“Don’t you just love a happy ending, Eliot? Just think. Our great-great-great grandparents dressed just like that. You know, I just had a great idea! Why don’t we go through their trunks in the attic and have a party where everyone comes dressed like Pride & Prejudice people? We could— I’ll get it. Hold that thought.”
“Huh? What thought? Well, I wonder what’s on next.”
“What’s that? Oh. It’s just ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’. Well, anyway, that was Jill and Silver. They’re going to drop by for a minute to see if I need any help with Wool Week plans. You didn’t forget that you promised to find another place for me to put on our Wool Week events, did you? No, I’m sorry. You always work things out just perfectly. What? Yes, those are cool credits. I’m going to the Dining Room to start getting my things together. I told the Girls to just let themselves in. All right? Eliot? Okay, I’m going.”
“Oh, I know they’re in here somewhere. I really do need to clean these drawers out some day. Hmm, I forgot about that doily. That might look nice in the Parlour . . . Now, where is that roving?”
“Ta da! I knew it was in here somewhere. Let me see . . . which ones do I want? Well, might as well take ’em all.”
“No, Eliot. I’m fine. No, I’m not pulling out too much stuff. Just what I need. Hmm? Well, how do I know, when I don’t know where we’re going to set up? I’ll just pull it all out and sort through it later. Pardon me? Oh, my! Is it that time already? Why don’t you just get Harold to deliver some pizza? I’m not very hungry, so just make my half plain cheese. Hmm? I’m glad you’re happy with the new TV. Mm-hmm, I’ll be careful. Is that you, Girls? Come into the Dining Room.”
“It’s okay; Eliot knows I’m expecting you, but he’s watching a movie. No, we don’t have to be quiet. He’s seen it so many times he could watch it muted and still know what they’re saying. Oh, Girls! Did you see the Notice in the Gazette this morning? What?! Oh, you really should read the Gazette before you start your day. How do you ever know what’s going on in Islandshire?”
“Anyway, my brother hired Pete and Mina to repair the roof on the Community Center, so we HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER PLACE to hold our Wool Week event! It’s okay, though, because he says he’ll figure something out. Yeah, he is a good brother. I’m trying not to dwell on the awfulness of it, so I thought I’d start gathering my wool stuff into one place.”
“Let me set these down, and you can tell me your ‘great idea’. Oh, I forgot my manners! Would you like something to eat or drink? Are you sure? Harold’s bringing Pizza by in a bit. Well, if you change your mind(s) . . .”
“Those don’t weigh much, but it sure is hard to keep them from falling all over the floor. You’re right. It would be nice if I had a little shop set up somewhere. Not only would I have a place to store it all, but I could sell off the extra stuff. Maybe I should ask Eliot about the idea. After Wool Week, don’t you think? (Wink, wink.) Hey, take a look at this year’s wool from Berengaria. Isn’t she an amazing sheep? And, before you leave, remind me to show you the most beautiful doily I found in the drawer while digging for the roving. No, funny girl, it is not made of wool! So, what’s your great idea? I could use a great idea for Wool Week right now.”
“We were talking about how much fun we had during Wool Week last year and wondered if there were a way that we could be part of it this year. Jill, tell her your idea. Okay, I’ll tell her. But it was Jill’s idea! Anyway, we noticed that a lot of people last year were asking for Gift Wrapping. And we thought, couldn’t we offer to wrap gifts for the shoppers this year? We could set up a cart on wheels with everything we need. Something we could roll around to the different places, where we could wrap their stuff right on the spot. If it doesn’t fit in with your plans, though, it’s okay. We just thought we’d volunteer—“
“DOESN’T FIT IN WITH MY PLANS?! It’s brilliant! I should have thought of it years ago! You Girls are so clever! Pardon me? No, whatever you pick will be great, I’m sure. Do you need any supplies or a cart or anything? I only have to ask Eliot, and he’ll get us what we need. Okay, if you’re sure. I’ll leave it in your capable hands. Oh, Girls, you’re the best! Just wait’ll I tell the Redheads! They’ll probably be your best customers! You were right, that is a great idea! Remember, if you need anything, just let us know.”
“Bunty, did you needlefelt this sheep? You did?! Would you show me how to make this? If you make a list for me, I’ll buy all the supplies at the Show this year. I know you would. You’re a sweet friend, and it is a lovely offer of a gift, but I really want to learn to do this.”
“Would this be an easy project to learn on? Oh, I can’t wait to get started. Now, when Jill pulls out her painting supplies, I’ll have my own ‘chair hobby’. We’re always looking for companionable projects. So, what kind of wool is this? Oh, never mind, I’ll never remember. Just make sure that when I come to your booth this year I get some of this. Oh, Jill, isn’t she a good friend?! Oh, Bunty, you’re such a good friend! Sorry to run like this, but we’ve got to be downtown in 30 minutes.”
“Let us know as soon as you have an idea where the set-up will be. And say “Hi!” to Eliot for us. If we rush, I think we have enough time to go to the Gazette and subscribe. We’ll tell Trudy you sent us. Ta ta!”
“Hi, Harold! Bunty, Harold’s here! Thanks, anyway. I’m sure the pizza’s great, but we’ve got a million things to do today. Smells good, though. Maybe we’ll plan a pizza party after Wool Week is over. Yeah, we just stopped by to volunteer to man a Gift Wrap booth at this year’s event. Yeah, Gift Wrapping. It was Jill’s idea. Sure, we’ll be easy to find. Just look for the travelling ribbon cart! Bye, Guys! Gotta run! See ya later!”
“Oh, Harold! Did you hear the bad news? About the Community Center being closed? Good, I’m glad he called you. Two heads are better than one. Eliot promised to figure it out for me, but I’m still worried. We can’t call Wool Week off! I know; you’re right. He does always work things out. I just can’t help it! Pardon me? Thank you. Silver was just admiring it, too. She wants me to teach her how to make one for herself. Pizza smells good. Eliot’s watching ‘Those Magnificent Men’ in the den. If you hurry, you should be in time to see the American save the Coldstreamer. I know, me too. But don’t tell Eliot. Go on in, and I’ll join you in a minute. Oh, yeah! What do you want to drink with that? Right-o! Hmm? No, I heard that in an old movie the other day and have been waiting to use it. Oh, go on . . .”
“Boy, that’s one long movie. I’ve just e-mailed the Redheads and asked for suggestions about where to have the Wool Week event. Now that your movie’s finished, maybe the two of you can put your heads together and come up with a good idea. No, apple pie and root beer for dessert is not the kind of good idea I meant . . . and you know it. This is serious. I mean it. Come on, guys. Laughing is not going to help. Okay, I can’t take it anymore. I’m going out to feed the sheep. No, they aren’t getting pie and root beer . . .”