Page 44 - Book 8 Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase

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Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase
Two days later, Sam was sitting on the steps outside the fairy queen’s residence when Alfie arrived. They chatted for a while about Matty, but it was clear to Alfie that his friend was sorely troubled. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.
The hedgehog was deep in thought. ‘It’s Betsy. She is so naive about Matty. Yesterday, he moved one leg, his good one and now she is convinced that he has recovered. Doctor Drake told us that a nerve in his back is damaged and that it could take months before he will walk again, if ever. He can’t go home because he won’t be able to climb our wooden staircase to the flat.’
‘I am so sorry, Sam. You know that we are here if you need our help.’ He hesitated before speaking again.
‘Charlie’s had some news. He had a telegram from Dolly Partridge. She sends her love. And ... she knows of a baker who is looking for work.’
Sam looked up. ‘Really, who’s that?’
‘Gilmore Duck and his wife, Saskia,’ said Alfie.
‘Well, well, well. I often wondered why she left the garden suddenly. What about her son, Jack and daughter, Ava and the little one?’
‘Leo. Who could ever forget him? He was always in trouble and headstrong,’ smiled Alfie.
‘Ah, yes, Leo. Who will forget when he found a newt and thought it was a baby dinosaur? So, are they coming to the garden? I’d love to see them all and I’m sure Betsy will be pleased to see Saskia, especially when she hears that her husband is a baker.’