Chapter 7 - Mishief makes a Friend

Margot and Mischief left the station and along with the other wives and children, started walking back towards their homes. Presently Margot caught up with her friend Jenny who lived a few doors down the street. Her Jim had left on the same troop train as Fred. Jenny was walking slowly, carrying their little girl, Fiona, all wrapped up in a warm woolen cardigan and knitted cap, to keep out the evening chill. I've got a little one too, whispered Margot afer a few moments. She stopped walking and motioned for Jenny to look inside her handbag. Look at him, his name is Mischief. Inside her handbag Mischief was stretched out on his back, sound asleep, tummy up, with his front paws covering his nose, on top of a handkerchief. Well, your baby is certainly smaller than mine and not half so squirmy, laughed Jenny. Where did you get him? I'll tell you all about it, Margot answered. Come on up, I'll make some tea and we'll have a visit.

Jenny put Fiona down on the sofa while Margot lifted Mischief out of her handbag. Mischief and the little girl looked at each other sleepily. Then Fiona toppled over on top of Mischief and grabbed his ear with her chubby little hand. Mischief wiggled away happily. He had found a new playmate. He jumped up and began batting Fiona's cap around the floor, puffing himself up and pouncing on it all the while trying his best to look ferocious for her benefit. Fiona squirmed off the sofa, and toddled over to the kitten and picked him up, clasping both her hands tightly around his tummy. Mine kitty, mine kitty, she crooned as she carried him around the little apartment. You come home with me.

I'm sorry pumpkin, he can't go home with you to stay but I'll bring him over to visit every evening, promised Margot. He's a very special boy cat and I've sworn to look after him very carefully, but I'm sure Fred would be happy if you helped me once in a while.

Right now, I'll help you and Mommy walk the rest of the way home. Margo eyed Jenny's midsection thoughtfully. There was a definite bump there. It seemed likely that Fiona was going to have a brother or sister in a few months time. I'll put Mischief back in my purse and your Mommy can carry him, and I'll carry you, if you promise not to wiggle like a bunny's tail all the way down Florence Street.