Mister Brown was at the nine thirty soviet this morning, looking grim. One evening of listening to what the bugs picked up had convinced him.
'We have a problem.'
Bronwen gave him a rather old fashioned look.
'Someone intending to take over the world is rather old hat here, James, and from what you have said, those two both intend something different. If they were working together it might be difficult, as they certainly have ideas. Fortunately so do we.'
'Such as?'
'A hamper at Christmas has solved a lot of problems in the past.'
He sighed impatiently.
'I'm sorry - this is hardly something that can be solved using sugar and spice.
It is serious. Is the Minister up to speed on this?'
Daphne slid a sheet of paper across the table.
'He authorised the use of chemical weapons last night.'
Mister Brown's eyebrows rose.
'That is what it comes under, these days. I'd like you to find out what their plans are for Christmas. Do you have any information on the chemicals used in the magazines? Are we likely to suffer such angst in the mornings for very long?'
'I have no information yet - where is the Minister?'
'On a tour of the House, and I believe he intends to take a walk before lunch, as it is such a pleasant morning. His secretary and his wife requested breakfast in bed.'
Daphne looked slightly mischievous but I think Mister Brown missed it as he was reading the form. He said he had a lot to do and left.
We continued with House matters for a while. I was given three more sets of ingredients and instructions for the baking I was to do.
'Is something troubling you?'
'There is mention of puddings in the Harry Potter film just out.'
They nodded.
'That's quite alright.'
'And Mister Brown doesn't think our work - works.'
'That is probably a good thing.'
'And Globo-Fashion?'
'They eat - so we can do something.'
There was a tapping on the door, and Mister McGreagor came in. Daphne took him away to plot something, and I noticed that she had finally given up the classic low heeled court shoes and was wearing trainers.