December 9th

Trees, Trees and Even More Trees

Every year, without fail, the Creighton Ward Manor had a freshly cut tree delivered for the main hall. The order was very specific, it had to be the right height - without the need to slice a couple of feet off. It had to have a few cones.

Yadda Yadda Yadda.

This had gone on for centuries and nothing much had changed. Until the Global Conflict. That had gone on for almost a decade and despite some countries that tried to stay out of the war, unfortunately they were targeted. And many trees and forests were decimated. Including the ones where the Norway Spruce grew, a particular favourite for many families over the years.

That meant only one thing.

Artificial trees were ruled out. Absolutely not. No, never. Forget it, we won't have a tree this year if that's going to happen.

Or so Lord Hugh thought.

Penny had other ideas.

For the first time ever, a living tree, complete with root ball, was brought into the manor. And it was met with favourable views too. The staff were happy that it didn't shed its needles all over the carpets for many months afterwards - despite many spring cleaning attempts.

And she'd done her research too and discovered that she could replant it elsewhere. And so began one of many endeavours of Lady Penelope.

And it all began with just the one tree.