31. Gemini and Scorpio #3
“Anyway…I just thought since we’re both learning and going through stuff, maybe we could be friends?
Just promise me you’ll keep this conversation strictly between us girls,” Rosie said.
“And you can ask me anything as well.” Rosie winked.
“But we might want to save the rest of this conversation for later.”
They’d arrived in front of the squirrel’s house, and Rosie raised her brows, jerking her head towards the front door. She held a finger in front of her lips.
“Right.” Maida nodded. Their neighbors were bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and big-eared.
No sooner had they placed the baskets on the doorstep, when three oversized squirrels danced out to gather them.
The male wore a velvet waistcoat, while the females were outfitted in elaborately embroidered frocks made of pastel colored silks.
They looked nothing like any squirrels Maida had ever observed before, and she might have been shocked by their unusual appearance and period costume, if not for Dr. Dvita’s excellent descriptions of these particular literary squirrels in the stories he’d told her throughout her childhood.
She curtsied and introduced herself. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Maida Lathrop. I understand you were expecting the books for your monthly book club meeting to arrive last week? Please accept my apologies for the delay.”
“We’ve brought you some snacks, too.” Rosie pointed at the smaller basket where the treats were bundled up in colorful squares of calico print fabric.
“Am I to believe that the Mudpuddle is here to stay put, then?” the male squirrel, who was the largest of the three, asked.
He had the air of someone whose patience was being tested, as if he’d dialed a number for help, then waited far too long to speak with an agent.
Without lowering his narrow snout, he glanced down at the larger basket and nudged aside the cloth covering the books.
He examined the contents suspiciously. “Or are we going to make other arrangements for our club in the future?”
The plumper of the two females sniffed the air and reached out tentatively towards the treat basket, but the large male squirrel slapped her hand away.
He adjusted his monocle and stared snootily at Maida.
The effect was disconcerting as it made one of his eyes appear to be three times the size of the other.
This plus the overbite and twitching whiskers made it very difficult to take him seriously, which she knew she must.
She could hear Rosie’s sharp intake of breath but didn’t dare glance over at her. It was hard enough, maintaining her composure.
“The house is mine, and I intend to stay put,” she asserted, meeting the squirrel leader’s eye, “so we must assume the Mudpuddle isn’t going anywhere.”
The squirrel nodded and removed the book, examining its cover and spine more appreciatively.
“We were hoping as much,” he conceded. “But we didn’t want to jump to any conclusions.”
“We value your patronage.” Maida nodded. “I hope you all enjoy this month’s selection.” It was an interesting choice. She recognized the bestselling murder mystery title, but was a bit baffled by why a true crime novel would appeal to a community of magical squirrels.
“Of course we will.” The male fluffed up his tail and stood straighter. “Nothing but the best books for us.”
“Everyone’s reading it!” the smallest of the three, a female in a yellow silk dress and matching bonnet, squealed.
Before the larger squirrel could stop her, she reached into the basket and snatched out a book for herself.
She immediately fanned out the pages and held it up against her face to sniff it, before holding it in front of her dress.
“I do think the blue cover complements my dress perfectly, don’t you? I just can’t wait to be seen with it!”
She paused upon seeing the recriminating eyeball in the monocle that was now directed at her. Batting her lashes, she revised her statement. “What I mean is…I can’t wait to be seen reading it!”
“Wonderful, perhaps you’ll lead the group discussion and grace us with your insight, my dear?” the male squirrel called her bluff.
“I errr…uh…wouldn’t want to assume…” The female in the yellow dress placed the book back down and wrung her hand.
The moment stretched on awkwardly until Rosie cleared her throat. “We’d best be getting back, Maida, I have some homework I need to do.”
“Right.” Maida curtsied again. “So lovely to meet you all. Please let me know of any special requests, and I will order and deliver your next selection in a timely fashion.”
“Of course, lovely to meet you ladies as well. Good day! Off you go then!” The officious male spoke for the group. Maida turned to go, following Rosie back towards the Mudpuddle.
“Do give our regards to Minerva if you see her around!” Behind her, the plumper female squeaked. “I hope she’s feeling more herself soon.”
Maida froze, confused. “Wait. What do you mean ‘give your regards’ to Minerva? Do you know what happened to my aunt?” She spun back around to face the odd ensemble.
But it was too late. The porch was bare. They were already gone.