December 18th

A Pie and a Pint

Despite the lavish lifestyle, sometimes, just sometimes, it's the little things that matter.

Things like a pie and a pint. Parker's favourite meal, after a good strong walk around the estate and the adjoining fells. All this rich food played havoc with his stomach so he avoided it like the plague - often sneaking some to the mini trashcan called Sherbet.

Oh yes, he liked to walk, throw those cobwebs off during the long harsh Winter months. More especially after the Christmas feast, when the plates had been cleared, the food consumed - or leftover for a bubble and squeak the next day. It was a good excuse that would take him away from guarding M'lady. And now that she had Sherbet - despite the fact that that spoiled little mutt despised him - the walks weren't quite so lonely.

Here, he had time to think and reflect. About his early years and the bad stuff he'd been up to. To his gracious good luck now. Employed by the prestigious Lord Hugh Creighton Ward.

He felt well and truly blessed.

But what made this even more special, was the fact that on his return, he'd enter the kitchen to find M'lady sitting there waiting. On the counter was a fresh pie, straight out of the oven, and a pint of bitter alongside. Both accompanied by a smile.

"Merry Christmas Parker."

He smiled, as always. She didn't have to do this for him, but this was her special way of saying thank you. For being there when she needed him the most. He never asked for much, and never demanded anything out of the ordinary as a Christmas present. But this gesture was more than enough.

Raising his glass, and clinking it against hers - yes, she even joined in, even though her portion was a lot smaller - and made a toast for the past, present and future.

"Merry Christmas, M'lady."
"Your good health."
"And yours too."