“They don’t like to… restrict… his enthusiasm and creativity.”
Lesley’s friend, Janet, raised a brow. “So he’s an undisciplined, spoiled brat.”
Lesley focused on her coffee. “Yes. And they won’t do anything, even when people say things.”
“What about his school?”
“Natalie’s homeschooling him. She says the education system is a relic of the industrial revolution and doesn’t prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world.”
Janet huffed. “She has a point, but is he actually learning anything?”
“They dismantled the grandfather clock last week, to find the ticks and tocks.”
“The one Natalie’s husband inherited from his great uncle?”
“That’s the one, and James had to ship it off to some professional clockmaker and restorer to get it fixed. Natalie said it caused an argument but, really, what could she do when Tarquin was so curious and eager?”
“Stick him in front of an episode of The Repair Shop.” Janet sounded as unimpressed as Lesley felt.
The retort made Lesley smile before she sighed and rubbed her forehead. “And his cousins can’t stand him. Which is understandable, he breaks their toys, tries to hit them, and when they retaliate, he goes crying to Natalie, who of course put all the blame on anyone but her little darling.”
“And so that’s why…”
“We’re not having a family Christmas this year. I’m going to drop presents around to James’ office to take home to Natalie and Tarquin. And I’ve arranged to meet the Patrick and Adithi and the children for Sunday roast at the Dog and Pheasant in a couple of weeks’ time, so we’ll swap gifts then.”
“And then off to the Maldives! I think it sounds lovely. So much better to do what works for you than stick to some old tradition everyone hates, for the sake of appearances.”
“I’m just terrified Natalie’s going to find out about the pub lunch and be offended.”
Janet rolled her eyes.
The DNA of Stories 