Tinkering with Bells-Episode V

An air of uneasiness infiltrated the very mohair on Hobbs' straw stuffed head.

Unexpectedly a voice bellowed through the room sending him to the floor once again.

“Well he’s on his way!” a strong Scottish brogue rang out.

"Confound  it Scottie! You scared the paws out from under me!”

Standing up Hobbs re-straightened his tie before turning to see Bearton's master gardener standing in the doorway.



“Sorry ole chap. Why so jittery?”

“No reason, just deep in thought.”

“Somthin’ the matter chum?”

“Not a thing.” Hobbs answered aloofly, bothered that the gardener would be so friendly with him.

“Well then, I better be gettin’ back to work. Mr. ‘am should be 'ere directly.”

A short time later…

A thunderous thwacking reverberated through the halls. Peter Ham, owner of the Tinker Bell Installation and Repair Co., waited at the door.

“Good day Mr. Ham. Thank you for your prompt response.”

“No problem. Where is the bell in question?”
Huffing and puffing it was apparent that Mr. Ham needed to spend more time on his feet and less time tinkering with bells.

“Follow me."

 

Mr. Ham looked the bell pull over carefully.

“This is an easy fix. I’ll have it done faster than you can say Never, Never Land.

 

 Hobbs reflected quietly as returned to his duties, ‘fast, I think not. Pigs will fly before you complete anything quickly.’

Meanwhile…

Mr. Ham continued tinkering with the bell when something on the floor caught his attention. Bending over to inspect it closer a voice behind him sent his heart a flutter.

“Mr. Ham, thank you for responding so promptly to our dilemma.”
Hitting his head as he jumped up he gazed upon the lovely visage of Georgiana Beartram. Remembering his manners he bowed quickly,

“Miss Beartram, always a pleasure. I believe I've found the problem and will have the situation remedied momentarily.”

“Splendid!”
Curtsying she smiled and left the room. Mr. Ham’s heart pounded within his portly chest. What a vision of loveliness was she.
 

Returning to his task he tinkered and tinkered until the connection was complete.

 



Giving it a tug Hobbs appeared directly.

“Looks like it's workin’  Mr. Hobbs.”

 

“Very good. If you’ll follow me I shall see you on your way.”

Gathering his tools Mr. Ham followed Hobbs downstairs where he gave him his wages and bid him adieu. Of course, Georgiana’s beauty had distracted Mr. Ham from the mysterious object which remained undiscovered at the base of the bell pull…