Beware Older Women

They are soon back in Pocklington.

Ann takes them across to the Council Chambers. Wait here for a minute, she says.

She goes in, and comes out with a sealed envelope, which she hands to Arthur.

We shall not meet again, says Ann. But don't forget Pocklington. Remember us kindly. Goodbye.

.....

So that's that.  Or so you would think.

Arthur and Rosie are riding to Market Rasen. It is already dark.

You know, Arthur, says Rosie, I've never been to the races.

Nor have I, says Arthur. There never seemed any point.

People bet on the races, says Rosie. And lose money.

If we don't go, says Arthur, we won't lose any money.

And they wear wee hats, says Rosie.

We'll go if you want to, says Arthur. You can wear a wee hat.

They ride on in silence, through the dark night, conceiving fantastical hats.

..........

It is dawn. The birds sing in the trees outside Market Rasen.

Arthur and Rosie have paused by the roadside.

What was in the envelope she gave you? says Rosie.

Arthur takes the envelope out of his pocket and opens it.

Inside are two tickets to the next race meeting at Market Rasen. Awesome Autumn Package. Worth twenty pounds each. Including admission, Homemade Pie, Potato and Peas, a pint or a Pimm's.

Rosie's wee hat begins to take shape in her mind. It should have little Yorkshire Wold bird feathers. Blue ones......

........

What did Gaius say? says Rosie.

Beware older women, says Arthur. Beats me how he knew.

..........

It is only now, at last, finally, that Arthur checks the contents of his pockets.

Beware older women who stick their hands in your pocket and become momentarily distracted. They don't always see what comes out.