Page 14 - The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit

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The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit
‘Very well, my dear. Thank you for asking me,’ said Rowley. ‘I expect you have come for some tasty fruit cakes?’
The girls giggled and ran into the kitchen. Rowley was very fortunate to have his brother’s daughter, Annie nearby to keep his pantry well stocked with pastries and pies.
‘Is Annie’s dad feeling better?’ asked Tilly.
‘I think so. William’s mind is elsewhere these days. I know Annie’s three boys are a handful, but I think something is troubling him.’
Tilly stared at Rowley. She thought about her son, Charlie, and how worried he seemed, but she resisted discussing her concerns.
A sudden squeal of delight meant that the girls had discovered the go-karts and were already careering down the path outside the cottage. Tilly raced outside. ‘Don’t go too far – you’ll only have to push the carts back up.’ She’d said the words with an air of urgency, but she didn’t know why she felt so uneasy all of a sudden. She scoffed at her silliness and went back indoors. Rowley had moved their chairs to the window so that they could watch the girls as they played. Before they left for home, Tilly took them to see Cyril.
‘Thank you, Mr Rat, for the karts. They are fabulous,’ declared Isla. ‘Our big sisters will be so jealous when we tell them.’
Cyril smiled. ‘You’re welcome. It’s a joy to hear you laughing. You never seem to stop. Thanks for dropping by, Tilly. Now, I must get ready. Rowley and I are playing cards with Badger tonight and it’s my turn to win. Goodbye, girls.’