the choir. Mr. Proctor, Mr. Jones, Mr. Burton and Mr. Birman.  Leading the ladies ...  Mrs. Isabelle McKay, Mrs. Margaret Barton - already using her song sheet as a fan.    Mrs. Proctor, her sister Janet, followed by Lottie.  Where is Mrs. Anne Boyle?

    The Sundown Sparrows choir form a half circle, the men to the left of the conductor and the ladies to his right. Lottie and Mrs. Boyle would normally stand together in the centre, however only Lottie performs this duty today. Whispers and mutterings are heard among those of the choir and the audience, questions are being asked, looks being shared.   Mr. Birman takes out his pocket watch.  Mrs. Boyle is ten minutes late.  Reverend Osborne glances towards Lottie and taps the batten on the music stand, raisers it above his head and nods.     His eyes tell the choir to start without Mrs. Boyle, for they only have the hall till 1.00 - when the owners of classical and vintage car are to hold their meet, which he is one.

    Billy has the back drop in place, and the curtains correctly parted.  Mrs. Birch feet are at the organ, pumping with all her mite.   The conductor is swing his barren, the choir's lungs are full of air, heads are high, chests are out .... down comes the batten and they're into the first of ten songs.  Not to burden you with every-word of all ten songs — but some of three.

    "As i walked forth" (penned by Robert Johnson c1560) As I walked forth one summer's day,

To view the meadows green and gay,

A pleasant bower I espied,

Standing fast by the river side,

And in't a maiden I heard cry:

Alas! alas! there's none e'er loved as I.

    After four more verses the song is brought to an end, it's greeted with a heathy applause.    Mr. Jones was the lead in that song and now Mrs. Barton solo ...

    "Old maid in the garret" (penned by Martin Parker c1630) here are the words to the last verse only.   

So come landsman, come townsman, 

Come tinker or come tailor, 

Come fiddler, come dancer, 

Come ploughboy or come sailor, 

Come rich man, come poor man, 

Come fool or come witty, 

Come any man at all! 

Won't you marry out of pity? 

And it's Oh Dear Me! 

How will it be, 

If I die an Old Maid in the Garret?

    By the end Mrs. Barton's song sheet was in threads, she was cover in sweet — thick beads pouring down her face, taking all the powder in streaks.

    Without rest or refreshments ... into the next song — everyones favourite — sung by the men of the choir, yet the sweet voice of Lottie can heard as clear as those of the men.

    "How happy the soldier"  (penned at the time of the Revolutionary war c1800)

How happy the soldier who lives on his pay, 

And spends half a crown on six pence a day; 

He fears neither justices, warrants nor bums, 

But pays all his debts with a roll of the drums,

With a row de dow, Row de dow, Row de dow, 

And he pays all his debts with a roll of his drums. 

He cares not a Marnedy how the world goes;

His King finds his quarters, and money and clothes;

He laughs at all sorrow whenever it comes,

And rattles away with the roll of the drums.

With a row de dow,Row de dow, Row de dow,

And he pays all his debts with a roll of his drums.

The drum is his glory, his joy and delight, It leads him to pleasure as well as to fight;

No girl, when she hears it, though ever so glum,

But packs up her tatters, and follows the drum.

With a row de dow,Row de dow, Row de dow,

And he pays all his debts with a roll of his drums.

    The audience join in (those of cause who know the words, those who don't ... just hum).

    The Reverend Osborne put down his batten and turn to the audience  'We will take a break now'.     How relieved were the members of the choir, specially the ladies who dashed off stage to cool down and free some under garments.    The men made their way to the refreshments table.    Lottie went outside with Cyril Osborne.Chapter 6

Reggie Robertson

Reggie a man of the times, a great admirer of the newly crown King Edward Vll.  He loves women — single or married (in this he has much in common with the King and Reverend Cyril Osborne).     Reggie only drinks the fineness of sprits, smokes the elite of cigars; he is a player of card games — although he losses more then the King ... for Reggie does not have his status, nor on no occasion is allowed to win.

    It is the turn of the century and the wealth of the new generation flows; young men are yet to learn of the Great War - they go about their life as gentleman enjoying that~that makes them content.    Those with an independent income or with a father who's purse strings are lose and have plenty to spend~spend travelling far by ship or travel the country-side in the new transport of the day.   Gone are the horse and buggy for these men; their new tailored clothes remain sharp and clean, young ladies with fine dresses and maids, sit in comfort, the only care in the world is losing their hats.

    This is how Reggie won the interest of Lottie, and almost her heart.     A more perfect day could not be asked for, the warm summers sun, high in the clear blue sky, the only wind brought by the speed of the car they sat in the rear set, driven by another, Reggie had his arm around her waist, she one hand to her hat, the other to her hair, protecting her ears.   Reggie's free hand was within her dress.    'Mr. Robertson, Mr. Robertson', yelled Lottie over the noise of the engine.      'Call me Reggie' he whispered in her exposed large ear.     'No, no', she said.     She was not saying no to calling him by his first name, but to the fact his hand was within her bloomers and touching the bare skin of her thighs.

Chapter 7

Reverend Cyril Osborne.

Savour of souls, Head master of Sundown County school for all: Conductor of the Sundown singing sparrows choir.  Widower at forty-five; lover of all things bright and beautiful, and little children, but sadly his first and only child — a son, died at birth taking his mother with him.   The Reverend Osborne has a liking for the women — single or married; a liking for the communion wine, and fast cars.   When seated behind the wheel of his Bentley, his shoulder length hair flows straight, allowing the wind to free the curls and tangled knots.    Cyril Osborne is also an admirer of Lottie Proctor.    Together they have be seen driving  in the country-side after church, or together, sometimes, often close when singing on a practice night.    Mrs. Proctor boost to others that she has seen this togetherness and approves; not so Mr. Proctor, to him it's unsavoury of the Reverend Osborne to seek his daughter's affections.  What would the handsome man of God want of his daughter — her father's money?       Mr. Proctor would prefer his daughter to inherit Mr. Birman's fortune.

Chapter 8

A wife and an heir for Mr. Birman

A period of time has passed, since the deceased of the senior Mr. Birman and the running of the Birman estate fell to his heir Ben Birman.  After many attempts of marriage have failed; came the offer of Miss Lottie's union (by her parents).  Within the missing years much has happened in and around Sundown.     The Birman estate has increased greatly — making Ben the most affluent man in the county, employing two-thirds of all residence, owning most of the town buildings, houses, warehouses and the railway station.     All thats missing is a wife and an heir ... he has given thought to the suggestion of marriage to Lottie Proctor.    It now appeals to him.     He asks Mr. Proctor and Mrs. Proctor for they're blessing.    

    As the Proctors are of the few who do not work for him or live in a house owned by him, he feels they are free from any obligation to please him.      The fact that Mr. Proctor as a lawyer, has on occasions acted for the Birman estates, he is still his own man.     Both families see benefits in the marriage.      Lottie has been no stranger to Ben's favours over the years, enjoying his company at parties, and social outings, alone or with Mr. Cyril Osborne, Reggie Robertson, and with other new young men within the county, including Billy Brownhill.

    To please her parents, but mostly herself — she does invite Ben to woo her and excepts his offer of marriage.     Lottie is now the wife and mistress of the Birman estate.    The following year a son is born.   Chapter 9

1914 - Goodbye friends and lovers.

Today the Sundown Sparrows choir are not the centre of stage, nor wearing their best costumes — but are in black, with the men wearing uniforms of passed campaigns.       The country is at war.     The hall is dressed with Union Jack flags, coloured pennants, steamers and the tables covered in flower blossoms.       The choir is not singing today.  

    The names of the volunteers ... all thirty-three, neatly typed on military paper, and pined to the hall's notice board, are here dressed in their new army uniforms.      Those will lovers have them close, those with not, have their mates.     Mothers, sisters, fathers and brothers, either too old or too young to fight for King and country ...  celebrate together.     Leading the celebrations is Mr. Ben Birman, for all the men are from his estate, they are his workers.    His reward is a contract to supply horses, wagons and food for the army.

    The loss from this war for Lottie is be deprived of her many friends and lovers.  Reggie Robertson, Reverend Osborne and Young Billy Brownhill (who lied about his age), were all killed in "The Battle of Liege". 1914.    All thirty-three men from Sundown County never returned.Chapter 10

Mourning for the past

Where once families gathered to harvest the gran, wheat, barley, straw, hay; cut by big strong men swinging their scythe; when horse and cart stacked high, took away the rewards of a days work; where children played in the stacks of hay; the not so young stole a kiss from a girl; where stories and songs found there words .... now under the hot sun, move large iron machines across the paddocks, with steam puffing from pipes; large wheels and pulleys turning chains and ropes, cutting and thrashing what once was done by a hundred men.      No longer do children play in the hay stacks, no lovers to steal a kiss from, no time to pen a story or a love letter .....

    Time has softened Lottie's features, removing harsh with fine; admirers cease to notice her strong facial features, she has never looked more feminine; her children have only enhance her figure, giving it balance and wholeness.   It is said in Sundown County, that men are still captured by her manners, her deportment and her inviting smile.     It is said he can be seen driving in the country-side in fast cars, with others than her husband.    It is said she mourned the death of many lovers.  

The End