The aspidistra looked as good a place as any to conceal myself behind. The aunts and uncles had started arriving about an hour ago and Reverend Belchett was due to arrive any moment.
I remember one wet afternoon when I hid myself here while playing hide-and-seek with Mother, Father and Samantha. Nanny had been away on holiday. Those were always my favorite two weeks on the year.
I heard a low growl and knew that Father had entered the hallway. I steeled myself and tried to stop shivering. He growled again. I heard him creep closer until I couldn't stand it any longer.
"Ahh!"
"Aha!" cried Father. "Mother! Samantha! Bertie's turn to be the seeker!" he said, picking me up and swinging me round.