‘Twenty pounds a horse. More if they’re . . . um . . . bigger.’
‘Seriously?’ He’s horrified. ‘I’d want SO much more.’
Then we both crack up and laugh together. I do love Lucas when I can make him forget he’s supposed to treat everything with disdain.
‘We’ve got quite a few students in today,’ I continue when we’ve finished giggling. ‘Anna, the Arts and Crafts teacher, is coming in too. You can help with that, if you like. She might want to make some natural decorations. If it’s dry, the students could go out into the fields to collect some holly.’
‘Holly? What does that look like?’
Now it’s my turn to give him the evil eye.
He holds up his hands. ‘I’ve only ever seen it on Christmas cards.’
‘It’s pretty much the same in the wild. I’ll tell you where the best bushes are and you can take the secateurs and loppers out with you. I thought we’d do Christmassy bunting for the open day. It will make the barn look a bit jollier for our visitors.’
‘I am much happier on bunting duty,’ he says, looking horrified again at the thought of . . . well, you know. ‘I can cope with that.’
‘We’d like you to write and perform a poem for the nativity, if you would,’ I venture. You have to catch Lucas at the right moment when you want him to share his gift for poetry with the world, and I’m hoping this is one of them.
‘What do I know about the nativity? I know less about that than cleaning horses’ knobs.’
‘Lucas!’ I hide my smile. ‘Not appropriate.’
‘I only know that Jesus wasn’t eaten by three alpacas shortly after being born.’
Yes, we have still to discover the culprit of that particular misdemeanour.
‘I can fill you in on the basics, but it doesn’t have to be religious. It doesn’t even have to be a conventional take on it. As long as the Virgin Mary doesn’t tell the three wise men to “eff off”, then I’m happy to give you free rein.’ Though, in fairness, if I’d just given birth I wouldn’t want three random men turning up with mainly smellies as gifts.
‘On your own head be it,’ Lucas says. ‘I’ll work on it with Aurora.’
‘Is she coming to dinner tonight? Your friend?’
‘No,’ he replies crossly. ‘She’s busy.’
‘That’s a shame. I’d like to meet her.’
‘Get a life, Molly.’ He throws his cereal bowl in the sink and fusses with putting on his boots in a disgruntled manner.
‘Don’t be mad,’ I say placatingly. ‘I’m only teasing you because I love you.’
‘Huh,’ he grunts.
‘If you wait for me, we can walk the fields together before the kids arrive. I’ll show you where the best holly is.’
‘OK. If you want to.’ He puts on a front of doing this for me, but I know that it’s one of his favourite things too. We just wander over our land, taking stock and enjoying the countryside. I’m trying to teach Lucas to appreciate the changing seasons and what they bring to our life on the farm. Though I’ve yet to convince him of the joys of winter.
Chapter Fourteen
After our invigorating walk – the mercury probably hasn’t touched zero degrees yet – Lucas and I head straight to the tea room with our arms full of holly which we couldn’t resist picking. We arrive at the same time as the rest of the students. We’ll be busy for the rest of the day with plenty of kids booked in.
I pause before we go in. ‘Band T-shirt bet?’
‘Bugger,’ Lucas says. ‘I should have googled something.’
‘I’m going with Blue Oyster Cult.’ I’ve been giving this considerable thought while I’ve been walking. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Alan’s Blue Oyster Cult-based wardrobe.
‘Is that even a real band?’ Lucas queries.
‘Certainly is and it’s a winner.’
‘Pah,’ he says with a sneering tone. ‘Sounds more like a trendy seafood restaurant. I’ll see your Blue Whatever and raise you a Van Halen.’
‘Oh. Fighting talk.’
‘They’re the only ones I can think of that old people know. What’s the prize?’
‘Takeaway dinner paid for by the loser?’
‘I’ll have pizza, thanks.’ Lucas is obviously feeling confident. Which is surprising as neither of us has ever been right.
When we open the door and step inside, Bev already has the kettle on and a row of cups set out. Jack is behind the counter with her, ready to serve, and from the broad smile on his face, I can tell that all is well in his world. Lucas and I pull a table to one side and we spread out the holly we’ve picked. Some of the leaves are still frosted and I don’t want them to drip everywhere when they start to thaw out.
Bev indicates the band logo across her breasts. ‘And what was your best guess today, lovelies?’
Today’s T-shirt is Rage Against the Machine and both Lucas and I exchange bemused looks. Lucas shrugs at me and I’m none the wiser.
‘No idea,’ he whispers. ‘But I like the sound of them.’
‘No winner today,’ I tell Bev who is well aware that we have taken up the band T-shirt mantle.
‘Ah well. Tomorrow is another band T-shirt day,’ Bev says. ‘But seeing that neither of you have any taste in music, Alan and I can stay ahead of the curve.’
Which is true.
‘I’ve got pains in my hands,’ Lucas complains as he tucks them under his arms. ‘I’m so numb, I can’t tell whether they’re hot or cold.’ He stamps his feet, his boots covered in frost.
‘Good job we’ve got indoor activities,’ I say, rubbing my own hands together. ‘It’s a cold one out there. I think everyone would dig their heels in if we tried to make them go outside today. We can set up the crafting activities in here where it’s nice and warm.’
‘We had trouble starting the car this morning. Bloody thing. Alan’s going to have a look at it later.’
I wish that I could pay Bev more as that would help them both out. Alan volunteers here too and I know from Bev that he has a good pension, but they could probably do with some extra money coming in. Everyone likes a few quid put by for a rainy day or a broken-down car.
‘Asha’s here. He can help Alan.’ We have an eleven-year-old boy with ADHD who can strip down and fix any machinery you care to mention. Getting stuck into Alan’s car engine would make his day. The pair of them often hang out in the barn, exchanging barely a word all day bar asking to pass a spanner or something. It’s when they’re both at their happiest.
‘Would you like a hot drink, Molly? I’m using my favourite kettle today.’ Making tea is Jack’s comfort zone. He’s a fantastic kid, always willing and he just needs a bit of a support. It’s rare now that he has a bad day. ‘We have Yorkshire Tea today and a selection of excellent coffees – Gold Blend, Nescafé or Kenco. I can offer you semi-skimmed or soya milk.’
Our tea break offers are generally reliant on donations from our supporters. We are gifted a lot of biscuits. We also get nearly-out-of-date bread and cakes from our nearest supermarket chain.