STAR of the show

The school Nativity play was approaching – and Jane was under pressure to make sure her boy landed the best role

- Gabrielle Mullarkey

Have you seen this article?’ Jane’s mother-in-law demanded the moment Jane opened the front door. ‘I haven’t been able to think of anything else since I read it!’

As Carol bustled through the front door, Jane felt her heart sink. On her day off, she’d been looking forward to dunking a few digestives in front of Homes Under the Hammer. And then getting the stepladder out to do some Christmas decorating.

She followed Carol warily into the living room, hoping she wouldn’t comment on the lack of festive touches on display, beyond the wonky string of cards from organised well-wishers that had been hung over the mantelpiece.

Luckily (or possibly unluckily), Carol plonked straight down on the sofa, waving a cutting from a newspaper. ‘Jane, this is of the utmost urgency!’

Jane felt a tingle of alarm. She did her best to accommodate Carol’s unannounced visits (after all, she was a widow and Tom’s beloved mum), but they taxed her diplomatic skills.

‘Emergency?’ she echoed, wondering if she’d missed some dire global pronouncement while sorting out the darks for the washing. Then again, Carol had a tendency to exaggerate. ‘Would you like a cup of tea, Carol? I’m going to have one.’

‘No time!’ gasped Carol. ‘Listen to this!’

She proceeded to read out the article, Jane trying not to fidget while umming and aahing inappropriate places.

‘And there you have it!’ declared Carol at the end.