Chapter Nineteen - Janet Mercer
With his fingers crossed, Horace followed Gwen and Aubrey into the houseboat. Seated on the settee was a small blond girl wearing a green dress and a stylish pair of spectacles. She was pretty with the kind of face that always appeared to relax into a smile. She got up as they approached her and took a long serious look at Horace. He removed his dark glasses and began blinking at her rapidly. She turned to Gwen and exclaimed, “You didn’t do him justice. I think he looks very nice!”
Horace cringed, feeling embarrassed, but he soon recovered and managed to mutter, “Er...hello, Janet. Er...I’m Horace Mayberry, and I’m wearing my contact lenses at the moment, but I’m very pleased to meet you.”
She gave him a big wide smile and a soft tinkling chuckle, which m
