Page 307 - Bridget Jones's Diary - by Helen FIELDING

I stared at the hideous scene, feeling as though my whole world was

collapsing around my ears. Then I felt a strong hand on my arm.

'Come on,' said Mark Darcy.

'What?' I said.

'Don't say 'what', Bridget, say 'pardon,' hissed Mum.

'Mrs. Jones,' said Mark firmly. 'I am taking Bridget away to celebrate what is
left of the Baby Jesus' birthday.'

I took a big breath and grasped Mark Darcy's proffered hand.

'Merry Christmas, everyone,' I said with a gracious smile.

'I expect we'll see you all at the Turkey Curry Buffet.'

This is what happened next:

Mark Darcy took me to Hintlesham Hall for champagne and late Christmas
lunch, which was v.g. Particularly enjoyed freedom to pour gravy onto
Christmas turkey for first time in life without having to take sides about it.
Christmas without Mum and Una was a strange and wonderful thing. Was
unexpectedly easy to talk to Mark Darcy, especially with Festive Julio Police

Siege Scene to dissect.

It turns out Mark has spent quite lot of time in Portugal over the last month, in
manner of heartwarming private detective. He told me he tracked Julio down to

Funchal and found out quite a bit about where the funds were, but couldn't
cajole, or threaten, Julio into returning anything.

'Think he might now, though,' he said, grinning. He's really v. sweet, Mark