The Reverent Wooing of Archibald

by P. G. Wodehouse

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Summary

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Wilfred Mulliner shares a captivating story about his nephew Archibald's courtship of Aurelia Cammarleigh. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of London's Drones Club, where Archibald first lays eyes on the enchanting Aurelia. Guided by Algy Wymondham-Wymondham's advice, Archibald navigates the challenges and eccentricities of love, all while dealing with Aurelia's peculiar aunt.

The Initial Encounter

Peering out from the Drones Club window, Archibald finds himself mesmerized by a stunning girl awaiting a taxi. Eager to know more about this mysterious beauty, he learns from Algy that her name is Aurelia Cammarleigh. Algy suggests that Archibald make his introduction at the upcoming event at Ascot. However, Archibald is daunted by the prospect of impressing her, as he is only known for his comedic imitation of a hen laying an egg. Such antics, he believes, are unfit for someone as sophisticated as Aurelia.

A Strategic Invitation

When the much-anticipated meeting at Ascot finally occurs, Aurelia surprises Archibald by asking about his famed hen impression. Embarrassed, he denies the talent but is nonetheless granted permission to visit her. Knowing that gaining approval from her eccentric aunt is crucial, Archibald immerses himself in books about Shakespeare and Bacon, preparing to impress the aunt, who holds the odd belief that Bacon authored Shakespeare's works. By feigning interests that align with hers, he earns an invitation to her Sussex estate.

Uneasy Evenings

In Sussex, Archibald feels anything but elated. Aurelia's presence renders him mute, leaving him to pine silently for her. After preparing for dinner one evening, he finds himself alone with the aunt, enduring a lengthy monologue about a supposed Baconian code hidden in Milton's epitaph on Shakespeare. Despite his polite engagement, the conversation is exhausting, and he only escapes to his room well after midnight. There, he discovers a prank bed with sheets folded in the "apple-pie" style. Normally amused by such jokes, his spirits are too low to appreciate it, and he simply rearranges the bedding to sleep.

A Serendipitous Revelation

In the early hours, Archibald is startled awake by loud snoring. Curious and armed with a soap bar, he ventures outside through his French windows. Eavesdropping on Aurelia and her friend, he learns of a snoring bulldog and overhears a candid conversation about himself. His heart sinks as Aurelia expresses doubt about their potential as a couple. She admits that while she was initially intrigued by the tales of his egg-laying act, his denial of that persona and his solemn demeanor with her aunt painted him as overly reverent.

Embracing His True Self

Aurelia confesses her desire for a playful spirit, rather than the overly respectful demeanor Archibald has displayed. Her friend reveals she played the bed prank, and Aurelia wishes she had come up with the idea herself. Archibald listens as they plot to place the snoring bulldog in his room. Realizing he must make a bold move, he retreats to his room and, upon hearing footsteps approaching, performs his celebrated hen imitation.

The Joyful Resolution

Archibald's performance is met with awe as Aurelia peers through the curtains, her face lit with admiration. Encouraged by her reaction, he encores with additional hopping and clucking. This charming display helps him shed the false persona he adopted to win over the aunt. Relieved of his burdensome guise, Archibald and Aurelia, now hand in hand, decide to prank the butler's pantry with the snoring dog.

With laughter and mutual understanding, a new chapter begins for the couple, as Archibald finally embraces the playful nature that Aurelia truly desires. Their shared mischief marks the start of a joyful relationship, grounded in humor and authenticity.

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