[piosenniel]

Cook sends Hanson, Woody, Tim, and Wren off with a basket of food . . .

Cook looked kindly at Tim and his sister, Wren. ‘Since it’s so late, I’m thinking you two will be wanting to spend the night here.’ She pursed her lips for a moment, thinking. ‘I don’t think we have any rooms left open. But, there’s nice clean hay up in the stable loft, and plenty of clean quilts in the storeroom that we use on cold nights for the horses. Why don’t you and your sister spend the night there?’

She was wrapping a number of buttered rolls in a clean napkin as she spoke and putting them into a small basket with a lid she’d got down from a shelf. A wedge of cheese came next with a small wooden plank to cut it on, and a sharp knife. ‘Now Tim, or Woody, you two take charge of using the knife. Don’t let the younger ones cut themselves with it,’ she said firmly. Another clean napkin filled with fat currant and nut cookies was soon done up, and a small flask of cider with four tin cups was put into the basket, too.

‘Hanson and Woody, don’t you take too long out there with the kittens. The music sounds like it’s winding down and your Uncle Gil will be wanting to take you home.’ She handed the heavy basket to Tim. ‘There’s a pump between the kitchen door and the stable. You can use it if you want to wash up. Be careful on the ladder to the loft. It’s sturdy enough though . . . just tall.’

Cook wiped her hands on her apron and opened the door for the quartet. ‘Say, if you’re up early tomorrow morning, Master Woodlock, perhaps you and your sister can gather the eggs in the henhouse for me. Use this basket, just put a little hay in it to cushion the eggs. I’ll pay you for it with a big breakfast, if you will.’ She waved as they passed through the circlet of light from the kitchen door.

‘Poor wee ones!’ she muttered to herself as she straightened up the kitchen a bit. ‘Wonder what they’re doing out by themselves?’