Dorincourt - My Story (from Little Lord Fauntleroy)

By Dr E J Yeaman

I am the Earl of Dorincourt. I feared that the ancient line would end with me, until I learned that I had a grandson in America. I despised Americans, but I fetched the boy over in hope that I might civilise him. The attempt did not end as I intended. (A retelling of Little Lord Fauntleroy, by Frances Hodgson Burnett.)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr E J Yeaman
• Release date: Aug 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370350810

Dr E J Yeaman

I retired (early) and started a new career as a writer. I wrote short stories and articles. Some were published; some won prizes; some sank without trace.Having heard my stories, two friends suggested I should write for children. I’d never thought of that, although I’d spent my first career communicating with young people – as a Chemistry teacher, and running clubs for badminton, chess, table tennis and hillwalking.I tried writing for young people – and I loved it. It became my main occupation. I sent samples to publishers. One asked to see a complete story. In excitement, I sent it off. Then nothing. After four months, I rang, and was told the manuscript was being considered: I would be notified. Then more nothing. Now, after eight years, I no longer rush to the door when the letter box rattles.But I kept writing the stories because I enjoyed it so much. Until, in late 2013, I learned I could publish my stories and games as e-books. Since then, I’ve been polishing and issuing some of them. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.Check out the series:C: Charades – party game – a new twist to the traditional game.D: Diagags – party game – gags written as plays for two people.M: My Story – novels – classical stories, told by the heroes.O: One-Offs – party game – guess the titles, not quite the classical ones.P: Pop Tales – short stories – inspired by 60s and 70s hit songs.Q: Quote-Outs – word games – can you deduce the missing words?S: Inside Story – novels – a boy’s adventures inside classical stories.T: Troubleshooters – novels – space adventures for young people.

Book preview

MY STORY 1

DORINCOURT

(from Little Lord Fauntleroy)

Published by EJY at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Dr E J Yeaman

All characters in this publication are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold, or given away, to other people. If you would like to share this e-book with other people, please buy additional copies. If you did not buy this e-book, or it was not bought for you, then please go to Smashwords.com and buy your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART 1: AN HEIR!

1-3

PART 2: LORD FAUNTLEROY

4-8

PART 3: LIFE AT THE CASTLE

9-15

PART 4: DINNER PARTY

16-17

PART 5: BAD NEWS

18-22

PART 6: A BRIEF DRIVE

23-26

ABOUT THE MY STORY SERIES

OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES

HAVE YOU MET JAM?

INTRODUCTION

Having decided to retell Little Lord Fauntleroy in the first person, my intention was to give alternate chapters to Lord Fauntleroy and the Earl of Dorincourt. But, on deeper consideration, I realised that Dorincourt is the central character. Little Lord Fauntleroy is a perfect title, but it’s the Earl who has the life-changing experiences. So I wrote it wholly from the Earl’s point of view.

The result well illustrates the constraint that a first-person narrator can’t describe events at which he wasn’t present. In this case, the American scenes must become reports to the Earl. That significantly reduces the word count, and has the conspicuous effect of concentrating the reader’s attention on Dorincourt. It certainly throws a different light on the story.

In this story, the first-person narration has an additional consequence. Little Lord Fauntleroy has always been considered a children’s story. Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote it as one, first publishing it as a serial in the St Nicholas Magazine from November 1885 to October 1886. But Dorincourt must tell the story in an adult voice. If you knew him as well as I do, you wouldn’t consider anything else. I’ve compromised in places, and the language is probably less complex than the original – although children’s education and expectation have changed since 1885.

In retelling the story, I’ve adhered to the original plot, with two changes. The resolution of Little Lord Fauntleroy relies on two huge coincidences. I’ve tweaked it to remove the lesser one. And modern storytelling theory says that, after the major crisis is resolved, the story should end as soon as possible. So I’ve omitted the last scene of the original.

I deliberately haven’t designated Dorincourt as a children’s story because I hope it will appeal to people of all ages. Young or old, knowing the original or not, I hope you enjoy this version.

DORINCOURT – MY STORY

PART 1: AN HEIR!

1

Three sons. Yes: I was afflicted with three sons. At first, I was gratified by the number. I considered it sufficient to ensure the continuation of the family line, although I had no alternative in that respect: the boys’ mother expired soon after giving birth to the third.

As the boys grew, I was less gratified by their natures. I gave them an expensive education, but it taught them little except a desire to spend money.

The eldest, Bevis, was dissolute. When he became 21, he professed concern at the strain I must suffer, administering the family finances. He kindly offered to relieve me of the burden. When I curtly refused, he departed in haughty offence, refusing to remain under my roof. I held him to that resolution, so some good came of the affair.

My second son, Maurice, was a wastrel. When he became 21, he requested a substantial increase in his allowance, pleading that it was necessary to maintain his position as the second son of an earl. When I refused, he bleated that he had no wish to remain where he was not appreciated. He compared my manners unfavourably with those of the Italians. Whereupon I offered to pay his fare to Naples. A one-way ticket.

I had more hope for my third son, Cedric. Unlike his brothers, he was a handsome child. He inherited that from his mother. His nature was equable, but he had the spirit to resist the inevitable bullying of his elder brothers. He would have proved the most fitting to inherit the title and estates but, as the youngest, he was least likely to do so.

He loved the castle and the estates, but his presence there increased my frustration. I therefore sent him off to travel in America. After a time, he settled in New York, but then I regretted dismissing him. I wrote, ordering him home.

Before that letter was despatched, I had a letter from him, announcing that he had married a charming American woman, the former companion of a rich old lady.

He had not consulted me before taking such a step, no doubt because he knew my reaction. An American woman! My son had married an American woman! I had nothing but contempt for America and the Americans. No doubt she was an unscrupulous adventuress who counted it a triumph to snare a member of the English aristocracy.

I flung my letter in the fire, and wrote another, severing all further communication. I stopped his allowance, and made it clear that he could never expect a penny from me. The marriage could not be undone, but I could ensure that the woman did not profit by her scheming.

That was in 1878, eight years ago. I endeavoured to put Cedric from my mind. But Fate plays tricks with our intentions. Bevis was thrown from a horse and killed. Maurice caught a fever, no doubt at a wild party, and died in Rome. Cedric was now my heir.