Never judge a Baby Show. One, only one mother likes you. The rest are deeply offended. -- Knitnan
London's East End, 1950-something.
The nurses of Nonnatus House were run off their feet with their work. As were most of the nuns. Babies and anxious parents were flocking the hall, and the resultant rabble was almost deafening.
"And whose idea was it to use a baby show as a fund-raiser?" complained Trixie.
"Sister Monica Joan's," said Chummy. "Nobody else was around to stop her and Nurse Crane thought it was a bally good idea."
"They're the judges now, for their sins," added Shelagh. "At least it gives the rest of us a chance to check that they're all doing well and are up to date with their vaccinations."
"I did up some extra ribbons for the runners-up," confessed Chummy. "Cutest smile, brightest laugh, that sort of thing. Can't have too many upset about not winning."
"They're all after the fifty pound grand prize," said Trixie. "They're not going to be happy with a bloody ribbon." One of the contestants started screaming. "And now they're playing my song." She dashed off into the melee.
Patsy joined the smaller melee in the kitchen, were three people were trying to do the job of ten and at least keep up with the demand for tea. Sandwiches had long been forgotten and biscuits were a lost hope. Their only chance at salvation was that if Fred managed to pick up enough snackables at the market.
"He's here," someone said.
And there he came. Burlap sack slung over one shoulder like Santa Claus in khaki overalls. By the way he was bent and the size of the sack, he'd managed to get a bargain. "Here we are," he panted, parking the sack. "Every orange in the East End, I reckon. Any chance of some of that tea?"
"Sorry," grunted Chummy as she exchanged heated urns. "There's a bit of a queue and we're working as fast as we can."
"You can have an orange slice if you help cut them up for our guests," offered Patsy.
"Ugh, these things should be banned," grumbled Barbera.
[AN: You ARE aware that baby shows are extinct, now, right?]
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / LanaKh]
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