‘Christmas is nearly here,’ said Alexandra. ‘We should start getting ready. We’ve only got two weeks.’
‘We don’t really get ready,’ said Félicité. ‘We go to Grand-mère’s on Christmas Eve. Her friends come too. It’s quite boring. Then on Christmas Day we write thank-you letters for our presents. Twelfth Night is better.’
‘Do we have to go to your grandmother’s?’ said David. ‘Why don’t we have Christmas here in the chateau instead?’
‘We’ve never done that,’ said Henri.
‘But it doesn’t mean it’s not possible,’ said Jack.
‘We could have an English Christmas!’ said Alexandra. ‘Tell us what you usually do. Then we’ll say what we do, and then we can do the bits that we like from both! How about that?’
‘Planning it is the best part, I think,’ said David. ‘All the food, making the puddings, the mince pies, the Christmas cake.’
‘I don’t think we have any of those things usually,’ said Henri.
‘Will you be here for Christmas, David?’ asked Alexandra, suddenly aware that David and Jack would be perfectly entitled to time off for the festive period.
‘Darling,’ said David, rolling his eyes in horror. ‘I told you last year how utterly ghastly my Christmases often were.’
‘What’s “utterly ghastly”?’ asked Stéphie, diverted, as David had intended she should be.
‘Christmas for me if I can’t spend it with you lot, that’s what!’
‘Do tell us,’ said Alexandra, who knew he’d make the children laugh and so cheer everyone up.
‘I have to go and stay with my two maiden – that means they’re not married – aunts who live in a very dreary suburb in the outskirts of London. It’s not proper London, with bright lights and festivity, and it’s not the country, either, with pubs and carol singers. It’s in between.’
‘And what are your aunts like?’
‘Well, they don’t hold with alcohol as a rule,’ said David, ‘but as it’s Christmas we’re allowed a very small glass of sweet sherry each. They’ve been using the same bottle for years. When we’ve drunk our sherry, we have lunch. Everything has been cooking for a very long time which means we don’t have to actually chew. We have boiled potatoes instead of roast ones because they’re more digestible and we have lumpy Bird’s custard with the pudding. Bird’s custard is made with a packet, Stéphie, and should never be confused with proper custard. Then after lunch we listen to the Queen’s Speech on the wireless. And then we open our presents, which doesn’t take long. They give me socks, I give them handkerchiefs and a box of New Berry Fruits, which is what they like best. Then I go home and find an old friend to get drunk with.’
‘Our Christmas won’t be a bit like that!’ said Alexandra. ‘Jack? Will you stay for Christmas?’
‘Certainly will!’ said Jack, enthusiastically. ‘I usually go to my brother and his wife – they’re a lot younger than me and have children which makes it much more fun than David’s Christmas. But this year, I want to spend it with you.’
And your lady-love, added Alexandra silently.
‘We’ll have a brilliant time,’ Alexandra said. ‘We’ll do everything we like best and miss out the New Berry Fruits which are, I have to tell you, absolutely disgusting. We’ll have chocolate truffles. We can make them ourselves. And, Stéphie, by the time we’ve organised everything, your Papa will be home!’
Chapter Twenty-two
Antoine was due home in a week’s time when Maxime, who had become a frequent visitor, called at the chateau with a message from him.
‘He’s bringing Véronique home for Christmas,’ he announced.
The joy and excitement which Alexandra was feeling vanished like snow in the rain. ‘Oh,’ she said, handing Maxime a glass of wine. He’d already been invited to stay for dinner.
‘Yes. He didn’t want to surprise you with an unexpected guest.’
‘Considerate of him,’ said David, looking at Alexandra, who found herself blushing.
‘Why didn’t he tell us himself?’ she asked. ‘And wouldn’t she be happier staying with her friend in town?’
‘Maybe the friend didn’t invite her,’ said Stéphie.
Maxime, who was possibly feeling awkward at having to deliver bad news, sipped his wine. ‘Apparently he tried to telephone several times but no one has ever answered.’
There was a pause. ‘We’ve been busy!’ said Alexandra, still feeling affronted. ‘It’s Christmas.’
