Magrat still looked puzzled.
“After the wedding, is what I'm hinting about,” said Nanny.
“Oh, that. No, most of that's being done by a caterer. The cook here isn't much good at canapes and things.”
Nanny looked carefully at the ceiling.
“And what about after that?” she said. “If you catch my meaning.”
“I'm getting a lot of girls in to do the clearing up. Look, don't worry. I've thought of everything. I wish you and Granny wouldn't treat me as if I don't know anything.”
Nanny coughed. “Your man,” she said. “Been around a bit, I expect? Been walking out with dozens of young women, I've no doubt.”
“Why do you say that? I don't think he has. Fools don't have much of a private life and, of course, he's been very busy since he's been king. He's a bit shy with girls.”
Nanny gave up.
“Oh, well,” she said, “I'm sure you'll work it all out as you-”
Granny and the king reappeared.
“How's the girl?” said Granny.
“We took out the arrow and cleaned up the wound, anyway,” said Magrat. “But she won't wake up. Best if she stays here.”
“You sure?” said Granny. “She needs keeping an eye on. I've got a spare bedroom.”
“She shouldn't be moved,” said Magrat, briskly.
“They've put their mark on her,” said Granny. “You sure you know how to deal with it?”
“I do know it's quite a nasty wound,” said Magrat, briskly.
“I ain't exactly thinking about the wound,” said Granny. “She's been touched by them is what I mean. She's-”
“I'm sure I know how to deal with a sick person,” said Magrat. “I'm not totally stupid, you know.”
“She's not to be left alone,” Granny persisted.
“There'll be plenty of people around,” said Verence. “The guests start arriving tomorrow.”
“Being alone isn't the same as not having other people around,” said Granny.
“This is a castle. Granny.”
“Right. Well. We won't keep you, then,” said Granny. “Come, Gytha.”
Nanny Ogg helped herself to an elderly lamb chop from under one of the silver covers, and waved it vaguely at the royal pair.
“Have fun,” she said. “Insofar as that's possible.”
“Gytha!”
“Coming.”
Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.