Page 48 of Daydreams & Doughnut Cake

‘Right.’ I nodded, not having a clue who this Leo Woodhall was. A movie actor, maybe?

‘So what did you do after Amy said what she did?’

‘The boys were all laughing at us. So she took my arm and marched me away.’

‘Well, good for her. She’s obviously a really great friend, which is far more important than any silly boy, no matter how “peng” he happens to be.’

‘He’s really popular. Loads of other girls would go on a date with him.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘But my friend Fergie came up with a plan.’

‘Ooh, sounds good. Are you going to let me in on the secret?’

She screwed up her pretty face thinking about this. Then she sighed and said, ‘If you don’t mind, Rosie, I’ll tell you after we’ve done it.’

‘It’s nothing risky, is it?’

‘No, no. But I think it’s going to be really funny. Don’t tell Mum, though, because she might not approve.’

‘Okay.’ I smiled across at her and started the engine. ‘Right. Let’s go and make you beautiful for the ball.’

*****

On the way back to Risley Common, I called in at a little craft and gift shop in the village of Henley Green, looking for spray starch.

Maisie came into the shop with me and wandered around looking at the gift section.

I was paying for the starch when she came up to me with a big smile on her face. ‘I’ve found the perfect thing for Isla. Look!’ She held up a small plush teddy bear that made a soft rattle when she shook it. ‘She hasn’t got any toys like that. Maybe that’s why she’s always crying because she’s bored. I could buy her it with my pocket money.’

I smiled and took the teddy. ‘Very cute. New-born babies don’t need many toys, but yes, Isla might like that.’ I stroked the soft white fabric. ‘Oh, the stitching is coming away at the back. Look.’

The assistant, very apologetic, went to find another one.

‘I’m afraid it’s the last one. But we’ve just had a delivery in, although it needs to be unpacked. Can you call back later?’

We assured her we could and left. Then we drove to Risley Common and set to work on The Dress at my house.

*****

A couple of hours later, Maisie did a twirl in front of my full-length bedroom mirror, delighted with the results. The sash looked good and the stiffened petticoat had given the dress lots of volume and turned it into more of a traditional ball gown.

‘Pleased?’ I smiled behind her in the mirror.

‘It’s perfect, Rosie. Thank you so much.’

‘You’re very welcome. I enjoyed doing it, actually. Maybe I’ll apply to go onThe Great British Sewing Bee,’ I joked.

Maisie nodded. ‘You’d win!’ she said seriously. ‘Definitely. You’re very clever.’

I chuckled. ‘Thank you. Right, we’d better get you back home or your mum will think you’ve left the country!’

Maisie’s joy dipped a little. ‘She probably hasn’t noticed I’ve gone.’

‘Of course she will have.’

On the way out to the car, to try and lift the mood, I asked her if she was doing anything nice at the weekend.

‘I don’t know. Mum will be busy with Isla.’ She shrugged sadly. ‘She doesn’t talk to me like she used to. We used to have fun but now it’s all pretty boring. I don’t mind, really.’

I sighed, watching her buckle her seatbelt. ‘Your mum loves you to bits. You do know that, don’t you? It’s just a baby is such hard work and takes up so much of your time. But things will settle down, I promise.’

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