2-70（在线收听）

70.

I moved out of the badger sett, into Nottingham Cottage, a.k.a. Nott Cott. Willy and Kate had beenliving there, but they’d outgrown it. After moving into Princess Margaret’s old place, just acrossthe way, they’d passed me their keys.

It felt good to be out of the badger sett. But even better to be just across the way from Willyand Kate. I looked forward to popping in all the time.

Look! It’s Uncle Harry!

Ello! Just thought I’d stop by.

Holding a bottle of wine and an armful of kiddie presents. Dropping to the floor and wrestlingwith little George.

Will you stay for supper, Harold?

Love to!

But it didn’t work out that way.

They were half a football pitch away, just beyond a stone courtyard, so close that I could seetheir nanny pass by all the time with the pram, and I could hear their elaborate renovations. Iassumed they’d have me over any minute now. Any day.

But day after day it didn’t happen.

I get it, I thought. They’re busy! Building a family!

Or maybe…they don’t want a third wheel?

Maybe if I get married, things will be different?

They’d both mentioned, pointedly, repeatedly, how much they liked Cressida.