(Edwin enters the kitchen area, where Jean and Sheila are having tea.)

EDWIN ASHTON
Hello there. How's my favourite daughter-in-law, hey?

SHEILA ASHTON
Surviving... Hello, Dad.

JEAN ASHTON
You've, uh... You've just missed Sefton.

EDWIN
(not disappointed)
Oh...
(glancing at the table)
Is that a pot of tea?

JEAN
Cold now. Would you like for me to make some more?

EDWIN
No, don't bother. What did Sefton want?

JEAN
(laughing)
I think he just wanted someone to talk to.

EDWIN
(rolling his eyes)
Oh...

JEAN
Only he did go on a bit. I'm afraid he upset Sheila.

EDWIN
Now, what's he been saying?

SHEILA
Oh, it wasn't intentional. He wasn't, you know. You see, Janet isn't coming up this Christmas.

EDWIN
(concerned)
Oh. She's not ill, I hope.

SHEILA
No, no. She doesn't want to come, Dad. She wants to stay down there.

EDWIN
Well, it's understandable, isn't it?

JEAN
Ah, I told her.
(to Sheila)
You know how children hate missing things, love. She...
(laughing)
She just wants to stay and whoop it up with her pals.

EDWIN
From what I've just seen of Peter, David will have his hands full just coping with the one.

SHEILA
He's so full of his dad, isn't he? I just hope he's not disappointed.

EDWIN
He won't be. Now, come on. Cheer up. It's Christmas. The family's gathering, and... Come on. Let’s enjoy it.
(to Jean)
Is Freda home yet?

JEAN
No, not yet. I don't know where Robert's got to.

EDWIN
Oh, he came in with me. He's keeping Peter amused.
(to his daughter-in-law)
He's getting to be a big lad, isn't he, Sheila?

SHEILA
Oh, yes.

EDWIN
It must be all this Welsh mountain air. David will hardly know him.

 

(from "A Hero's Welcome" by John Stevenson)