Paddington Misses Scout

PADDY: *Reading* "As soon as Beauty had said these words, the palace and the garden suddenly blazed with light. Music sounded, fireworks shone. Beauty turned to look at her dear Beast, but suddenly no Beast was to be seen in the garden. Instead, the very handsomest prince that was ever seen knelt at Beauty's feet and thanked her for having broken his enchantment." *Sighs.*

 

ORSON: "Oh, I know, Paddy!" *Reaches out and touches Paddy's paw.* "It's such a beautiful and touching part of the story." *Sighs too.* "I'm such a romantic."

 

PADDY: "Oh yes, Orson. It's such a beautiful climax in the story. However that isn't why I am sighing."

 

ORSON: "It isn't, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "No, Orson." *Sighs again.*

 

ORSON: "Then why are you sighing, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "Because usually about this time, no matter where I am reading my favourite faerie tale of Beauty and the Beast, whether I am sitting here or up a tree in the garden, Scout seems to have the uncanny knack of finding me and telling me that the Beast should have 'remained a beast and not be turned into a crummy old handsome prince'!" *Sighs again.*

 

ORSON: "Well, I do see Scout's point. I mean, Beauty did fall in love with the Beast after all."

 

PADDY: "I know he can be very exhausting sometimes, but I miss Scout, Orson."

 

ORSON: "Oh don't worry, Paddy! Scout will be having a splendid time with his best friend Peter, and Benny and Jago and Daisy-Maud at the fish and chip party at Mummy Marian's."

 

PADDY: "No doubt filling his grumbly tummy, Orson."

 

ORSON: "I wouldn't doubt that, Paddy."

 

PADDY: "Scout left when it was raining, but now it is nice and sunny here. I wish Scout were here to take a walk and explore with. Daddy and I saw some early spring blossom the other day, and I know how much Scout loves pretty spring blossoms."

 

ORSON: "Especially when the blossom is his favourite shade of pink, Paddy."

 

PADDY: "Indeed." *Sighs again.*

 

ORSON: "Don't worry, Paddy! I'm sure that Scout will return from Mummy Marian's soon, and then you can show him the spring blossoms."

 

PADDY: "Oh yes, I'm sure you are right, dear Orson. Thank you! You are such a comfort." *Gives Orson a big little bear hug.* "Thank you!"

 

ORSON: *Ponders.* "Err Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "Yes Orson?"

 

ORSON: "Paddy, would you like me to say that the Beast should have remained a beast and not be turned into a crummy old handsome prince?"

 

PADDY: "That's kind of you Orson, but you don't really say it with the conviction that Scout does."

 

ORSON: "Well that's because I actually like it when the Beast is transformed back into the handsome prince and released of his enchantment."

 

PADDY: "Oh, well in that case, perhaps best not say it then. I don't want you saying things that aren't true, or you don't believe, Orson. But thank you for the thought."

 

ORSON: "You're welcome Paddy. I'm sure that Scout will be back in time for next week's Teddy Bear Tuesday." *Pats Paddy's paw comfortingly again.*

 

PADDY: "Shall I continue with the story then, Orson?"

 

ORSON: "Oh yes, Paddy! If you would!"

 

PADDY: *Reading.* "Beauty was amazed by the Beast's transformation, but did not understand. She..."

 

The book of "Beauty and the Beast" that Paddy and Orson are reading is retold by Katherine Lee Bates and illustrated by Margaret Evans Price (co-founder of the U.S. toy manufacturer Fisher Price), published by Rand McNally & Co. of Chicago in 1934.

 

 

This beautiful Willow Pattern nursery tea set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features four cups and saucers as well as a tea pot, coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated with the Willow Pattern in blue, just like the life-size equivalent. It has two sister sets: a 1920s Shell China Company nursery rhyme tea set that I was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children’s tea sets and a faerie tale set from the 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set that I have built up from various sellers over time.

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Orson, named after the little bear constellation, was made by the same friend who made Jago and Daisy-Maud. He comes ready dressed in 'trousers' made of German mohair accessorised with embroidered braces. His paws are ultra suede and his eyes are glass. He is described as being a little bit serious minded but very friendly. He's fine once he gets to know you.

Done