Tuesday 25 November 2014

The Welcome Basket and other Surprises!

'I don't know when I have enjoyed a nap so much' Eleanora's smiling eyes twinkled at Baby Harriet as they lay snuggled together under the new silk eiderdown, 'this bed is just too conformable, I don't think that I can possibly get up yet!'

Baby Harriet however, had other ideas! Now that her Aunt was awake, she quickly slithered out from under the covers and set off crawling at great speed. 'Oops-a-daisy, better follow and make sure she is safe!' thought Aunt Eleanora ' amazing how quickly a baby can can make one get up and about!'

Baby Harriet crawled onto to the landing by the wooden chest where Hortensia kept the extra blankets and gently feeling under the chest, pulled out a little basket that her Mother had given her.

Eleanora sat down carefully on the floor next to her as Harriet held out the basket. ' For me? Why Harriet how very kind of you, what a special looking present!' Harriet blinked her beautiful violet eyes and stared curiously as her Aunt gently peered into the basket and began to lift the soft covering of swan's down. 'Oh Harriet, how wonderful! Why Darling what a precious basket of treasures.'

For there, nestled in the basket, was Harriet's treasure trove of precious things; little coloured stones, a small shell, a pine cone, several feathers, a button and in pride of place in the middle, a lost tag from a dog's collar with the name 'Star' engraved on it.  'Why Harriet what treasures you have found, they all have a story to tell, what a special girl you are to see and find such beautiful things, and how very kind of you to want to give them to me.'

Harriet crawled up onto her Aunt's lap and started to poke the feathers in Eleanora's long white hair - something she had been looking forward to doing for rather a long time -  the sight of which, as you can imagine, gave Archibold a bit of a shock as came up the stairs with a tray and a lovely pot of peppermint tea.

'We thought you might need a pick you up after your long journey and a rest, but I can see that Harriet has already taken matters into her own hands!' He winked at his daughter 'Your Mother is wanting you Darling, why don't you let Eleanora carry the basket downstairs and then we can all share in your discoveries?'

So that was how it came to be that one of the very best welcome parties that anyone has ever known started, with Eleanora sitting in the rocking chair by the fire with baby Harriet on her knee, showing all their guests Harriet's basket of treasures and with Eleanora telling wild and miraculous tales.

As dusk fell and the wind began to howl outside, Hortensia and Archibold smiled at each other, a secret smile that said how glad they were that everyone in the Forest was safe and snug and warm, and of course most important of all, very, very happy!










Wednesday 5 November 2014

The Welcome party - tea and delights!

Eleanora could hear the distant singing as she wound her way along the edge of the field, keeping close to the hedge as she went - just in case she came across any late blackberries or other treats. 'So wonderful to be here at last, and what a day it is too!' Indeed it was a wonderful day, one of those Autumn days we all rejoice in when the sky is a radiant blue and the air clear and fresh!

At the very edge of the long field where the forest began stood a welcome party of gnomes, well, some of the gnomes, because quite a few couldn't resist the opportunity to climb up into the trees to keep a look out for Eleanora and to enjoy the view! 'Why don't we sing 'Bluebells in the Glade' Archie? It is one of her favourites and such a lovely tune too.' Hortensia began to sing Eleanora's favourite song and soon the forest began to echo to the sweet harmonies and the accompanying birdsong.

Eleanora, who had been feeling a little emotional as neared the end of her long journey, suddenly found that she had tears in her eyes, ' Always does my heart good to hear their voices, so kind, so very kind!' Soon she had reached the edge of the forest and as her feet touched the earth of their forest haven, she stood still to let the gnomes gather around her in a circle.

'Welcome Eleanora, welcome to our hearts and our homes!' and with that they all began to throw their hats in the air and to sing again in earnest. Soon however, the need for a restorative cup of nettle tea and the knowledge of the wonders of Hortensia's tea time treats ,all ready and set out on her kitchen table, encouraged Archibold to be very bossy! 'Time to be on our way now, best be busy, time for tea!' He hurriedly picked up Eleanora's baskets and started to lead the way back to Persimmon Heights.

So that was that, for nothing much can be said or discussed when enjoying the delights of a really tasty tea. True, there were a few comments such as 'mmmmmm' and ' perhaps another crumpet would be nice' but overall the contented gnomes just sat down and enjoyed themselves.

Eleanora was feeling particularly happy for as she sat gazing at her beloved great niece, Baby Harriet, as she nestled on her lap, she could see what wonderful times they were going to have together, 'what a Darling you are my Poppet, how lucky I am to be here with you all, what happy times we shall have!'

Of course Baby Harriet gurgled back with joy for she too adored Eleanora. 'We are the lucky ones to have you here staying with us' said Archibold proudly 'which means that perhaps after a short nap and time to unpack and settle in, that it is time to celebrate!' Archibold winked at Hortensia as he collected up Eleanora's baskets and knapsack and led the way up the windy stairs to the specially decorated guest bedroom.