I MOVED OUTย of the badger sett, into Nottingham Cottage, a.k.a. Nott Cott. Willy and Kate had been living there, but theyโd outgrown it. After moving into Princess Margaretโs old place, just across the way, theyโd
passed me their keys.
It felt good to be out of the badger sett. But even better to be just across the way from Willy and Kate. I looked forward to popping in all the time.
Look! Itโs Uncle Harry!
Ello! Just thought Iโd stop by.
Holding a bottle of wine and an armful of kiddie presents. Dropping to the floor and wrestling with little George.
Will you stay for supper, Harold? Love to!
But it didnโt work out that way.
They were half a football pitch away, just beyond a stone courtyard, so close that I could see their nanny pass by all the time with the pram, and I could hear their elaborate renovations. I assumed theyโd have me over any minute now. Any day.
But day after day it didnโt happen.
I get it, I thought. Theyโre busy! Building a family!
Or maybeโฆthey donโt want a third wheel? Maybe if I get married, things will be different?
Theyโd both mentioned, pointedly, repeatedly, how much they liked Cressida.