Page 49 of Christmas for the Village Midwife
‘We can tell him later when he’s back.’
‘We can, but surely you can’t sit on that news until then? I thought you were happy.’
‘I am, but it’s not like I won the lottery, is it?’
‘What you’ve got to remember,’ Corrine put in as she folded the tablecloth, ‘is that this is your first go. You’ll only get better at it from here. Next year I bet you’ll win.’
‘I don’t think so. That cathedral Magnus made was really good.’
‘True, but a lot depends on the day, so you never can tell.’
‘How are you feeling about it?’ Zoe asked Corrine. ‘I mean, not the result you were hoping for?’
‘You can’t win every year, can you? That’d be silly. I’m happy for Magnus – he’s been desperate for years to get that prize, and he is a very good cook. It’s about time he was recognised for his skills.’
‘I bet it’s made his year,’ Zoe said.
‘I’m sure.’ Corrine smiled at Billie. ‘Well done, my love. What will you do with your gingerbread house now it’s all over?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Most of us send it to the church. They’ll either raffle them off for charity or give it out at the Christmas lunch for homeless folks.’
‘They don’t have homeless people here, do they? I’ve never seen anyone.’
‘No, the lunch is at…now where is it?’ Corrine paused and then shrugged. ‘Victor will know. It’s sad that they suffer such misfortune, but there you are. It’s not fair, but the world isn’t always fair.’
‘In that case, I should send mine as well,’ Billie said.
‘Have you taken a photo of it?’ Zoe asked.
‘No.’
‘I would if I were you.’
Billie paused and then shrugged. ‘I could. Later, at home. Unless I have to take it to the church now.’
‘I’m sure we can bring it down for you when you’re done,’ Zoe said. She looked at Corrine. ‘That’ll be all right, won’t it?’
‘I expect so. They won’t be collected for a few days yet.’ Corrine looked up at an approaching figure. ‘Hello, Magnus. Congratulations.’
‘Happy?’ Zoe asked. ‘You certainly look it.’
‘I’m on cloud nine!’ Magnus said.
‘I bet!’
‘I still can’t believe my luck!’
‘Not luck,’ Geoff said, coming to join him. ‘The best man won because he made a beautiful thing.’
‘That he did,’ Corrine said.
Magnus turned to Billie and held out his hand. ‘Congratulations to you too.’
‘Second place on her first go,’ Corrine said. ‘Not bad, eh? Watch out for that crown next year.’
‘I will,’ Magnus said. ‘But I will not give it up easily now.’
