Strange Solace

Welcome to the Pump room!’

 ‘Yes, yes. It is a rather beautiful room.’

‘It’s Georgian I believe, dates back to the 18^th Century.’

‘No, no one is playing the piano, but yes, the keys are moving. It often does that. I have to say it does a simply exquisite rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, you know the one with the cannon fire.’

‘No, it doesn’t play anything more modern. On one occasion I, very politely I might add, requested Good Golly Miss Molly but it slammed down the lid and didn’t play again for a week.’

‘Oh dear, it must have heard me. I had better not mention that again.’

‘Yes of course, feel absolutely free to relax and enjoy the room. I will send for afternoon tea. But you must make very sure you leave before 8.13pm.’

‘Well yes, I suppose that is a very specific time, but it is when the ghosts arrive.’

“Oh no, I’ve never seen them, I’ve never had the talent unfortunately. But they do make it pretty clear how they feel about any live ones being here once their evening starts.’

‘How? Well, let’s just say that the glass in the oriel window has been replaced more than once.’

‘Oh goodness no! They are not dangerous, for the most part very civilised.’

‘Who are they? Well, as I mentioned, I’ve never seen them myself, but I understand that there are quite a number. Lady Victoria, she enjoys a turn about the floor with her late husband, Sir Reginald, he was a military man.’

‘Indeed, let us hope the piano starts up again by then.’

‘Who else? There is a group of gentlemen who enjoy a game of whist, I have been informed that can get a little heated at times. And a party of ladies, a mother and her five grown up daughters I believe, oh and their father of course. But he prefers to amuse himself quietly in a corner with a book.’

‘Now, enjoy your visit and please do remember to light that candles before you leave. Lady Victoria won’t be happy if you don’t.’

Copyright: image believed to be in the public domain and used for creative, non-commercial purposes. Vintage postcard of The Pump Room, Bath. Published by Picto-Tonegraph Ltd., St. Albans. Postmarked 1959.