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Despite the plans to decorate the cottage around the time of the fair, Edie had kept putting it off. Floating around with tinsel and baubles, just after Christine’s death, had felt wrong. Then when Amelia had left, there hadn’t seemed much point at all. However, now she was back, Edie felt that was reason to celebrate and she had invited her over so they could put them up together. ‘Well, Molly, looks like it will be the star on the tree this year rather than the angel.’
Molly had buried her head into one of the boxes, pulled out the angel and was now shaking it vigorously between her teeth.
Edie went into the kitchen to check on the mulled wine, which simmered nicely on the stove. The scent of cinnamon and cloves filled the air and Christmas hymns played on the radio.
‘Hello,’ said Amelia, walking into the kitchen.
Edie beamed. ‘Wonderful timing, dear. Can I offer you some of my very special mulled wine?’
Amelia inhaled deeply. ‘Oh, yes, please. It smells amazing.’
Edie ladled the rich, dark liquid into a sturdy tumbler and handed it to her. Then she filled another cup for herself. ‘Well, cheers, my dears, and here’s hoping for a Merry Christmas.’
‘Thanks, Edie.’ Amelia sipped the hot spiced wine and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the different flavours. ‘It’s delicious. What’s in it?’
Edie tapped her nose. ‘That’s my prized recipe. But don’t worry, I will let you in on the secret. But first have a guess.’ She enjoyed a sip of the warm liquid as she watched Amelia think.
‘Okay, let me see. Definitely cinnamon and cloves?’
Edie nodded. ‘What else?’
Amelia licked her lips as she thought. ‘Oranges?’
‘Yes,’ said Edie.
Amelia nodded. ‘Anything else?’
‘Sugar,’ said Edie. ‘And a slug of maple syrup.’
‘Oh, that’s unusual. I don’t think I would have guessed that. Well, it is delicious.’ She took another sip. ‘I’m impressed that you made it from scratch. We just used to buy the ready-made stuff and heat it in a pot. This is far better.’
Edie noticed that Amelia didn’t flinch when she referred to ‘we’ anymore. That was good. It was a sign that she was ready to forgive and move on, which she hoped she would do. Edie knew how resentment and anger could really suck away all your energy, and she just wanted Amelia to move on and enjoy her life. ‘There is one more ingredient but I won’t tell you just now. I will let you keep guessing.’
‘Okay,’ said Amelia, accepting a refill. ‘Is this a good idea? It tastes quite potent.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Edie, waving her hand dismissively. ‘It’s part of the decorating the tree tradition.’
The two women chatted excitedly as they dressed the tree that Fergus had brought over from the garden centre the previous day. Edie had let it settle overnight in preparation.
‘When was that?’ said Amelia casually.
‘Oh, must have been about three o’clock.’ She could tell from Amelia’s expression that she was disappointed he hadn’t called in. ‘Have you seen much of him recently?’
‘Not really,’ admitted Amelia. ‘Our paths don’t seem to have crossed much at all these past few days. I guess he’s busy with work and, well, it’s that time of year when there’s lots happening. Everything is always so frantic. I’m sure we’ll catch up eventually.’
‘Indeed,’ said Edie, threading a thick rope of tinsel around the branches of the tree.
‘To be honest, I wonder if he is busy or if he’s just avoiding me.’
‘You mustn’t think that, dear. I’m sure he’s been preoccupied with work. You know how the opposite sex can sometimes struggle to multitask at times. You’ll see him soon enough.’
‘Yes, that’s true. I’m sure you’re right.’ Amelia reached for another ornament and continued spacing them around the tree. ‘I have to say your baubles are lovely.’ She traced her fingers across a golden glass ball.
‘Thank you. I actually made them.’
‘Did you? That’s incredible, Edie. You are so talented.’
Edie shrugged. ‘Aw, thank you, but they were very easy.’
