Although the brandy was allegedly for medicinal purposes only, when Julie came off her bike and Doug went to get some, he found the bottle empty. Still sitting there on the shelf, to all intents and purposes looking like it hadn’t been interfered with.
Julie said, ‘I’m not keen on the brandy anyway, I’d prefer a cup of sweet tea and a sit down’. But Doug was now on the war-path, looking for the culprit.
Their children ranged in age between 5 and 14, so the spotlight fell on their 14-year-old, Susan, as the most likely guilty party. She had indeed had the odd swig, but she was much to savvy to leave an empty bottle on the shelf. She topped it up with water, whenever she’d helped herself, so it still looked full. Just a bit weaker but who was to know. She denied it of course. No point in owning up to an empty bottle that she’d not left empty.
Next Janet was questioned, even though at 10 years old it seemed pretty unlikely. She swore she’d not been near it.
Then James was questioned, and he too protested his innocence.
Meanwhile, Julie pleaded with Doug, ‘Just let it go and let’s keep it in the medicine cupboard from now, not on the shelf alongside the camp coffee and Horlicks. Asking for trouble.’
Doug wasn’t in the listening mood. So, finally Jenny, who was only 5 was asked ‘Have you accidently used the Brandy?’ Saying ‘accidently’ was clever of Doug. Jenny agreed she’d given it to her dolly, who was feeling poorly. It was one of those that could wee, so she’d put some in its bottle and then it had come out the other end.
The mystery was solved. Although what with falling off her bike, and then witnessing Doug interrogate their children, Julie minded the lack of attention to her shock and injuries, though she thought it best not to say anything. There were no broken bones after all but a bit more fuss wouldn’t have gone amiss.
As was so often the case, Susan was sensitive to her mother’s needs ‘ Would you like the foot stool to rest your leg on and another cup of tea, Mum?’ she offered. Julie gratefully accepted and Susan bustled around her, making her more comfortable.
It was late afternoon, so Susan then offered to prepare the family’s evening meal. Ever the thoughtful one, she put Doug to shame.
Babs Kirby 