Six

It had been the best of Christmastimes and the worst of Christmastimes reflected Brain as he dressed thankfully. The best because his wife had been thoroughly naked throughout, the worst because his daughter had also been nude. Total purgatory had been confirmed when he had been forced to disrobe himself. He had managed to preserve some dignity by careful use of the red paper napkin covered in silver stars that had been placed on the carefully laid table. He could have used all three as neither Marion nor Isla made use of theirs. “No clothes to protect dear” his wife had told him as she pulled his cracker. So they had sat there as the afternoon waned and the long dusk drew in, their sole attire being the paper hats from the crackers.

Still it was over now, or so he hoped. Giving the excuse that the Jenkins’ were coming soon he had scurried upstairs as soon as he had bolted the last of his meal. His wife and daughter had yet to follow, but he felt confident at the time they would. Now he was not so sure. He picked up his Christmas book and began to read. A good thirty minutes passed during which time he read and re read the first chapter several times. If asked Brain could not have told you what the book was about. At last, with something approaching great relief he heard footsteps on the stairs. He waited for the door to open, but it must have Isla as the footsteps went past and into the bathroom. This was the chance he had been waiting for. He had to speak to Marion alone. Brian hoped she had dressed but somehow he knew this would be an unfulfilled wish.