1816: the Grandest Tour

France: Chapter 6

"My dear Mr. Hamilton and illustrious travelling companions," the doctor's letter began, "I bid you a most felicitudinous welcome to this Queen (and lately Empress) of Cities. Having reviewed the state of your accommodation myself, I am in no doubt you will find it arranged to your exceeding satisfaction.

"As your thrice-excellent Paterfamilias Sir James has indubitably communicated, on this continental journey I am to act in loco pedagogis as your "bear leader" or guide extemporary. This charge will furnish me only the most exquisite gratification, the case being that in the fateful Anno Domini Seventeen Ninety-and-Two I was contracted to perform this very same office for your father himself! But, regrettably, the vicissitudes of Politick Wars and Insurrections in that fateful twelvemonth rendered our project quite untenable. Thus am I all anxiousness to make your acquaintances and commence the noble enterprize of your own Grand Tour."

"It occurs now that in my flights of enthusiasm I have hitherto neglected even to modestly introduce myself. I will suffice at the present to mention, briefly, that I am your worships' humble servant of the appellation Benjamin Rosecrans Boxborough, Doctor of Philosophy in History, Classics, and Philology; late of the Universities of Oxford, Durham, and Edinburgh. After a long career in the English and Scottish academy I opted to continue my study and employment on the continent, whence I have led several such expeditions as your own to the most hallowed and famous sites both Modern and Ancient."

"The superfluity of stimulation available in such a metropole as Paris may at first prove overwhelming to the neophyte traveller. In this disposition, however, be ye not afflicted! I have endeavored to devise a most prolifick and efficacious programme of study, perusal, and enjoyment as I hope will most judiciously balance and fulfill your severall inclinations."

"In closing, do receive my most fervent salutations and good wishes, while I await your reply at my lodging below,"

"I am, sirs, your ebullient procurator, companionable and educative,

Dr. Benjamin R. B."

"Well, what's he say?" said Robert.

"It's er... a welcome to Paris in so many words," said George. He had chosen not to read aloud, hacking his way alone through the jungle of the doctor's verbiage. This was probably for the best, since the style obliged even George to underline the odd word or phrase to decipher later.

"No matter," said George brightly. "We'll settle ourselves for an hour, I'll reply to the doctor, then we can venture out for a walk or drive. What say you?"

To this the others were all amenable.

"What's that mean?"

At the bottom of the page on Boxborough's letter something had caught Hugh's eye. George examined it himself.

"I haven't a clue, frankly," said George. It was a queer symbol the doctor had drawn after his signature. In shape it was dominated by the figure of a great letter "C," which formed the head of what looked like a small owl with a harp or lyre in its talons. "I suppose you can ask the doctor himself," George concluded, and they thought no more of it.

After resting they gave Dick and Isaac the evening off to dine out somewhere, then emerged from the hotel on foot. Studying his travel books Tobias had found they were staying just north of the Champs Elysée and Place Louis XV (Place de la Concorde under the Empire). On the eastern side of the Place lay the Jardin des Tuileries, dominated by the famous palace of the same name, where the restored Bourbon monarch himself now lived. All four agreed this would be an interesting walk, and they would likely happen upon more than a few stalls selling food and drink.