5. The Perfect Solution
Chapter 5
The Perfect Solution
‘ T he Lake District isn’t far. I could be there and back in a day; drive over in the morning, have Christmas dinner with you all, and then head home in the afternoon.’
‘No!’ Matt said, panic in his eyes. ‘That wouldn’t work out at all.’
‘You surely wouldn’t want to miss your Christmas morning service,’ Amy burst in, remembering what Diane had told her.
‘I’m sure God – and the congregation – would understand, just this once,’ Diane’s face was bright with pleasure. ‘It would be marvellous to see little Oliver open his presents.’ She was clearly excited. Matt, however, was not. He looked grey and drained. Instantly Amy felt guilty. She should’ve left this to Matt, she shouldn’t have interfered.
‘How would it be if I offered to cook the Christmas dinner?’ Diane said, grandly.
‘Oh, no! I mean, it’s very kind of you, Diane, but I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that. You’ve done so much for us already,’ Matt said. ‘What about Veronica? Wouldn’t you want to see her this Christmas? ’
‘It’s unlikely that she would welcome me with open arms after everything that has passed between us in recent years. So unlike her sister, and so far away.’
‘Huddersfield isn’t any further than the Lake District.’
‘It isn’t the miles that create the distance.’ Diane wore a martyred expression. ‘No, visiting my daughter is sadly not an option. Oliver is the only family I have left. And he does so love my roast dinners, he’ll be delighted.’
‘But you don’t like driving at night, do you? By the time we’ve had dinner it would be practically dark,’ Matt said. ‘I wouldn’t want to think of you driving over Stainmore on your own at night.’
‘I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right, of course …’
Relief flooded Matt’s face, and he shot a much more relaxed grin at Amy.
‘… I’d have to stay overnight, wouldn’t I?’
‘That isn’t what I meant.’ Matt looked confused and Amy’s polite smile froze on her face.
‘It’s the perfect solution,’ said Diane.
‘I don’t think it’s a good idea,’ he said. ‘The cottage is so small. And spartan. There’s no central heating, for a start. I don’t think you’d be comfortable.’
‘Nonsense! When I was a girl we had no central heating. I went to bed in my dressing gown some nights, it was so cold. It’ll be a little adventure.’
‘But there’s nowhere for you to sleep,’ Amy said.
‘I can sleep on a sofa, it’s only one night. Although if I’m cooking, I need to be there in plenty of time on Christmas morning. I wouldn’t want to worry about getting stuck if the weather is bad, and you wouldn’t get your Christmas dinners. The turkey will have to go into the oven very early. Perhaps it would make more sense to come over on Christmas Eve? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?’
‘Diane, I don’t think –’ Matt spoke kindly but firmly, the voice he used when Oliver was being unreasonable. Oliver usually acquiesced with some grace, but Diane didn’t. Diane kept on talking.
‘Two nights might be too much for me to sleep on the sofa, of course. Perhaps it would be better if you slept on the sofa, Matt, and I could have your bed? You wouldn’t mind, would you if it’s only for a couple of nights? I couldn’t put you and James out of your bedroom, Annie.’
‘Amy.’ Matt corrected her but she didn’t seem to hear.
Oliver and Harry had finished picking up cups and came bounding over to their families. Diane turned to Oliver with a smile.
‘Oliver, dear, it seems we shall be able to spend our Christmas day together after all. I’m coming to stay at your little cottage with you and your daddy, to make your Christmas dinner. Isn’t that marvellous?’
‘Yay! Granny Diane’s coming!’ Oliver’s face lit up. ‘Awesome!’
‘Awesome.’ Matt replied.