Laurel acquiesced when Daisy suggested they share a window at The Nookery for the village Art December and exhibit a canvas on the art wall at the Middledip Christmas Fair at the village hall. To aid others with their art wall exhibits, she also agreed to conduct a midweek Craft Stuff session to demonstrate mounting and framing. ‘I used to run community sessions with a friend in London. I’m happy to do something here if I’m not treading on anyone’s toes.’

‘Gosh, no, we’re lucky to have you,’ breathed Carola, who never actually came to the craft sessions, just let them take place in The Public and listened to her till ring as everyone bought refreshments.

Any enthusiasm Grady might have had for the meeting ran out at the same time as his second coffee. ‘Right,’ he said, meanly taking advantage of Carola pausing for breath. ‘I have the list of exhibitors both for Art December and for the art wall at the Christmas Fair. I’ll post a reminder on the village Facebook group in case anyone else wants to get involved. Everyone’s got my email, yes? Thanks, Carola. Thanks everyone.’

Carola looked faintly disapproving at this abrupt winding up of his responsibilities, especially when the others began to put on their coats, signalling her part was over too. Grady was just deciding between returning to bed or visiting The Three Fishes to try a hair of the dog for his hangover when he heard Daisy call to Laurel, ‘Coming up to Gabe’s?’

Laurel tilted her head consideringly. ‘It would be nice to see that pony again but is it OK when we were only there yesterday?’

‘That was to pick up stuff he lets us store. It’s not nice to only visit him when we want something,’ Daisy said promptly.

Grady grinned. ‘Good point, Daisy. I’d better come too.’

‘Also, I want to check out Gabe’s holly bushes for my Christmas wreaths,’ pronounced Daisy, in blithe contradiction of her first point. ‘Our first deliveries are on December 1st Auntie-dear.’ She grinned.

‘As promised,’ said Laurel serenely.

‘Can I come and see the pony?’ asked Zuzanna, who was quieter than her friends, so that Grady often overlooked her.

‘Then I’d better come, too,’ said Niall, with the air of one doing them all a favour, rather than simply not wanting to be left out.

It was a small group who called their goodbyes and exited into the frozen morning for the short walk to Gabe’s place. The teens led the expedition and Grady, to his satisfaction, found himself beside Laurel on the narrow village pavement. She pulled on a black bobble hat and he wished he had one like it to stop the icy wind bouncing from his thumping forehead. ‘You look like a cute elf. Perhaps you could help Santa.’

She snorted. ‘Daisy’s getting me enough jobs as it is.’ She studied him. ‘Feeling grim?’