Page 63 of Winter Magic on Railway Lane

Philip looked back at him surprised at the change of topic. ‘Pardon me?’ he asked.

‘Grandad’s been going each week with Grams,’ Ethan told him.

‘I’m just not sure I’ll be up to it after all this,’ said Eddie, gesturing at his hospital bed.

Philip smiled. ‘Do you remember that I used to love cycling?’ he asked.

Bob spoke up. ‘I do,’ he said.

Philip nodded. ‘I used to love cycling, going round all the lanes, up and down the hills. Hated to give it up.’ He looked at Eddie. ‘Look, you might be able to go back to an old interest. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t turn your hand to something new.’

‘New?’ asked Eddie.

Philip shrugged his shoulders. ‘Well, the world’s your oyster, as they say,’ he told him. ‘But perhaps we can both discover some new experiences together. I’ve got a few plans of my own that I’d like your input with.’

‘I’d like that,’ said Eddie.

‘So would I,’ said Philip. ‘I could do with making some friends. I’ve been cut off from too many people for too long. And I worry about the effect it’s had on Elizabeth as well.’

‘She’s fine,’ said Bob.

‘I hope so,’ said Philip.

‘And you’ve always had friends,’ added Eddie.

As the three men exchanged a smile, Ethan smiled to himself. Perhaps out of something so terrible like a stroke, something good could also appear, he thought.

‘Elizabeth wanted me to give you some of her chocolates,’ said Philip, handing over a box to Eddie.

As Ethan took a breath, he could smell the familiar aroma of cocoa and instantly thought of Libby. He hadn’t seen her since that fateful night of the accident and had missed her. He couldn’t wait any longer and decided to go and see her when they returned to Cranfield.

38

Libby was pleased to find her dad in good spirits when he returned from the hospital after visiting Eddie with Ethan and Bob.

‘It’ll take time, of course, but I can see him back on the train before too long,’ announced Philip, when Ethan dropped him off.

‘That’s great news, Dad,’ replied Libby before looking at Ethan.

‘I’m here to convey an important message from my grandad. He wanted to say thank you for the box of chocolates.’

Libby shrugged her shoulders. ‘It wasn’t much, but I thought it might be something more tasty than hospital food.’

‘And possibly healthier too,’ added her dad, to Libby’s surprise. ‘I’ve been reading up on cocoa. It’s packed with antioxidants.’

Ethan grinned. ‘Perhaps you should have taken science more seriously, Libs, and become a doctor instead,’ he told her.

‘Perhaps not,’ said her dad, with a twinkle in his eye. ‘For the sake of the patients.’

‘Hey!’ protested Libby, but she too was smiling, amazed that her dad was making jokes. Perhaps they really had turned a corner at last, she thought.

‘Listen,’ carried on Ethan. ‘I’ve called a family meeting tonight over dinner to discuss the Christmas train and would appreciate your input. As you know, time is getting a bit tight.’

‘Me?’ replied Libby. ‘But I’m not family.’

Ethan rolled his eyes. ‘As good as,’ he told her. ‘So how about it? Ryan’s doing the cooking, if that’s what you were worried about. You’re welcome to come as well, Philip.’

But Libby’s dad shook his head. ‘That’s very kind, but I’m a little weary tonight. You two go.’