Pantomime Magic

OH, Emily, you look worn out," Kathryn commented, looking at her daughter.

"Did you have another bad night? I wish you'd let me do more to help.' "I was up three times, and this one claimed each time that he hadn't been fed for a month! "Greg is on nights this week, so..." The baby in Emily's arms gurgled in his sleep and gave a vague smile.

"It's no good behaving like an angel now," Emily said, but she was smiling at her four-month-old son.

"Would you prefer me to stay with him while you go to the pantomime? "It might be good for you.

to get out for an afternoon," Kathryn said, but then she laughed.

"I shouldn't ask: you've never been a fan of pantos," she added.

"No, you go," Emily replied. "Having a few hours with only this one to contend with will be a rest, Mum.

"You're sure you can cope with three of them?" "Only if they're on their best behaviour," Kathryn joked, smiling at her grandchildren, who were discussing whether the tree needed more tinsel.

Elspeth, at seven, thought there was already more than enough.

Six-year-old Poppy wasn't convinced, and Peter, who was just four, was advancing on the tree with an armful of garish tinsel.

"It's time to get your hats and coats and scarves on," Emily told them. "That is if you still want to go with Granny to see 'Cinderella'.

"Maybe you'd rather stay here..." The children dropped the tinsel and disappeared.

"They've been talking about nothing else all week," Emily told her mum.

"It's only the village hall," Kathryn replied. "It's hardly the West End." "They'll love it," Emily enthused. "Peter's never been to the panto before." "Well, I'm sure there'll be a few tots not behaving perfectly!" Kathryn smiled.

Peter was transfixed from the moment they approached the pillars at the entrance to the hall.

He continued to gaze about in wonder as they walked through the doors, which were bedecked with wreaths with extravagant red velvet bows.