Scandal at Six(104)

“Pretend you haven’t heard her,” whispered Lois. “I know what she’s up to. That snake that we found in Josie’s stockroom.”

But Betsy had walked towards them, and they couldn’t avoid her. “Nice of you both to come along,” she said, taking Derek’s arm, and moving them towards the snake house.

Lois detached herself, and veered off to the small-animals section. “See you later,” she called back. “Say hello to Flatface for me, Derek. And I don’t mean the one hanging on your arm. Ah,” she continued, seeing her mother and Joan watching the dancing. “There’s Gran.”

“Lois! Come over here! Now then, gel, sit between me and Joan and enjoy the maypole children. I was just telling her you’ve given up ferretin’ for good.”

“Whatever that was!” said Joan, laughing.

“What indeed,” answered Lois. “Oh, there’s someone over there I must have a word with. See you in a minute.” She stood up and, turning round, waved to a solitary figure standing by the entrance kiosk.



*



“Afternoon, Cowgill,” she said. “You’re not on duty, surely?”

“No, just hanging around hoping to catch a glimpse of my favourite new broom.”

“Not so new now,” Lois said. “Anyway, come on in and sit with me and Gran. Derek’s been kidnapped by Betsy Brierley, and the maypole dancing is about to begin. Josie and Matthew are somewhere, keeping well away from the reptiles. Come and join us, why don’t you?”

“Well, actually, my dear Lois, as far as I can see, you’re not coming apart.”

“Cowgill! You made a joke! First time ever. Must be a good omen. Now come along with me.”

She took his hand and he squeezed it. “We are almost related,” she added, and they walked away together. Not quite into the sunset, but to join Gran and Joan, which was almost as good.