Wuthering Dormice (aka Bike) Part 838 by Angharad

The next morning I was up early and couldn’t wait to get the girls to school so I could get over to the children’s home and begin my exploration of the attics. I was there at nine and by ten thirty I was pretty sure there were no bats roosting in the attics nor were there more than a few signs of droppings. Any that went there were very occasional.

I sat with Nora drinking a coffee, “So there is no sign of bats?”

“I wouldn’t say no sign, because there were one or two droppings but they could be years old and in no quantity.”

“We don’t have bats in the belfry, then.”

“I don’t know about belfry, but attics–no.”

“Oh well, I suppose it was worth a try.”

“If we’d found any, yes–smooth snakes in the garden or great crested newts in the pond would have been good too.”

“I’d have thought only nesting ospreys would have done to save us.”

“You’d need quite a garden pond to feed a pair of ospreys, and I suspect the RSPB would have forced you out even sooner to protect their rare predators–besides, they breed in summer not winter–they’ll be in Africa by now.”

“Couldn’t we get some stuffed ones and pretend?”

“Natural England aren’t quite that stupid and the average birdwatcher would be able to spot something wrong if the bird didn’t move for a few seconds. Then there is the problem that protected species are protected live or dead, so a dead, stuffed osprey is still protected.”

“From what–moths?”

“That as well I’d hope; no, the two legged rats which pervade this planet.”

“I thought all rats had four legs?”

“No, Nora, the most flourishing variety has two legs and far too much influence upon this miserable little planet.”

“Ah that sort of rat–I’ve dated a few in my time.” I sniggered and she began to do the same, in a few minutes we were laughing like drains–not that I’ve seen too many of those laugh. Come to think about it, I’ve never seen a drain laugh–English is a silly language at times.

I had to get home, tomorrow was Saturday and Leon would be around to repair the shed. I half expected him to moan the whole time–if he did, I’d call him Mona. That’ll shut him up.

“What about the two kids I might need to temporarily accommodate?”

“Oh yes, I have to sort that out with them and the charity.”

“What are they girls or boys?”

“Two boys, is that a problem?”

“Boys, oh,” I felt my heart sink a little.

“Is that a problem, Cathy?”

“I hope not.”

“Maybe I can sweet-talk them into coming to Wantage.”

“If you can’t, I’ll take them, but it’s likely to be temporary only.”

“Of course.”

I left and went home worrying about my big mouth and the fact that I needed to keep it under more control. Why did I need to save the world all the time? Me and my big mouth, but having made the offer I had to honour it. My discussion with Tom had raised no objections–his response, “There’s plenty o’space, if ye’re happy, sae am I.”

I suggested that I would have to set clear boundaries and they would have to understand that if they breached them, they could be out. Tom emphasised, “It widnae be maybe, they’d be oot.” We’d have to see, we’d have to see.

The rest of the day went quickly as I caught up on some housework and cooking. I made some cakes, I was sure that Leon would help us eat some tomorrow, so would Simon. I just made simple sponge-cakes which I’d turn into Victoria sponges with some jam. I missed not having a child getting under my feet wanting to help.

What was I thinking about, they hadn’t been with me that long? I’d had Spike with me longer than I’d been playing mothers. I wondered if the two boys would want to come to me? Did they know Trish in her previous life? If so were they going to cause troubles? Would this all act as an obstacle to my adoption application?

I called Rushton Henstridge, he reassured me that this could only reflect well upon me as a responsible parent. I hoped he was right, but I felt less certain of my desire to have two boys living in the house. I’d not got their ages–oh what a mess I was making–they might be five or ten or fifteen. Oh hell–I hope not fifteen–Simon will be the only one who’ll be able to control them, they’ll be bigger than I am and possibly terrify me and the girls. What if they were Trish’s tormentors? Oh hells bells, my big gob.

At one point I was tempted to get Simon to bid for the site but then remembered it had been sold. I was tempted then to get Simon to create havoc for them, and maybe they’d need to sell it on–but that would be misconduct and he wouldn’t do it anyway.

Simon was due back on Saturday, I was glad he’d be here, I felt in need of my hubby’s support–goodness, am just a wee wifey after all? I needed to talk things over with him and I’d be pleased if he were here when Leon was, just so he’d know there was someone here who could kick his bum if required. I suppose I could do, but seeing as I had a muckle lump of a man, as Tom once described him–or something like that, I might as well use him. I mean he’ll eat his share and more of my cakes if I let him.

“Ooh, we having cake tonight?” asked Stella coming into the kitchen.

“No they’re for tomorrow.”

“Why? What’s happening tomorrow?”

“Our new gardener starts.”

“Oh that kid you cornered.”

“Yes, him.”

“Do you honestly think he will?”

“He’d better.”

“Why, what’re you gonna do if he doesn’t?”

“Send Simon to get him.”

“Is all this legal–I mean slave labour?”

“It isn’t slave labour, I’m going to pay him quite well.”

“Oh, I thought he had to work for nowt.”

“No, I’m paying him fifty quid.”

“Cor, that’s quite a lot for a yoof.”

“The two kids we could be putting up are boys.” I said breaking the bad news.

“Oh, that’ll make a change then.”

“I don’t know if I can look after boys.”

“Now’s your chance to find out.”

“What if they were tormenting Trish?”

“We tie ‘em up and let her loose with a carpet knife.”

“To do what?” I was horrified at the prospect of that scenario.

“Join a soprano choir–poetic justice?”

“Wouldn’t that be operatic justice?”

“Two little maids from school are we...” she sang in a silly voice while she went back upstairs to her decorating.