Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman

Author:Lucy Coleman [Coleman, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781788541572
Publisher: Head of Zeus

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After what turned out to be a rather sombre end to the old year, this morning the sun is shining, as if joyfully announcing the arrival of the first of January. Even the chilly north-easterly wind has abated.

Consensus of opinion around the breakfast table is that the party was a huge success and Cressida seems content. Cary is rather withdrawn this morning, but the kids are in high spirits and no one really notices except me.

He excuses himself from the table and disappears, I assume to have some quiet time alone to think about what’s happened. He doesn’t seem to look for me to follow him. Sally immediately engages me in conversation, so it would be awkward to excuse myself to go check he’s okay. To my slight dismay, when everyone eventually decides it’s time to move, little Chloe clamours for my attention and insists I accompany them on their walk down to the beach.

‘Please come.’ Chloe’s little upturned face is pouty. ‘Please.’

‘Of course, but I have to keep an eye on the time. I’m going to take Uncle Cary to visit my mummy and daddy later this morning.’

She considers that for a moment. ‘Can I be a bridesmaid when you get married?’

I gaze at her expectant face, stunned for a moment and totally lost for words as an awkward silence settles around me. I look up to see both Sally and Cressida waiting to hear my response with amused interest.

‘Ah, what little girl doesn’t love a big, frothy dress? Maybe Uncle Cary and I could buy you a princess dress from the Disney shop for Easter. It’s fun dressing up, isn’t it?’

Focus deflected, rather cleverly I think, but then Daisy chimes in.

‘It’s rude to ask for things, Chloe. Mummy, she’s being naughty, isn’t she?’

Sally puts her hand on Chloe’s shoulder to steer her out into the hallway and turns her head to reply to Daisy over her shoulder.

‘We don’t ask for things, girls, and you both know that. Chloe, what’s all this about?’

Cressida answers Sally’s question.

‘It’s my fault, Sally. Chloe came up to the office and was looking at my photos. I was telling Chloe all about your wedding day and how wonderful the marquee looked in the garden. Seeing everyone all dressed up she thought it was rather magical.’

All eyes turn in my direction and I’m so glad Cary isn’t here. ‘Sounds lovely,’ I reply to the unspoken question and with a fleeting smile I head off upstairs.

I go in search of Cary. He isn’t in his room and I walk over to the window on the landing to see if he’s outside. Scanning around, I can’t see him and then, suddenly, I notice a solitary figure walking down the lane and just about to turn the bend to disappear out of sight. It might be him but where’s he going? Then I realise he’s on his way to see Robert and I panic.

Grabbing my things, I rush downstairs.

‘Guys, head out when you’re ready and I’ll catch up with you in a bit.

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