‘Crossley Hall Manor is a Grade I listed country house built in 1670 and largely renovated in the 1840s. There’s over 50,000 acres of land,’ Molly supplied, having read up on it extensively.
‘It’s like something off the TV,’ added Bree, jumping down from the helicopter.
Molly and George were helped down by the pilot. Cam was smiling as he walked through the snow towards them. He looked gorgeous in his duffle coat with his tartan scarf wrapped around his neck. ‘Absolute breathtaking,’ he said, tilting his head towards her.
‘Me or this place?’ joked Molly as they stared at the splendid building in front of them.
‘You, of course,’ replied Cam, noticing that Molly was rubbing her stomach. ‘You’re okay, aren’t you, no twinges?’ He looked at her with concern.
‘I’m just fine. Come on, let’s get inside. I’m dying for a cuppa.’
She watched as Cam chased George across the snow-covered lawn towards the path that led to the entrance of Crossley Hall Manor. Molly knew she hadn’t been entirely honest with her answer. For the last thirty minutes, she’d felt a couple of tightenings across her stomach. She recognised the familiar pains, but she was putting them down to false contractions – Braxton Hicks. She knew her body was getting ready for the real thing but as this was her second pregnancy Molly wasn’t going to make the same mistake as last time and text all her friends to say she was in labour only to be sent home from the hospital an hour later.
‘This is it,’ said Dixie. ‘I never thought I would be back here. I’m so proud of him.’
‘Me too,’ replied Molly. ‘I’m so proud I could actually burst.’
‘Do not be doing any bursting until this competition is over and we are safely back home and in driving distance of the hospital,’ ordered Dixie, laughing before turning to Bree. ‘Lilian came here with me a number of times over the years to support Ted. We didn’t fly in a helicopter, mind.’
‘I can’t believe I’m here,’ said Bree, her eyes firmly fixed on the old manor house.
‘Cam would never have known about the Layers Treats if you hadn’t turned up at The Old Bakehouse.’
As they approached the entrance a doorman dressed in a smartly cut black suit and wearing a top hat and gloves opened the door and welcomed them to Crossley Hall Manor. They stepped onto a red carpet, which led into a grand foyer that reminded Molly of footage she’d seen in a documentary on Buckingham Palace.
‘Just wow! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!’ exclaimed Molly, looking all around. To the side of the reception, a beautiful winter-wonderland scene had been created, the floor laden with fake snow surrounding an enormous real Christmas tree, which towered over them and sparkled. They moved further into the lavish foyer. The ceilings were painted with wonderful artwork, there was a crystal chandelier, and the marble floor stretched to a regally arched staircase.
They were approached by a professional-looking woman dressed in a pinstriped suit and wearing the highest of heels, which echoed on the floor. ‘Are you here for the competition?’
Cam nodded. ‘Cameron Bird. I’m competing today.’
‘You are indeed.’ She smiled, striking his name off her list. ‘You are the last to arrive. If I can whisk you away to the competitors’ suite, you’ll have a couple of hours to prepare yourself before the competition begins.’
‘Eek!’ Molly grabbed hold of Cam and hugged him tight. ‘Good luck, don’t be nervous. We’ll be cheering you on from the audience.’
‘This is it – my first ever baking competition! I’ll see you on the other side.’
‘Hopefully with the first of many trophies. Good luck,’ said Dixie enthusiastically, clapping her hands then squeezing Cam’s cheeks just like she usually did to George.
‘Grandmother!’
‘You are never too old to have your cheeks squeezed.’
Cam shook his head as he high-fived George and Bree.
‘And the family room is that way,’ the woman said to Molly and the others while gesturing to a doorway on the left. ‘The doors to the auditorium open in an hour and’ – she checked her clipboard – ‘you are in seats A5 to A8, right at the front,’ she informed them, gesturing. ‘In the meantime, there’s complimentary food and drinks in the family room.’
They watched as Cam was led off through the foyer, waving as he disappeared around the corner.
‘This is it. He’s up against the best bakers in Scotland. I’m feeling so nervous for him,’ shared Molly.
‘Ted would be so proud. The next generation of Bird bakers waving the flag for The Old Bakehouse. It’ll be you next, George.’ Dixie ruffled the top of his head.
‘Look at this place.’ Bree was turning around in circles, staring at the magnificence of it all.
‘Come on, let’s go and get a drink,’ said Molly, who began to walk towards the door then suddenly stopped in her tracks. She took a deep breath. ‘Ooh, this little one is taking my breath away today.’
Dixie narrowed her eyes. ‘Are you having twinges? Please tell me you’re not…’
