To think we should have finished off the Queen of Huns?

[Hullygully]

Do you suppose the current fashion is for short sleeves or long? We have been gone from England for such a time, it would not do to be seen in Brighton in outmoded fashions.

Indeed Widow. We must make enquiries forthwith. We shall send Pag to the post office. They know everything there. (Ponders that she has come over a little Cranford)

holds up mirror to Hully

How charmingly you look, my dear!

Oh Mimi, how you jest, but yes, it is true that when dressed up thus I am quite the cat's pyjamas.

Thank goodness you sent for Nigel Hully, I would have been bereft otherwise. I am appalled he was sent away without my prior consent!

Oh to be that young, innocent Gibbon again. How we all laughed and danced and drank from the stirrup cup! They were heady days indeed and I miss them a great deal

what on earth is that musty smell? Dear Lord tell me it's not emanating from those clothes we are to wear?

(mournfullly)

Woooooe is me!

(And much wringing of hands!)

(And can't we get a bloody cleaner up here in the attic?)

Who are these young ladies cavorting in those fine satins and laces that used to be mine?

(More woooooooe is me)

But, oh, this annoying sprightly young boy Nigel seems so woe-free, and so open to discussion about the thin veil twixt this life and the next - He's being exploring all over the place. Now I'll take him up here to the tower and teach him!

His mother and his nurse will never miss him!

No, surely not! Surely it cannot be...

where is dear little Nigel? I have made him some bread and dripping to feed that splendid little brain...

Someone in a coach? Is it Prinny already?

Home at last! Now, where is that winsome wench?

Okay, Dragoons, we shall make camp beside the ha ha. I'm sure that seeing as we've ridden all the way from Egypt the residents of this old pile will stable our horses and offer us refreshments and a bit of polite society, what? Gee-up, Euripides!

Ah the men arrive

I do pray a more fitting role model for dear Nigel shall visit soon

Some day my prince shall come, some day my prince shall come la la la la la la ...

I think I may just have to get sewing, I cannot abide these dreadful clothes much longer. They smell as if 20 hamsters and their offspring have crawled into them to die.

Gibbon dear, do you think we have time? I am so anxious and hopeful that Mr Rochester may be about to arrive. I should hate him to smell this rank odour that clings about our garments. And being ocularly challenged, his olfactory sense is unusually well-developed.

Do you think that if I had at the curtains you could help me fashion them into something fetching?

I can indeed darling Hully, here, hand me the drapes and the lace table cloth over there. I shall makes us some fetching and fine gowns.

Hang on a minute! Dammit, left my special Braille watch in Egypt. (Even though Braille probably not invented yet.)

Quick Hully, don this gown, a gentleman awaits you!

(RL calls)

Why thank you Gibbon, your kindness and skill with the needle has no compare throughout the length and breadth of our sceptred isle. I hope you have saved the napkins for yourself?

Ah me, I don't think twas Mr Rochester after all.

But who is this blushing and stuttering young piece of soldiery? Stand up, sir, that we may assess your swordstick. Because you fell down again after getting up and tangled in your cloak. Yes.

S-s-s-s-s-s-second Lieutenant BeaulieuFfotherington at your s-s-s-service Ma'am! P-p-p-p-please forgive my clumsiness, I was overcome by the vision of you there, by the w-w-w-w-indow, in that fetching gown so happily coordinated with the c-c-c-curtains. The morning sunlight ne'er twinkled as brightly as it did just now, when alighting upon you fair....

.....I'm s-s-s-s-s-so sorry, forgive me, the Captain sent me to enquire as to w-w-w-whether the ladies of the house would care to join the Officers for luncheon in the mess pavilion? We would b-b-b-b-be most frightfully honoured if you would?

Do try not to stutter, man. It makes me want to be cruel and that is not becoming in a Maiden.

You may tell the Captain (so suddenly promoted from Lt) that we would be honoured to join you for luncheon. Will there be capon?

Come Lt BF, let us gather the ladies and escort them to the mess pavilion for luncheon and perhaps a little genteel entertainment after?

I sorely missed the company of such amusing and accomplished gentlewomen

Lester! We had quite given you up!