OOM: Small town in the Sto Plains, inn, the next morning

[scots_wolf]

Urquhart is sitting in the main room of the inn, sipping his first cup of coffee of the day. Things seem to be going well; the maids and grooms pass him and simper, or grin, and the cook has been by and asked him about breakfast.

It will be served when 'his young friend' comes down. Urquhart is ready to say something funny and outrageous when Moist appears, for the edification and amusement of all present.-

Comments

[scots_wolf]

"And not on people getting annoyed before building is even finished," Urquhart nods.

[morethanprops]

"No, you'll see, we'll help,"

And help in such a way that they leave with useful things for them too.

[scots_wolf]

It takes a while to get through all that breakfast, even with the artists all helping.

Finally, Urquhart calls the maids to take everything except coffee and tea away. "So, one more cup, and then we leave?" he suggests.

Things have been sounding very grand.

[morethanprops]

"Yes, we'll see the site first and then visit your patron,"

Some of the artists have been exchanging glances and the youngest one says, "I could see if the Marquis would come since I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

[scots_wolf]

"Meeting him in the field, so to speak!" Urquhart says. "What a brilliant idea. Why don't you go and bring him, and then we meet there?"

[morethanprops]

"Yes, we'll bring food with us too as I'm sure that's one of the nicest ways ot appreciate your beautiful building."

[scots_wolf]

"Bottle of whisky or two, some oatcakes, some of the salmon roe from last night, and perhaps a mild radish," Urquhart muses.

[morethanprops]

"Will you arrange it, darling? I just want to grab some supplies in case inspiration strikes, you know how it is."

[scots_wolf]

"Just a moment!" Urquhart says. "Don't go away!" he adds, to the artists.

He hurries to the kitchen and comes back with a basket at least as heavy as yesterday's, which he swings in his mighty fist with utter ease.

[morethanprops]

Moist returns with a jaunty hat and a bag of paint supplies and Franz who is making sure things don't fall out.

[scots_wolf]

"Look at you!" Urquhart says. "Your paws are all muddy -- where have you been? Ahh, dogs will be dogs! Gentlemen, that is Franz, the third member of this endeavour, and by far the most sensible one."

[morethanprops]

Franz wuffs when he hears his name and looks quite sensible and well behaved.

[scots_wolf]

"The most excellent dog, don't you think?" Urquhart says, leading the way outside, Franz at his heels.

[morethanprops]

All the men laugh and Franz is giving quite a lot of pets as they offer the best seats in the carriage to Urquhart and Moist while putting the baskets in the back.

[scots_wolf]

Franz drapes himself over Urquhart's and Moist's feet as the carriage rumbles off.

[morethanprops]

They don't have too far to go, they go around the rise until they reach an old water mill and then everyone clambers out.

[scots_wolf]

"Oh, isn't this the most picturesque place ever!" Urquhart exclaims while Franz runs around barking at the noise the water is making.

[morethanprops]

Moist steps out and laughs, "Oh, how darling."

[scots_wolf]

"And the main mill room will certainly make a nice space to exhibit your work in!" Urquhart decides, striding towards it followed by Franz.

[morethanprops]

The artists all start talking at once and pointing out where they set their easels up and good fishing spots. Moist laughs as he keeps listening to all of them.

[scots_wolf]

"The problem won't be getting people to come," Urquhart laughs. "The problem will be getting them to go again!"

[morethanprops]

"That will be easy, look at this space. the art that will be shown can constantly be changed and there will be grand parties and class above."

[scots_wolf]

"When they sell something, the there's always room for more art," Urquhart says.

There's a noise approaching.

"That must be the marquis."

[morethanprops]

The carriage that pulls up is in beautiful shape and shines slightly in the light.

Everyone turns to look at it and one of the artists, rushes to get the door as a man in an elegantly cut tweed suit steps out, "Oh thank you, Harold. I hear that we have some visitors."

[scots_wolf]

"That would be us," Urquhart says, assuming the terrible stilted manners are for others. "I'm Hamish MacNess, and this is my dear friend and constant companion, Albert Spangler. When we get a break from the boring stuff life tends to pelt you with, he paints, and I fish. Among other things."