The Importance of Being Maurice
One day Maurice and his family were sitting down to watch TV. In the same way that we enjoy glimpses in to their world, Sylvanians also enjoy the odd peek into ours and so it was that morning that Maurice saw a quite remarkable sight; Buckingham Palace! He was instantly impressed with the size of it and tried not to make unfavourable comparisons with his own Country Manor. But what really drew his eye were the men guarding the palace and he instantly thought that their presence made a significant contribution to the grandeur of the palace.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Vandykeville, the Osborne brothers had set off to explore the loft.
“We might find all kinds of exciting things up here,” Aidan told his brother Gideon between bites of hamburger. “I don’t think anyone’s been up here in years!” he added excitedly. “I’m not sure Aidan. It all looks quite ordinary; just some old chairs and a broken microwave,” replied Gideon glumly. But then something caught his eye. An old blanket box was pushed up against the wall. “I don’t remember seeing this though,” he said with a hint of excitement in his voice. “Have a look inside then,” urged Aidan, still munching away. Puzzled, he pulled out a red jacket with shiny gold buttons down the front. Not as exciting as treasure but Gideon did like dressing up so he held it up for size. “What do you think Aidan?” he asked hopefully, “Do you think it’ll fit me?” Aidan who was rather disappointed at the find just shrugged “I guess so.”
Gideon had the jacket and the matching trousers and hat on before Aidan even had a chance to take another bite from his burger. Aidan was a cheeky bear and as the loft exploration hadn’t turned out to be that exciting he had another plan for some fun. “Gideon it looks great. I dare you to wear it outside so the whole of Vandykeville can see how smart you look.” Gideon didn’t need a second invitation as he was already growing quite attached to his new look. “Dare accepted!” he exclaimed, “Can’t wait to show off my new look.” Back at the Country Manor, Maurice had decided to take some fresh air while he gave further thought to his problem in obtaining a guard. He couldn’t believe his eyes therefore when on stepping out of his front door, he was confronted with the sight of exactly what he was looking for. Initially he was lost for words but recovered quickly and called out “You there, young bear. Are you looking for work?”
Gideon only knew Maurice by reputation and wasn’t sure how to respond. While he was thinking of a suitable response, Maurice came over to him and asked again. “Young bear, how about working of me? There’s a good chap. Just a bit of marching up and down and standing very still outside my door is all that would be required. What’d you say?” |
“I don’t need a palace” he thought to himself, “I need a guard. That will make the Country Manor appear to be as grand as a palace. “Now how to go about finding a guard?” he pondered.
Carefully, Gideon inched open the lid, glimpsing a flash of red and gold.
And with that he started to scurry down the ladder. Aidan was left munching his burger thoughtfully. “A dare is no fun if the other person wants to do it,” he mused disappointedly.
Gideon was still not sure what to say until Maurice added, “Nice bit of pocket money in it for you.” No further entreaty was needed! Gideon immediately agreed and they shook on it.
And that is how one little bear who loved to dress up, came to be the guard for one very big pompous bear.
Both are quite happy with the arrangement; Gideon enjoys showing off his smart uniform and is getting rather good at standing still and Maurice enjoys his status as the only resident in Vandykeville important enough to have his own guard. The end. |