Agony at Easter

Chocolate smells fill the house. Since my last trip (see post: I take a trip) all chocolate has been kept way out of my reach and under strict supervision. Ginny spent Saturday afternoon at Touchwood in Solihull and bought half-price Duchy Original chocolate Easter eggs in John Lewis. They smell divine. They come with a box of chocolate orange thins. Ginny says they're far too good to give to the children. She's off chocolate due to an ongoing weight problem but I can see her resolve is wavering.

The boys were a bit dubious on Easter Sunday when they found their posh eggs on the kitchen table. 'These are a bit different from Cadbury's,' was Nick's only comment.

'Aren't we having chocolate button eggs this year,' was Ben's plaintive remark.

'Oh I love orange chocolate!' at least Jake was happy.

Ginny hadn't forgotten Clive. He had a GIANT Cadbury's Dairy Milk Easter egg. It cost TEN POUNDS. It contained a large egg and one bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk and . . . err that's it.

Nick calculated that to buy the equivalent amount of CDM in bars would cost about £2.50 top whack. Ginny has spent about £7.50 on packaging.

'Thank you for pointing that out Nick,' Ginny sounded a bit sniffy.

I notice that no-one has bought Ginny an egg. She's noticed too. But is not saying anything about it, well not saying very much apart from: 'Are you all enjoying your Easter eggs? I thought I might sit down with a cup of tea and some Easter egg . . . Oh I don't seem to have one.'

The boys and Clive cast anxious glances at each other.

Jake offered her a Chocolate Orange Thin. 'Thank you darling that's very sweet of you as I don't seem to have an Easter egg I'd be delighted.'

It was gone in a trice.

The boy shuffled uncomfortably in their seat. 'We thought you were on a diet, Mum,' volunteered Nick.

'Why did you think that Nick?'

'Well you're always saying you are so we didn't think you'd want an egg.'

'Well I wouldn't have eaten an egg of course but it would have been nice if just one of you had thought that I might possibly want one.'

I watched as chocolate turned to sawdust on the tongues of one man and three boys.

Chocolate sure carries a lot of guilt. I'd just eat and enjoy - if only I had the chance!