I have barely started preparing for Christmas and, since almost all of my presents are edible, I usually have things well in hand by the end of November. Still, at least there is not a lot to do in the garden, this month… ‘Cakes and Ale’ I was glad when Libby and Tim returned, because keeping a brave face on everything was a bit wearing and at least with Libby I didn’t have to pretend…though admittedly there were one or two things I’d been holding back on. I also hoped to astonish her with my svelte new figure, which was entirely due to having lost my appetite, but still filling my days with even more hard work. Now each night I instantly fell asleep with the unconsciousness of exhaustion once my head hit the pillow. Libby invited me over to see the wedding pictures, which had been awaiting their return, and when I’d admired them she said, ‘I’ve got a couple of Noah’s too—and this came with them for you.’ She handed me a stiff brown envelope with my name on, and inside were two pictures of me, not at the wedding but the first time we had met, on the Green.
