[Primrose Bolger]

Ginger takes Miz Bracegirdle's order

‘Yes, m’am,’ said Ginger as Miz Bracegirdle made her points, the old gal thumping on the ground with her cane to emphasize each one. Truth be known, Ginger had stood near as Buttercup read the notice to the children and was thrilled at the notion. ‘Yes, m’am. Queer in the head.’

She put on as polite a face as she could. She didn’t believe all that for one minute. If queer in the head meant having a little adventure in your life, Ginger was all for it. Shy as she might be about going out on an adventure herself, still she was glad that others had made the bold step. She shivered a little with anticipation and delight. She could stay safe in her own little burrow and venture out to visit the Elves and see about dragons and treasure and such without setting foot out of the Shire.

Tomorrow, she would see Miz Bella about joining up in one of her classes. She didn’t mind sitting in with some of the littler children. She liked the little ones. And maybe she could help Miz Bella with keeping them in order. Goodness knows she had enough practice with that between her younger brothers and sisters and her older siblings’ little ones.

Miz Bracegirdle was looking up at her as if she thought Ginger had gone daft. Regathering her wits about her, Ginger asked what the old dear would be wanting to eat and drink.