Page 62 of One More Christmas at the Castle
He counted, using all his fingers. This is what a public school education does for you.
‘There are four women, and five men, including Xan.’
‘Or you could put him in a category under “Other”,’ I suggested, and Xan gave me a look.
‘I decided to confine myself to Liberty’s website foreveryone, with variations on a theme – silk scarves for the women, for a start. But men are the most difficult – the usual socks, ties or ballpoint pens aresoboring – but I think I’ve cracked it.’
‘Should I put my fingers in my ears and hum, so as not to spoil the surprise?’ asked Xan.
‘Do!’
Henry turned to me and whispered: ‘The most gorgeous pewter paperknives, very Arts and Crafts – a thing of beauty as well as useful.’
‘Great idea,’ I agreed, then gestured to Xan to unstop his ears.
‘You could do with your present now,’ I said, thinking he could use his to prise off withered rubber bands.
‘If you’re giving all the men pasting tables, then you’ll need to order a lot of wrapping paper.’
‘Don’t be daft,’ I told him, getting up. ‘Well, duty calls. I’ve got a Christmas pudding to steam.’
‘Yes, I’d better go, too. Sabine will be down soon to do her recording.’
‘Followed by my grilling in the library, so I’d better whisk through my morning round like the fastest house fairy in Northumberland,’ Henry said.
Mrs Powys had apparently been delighted with Henry’s gift suggestions and they had ordered them online, then and there, including a long and vibrant silk scarf for Nancy, to go with the perfume.
‘And while we were at it, we added gift-wrap, bows, ribbon and silver tissue paper …’ he told me. ‘And tags, for Mrs Powys to sign, but I’ll do all the wrapping and make everything look wonderful.’
‘Good, that’s sorted then. What about the decorations?’
‘First attic at the top of the stairs in the servants’ wing, all the boxes labelled. We can sort them out in one of the disused bedrooms opposite ours, but they don’t go up until after the cleaners have been in next Wednesday.’
‘That makes sense,’ I said.
‘And she’s going out in ten minutes, but will be back for lunch,’ he said. ‘I have her car keys and I’m just off to bring it round to the front for her.’
‘It’s a pity you haven’t got a chauffeur’s outfit as well as a butler’s, Henry!’
‘Don’t tempt me!’ he said with a grin, and went out jangling the car keys.
By the time the delivery from the wine merchant had arrived and been put away by Henry, the Christmas pudding in its spherical mould had been steaming on top of the stove for quite some time, and the first batch of mince pies was cooling on the rack. Two apple pies were baking in the oven, too, the largest destined for the freezer.
I took Xan a mug of coffee and a mince pie for his elevenses, and when I came back I told Henry I was popping out for a bit.
‘I’m going for a walk with Xan and Plum shortly – do you want to come?’
‘No, I think I’ll make some of my famous Parmesan puffs for tonight’s starter. And anyway,’ he added with a wicked smile, ‘three’s a crowd!’
‘Don’t be silly! And Plum already makes three, doesn’t he?’
‘I’m not sure he counts. I must say, for two normally reserved people – I mean, Xan must have his guard up against women most of the time and you’re the original ice princess – you seem to be getting on together very well.’
‘I think that’s just because I find him easy to talk to, and then I fell into the habit almost from the start of treating him just like one of your friends.’
‘That’s probably a novelty,’ he said. ‘And a bit different from the last time you met!’
I shuddered. ‘Don’t remind me! But if he had recognized me, I expect he’d still be keeping me at arm’s length, in case I went all silly again!’
