The dinner bell rings, hastily I make my way to the
dining hall. It’s such a grand room especially when it’s dressed to impress.
Today we have really pulled out all the stops. The linen table cloths and
napkins are bright white. Silverware is laid out and shining proudly on the
tablecloth. When the silver domed cloches come out they will be perfectly
complimented. The centrepiece on the table was a silver filigreed candelabra,
which spreads light really well across the long highly polished walnut table. There
are bouquets of flowers set on tables in the corners of the room.
Nervously yet hurriedly I enter the room, my orb
clasped firmly in my down-turned fist. After been introduced around to the trolls and humans I took my place, to
the right of mother. Mother and father made a truly handsome couple in their
finery. Mother wore her diamonds. I do so long to own diamonds myself one day.
To the right of father sat Mr and Mrs Gruntly who
appeared as perfectly respectful and dignified guests however, I knew their
secret! The overpowering perfume emitting from Mrs Gruntly bears witness to the
fact that she was covering her own hideous odour. Of this I am convinced. To
the right of them was the human couple Mr & Mrs Steele, Americans whose
drawl was rather difficult to understand. Mr Steele was in construction the
irony of which did not fail me. The couple sat to their right were Mr & Mrs
Agnostica, a name which I thought sounded very exotic, perhaps even Italian. Mother
was at the other head of the table on the side farthest from the door through
which Nanny and Mr Bowfinger would come to serve the food. I was sat next to
mother as I’ve mentioned and to my right yet more trolls. Yes Mr & Mrs Oldhorn; and from what I saw through the
orb it describes his crooked bent back and twisted fingers and gnarled looking
face perfectly. The last couple who sat to the right of them and the left of my
father were introduced as Mr & Mrs Lawly, he was a solicitor. I remind myself
to ask nanny what that means, his wife was very proud to be an educated lady
and a teacher in the local school.
Conversation begins to flow, all about things that
are of little or no consequence to me. Nanny appears through the door and is closely
followed by Mr Bowfinger, both are carrying trays filled with breads and meats.
Nanny’s eyes dart from guest to guest as she puts down dish after dish, Mr
bowfinger follows suit.
Before my eyes Nanny seems to grow ever paler. Bob
Bowfinger appears to be getting slower and slower. The next course of food and
all the subsequent courses are brought through by some of the kitchen staff.
Mother looks dismayed, but says nothing of her confusion as to why Nanny &
Mr Bowfinger have not reappeared. The cloches are looking magnificent and as
they are lifted the platters of game meats and fowl are revealed. Many an ooh
and and an aah is heard around the table as the wonderful smell fills the air.
Mother seems to have forgotten her confusion regards
the disappearance of Nanny & Mr Bowfinger, I however have not. My ears
prick up, the conversation has turned from politics of the day to FAERIES!!! Yes
these distinguished “people” are discussing Faeries!!
Mrs Lawly states “ It’s simply preposterous to think
that these little flying creatures are miniature people” “they are mere fantasy and all children who
believe in such nonsense should be disciplined” “ It’s taking the children away
from learning real life”
Mr Lawly interjects “Indeed, it’s all codswallop”
“Surely it’s harmless fun?” says the kindly Mrs
Steele
“Oh No Mrs Steele, once these children believe in
faerie folk; all reality seems to be dismissed” retorts Mr Gruntly
Listening intently and not wanting to give away
anything I slide a little lower down in my chair, hoping that none of the
guests would choose this time to ask me anything.
Then as I’d wriggled down and thought myself safe,
the worst imaginable thing happened….
“Winifred” said Mrs Agnostica ,“ What do you think
of faeries?” “Do you believe in Faeries?”
My face pales I can feel the blood draining from head……
veronicastewar4.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment