The search for Merlin Homes 7/15

“The lady Margarita would like a word with the squire if it is convenient. Our coach has travelled on towards the next village to find a blacksmith, as one of our horses has thrown a shoe. We are fortunate in having an alternative method of transport with us as you can see, so we should be able to leave in an hour or so.”

The butler threw open the door and Morwenna got off the scooter and swept past Jennifer Jane and the butler, who both stood respectfully to one side to allow her to pass.

Jennifer Jane went back to the scooter and collected Moggy and his cushion, before following her. She was struggling to keep a straight face as Moggy was mentally roaring with laughter.

Morwenna insisted that both her pageboy and the cat stayed with her as she was introduced to the squire.

“The cat was a present from the Duke himself and the boy has to be kept under supervision at all times!”

The squire was most impressed and wondered how he could possibly be of service to her ‘Ladyship’.

“I have heard that the witches of this country make use of small buildings that are able to fly. I find this rather amusing and if possible would like to find someone who has one to sell, or maybe even order one from the maker himself. It would make a most interesting present for the Duke, don’t you know!”

The squire regretted that he hadn’t heard of any such buildings. “I’m afraid witches are not tolerated locally,” he said, “indeed some of the villages have people specially trained to dispose of any that may be found from time to time. If such buildings that you describe do exist they must come from very far away, possibly even from a foreign country.”

“I do so understand,” said Morwenna in her grandest manner. “The small contrivance that I found it necessary to use to get here came from a country far far away from here! It is very useful and can be very pleasurable in fine weather at times, but is not so comfortable as the coach and of course it does allow one to get wet should it rain. However, I wonder if you have any maps that you could allow me to look at, I may be able to plan a more thorough search if I am made aware of the roads and villages in this countryside.”

The squire proudly led Morwenna to his library. “Let me offer the freedom of this room to your ladyship, I think you will find something to help you along this particular shelf. I would be honoured to lend you anything you might find suitable.”

An hour later the scooter left loaded with rolls of maps. Morwenna making great play of the future gratitude of the Duke, once he had received his surprise present, while the squire was bowing low and expressing his sorrow at being unable to assist any further.

“Well that went a bit better,” said Morwenna as they all settled down under a tree for a meal. “I’m not quite sure what good this map will be, but at least we can plan our route now, instead of wandering around aimlessly.”