by Ian Berry
Ellie said, “Come on, Twin. Got to circulate. Our public awaits.”
All conversation in the room had stopped. “Quiet lot aren’t they. Can’t have that. Need to do something,” said Sophie.
“What d’you want me to do? Stand on my head or something?”
“No, silly. Need something better than that.”
“But I like quiet.”
“You can spend the rest of Christmas locked in your room if you like, just not tonight, ok?”
“Can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“It’s your room as well.”
“Damn. Hadn’t thought of that.”
“Could let you in if you give the password.”
“Ok. What’s the password?”
“Secret. Won’t be secret if I tell you what it is.”
“How about if I thump you? Will you tell me then?”
“Not sure. Suppose so. Anyway, it’ll be too quiet.”
“So abandon plans for solitary Christmas?”
“Oh I think so, Twin. Besides, it’d disappoint all these good friends of ours.”
“Mm. Can’t have that. Season of goodwill to all men, and all girls too, of course.”
“One last thing.”
“What’s that?”
“We need to commence Operation Saskia.”
“I’m with you, Twin.”
Sophie and Ellie had been standing alone in the middle of the floor while they spoke to each other. Now they walked forwards to Saskia and me. Ellie gave me a huge hug while Sophie did the same to Saskia.
“That was for you,” said Ellie. “Were we any good?”
I burst out laughing. “Are we really like that?”
James surprised us all by answering first. “Yes, you are - more or less - and we love you for it. Please don’t change.”
“I’m not going to ask which of you was supposed to be which, it didn’t matter - just as it doesn’t matter which of the real Saskias is which, not really,” said Saskia. “The whole thing was brilliant. Shame you couldn’t have dressed like us tonight, then there’d have been four Saskias.”
“God forbid,” said Lydia. “Two at once is quite enough.” She was grinning.
I whispered to Saskia, “We could change to be dressed like them.”
“You don’t mean that, not really.”
“Not really, no. But what a hoot it would be.”
“But oh, the questions.”
“You’re right as usual.”
Ellie and Sophie stayed dressed as twins, Sophie with the long wig. It made for a happy confusion now and then. I don’t think anybody actually mistook who was who, but I think there were a couple of near misses.
The evening wore on. Nobody was drinking the alcohol James had provided, a couple of the boys had an odd beer, only an odd one, and none of the drivers. I think Dan was going to have a glass but a frown from Rio reminded him of his new responsibilities. She did give him a kiss to make it up to him.
Saskia and I were having a nice quiet relaxing evening. I’d never know if it was the combined force of two Saskias affecting our friends of if we were all of exactly the same mind. Whatever, I didn’t think it mattered.
Jeeves and Milly provided food as required. I was pleased that nobody tried to make Jeeves enter into the festive spirit. Everybody was unfailingly polite. I think Jeeves was enjoying himself anyway.
“Don’t think your other party’ll be as pleasant as this, James,” said Saskia in an odd moment.
“And that’s exactly why I want you there. Give us at least a fighting chance.”
“We can do that for you, no problem,” I said. “What about those other two Saskias then? That was fun.”
“But they’re not really like you two. Look at them, on different sides of the room. You two’d never do that.”
And indeed that was so. Ellie was sitting next to Andy with her head on his shoulder while Sophie was talking to Rio and Dan.
“I suppose you’re right,” I said. “Look at us now, both here together talking to you.”
“You should have invited the other two as well,” said Saskia. “That would have been interesting.”
“Would they - would you - have come?”
“Hm. Might have - if Voice would have obliged. Too late now though. Probably not a good idea really.”
One by one, or rather two by two or more, our friends drifted off home. As our youngest member, Rio asked Dan to take her home first, she had a parents-imposed curfew to abide by. Naturally, there was no thought of not complying. Eventually there was just James and Lydia and us two Saskias left.
“Happy, James?” asked Saskia.
“Let’s be right. Are you happy? This was your party really, we just provided the space.”
“Yes James,” I said. “It’s made a nice end to a rather eventful year.”
“I know just what you mean Saskia Chandler.”
I leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you James. Now, just your official party to sort out then we can look forwards to next year, whatever that’ll bring.”
“We’ll see you later,” said Saskia. “Come on Saskia, our carriage awaits.”
Saskia drove as usual. “It has been a full year, Twin, hasn’t it?”
“You could say that. Not over yet either - can you hear a phone ringing?”
I changed to be holding the MI5 phone. It immediately began ringing normally. I answered it.
“This is Kyra, what can we do for you? Yes, sir, we’ll be with you as soon as we can ...”
Also Available