Gracious Curses

What was that noise? asks Minnie.

Nothing, says Margaret. Now I'm going to call Gaius and tell him we're staying at your place.

When will you be arriving? asks Minnie.

Soon, says Margaret. I'll let you know.

Bye, then, says Minnie.

Bye, Minnie says Margaret.

Margaret calls Gaius who is at home packing.

Gaius, says Margaret, it's all right with Minnie.

What is? asks Gaius.

Staying at her house, says Margaret. Terence is welcome as well.

I've been thinking, says Gaius. I don't want to put your sister to any trouble.

You're not getting out of it, says Margaret. It's already arranged. Now when were you thinking of leaving?

As soon as possible, says Gaius.

Leave it to me, says Margaret. I'll be at your place first thing in the morning.

Curses! says Gaius

What's that? says Margaret.

Gracious! says Gaius.

It sounded more like curses, says Margaret.

A crackly line, says Gaius.

Bye, then, says Margaret.

Yay! says Terence. We're going!

That's lovely, says Belle. We'd better take you home so that you can get ready.

I am ready, says Terence. I only need my costume.

The florin costume? says Belle.

I want to show it to Minnie, says Terence.

It might be hard to pack, says Belle.

I can wear it, says Terence.

Okay, says Belle. I'd better ask Margaret how you'll be travelling.

Margaret is on her phone trying to book flights to Canberra.

But the flights are all full.

She calls a friend from the Geological Society.

The friend is not happy. It's late.

Furthermore she does not want to go on a field trip to Canberra.

And she doesn't like frogs.

Not to mention the cost of the petrol.

So Margaret calls Katherine.

Margaret! says Katherine. Where are you?

In the artists' bar, says Margaret. Trying to tee up a ride to Canberra first thing in the morning. I'm going with Gaius and Terence.

What fun! says Katherine.

Yes, says Margaret. Gaius seems really keen

Does he? says Katherine. Has he said so?

Of course he's said so, says Margaret. 

I'm at a loose end, says Katherine. We could drive there together in my car. Go thirds in the petrol. I can do some sightseeing.

Perfect! says Margaret.

It would seem so.

Perhaps less so to Gaius.