‘You Must Never, Never Write Like That Again’

Abstract

From: R.L.S. and his Sine Qua Non: Flashlights from Skerryvore by the Gamekeeper (1926) 7–9, 16–17, 57–61, 88–9. Despite its unpromising title and gushing enthusiasm, Adelaide Anne Boodle’s reminiscence has vitality. Adelaide called on the Stevensons in 1884, as they were moving into Skerryvore, the Bournemouth house Thomas Stevenson bought as a wedding gift for his daughter-in-law. Lloyd was already at boarding school in the seaside resort, where they would stay for three years. Louis suffered regular calls from ‘Bluidy Jack’, and was a target for nuisances, whom Fanny despatched in short order; Miss Boodle, however, got on her right side and was soon having free writing lessons. At intervals she would look after the family pets and thus acquired the name of ‘Gamekeeper’. Louis grew fond of her and sent her Christmas boxes until his death.