Holme for the Holidays by Miranda MacLeod

Author:Miranda MacLeod [MacLeod, Miranda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, romance, lesbian
ISBN: 9781547204793
Google: 7DI_DwAAQBAJ
Amazon: 1547204796
Publisher: Apple Blossom Press
Published: 2016-12-24T07:00:00+00:00

As soon as Paige explained to Maria that Fiona was sick, the cook had bundled up every ingredient and cooking implement that she could possibly require, and Paige had soon been heading back up to her cottage to make her magical cure. With soup made and eaten, and Fiona resting comfortably, Paige wasn’t sure what to do next. It felt strange to sit and watch the woman sleep, after all, and sleep was what she needed most. Paige’s presence was likely to be more of a distraction than a help. Finally, she decided to gather up the supplies she hadn’t used and return them to the Black Fleece.

When she entered the kitchen her nostrils were teased with all the scents of Christmas. Cinnamon and cloves, citrus and ginger. Maria stood at the counter, her long braid tucked up into a hairnet, stirring the contents of a huge metal bowl with a thick wooden spoon. She turned as Paige entered the room.

“How’s Fiona?”

Paige smiled reassuringly, touched by the cook’s obvious concern. “Resting. What is that you’re making? It smells heavenly!”

“Christmas pudding!”

“So soon? Christmas is still a month away.”

“You have to make them early. I’ll steam them today and then soak them in brandy until we serve them on Christmas day. Here, give it a stir and make a wish.” She held out the long-handled spoon so that Paige could take hold.

Paige stuck the spoon into the bowl of lumpy batter and paused. “A wish?”

“It’s supposed to be good luck.”

Paige closed her eyes and tried to think, but she was too distracted by the image of Fiona’s faced that formed behind her closed lids to think of anything that she wanted. Finally, she opened her eyes and stirred anyway. Maybe she could bank the unused wish for another time. “So, is the Black Fleece expecting a big turnout for Christmas dinner this year?”

Maria shook her head sadly. “It’s been better.”

“Fiona told me that business wasn’t so good lately.” Paige chewed her lip thoughtfully. “Why do you think that is? Fiona thought it was because she’s an outsider, that maybe the locals don’t want to come here now that Alice is gone. Do you think that’s true?”

Maria’s eyes narrowed as she considered her answer. “If that’s part of it, it’s only a very small part. I was born in Portugal, myself. And my father’s from Brazil. Even though I don’t have blond hair and pink cheeks, I’ve never felt like anyone thought less of me for it. And Brandon’s from Scotland, and he’s friends with every man in the village.” Maria shrugged. “We all started as outsiders, but she’s the only one who feels like one.”

“And it wouldn’t be homophobia, would it?”

Maria shook her head. “Oh, I don’t think so. The people around here knew Alice from the time she was a baby. They loved her, and if she loved Fiona, well, that was that. Not saying they’re perfect, but I can’t think of a single villager who wouldn’t have gone and danced at their wedding.

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