Maddie Please - The Mini-Break

‘Something smells wonderful,’ I said. It did too.

‘Beef stew. After all, I know you’re not a vegetarian.’

‘No I’m a carnivore through and through,’ I said, toasting the prospect with my wine. I could almost imagine the shudder Benedict would have given if he’d heard me. It was eighteen months since I’d had a bacon sandwich, thanks to him.

‘Excellent. Come and relax.’

The minutes ticked past and we talked about the snow and he told me about the worst winters he had known.

Had Ivy drowned or gone to bed?

I wondered if he got lonely or if Ivy ever wanted to seek out the bright lights, but I didn’t ask. Out in the hallway a clock chimed the hour.

‘Is Ivy all right?’ I said at last.

‘She’ll be down in a minute.’ Overhead the floorboards creaked. ‘There you are, she’s coming down now. I expect she’s in her best pyjamas in your honour.’

What? What? Had I walked unknowingly into something weird?

A few seconds later the door opened and a little girl came in.

‘Come and say hello,’ Joe said holding out an arm to her. ‘This is my daughter Ivy.’

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