Love is all Around

Hello my friends. Darcy here on writing duties. Well, partly.

A few weeks ago I called at Butterglove House to have a word with Jackson. With Valentine's Day approaching I had suggested that he might like to write something a little romantic. After consideration, I had changed my mind and wanted to tell him. After all, he was regularly reporting on this Chunglewood project for the Treefellows. I am hugely grateful that he writes for this blog and I do not want to take him for granted. Especially since he does this in addition to his own work and family obligations.

When I arrived, Cecile greeted me as Jackson wasn't at home.

 

"He's around at Xenophon Treefellow's place helping prepare for an expedition. Can I take a message?"

I explained the situation, that her husband need not concern himself about devising a romantic tale, and Cecile gave me an odd little smile.

"About that," she said, "you know that sometimes I help Jack with ideas and stories? More recently, anyway. I appreciate Jack is a little busy just now but I still have ideas. How would it be if I told you what's in my mind and - if it's okay - you do your editing thing to tidy it up?"

Obviously I was curious. I had my shorthand pad to take notes. So I did, allowing Cecile full reign to relate her narrative.

 

o 0 O 0 o

 

I believe Jackson has already written about how we got together due to a fictional costume party. Although I've told him why my brother arranged this, I doubt Jack included that information in his tale. (*Darcy: True. See Costume Party from October 2019).

 

After our father died, Rowan thought he should adopt the mantle of being my protector. He was my big brother and he clearly felt it was his reponsibility. In reality it was a two-way thing. We looked after each other. Although he had a good job with responsibilities, there were - how can I put it - aspects of his personality that were unpredictable or even a touch juvenile. As such, I took it upon myself to keep his excesses in check. Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't change him. It is to his credit that, despite his need for a little excitement, he wanted to look after me. That's why he postponed his desire to travel for so long.

 

Yes, Rowan and I were close. We still are. However, back then I didn't realise that he considered part of his responsibilities to vet my prospective boyfriends.

 

On one particular occasion I had the opportunity to attend a special dance and I realised that I didn't have a partner. I had been friends with a nice rabbit called Gordon Cottontail but he had left Mellowdene to take a job on the Isle of Rut. I started to look around for a likely dance partner. It wasn't as easy as I'd thought.

It was a funny time. Everyone I knew seemed to be pairing up with each other. Emma Walnut and Ken Furbanks, Teri Hopscotch and Frasier Chocolate, Odessa Huntingdon and Marcus Tan... quite a large number of others. I think that was part of the reason that Ramsey Nettlefield proposed the dance, wanting something popular as one of his first mayoral duties.

Most of my friends - male and female - were paired up. I complained to Rowan.

"Don't begrudge them, sis," he said. "Love is all around."

"I'm not after love," I said. "I just want a companion to dance with."

He laughed. "Fair enough. You just need to widen your search beyond your friends."

My mind switched to his friends. I was familiar with Rowan's main group of friends - those I called the Burdock Bunch (Burdock being Rowan's first name, in case you didn't know) - and asked my brother about their possible availability. Just for the dance, you understand.

I first asked about the friend who was also Rowan's work colleague - Hector Corntop. He was a pleasant bunny who always gave me a smile when I was waiting to meet Rowan outside Henry-Lloyd Construction.  

"Unlikely sis," he said. "Hec is already going to the dance with Christabel Hoppinset. They are getting quite close otherwise I'm sure he'd oblige."

 

"What about Tanner Blackberry? I don't think Bethany would mind me borrowing her husband whilst she's on holiday with Daisy Buttercup."

"Have you seen him dance? Great guy, but if you value your feet, I'd look elsewhere."

 

"Oh, yes! I'd forgotten his crazy moves at last year's Melting. No sense of rhythm and limbs shooting out in all directions."

"I'd suggest Charles Furbanks but I think the dance clashes with a motorbike owners' meeting he'll be attending out of the village."

With my friend Emma Walnut going out with Ken Furbanks, I was aware that Ken's brother Charles was fond of his motorbike. It didn't surprise me that attending a village dance would be less of a priority to this particular squirrel.

"That only leaves Thaddeus Cakebread. Is he free?"

"Yes and no. Some of the dog families have decided to use the dance to exercise one of their doggy traditions, complicating matters. Because Thaddeus has, in their eyes, taken too long asking anyone to accompany him, single ladies from the canine community are allowed to present themselves for his consideration. Three have. The thing is, he was only delaying because he was trying to figure out how best to ask Lydia Pudelle to go with him."  

"I never had the impression that Thaddeus was shy."

"He's not. He's very popular with the ladies, but since he has set his eyes on Lydia he seems smitten and he's doubted his worthiness."

"Thaddeus?"

"Go figure. The point is, I spent time with him a couple of days ago attempting to convince him to approach Lydia. I don't know what has happened. In any case I doubt he's in the right frame of mind to accompany anyone else - whether that's you or the three from the canine community." 

"Oh." 

My shoulders slumped. I had thought the Burdock Bunch would be ripe pickings. A shame about Hector. He was a good dancer. It was then I remembered seeing a cute rabbit at Rowan's workplace. 

"What about that new guy at your work? The Butterglove one."

"Jackson?" said Rowan. "Well, I don't really know him that well as yet. I should make the effort but... no, I don't think he'd be a suitable dance partner. He seems... a bit of an idiot."

"An idiot?"

"Well, a bit odd. Granted, I've not spent much time with him so I can only go by what I've seen. He doesn't work in my drawing office but I've seen him around the building. He seems okay at his job but when he's not busy he's running his paws up and down his desk like it's a piano. I know he hums tunes quietly sometimes when he thinks no one is watching."  

 

"Calling him an idiot hardly seems fair. He looks nice."

Rowan regarded me thoughtfully. "I'll get to know him and let you know. But I think you should forget him as far as this dance is concerned."

I didn't know then, but my 'he looks nice' comment combined with Rowan's observations of Jack caused his protective nature to kick in. Over the next few months he did fulfil his promise to make friends with him; Jack even became part of the Burdock Bunch. Even then something made my brother maintain the unwarranted claim that Jackson Butterglove was an idiot. Later, of course, Rowan came to realise he'd been unfair, that he really liked him and that Jackson's nature was well matched to mine. The costume party was my brother's attempt to make amends.

"I don't know," I said. "With all this love around it appears I won't be able to find a dance partner."

Rowan shrugged, then a smile crept onto his face. He raised his paw like a volunteer.

 

 "There's always me. I wasn't going to bother going but if you won't be too embarrassed to be accompanied by your brother, I don't mind jigging up and down. After all, you weren't treating it as a lovey-dovey thing."

I smiled, perhaps a little weakly. I didn't really want a pity partner but he was genuinely trying to help. Perhaps I could put that feeling aside.

As it transpired, Rowan didn't need to take me to the dance. Emma Walnut discovered that her fiancé's brother didn't have to attend a motorbike owner's meeting after all, and Charles Furbanks became my dance partner. He did suffer from a slight smell of oil due to a stubborn spill on his tail, but overall he was an entertaining companion.

As for Jackson, idiot or not, he wouldn't have been available as a partner as he was substituting for Mack Periwinkle, joining Isambard Marmalade to provide live music for the dance.

 

All in all, the village dance was successful and it was the perfect occasion for Hector to propose to Christabel.

 o 0 O 0 o

Cecile's claim that love was all around brought back memories of that time. It was around then that Bridget and I became a couple. The Maces mice too.

 

I asked Cecile if she had any more information about the Burdock Bunch at that time and she was happy to tell me.

"Well, after a while Jackson joined the Bunch, and that led to Chris Snow-Warren joining too. They've all grown up and have responsibilities now. Married with children. Hector and Christabel, Tanner and Bethany. Thaddeus and Lydia. Chris and Charity, Even Rowan has got Angelica."

"And you have Jackson of course," I added. and Cecile nodded.

I put my shorthand pad away, making the offhand remark, "So there's only Charlie Furbanks still unattached. He seems happy being a good uncle. I guess he is the perpetual bachelor."

"I always thought that, but Emma told me that Charles now has a lady friend."

 

That gave me cause to think. "Who?"

"Sherilyn Munk."

 

"Really? How did that come about?"

"Well you know that Charlie had cut down on his motor biking? It was clashing with his jindik tournaments. Jackson likes the occasional game but not like Charles Furbanks. The Seadog brothers are always ready for a game and Charlie gives them a decent challenge."

"Go on."

 

"Apparently young Clifford Munk wandered into the snack bar and watched a few games. It turns out that he plays a variant called jinka and happened to mention it to those playing. Charlie revealed that he likes to play it too but could never find an opponent - the Seadog brothers are traditionalists when it comes to jindik. Cliffy brought his jinka set and they played a few informal games. Through this Charlie met Cliffy's mum."

 

"I don't know much about the Munk family," I said then I realised what I'd said.  "I wager you'd never thought that a newspaper mouse like Darcy Fielding would admit to a lack of knowledge!"

 

"Ah, but I know that doesn't matter. Being aware that you don't know something probably inspires you to find out," said Cecile. "It might interest you to learn that Sherilyn and her children appeared in Sylvania with little memory of their past. A bit like the Umberhounds. No father though."

 

Cecile's comment reminded me of Mulder Honey-Fox's information about the supposed Sylvanian Order. Were the Munks newcomers like the Umberhounds? I had my suspicion about Lennox and Leona's Christmas Elves too. I started to wonder about others.

"Hey," said Cecile, "are you listening?"

"Sorry Cecile. I was distracted. What did you say?"

"I said that - with even Charlie Furbanks becoming romantically involved - perhaps love is still all around."

I agreed. Love is all around. And that's a good thing.

o 0 O 0 o

 

Blackberry Orchards

I've not seen much of my brother-in-law over the last two or three weeks. Apparently Rowan is busy with his odd job work. I know this because of Figwort. When he comes for his music lessons he keeps me updated with his father's latest activities. That's how I know Rowan is currently doing some work at Blackberry Orchards.

Because of his long standing friendship with Tanner Blackberry, Rowan can always find work at the orchard. Tanner, Bob and their families are often busy tending the fruit and vegetables they grow and are glad of the help. Even at slower times, their close relationship with the Buttercup family on the adjoining plot means Rowan will still get work. 

 

So, what can I tell you about these essential food producers?

Their location would be a good start. From the centre of the village, Mellowdene Road is the main thoroughfare that leads northeast out of the village and continues into the rest of the county beyond. You don't need to go too far and you will reach Crab Rock. This is the place where the road bends slightly to the east to take you - eventually - out of Mellowdene County. However, if you turn left at Crab Rock you will be on Farm Road and this takes you to Timbertop Farm, Blackberry Orchards and Buttercup Dairy.

The land allocated to the Buttercups is uneven, a little rocky in places, not suitable for fruit trees or the greenhouses needed for the Blackberry's food production. Happily, it is ideal for the growth and tending of lactolia bushes, the source of the plant-based milk that satisfies the village.

West of the Buttercup Dairy, the land is better suited for fruit crops and glass houses and this is where Blackberry Orchards is located. It has access to a natural spring that emerges when it meets the subterranean rock marking the boundary between the two businesses. This water eventually discharges into a pool - Clearfresh Pool - where (I've been told) it finds its way back to an underground water course. As such it provides the necessary irrigation for the area.

Buttercup Dairy and Blackberry Orchards sometimes work on joint ventures under the name Black & White Foods; no doubt the name was Tanner's idea. Their fruit smoothies and milk shakes are popular in the village and I heard a rumour that they'd struck a deal to supply the new pizzeria set up by the Pickleweeds. 

 

Also, the Buttercups operate the farm shop using produce from Blackberry Orchards. You may recall that I've already told you of the time Rowan helped the Buttercup family with the farm shop.

Whew! I've given you a lot of information there. Darcy says that's okay - one can imagine him saying, "how else are they to learn?" - but that's how he is. 

o 0 O 0 o

Even with Rowan's undoubtedly useful contribution, sometimes that's not enough. The population of the village and outlying homesteads have increased over the years and both the Blackberrys and Buttercups have increased their yield. This means that there are times when there aren't enough people to bring in the harvest. That's when the Mellowdene community pile in to help.

There are always enough adults and children happy to help. By way of thanks, they will receive a small percentage of the yield. 

Last week, when Orton and Brendan went to visit Tanner Blackberry's boys Solly and Ziggy, I thought it was something to do with their school homework followed by a play session. They came home with a small basket of blueberries. 

A nice surprise. However, Cecile thought it was a mixed blessing. Although Orton didn't have any fruit stains on him, the same can't be said for my boy...

 

o 0 O 0 o

A Costume Party

It recently occurred to me that I may have given people the wrong impression about my brother in law. Reading through my writings, you might think I find Burdock Rowan Ivory untrustworthy and that I don't really like him much. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am sometimes wary of his tales, and Rowan will be the first to admit that he can be his own worst enemy with his practical jokes. That does not mean I dislike him. I want that on record.

The truth is, years ago Rowan and I were very good friends. We'd go out with Chris Snow-Warren, Charlie Furbanks and assorted others, visit places like Jimbo's Coffee Bar (sadly no longer there) and talk about all sorts of nonsense. Rowan told the best jokes, and we wasted many an hour enjoying ourselves once we'd finished work for the day.

On an early visit to Rowan's home I met his sister, and she seemed nice. That said, things always seemed to get in the way so I didn't get to spend too much time in her company. I now realise that Rowan was being a little overprotective - but as time went on and Rowan got to know me better, he relaxed his attitude. In retrospect, I think he had decided that I was a good match for Cecile, and started to work in my favour. This was clearest with an occasion we now call the Costume Party. I shall explain.

o 0 O 0 o

One night at Jimbo's, Rowan and I were hanging about after the rest of our gang had left. He gave me a friendly punch on the arm.

"Hey, Jack. I have a favour to ask."

"Tread carefully, Rowan. I remember your last favour. Buying some of your beetroot bubble bath - remember? I'm lucky I wasn't the first to use it. Newton's only just forgiven me now the bright pink has worn off."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I got the quantities wrong. But this is nothing like that."

"Go on."

"It's Cecile's birthday in a couple of days. I've been planning a costume party."

"First I've heard about it."

"That's because it's a surprise party. Cecile doesn't know anything about it. All the invitees are sworn to secrecy. Even they don't know who else is coming."

"Unusual."

"Yeah, well I'm unique. Thought you knew that, Jack."

I had to smile. Rowan was one of a kind. "Okay, you loon. What's the favour?"

"I overlooked something when I was doing the invitations. I invited Cecile's friends, but didn't think to invite anyone to keep me company. I will need someone there to keep me sane."

"Sane? I think you might be too late there, mate," I said, watching him curl his lip in response. "But your sister won't want me there. Remember? You said Cecile thinks I'm an idiot."



Rowan actually looked embarrassed. "Ah. Not strictly true, Jack. I told all our gang the same thing, knowing what young rabbits can be like. When you're trying to take care of your only sister..."

"She didn't call me an idiot?"

"No. And I regret misleading you now..."

"Lying."

"Okay, okay. But I know you better now. You're a decent guy, Jack. And I could really do with some good male company at this party. What do you say, eh? Pretty please?"

He looked so earnest, I thought his request worth considering. "Okay, give me the details."

With a wide smile, Rowan began listing his requirements. "First, we need to find you a costume."

o 0 O 0 o

I'm still not sure how I ended up in a knight's costume. Rowan mentioned something about chivalry but I didn't fully understand. It was something to do with obscure legends that Cecile enjoyed reading about, but the main reason was that it fitted in with the theme of the event.

The costume party was to be held in the village hall, but Rowan said he wanted me to wait in the adjoining kitchen area until all was ready.

"It'll be dark," whispered Rowan, "so be careful when you go in. You won't be alone, so wait until someone puts the light on. I'll have to leave you a bit whilst I go and get my costume. You'll like it."

He ushered me into the darkened room and I didn't move too far. I didn't expect him to be too long as the door closed behind me, but then I heard the key turn in the lock.

My heart sank. "Rowan," I muttered, "what are you up to now?"

The light came on and I looked around the room. At first I thought I was alone, but someone emerged from an alcove and a lovely face stared at me. It was Cecile.



"Jackson Butterglove? Is that you, underneath all that... metallic stuff?"

"Er, yes," I said, a touch unsettled, raising my visor. I then remembered why she was there. "Happy birthday."

She raised a perfect brow and regarded me curiously as she walked across the kitchen. "It's not my birthday. It's Christian Snow-Warren's birthday." She paused. "At least that's what my brother said."

"It's not Chris's birthday either. It looks as though Rowan's played a trick on both of us." I looked at her, elegant in her costume. "Lovely outfit, by the way."

She looked down at herself and smiled. "Thank you. I take it Rowan also conned you into wearing that... what is it, exactly?"



"A knight, apparently. It's part of the obscure legends that you... don't read about, do you?"

"No. That's Rowan's thing. This dress is also supposed to be something of that nature."

"When will I learn my lesson about your brother?" I said, rolling my eyes. "I think he's locked us in too. Do you have any idea why?"

"No." She sighed. "No doubt everything will be made clear soon. Is it definitely locked?"

I reached out and tried the door knob. "Yep. Locked."

From the corner of my eye I noticed Cecile straining her neck to look at my costume. "There's something on your back," she said. "Here, turn around."

I twisted so that Cecile could reach the item she'd spotted. When I turned back she was already  unfolding a piece of paper. With the cutest frown I'd ever seen she remarked that the paper was a note addressed to her. She read it out.

"It's from Rowan. It says, 'I'm sorry Cecile. He's not an idiot. I am.'"

"He told you I was an idiot? And he said that you thought that."

Cecile found a seat and lowered herself gracefully. "No, he was the one that said it when I asked about you, months back. I should have realised."

"That he was trying to protect you?" I said as my thoughts whizzed. She had asked about me?

"Yes. Ever since our dad died we have been both mother and father to each other. I can't be too mad with him considering what he's given up to keep us together. Still, despite having been unfair to you, I think this note proves he regrets it."

We continued to discuss Rowan - how he'd intended to channel his adventurous nature by traveling Sylvania but had given up the idea to stay with his sister. Talking with Cecile was comfortable so I don't think either of us noticed when the conversation morphed so that we were talking about each other. And we did talk. For hours.

We were so engrossed we barely heard the click of the lock and only looked up when we became aware of Rowan standing nearby.

"A good night?" he said, and I could tell he was being especially wary before his sister.

Cecile stared at her brother and the silence mounted. She waited until Rowan visibly squirmed and then she smiled and winked at him. "Yes Rowan. I believe he is."

o 0 O 0 o

And that's how Rowan's "costume party" became my first date with the gorgeous rabbit who would become my wife. For that reason alone, I could never dislike the mischievous bunny who is Burdock Rowan Ivory.

He had tricked us both, but we had our revenge. You see, I still had the rest of that beetroot bubble bath.

o 0 O 0 o