‘Of course,’ I said, secretly pleased, because it meant that I would be able to put a plan of my own into action. ‘I’ll go and find her. Come with me, Sofia, I need your help with something.’
A few minutes later, Angela was on her way upstairs with a tray of morsels she thought might tempt Marilise, and I turned to Sofia.
‘Right, miss, we have a job to do!’
‘What is it?’
I took out my phone and tapped away, then turned the screen towards her.
‘This is a recipe for the cookies Marilise said she liked to make as a girl. We need to see if we can find the ingredients and get baking – I think she should get tomorrow’s advent calendar surprise.’
Gleefully, Sofia began hunting through the cupboards for the ingredients, which were mostly pretty simple. After ten minutes, we had amassed everything we would need and were feeling very pleased with ourselves. My phone started running out of battery, so I ran out to the hall, where I had left a charger in my bag. I was heading back with it when Nick came down the stairs.
‘Hello,’ he said. ‘What are you up to?’
I explained quickly and he smiled.
‘Sounds like a good idea.’
‘You could join us, Uncle Nick,’ said an eager little voice, and I turned to see Sofia, who had followed me out to the hall.
‘Oh no, I don’t think so,’ he replied. ‘I’m sure I wouldn’t be any good at it.’
‘Okay,’ said Sofia dully and, taking the charger out of my hand, returned to the kitchen. I frowned.
‘Is there a problem?’ said Nick, arching an eyebrow at me.
I knew I shouldn’t overstep, that it was in no way appropriate for me to challenge him, but maybe it was my irritation at having been unable to stand up to my sister earlier that compelled me to speak. Even so, I spoke more sharply than I had intended.
‘That little girl wants to spend some time with you, and I’m surprised you don’t have more empathy for her.’
‘Empathy?’ he asked, an edge to his voice.
‘Yes. You say that you weren’t wanted here; well, how do you think you’re making Sofia feel? Her mother has already abandoned her over Christmas, and she needs to feel that her uncle is happy to have her here.’
‘Everybody else is doing a good job as far as I can see,’ he replied rather sulkily. ‘Sofia will be leaving again in a couple of weeks, so I don’t see the point of playing happy families.’
‘So, you’re going to let the hired nurse, an old lady and a fifteen-year-old girl do all the heavy lifting?’
‘There’s Astrid, don’t forget, and Angela and Greg. More than enough people.’
‘Well, I would bet that the one person she needs to care about her this Christmas isyou, her nearest blood relative. Her mum’s brother. But I’m sure you know best,’ I added tartly, and turned on my heel to walk back to the kitchen. By the time I got there, I was mortified. What on earth had come over me to make me speak to him like that?
‘Are you okay?’ asked Sofia, her face looking worried and drawn again.
‘I’m fine,’ I said. ‘Let’s get on with the baking.’
As we tipped the butter into the scales, the door opened, and Steve came in.
‘Hello,’ I said. ‘Your master’s not here, I’m afraid.’
‘Yes, I am,’ said a voice, and in came Nick. He avoided my eye and looked at Sofia. ‘Sorry, of course I want to help. Now, what can I do?’
The smile that spread over Sofia’s face was like the sun coming out.
‘We have to cream the butter and sugar first – can you do that?’
‘I have no idea,’ said Nick. ‘But I can give it a try.’
