Vindication Swim

The sea is calming.

Its ebbs and flows beckon me to return to its embrace.

The winds and tides whisper my name.

As they draw ever nearer.

But do not fear the water, Mercedes.

My daughter, my child.

Do not fear to lose sight of the shore,

for I will wait for you...

on the other side of the dark waters.

Let them carry you, Mercedes.

Let the waves draw you home.

You're a cheat!

Liar! You didn't finish!

You're a fraud and you know it!

You're a cheat!

You're a fraud and you know it!

Liar!

Come on, Miss Gleitze, tell us the truth.

Liar! You didn't finish! Cheat!

You're a liar!

Fraud! Cheat!

Champion Miss Gertrude Ederle today made history.

Becoming the first ever lady to conquer the English Channel.

Following an intensive training regime in her native New Jersey,

the American entered the chilly waters of

Cap Gris-Nez early Saturday morning

and for the next fourteen hours and thirty one minutes

battled against the waves...

filled with enough grit and determination

to see her through to Dover.

While the Americans Revel in the glory

of their new Queen of the Waves...

news of her victory will surely come as a blow

to Britain's female Channel hopefuls.

Come in.

I finished the shipping report you asked for.

Leave it on the desk.

Is that all?

Yes, that's all.

Dear Sir Arthur,

I understand that you are looking to sponsor a

British woman in an English Channel swim...

now that we've been beaten by the Americans in our own backyard.

No doubt, you are aware that I was so very close to becoming

the first ever woman to complete the feat...

in my seventh attempt last year.

I would have tried again that summer

if I'd had the funds to do so.

Still, this time has given me the ability to rebuild my stamina

at the Holborn Baths, where I train each evening without fail,

around my work as a stenographer.

It is dull work, poorly paid

and I cannot slake my desire for the Channel.

With each tap of the key, I hear the splash of the sea.

Every waking hour, I dream of the water.

For what once compelled me as a girl,

now consumes me as a woman.

Despite the loss to Gertrude Ederle this summer...

I remain firm and resolute in mindset.

To become the first British woman to swim the English Channel...

would be for me, the greatest honor.

Yours faithfully,

Mercedes Gleitze.

Excuse me, Madam. Miss Gleitze?

Yes?

Thank you.

Wait here, please.

And I'll fetch you once they're ready.

Yes, of course. Right away, Sir.

Gade's medical results, Sir. Requires your signature.

Sir Arthur Coleridge?

Yes, my dear?

Apologies for the intrusion, I am Mercedes Gleitze.

I have been corresponding with you in regards to a Channel swim.

I frankly can't understand why I'm not even being considered.

In your letter of rejection, you failed to acknowledge

any of my achievements.

So I've come here to ask you, what more can I possibly do?

Look, my dear...

Sponsorship for such a swim cannot be granted on a whim

to any lady who comes looking.

There are certain attributes, which must be considered.

Such as?

Well, you see the association have already selected their sponsee.

A fine lady by the name of Mrs. Edith Gade.

In fact, she resigned her post as a doctor

at King's College Hospital in order

to take up our sponsorship offer.

There is also the issue of your name.

You see, Miss Gleitze...

For a woman of your circumstances,

it would be neither suitable nor appropriate

for us to sponsor you at this time.

If only they knew how much you loved this country.

I knew her, you know...

Edith Gade.

She was on my staff at Rouyumont during the war.

Only lasted three months before she was struck off the register.

And how she was re-admitted to King's College, God only knows.

Now breathe in for me.

And exhale.

Breathe in.

And exhale.

You're back to fighting fit.

Ever considered changing the name

to something more anglicised?

No. I shouldn't need to.

I was born here for heaven's sake.

Look, there is an old client of mine...

Mr. Harold Best.

Harold Best.

Didn't he swim the Channel?

He did. He dropped off the map after the war.

But I feel you might be able to

coax him out of his self-imposed exile.

Mr. Best?

Hello?

Mr. Best!

What's the nature of your calling?

I'm looking for Mr. Best.

I know that. What for?

I'm told he might be able to train me.

Well, he ain't here.

But if you're hell bent, you might try The Volunteer.

Thank you.

I'm looking for Mr. Best.

I'm told I might find him here.

You mean old Harold Best?

That's him, over in the corner.

Thank you.

Mr. Best?

We've not been previously acquainted.

No.

My name is Mercedes Gleitze.

I'm a swimmer and I'm told you might train me.

I don't train anymore.

Especially not girls.

Well, I can assure you, I will make it worth your while.

I intend to do anything--

I do not train girls!

Now, see you.

Fine. In your current state

you could hardly teach a fish to swim, let alone a girl.

Good day, Mr. Best.

Your pronouncements will someday land you

in a whole heap of bother!

If they've not done so already.

We'll rant and we'll roar...

like true British sailors.

We'll rant and we'll roar...

all o'er the salt sea.

Until we find landings...

in the Channel of of old England.

From Ushant to Scilly...

is thirty-five leagues!

It's so risqué.

That's what I thought, they really reveal all.

-Shows everything. -That's right.

Very naughty.

Yeah. Sure.

It's just not proper that she

wants was a strip off and dive into that godawful water.

Well, it's down right dangerous.

She ought to go back to being a real woman.

Maybe she can't. My doctor says it can unsex

a woman, all that physical strain on the body.

It's obscene.

Ah Miss Gleitze.

I understand you speak German and can write in shorthand.

Is that correct?

Yes. I'm fluent in German.

And somewhat with the stenography.

Good, in that case I shall need you to work late tomorrow night.

Is that alright?

Yes. Yes, that should be fine.

Excellent. See you then.

How long have you been with us now, Miss Gleitze?

Just shy of two years, I believe.

Two years. Really?

I don't smoke. Thank you.

And you live alone I believe?

Yes, I do.

Such a pity.

It really would be a tragedy if a beautiful girl

like you were to be left on the shelf, as it were.

I must confess, many a day I've seen you here

and given thought to stealing a kiss myself...

if it's not too bold to say.

It's Mercedes, isn't it?

It's Miss Gleitze! And that is too bold.

You have a sharp tongue.

You know, I've had a lot of girls working for me in here.

They come and they go.

But the ones who do best in this company...

tend to adopt a more...

friendly attitude.

I suggest you go away and think about that...

Miss Gleitze.

Well go on, that'll be all.

What's the verdict?