Page 49 of The Vet from Snowy River
Her chance to do or die came when Marigold swanned over to the cake cabinet to inspect the desserts in minute detail.
‘And what’s this pale pink concoction, Vera, my love?’
‘Rosewater meringue. It’s served deconstructed with strawberries and gold kiwi fruit and crème anglaise.’
‘Mmm. And in those tall glasses?’
‘Oh, I think you’ll like that a lot. Have you ever been to Italy?’
Marigold shook her head.
‘My tiramisu trifle will take you there. It’s served with a generous tipple of amaretto sluiced over it, homemade ice-cream, and whipped mascarpone.’
‘Vera—stop talking, start serving. I’m about to embarrass us all and start drooling.’
Vera busied herself gathering long silver spoons. ‘Um, Marigold, I wonder if I might ask you something.’
‘Honey child, I am yours. Ask away.’
‘I have this unfinished project. My aunt started it, but her fingers gave way well before her mind started to, and I think—if I can finish it—it might bring her a little pleasure. She loves colour so much, you see, and the blankets at Connolly House are very bland.’
‘A craft project? Vera, you dark horse. Do you have it with you? Let’s have a look.’
She reached down and pulled out the calico tote she’d hidden under the counter for this very purpose. Marigold grabbed it from her and bustled into the back room to the big table.
‘Oh my,’ she said, as Jill’s quilt spilled out in all its dazzling brightness. ‘It’s the beginnings of a rag quilt.’
Vera frowned. ‘Is that a thing I should have heard of?’
Marigold grinned at her. ‘You’ve promised to finish this, but you don’t know what it is?’
She shrugged. ‘Uh-huh.’
‘All quilts are special, but this one is special in the way it’s made. Usually we make one enormous quilt top, then worry about wadding and whatnot.’
‘Okay.’ She was totally lost, but it seemed easier just to agree. Maybe if she appeared totally clueless, Marigold or one of the other crafty types would take pity on her and offer to finish it. She could pay them in jam drops. Or chocolate sundaes with hot fudge brownie sauce.
‘A rag quilt is different. You make lots of small squares—scrap fabric on the top, wadding, scrap fabric on the bottom—then when you have enough squares, you stitch them together. The joins ruffle up around each little square to give the quilt texture. It’s a perfect way to build a quilt as large as you want even if you only have a very small workspace.’
‘Small like a coffee table and one sewing needle?’
Marigold pulled her in and gave her a rousing kiss on the temple. ‘Small like one amazing craft group filled with people who will help.’ She grinned at Vera. ‘You are so bringing this every Wednesday night from now on. Oh! The fun we are going to have. Choosing the colours from a scrap fabric stash is my favourite thing.’
Vera smoothed her hand over the fabric. ‘I don’t have sewing skills, but I would like to learn. I promised myself I’d finish this for Jill, and so far it’s just one more promise I’ve not seen through.’ She flashed a look up at Marigold. ‘I’d be grateful for your help.’
‘Oh, pet. You’re so sad, and you shouldn’t be. You’re letting guilt get in the way of your life. Come on, let’s wrap this up so it’s safe, and you and I will put our heads together on Wednesday and get started, okay?’
She smiled. ‘Thank you.’
‘Now, let’s get back to that dessert cabinet before someone snatches those tiramisu things out from under us. My need, Vera, is great!’
She’d no sooner delivered their desserts and tucked her calico tote back away under the counter when Poppy was leaning into her.
‘Oh goodie, Dad’s here.’
She looked up and then wished she hadn’t. Josh had settled at the stool on the end of the counter and his eyes settled on her like a firebrand.
‘He ordered a beer.’
