CHAPTER XVII
BREAKFAST
John was right, Peggy was standing at the kitchen door about to shout across the lawn to them down at the boathouse that breakfast was ready. Inside the others sat around the kitchen table, apart from Roger. As they all came in Susan spoke before John asked.
"I've taken Roger some breakfast on a tray, he prefers to be on his own with food most of the time, though he did do very well last night, he does seem to be making some progress."
The three of them joined the others at the table while Peggy and Daisy, who had agreed to run the kitchen for the weekend though Peggy knew it would be her doing what Daisy asked as she organised things, served cooked breakfast, toast and mugs of tea to them all. They all noticed, but said nothing, that Dot looked better and more relaxed than the night before. Nobody spoke to her of what she had told them.
"Well the boats are all seaworthy and we thought we could all sail to the island." Nancy as always was enthusiastic about actually 'doing' something. Titty had a thought.
"Daisy, have you ever been there?"
"No, I haven't, Nancy has promised over the years, but every time we visit here there never seems to be time!"
"There hasn't been!" Nancy was full of mock indignation. "What about Roger Susan, will he come with us?"
"I don't think so Nancy, it may trigger off some memories that he won't be able to deal with. His therapist has said that she thinks that if I ever want to do something like that it needs careful preparation, a few days warning and such like. He's looking forward to tonight though, well, your food actually Daisy, everyone keeps telling him what a good cook you are!" To the Swallows this sounded more like the Roger of childhood.
"Do you want me to stay here with him Susan?" Titty offered, knowing this would give Susan a break and she would have the chance to spend time with her younger brother. Susan looked and was grateful.
"Thank you, that would make things easier, and it will be good to see the Island again."
"Daisy, is there anything I can do for you for tonight if I'm staying here?"
"Not really Titty, as long as we are going to be back with a couple of hours to spare, but you could lay the table in the dining room."
"I think I can manage that!" Titty mocked her own domestic shortcomings, Peggy looked relieved that Daisy had willingly taken over that part of the weekend.
They all set to in clearing the kitchen table of breakfast, and while Dick and Titty washed up crockery and cutlery Daisy and Peggy packed knapsacks for each boat with some food and drink, chocolate, apples, grog and fruitcake. They all knew if they took more none of them would have room for whatever Daisy planned for dinner that evening. Since she and Nancy had lived in the Backwaters her cooking skills had become popular amongst them all, and Susan was relieved they no long relied on her for meals and other domestic matters when they all gathered together.