The Honeywood Files (3 page)

BRASH TO SPINLOVE

Dear Mr. Spinlove, 21.2.24.

Lady Brash and myself are delighted with the plans of the house and with the charming picture delineating a view of the exterior. We are filled with admiration for the skilful ingenuity with which you have fitted everything in, and with the appropriate completeness of the arrangements. Lady Brash is particularly delighted with the cupboard in the recess in the kitchen passage and with the door shutting off the domestics’ domain. There are certain insignificant matters which we desire altered: for instance, the entrance hall and staircase to be transferred farther along so as to leave an expanse of blank wall for the wisteria Lady Brash desires to plant in that situation, but these alterations I can elucidate when we meet.

The estimate of cost, is, I regret to intimate, a disappointment; I anticipated you would be able to reduce it after the plans were drawn out. I apprehend it will be requisite to minimize the expenditure, but we are so greatly enamoured with the design that I trust it may not be necessary to have recourse to material alterations. Would it be possible to omit the morning room and the two projecting bays for the present so that they could be eventually added at a later date?

Can you call at Zimmon Gardens at six on Wednesday to discuss matters? Lady Brash will be disengaged at that hour. Perhaps you would be so good as to telephone to the house.

Yours faithfully,

Spinlove is clearly competent, but he is no less clearly lucky. It was quite on the cards that his design might outrage some prejudice of his client of which he could know nothing, or that in exercising his discretion, he might seriously have missed the mark, or that the plans might have been misread. If any of these things had chanced, Brash’s pepper might have made him impatient and, with the added discouragement of the estimate, led him to abandon the whole project, or to consult another architect. As it happens, Spinlove has made a complete conquest. His preliminary sketches have been swallowed whole, the design is practically settled, discrepancy of cost is in a fair way to being adjusted and, from being captious and critical, Brash has become enthusiastic and appreciative. The interview evidently took place, for the next letter is dated a fortnight later.

SPINLOVE TO BRASH

Dear Sir Leslie Brash, 9.3.24.

I enclose revised sketch plans which you will see embody the whole of the alternatives except the shifting of the entrance hall and staircase, which, as I expected, cannot be moved without entirely remodelling the plan and designing the house on altogether different lines. It is unfortunate that the position of the front door and the window do not give an opportunity of training a wisteria in that particular position, but all planning is a balance of advantages, and I am afraid this one will have to go.

By comparing the dimensions on the revised plan with those shown on the original sketches, which I also enclose, you will see the reductions I have been able to make, and that I have also saved what space could be spared in bathrooms, passages, and so on; but nothing has been unduly pinched. I have also reduced the heights of floors as arranged, and taking everything into consideration I think the cost will be reduced from ￡19,500 to ￡17,300. To this has to be added the cost of the terrace, ￡1,200, which it was agreed should be included with the house, making the new estimate ￡18,500.

Will you please tell Lady Brash that things are so arranged that the chimney will be visible from no windows except those of the kitchen offices, gun-room, and servants’ bedrooms. If you will let me know that you approve I will prepare contract drawings and documents for the purpose of securing tenders.

Yours faithfully,

BRASH TO SPINLOVE

Dear Mr. Spinlove, 14.3.24.

We appreciate the plans extremely, although we are disappointed you cannot transfer the entrance hall and staircase. I am somewhat apprehensive at the reduction in the dimensions, and anticipate we may be spoiling the ship to save a pennyworth of tar. I have therefore augmented some of them. Also I desire you will not take any chance of risks of bathrooms and passages being restricted, or the rooms too low in height. In order to meet the cost of expenditure I have decided not to erect a garage, kennels, etc., at present. I shall perhaps make a temporary wooden structure suffice to begin with, particularly as it may be desirable to first build cottages for the male outdoor staff. The terrace should be included. Will you therefore proceed with the contract and inform me immediately when the operations will commence and how long a period they will take to complete.

Yours sincerely,

SPINLOVE TO BRASH

Dear Sir Leslie Brash, 17.3.24.

Thank you for your letter. I will get on with the contract drawings at once.

In reply to your question, all well, the building will start in about four months’ time, and take about two years to complete.

I enclose list of seven builders I propose to invite to tender. Five, as you will see, are of London; the other two are provincial firms operating in the district. All are of good standing and known to me. If there is anyone else you would like included will you please let me know.

In order to save the cost of the builder finding his own water, I propose to have the well sunk at once. As we know we shall get plenty of water at about 130 ft. it will not be actually necessary to employ a consulting engineer, but l propose nevertheless to do so both on the ground of economy and efficiency. I suggest the name of Mr. P. F. Toodlewipe, a.m.i.c.e., who is known to me.

Yours sincerely,

BRASH TO SPINLOVE

Dear Mr. Spinlove, 22.3.24.

I was dumbfounded at your communication intimating an anticipated delay of four months. I am at a loss to comprehend why this should occur. Surely now that everything is settled arrangements can be agreed with a suitable builder? Also the length of time the work will take. Two years! We are completing arrangements to take up residence next summer. Surely the operations will be terminated in fifteen months from now! Can nothing be done to expedite progress?

Certainly do as you propose as regards the well.

There is a builder at Marlford—Nibnose & Rasper—whom you might append to your list, and also a most respectable man, Mr. John Reaker, at Thaddington, who did work for a considerable period on Lord Imagwire’s estate, whom I desire should tender. I fancy his son carries on the business now in partnership with a person named Mr. Smith.

Yours sincerely,

SPINLOVE TO BRASH

Dear Sir Leslie Brash, 24.3.24.

I am afraid that four months from now is as soon as you can expect to see the builder at work. It will take me seven or eight weeks to work out the design in detail and prepare the necessary drawings and contract documents. The preparation of bills of quantities to enable builders to tender will probably take four weeks, the builder ought to have at least ten days in which to arrive at the figure of his tender, and a fortnight would be a short time in which to settle and sign the contract and for the builder to get his plant on to the site. It is true that the house might be built even in one year only, if a special point were made of it; but it would invite disaster to scramble through work of this kind, and it is doubtful if a really good builder would enter on such an undertaking. I will do all I can to expedite matters.

Thank you for names of builders. I will inquire about these firms.

Yours sincerely,

SPINLOVE TO MESSRS
.
REAKER & SMITH
,
BUILDERS
,
THADDINGTON
,
KENT

Dear Sirs, 28.3.24.

I understand that you have done work for many years on Lord Imagwire’s estate. I want some trial holes dug in the meadow south of Honeywood Spinney on the top of Honeywood Hill. The enclosed plan shows the ground and the position of the holes, which should be 8 ft. deep. If you can undertake this work I will ask you to put it in hand at once and give me notice so that I may go down and see the ground.

If you are accustomed to building large private houses will you tell me of some you have built and give me the names of two or three architects under whose direction you have worked?

Yours faithfully,

Spinlove seems to have forgotten that he is an agent of Sir Leslie Brash. In ordering this work without making clear that he acts as agent, he assumes responsibility and could, in fact, be made to pay for it.

The following letter seems to have found its way into the file instead of the wastepaper basket. It is a circular, with the name of addressee and subject added, printed by a firm which claims that its output is indistinguishable from autographs, and that it “brings business.” The sort of work done by firms who depend upon this means of getting it, would not suit Spinlove, as no doubt he perfectly understands.

DOMO IDEALO LTD
.
TO
JAMES SPINLOVE
,
ESQ
.,
A
.
R
.
I
.
B
.
A
.

New House for Sir Leslie Brash

Dear Sir, 2.2.24.

As a practising Architect of eminence you will be aware that, however dainty and refined the architectural design of a domestic habitation may be, the two things which will count with your client are comfort and efficiency, and these we are prepared to absolutely guarantee with the minimum of trouble to yourself, as our large staff of experts are always at your valued disposal.

We understand that you are the architect for the above house, and shall be glad to prepare estimates at the shortest notice for Electric Light, Heating, Water Supply, Lifts, Sanitary Work, &c., also for Carving in any material, Ornamental Plaster, Lead, Iron, and Decorative Art-craft Guild Handiwork of all descriptions.

May we call your attention to our Ultra-Violet Ozone and Water-Softening installations, without which no daintily appointed modern gentleman’s house can be considered complete. On receipt of a card or telephone message we will immediately arrange for one of our expert representatives to wait on you. Awaiting your esteemed favours.

We are dear Sir,

Yours faithfully

for domo idealo ltd.,

b. pidge,

Manager.

SPINLOVE TO NIBNOSE & RASPER
,
BUILDERS
,
MARLFORD
,
KENT

Dear Sirs, 28.3.24.

Your name has been given me as builders of large country houses. If you are willing to tender for such work in the neighbourhood of Marlford I should be glad to know of buildings carried out by you and to receive the names, as references, of architects under whose directions you have worked.

Yours faithfully,

SPINLOVE TO GEORGE BULLJOHN
,
ESQ
.,
J
.
P
.
THE HAVEN
,
BUXFORD
,
NR
.
MARLFORD

Dear Mr. Bulljohn, 28.3.24.

Do you know anything of Nibnose & Rasper, and of Reaker and Smith, Thaddington, builders, and can you tell me what sort of standing and reputation they have? I have not seen you at the club for ages, but I hear you are sometimes there.

Kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

REAKER & SMITH TO SPINLOVE

Sir, 29.3.24.

Your esteemed favour of the 28th inst. to hand and shall have attention. Our man up Honeywood way will be through with his present job Tuesday and will get on with it. We are used to working along with an architect and have just completed additions to Wheatsheaf (Public) in Main Street under Mr. Pintail, f.a.i., of Station Yard, Marlford. Mr. Reaker is away from business at present so am shorthanded.

Awaiting further esteemed favours,

Yours to oblige,

NIBNOSE & RASPIER TO SPINLOVE

Dear Sir, 31.3.24.

We are obliged for your letter and enclose list of some works executed by us with the names of the architects concerned. Mr. Claude Lambwad, f.r.i.b.a., of South Moulton Street, W.l, knows us, as we have done work for him for many years. We shall be glad to tender for the work you mention and hope to receive particulars in due course.

Yours faithfully,

BULLJOHN TO SPINLOVE

Dear Spinlove, 2.4.24.

I would not recommend you to have dealings with Reaker and Smith. Old John Reaker was widely esteemed, but the son is of a very different stamp. I may tell you that he is at this time in prison for being drunk while in charge of a motor-car. Smith has only lately come on the scenes. I hear of him as a bookmaker. Nibnose & Rasper is a most respectable firm. Whether they are up to the standard you want is not for me to say. Hope to see you again soon.

Yours sincerely,

SPINLOVE TO REAKER & SMITH

Dear Sirs, 12.4.24.

I have been expecting to hear from you. Are the trial holes ready for me to see?

Yours faithfully,

SPINLOVE TO THE SAME

Dear Sirs, 16.4.24.

I wired to you this morning. “Have holes been dug, wire Spinlove,” but have received no reply. I wrote to you on the 12th asking for this information. I must expect your immediate response by wire or telephone.

Yours faithfully,

BRASH TO SPINLOVE

Dear Mr. Spinlove, 16.4.24.

I enclose a communication I have received to-night from the farmer who is in charge of my daughter’s mare, which is out at grass at Honeywood. My daughter is greatly distressed and I am also excessively annoyed and disappointed. I had no idea pits were being dug, but in any eventuality it was culpable negligence on someone’s part that they were not protectively fenced. One can only be thankful that worse misfortune has not resulted. Immediate attention is necessary. I have wired to Bramble to employ a man to warn children.

Yours faithfully,

(ENCLOSURE) GEORGE BRAMBLE
,
COWKEEPER
,
TO BRASH

Sir, 15.4.24.

Your mare had an assidence up on Honeywood going on three legs near fore all tucked up and carried back very bad I never saw one that way and thorough crocked up and off feed I got her into float with rails under her and had to put on a twitch and a nice job she was a bit chafed under belly by rails but no harm and I got her slung comfortable now in cow stall and vet blistered her and tied up leg bad rench and sprained shoulder he says and dont quite know what to make there is a lot of narrow holes dug top of Honeywood I dont doubt she blundered and no wonder I did very near and deep water standing and children come in after cow slop flowers I druv off but you know what kids is and something had ought to be done or there might be a worser assidence awaiting your orders.