Violet Crepuscular, “The Queen of Suspense,” introduces Chapter DCLXXIX of her epic romance, Oy, Rodney. Feel free to skip this if it’s too suspenseful.
“If you thought the vicar’s notorious backyard wading pool has stopped sucking unwary passers-by into its unknown depths,” she addresses her multitude of readers, “think again! Queen Victoria’s government–the queen herself has other things to do–has sent the Royal Backyard Wading Pool Inspector to take a closer look. It may be some executions are in order.”
We do not know the name of this inspector: he was sucked under the pool before he got a chance to introduce himself.
In his capacity of justice of the peace, Lord Jeremy Coldsore appeals to the vicar. “When are you going to let us empty that pool and get rid of it?” he demands. “Meow,” says the vicar. (Great line! I wish I’d written it.) He is currently under the impression that he’s a cat. No help there.
“They’re gonna send the army next,” opines the American adventurer, Willis Twombley, who thinks he is Sargon of Akkad. “And after that,” he adds, “the Babylonians will invade us.”
“Has it slipped everybody’s mind that Lady Margo and I are to be married?” cries Lord Jeremy. He is trying to hide the fact that it had completely slipped his mind. Lady Margo Cargo is not amused. She has just had her wooden leg polished for the ceremony.
“Be sure to be on hand next week,” writes Ms. Crepuscular, “for the exciting climax of this latest crisis!”
Promises, promises…
But how will anyone get close enough to empty the wading pool without being sucked under it? It’s a true dilemma, like trying to find a container to hold the universal solvent.
Well, we can’t ask the inspector, can we?
“ Be sure to be on hand next week,” writes Ms. Crepuscular, “for the exciting climax of this latest crisis!”
Sounds like something out of the headlines. 🙂