“What are you crying about?” asked Ethelbert.
“I always cry at weddings,” sobbed Honoria with dignity.
“But this isn’t a wedding,” Ethelbert pointed out.
“It’s almost a wedding,” she said.
The glasses were filled and Sir Magnus proposed a toast to the happy couple, which was drunk with great enthusiasm. Adrian was just about to kiss Samantha for the fortieth time when he suddenly remembered Rosy.
“Good heavens,” he said. “I’ve completely forgotten about Rosy. She must have a celebratory drink.”
“I’ll get her,” fluted Mr. Filigree, “the poor dear.”
He billowed his way out of the room.
“I hope,” said Lord Fenneltree to Samantha, “that you will allow me the privilege of calling here occasionally when you are married?”
“You will always be one of our most welcome guests,” said Samantha. “In fact, all of you will be.”
“Yes, of course,” said Adrian.
It was at this point that Mr. Filigree reappeared, running as fast as his bulk would allow him. He was pink, panting and perspiring.
“Adrian,” he shrilled, “Adrian, come quickly.”
“Whatever’s the matter?” said Adrian startled.
“It’s Rosy,” squeaked Mr. Filigree. “When we weren’t looking she pinched the barrel of cherry brandy and she’s gone running off with it.”
Oh God, thought Adrian, it’s starting all over again.
“Quick,” said Sir Magnus organising things, “we must surround her before she gets too far away. Forward!”
And he rushed out, the tails of his coat flapping behind him, closely pursued by Honoria, Black Nell, Ethelbert, Mr. Pucklehammer and the judge, with Mr. Filigree wobbling in their wake.
Adrian turned and looked at Samantha “Are you sure you want to marry me?” he said.
Quite sure,” she said.
“Even in spite of Rosy?” he asked.
“Principally because of Rosy,” she said smiling.
Adrian kissed her swiftly.
“Well then, excuse me a minute,” he said, “I must go and catch my only living relative.”
And he ran out into the sunlight in the wake of the others.
If you have read my books with pleasure, may I point out that those books would never have been written if it had not been for the wildlife of the world. Now, all over the world, many of these same animals are in a desperate plight and unless they are helped they will vanish for ever. I am trying to do what I can and I want you to help me. If you have enjoyed my writing, if the animals I have described have amused or interested you, then please join my Trust and help in a cause which I believe to be of the utmost importance and urgency.
We need money to create ideal surroundings for the breeding colonies we will establish . . . to provide scientific laboratories so that the animals can be carefully studied . . . to extend and increase the Veterinary Department so that the animals can have the best possible treatment.
You have unfailingly supported me as a writer on wildlife—please support me now in my efforts to save it.