As Diana walkedover to visit with the twins, she realized this might be nearly the last time she would have time to visit with them until after the wedding, as things were about to get very hectic atBalfourwith the approaching weddings andChristmas.
The twins’ mother greeted Diana and sent her to the dining room where the twins were working at the dining table. When they saw her, they let out a yelp and tried to cover up what they were workingon.
“Oh, you have ruined the surprise,” Miriamwailed.
“I am sorry. I did not see anything,” Diana said, covering hereyes.
Geoffrey said, “It does not matter. We have to give her these earlyanyway.”
“Yes, that is true. Very well, you may look,” Miriaminstructed.
Diana uncovered her eyes and saw that the twins were making Christmas treedecorations.
“We cannot really afford a bought wedding present, so we are making these for your Christmas/wedding tree. I hope you like them,” Geoffreysaid.
Diana inspected the beautifully made ornaments made from heavy felt cut into the shapes of stars, shields, birds, and Christmas trees. Then they were taking apart old costume jewelry and sewing them onto the felt along with sequins and decorative fabrictrim.
“Oh, these are beautiful. Can you have these ready by the middle of December? I want to use them on the tree we will be setting up in the mainhall.”
“Yes. They should be ready in another week ortwo.”
Diana went over and gave each one a hug. “You are the best friends anyone could ever wishfor.”
“Do you want to help us?” Geoffrey asked. “I know this is your gift, but this is s-u-u-c-h a lot of w-o-r-r-k.”
Diana laughed. “I would love to. Just show me what you want me todo.”
As they settled into work, Diana asked Geoffrey, “How is the teachinggoing?”
“Gotdumped.”
“What? Oh, Geoffrey, whateverfor?”
“They said the kids I was teaching were smarter than I was. I believe that was a total lie, but I think it is a rather great excuse and I rather like theidea.”
“So now what?” Dianaasked.
“We are considering submitting him to a mental institution as he seems to be totally useless,” Miriamsaid.
“Not so,” Geoffrey complained. “I am very good at raking leaves, digging in soil, andsleeping.”
“I have an idea,” Diana spoke up. “Robert tells me the man who takes care of his conservatory is looking for an assistant as he plans to retire in a few years. Is that something that might interest you? I could ask Robert to talk to him aboutit.”
Geoffrey sat up straight and looked very alert. “Oh, yes, I should like that very much. And I would actually be paid forthat?”
“I believe so. It is a regularjob.”
“He might just be very good at that,” Miriam added. “If I can ever get him out of thehouse.”
“You would have to get toBalfourfrom here each day. Can you dothat?”
“How long is it towalk?”
“At least anhour.”
“What… Bothways?”
“I am afraidso.”
