Page 22 of Christmas off Script
‘What are you all muttering about?’ Gram-Gram called over. ‘Give the gel room to breathe!’
The cuddle huddle broke apart, and Ella faced Leo’s father and grandmother. The first, she was inordinately fond of. The second, not so much.
‘Ella!’ Arthur roared, coming forward and lifting her from the floor in a bear hug. ‘You moving in has made my day! If you want or need anything, anything at all, you must simply ask.’ Her feet found the floor again as he released her. ‘And you know I can supply—’ he gave her a wink, ‘—anything…’
‘Dad!’ Leo, Willow and Connor chorused.
‘What?’ he replied indignantly. ‘I’m being a good host!’
‘Come along, darling.’ Dervla took Arthur’s arm and led him back to his position at the head of the table.
Leo returned to Ella’s side. ‘You’re next to me.’
Her eyes met Gram-Gram’s. Usually there were so many people at dinner she could successfully avoid all interaction with the woman who was at the opposite end of the class spectrum to her.
But now? What should she do? Curtsey?
‘Good evening, your grace,’ she managed with a small nod.
Gram-Gram’s eyes softened from Sauron intensity to Voldemort levels, and she inclined her head. ‘Ella.’
Ella took her seat on the other side of Leo, grateful to have him as a buffer between her and Gram-Gram and to be opposite the friendly faces of Dervla, Connor and Willow.
‘Is this it?’ Arthur asked despondently. ‘And on a Saturday night, no less.’ He sighed. ‘Well, at least Summer’s due back tomorrow morning, and if Henry and Libby, and Estelle and James, aren’t here, we must cross our fingers that they’re procreating.’
‘Arthur! Really now,’ Gram-Gram said.
‘What? Don’t youwantgreat-grandchildren?’
‘Of course, I expect Henry to produce an heir. But one does not discuss the particulars.Especiallyover dinner. And besides.’ She sniffed. ‘They’re not married.’
Arthur sat back in his chair and frowned. ‘D’you think that’s what’s holding up proceedings?’ he mused, his gaze unfocused.
Ella sensed everyone around the table holding their breath, awaiting whatever destination his crazy thought-train would visit next.
‘I’ve got it!’ He slammed his hand on the table so hard the empty plate in front of him jumped. ‘By Jove, I’ve got it!’
‘Got what?’ Dervla asked.
‘Double bally wedding! It’s the Winter Ball in two weeks’ time! That can serve as the wedding reception! Kill three birds with one shindig. Then there’s no excuse not to get on with baby-making.’
Ella watched Leo exchanging glances with his siblings, then all of them gaze at their mother.
She took a big breath. ‘Arthur—’
‘Poppycock suggestion,’ Gram-Gram interrupted. ‘And one neither Henry nor Estelle will want any part of.’
Arthur deflated, then gazed hopefully at his children who were present.
‘Don’t look at us, Dad,’ Connor said, holding up his hands. ‘We’re all single, and so is Summer.’
Arthur’s eyes briefly flicked Ella’s way, then he nodded. ‘Alright, alright, I’ll wait. I suppose one day you’ll do what your parents want.’
‘And when areyougoing to behave the wayIwould like?’ Gram-Gram asked him.
There was a short pause, then Arthur threw back his head and roared with laughter. ‘Got me there, Mater! Fair play, fair play!’ He wiped the corners of his eyes. ‘I suppose I could always get another dog?’
‘No!’ chorused his children. Arthur’s two current dogs, Caligula and Borgia, were more undisciplined than their owner and wreaked havoc wherever they went.
