Page 54 of The Holiday Cottage

Iris appeared in the doorway. “What’s the matter?”

“Mummy has a headache and now we can’t eat the chicken.” Ava looked desolate and Dorothy felt terrible that she’d caused so much friction. She and Sara were close. She should have given more consideration to the fact that she might find this difficult.

“Oh, Mummy.” Iris was by Sara’s side in an instant, her arms around her. “Can I get you tablets or a glass of water?”

Dorothy saw Sara’s eyes mist.

“No, honey. I’ll be fine. But I’d just like to go home if you don’t mind.”

“Of course we don’t mind.” Iris stroked Sara’s hair. “We’ll go right now. Do you want me to call Daddy?”

“No, I’ll be fine. But thank you for asking.”

“I mind,” Ava howled. “I mind a lot. I want to stay here with Nanna and Bailey and eat chicken.”

“That’s bad manners, Ava. We’re a family,” Iris said firmly, “which means we always stick together and support each other. If Mummy needs to go home, then we go home.”

Dorothy met Sara’s gaze.We’re a family, which means we always stick together.

Ava looked chastened. “Are we still going to the party later?”

Iris shushed her. “Don’t worry about the party.”

“But—”

Sara gave a wan smile. “I’ll be fine to take you to that, I’m sure.”

Dorothy was about to try one more time to persuade her to stay when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go.” Ava sprinted out of the room before anyone could stop her, and she reappeared moments later with a nervous Imogen.

“Hi. I hope I’m not early?” Imogen was clutching a box of chocolates. Like Sara, her hair and coat were dusted with snow. “I thought it would take me longer to walk here.” Under the warm coat, she was wearing a cream cable-knit sweater with black jeans and fur-lined boots. The cold had given her cheeks a pink tinge.

Ava took the chocolates. “Thank you. How do you know my Nanna?”

“Imogen and I work together, and she will be staying in Holly Cottage for a few weeks.” Dorothy pulled herself together. “Thank you for the chocolates. That’s kind of you, Imogen. You’ve already met Ava. This is my daughter, Sara, and my other granddaughter, Iris.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Iris shook Imogen’s hand carefully while casting anxious looks toward her mother.

Sara was gazing at Imogen and there was something in her eyes that made Dorothy’s heart break.

She never should have done this. Sara was right. But it couldn’t be undone now. All they could do was get through it.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.” Friendly, Imogen extended her hand to Sara who somehow roused herself enough to shake it.

“I hope you’re settling in to Holly Cottage.”

“It’s a beautiful place.”

“Do you have a tree yet?” Ava was oblivious to any tension in the room.

“A tree?”

“A Christmas tree.”

“Oh—no.” Imogen looked uncomfortable. “I don’t usually bother.”

“You never have a tree? Why not?” Ava’s appalled expression would have made Dorothy laugh in different circumstances, but she’d never felt less like laughing.

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