“What a marvellous evening and what a marvellous host,” said Mr Mallum at the breakfast table with all the family and guests. “I had the time of my life. How did everyone else fare?”
“It was very pleasant indeed,” said Marie.
“When is it full moon?” said Patience.
“Why do ask?” said Mrs Mallum.
“No reason,” said Patience.
“Tonight,” said Constance, “I think.”
“Then I had better…” started Sir John. “I shall call on Lord du Bois to thank him for the ball.”
“Oh, what a wonderful idea!” said Mr Mallum. “I shall accompany you.”
“No!” said Sir John and Marie together.
“It will be better I go alone,” said Sir John. “Because … I have some matters to discuss.”
“I see,” said Mr Mallum uncertainly. “If you think that’s best.”
“Special Place?”
“Mr Bosch, shall the maid prepare your bedtime milk drink?” said Mrs Mallum.
“That would be very nice,” said Phlebotomous,” I may take it up to my room, I’m a little overtired from the dancing.”
“Yes, it was nice of the girls to all dance with you during that waltz,” said Mr Mallum. “They practically ran across the room! Clara Monkfish was rather surprised, actually. I think she’ll recover, it was only a small fall from when Patience ran into her.”
“You room,” said Prudence, “would you say that was a special place?”
Her sisters all glared at her.
“It’s … a pleasant room,” said Phlebotomous warily.
“But not … special?” said Prudence.
“I’m sure Mr Bosch’s room is perfectly adequate,” said Mrs Mallum.
“Mrs Jennings, you may care to go for a walk this afternoon,” said Phlebotomous. “Before Sir Jennings goes out.”
“Oh!” said Marie. “Yes, thats a very good idea.”
“To the special place,” said Phlebotomous to Marie, and the four sisters all watched him attentively.
“Yes, I understand,” said Marie.
“Where the flowers are, in fact,” said Phlebotomous, “where I walked last night.”
“Yes,” said Marie, “it is perfectly clear.”
“So that…” continued Phlebotomous.
“Yes,” said Sir John, “we understand.”
“Well, I shall be off to sleep then,” said Phlebotomous.
“So Mr Bosch,” said Constance, “the special place is on your evening walk?”
“Yes,” said Phlebotomous. “Oh, wasn’t that clear, I can explain again.”
“No,” said Constance, “I understand.”
The maid brought Phlebotomous a cup of warm milk with a spice infusion, and he left the room.
“Mr Mallum, is this silverware real silver?” asked Sir John.
“Yes, Sir Jennings,” said Mr Mallum. “Unlike Lord du Bois we must make do with the basics. But it is of the highest quality for the material.”
“Could I borrow this knife?” said Sir John.
“Of course,” said Mr Mallum. “Er … any particular reason?”
“Not really,” said Sir John.
“Well I must say, everyone is being very cryptic this morning,” said Mr Mallum. “No doubt there is some jolly jape I’m not aware of. Maybe … did somebody have a special conversation with Lord du Bois?”
Mr Mallum looked meaningfully at his daughters who all groaned quietly.
The Benthic Times 