“Oh, Eliot! What a perfect choice! I love the ‘Father Brown’ shows. And guess who my favorite character is.” Giggling. “Do you know what time to pick up the Redheads tomorrow? I’ve got to run down to the Gazette. Trudy wants to interview me about the Street Fair, and she needs one of the posters to run with the article. So, I’ll meet you back here and then take the Girls out to where the sheep are pasturing. It’s okay, Harold’s going to meet us out there. Boy, those Girls sure are crazy about the sheep. Must be why we’re such good friends. We always have so much fun when they’re here, don’t we? Remind me, who named us the Redhead Club? Me, neither, but it sure has stuck. Oh, Eliot! I’m so excit– Ssh! The show’s starting . . .”
“Hey, Bunty. I’m leaving now. Need me to pick up anything besides the Girls while I’m down there? I think I’m running low on Cornish pasties. Okay. Six or twelve? Can you give P&E a quick all and let them know I’m on my way? Sure. See you soon.”
“Over here, Girls! Hey, glad to see you again. You’re right, our flock’s grown a bit since you were here last. Would ya like to be introduced? You can come closer. They won’t run away. Okay, everybody, let’s be on our best behavior!”
“You all know Berengaria and Sheepie, the big ones, right? And Albie, of course, standing over there (for the minute, anyway) in front of Sheepie. Actually, come to think of it, Georgiana’s probably the only one who doesn’t know the other four lambs. I’ll just do a quick round of introductions, and then you can play with them.”
“The American Tunis at the front . . . sorry, the twins with the brown ears and legs . . . are Carper and Ruth. I pasture them over here with Bunty’s flock, because they get so lonely by themselves at my place.”
“That’s Molenick standing next to her mother. Moh-luh-nick, but you can call her Molly. Her brother is the grumpy lamb sitting down over there in the corner. Sorry. His name’s Wilberforce, but everyone calls him Grumpy Wilby. I don’t know. He’s been like that since birth. Even Alton has problems with him. And Alton’s as great a sheep dog as you’ll find!”
“Good question, Georgiana. It is, actually, quite common for most sheep breeds to twin.”
“Give me one second to get them all calmed down a bit, and you can start filing in. Just move slowly and quietly until they get used to you. And just ignore Wilby. He won’t care. He doesn’t like anyone, anyway.”
“Hi, Natalya! Long time no sheep!” Groan. “Nicer weather than last year, isn’t it? Oh, boy, do they remember you! Sheepie’s usually a little timid, but look at her. Albie, don’t step on Natalya’s feet. That’s no way to treat guests. Hmm? I know, but it makes me feel like I have some control over what Albie does. Stop laughing, Bunty . . . I wasn’t being funny. Stop.”
“Harold, are you sure that the grumpy lamb doesn’t just want some attention? He’s looking right at me. Are you kidding? How do you know he’s nearsighted? Can you get glasses for him? Well, why not? Hey, you guys, come on in. They’re not running away at all.”
“Hey, Bunty. I brought Sheepie out today, because I think her leg looks great. That colloidal silver did the trick. And fast, too. No, don’t worry about Albie. I’ll get the burrs off after you guys are gone. Have you thought about a bell, yet? Just asking, just asking. Okay. Mind if I ask you something else? Is something wrong with Brighton? Well, for one thing, she’s dressed in all those layers of winter clothes. Does she feel all right? Let me know, will you? . . . Hey, Girls! What do you think of our family this year? Pretty nice, huh?”
“Look, Georgie! They remember me! And look at the grumpy lamb. He’s staring at me. Maybe he just wants to be loved. Yeah, I am a little hot. How was I to know? No one told me! I thought it was going to be like last year. Hey, maybe that’s why the sheep like me so much! Maybe it’s all the wool I’m wearing. Come here, little sheepies . . .”
“Hey, Natalya. I saw you talking to Brighton. Is she feeling all right? I mean, look at her! She’s dressed for arctic exploration. Oh. I didn’t think about that. I’m glad it’s nothing serious. Why don’t you girls tell her to take some of that off? She’s gonna pass out from heat stroke.”
“Pssst. Hey, Brighton. Over here. Harold thinks you’re sick or something. Because of all those winter clothes, of course. Aren’t you hot? So, why don’t you do something about it? Back to the house is out of the question. But you’ve got to shed some of that, um, outerwear.”
“Hey, Georgie. Are you cold? No, I mean, do you wish you had warmer clothes on? I think I’m a bit overdressed. Oh, Berengaria, I love you, too. Anyway, I think maybe if I take my hat off, it might not seem so sweltering out here. Voila! Where’s Harold? I’d love a drink of cold water.”
“Brighton, do you see that grumpy lamb? He keeps staring in your direction. Yeah, I heard that, but I don’t think he needs glasses. I think he likes you. Maybe it’s the red hair.”
“Are you kidding?! Everyone around here has red hair, Georgiana! I think you’re right, though. He does keep following me around. Boy, I wonder if taking off the hat wasn’t quite enough. I’m still really hot. Well, I could, but where am I going to set it down that the sheep won’t trample it? Oh, that’s a good idea. I’ll ask Natalya what she thinks.”
“You don’t need to ask Natalya! Just take the poncho off! You’ll feel better, and Harold will stop worrying about you. Just do it!”
“Look at Albie! He’s sticking to Natalya like glue! Nat, I think he really likes you. Why don’t you pick him up? Well, that’s what you do with a kitty that wants love. Yeah, Georgie thought I’d feel better if I shed the poncho. It’s helped a little, but it’s still warm out here. Why don’t you see if he’ll let you pick him up?”
“I’ll give it a try. Come here, Albie . . . Hey! Look at me! He let me do it! No, he isn’t heavy at all. His wool’s soft and tickles my nose. Wanna pet him? I don’t know how long he’s gonna let me do this. Isn’t he soft? Move real slowly, so he doesn’t get spooked. Hey, I think Sheepie looks jealous. One of you wanna pick her up? Only kidding. Oh, Albie, you’re so cuddly . . .”
“Natalya! What are you doing?! Oh, no. Now you’ve done it. He’ll be spoiled forever and think I’m going to carry him everywhere. I know. He is soft. Well, I guess it’s okay, as long as you set him down every now and then. Just don’t get hurt.”
“Hey, Brighton. Glad to see you’ve shed some of that winterwear. Let’s not forget to collect your things on the way out, all right? Georgie, you have a good memory. Don’t let us leave without them. What? How can you still be hot? You have WHAT on under that turtleneck?! Oh, Brighton! Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”
“Okay. I’ve got a plan, but it’s going to take all of us to pull it off. Natalya, you have got to put Albie down first. I know he’s happy. That’s the problem. Like I said, he’s going to expect it all the time. And you’re going home in a few days. All right, but listen up and stop playing with the lamb. Now, here’s the plan. Georgie, you go . . .”
“Harold! Ha-a-arold! No! Don’t come over here! Just stay over there until I call you! Won’t be a minute! Thanks! What? No, everything’s fine. No trouble. Won’t be a minute.”
“All set, girls! Nat, isn’t he getting heavy? Okay, if you’re sure. Tighten up a bit Georgiana. Okay, Brighton, all’s clear now. And roll up those jeans before you come out!”
“Albie, you’re a little wiggle worm. I think Natalya needs to let you down, now. Oh, Brighton! You look so much . . . cooler! Don’t you feel better? Lesson learned, I guess. Next time, ask!” Giggling. “Maybe now you can have some fun with the sheep. Why don’t you go and pet the grumpy one? He keeps following you around. Maybe he thinks you’re his mother.” Giggling.
“Berengaria, you’re so beautiful this year. And I do believe you’ve grown a bit. Here, little fella. What’s your name? Are you sure, Bunty? He doesn’t look grumpy to me at all. You’re not grumpy, are you little guy? Sit here next to Brighton. I’m going to call you Wilberforce, not that nasty little name the others use. Aren’t you the softest little thing . . .”
“I can’t believe my eyes. Wait’ll Harold gets a load of this. Ha-a-arold! You can come back now! And just wait ’til you see what’s happening over here. Oh, Brighton. I do believe you’ve made a friend. No, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. Because Albie’s a friendly little thing, and he likes people. Grumpy Wilby doesn’t like anyone, and I’ve seen him get his own way with sheep twice as big as him. Even Alton has trouble with him and– Oh, my. He does seem to like you. I still think it’s a bad idea–“
“Brighton! What are you doing?! Bunty, what were you thinking?! Why didn’t you stop her? Well, you should have tried harder. Brighton, be very quiet and softly set that grumpy lamb down where he can’t step on your toes. What? All right, but please set ‘Wilberforce’ down on the ground. Nice and slow. Nobody move. And– wow, will you look at that? He looks positively . . . happy. Bunty, I’m sorry for coming in like a steamroller. No, lambs don’t purr, but he looks like he would if he could. Even Berengaria can’t believe her eyes. Yes, girl, that is your little boy. Whaddya think of that? I need to be getting the sheep back early for feeding time so that I can open the Diner early for all the set-up folks. Don’t forget to gather your things, and — for Pete’s sake — don’t hold Grumpy– sorry, I mean, Wilberforce too long. I am definitely not going to carry that creature around with me. Bunty, just give me a squawk on the walkie-talkie when you’re ready to go back. Eliot’s waiting for my call. Group photo? Sure, whenever you’re ready. Now, remember, Brighton, only another couple o’ minutes.”
“Wilberforce . . . Harumph. Well, whatever you call him, I’m not going to carry that grump around. I wonder what Bunty’s cooking for dinner tonight . . .”
