Chapter 18 A Rosy Future

Vocabulary

Scared stiff   -  If you are scared stiff, you are extremely frightened.  Wenn du vor Angst erstarrt bist  (scared stiff), hast du extreme Angst.

If something costs you an arm and a leg means it is very, very expensive. 

If you keep someone on  a tight rein means you controll them very closely, especially concerning money.  If something comes in handy means it is useful or practical.

Wenn etwas im Englischen handy ist, bedeutet es, dass es nützlich, praktisch oder griffbereit ist.

Ken and Jean are enjoying a  late afternoon cocktail.  

I wonder how Dave is, Jean.  

Well, Ken, we'll soon find out.  Dave's just driven into the yard.  

Hello mum and dad.  I see you're enjoying a drink.  Everything OK?

We're fine, thanks, Dave.  But, most importantly, how are you?  What did Jane say Dave?  Come on, spill the beans.    Did she say yes?

Slow down mum.  Today was the worst day in my life. I'm glad it's almost over.

Oh  no!   What happened. 

I was scared stiff, mum and dad. 

Scared of what, Dave?

I was scared Jane would say yes.

And, what did she say, Dave?

She said yes.  And,  I'm very happy!  Maybe, the happiest man alive.

So, why were you scared, Dave?

I was thinking about the money being married was going to cost me, and, just for a moment, I was scared stiff.

I can understand, Dave.  Marriage is expensive. So far, your mother has cost me an arm and a leg. You will have to be strict with Jane.  Keep her on a tight rein.  Impose strict discipline, and all that kind of stuff.

Don't worry, dad.  I've got a plan.  I'm going to send Jane out to work.  

But, Dave, we live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.  There are no jobs to send Jane to.

There are plenty of jobs nearby, mum.  We've plenty of neighbours.  There are jobs like ironing and washing and cleaning and mucking out pigstys.  Jane will find plenty to do.

Oh Dave, how can you be so heartless.  If you'd have wanted a wife like that you would have had to have looked for a girl like your cousin, and not a vicar's daughter. I'm begining to feel sorry for Jane.  Poor girl.

Don't worry, mum.  I was only joking.  I'm going to work hard and give Jane everything she wants.  And, don't forget, mum and dad, Jane's the vicar's daughter.  A special connection to God.  It may come in handy one day. Who knows?

And, I hope her dad has a good connection to God.  Weddings cost an arm and a leg, and  tradition has it  the bride's family pays all.

I say, Ken, I'm sure we'll think of someway to help.  Bur, right now, lets all have another drink.  Congratulations, Dave.  Here's to a rosy future!

Audio on its way!

Chapter 17 An Afternoon Nap

An afternoon nap is a short sleep in the afternoon.

To have a word with someone means to discuss something with them.

Afer all - means considering everything.

Second in command - deputy to the boss.

well then - A way of finishing a discussion

An Afernoon Nap

I say mum, Have you seen dad?

He's got his feet up in the lounge, Dave.  He's having an afternoon nap.

Dad having an afternoon nap!  That's not like him.

Your dad's had a very hard week, Dave.  Sometimes I think he works far too hard. He's no spring lamb anymore.

You're right, mum.  Maybe I could do more. I'll have a word with him when he wakes up.

That's a good idea, Dave.  After all, one of these days this will all be yours.

I know, mum.  

But, you won't be able to run this farm on your own, Dave.  Can you imagine Jane as second in command?

Well, she's better than nothing, mum.

Better than nothing!  She's a wonderful girl.  And, don't forget, her dad's the vicar. 

And, her mum's the vicar's wife.

And, Jane would make a very good mother, Dave.  And, I'm sure she can cook very well.

And, she loves animals. 

Well then, that's all the boxes ticked.  That's decided.   Jane it's to be.  The new number two on the farm. 

I can't wait to tell dad.

He will be surprised.  But there's only one little thing, Dave. I think it's important.  Have you actualy proposed to Jane?

That's a good point, mum.  I'll do it right now.  I'll message her.

Dave!  Get in your car, go round, and get down on one knee.  That's how it's done.

I'm on my way, mum.  

And, when you get back, a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions - Why is Ken having a nap?  Where is Ken having a nap?  Does Dave understand his father?  What's Dave's idea.  Why would Jane make a nice wife?  Does Jean like Jane?  What is Jane's father?  Does Jane's mother work in the fish and chips shop?  Are vicars important people?  What is a farmer's wife most important job?  Must a farmer's wife be able to cook?  Will Jane say yes?