You're invited!

With his Lordship off, waterproofed against the rain, to the Bigger hills, I thought that rather than brave the inclement weather so early, I would take the opportunity of inviting you all in for a cosy coffee morning behind the Door.

It's been a while since you were allowed through it to the inner sanctum, otherwise known as His Lordships's study; the equivalent as it were of the pigeon loft or the garden shed of yore.

This is where deep manly thoughts are pursued, great writings and other works of an artistic nature take place, safe from the sounds of the household.
The latter can include the raucous sound of the vacuum cleaner, the tinkle of the doorbell and worse than that , the irritating sound of women's chatter and children's laughter.

However, today the door is ajar, so come away in and take a seat while I make the coffee and offer you the remaining slices of last night's apricot cake (which didn't sink in the middle but was almost too rich and heavy for the size of the slices I gave to my friends in the book group). No matter, it's there to be finished as it won't keep.

You are free to stay as long as you like and have a look around; possibly the military history books might take your fancy, or you could wonder at the hordes of toy soldiers so carefully and authentically painted and arranged in realistic battle scenes. However I will have to leave you soon in order to take the air and collect some shopping.

I won't mention a word about your visit when his Lordship returns sodden at tea time, but grinning from ear to ear at having taken on the forces of nature and won.
It will be our secret.