Page 124 of A Christmas Celebration
‘A little,’ I confessed, ‘and he is but I’m not going to elaborate. Firstly, because I’m not sure Brodie would want meto and secondly, because I don’t know much other than he’s picked up his brushes again.’
‘That’s fair enough.’ Jack nodded. ‘I’m just happy to see the eejit with a smile on his face. Clearly art and amore suit him.’
‘It’s a bit early to be talking amore,’ I laughed, ‘but we’re having fun.’
‘I know my brother,’ Jack said with a smile, ‘and I know the look of love when I see it – and it’s the first time I’veeverseen him wearing it.’
I didn’t know what to say to that, but if Jack was right, then I did know that I had to think even more carefully before making any decisions about what I was going to do once Christmas was over.
Chapter 29
Sadly, Angus’s suggestion that I should put my concerns about how to get Albert to exhibit on the backburner to allow a solution to magically appear didn’t work that day and inspiration didn’t strike on Sunday either.
However, I did spend the whole of Saturday evening making plans and lists for the celebration in the notebook Santa had gifted me with a view to drafting Dorothy in to help with the eats and drinks, first thing Monday morning.
The party was going to be a simple affair and I hoped that as the rest of the Connelly clan would only have been back at the hall for a couple of days when it took place, their being together would make the gathering feel like more of a celebration.
Angus’s desire to host an art exhibition as well as a party was surplus to the seasonal requirements as far as I was concerned, but I had promised I would try to pull it off, and I would do my best but if it failed, then at least the love of family returned to the fold for the festivities would add to the excitement.
Before I immersed myself too deeply in the super speedyplanning though, I was determined to squeeze every last drop of fun out of the Winter Wonderland.
‘You’ll need a hat, scarf and gloves,’ I told Albert who looked every bit as excited as I did when I went to pick him and Brodie up on Sunday morning.
I was delighted Albert was so keen to join in the fun and I was resolute that we’d get him in the sleigh, even if we had to lift him up and in.
‘All here,’ he said, picking up a mismatched collection of woollen accessories. ‘And I’ve got a pair of those handwarmer things you heat in the microwave, too.’
‘You’re all set then,’ I praised. ‘But what about your protégé? Where’s he?’
Albert rolled his eyes and shook his head.
‘Still in the studio,’ he told me. ‘And I wouldn’t let him hear you call him that.’
‘He can’tstillbe painting.’ I frowned. I hadn’t been able to rouse him at all the evening before and when I telephoned the cottage earlier that morning, Albert had said he still hadn’t come up for air. ‘Shall I go and fetch him?’
‘Best not,’ Albert said wisely. ‘I made him take an alarm clock set to the time you said you’d be here so, assuming he hasn’t turned it off, he knows when he’s expected.’
‘That sounds a bit extreme,’ I said, giving Bella a fuss.
‘Perhaps,’ conceded Albert, ‘but better than interrupting him in person.’
‘I take it the muse has struck,’ I said, as I tuned into heavy footfalls thundering along the path.
‘You could say that,’ said Albert. ‘Look out.’
I was just clear of the door when Brodie came bounding through it. He looked exhausted and his hair was sticking up all over the place. I was rather taken aback by the dazed look in his eyes which suggested he’d been somewhere very far away while he was sweating over the canvas. If only in his head.
‘How are you getting on?’ Albert asked him.
‘Better.’ He smiled, planting a quick kiss on my lips and looking more like himself with every second. ‘But not brilliant. There’s still work to do and I was wondering if I might give the Wonderland a miss. Or maybe,’ he quickly added, having taken in my reaction to the suggestion, ‘cycle up later this afternoon and catch the end of it.’
‘No way,’ I sternly said. ‘You’ve been ensconced in that studio long enough. And as thrilled as I am that the paint is flowing again, I think you need a break. Don’t you, Albert?’
I hoped he’d agree with me, but being an artist himself, he might think it better that Brodie carried on until his creativity was spent.
‘Paige is right,’ Albert thankfully sided with me. ‘As usual. You do need some time out, Brodie. And a shower.’
‘Sorry.’ Brodie blushed. ‘I suppose I have gone a bit feral.’
