Bitter but optimistic

I suggest you get some honest employment Biffen so that you can fulfill the requirements of my very generous arrangements. Either that I will demand my pound of flesh.

Explains a bit.

I presume you and Squirrel abide by the rules as set down by the Marquis of Queensberry Special.

Your social conscience is commendable Earl. You are a credit to us genteel folk.

WTF would you know about decent wine Moonie?

The Barossa has had some ill effects on me I'll admit Skinny but I would not call it ignominious. I actually teared up as I passed some very familiar names when I drove through there the other day. BTW, speaking of wine, have any of you boozers read that the tax on wine is under review? It seems we may have to pay more for a decent red but I'm not sure what impact it will have on the fourpenny dark that Biffen and Moonie quaff. Won't effect old dee of course as he shmoozes free pinos. (Which he refuses to share I might add)

Surely the unthinkable could not happen!!!

I believe Gertie batted for the other team?

To "reclaim" implies that something has been lost. How can this be on the thread that cannot be derailed?

Yet you are constantly drawn back to it Ernie. And, further, if there "is one", I am surprised that he/she hasn't cast your miserable spirit to perdition long ago

Ignore him Special, he is a nasty piece of work. Consider this as Biffen's last pathetic wail. A cry from one who cannot accept that life ( like his exploited workers) has left him behind. His creditors are circling the barely warm corpse and he is reduced to drinking alcohol of a poorer variety than I use to sanitize the Lads' barn. Yet the arrogance remains - for the moment. Payback will come when Biffen knocks on the (figurative) door of your sad abode and you will offer him a bucket and squeegee to earn a share of the scraps that you and your dismal clique dine on. On the other hand Special, I respect your homeless and poor situation, and welcome you to continue your pitiable life where you are. PS Biffen. My porn highlight reels are not "sporadic" . In fact I have produced many a seamless narrative that push the barriers of artistic innovation.

Never heard of them.

BTW feel free to send mrs picket up to The Manor at any time picket

The term we use is "pre loved" rather than the vulgar "second hand" picket.

I don't know of the particular retailer you are referring to picket, however, there are many that offer attire for 'special' occasions. If you and Mrs. picket have any particular requirements please let me know and I'll point you in the right direction. All tastes can be catered for so don't be embarrassed by thinking that your particular peccadildos will in anyway surprise. I only charge a modest handling fee.

Well Biffen if my information is correct you may be joining Special in his inner city digs. I have heard that due to the sale of the Gat your shady business empire has collapsed and you are in a state of extreme penury with creditors at the door you no longer have. Your "nail technicians" are questioning their illusory visas and former customers for "pharmaceuticals" are looking for more reliable suppliers. I have also heard (and even I find this difficult to credit) that you have been reduced to drinking a cask variety of sauv blanc purchased from the local Aldi. It seems you have reached previously unplumbed depths. PS Don't you dare come skulking around The Manor begging for alms.

You're certainly upwardly mobile Special. Happy to see you're doing alright for yourself.

Now now Earl! We genteel folk must stick together against the ever increasing threat of the homeless huns at the gate. Let's forget past err... irregularities and let bygones be what they are. However, I must say that business dealings with you haven't been quite the same since you terminated the stoic Hudson in favour of the hirstute ( and acrobatic) Conchita. A point I'm sure the good Lady Hood would also agree with.

I don't think Special is serious about getting a job dc, after all he knocked back a very generous offer for a traineeship from Biffen. To my muse and inspiration of course - the great man himself - The Marquis.

Mea culpa mea culpa mea maxima culpa! You are correct skinny, I am a sinful fellow. As penance, I shall [censored] myself again.

Bloody hell dc!! That excerpt was supposed to confidential!! Still, to paraphrase the great man, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Hmm.. I wonder what the film rights could be worth? I could even get a part! Flogging myself .... perhaps.

I'm just back from the city of churches (and feeling sanctified) only to suffer another scathing attack from a corpse. A lot of bragging from a bloke who only wrote fishing guides. I'll have you know Ernie that I'm working on a magnum opus of profound importance. It will be an expose on the seedy underbelly of Romsey. The local paper is already pestering me for publishing rights. So there!

Invite to the Manor!!! FMD!! Ernie you dead bastard, you are even further down the invite list than picket. He's only brain dead.

You're disgusting Ethan.

Thank you for your sympathetic ear dc. There are some here who seem to take delight in my misfortune. Who are your other two? I think we would agree on lawyers. A flogging from those scoundrels leaves one suffering for weeks. My fifth is my Dermatologist. The tinea you understand. Nasty business that. Congratulations on the windfall Special. I trust Squirrel shared the bounty. As to hanging out with your little group. Well I'm sure you're all fine resourceful fellows but I've always found, and no offence meant, the world turns a little more easily if we all stay within our given social class. It's the natural order.