The Crone of Elders Blaze: Myrtlewood Crones 3 by Iris Beaglehole

Author:Iris Beaglehole [Beaglehole, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Te Ra Aroha Press
Published: 2024-04-29T00:00:00+00:00

26

Delia

"Smells delicious," said Delia as the rich scent of red wine and herbs wafted through the house.

Kitty's famous beef Bourguignon was almost ready.

It was the end of the children’s stay with Delia, and Gillian would arrive shortly to pick them up. But of course, Delia wanted her daughter to stay for dinner.

"I hope she eats this time," said Kitty. "She barely touched Christmas dinner. That’s not like Gilly at all.”

Delia shrugged. “I just wish she’d tell me what was going on.”

“Hah!” said Kitty. “And yet think of all you haven’t told her.”

Delia sighed and walked over to the staircase. She called out to the children. “Are you all packed up?"

Merryn and Keyne had been sent to do their own packing. Delia was sure they'd leave something behind and was prepared to go up and check on them. They'd spent the whole morning in the garden with their warm coats on, making a surprise for Delia. Kitty had supervised them and said it was something special.

"We're all done," said Merryn, coming down the stairs with her bag. Keyne was there too, dragging his bag behind him.

Delia checked and was surprised to find that they seemed to have taken all their belongings, aside from a couple of scarves and gloves strewn around the living room.

As she retrieved the final glove there was a knock at the door.

Torin barked.

"It’s alright, love. It'll just be Gilly," said Delia. And she was right – it was indeed her daughter standing there, her strawberry blonde hair slightly frazzled. She still looked pale and drawn but stronger somehow. She smiled at Delia, who leaned forward to hug her, but Gillian grimaced.

"What is it, love?" asked Delia. "Are you in pain?"

"A little," said Gillian. "Just cramps. Nothing ghastly."

"Dinner’s almost ready," Kitty called out from the kitchen.

Merryn and Keyne rushed to hug their mother.

"Did you have a nice trip with Nana?" Gilly asked.

"It was so much fun…it was magical," said Merryn.

Delia and Kitty shot each other amused but slightly concerned glances.

"We did a lot of good things," Keyne added. "We even made⁠—”

“Shush, it’s a surprise!” Merryn interrupted him.

“I can't wait to find out what you made for me," said Delia eagerly.

“Dinner’s ready!” Kitty called.

Gillian smiled tensely. "I've brought my own, actually. I'm sorry…It smells amazing and you know I love your cooking, Kitty. I'm just on a special diet.”

Kitty frowned. “You’re not trying to lose weight, are you? You look fit enough."

Gillian waved her hand dismissively. “No, it’s not that. I’ve just had some health issues lately and I’m on a special diet.”

"It's fine, Gillian. What matters is that you're here," Delia replied, though she couldn't help but worry.

As they settled down for dinner, Gillian retrieved a container full of some kind of salad which she ate ravenously.

Delia raised her eyebrows and shrugged at Kitty as if to say: at least she’s eating.

The children eagerly tucked into Kitty's delicious food.

“You should try this, Mummy. It’s really good!” said Keyne.

“Mummy can’t,” said Merryn. “You heard her.”

“The doctor said she might die!” Keyne said.

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