Chapter 133: Lady Hatt's Birthday Party

Thomas and Percy were enjoying their lunch in the yard one day when Bertie drove his bus is.

"Afternoon, you two."

"Hello, Bertie."

"How you doing?"

"Good. Say, have you noticed something different about Sir Topham Hatt?"

Thomas and Percy thought for a minute.

"Now that you mention it, he did seem like his mind was elsewhere this morning. He almost walked right off the platform."

"Yeah, and I saw him staring at the clouds this morning. I wonder why?"

The reason is that it was Lady's Hatt's Birthday, and Sir Topham Hatt was busy making sure her party would be ready by that afternoon. He was going to

wear his special new outfit just for her.

"It looks lovely, Topham dear. Perfect for my birthday party."

"And I'll wear my finest hat just for you. After all, your birthday is a very special occasion."

"It is, so please don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of it my dear. Now I must get going. I'll see you at Wellsworth station at 7, correct?"

"Correct. Love you."

"I love you too."

After a quick kiss goodbye, Lady Hatt left to get ready while Sir Topham Hatt went back to work.

At 6 PM that night, Sir Topham Hatt changed into his suit and closed his office.

"You look splendid, sir," said the stationmaster as Sir Topham Hatt made his way to his car."

"Thank you, Geoffery. Now, I must get going. All of the engine drivers are busy, so I'll take the car."

"Is it reliable?"

"Of course."

But it wasn't. As Sir Topham Hatt sped down the road, he saw a large pot hole in the ground. He braked heard, but it was too late.

"Bother, now I've got a puncture. I can't change the tire, I'll dirty my suit and that will never do."

Just then, he heard a familiar horn. Caroline drove up in her vintage car. She was on her way to the cricket field.

"Evening, sir. Need a lift."

"Yes, please. I need to get to Wellsworth for my wife's birthday party and I cannot be late. Please give me a lift."

"I'll try. Hop in."

The journey went well. But Caroline's car couldn't go very fast, and the faster it went, the hotter the engine became. Then...

"The engine's too hot! Its overheating!"

And it did. The car spluttered to a stop, smoke bellowing from the hood.

"Bother. Bother!"

Suddenly, a loud whistle echoed down the country lane. George and his steamroller trundled into view. George sniffed when he saw Caroline's

predicament.

"You call that a car? You're a disgrace to the road. Do us all a favor and send it to the scrapyard.

"Ahem."

George's attitude changed when he saw Sir Topham Hatt.

"Oh, good evening sir. Need a lift."

"Yes, please take me to Wellsworth. I need to be there by 7."

"I can take you to Thomas. He's just down the line."

"Then that will have to do."

George helped Sir Topham Hatt into the cab and set off once more. Caroline could only look on indignantly.

"Wait! What about me?"
"I'll call for Butch as soon as I reach the station. Stay where you are."

"Where else can I go?"

George enjoyed driving down the country road, but not Sir Topham Hatt. Oil splashed everywhere, including Sir Topham Hatt's suit. Worse was yet to come.

"Um, George? Why are we veering to the left?"

"Oh no, something must have snapped! Jump clear!"

But it was too late. The roller veered off the road and it, George, and Sir Topham Hatt landed in a dirty ditch where Thomas was filling his engine's tanks

with water.

"Bother, bother!"

Thomas ran over and helped them onto dry land.

"Are you alright, sir?"

"I'm fine, thank you Thomas."

"Oh, yeah, no don't worry about me or anything."

Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt ignored George's complaining.

"Thomas, please take me to Wellsworth. My wife's party starts in 10 minutes and I cannot be late."

"I'm afraid my engine is having trouble building up steam. I can't seem to get the fire to stay lit."

"Well, then I'll be your fireman. After the day I've had, what's a little more dirt."

Thomas was delighted.

They soon had a good fire going and were on their way. Sir Topham Hatt had to work hard to maintain the fire. Coal dust and smut flew everywhere. At

last, they reached Wellsworth station. Sir Topham Hatt glanced at the station clock: 6:58.

"Just in time," he panted, and rushed off to buy some flowers.

"Good luck!" Called Thomas, but Sir Topham Hatt was already out of sight.

Lady Hatt glanced at the clock. As it struck 7, the doors flung open to reveal Sir Topham Hatt, looking tired but triumphant. He handed his wife the

flowers.

"Thank you, Sir Topham. I know you said it was a special birthday party, but I didn't know it was fancy dress."

Everyone laughed, and the party began.