The trees are beginning to change colour here in Mellowdene. Autumn in almost upon us, and we will be able to delight in the rich leaf colours that come when summer prepares to go on holiday.
That is almost lyrical; it must be Chris Snow-Warren's influence! And yet it's not only autumn that will be colouring our particular lives shortly. I'd better clarify. It all started with a number of letters delivered by our postman Pete Petite.
Two weeks ago there was a letter for Cecile, and we subsequently learned that there had been similar communications sent to my brother Newton, to Bruno Bearbury at Minestrone House, and one addressed to one of our millers (Maynard Chestnut) and his brother Durwood.
The sender? Coltsfoot Ivory, Cecile's cousin. The Ivory family were returning to Mellowdene.
Whilst this was marvellous news, it brought to a head an issue that Cecile herself had created. Her brother Rowan was not aware that Colt had been a Mellowdene resident for much of the ten years Rowan himself had been away from the village. With the sparky relationship Cecile had with her brother she had thought it would be a fun prank to present Colt to him as a complete surprise. She hadn't expected her cousin to stay away as long as he had, so her secrecy had begun to work against her.
Unusually for her, she hadn't thought through the details. If anything, she'd made it more difficult, asking her cousin's friends not to mention Colt's Mellowdene residency to Rowan. Even when we had visited Colt and his family last December, Rowan had been told that we were visiting the unchanging climate of the so-called calm strip in order to stay with an old friend Celandine, neglecting to mention that she was Colt's wife. Rowan didn't know his cousin was married; indeed, he wasn't aware of any details of his childhood friend's life since he and Cecile used to play with him years ago.
The issue needed resolving. And I wasn't alone in thinking this. We had visitors.
o 0 O 0 o
The Chestnut brothers - Durwood and Maynard - arrived first. Maynard was the lodger who had been looking after the house on Cherry Blossom Avenue whilst Colt and his family had been away.
"I know that Colt and Celandine wouldn't mind me staying on," said Maynard, "but I don't think that's a good idea."
"You've become used to living alone?" I ventured.
"Oh no, it's not that," said the raccoon with a hint of a smile, "but their youngest is old enough for his own room. I'd need to move sooner or later. This way there's no pressure."
Durwood nodded. "He can move in with us until he decides where he wants to go."
"That's nice," said Cecile, "and I should thank you for not mentioning Colt to Rowan."
"That's okay," said Maynard. "It sounded like something Colt would enjoy. Surprising your brother, that is."
"How are you planning on doing that?" said Durwood.
"I wish I knew," said Cecile, "I'm open to suggestions."
At that point our next visitor arrived. My brother Newton.
"Ah!" said Maynard, "It looks as if the old gang is assembling."
Newton did a double-take. "He wrote to you all too?"
"Of course he did." Cecile indicated a seat. "Take off your jacket if you're staying, and sit down."
"Hmm. Right." He complied. Most people do with Cecile. It's not that she's bossy; she seems to have an air of assuredness that inspires confidence. That's what made this Rowan issue out of the ordinary.
Durwood moved to Newton's side. "In my letter, Colt says you've been writing to him."
"Only when I've had an idea." said Newton. "I can rely upon him to tell me if my... more unusual... ideas are..."
"Crazy?" suggested Maynard.
"Feasible," said Newton. "It will be much better when he's back and we can discuss things properly." He turned his attention to Cecile. "Did he give a date when he'll return?"
"Within the month. So we haven't long to decide how we tell Rowan."
There were nods all around but no suggestions.
This pause for thought was interrupted by the arrival of our next visitor. Bruno Bearbury.
I suppose this is the point I should explain the connection between Coltsfoot Ivory and our visitors. Years ago their informal discussions led to a sort of inventors' club. It should be no secret to you that Newton is very brainy. The fact the Sylvanian Research Group sought him out and have now - I understand - promoted him to an influential position is evidence of that. And yet, whilst practical in many ways, his theories can far exceed those abilities.
Coltsfoot Ivory is a talented engineer. When he and his family moved close to his in-laws' home in the calm strip there was no worry about him gaining employment. He was snapped up immediately by a nearby company as a consultant. I think Newton felt Colt's absence more than he'd admit. But you know Newton - or maybe you don't (!) - he doesn't say much on such things.
Maynard Chestnut works at Timbertop Mill with Elmer Timbertop. His hobby is making intricate models. As such, he's invaluable for making small prototypes and parts for larger devices.
Durwood Chestnut is a craftsman and furniture maker. He enjoys constructing sturdy models based upon his brother's prototypes.
That leaves Bruno. He calls himself a handyman and he's essential to the smooth running of Minestrone House, but that doesn't describe his capabilities fully. Electrician, plumber and a key part of this inventors' club.
"Alright guys?" said Bruno. "And Cecile. You okay?"
"Fine thank you, Bruno," Cecile replied, smiling at the bluff greeting by the good-natured bear. "You're here about Colt too?"
"Yeah. Should be good to see him. But I thought we should get our heads together about Rowan."
"I'm glad to hear that, Bruno," smiled Cecile, "but so far we've been unable to come up with an idea."
"Right. Fair do. So maybe you'd like to hear my idea?" He scanned our faces and acknowledged our affirmation. "Good-oh. It's a simple one, and I know you like to be a bit tricksy with him, Cecile."
He paused until we urged him to continue.
"Right. How do you tell Rowan that Colt's lived here for years? Simple. Don't tell him."
o 0 O 0 o
Once explained, the idea appealed to Cecile. She remembered how Rowan had neglected to mention that he had a wife and two children when he returned to Mellowdene. She recalled how he'd surprised us by revealing them at the house he'd also secretly purchased.
Bruno's suggestion was perfect. Rowan would be delighted that Colt had moved to Mellowdene, apparently buying a house from Maynard Chestnut. Rowan would be surprised that Colt had a wife and three children (Cecile loved that).
And yet that wasn't the best bit. Cecile adored the idea that - over days or even weeks - different villagers would recognise and greet Colt. How did they know him? Each chance meeting would confuse Rowan and his curiosity would mount. Undoubtedly Colt would play along and extend the prank as long as possible.
A reminder of the sort of fun the young Cecile, Rowan and Coltsfoot Ivory had in their childhood.
o 0 O 0 o
When Colt and his family arrived on our doorstep a couple of days ago it was a happy occasion.
The children were ecstatic to resume their longstanding friendship. Orton was introduced. Celandine and Cecile had a good chat, and then Colt heard of the plan for Rowan. As expected, everyone was on board.
Maynard Chestnut had moved out, so the Cherry Blossom Avenue address was vacant but welcoming for the returning Ivory family.
Within a day, the club of inventors met. Rowan wasn't the main subject, although it was noted that the skills he'd had in his earlier career might come in useful. As an architect he'd been a more than competent draughtsman.
Ideas flew around like autumn leaves blowing in the wind; a storm of colour. The simile is not by accident.
Years ago, Newton's wife Audrey had coined the phrase when she saw the group stood in a line, their clothing catching the afternoon sun.
"I don't know about an inventor's club. Look at your clothes. You should be the Autumn Club."
o 0 O 0 o
