Not An Actual Horse

That seems miraculous, says Gaius.

It's not miraculous, says Arthur. They keep spare a one in the cupboard.

I assume the stained one is still draped on the sacred bamboo bush outside, says Gaius.

Probably, says Arthur. But I noticed the wind's getting up.

Perhaps you should bring it in then, says Gaius.

I'll go, says Sweezus. 

Can I come? asks Terence.

Sure little buddy, says Sweezus.

He and Terence go out to retrieve the wet duvet cover, before it blows away.

They arrive at the pavilion.

Where's the washing? asks Sweezus.

Must've blowed away, says Terence. Now what will we do?

Look for it, says Sweezus. You go that way, I'll go this way.

That's a really bad idea, says Terence.

Yeah it is, says Sweezus. We'll both go this way.

They go this way. But to no avail.

They return to the pavilion.

Looking for this, boys? asks a ghostly voice. This time a lady's.

Woo! says Terence. 

A folded damp duvet cover is hovering before them. But no lady.

Sweezus starts walking away.

The folded damp duvet cover follows him.

It's folowing you! cries Terence.

Sweezus turns and collides with the cover.

It coughs.

I should have expected a thankyou at least, says the ghostly voice of  the lady. I've ironed it. It's almost dry. Leave it overnight in an airer.

What's an airer? asks Sweezus. 

A mistake, says Terence.

The ghostly voice of the lady laughs. 

Funny boy. 

But, yeah, says Sweezus. What is it? 

A clothes horse, says the ghostly voice of the  lady.

Yay! says Terence. 

A clothes horse isn't an actual horse, says Sweezus.

You'll find one in the utility room, says the voice of the lady. I must return to my bed now before Phillip comes home.

Thanks, says Sweezus.

Thank you, Mrs Hill, says the lady.

She waits for him to repeat it. But he doesn't.

Her voice stops talking. 

Woop! says Terence. She was a weirdo. 

You said it, says Sweezus. At least we got the duvet cover. And we don't need the clothes horse.

He and Terence take the damp duvet cover back to the suite in Rose-Eden.

Excellent, says Gaius. But what took you so long? 

Some lady ironed it, says Sweezus. 

He unfolds it in order to drape it over a chair.

Oh no! It's covered in scorch marks! 

Old Phillip recognises the handiwork of his wife.