We all looked in dismay at the boys, who were happily chasing the duck around the perimeter of the playpen while Spike kept pace with them on the outside. The duck didn’t seem to mind. Dad took up a station just outside the pen and began handing the boys little bits of ham or cheese each time they passed.

“The first thing to do is to get the duck out of sight,” I said. “Jamie! Josh! It’s nearly time for lunch. Go wash your hands.”

“Can I feed ducky?” Josh asked.

“The duck has to go outside,” I said. “Ducks don’t belong in the kitchen.”

“Nooo!” Josh wailed.

“Want ducky,” Jamie whined.

Think fast, I told myself, if you don’t want to start a flock of ducks on top of all the chickens.

“We have to hide the duck,” I said. “It’s a present for someone else,” I said.

Both boys’ faces fell, and I could tell that tears, in large quantities, were moments away.

“But don’t worry,” I said. “You’ll be able to see him all the time.”

The boys looked hopeful. As I glanced around, seeking inspiration, I could see that every adult in the room was staring at me in dismay. Mother was shaking her head almost imperceptibly.

“Where is everybody? And when’s lunch?”

Grandfather strode into the room.

Chapter 17

Although giving animals to Grandfather made about as much sense as trying to give Mother a decorating book she didn’t already have, he was probably the only adult in the room who wouldn’t hate me if I gave him the duck.

“Darn,” I said. “Looks as if we’ve spoiled the surprise. I guess there’s nothing to do but give it to him a little early.”

I picked up the duck, strode over, and handed it to Grandfather.

“Merry Christmas,” I said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Grandfather stared for a few moments at the duck in his hands as if he’d never seen one before.

“Gampy like duck?” Josh said. He sounded anxious.

“Why, yes!” Grandfather said. “What a surprise!”

“Better than a tie,” Rob put in.

“Wear it in good health,” Michael said, lifting a water glass and then gulping down half its contents.

“And a fine, fat bird,” Grandfather said. He poked the duck’s ample, downy white breast and nodded appreciatively. “Well, I shall look forward to having this with—”

“With all the other animals in your petting zoo,” I said.

“Not sure we need any more—” he began

“Because he’s a very fine duck,” I said. “I’m sure the children who come to the zoo will enjoy visiting him.”

“But what’s wrong with a little roast—”

“You know how much little children love ducks,” I said. “The boys have already grown fond of him.”