"we'd better eat then ." i said .in the dining room , i had laid up the table with a dazzling white cloth , and set out a plate of cucumber sandwiches . there were also tiny saugaes roasted in honey and mustard , slices of pizza for thre boys , and a christmas cake ( thank you , self ridges ) that had a tiny skiing scene on it , includeing a twinkly ski liftt .
i made to light the candles and poppy exclaimed , don't on our acount . we'll have to go any minute ." she surveyed the laden table ." goodness , you have gine to a lot of trouble ." nathan offered her a sandwich ." i'm not that hungry , daddy , and i don't want to spoil dinner ."
richard was kinder , accepted two sandwiches and ate his way steadily through them . lucas climbed onto a chair and strained for the nearest cracker . nathan picked him up and settle him on his lap ." hang on , young man . we'll pull them in a minute ."
poppy addressed me in a low voice ." jilly told me how smart you all were when you went down to see them . she was a little worried that you minght have been offended because they were so disorganized . i said of course you wouldn't . you knew perfectly well that she had to concentrate her energies on christmas day ." she stopped , looked down at the empty palte in front of her and , as a great concession , said ." maybe i will have one sandwich . actually , jilly doesn't need to worry , mum will take over cooking the lunch . she does it so brilliantly .
i sneaked a glance at . he was still cuddling lucas and talking away to richard , but i detected a wary , whipped look in his eye . there were not many occasions when i felt protective , but poppy's words triggered a novel rush of fury . nathan was hurt , and would continue to be hurt , by these women , his daughter and daughtewr -in- law .
my amended " events " list read : christmas at number 7 . turkey . roast potatoes , chritmas pudding for 4
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