‘And I very much look forward to getting to knowyoubetter, Penny. Right. Off we go!’
He set off at a brisk pace, and we hurried to follow him.
‘George seems nice,’ I said to Lando, as we skirted some rose beds, barren at this time of year but nonetheless immaculately kept. ‘Very friendly.’
‘Mmm, yes, he’s being a bit over the top, I’m afraid. I think he assumes you’re my new girlfriend, come along to rescue me from my miserable bachelor’s existence. George thinks that no one could possibly be happy without a rosy-cheeked wife and hordes of children. Don’t worry, I’ll put him straight, save you an interrogation.’
I bit my lip in embarrassment. It wasn’t my mistake, but all the same Lando’s crushing summary made me feel slightly ashamed, as if I had somehow presented myself as suitable marriage material and been found wanting. To add to my shame, I was secretly relieved when Phina tripped over and banged her knee. I rushed over to her and fussed far more than I would do normally, then took her hand and stayed well away from Lando.
The winter wonderland was as wonderful as its sold out status suggested. From the moment we stepped through the icicle-hung archway, magic surrounded us. Cheerful elves and pretty snow fairies guided us along snowy paths which led to dimly lit jewel caves, full-size gingerbread houses and crystal pergolas, all holding new wonders. We helped mine diamonds, print snowflake wrapping paper with little carved blocks, assemble wooden toys and make – and eat – sweet, spicy gingerbread. An hour or so later, starry-eyed with festive dreams and our tummies full of lunch and sweet treats, we were led to a log cabin, smoke pouring from the chimney. The door opened and there stood a smiling woman, dressed in red edged with white fur.
‘Hello, my dears, have you come to see Santa Claus?’
‘Yes, yes, we have. Is he there?’
‘Oh yes, of course he is here, and he is looking forward to meeting you, Seraphina and Caspian.’
‘How does she know our names?’whispered Caspy, eyes wide.
‘Magic, of course,’ I replied in a whisper. ‘Or maybe the elves told her. I think this is Mrs Claus.’
She continued: ‘Before you come in, there is a job he would be so grateful if you would do. He has been so busy sorting out all the presents and polishing up his sleigh that he hasn’t had time to give the reindeer anything to eat. Could you do that?’
I didn’t know if the twins would be able to get the words out, so great was their excitement, but they finally managed to gasp, ‘Yes, of course we’ll help.’
‘Ilovereindeer,’ added Phina earnestly.
I caught Lando’s eye over her head and smiled, receiving in return a matching smile of pure joy at seeing the children’s wonder. For a moment our eyes locked, then I looked away sharply. Maybe we were sharing this beautiful time together, but I didn’t want to be mistaken again for an eager wifeling.
We followed Mrs Claus around to an enclosure where three real reindeer stood, their coats thick and shaggy, magnificent antlers rising from their huge heads. They turned round as we approached, their warm breath puffing clouds into the chilly air. The twins were agog, and I was impressed, too, by these lovely creatures. Mrs Claus collected a small sack and beckoned us over to the fence.
‘Come on, my dears, don’t be afraid. This is Cupid, Blitzen and Dancer. They’re very friendly.’
We approached slowly, more in awe than fear, and took the handfuls of hay we were offered, holding it out on flat hands as instructed. The animals meandered over and gently snatched it from us, causing little cries and giggles of pleasure. I gingerly stroked Blitzen’s velvety nose and was rewarded with a nudge and whicker. Soon we were all more confident and we stood for several minutes feeding and stroking the docile creatures.
‘Let me take a photo,’ said Mrs Claus, holding her hand out. I gave her my phone, and she took several pictures of the four of us.
‘Let me see, let me see!’ said Phina, pulling at my arm as I took the phone back. I crouched down to swipe through the pictures, which were lovely, showing us purely happy at this simple pleasure of communing with the reindeer. Try as I might, no colourful vision of India would come to chase away my longing as I looked at our shining faces and the family-like scene. I stood up and was about to stuff the phone into my pocket when Lando’s hand covered mine to stop me.
‘Can I see?’
‘Oh, of course.’
I lit the screen up again and tried to hand him the phone, but he leant in instead, studying the photos as I moved through them.
‘That’s a good one,’ he said. ‘Will you send it to me?’
‘Er, yes, if you like.’
‘I do like. Thanks, Penny.’
He went back to join the children for a final pat of the reindeer, leaving me flustered. Why did he want the picture? I suppose it was for the children; he could always crop me out. But I looked again at the image he had asked for, and both children had their backs to the camera; tired of being photographed they had returned to the animals. He and I, however, were smiling straight into the lens. I shrugged and pocketed the phone as Mrs Claus said:
‘OK, time to say goodbye to your new friends, I think Santa is ready for us.’
Waving to the reindeer and promising to leave them specially juicy carrots on Christmas Eve, we returned to the front of the house, where a smiling elf was waiting for us. She ushered us inside through a hall decked with tinsel and candy canes and into the grotto where the biggest, jolliest Father Christmas I had ever seen sat waiting, chuckling and grinning.
‘He doesn’t look like he did yesterday,’ whispered Caspian. ‘He’s completely different.’
