Fliss is nodding at her. ‘Far from being the answer, it could be the ring that’s the start of your problems. Maybe you’ll only be happy when you ditch the idea of getting hitched.’
I smile at her. ‘Of everyone here Miranda, I’d say you’re the one who knows your own mind. You’re in an excellent position to make your choice – but only you know what that should be.’
‘I’ve got to shine like a diamond.’ Her voice has gone very small now.
I’m nodding. ‘Sure, but you need a partner who thinks you shine just as you are. You shouldn’t have to be polished before they appreciate you.’
Fliss grunts. ‘If you were a diamond I suspect Ambie wouldn’t be happy until he’d had you re-cut.’
I wince at Fliss. ‘That’s harsh.’
Fliss pulls a face. ‘Harsh but true.’
Miranda’s next spoonful is smaller, and she savours rather than gulps it. ‘You’ve given me a lot to think about there girls – thank you for being so honest and open.’
As my phone beeps and I get up and cross to the Aga I’m hoping we have. ‘Our cakes are ready.’ It’s not lost on me, I’m hardly the best person to be dishing the relationship advice. I slide my hands into the oven gloves, pull out the cake tins, and as I test the sponge with my finger it’s firm and springy. I wait a couple of minutes, then turn them out onto a wire cooling rack. ‘This smells so chocolatey, we have to be in with a chance of being the Bake Off champions. As soon as these are cool, we’ll get the icing on.’
Miranda coughs. ‘Does this mean I’m on your team?’
I’m grinning as I bring the cakes across. ‘We can always use another Gilmore Girl, Miranda.’ I catch Oscar staring up at me from the gap between the table and the chair. ‘We’re actually the Gilmore People. So for your first job, Miranda, pass the icing.’
She’s peering into an empty bowl. ‘Er – we may need to make some more of that.’
It may have taken most of the batch of buttercream, but if it’s made her see things more clearly, it’s a small price to pay.
