SIR GILBERT'S MAGISTERIAL RETORT!

Upon becoming aware that he had been the subject of some particular gossip within the City & County Dining and Refreshment Rooms, Sir Gilbert Hill has felt moved to issue a magisterial retort: he has most certainly not retired to Borsetshire, but is as determined as ever to protect his interests in the Golden Valley. 

Nevertheless, a small family matter originating in Sir Gilbert's African possessions has proved a cause of recent distraction. We shall let Sir Gilbert's despatches take up the story:

Disturbing rumours, so far uncorroborated, have been circulating in Gilberstsville, the administrative centre of the Hill Protectorate in Zimbotholand. It is said that Ranleigh Bigsworth-Hill, nephew of Bwana Hill himself, has been taken captive by dissident tribesmen. Apparently he became separated from the detachment of the Legion of Frontiersmen that he was leading whilst on a punitive mission to arrest a dangerous shaman or witch-doctor who was fomenting unrest amongst Sir Gilbert’s subjects. The suggestion is that Ranleigh is alive and being kept as a hostage.

 

Ranleigh’s service with The League is because a of an unfortunate dalliance he had with the niece of the Earl of Snapcase, the business partner of Sir Gilbert. The product of this dalliance resulted in a threat of a horse-whipping from the Earl, followed by marriage to the lady in question, the Honourable Fanny Gusset-Monger. Sir Gilbert issued an ultimatum; Ranleigh must go and serve his uncle in Africa or accept the consequences of his actions. 

Ranleigh Bigsworth-Hill, photographed by one of his detachment
at the moment he disappeared into the bush saying
 "This looks like a short-cut to me, men."
He hasn’t been seen since.

Upon hearing these rumours of Ranleigh’s capture, Sir Gilbert growled "Serves the blighter right - may teach him to keep it in his britches in future, assuming he still has it, of course." However Ranleigh’s mother (Sir Gilbert’s sister) was less inclined to take such a relaxed view. In fact she impressed on Sir Gilbert very forcibly that Something Must Be Done. Bowing to the inevitable, Sir Gilbert sought the help of a distinguished neighbour, Lettice Crisply-Dunne, the famous lady author, traveller, explorer and adventurer. "Leave it to me, G old thing, I’ll see what can be arranged." responded that redoubtable lady.

When this unfortunate interlude is concluded, Sir Gilbert hopes to return to his Golden Valley seat and continue his Herefordshire struggles. To this end, he intends bringing a section from the League of Frontiersmen to England to help in the battles to come...

Sir Gilbert’s League of Frontiersmen section in training for Herefordshire action

Notes: with thanks to Doug for news of Sir Gilbert, whose Herefordshire tenantry may now calm themselves and ignore malicious gossip. A visit to Doug's blog is highly recommended!