By seven thirty Carol had eaten her meal, enjoyed the best part of a bottle of wine, and snuggled down in a comfy chair in front of the fire to listen to some classical music on her I-pod.
There was a storm brewing outside, and she could hear the first flush of rain beating against the side of the building.
If she listened intently, Carol could still make out the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks at the bottom of the cliff as well. And the harmony of the sea, the rain, the gentle music and the crackle of the fire, blended together to conjure for her the perfect atmosphere for Christmas.
It was just as she started to feel herself drop off, that she remembered her parcel.
Though reluctant to disturb her reverie, she was more intrigued to find out the contents of her uncle’s l
