12 Days
Day One. Dear Nula. Thank you very much for your lovely present of a partidge in a pear tree. We're getting the hang of feeding the partridge now, although it was difficult at first to win its confidence. It bit the mother rather badly on the hand, but they're good friends now and we're keeping the pear tree indoors in a bucket. Thank you again. Yours affectionately, Gobnait O'Lunacy.
Day Two. Dear Nula. I cannot tell you how surprised we were to hear from yourselves so soon again and to receive your lovely present of two turtle doves. You really are too kind. At first, the partridge was very jealous and suspicious of the doves, and they had a terrible row on the night the doves arrived - We had to send for the vet.... But, the birds are ok again and the stitches is due to come out in a week or two. The vet's bill was eight pound, but the mother is over her annoyance now and the doves and the partridge are watching the telly from the pear tree as I write. Yours ever, Gobnait.
Day Three. Dear Nula, We must be foremost in your thoughts... I had only just posted my letter when the three french hens arrived. There was another sort-out between the hens and the doves, who sided with the partridge and the vet had to be sent for again. The mother was ragein' for the bill was sixteen pound this time, but she has almost cooled down. However, the fact that the bird's droppings keep falling down on her hair while she's watching the telly doesn't help matters. Thanking you for your kindness. I remain, your Gobnait.
Day Four. Dear Nula, you mustn't have received my last letter when you were sending us the four calling birds - There was pandemonium in the pear tree again last night and the vets bill was 32 pound. The mother is on sedation as I write. I know you meant no harm and remain your close friend, Gobnait.
Day Five. Nula, your generosity knows no bounds - Five gold rings- When the parcel arrived I was scared stiff that it might be more birds because the smell in the living room is atrocious. However, I don't want to seem ungrateful for the beautiful rings. Your affectionate friend, Gobnait.