‘And don’t go moaning about the Christmas launch, Reginald Whittaker,’ Hazel said. ‘You were democratically outvoted over launch day. People need time to buy for their families. Christmas is expensive and everyone I know starts early. It’s only you blokes who leave it till the last minute and you can only get away with that because all us wives and girlfriends and mothers have sorted out everyone else. I’m sure we’re starting at the same time as most.’

‘London was all lit up last week when I went,’ Bella said.

Mr Whittaker harrumphed.

‘My husband got me an ironing board cover last Christmas,’ Matilda suddenly piped up.

‘He didn’t?’ Hazel gasped. ‘I hope you shoved it up his behind.’

‘He said it was just a joke present but I’m sure he honestly thought I’d like it. Lunatic.’

‘Men are very naïve, dear. My ex-husband once bought me a hamster for Christmas. A hamster! I ask you, do I look like I’d want a hamster for Christmas?’

‘Was that what put the tin lid on it?’ asked Bella.

‘That and his various affairs. Oh, I’m sorry, dear—’ She shot a hand out, panicked that she’d upset her.

‘It’s fine, Hazel. I’m okay.’

Bella was surprised at just how much she meant it. The prospect of the giving tree and the usual fun she had at volunteering were driving away some of the lingering pain.

‘Good. I’ll take one of those forms now, if you don’t mind.’ Bella smiled as she handed the first one over. ‘Old Mrs Picard’s a bit upset because her daughter’s off to Scotland for Christmas and they haven’t invited her.’

Mrs Picard must have been nigh on a hundred years old, but still participated in all the village events. She had a daughter who worked in Witchbury and claimed it was too much of a drive when she finished work to come and visit her mum, even though Mrs Picard had recently suffered a bad fall. Bella thought it a bit of a feeble excuse and the rest of the village had been checking in on her when they happened to be passing her cottage.

‘That’s awful.’

‘It is. I think it’d be nice for someone else to get her a present too. I was going to pick her up one or two bits so she had some presents to open on Christmas Day, but it wouldn’t hurt for someone else to get her something as well. Think how spoiled she’ll feel. I’ll probably end up inviting her to have dinner with me again. We had quite a nice time last year getting quietly drunk on sherry and watching the Queen’s speech.’