Page 53 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

All ears around the room pricked up at the news.

‘Yes, the driver’s fine, just a bit shaken up. It was Alan with his wooden toys, bless him. Think the van’s front end is a bit of a mess, though.’

There was a gasp and murmurings around the room of ‘Poor Alan,’ and ‘What a shame.’

‘Can I do anything to help?’ Jack stood forward.

‘Thanks, but there are already several people on hand. We’re waiting for a breakdown vehicle to come from the local garage. Best stay dry and warm in here for now.’

‘I’ll stoke up the fires then.’ Father Christmas appeared from out of the Grotto, looking rather dishevelled after an afternoon of herding children. ‘Derek, you wouldn’t mind fetching some more logs, would you?’

‘On it, Lord Henry.’

So, Father Christmas also doubled as a lord. How marvellous, thought Lucy. This place really was full of surprises.

‘I’ll keep you all updated,’ Malcom promised those remaining in the hall, as he lifted his collar and popped his woolly hat back on, ready to face the elements once more.

‘Thanks, Malcolm. Well then, while we’re waiting, can I get anyone a warm drink from the tea rooms?’ Ellie called out to the remaining stallholders. ‘I’ll bring up a couple of trays of tea and coffee, shall I? I’m sure there’ll be a few mince pies floating around too.’

‘Thank you, that sounds lovely. Can I give you hand?’ Lucy offered.

‘Yes, that’d be great. Come on down with me.’

Lucy followed Ellie down a winding circular stone stairwell which led from the far corner of the hall, that looked like it might well suit the Rapunzel story. Brrr, it was chilly in there. They levelled out and then, stepping through a heavy wooden door, they entered the castle tea shop, its large roaring fire ablaze. The ceiling was high with cast-iron chandelier-style lights and there were many antiquities and curiosities adorning the walls: huge antlers, copper kettles, ancient kitchen utensils, and tapestries.

The short dark-haired lady who Lucy had seen earlier with the children on the steps was bustling about clearing the tables.

‘Doris, we’ve got a bit of an issue,’ Ellie announced. ‘The road’s blocked, so the last stallholders are stuck for the time being. So, let’s get the kettle and the coffee machine back on, and we’ll make hot drinks for everyone.’

‘Oh, crikey. Have the snows come in that bad? No-one hurt, I hope?’

‘No, thankfully nobody’s been injured. But there’s been a good covering of snow out there. A van’s slid and got stuck across the lane, so it’s blocked. And from the look of it outside, the white stuff keeps on coming down too.’

‘Ooh, I wonder if my Clifford will be able to get through to pick me up?’

‘Most likely not, Doris, not unless he’s in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with wings. I think you’d best give him a call to hold off for a while.’

‘Righty-ho. Don’t want him getting stuck out there too.’

‘So, are there any mince pies or anything else left over? Help cheer up the troops.’

‘Yes, we’d made plenty, so there’s at least two dozen still there in the kitchen. There’s some shortbread and a few brownies too.’

‘That’ll do nicely.’

As they made the drinks, with Lucy in charge of pouring milk into a jug and setting mugs onto a tray, Ellie chatted away, asking Lucy all about her pizza business.

‘I know it can be a real challenge. I came here to the castle eight years ago, having lived all my life in Newcastle. Bit of a baptism of fire, but very soon I fell in love with the place. Oh, and … also the castle’s manager.’ She gave a wide grin. ‘Can’t imagine being anywhere else now.’

‘Aw, that’s lovely.’ Lucy felt a pang within. She was happy for Ellie, but also, she couldn’t help but think about her and Jack. Could they ever be settled like that? Or was she just setting herself up for a fall?

Back at the Great Hall, there was a buzz of chatter as the castle clear-up continued. A tall, elderly chap, dressed in a faded-cream cashmere jumper and green chinos, was sweeping up with a massive broom, trailed by a four-year-old boy.

‘Grandpa, where did Father Christmas go?’

‘Ah, I bet his sleigh came to fetch him, Jack … Now that all the other children have gone home.’

‘Oh … but he had a quad.’