The Christmas Card

by Dilly Court

  Alice nodded. ‘Yes, I agree. I think that Mr Dickens has it exactly right in A Christmas Carol. I love that story. Papa used to read it to me on cold winter’s nights, and I would sit by the fire lost in the magic of it all.’

  Rory put his head on one side, regarding her steadily. ‘You must have loved your father very much.’

  ‘I did, and I still miss him.’ Alice cleared her throat. Tears filled her eyes every time she thought of Pa and how much she missed his kind, calm presence.

  ‘I’m sure he would want you to put your talent to good use,’ Rory said gently. ‘Would you be interested in sketching out some ideas, Alice? You’ll be remunerated for your efforts.’

  ‘Do say yes,’ Flora said eagerly. ‘I could help you. I’m good at drawing, too.’

  Alice thought quickly. It was a tempting offer and she had nothing to lose and maybe a lot to gain. She met Rory’s questioning look with a smile. ‘I can’t promise anything, but I’d love to try.’

  ‘Splendid.’ He rose to his feet. ‘It’s a lovely sunny afternoon and I think I deserve some time away from the office, so why don’t we take a cab to St James’s Park and feed the ducks, and then go on for tea at Gunter’s.’

  Flora jumped up and down, clapping her hands. ‘How lovely. Oh, do please say yes, Alice. May we?’

  ‘It sounds perfect,’ Alice said slowly. ‘But what would Mrs Dearborn say? After our last outing she made it clear that I wasn’t to take Alice out of the house unless she was consulted.’

  ‘Don’t worry about Lydia,’ Rory said casually. ‘Leave her to me. I’ll wait for you in the entrance hall.’ Blowing a kiss to Flora he left them to get ready.

  The sun was shining but there were still small patches of snow left in the deep shade beneath the evergreen trees. A shimmer of ice remained at the edges of the lake and the ducks waddled across the grass, snatching up the crusts of bread that Flora had wheedled from Cook. The air was crisp and sweet far away from the stench of the city streets. Rory linked arms with Alice as they watched Flora darting about amongst the importuning wildlife. Sparrows and starlings vied with pigeons for the crumbs left by the ducks and moorhens, causing Flora to giggle helplessly. Her cheeks were flushed with cold and Alice felt a surge of pride to see her charge acting like a normal, happy nine-year-old.

  ‘I know,’ Rory said softly. ‘The change in that child is miraculous and it’s all down to you, Alice.’

  She looked up, startled. ‘No, I won’t have that. You’re the one who suggested the outing. You helped her to make the snowman. She loves you.’ It was a simple statement of the truth but it felt as though something had changed between them and she turned away, confused and emotional. Suddenly she wanted to cry. She wanted to rail at the unfairness of the situation that had been thrust upon her by her father’s bankruptcy and his early demise. The ring on her left hand seemed to burn into her flesh, reminding her of her promise to marry a man she did not love, but from that there was no escape. Her mother’s health and happiness must come first, her own a poor second. She shot a sideways glance at Rory, who had remained silent, but his attention was fixed on Flora, who was testing the ice at the edge of the lake with one booted foot. He dashed forward just in time to catch her as the ice cracked and she was about to topple into the water.

  ‘I think it’s time for tea, Floss.’ He planted her on the ground beside Alice. ‘That was a near thing.’

  Alice slipped her arm around Flora’s shoulders. ‘Are your feet wet? We’ll have to go straight home if they are.’

  ‘I was only trying the ice to see if I could stand on it,’ Flora said apologetically. ‘My feet are dry, and I would love some ice cream.’

  ‘Then off we go.’ Rory took her by the hand. ‘Gunter’s it is.’ He winked at Alice. ‘I think I’ll do without the ice cream. A hot cup of tea would be just the thing.’

  ‘And a cream cake,’ Alice said, smiling.

  Any awkwardness that Alice had felt has passed into nothingness by the time they reached Berkeley Square. It was impossible to remain aloof or withdrawn in the company of Flora, who was enjoying every precious moment of the rare outing. She demolished two bowls of ice cream and several pastries, which she washed down with a cup of chocolate. Alice drank tea and nibbled a cake, but all the time she was conscious of Rory’s nearness as they sat side by side at the table in the window. She could feel the warmth of his body and the masculine scent of him filled her nostrils, making her feel dizzy. They had never been in such close proximity and it was hard to concentrate on Flora’s incessant chatter, but she made an effort to look interested.

  It was dark outside by the time they left and Flora insisted on walking home. Once again Rory tucked Alice’s hand in the crook of his arm, and Flora danced on ahead. She stopped every now and again to peer into the shop windows in Oxford Street, beckoning frantically when she saw something that interested her before rushing on to the next.

  ‘She is a completely different child now,’ Rory said in a low voice. ‘Your patience and kindness has brought about an amazing change in her behaviour.’

  ‘No, I can’t accept that. Flora just needed to be allowed to be herself.’

  ‘Even so, I’m very fond of her and I’m grateful to you.’

  ‘She’s quite incredible. To have suffered such a bitter disappointment when the mother she’d been longing to meet was found to be less than perfect would have destroyed many children her age.’

  ‘You’ve been more of a mother to her than my sister-in-law ever was. Lydia simply hasn’t the ability to relate to a child. She’s not a bad person, but she’s the wrong woman to bring up a lively little girl like Flora.’

  ‘Flora is more resilient than you give her credit for,’ Alice said smiling. ‘And she has you as well as your brother. He seems very fond of her.’

  ‘Freddie is a good man, but he lives for the business, which is all very well but it doesn’t give him time for his family. When I marry I’ll try not to make the same mistake.’

  Alice felt her heart lurch against her ribs and she gasped as the air was sucked from her lung in a sigh. ‘You’re thinking of getting married?’ She felt him shrug, although it was too dark to see him clearly.

  ‘One day, I will. But only if the time is right.’

  Alice came to a sudden halt. Something was wrong. Something terrible had happened. She slipped her arm free. ‘I can’t see Flora. Rory, I can’t hear her. Where is she?’

  Chapter Eleven

  There was no sign of Flora. They called her name and searched the surrounding area in case she had wandered on ahead and was lost, but without any success.

  Breathless and close to panicking, Alice clutched Rory’s arm. ‘Molly Bishop,’ she gasped. ‘She threatened to take Flora by force if necessary.’

  He covered her hand with his. ‘If that’s so they can’t have got far.’

  ‘That woman has been planning it from the start; she told me as much, Rory. Poor little Flora, she’ll be so frightened.’

  ‘It’s possible that Flora has run home. I wouldn’t put it past her. It’s just the sort of mischievous thing she might do in order to give us a fright. We’ll check at the house first.’

  ‘And if she isn’t there?’

  ‘We’ll take it one step at a time, but we’ll find her. I promise you we’ll find her whatever it takes.’

  Flora had not come home and Lydia was waiting for Alice and Rory in the drawing room.

  ‘How dare you take Flora out without first asking my permission? Didn’t I make myself clear last time, Miss Radcliffe?’ She turned to Rory, eyes blazing. ‘Or should I blame you for undermining my authority in such a blatant manner?’

  Rory held up his hand. ‘I think you’d better sit down, Lydia. I have something to tell you.’

  ‘Where is Flora?’ Lydia demanded, sinking down on the nearest chair. ‘What have you done with her?’

  ‘It’s my fault,’ Alice said tearfully. ‘I took my eyes off her for a split second and
she was gone.’

  ‘Gone?’ The word echoed round the high ceilings of the drawing room as Lydia’s voice rose to a screech. ‘What do you mean – gone?’

  ‘We’ll find her,’ Rory said hastily. ‘But it’s possible she might have been abducted by the woman who claims to be her mother.’

  ‘Why would she do that?’ Lydia stared at him, frowning. ‘She was paid handsomely.’

  ‘The woman lives in the most squalid conditions. She mixes with felons of all types and she threatened Alice at knife-point.’

  Lydia uttered a shriek, pointing a shaking finger at Alice. ‘I blame you entirely. I took you on out of charity and look how you’ve repaid me.’

  ‘I’m the one to take responsibility for what’s happened,’ Rory said calmly. ‘Alice was simply doing as I requested. We took Flora to feed the ducks in St James’s Park and for tea at Gunter’s. It was a rare treat for a child who spends most of her time locked away in a schoolroom.’

  ‘And she has been abducted as a result of your actions. No doubt the wretched woman will demand a huge ransom, which we can ill afford to pay.’

  Alice stifled a gasp of dismay. How could Lydia Dearborn think about money at a time like this? ‘Molly Bishop has other plans for your daughter, Mrs Dearborn,’ she said angrily. ‘She plans to sell her favours to any man who will pay a high enough price.’

  Lydia covered her ears with her hands. ‘How can you say such things? How dare you bring the filthy talk of the streets into my drawing room? You are not fit to look after a child, Alice Radcliffe. You will leave my house now and you won’t receive a penny piece from me.’

  ‘Lydia, that’s unfair,’ Rory protested. ‘This isn’t Alice’s fault.’

  ‘I see how the land lies. You always were susceptible when it came to a pretty face and winning ways.’ Lydia turned to Alice, her eyes narrowed and her lips drawn into a thin line. ‘And you, Radcliffe, are dismissed without a character. Leave your uniform with Mrs Upton.’

  Alice shook her head, saying nothing. Given the circumstances there was little she could say in her own defence, but she could feel Rory’s anger. She sent him a warning glance but he ignored her. ‘That is cruel and unfair, Lydia. Alice is not to blame.’

  ‘I know who is the more culpable, but unfortunately you are my brother-in-law and I can do nothing about that.’ Lydia glared at him, and her fingers twitched. ‘I have to put up with you for Frederick’s sake.’

  Alice edged closer to Rory, preparing to step between them if Lydia lost the last shred of self-control. If Lydia had claws, she thought warily, the angry woman would be sinking them into her brother-in-law’s flesh like a feral cat.

  ‘Surely the most important thing is to find Flora,’ Alice said hastily. ‘Nothing else matters at this moment.’

  Lydia took a deep breath, fanning herself with her hand. ‘You must send for a constable, Rory, and then you will go to the office and tell your brother what you’ve done.’ She reached for her vinaigrette and waved it under her nose. ‘Leave me now. I don’t want to see either of your faces ever again.’

  Rory ushered Alice out of the room. ‘I’m sorry about that. You have borne the brunt of Lydia’s anger, but I’ll make my brother fully aware of the facts.’

  ‘Never mind me. We must find poor little Flora. She’ll be terrified.’

  ‘I’m going to start at Blossom Street. I’m hoping that’s where the woman has taken her.’

  ‘I’m coming too.’

  ‘No, Alice. It’s a dreadful place. I’ll do better on my own.’

  ‘I’m coming even if I have to run after you.’

  He met her determined look with a sigh of resignation. ‘I believe you would.’

  ‘Come along. We’re wasting time.’

  The building in Blossom Street was in total darkness when they arrived, and it appeared to be deserted. The door was barred and it was impossible to gain access.

  ‘What now?’ Alice demanded angrily. ‘Where would they have gone from here?’

  ‘I don’t know. I’m afraid we’ll have to involve the police. I didn’t want to create a scandal, but there’s no choice, and I’ll have to tell Freddie what’s happened.’ Rory hit the door with his clenched fist and the sound echoed throughout the empty building. ‘I’ll take you back to your lodgings, Alice. There’s nothing more we can do here.’

  ‘I can’t just give up. Flora is with that awful woman and she’ll be so scared. We must find her quickly.’

  ‘I know, but Bishop could have taken her anywhere. The police will know her and they might be familiar with her haunts. I doubt that she’s far away, it’s only a question of where.’

  Struggling with disappointment and fear for Flora’s safety, Alice had to accept his decision. If it were left to her she would have walked the streets all night, calling Flora’s name in the vain hope that she might hear, but she knew in her heart that this would prove fruitless and she would be endangering her own life. After dark the East End streets were inhabited by the night people; criminals, vagrants, prostitutes and the dispossessed haunted the alleyways and courts. Opium dens, unlicensed pubs and gaming houses flourished, and blood flowed in the gutters as freely as the muddy waters of the River Thames.

  Having reached Half Moon Passage, Rory hesitated outside the door of the lodging house. ‘This isn’t the sort of place you should live,’ he said gravely. ‘I’m surprised that your fiancé allows you to reside here.’

  ‘It’s all I can afford, and it suits me well enough.’ Alice knocked and waited.

  Eventually the door opened and Mrs Leech peered at them in the dim light of an oil lamp. ‘No gentlemen callers. I told you that in the beginning, Miss Radcliffe.’

  Rory doffed his hat. ‘I applaud your caution, ma’am. I was just seeing the lady safely home.’

  ‘You ain’t a policeman, are you, cully? There’s strange goings-on round here tonight, even though this is a respectable neighbourhood.’

  ‘He isn’t a policeman,’ Alice said, stepping inside. ‘He’s just a friend.’

  ‘Men is all the same. Give them a smile and they think you’re free with your favours. I knows it only too well. Come in and shut the door, miss. You can help me with this wild child what burst in not long ago. Says she knows you, but from the way she’s been carrying on I think she’s a halfwit. I’d have thrown her out on the street, but she bites and scratches.’

  Alice turned to Rory. ‘Flora,’ she gasped. ‘It must be.’

  He tried to push past Mrs Leech but she barred his way. ‘Here, you can’t barge in like this. What did I just tell you? No gentlemen callers allowed.’

  ‘Let me see the child, ma’am. If she’s who I think she is then she’s my niece.’

  ‘Ho! A runaway, is she? I guessed as much.’

  ‘You would know her,’ Alice insisted. ‘She came here once.’

  ‘All kids look the same to me.’

  ‘Let me see her.’ Alice could hear wailing coming from the parlour. She pushed past Mrs Leech and hurried along the narrow passage. Flinging the door open, she stepped inside to see Flora standing by the fireplace with a poker clutched in her hand. She was tear-stained, dishevelled and close to hysteria.

  ‘Darling, it’s me,’ Alice said gently.

  Flora dropped the weapon and threw herself into Alice’s open arms, sobbing and babbling incoherently.

  ‘Who brought her here?’ Rory turned on Mrs Leech, who had followed them into the room protesting loudly. ‘She couldn’t have come on her own.’

  ‘I never saw no one.’ Mrs Leech stood arms akimbo, glaring at them each in turn. ‘This is a respectable house. Take the brat away and leave me in peace.’

  Alice hugged Flora, smoothing her damp curls back from her forehead and rocking her gently. ‘There, there, you’re safe now. We’ve come to take you home.’

  ‘Did they hurt you, Floss?’ Rory asked anxiously. ‘Are you all right?’

  Flora raised her head from Alice’s shoulder, hiccupi
ng and sniffing. ‘I’m not hurt. I bit that horrid woman and made her hand bleed and then I ran. I ran and ran, and then I remembered where Alice lived, but she wasn’t here.’ She subsided once again into a storm of sobbing.

  ‘Don’t ask her any more questions,’ Alice said softly. ‘Time enough for that later. We must take her home.’

  ‘Of course.’ Rory put his hand in his pocket and tossed a coin to Mrs Leech who caught it deftly. ‘That’s for your trouble, ma’am. We’ll leave now.’

  ‘Ta, guv. You’re a real gent.’ Mrs Leech tucked the money into her pocket. ‘But I don’t want this sort of thing happening again, Miss Radcliffe. I’ll overlook it this once, but if I get any more trouble from you I’ll have to ask you to pack your bag and leave.’

  Alice nodded, more concerned for Flora’s wellbeing than for her own. ‘Come, my dear. You’re quite safe now.’

  Lights blazed in the windows in Russell Square, and the servants were scurrying about as if their lives depended upon being seen to be busy. Hoskins admitted them, his stony expression cracking into a genuine attempt at a smile. ‘Miss Flora. Welcome home.’

  Alice stared at him in surprise. Hoskins was normally a man of few words, and this was quite a speech. She gave Flora’s hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘Don’t worry,’ she whispered. ‘You won’t get into trouble.’

  Rory handed his hat and coat to Hoskins. ‘Is Mrs Dearborn in the drawing room?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘There’s no need to announce us.’ Rory turned to Flora with an encouraging smile. ‘Come on, Floss. Don’t look so worried.’

  ‘I want Alice to stay with me,’ Flora said with a stubborn lift of her chin. ‘I won’t go without her.’

  ‘Maybe I should say goodbye now.’ Alice wrapped her arms around Flora, holding her close. ‘Your mama doesn’t want me to come here any more, and I don’t blame her. I should have taken better care of you.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Rory said angrily. ‘You couldn’t have cared more for Flora if she’d been your own flesh and blood.’