The Courtyard by Marcia Willett

twitched pitifully. ‘I don’t know what came over me. I’m really sorry. I love you, Nell.’
    He stayed just inside the door, watching her, attempting to gauge her reaction and Nell was too relieved to see that his anger was past to risk any further eruptions.
    â€˜Oh, John.’ She smiled at him. ‘I love you, too.’
    And, praying that her expression was not one of pity, she held out her arms to him and gathered him to her breast.
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    NELL MANAGED TO GET Gussie to Nethercombe for Christmas by the simple expedient of insisting on spending the holiday at Porlock Weir and offering Gussie a lift both ways. John, whose temper was now on a very short fuse, was only too grateful to be able to grant Nell’s wish. It was little enough that he could do for her at the moment and he knew that it was better for Jack at the cottage. Nell was relieved at his ready acquiescence. She hoped that John’s worries would recede a little once he was away from the office, along with the perpetual feeling that she was living on the edge of a volcano. She felt that, at the cottage, Jack might be less likely to notice the atmosphere of tension and anxiety or provoke John’s ready temper. It was becoming apparent that the ten-year-old Jack was more like his Uncle Rupert in terms of achievement and not only in study and sport. He had an easy outgoing temperament which attracted people of all ages to him.
The friends that he brought home on exeats were obviously very attached to him and even the staff had a tolerant eye for his boisterous, good-natured enthusiasms.
    So it was decided. They started very early on Christmas Eve so as to have lunch with Gillian and Henry before the Woodwards continued their journey. Nethercombe was looking very festive and Mrs Ridley produced an excellent lunch. Henry was obviously delighted to see Nell, and Gillian watched John from the corners of her eyes whilst carrying on a flirtation with Jack who thought her frightfully amusing and was enormously taken with her. Once again she saw the opportunity for another party which Henry could hardly refuse.
    â€˜Why don’t you all stay?’ she asked, as lunch drew to an end and Mrs Ridley was bringing in the coffee. ‘It would be such fun, wouldn’t it, Henry? Just what Nethercombe needs at Christmas. Lots of people to fill it up. Give it a bit of life. What do you say?’
    She widened her eyes questioningly at John and then smiled at Jack who was working his way through a third helping of pudding. Mrs Ridley’s glance met Gussie’s above Gillian’s head and Gussie spoke into the rather startled silence.
    â€˜It’s a lovely idea but isn’t it rather short notice for everybody? I know that Nell’s made her own plans which would be rather difficult to change.’
    â€˜I’m afraid so.’ Nell looked with relief at Gussie. ‘And poor Mrs Ridley! Having to cater for three extra people. Well, half a dozen seeing that Jack eats for three!’
    Mrs Ridley allowed her features to soften a little. Jack had already found his way to the kitchen and told her all about school food while the others were having a drink before lunch.
    â€˜â€™Tis always a treat to feed someone who appreciates good cookin’,’ she said shortly.
    Gussie could see that Henry was looking disappointed and, whilst she was overjoyed that he had taken to her friends so readily, she felt sorry that she was the one to dash his hopes. Gillian was fiddling with
her coffee spoon and Gussie knew that she was busy trying to think of a way through the problems. For once Henry got in first.
    â€˜I can see that it might be difficult,’ he said diffidently. ‘But Gillian’s quite right. It would be lovely to have you all to stay. Got an idea. What about stopping over for the New Year? On your way back? Just for a few nights. What d’you think?’
    â€˜Darling!’ exclaimed Gillian, who