Page 46 of Christmas for the Village Midwife
‘But I could get some water, ring an ambulance or?—’
‘I said I could manage!’ Emilia snapped, hauling Brett up and leading him down the hallway to the kitchen at the end.
Georgia turned a mortified gaze on Zoe, her eyes filling with tears. ‘Sorry,’ she said. ‘She didn’t mean it like that.’
‘I know. Is he OK?’
‘He’ll be fine.’
‘Look, I know Emilia said…but doyouwant me to stay? I could sit with you, if it helps.’
‘I don’t think it would be a good idea. I’m sorry about the gingerbread thing.’
‘That’s all right – it doesn’t matter.’
‘I was going to do it, but things got in the way.’
‘I can imagine.’
There was a heavy pause, so long it became uncomfortable, and then Zoe shook herself, realising there was no point in hanging around. She wanted to help, but she understood that it wasn’t necessarily welcome, and whatever the reason for that might be, she had to respect it.
‘I hope it’s a good day,’ Georgia said as Zoe turned to go. ‘Hope you win.’
‘There’s not much chance of that, but thanks,’ Zoe said, forcing a careless smile. ‘As long as you’re OK. Shall I phone you later? I could fill you in on all the gossip that I hear today.’
‘I’d like…actually, perhaps I’ll phone you tomorrow, if that’s all right. It might be a bit…’
Georgia didn’t finish, and she didn’t need to. Zoe understood perfectly well the meaning from the words she hadn’t said.
‘Whenever you have a minute,’ she said. ‘Maybe we’ll see you at the carol service next week if you can make it?’
‘Hope so,’ Georgia said before closing the door.
Zoe stood on the step, thoughtful as she processed what she’d just seen. One thing was fairly clear – Brett had been steaming drunk. It was presumably why he’d fallen and why Emilia was so impatient about it. With a sigh, she made her way down the path. There was nothing more to be done here, and she had a competition to lose.
When she got back to the village hall, the judging had already begun. One of the dignitaries who’d come to do the job was apparently some celebrity chef who lived locally. The other two were old ladies, one from the WI and the other someone who volunteered at the church. But as Zoe had never been to a WI meeting or to church, she didn’t recognise them either. They worked their way methodically down the row of tables, and when Zoe arrived, they were marvelling over Magnus’s cathedral. He was clearly trying not to appear too smug, but his chest was puffed out, and he was smiling broadly, while Geoff looked on with pride.
‘I think he’s in with a chance this year,’ Corrine was whispering to Billie as Zoe took off her coat and rejoined them. ‘His cathedral is a stroke of genius. I’m surprised he’s never made that before.’
‘What is it?’ Billie asked.
‘A cathedral,’ Corrine said.
‘I’ve never seen one that looks like that.’
‘It’s in Iceland.’
‘Is that where he’s from?’
‘Lord, I’m amazed you didn’t know,’ Corrine said with a low laugh. ‘It’s not like he never mentions it!’ She turned to Zoe as she finally seemed to notice her arrival. ‘Everything all right, my love? If you don’t mind me saying, you seem flustered. Nothing amiss, is there?’
‘No, everything’s fine.’
Corrine looked sceptical at Zoe’s reply. ‘And your friend is all right?’
‘Yes, she hadn’t had time to make anything in the end, so she didn’t think it was worth coming.’
‘I see.’
