Later that day a sleek black car drew up outside 'Copper's Rest.' Dora knew exactly who the visitor was. Steve had taken Pru and Jeff to Follyfoot where they were happily playing with Ellie's children while he got on with some work. Dora hastily finished filling the two stockings ready to exchange for the identical empty ones which would be hung up in the lounge on Christmas Eve. She hid them in the master bedroom then went to open the door to her father greeting him with a hug. 'Oh daddy, you look terrible!'
'I feel terrible. your mother and I...' 'Yes I know, she phoned and told me. I have to let her know you've arrived here safely.'
'Let her stew a bit longer. Can you get me a black coffee please?'
'You've not had any alcohol have you?'
'No but the journey was harrowing, so many road closures and accidents. I don't think I was driving particularly well either, a good hot strong black coffee will soon set me to rights.'
'Have you eaten?'
'Yes I stopped at a motorway service station for breakfast.' Dora made the drink and put a couple of Hazel's sausage rolls in front of him. 'Here have this and then we'll talk about what needs to be done.' Steve and the children came in then and Steve went to shake hands with his father-in-law taking in how strained he looked. He had primed the children not to ask where Nonna was so they just said 'Hi Gandy' and went to their rooms. 'I would like to stay here with you for a while- I mean in your accommodation not actually with you of course. Your mother has gone too far this time, Dora. She always has been a bit difficult about staff you know but our live in housekeepers, the Hastings, had asked to have Christmas Day and Boxing Day off this year for the first time since we've been back home. Their youngest daughter and family are over from New Zealand for a few weeks so they wanted to stay at their other daughter's in Chelmsford so they could all spend some time together. I booked us into a hotel weeks ago but last night your mother said she didn't want to go and wanted to stay at home so the staff needed to stay too. Unbeknown to me she had already cancelled our booking. I said we would have to manage by ourselves as I had no intention of going back on my word. Mrs. Hastings said there was a good supply of ready cooked meals in the freezer and all we had to do was heat them up. She gave me full instructions. I told them that whatever Prudence said they were to take their holiday as arranged. Your mother was livid and that's how the row developed. It's the first time I remember standing up to her.'
'You were right daddy, but we do need to let her know you're safe.'
'I suppose so but I'm not going back till after Christmas. She will have to fend for herself!'
Dora dialled her parent's number.
'Prudence Maddox!'
'Mummy, it's Dora, Daddy's arrived safely here.'
'Right. I'm on the next train to Leeds. I'll let you know my ETA. I'll need picking up from Leeds station.'
The phone was slammed back into it's cradle. Steve raised his eyebrows and Arthur put his head in his hands.'
'Arthur why don't you stay in our spare room? My mum has been here recently and now it's your turn for some TLC. We'll put Nonna in one of the flats, they are always kept ready.'
'Steve's right, daddy. Come and put your things in the spare room.
(I will post the final episode later today. )