The Grand Morrow was an old woman who was past her prime and he despised the sisters from the Crewel Tower with their high and mighty ways. There was a host of opportunities and no mistake. Marlin decided to hold a shrove conclave, a special meeting with the other shroves, Grintley and Florré. Within the hour they met together at the back of the fruit store. They were over-excited and their wet, slimy mouths could taste the delicious tang of disaster in the air. Their beady eyes were fixed on one another as they picked over each morsel of intrigue and plotted how to fix Cissie. The Grand Morrow would have to be informed about the children’s departure, but not quite yet. Whilst sipping their berry juice, they hatched a devilish plan. Early next morning Marlin slunk into one of the shrove-holes near the kitchens and waited for Cissie to start her morning chores. Sure enough he heard her bustling about and chatting to Mrs Armitage about the daily menu. They discussed who was having what for breakfast and when the fish and meat order would arrive for the evening meal.
