Jenny’s mind was racing, and she dipped her head as she thought this through. She had only considered buying this house, but to own Fred and Glad’s as well sounded like a wonderful idea. However, she had better be honest with John. The businessman in him would naturally think of any purchase as being an investment, but that wasn’t what she was planning. It wasn’t a huge amount out of her money. ‘I would like to buy both houses, but I’m not thinking of this as a way to make money. I owe Fred and his family a great debt of gratitude, and I wouldn’t collect rent from them.’

It was clear that John didn’t agree with this, but he stifled his objections and nodded. ‘That would be entirely up to you. The houses are freehold, and I suggest you make an offer of £250 and be prepared to go up to £270 or £280 at the most.’

‘Do you think the owner will accept that?’ she asked Luke.

‘I’m sure he will. Do you want me to go ahead with the purchase?’

‘Yes, please. As John thinks it’s a good idea, make the offer.’

‘Tea’s up!’ Matthew came back carrying a tray of tea and a plate of biscuits.

They sat chatting for a while about the Christmas party for the children, and then they left, leaving Jenny excited and praying that her offer would be accepted. She nibbled on a biscuit, revelling in the idea that she might soon be the owner of not one but two houses!

The noise was ear splitting as Father Christmas came in the hall with a sack over his shoulder. The children screamed and hurled themselves at him, almost knocking him off his feet.

Matthew and Luke were doubled over with laughter.

‘Don’t just stand there,’ Jenny scolded, ‘let’s go and help the poor man.’ She waded in until she reached the beleaguered Father Christmas. ‘Get over in the corner by the presents,’ she yelled above the din, ‘I’ll try to get this rabble into some kind of order.’

‘Thanks, Jen.’

As he fought his way through the mass of children, Jenny watched in disbelief. She hadn’t known who was going to be Father Christmas, but the voice was familiar. He wouldn’t do this, surely? But if it was him, then she now understood Matthew and Luke’s hilarity.

The two brothers joined in the task of trying to bring order, and they eventually managed to get the children sitting in front of the figure in red with an enormous white beard. Each child received a present: pink wrapping for the girls and blue for the boys. Father Christmas hammed it up with far too many ho, ho, ho’s, but the kids loved it.

Jenny shook her head in amazement. ‘Is that really John?’