Part 2 - A Cheeky Bear

Part 2

  

“Not much of a suitcase is it,” exclaimed Mr Smith. “It's not big enough to hold a pair of underpants.” Now during their Peruvian Adventure together Paddington had sometimes felt that he had come off decidedly worse when holding a conversation with Mr Smith.  Upon his return home he had  discussed the problem with his old friend Mr Grubber and sought his advice upon the matter. As a man of the world and a watcher of people Mr Grubber had quickly realised what had been happening. “You will need to improve your witty repartee and understand the basics of how to use the double-entendre,” he'd explained. It all sounded a little foreign to the bear but he was happy to give it a go, if only to get one back at Mr Smith. Staying up late at night, he watched back to back re-runs of Monty Python, The Two Ronnies and any other early comedy series he could find. Rising somewhat later than normal in the morning he would then return to see Mr Grubber where, over tea and marmalade sandwiches he polish his linguistic jousting skills. Now, stood before Mr Smith with a cheeky grin spreading across his face he quipped. “I don't need underwear Mr Smith. You see, the clue is in my name." Mr Smith's eyes widened and he gave an imperceptible nod before replying “I think that's spelt BARE, Paddington, but a good try.” Opening the door a little wider he invited him in. “Who is that with you,” called Mrs Smith.  "I've got a cheeky bear behind," he replied entering the living room. "I know," said Mrs Smith, "but it's not polite to go on about it in front of guests." "It is the guest, smiled Mr Smith. Much to the delight of Mrs Smith Paddington entered the room and climbed onto the sofa to greet her. Making himself comfortable on the warm spot left by the cat he then chatted away explaining what he had been up to since they last met and what they might see on their next adventure together. Mr Smith sat himself down in the armchair opposite whilst the cat, seeing the Smiths had settled again, jumped onto the newly available lap. At first sight of the bear Mr Smith had been a little shocked and perhaps even dismayed to see Paddington again, particularly after the difficulty in getting him through airport security the previous year. But now as he watched the bear chat to Mrs Smith his mood began to mellow. He thought of all the fun he had had last with the little fellow last time and the opportunities which might now lay ahead. The bear certainly seemed to have picked up a few new tricks since last year so he was certainly going to have to play it carefully. Paddington glanced across at Mr Smith and noted the faint smile spreading across his face. Honours were about even he thought, not bad for a bear who was new to this game. This was going to be a very interesting three weeks.