The Afternoon Tea Club

by Jane Gilley

  Hey, Marj, her inner voice was yelling, this is life! And, anyway, Christmas is just around the corner and you haven’t done any shopping yet!

  She knew all the shops in town would be full of Christmassy glitz, carol singers and good cheer. She could put it off no longer! It was time for that now. And she knew she was going to do it by herself, without well-meaning friends or family around her. It would be one of her new experiences because in the past she’d always done it with Gracie. Yet she was totally comfortable with that thought. Raymond had said they’d meet up again after Christmas and she was completely fine with that too. She definitely wanted to step back and think about everything, over the Christmas period, especially about her relationship with Raymond. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey.

  Yet, she was itching to know what happened after she and the others had left Dora with Lauren that night. On the one hand, she wanted to give Dora the space she needed to sort out her family life but she was curious to know how it had all panned out. If Gracie had confessed to having a grown-up daughter somewhere Marjorie knew she’d have blown her top with a slanging match, at the very least!

  So just before she left to catch the bus to do her Christmas shopping in town she rang Dora.

  ‘How’s it all going?’

  Marjorie heard a long sigh on the other end of the phone.

  ‘Crikey, Marjorie! I’m still trying to come to terms with it all. It was very tense at first after my ox mother threw her wobbly. Plus I’d given up on the whole thing, as you know. I mean probably at some point I’d have thought of another way to get through to her. But, of course, I didn’t know that Andy had lied about what happened between us, although I suspected he might not have been completely honest about things. Anyway, Lauren gave me and Mum some photos; the years we missed out on. I’ve been looking through them and bawling my eyes out. But I’m just about to go out with her again today. With my daughter. Oh God, that sounds weird. Nice but weird. We want to catch up on things without the rest of the family getting involved first. Mum can come to terms with it in her own good time. God, was she mad! I’ve never seen her so angry. But I think she rues the fact that Dad didn’t know. He’d’ve adored her as a baby and she was a beautiful baby, Marjorie. So, yeah, me and Andy messed up big time over that! But what’s done is done. I’m just thrilled Lauren is taking it all so well. I can see she’s going to be another strong-willed family member, so that should be interesting! We haven’t hugged properly or anything yet. So it does feel a bit odd. But I also feel as though I’m going to suddenly wake up from this amazing dream and it won’t be real! I’m going to meet up with Andy, tomorrow, for a cup of coffee and a long chat about things. We’re all going to take things slowly. But how’re things with you and Raymond? Saw you having a very slow dance with him that night. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink?’

  ‘Well yes. I will admit that things are progressing. We had a little chat and it seems that he sees us as more than friends. Not lovers or anything. Oh no, not that – I don’t think I’m ready for that. But a little affection in my life would be most welcome. And we’re going to a dance on New Year’s Eve. So I suppose you could say we’re an item. But, just like you, we’re taking things slowly. We’ve both got our families to think about, as well, of course. So we won’t be introducing each other just yet. Anyway, go have a super day with your wonderful daughter and we’ll catch up soon.’

  Chapter 35

  Gracie had always been a good cook and this year’s Christmas Day luncheon was no exception.

  Steven’s cottage was cosily warm and quaint. All the windows were leaded, and the rooms had low ceilings and cream-painted walls. Stable doors with latches, exposed floorboards and a roaring log burner took Marjorie back to another era, one of more time-honoured values. The kitchen had tiled backsplashes, traditional cupboards and with a cream Everhot range cooker, instead of the gleaming glass and the stark shininess of today’s modern kitchens. It felt much more welcoming. The two bedrooms upstairs had four-poster beds, cream carpets and restful views of the surrounding countryside. Sparrows and robins tweeted each morning and Marjorie had even seen a badger early one evening! It was wonderful here and the peace and quiet was a welcome retreat for her.

  It was going to be a very quiet Christmas for just the three of them but Marjorie was quite happy about that too. The year had already had more than its fair share of troubles and excitement for everyone, as far as she was concerned. But if you’d asked her a year ago how she thought her year would pan out, she wouldn’t have had an inkling that, by now, she’d have had more friends and adventures than she could count on one hand!

  ‘I must say, Gracie, that was absolutely delicious,’ Marjorie said putting her knife and fork together and patting her tummy after she’d finished her Christmas meal of sticky maple carrots and parsnips, Brussels sprouts (of course!) with cranberries and almonds, mashed and roast potatoes with plum jam gravy, perfect with their roast Norfolk turkey.

  ‘Figgy pudding with vanilla custard and a dollop of cream, Marjorie? Your amazing daughter’s handicraft, of course,’ said Steven, grinning.

  ‘Oh, gosh yes, please,’ Marjorie had said.

  Oh, it was grand to be spoiled rotten!

  They’d already pulled the crackers and giggled over the contents and wore their silver paper crowns, when next came the gifts. They’d cleared the table and sat nursing coffees. Marjorie handed hers out first.

  ‘Well, this is just what it looks like. It’s a stack of vouchers, tied up in a bow! I had no idea what to get you both so I thought if I got this lot you could decide what to do with them. So there’s lots of different ones, like Mothercare, for when the baby arrives and John Lewis and garden centre ones, so you can go have fun buying lots of different things for your new life together!’

  ‘Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Marjorie. Thank you so much,’ Steven gushed, leaning forward to kiss both her cheeks. Gracie gave her mother a big hug and whispered, ‘Thanks, Mum!’

  ‘And because you told us about the spa treat you got for Dora, our Christmas gift to you is a three-day spa break at Ragdale for you and I, in March. It’s a bit of mother and daughter time together before everything to do with babies, weddings and babysitting comes crashing down on us all!’

  Marjorie burst into tears, at the thought of special time alone with Gracie, once again, but they were happy tears. ‘Oh, Gracie, Steven, that’s perfect, thank you so much! I’m really thrilled with that. It’ll be lovely. Happy Christmas!’

  ***

  Stacy had never cooked a turkey before. Fortunately, John had. So they’d cooked the turkey together, Tibs meowing gently between the two of them, welcoming any titbits that came his way.

  This time, Stacy’s mother and father knew Peter and Marvin were coming around for Christmas dinner and no words of detriment passed anyone’s lips. Stacy’s mother had asked them to go to theirs for Christmas but Stacy had privately balked at that idea. No way; not there. Not there, ever again, as far as she was concerned. She’d put old ghosts to rest and was done with the place. Too depressing and she was sure there’d be no background music or joy. Would there even be a tree? Nope, she’d wait until her parents moved into their new place before she graced their door with a happy-families visit. There was too much hurt wrapped up in the old place. She wanted to live her life, going forward, with brightness and laughter. So she’d invited them to hers, on the understanding that they were aware she’d invited Peter and Marvin. The boys were going to Bella’s for Boxing Day.

  And because Stacy had never had a big Christmassy family gathering before, John had bought her a huge tree and together they’d dressed it with hundreds of shiny baubles, tinsel, Christmassy bunting and draped it with coloured lanterns. Their theme for Christmas: a riot of colours and cinnamon smells to assault the senses! Christmas carols were serenading from an iPad in the background. John had got two extra chairs for her table and, once everyone had arrived – full of Christmas cheer – John handed pre-dinner drink
s out. He asked to speak to Jerry privately before they all enthusiastically sat down, to tuck into their turkey roast.

  ‘Wow this looks delish, sister-in-law-to-be!’

  ‘Brussels or carrots anyone?’ said Stacy’s father. Marvin put his hand up and Jerry passed him the serving bowl with a smile. No cringing or scowling blighted his face these days, Stacy was relieved to note.

  Stacy didn’t recognise her father now. He’d even given her a long hug at the door and told her he loved her for bringing everyone together! Was that him talking or were those her mother’s words? Her mother said she thought it was the casting off of his farm duties now it was up for sale.

  ‘It’s like he’s opening his eyes to life and taking a step back to consider his actions for once. I think the farm got him down. But I feel as though I’ve got a new man! So our future certainly looks a lot rosier than it used to. I, for one, can’t wait to move into a bright new home. I might even get Marvin to cast his eye over the one we finally settle on. We’ve already started looking at properties.’

  After the pudding came the crackers, the paper hats and before each person handed out gifts and an outpouring of love and thanks for their meals, John stood up.

  ‘Now I know Stacy and I haven’t been together all that long, so thank you for welcoming me into your family enclave with complete acceptance and especially at Christmas – or are you frightened I’m going to book you for something later on, guys?’

  Everybody giggled, nervously.

  ‘So anyway, another reason I’m pleased you’re all here today is because I’d like to ask for my wonderful girlfriend’s hand in marriage, if I may, Stacy?’ he said kneeling, taking a small velvet black box from his pocket, opening it and offering the solitaire diamond ring to Stacy.

  Peter and Stacy gasped. Stacy’s mother shot a glance at her husband. How would he react to this latest shock? Stacy’s hand shot to her face in embarrassment, as Tibs curled round her ankles, meowing.

  ‘Aye, well,’ said Stacy’s father. ‘John asked me earlier if I’d be accepting of his proposal and I told him I’m totally accepting of it. She’s a wonderful lass, our Stacy, as you all know here. She’s woken us all up and put our family back together again and for that I think we’re all very grateful. And I want to apologise to my children, on behalf of my wife and myself, for upsetting the applecart back in the day. We gave the farm more importance than the two of you. I’m sincerely sorry about that. But we’re very proud of you both and your accomplishments. And I’m, er, I’m okay now about the forthcoming marriage of my boy to his young man, too. I’d like to come to the wedding if I may and I’m sorry for all the arguments I’ve caused, in that respect, too.’

  ‘Wow! Thanks, man,’ said Marvin, hoarsely, taking hold of Peter’s hand under the table. ‘That means a lot to us.’

  Jerry glanced back at John and Stacy.

  ‘So yes, John, I’m happy for you to be marrying my daughter, if she’s happy to be accepting of your proposal. God bless you both.’

  Stacy could not speak. Tears clouded her vision whilst she was trying to digest what was going on around her. And her father’s amazing speech? She realised those were his own words, since no one – least of all her – had had an inkling about John’s proposal! Oh, but her parents’ final acceptance and acknowledgement of both herself and Peter was like a breath of fresh air into her soul. Peter was looking down, she noticed, sniffing back tears? He’d only ever wanted his own acceptance, too, of course. And now they’d been given it. It was simply too much to take in …

  But now John was taking the diamond solitaire out of the tiny black box and holding it out in front of her.

  ‘So, Stacy Ann-Marie Phillips, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’

  ***

  Simon held his glass, full of red wine, high in front of them.

  ‘A toast!’

  There was one of those small faux Christmas trees on the unit by the television with some red flashing lights and they’d just finished their crown of beef with carrots and mashed potatoes. Mince pies were waiting to be eaten on a plate in the middle of Simon’s table. There were no crackers, no tinsel, no background music.

  ‘So, Dad. Here’s to our second Christmas without Mum. But we have our memories, don’t we. Please don’t cry, Dad. I’m sad too. But she wouldn’t want us to be unhappy, would she.’

  Raymond wiped his eyes. ‘N-no she wouldn’t, son. Well, okay then. Cheers to Mum! And thanks for having me for Christmas.’

  They knocked their remaining wine back in large gulps and put the glasses down on the table. Simon offered his father another glass. Raymond shook his head and glanced at his son. He didn’t look his normal cheerful self. His flat was also in a state of disarray, with clothes everywhere and unwashed crockery in the sink. The crown of beef had come out of a box and the mashed potatoes had been powdered. Their Christmas wouldn’t have been like this if Dianne had still been alive.

  ‘Simon, how’re things with you these days? I mean, how’s work? And have you met anyone else yet, after the last one? You seem a bit low is all.’

  Simon sighed and started to clear the table. ‘Well, to be honest, I don’t really know what to do about things now, Dad. You see, when Jo moved out and I sold up to split the proceeds when the divorce came through, I had to rent this flat because there wasn’t enough money left over for me to buy another property. And it’s been tight finding the rent because, well, there isn’t as much work at the post office as there used to be and I’ve, um, I’ve recently been put on part-time—’

  ‘So you’re struggling?’

  Simon nodded. ‘But I don’t want you to worry because I’m thinking about moving away and looking for work someplace else, Dad. I’ve been around these parts all my life. Perhaps it’s time for me to try something else, now my girls are self-sufficient and my grandkids mainly do their own thing these days. I mean look at how your life has turned around since you started going to the community centre. Something like that might be just what I need to lift my own spirits.’

  ‘Hmm. Right, for one thing, I don’t want you to leave, son. I’ve already lost your mother so there’s no way you’re leaving the area. Look, now it’s just an idea this, but why don’t you move in with me for a while? It might be just what you need whilst you find a new job or get some money behind you. And then you can make a new start in your own good time. I’m sure we can work this out between us, Simon, can’t we? I mean, you’re always helping me out and I’d like to help you. Plus it would give me a bit of company, too. You know I’m lonely living in the bungalow by myself. At least have a think about it, before you up sticks and leave. What do you say?’

  Simon mulled that thought over. ‘I remember you saying that was working out for your friend Marjorie and Dora?’

  ‘Yes, it worked well for them. Dora had fallen on some challenging times, too. Friends and family help each other out like that, don’t they? And, if it makes you feel any better, you can call it my Christmas gift to you, being as I haven’t had time to get you anything yet.’

  Simon nodded slowly. ‘Well, I wouldn’t want to impose, Dad. I mean we’ve both got our own lives. But, you know, I think I’d like to do that for a few months. It would definitely help me out. So, yes, Dad. That’s a great idea. Thanks!’

  ***

  It felt so strange to Dora. But it was a nice kind of strange!

  Even though she’d been spending a lot of time with Lauren, as much time as she could with her amazing daughter she did not expect to be invited to Christmas lunch with her once-upon-a-time family that she had long thought would never happen. She was pleased her brother had been very sympathetic about her wanting to be with Lauren, this year, and missing out on their own usual Christmas family gathering, even though Yvonne was miffed about Dora’s intentions.

  ‘It’s understandable,’ said Stuart. ‘And think how amazing next year’s Christmas will be when all of our families collide for the same meal somewhere els
e!’

  ‘Well, I’m hoping that the somewhere else you’re referring to will be my new pad, when Marjorie has helped me kit it out, if you all fancy that?’

  Stuart had nodded his approval and hugged his sister. ‘Have a great Christmas, sis. Ignore our dragon mother! You deserve this.’

  Grandma Pat’s terraced house was a cosy home, festooned with streamers, a huge real tree with red and gold baubles, background Christmas jingles and moving white sparkly deer outside on the tiny lawn. It was like a magical grotto. She’d done it every year for them, apparently. She clearly adored her little family.

  ‘Come in. Come in,’ she’d welcomed when Dora arrived with a bottle of Champagne and gifts for all the family. They hugged on the doorstep. Lauren came whizzing up to them.

  ‘Mum! Mum, come and see what I’ve got this year! Oh, you’ve got us presents and we’ve got lots of presents for you, too!’

  ***

  A few days previously Dora had met with Andy in a café and they’d had a long, heartfelt chat about the whole situation. Dora hadn’t been pleased with the way he’d duped their family into believing that she’d been the one to stray, which had resulted in making it near impossible to meet up with Lauren, before now. But she’d come halfway into understanding why he’d done it – so they could move on and look after Lauren whilst her mother was elsewhere. Their conversation hadn’t entirely settled Dora’s anxieties about other aspects of their relationship, either. But they’d agreed that the only thing that counted now was the way forward with Lauren.

  Andy had offered to pick Dora up, and drop them at his mother’s house for their Christmas meal with Lauren, and Dora had accepted. It was a chilly, crisp morning when Andy knocked on Aunt Philippa’s door to collect Dora. And they drove in an awkward silence for the first half hour or so. But in the car, on the way to Grandma Pat’s, Andy had suddenly pulled into a layby.