Unexpected Consternation

Next morning Marie and Belle et Bonne were already in the office when The VeloDrone and Le Bon David arrived.

What are you two laughing at? asked Le Bon David.

Belle sent your Baroness Susan a winking smiley face emoticon, said Marie. And the Baroness has just sent you a 'tongue out' one.

This must be stopped! cried David. It's getting out of hand!

That'll be the end of it, said Belle et Bonne. Trust me Uncle David. It's the language of emoticons.

Alright, said Le Bon David, doubtfully. But it beats me how you know about such things.

It's not much different from the old language of fans, said Belle et Bonne.

I never understood that either, said Le Bon David.

How was the Our Mob opening event? asked Marie. Did you both enjoy yourselves?

We did, said The VeloDrone. We met Auntie Josie, and had an interesting conversation with her about art. You know, she reminds me a little bit of our friend Gaius.

How? asked Belle et Bonne. Because she's an elder?

Because she's quirky, said The VeloDrone. In a good way. I can just imagine Gaius claiming that he couldn't paint a cat.

And telling everyone they ought to go home early, said Le Bon David.

Speaking of Gaius, said Marie, he called this morning with some good news. He's managed to get you both invited to the Field Geologists' picnic after all. It's this weekend. I told him you'd be coming.

The faces of the invitees expressed unexpected consternation.

What's the matter? asked Marie. I thought you'd want to go.