So - what about some fictional husbandry, i.e. Blandings? It's come in for a lot of criticism from people who don't think it looks right, but it grew on us as the series went on. Timothy Spall doesn't look anything like depictions of the Earl of Emsworth on the front covers of the Penguin editions from the 1970s, that many of us grew up with. But if you think that he has a younger son of about 20, then mid-50s seems about the right age. And he does do bewildered very well, as he does most things. The real problem is that Jennifer Saunders isn't remotely frightening enough for Lady Constance. The original character is in the Aunt Agatha class of intimidating grandes dames.
But what links Blandings with our own plot?
- The Earl of Emsworth is devoted to his livestock, especially the Empress of Blandings. Richard and Sarah are constantly fussing over the sheep.
- The Earl of Emsworth has a completely disorganised desk, as does Richard - the archaeological method of filing has its uses.
- The Earl of Emsworth has innumerable nieces, as do Richard and Sarah, well 3 anyway.
- The Earl of Emsworth wouldn't go anywhere near the house of Lords. Come to think of it, that puts him in good company with most people.
- The Earl of Emsworth is constantly bewildered by the inane witterings of gormless 20-somethings. And Richard has just got through a batch of undergraduate exams.
So - no butlers, no East Wings, but something of Blandings spirit.
And with luck, things will start growing soon.
