As it is just after Christmas I had to consult my wife - that is why it took some time to write this reply.

consult 是动词，意思是"咨询、请教"，指向专业人士或有经验的人寻求建议或意见。这个词来自拉丁语 consultare，表示"商议、考虑"。 在句中，consult my wife 表示"征求妻子的意见"，强调在做决定前先与妻子商量。