A fatal ERROR

Who, or what, is to blame for Geraldine?

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Fate occasionally has a cruel and mischievous streak. If you ask me, Fate didn't spend enough time on the naughty step during its childhood.

That's why, when you are bumbling along quite happily and enjoying life, Fate will drive at high speed through the large puddle by the pavement and shower you with water. Then Fate will reverse the car, stop, wind down the window and suggest that you should have worn a proper raincoat.

I blame Fate, then, for the fact that I am standing behind the counter of the charity shop next to my newish neighbour Geraldine, known to Mr Dear as The Human Megaphone.

It's been a busy morning, and I must say that Geraldine has been brisk and efficient. Customers who fancied a second-hand Agatha Christie have left the shop white-faced and trembling, clutching the three other books that Geraldine has recommended too.

If Geraldine had offered them A 12-volume Beginner's Guide to Ancient Sanskrit, they would have accepted it gratefully and headed for the till, such is the force of her personality.