Black Mahler: The Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Story by Charles Elford

Author:Charles Elford [Elford, Charles]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Coleridge had watched the approach to Boston Harbour from the deck of the great liner. The crisp sea air filled his lungs. Excitement had roused him from sleep even earlier than normal that morning and the salty dew refreshed him as it blew on his face.

He had overheard that Mr Roosevelt had been re-elected for a second term some days before. Apparently, he had had a huge majority and remnants of the celebrations, banners and flags could just be seen lining the distant docks from his vantage point. The re-election of Mr Roosevelt had pleased Coleridge. He had written to the Hilyers expressing his hope that Mr Roosevelt would be successful.

Coleridge stood in his hat, coat and white gloves as the great liner approached American soil after its eight day voyage. As Boston came clearer into view, he saw people lining the dock, looking expectantly to catch a first glimpse of their loved ones from the old world. He rapped his cane on the deck boards, his excitement needing some outlet and his heart pounded under his dapper suit. He couldn’t wait to arrive.

Eventually, the liner docked and the gangplanks were lowered. He took a breath and couldn’t help smiling like a goon as he waited his turn to leave the ship. He couldn’t look at the people on shore but was aware of the noise they were making. Trunks and crates were unloaded and loaded for the next part of their journey. Carriage horses clopped and whinnied, ladies waved lace handkerchiefs, the men waved their hats and the liner let out a great foghorn sigh that made everyone jump, then laugh.

He waited patiently in the queue that had formed on deck in front of one of the gangplanks and his papers were checked. He couldn’t look to see Dr & Mrs Cabaniss since glancing down and seeing a small group of hard-nosed looking men. He had been almost sure that one had pointed at him and said, ‘there he is’. The small group had pushed rather rudely to be near the end of the gangplank as Coleridge neared the on-board end.

The steward smiled at Coleridge as he set foot on the gangplank. The steward bade him enjoy his stay in the United States and Coleridge thanked him very much and then thanked him again.

Coleridge was then off the ship that had been his home for eight days and walking over the water, holding onto the rail to steady himself as the plank gently moved from left and to right. After just a few more steps he would be on American soil. He could barely contain his excitement but it was mixed with some trepidation as the jostling group of men at the bottom were clearly waiting for him.

“Mr Coleridge-Taylor!” Mrs Cabaniss shouted as she waved frantically, struggling through the people with the doctor to meet him. Coleridge’s step quickened and he had truly arrived in America. Mrs Cabaniss pushed through the men and shook his hand and then suddenly threw her hands around his neck.

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