Why would it be horrific and unsettling? C'mon, Lucretia, you'll love them! You just have to get used to their cold, dead eyes.

[ He wiggles his fingers here, making "ooooooo" sounds as if to spook her. ]

Nah, the ducks don't get jealous! They all know I love them equally. Don't you, duck. [ He's produced a tiny, wooden duck in the palm of his hand and is cooing at it, poking it gently on its miniature, wooden beak. ] Yes you do. Yes you do!