“Can I have some books, please?” I ask politely, “a nice variety of books, fiction, geography, comedies, business, that sort of thing.”

“Yes, we’ve heard you’re a devoted reader, Freddie,” says Arabella, “so that’s all arranged.”

“Good,” I reply, “and no Virginia Woolf or Joseph Conrad, as they’re not my favourites. Perhaps Brave New World as we’re going to be going on an adventure?”

“We’ll surprise you, Freddie,” says Aubrey smiling, “you’ll have more books than you can possibly read.”

“I can read too,” says Gemma, “though I prefer military books myself, not the sort of books that Freddie likes reading.”

“You mean Sven Hassel?” asks Arabella.

“No, factual books about convoys across the Atlantic during WWII or about the Battle of Stalingrad, that sort of thing. Or about ancient battles such as Thermopylae where the traitor Ephialtes of Trachis betrayed those brave Spartans. ”

Aubrey looked at Arabella and nodded his head. 

“OK, factual military books for Gemma.”

“Yes, the more facts the better,” says Gemma, “Frederick doesn’t like facts as much as I do. He prefers fiction.”

“You must be descended from Thomas Gradgrind, even though he is fictional. Now what I want is facts is how Hard Times begins, and I think you should read that book Gemma, you’d enjoy it.”

“Yes, I will get round to it, Freddie.”

“I think that’s everything for now,” says Arabella, “we’ll come back on Sunday, after your humans have gone away, and we’ll be with Mrs Elkins, who is your cat sitter. We’ll share the details of your itinerary with you then.”

“How will we be transported to the destination?” I ask.

“There will be some time spent in cat carriers, but your minders will endeavour to let you out on the train from London, as you’ll be travelling in an area where there are few humans,” says Aubrey.

“I’m sure we’ll pretend to be asleep most of the time,” says Gemma, “especially when we’re in The Channel Tunnel and there’s not much to see. Can we make sure there are no dogs. I don’t like dogs, they’re so gullible and easily led.”

“The train sounds like a good time to meditate,” I say, “I’m looking forward to that already. And I like your joke about dogs being easily led.”

“Right, we should be going,” says Aubrey, “and we’ll see you in two days with Mrs Elkins.”

Aubrey and Arabella flew off and were soon replaced by Rufus who headed down his tree and jumped onto the fence.