Coming Home for Christmas by Patricia Scanlan

Author:Patricia Scanlan [Scanlan, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781471141126
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Chapter 10

‘Oh, you’ve done a great job of the room, Alison. Well done!’ Olivia exclaimed later that afternoon as she stood beside her sister and gazed around the private room of the Golden Dragon. The rectangular table at the top where the family were to be seated looked on to several circular tables, where the guests would sit. Alison had fashioned small wreaths of holly, ivy, evergreen and yellow roses on every table. In the centre of each wreath three votive candles in small glass holders were ready to be lit.

An artful display of massed poinsettias and cream candles stood on top of a gleaming mahogany sideboard, where champagne glasses on trays stood waiting for their fizzy sparkling liquid. The two windowsills were draped with greenery, with red and gold ribbons entwined through the branches matching the red gold-flock paper on the walls. It was very tastefully done and gave the room a touch of class. It was almost dark outside, and the small red lamps dotted along the walls poured soft light into the room, giving a cosy, intimate ambiance.

‘Glad you like it,’ Alison said, pleased with the effect herself. ‘What else do you want me to do?’

‘Umm, we have the cake, and the music is sorted. And champagne will be served as the guests come in; the glasses are ready. I think we have everything covered.’ Olivia bit her thumb nail in concentration.

‘And you’re sure about place names?’ Alison said.

‘Let them sit where they want. That way the ones that don’t get on don’t have to end up sitting beside each other,’ Olivia said firmly.

‘Pity we had to ask Bert and Tessa and those two obnoxious sons of theirs.’ Alison frowned.

‘They’re Dad and Leo’s family, and you know Mam would have been upset if we hadn’t. You know what she’s like for doing the right thing.’

‘Indeed I do,’ said Alison, with a heartfelt sigh, and Olivia laughed.

‘I hate the way they just assume they’re going to get Leo’s land and they never even bother their fat backsides to help him out. One day I went over and he was trying to sweep out the yard, and he’s not able for it any more. Michael went over and did it the next day for him, but that pair wouldn’t even call to see if he’s alive.’ Olivia grimaced.

‘You see, if we did place names we could put them beside Mrs Harney . . .’ Alison said wickedly.

‘Don’t tempt me.’ Olivia laughed. Mrs Harney was an elderly widow who lived alone. She was a close neighbour, and Esther was always very kind to her. She could be brusque at times and never held back if she had something to say. She didn’t mix much with people in the village, but she liked Esther and welcomed their chats. Olivia had invited her knowing that Mrs Harney would have been mortally wounded if she hadn’t been invited, but she hadn’t expected her to accept.

‘I’m not one for parties. I don’t like them at all.

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