Jameson, the Smallwood's butler, opened the door to Archie and invited him to enter. He then led him to the estate office where three other gentlemen were already seated around the large table.
"Please take a seat sir," said Jameson, indicating the vacant seat next to Doctor Elliott. "His Lordship will be along shortly."
Apart from Doctor Bridgewater, the others were all highly respected members of the village community and together, along with Tobias Smallwood, formed what was known as 'The Smallwood Parish Council".
Archie Thornton owned the Thornton Farm, originally part of the Smallwood Estate, which had been gifted to his great great grandfather by the then owner of Smallwood.
Doctor Elliott had settled in the village following his medical training in London and both he and his wife had won the hearts of all the villagers' during a cholera epidemic, when they had worked so tirelessly to save the village from being completely wiped out.
The Reverend Bertram Montague, who had been Vicar at the parish church since Tobias had returned to Smallwood to take over from his father, had also been greatly involved in setting up the school to bring education to each and every child, something which was very much envied by the surrounding villages.
Doctor Bridgewater was a new addition to the Council. Doctor Elliott had spoken highly of him to Tobias, telling him of his interest in medical research. Tobias had offered to pay him an annual gratuity to allow him to continue his research on the understanding that he would take up residence in the village and also, along with Doctor Elliot, improve the medical provision for the village. This he had agreed to and today they were all here to find out what Tobias had in mind and how each of them could play their part in his vision for the future of Smallwood.
The door opened and Tobias entered along with Walter Drummond. "Good Morning gentlemen. No, don't get up." he said to the others as Drummond took his seat. " You already know each other so let's get down to business shall we?"
Tobias took his seat at the head of the table. "As you know, I've asked you all here today to discuss the plans I have for Smallwood and also ways to achieve them. It'll be no surprise to any of you to be told that in the past few years there has been a steady stream of villagers leaving and heading off to the towns and cities where new factories have been set up which are offering better wages than we can here. But at what cost? We have seen these same people return months, even years, later without a farthing to their names, both disillusioned and very often extremely sick from the conditions they've been working in. It won't do, gentlemen, and we who can do something about it must do so. I want to make Smallwood a place where all of it's inhabitants can have a better quality of life, where they can live and work in decent conditions, and expect to get a decent wage. We should all strive to make our Village the envy of all and encourage new families to settle here."
Tobias looked around the table at the faces, all of which were turned on him completely engrossed in what he had to say. He continued, "One of the first things I propose is we bring the railway into the village. Between us, Archie here and my family, own all the land in this area and Drummond has been doing a survey to find the most suitable route to bring a branch line into the village which will link us to the main Liverpool to Manchester railway line. This link would improve the efficiency of the mine and also provide cheap transport for the community to and from the towns and cities."
Tobias stood up and walked to the wall, unfurled a chart of the village layout and pointed to the point just above the Water Hole on Archie's land.
"Drummond has identified this section here which crosses Archie's land and continues on into the mine. Before reaching the mine there will be another branch which will lead into our very own railway station. What do you think Archie? Would you be prepared to allow the line to cross your land?"
"I'm prepared to do anything which will improve village life, you know that Tobias. By all means bring the railway across my land." Tobias acknowledged Archie with a nod and came back to the table where he once again sat down. "I was hoping you would say that Archie and I'm sure that Drummond here will be only too pleased to fill you in with the details. Isn't that so Walter?" Walter Drummond nodded his agreement.
"Along side of this I don't think we should lose site of our underlying values. Yes, we do want prosperity; yes, we do want to create a prosperous community, but no matter how prosperous we become there will always be those amongst us who will need our help. We've seen in other parts of the country how the Workhouses have been the only place for destitute people, well gentlemen, I'll have no villager of ours ending up in one of those places and that's where The Reverend Montague and Doctors Elliott and Bridgewater come in."
He looked at Bertram Monatague kindly, "You've always been concerned, haven't you Bertram, about the poor? And I want you to know that your attempts at helping them haven't gone unnoticed, but I'm sure you'll be the first to agree that more is needed than you are able to provide alone. So here is what I propose ........ The old manor house has been empty for five years now, granted it needs some work on it, but I think it would make a fine cottage hospital. It's large enough to also provide living accommodation for Dr Bridgewater and also a lab where he can continue with his medical research."
"Why thank you sir," said the Doctor.
"Don't thank me young man, thank Dr Elliott for singing your praises to me in the first place. All I ask is that both of you set up a hospital where all villages can come whenever they need help. I've no doubt, if it's left to the Reverend here, you'll have plenty of customers. Right, are there any questions?"
"How will they pay for treatment?" asked Dr Bridgewater.
"I think you'll find doctor, that you will suddenly acquire quite a lot of things you don't really need. I doubt very much if some of the villagers will have money, but they are a proud lot and will insist you take something in return, a live chicken maybe." The others laughed as Dr Bridgewater's face reddened. "Don't worry doctor, you'll soon get used to it."
Tobias stood up, "This calls for a drink I think gentlemen," and he proceeded to pour out six large whiskies. "To Smallwood," he toasted. "To Smallwood," came the reply.
Outside of the office, Lizzie was walking up and down, waiting for the right moment to interrupt her father's meeting. Not that she was interested in the meeting, more in one of the participants. Now seemed to her to be a good time, so she opened the door and then feigning surprise she exclaimed, "Oh! I'm so sorry Papa, I didn't realise you had visitors."
Tobias could read his daughter like a book. "That's all right Elizabeth, we've just finished." Her glances towards Dr Bridgewater hadn't been missed by him and as she seemed to be lost for words, for what must be the first time in her life, he took pity and helped her out. "Would you do me a great favour my dear; will you take Dr Bridgewater and show him the old manor house? I've decided to donate it as our new cottage hospital, you can show him around."
"I'd be delighted. Come Doctor, I'll get Jameson to call us a carriage." She kissed her father on the cheek.
"Take good care of her Bridgewater," he said aloud although he really thought he should be telling Lizzie to take good care of Bridgewater.
"I will sir," promised Bridgewater.
All eyes followed the two as they went from the room. "They make a handsome couple Tobias," said Dr Elliott.
Tobias said nothing, but he had to admit that he would be quite happy if Lizzie finally found herself a husband, and let's face it, he'd tried unsuccessfully in the past to find her one. Only problem was did Bridgewater have the strength of character to handle his Lizzie - only time would tell.