Monday: Covent Garden Flowers

[mylandmyrules]

Nell was a bit quiet today as she went about her daily activities. The plants seemed a bit subdued as well for some reason. There weren't many orders to fill, so once Nell had taken care of everything and cleaned, she could probably be found sitting with a cup of tea and a book.

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[pocketpretzels]

“Afternoon, Ms. Ingram,” Watts greeted at some point not too long after they got back from class.

By the time he reached where Nell was sitting, yes, his hat was dangling off of something not intended to be a hat rack and he had a spring of some plant twirling between his fingers.

[mylandmyrules]

"Detective!" Nell said cheerfully. "Did you enjoy our trip today? I love getting to visit all of these places!"

[pocketpretzels]

“I did,” Watts confirmed. “It’s been utterly fascinating, having the chance to visit different worlds entirely.”

Somewhere, George Crabtree was overcome with jealousy with no idea as to why.

[mylandmyrules]

"It's such an amazing gift we've been given here, to have all these wonderful opportunities," Nell agreed. "I never could have imagined being able to do so."

[pocketpretzels]

“Myself as well,” Watts said. “Though I’ve a friend back- in Toronto-“ there was a brief verbal stumble as he had to correct himself when he’d been about to say ‘home’, “who’s given a great deal of thought to the idea of life on other planets.”

[mylandmyrules]

Nell smiled. "And who would have believed before coming here just hoe right he might be!"

[pocketpretzels]

“He had the chance to visit for a short while last September,” Watts said. “Perhaps if he comes around again I might introduce you. In addition to being an exemplary policeman he’s also an author of some acclaim.”

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh really?" Nell said. "I'd love to meet him if he does return. And an author! Is it possible to get a copy of his book? I'd be interested in reading it."

[pocketpretzels]

“Oh, he would happily send along copies for you,” Watts said. “I’ll ask him next time I write.”

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh, that works be wonderful!" Nell said happily. "Just let me know the price and I'll get it to you."

[pocketpretzels]

“He’ll likely insist payment isn’t necessary,” Watts admitted. “But don’t worry, I will send it along regardless.”

[mylandmyrules]

"I would appreciate that," Nell said. She grinned, "It seems very fascinating to get a book from an actual person - someone that someone I know actually knows, if that makes sense."

[pocketpretzels]

“I think I understand what you mean,” Watts said. “To know for certain that a living, breathing person sat and thought of those words.”

[mylandmyrules]

"Yes!" Nell said. "It's very exciting to think of!"

[pocketpretzels]

“Do you mind if I give him your name?” Watts asked. “So he could sign them properly to you.”

[mylandmyrules]

"Really? Yes, of course you can give him me name," she said. "I'd be honored!"

[pocketpretzels]

"Excellent," Watts said. "He'll be thrilled to have another reader from the future." Because of course Steven already had copies of both books.

(No points for guessing whether the one about an Egyptian curse was his favourite.)

[mylandmyrules]

(No points, indeed!)

"I would be delighted to be a second reader from the future," Nell said cheerfully."

[pocketpretzels]

“I am pleased to hear it,” Watts told her. “Though- I did have a reason for stopping by beyond promoting Constable Crabtree’s literary efforts.”

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh, of course," Nell said, "I'm so sorry, of course, what can I help you with?"

[pocketpretzels]

“No need for apologies,” Watts said. “I was wondering- have you any recommendations for cut flowers that would be safe to have around cats?”

[mylandmyrules]

"Of course," Nell said. "I'm rather fond of the gerbera daisies - they come in such bright colors - but roses, orchids, snapdragons, sunflowers, freesia..." She pointed them out as she mentioned there names. "Any of those are good, though any of them can cause mild tummy upsets if they eat a lot of them, but they're not poisonous. You do have to be careful about the thorns on roses, though. They're not poisonous, but they could hurt the paws or mouth."

[pocketpretzels]

“The cat in question seems more interested in going after bread than flowers,” Watts said wryly, “but I wish to play it safe regardless. And that’s a good point about the thorns. I hadn’t thought about that,” he admitted.

[mylandmyrules]

"Always a good idea," Nell said. "Do any of the flowers strike your fancy?"

[pocketpretzels]

"He liked the sunflowers," Watts said, half to himself. "Perhaps the daisies would be nice," he continued, in answer to her question.

[mylandmyrules]

She smiled and pulled out the tub of daisies. "Excellent choice. I can make you up a colourful bouquet."

Nell started putting it together, then stopped for a second. "Oh! Steven said you might be interested in coming to our baseball night on Tuesdays. Or at least, we're watching baseball right now, we might branch out into other things as well later. In any case, it's a good excuse for friends to get together for snacks and some fun. You're more than welcome to join us."

[pocketpretzels]

“Ah- “ Watts held up a hand. “Sorry.” Now it was his turn to apologise. “I don’t- need it quite yet. I just meant to come in and get some ideas. But as for baseball- where is the game located?”

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh, no worries, sorry," Nell said, setting them back into the refrigerator. "Easy enough to put back. And we're watching the game on the televison tonight at my place - just upstairs here."

(At handwavey o'clock as one does.)

[pocketpretzels]

“On the television?” Watts repeated. “I- did not know that was done.” Though he supposed it was just as easy to film a sporting event as it was a fictional story.

(No one tell him about live broadcasts.)

“I am free tonight,” he mused. “Very well. I will be there.”

[mylandmyrules]

Oh dear, he was likely to find out since they'd be watching the game live. Sorry, Detective.

"Oh yes, they broadcast most all of the sporting type events, which is good because it's certainly much more comfortable to watch and chat with friends in your own house," Nell said.

She smiled at him. "We'll be glad to see you!"



(Ack, and they both absolutely said 'tomorrow' as in Tuesday since that was totally what Nell should have said 'yesterday' in my sleep-addled brain today, sorry!)