The last time I visited Merry Hall, Beverley Nichols’ Georgian mansion in England, One and Four (Nichols’ cats) were following as I made my last go-round through the gardens.

It’s been nearly two years since I closed that door and lingered on Merry Hall’s stoop, saddened that I had to leave. Imagine my delight when I discovered I would be returning. I don’t expect you to share in my elation at being inside Nichols’ house again or, for that matter, walking through his gardens - and I’m quite certain, for those who’ve never been to Merry Hall, you’ll be expecting an apology at my boring you with this.

Nichols, Gaskin and Oldfield

So, to you dear reader I say I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you haven't met Oldfield the gardener, or Reginald Arthur Gaskin, Nichols’ manservant. I’m sorry you're missing-out on the witty banter between Miss Emily, once dear friend of the late Mr. Stebbing (former owner of Merry Hall),  and Nichols. Miss Emily Kaye, meddling neighbor who is all in a panic when Nichols rips off wallpapers, "Each of those wallpapers has its memories for me." 
And oh-dear-my, "You're not changing this?" 

And, indeed apologies are in order at having to put you through that mess about Oldfield stealing fuel from the house just so he could keep his chrysanthemums warm. Bother.  

Shamefaced, I will not be leaving Merry Hall anytime soon, as though I have quite finished with Laughter, I am now reading Sunlight on the Lawn, the third and final telling of the friends and the house I’ve come to feel so comfortable with. Escapism at its finest.

Laughter on the Stairs

Fictional Non-fiction

Reprint facsimile of the original 1953 publication by Jonathan Cape,

by Timber Press (2008)

236 pages