# "The Thin Line," Part K

Author: EOCostello
Tags: Deer, Mare, Mouse, Romance, Squirrel, army, intrigue

#11 of The Thin Line

In this episode, Private Winterbough gets his eyes opened as to a systemic problem that's plaguing the realm; it's sort of an odd problem, considering that certain natural urges among the Fair Folk seem to have no signs whatsoever of abating...

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was a long night, and an early morning, but I did get the bungalow looking like it would pass even the most exacting inspection.&nbsp; I didn't take offence when Chitterleigh took out a white cloth and began checking surfaces, even underneath the icebox and behind the W.C.&nbsp; The motive behind this spoke more to him than to me.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dinner, in the form of a salad with nuts, was prepared, along with some white wine chilling in the icebox.&nbsp; Bagoum's officer Lieutenant Banks made an appearance - I gathered he'd been out on maneuvers, and certainly his otter's fur seemed quite bleached by the sun.&nbsp; In an event, he lent my officer some flatware which, when I polished it, proved to be a mixture of sets liberated from an assortment of regimental messes.&nbsp; I contrived to match as much as I could and pray that Chitterleigh's father was near-sighted.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As luck would have it, it was a cool, gentle breezy day.&nbsp; They call it "King's Weather," though I think some of that is with an eye toward the old elf's comfort than any testament to his communion with Nature.&nbsp; It's said that His Majesty spends a lot of time in a belvedere in the Royal Palace, watching the Parade Ground through a spyglass.&nbsp; If he had, and if he had cared to, he could have seen a small ant-trap carrying me to Miss Eichelgruber's residence.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Lieutenant jocularly referred to this as a "recce," though I think the point more was to be helpful. In the event, I suppose the recce was a good idea, since it did give me an idea of who the other guests at the luncheon would be.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Or, rather, guest, singular.&nbsp; Who turned out to be the old femme from the cavalry luncheon.&nbsp; The old mare glanced in my direction when Meadow let me in through the garden gate.&nbsp; For some reason, she smiled, which had me worried a little bit.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My early arrival caused a slight change in plans, as Miss Eichelgruber now saw that the lunch table could be set up in the garden, so with a little effort from me, the table leaves were disassembled and reassembled, with the settings replaced in their proper places by Meadow.&nbsp; She took a great deal of care in placing the glasses, china and truesilver, as she slowly bent over to set them.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, I did notice.&nbsp; And the old femmefur noticed me noticing.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the stroke of mid-day, there was a cheerful bell-peal, and the Lieutenant was admitted, bearing a basket of rather succulent-looking acorns.&nbsp; I think I would liked to have known where he got them, and I resolved to keep an eye for any leftovers.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Lieutenant was formally introduced to Mrs. Truemane, and the frankly appraising look he got from her made him grin sheepishly and fiddle with his cravat, a state of nerves not helped by the fact that she was introduced as the day's chaperone.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was something out of place, though, and I couldn't think of what it was until Meadow and I had served the first of the three courses.&nbsp; I bent down to whisper in my officer's ear.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The mare, sir, is not using her ear-trumpet."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chitterleigh's tail gave a violent twitch, and I could see him turn to Mrs. Truemane as I resumed my station elsewhere.&nbsp; He attempted to engage her in a conversation about the day's weather.&nbsp; The response he got was a pleasant smile and a nod.&nbsp; One or more attempts at conversation convinced him, evidently, of the safety of conversation not involving her.&nbsp; I chose that moment to check on how the main course was doing.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow, when she came into the kitchen, smiled, and pointed to the ear-trumpet, which was safely tucked away in its carrying case, the straps on.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Errr, Meadow?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How long do you think we should...ah...give it?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mrs. Truemane will let us know."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How will...oh."&nbsp; I got the impression, quickly, that it wasn't going to be a matter of words that would allow Mrs. Truemane to know when the main course should be served.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The rather long interval allowed Meadow and I to have our own luncheon.&nbsp; She somewhat cheekily appropriated one of the gifted acorns, and split it between the two of us.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Any reason you're watching the sun-dial so closely, Westersloe?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After being briefly startled by the use of my first name (which few furs do), I told her about the second act that was set for that night.&nbsp; She wrinkled her small pink nose.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh, ugh.&nbsp; Lord Twelveoaks."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You know him?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He and my mistress' father are old friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; They go back a long, long way together, back to when they were clerks."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What are they now?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She raised an eyebrow, but then nodded.&nbsp; "I forget that you're a country boy."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, we don't get much attention, and we return the same."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're not losing much.&nbsp; Lord Twelveoaks - that's the title, not his last name - is the Minister for Health Affairs."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What, he looks out for plague?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If you want my opinion, he **is** a plague.&nbsp; And what's more, he has atrocious table manners."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Rather odd for a courtier, isn't it?&nbsp; I mean, bad table manners?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You hear stories about what goes on when the ladies leave the table, Westersloe."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not a country girl, I take, with that knowledge."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A slow smile.&nbsp; "No, I was born here in Albric Tor.&nbsp; Nobody special, in case you're wondering.&nbsp; But I do all right."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She smiled when she saw me busy myself with my acorn at that comment.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Anyway, Lord Greenleaf - that's Mistress' father - works in the Protocol Office.&nbsp; He gets to plan the parades and ceremonies and the like.&nbsp; Which is rather like playing with toy battle-ants, only his are much bigger and make louder gronking sounds.&nbsp; As I said, they're old cronies, Greenleaf and Twelveoaks."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "But you don't like Twelveoaks."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another nose-wrinkle.&nbsp; "He's a blowhard who got where he is today by essentially repeating the same old nonsense over and over again until furs think he's merely retelling essential truths.&nbsp; His latest thing is The Future of the Elvish Race."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow caught sight of a dropped pawkerchief from Mrs. Truemane, and our conversation was interrupted by the need to serve the main course (a chilled cucumber and cruton soup).&nbsp; The previous course had barely been touched.&nbsp; I also noticed that both Miss Eichelgruber and the Lieutenant had pushed their chairs in somewhat closer to the table and away from Mrs. Truemane, who had happily cleaned her plate.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow and I served the main course, bowed, and bore the plates we'd cleared rather quickly out of the garden.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The Future of the Elvish Race, you said."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My colleague rolled her eyes.&nbsp; "It's been something that the Ministers have been Studying, Debating and Considering for years, now.&nbsp; There's probably a whole chamber you could fill with the assorted scrolls of their memoranda and deliberations."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is all that talk bad?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow paused in the act of cleaning a plate and considered that for a bit.&nbsp; "I know you're from Elfhame, Westersloe, I can hear it in your accent."&nbsp; She looked at me.&nbsp; "You must have seen what's happened there."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I nodded.&nbsp; "Well, I mean, it was all the wars we fought in over the years.&nbsp; Elfhame was always loyal to the Crown..."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Over a lot of generations?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I could only nod to that.&nbsp; "And then when you have crop failures, and furs get sick...well..."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you think there are other places like Elfhame?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I don't know.&nbsp; I mean, Elfhame wasn't all that big to begin with."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What do you think the population of Faerie is doing, Westersloe?&nbsp; Really?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I thought.&nbsp; "Growing slowly, I'd imagine.&nbsp; I mean, Albric Tor seems pretty busy and all."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Would it surprise you to know that the city is 5,000 elves smaller than it was at the start of His Majesty's reign?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, out of how many?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "A fair amount, but suppose I told you that it was the same in practically every kingdom, principality, barony and bishopric in Faerie?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do they know why?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If they knew exactly why, they wouldn't have filled up that chamber with all those studies, would they?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose.&nbsp; So how does my officer's father fit into this?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Have you ever heard of a changeling?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's an old tale.&nbsp; It's what mothers tell their children when they're naughty, that they'll be traded for a Lowfolk child and sent from Faerie."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Were you told that?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I thought.&nbsp; "No.&nbsp; I just read it in the storybooks."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not a story.&nbsp; It really does happen.&nbsp; It's not law - not now, anyway - but there are a fair number who send their children away, not long after birth, to the Lowfolk country."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What, sent away from Faerie?!"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She put a finger to her lips and shushed.&nbsp; "Yes.&nbsp; Twelveoaks is a big backer of it.&nbsp; Says it brings "hybrid vigour," as if we elves were ants being bred."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is he right?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow shrugged.&nbsp; "Who knows?&nbsp; It's only been happening in significant numbers during the last two generations or so.&nbsp; They didn't talk about this in Elfhame?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I was an only child.&nbsp; Literally."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow looked at me, horrified.&nbsp; "Literally?&nbsp; You're joking.&nbsp; Was it that...?"&nbsp; She saw my expression, and looked abashed.&nbsp; She apologized.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, I think it's about time I heard this, and better from you, Meadow, than from a squaddie.&nbsp; So what's Twelveoaks going to do?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "There's going to be a law proposed...when, I don't know, they're still working on it...that's going to require that all Faerie-born be raised in Lowfolk country."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh, that's absurd.&nbsp; No one will stand for that, Meadow."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You were an only child, you said?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, yes."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How did you stay home in Elfhame?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "A special exemption...oh."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And no one in Elfhame fought, even when the last draughts were drained off and sent elsewhere?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't believe it.&nbsp; I mean, how can the Lowfolk teach our kin anything?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They probably can't.&nbsp; Have you seen your comrades?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look, I'll grant you, a squaddie is a squaddie, but..."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, that's the future of Faerie, right there."&nbsp; She dried a glass.&nbsp; "You were on a farm, weren't you?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Orchard."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Did they ever cross-breed trees?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sure."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Did it always work?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, an elf isn't a tree."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow looked out the window, to see the pawkerchief drop again.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, Westersloe, an elf isn't."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main course, which looked delicious to me, hadn't been touched by the two squirrels.&nbsp; The spoons hadn't even moved.&nbsp; Catching sight of us, the two moved apart quickly, their ears turning red, with some sheepish chittering.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mrs. Truemane didn't bat an eye, but finished her soup with evident pleasure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We decided to dispense with the third course, and quietly (and quickly) padded back to the kitchen.&nbsp; Meadow again apologized.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's a rotten thing to talk politics, Westersloe, and I'm sorry."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, no.&nbsp; I'd rather hear it from you.&nbsp; Shall we change the subject?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We were having some difficulty, with fits and starts that stuttered out, when we were joined by Mrs. Truemane, who gently clopped in, unbuckled her trumpet-case, and sat down to a helping of rhubarb tart. She looked up at my puzzled and astonished expression.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You'd think that silly ass of a father of hers, being a politician, would know how to phrase things, wouldn't you?"&nbsp; She wickered in delight, and gave herself a heaping spoon of cream.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meadow leaned in to her trumpet.&nbsp; "Left it open, did he, ma'am?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "As open as that great big acorn-muncher of his below his nose.&nbsp; Said to me, my dear, "Now Agnes, I want you to be in that house at all times when those two are there - don't leave them in that house alone."&nbsp; Twit."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ma'am?&nbsp; Um...where is...?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If he's got any common sense, off in that alcove in the garden.&nbsp; Thinks he's putting one over on me, he is.&nbsp; Hah!"&nbsp; A heaping forkful of tart was chewed with relish.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have to say that my acorn-muncher was open, as well.&nbsp; She looked at me, and shook her head.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope that's youth, boy, and not something else.&nbsp; In my day, when I was a young filly (and that was a long time ago, and what of it?), we didn't bother with such things as chaperones."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another slice of tart, with lots of cream, was demanded.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Heavens, no.&nbsp; Why, let me tell you, when I met my first husband, he didn't shilly-shally.&nbsp; The first chance the two of us got..."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Between bites of tart-and-cream, there followed a startling description of what evlish stallions could do when the mood struck them.&nbsp; For that matter, a startling description of what elvish ex-fillies - and they certainly had to be ex-fillies --&nbsp; could do when the mood struck **them**.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "All this assorted nonsense about propriety and rules and observance of norms?&nbsp; Rubbish, my dears, complete rubbish.&nbsp; Well, at least we so-called furs of quality have an excuse.&nbsp; What's your excuse, boy?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ma'am?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She pointed with a fork at Meadow, who was smiling sweetly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Now, when I was mistress of a household, I used to have dozens of servants.&nbsp; Had quite a turnover below-stairs, bless them with Fuma's scent.&nbsp; Oh, yes, scullery maids were lucky to last six months, bless 'em again.&nbsp; Never batted an eye, I did.&nbsp; Paid 'em off, set them up in trade, got in a new batch.&nbsp; Made sure one or two of the footfurs were off limits though.&nbsp; Private stock, y'know."&nbsp; She winked at me, and then looked me over with the aid of a lorgnette.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hmmm. Small and tawny was usually brawny, though."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She was looking at my boggled expression with a puzzled air, and then turned to Meadow, and enquired whether I had performed one of a series of four actions with, or preferably at, her.&nbsp; Meadow shrugged her shoulders, and leaned in to the trumpet.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He's a country boy, ma'am."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh!&nbsp; One of those rustic chivalry types?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think so, ma'am."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "My third husband was like that.&nbsp; It took forever to break him in, but it was worth it.&nbsp; I can't think why he was so shy at first, he should have been proud of it.&nbsp; If that ghastly ass Twelveoaks wants vigour in our race, he should get a company of grain-wenches, some nice strapping country boys, and a few casks of wine.&nbsp; Mix with moonlight and a few fiddles, and there you are!&nbsp; Used to never fail, you'd always have a nice round of weddings some months later."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mrs. Truemane dabbed her lips with a napkin.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm going upstairs for a nap.&nbsp; Wake me when it's time to send that nice young Lieutenant home."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She paused at the stairs, and wagged a finger at me.&nbsp; "Now, you be a good little elf, and remember to clear that table, first.&nbsp; If you break anything, hide it under the rug.&nbsp; I won't tell Miss Eichelgruber."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After she left, Meadow was laughing too hard to press her advantage, and the moment passed.&nbsp; We finished the tart together, and after finding a harpsichord tucked away in the corner of the salon, I sang some old, rustic folk melodies.&nbsp; Ones whose lyrics would have disappointed Mrs. Truemane, but were still appreciated by Meadow.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The sun-dial was getting dangerously late in the afternoon when the two of us reluctantly agreed we had to do something.&nbsp; Meadow took me by the paw, and led me outside, to the edge of the garden alcove.&nbsp; She whispered to me, and on the count of three (wait for it, as my drill sergeant would have said), each of us discreetly cleared our throats.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There followed a pair of startled squeaks, followed by some indistinct rustling.&nbsp; It took the better part of five minutes before Miss Eichelgruber and the Lieutenant reappeared. Meadow and I bowed, and I noted to the Lieutenant that we had another appointment.&nbsp; He sighed, and looked unhappy.&nbsp; His companion looked wistful, but asked Meadow to fetch both my hat and the Lieutenant's, and they said good-bye to Mrs. Truemane, who looked cheerful, refreshed, and full of vim.&nbsp; I know that, because she expressed her vigor with a paw when no one was looking.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the ride back, I felt something in my hat, and upon investigation, found it was a note that had been placed there.&nbsp; I thought it was very decent of my officer not to ask me what the message was.&nbsp; While flattering, it could hardly be repeated.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/0mvGJwqn
Part of the series The Thin Line
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