‘You didn’t leave them in the car, did you? What if someone stole them in the night?’
‘If they went out in that, they’re welcome to them.’
‘When will you get them?’
Izzy glared at her mother.
‘When arrangements can be made to tow the car.’
‘Good job then that I ordered some. I was worried you wouldn’t get enough. I got more fairy lights, too.’
Izzy raised a brow. ‘You mean you didn’t trust me to get it right.’
Xanthe linked an arm through hers. ‘Now darling, that’s not it at all. I just saw some beautiful things online that will supplement the basics I asked you to get. You’ll thank me when you see the trees, they’re going to be beautiful. You wait and see. In fact, it would be good if we could get the trees today. Duncan has found some tree stands, so we’re all set.’
‘We’ll see, Mum. Ross might not be able to help today as he lost a day yesterday.’
‘It’s just cutting down a few trees, it won’t take very long,’ said Xanthe, tossing her head.
Izzy knew there was no point arguing, so she nodded and followed Jeanette to the kitchen.
Jim and Duncan were drinking tea and the promised bowl of porridge was waiting on the top of the Rayburn.
‘Smells good, Jim. Maybe you could take over the cooking.’
‘Oh no. Porridge is the sum total of my cooking. Me mam taught me how to make it.’
‘Well I’m very grateful.’
‘Morning, Izzy,’ said Duncan, raising his mug to her. ‘I’m thinking today would be a good day to cut down some trees. We’ve a couple of sleds and with this good snow it’ll be much easier to transport them back to the castle. Ah, Ross, you up for a tree cutting expedition?’
‘When I’ve had coffee, yes,’ said Ross, walking into the room.
‘Are you sure?’ asked Izzy, worried that she’d already taken enough of his time.
‘Yes, my editor is happy with what I’ve done and has stopped calling me so I have some breathing space ahead of my deadline. Besides, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ he replied. ‘Who wants to be shut up inside on a day like this? I can work later this afternoon, although I still need to sort my car out.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Duncan. ‘I’ve spoken to Alistair over at Highways Farm, and he said he’ll get the tractor out and tow your car for ye this afternoon. I’ll go wi’ ye.’
‘Brilliant, thanks, Duncan.’
‘No problem. In the meantime, I’ve to feed the cows but I’ve sharpened the axes for ye. They’re outside the back door along with the sledges. Xanthe wants three trees. Two seven-foot ones for the dining room and the sitting room and at least an eleven-footer for the great hall.’
‘I’ve never chopped a tree down in my life,’ said Ross. ‘But how hard can it be?’
‘You’re in luck.’ Jim grinned, stroking his beard. ‘I worked for a Christmas tree farm last year.’
‘Ha! Yes, you did,’ said Jeanette. ‘And he got a free tree, though it was the straggliest, runt of the litter tree that you’ve ever seen.’
‘No one wanted it,’ said Jim with a gentle shrug. ‘I felt sorry for it. It needed a home.’
Jeanette stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek. ‘You’re a right soft touch.’
An hour later they were all wrapped up, ready to brave the icy wastes, and set out on the tree chopping expedition. The only sound, apart from their feet crunching underfoot with squeaky clean virgin footsteps, was the birdsong in the distance. Jim whistled cheerfully, leading the way pulling one of the sledges, Jeanette trotting alongside him chatting away. Izzy fell into step next to Ross and the snow rose in powdery puffs as they kicked their way through the drifts climbing well over their ankles.
‘It’s better than last night,’ he said. ‘How are your feet?’
‘Warm, thank goodness.’
