There was no sign of Horny’s undesirable behaviour as they set out along the drive from High Groaning Hall. He was trotting along as docilely as a child’s pony, and though Wragg felt ill-at-ease for the lack of reins, he had to admit that, however he was doing it, Racing Rodent seemed to have things under control.
Soon after the main gate came into view, Jollyrei’s Rolls Royce turned into the drive. The drive was fairly narrow, so RR steered Horny off to the side to await its passage. The chauffeur touched his cap in thanks, but then brought the car to a stand, evidently requested so to do by the occupant of the rear seat. A rear window slid down smoothly, and, having seen Jollyrei Minor’s pictures of her, Wragg recognised Lady Thessela Jollyrei.
“Good Morning, Milady,” said Wragg.
“Your Ladyship,” said RR.
“Cor, Thess, you’re in fine shape today! Let’s see your knockers!” said Horny. He yelped as Wragg flicked his left ear with the whip.
“Oh, don’t be nasty to Horny! He’s sweet, really. He’s a breath of fresh air after all that bowing and scraping. Here you are, Sweetie, have a sugar lump!” She passed a sugar lump up to Horny, who appeared to find it adequate compensation for not seeing her knockers, for he gobbled it up greedily, and belched noisily.
“Wragg, isn’t it?” asked Thessela.
“Yes, milady!”
“You go to school with my son. He speaks very highly of you.”
“I’m gratified to hear it, milady.”
“I hear you make excellent Eccles cakes. I must try one, someday. Anyway, have you seen my husband? I’ve bought him something lovely for his birthday! I can’t wait to show it to him!” The bags on the back seat with her were decorated with the slogan ‘Loxuru’s Luscious Lingerie.’ No prizes for guessing what Lord Jollyrei’s birthday present would be.
“Um…” said Wragg, who at least had the presence of mind not to direct her to the stables to interrupt Professor La Croix’ private lessons for His Lordship.
RR was quicker of the mark. “His Lordship was considering going shooting with the Marquis of Windar, milady.”
“Bummer,” said Thessela, pouting in a most ladylike fashion. “He’ll be gone a while.”
“Quite possibly, milady.”
She had clearly been in a hurry to share her purchases with Jollyrei, and her disappointment was obvious. But then she brightened, and favoured Wragg with a radiant smile. “I say, Wraggie, I don’t suppose you have a few moments to spare, do you?”
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He never ever noted that Jollrei Minor's mother, the dear Lady Thessela, might harbour instincts more attuned to those of a predatory cat 
