The Foyles Bookshop Girls

by Elaine Roberts

  ‘So did I.’ Lily looked back at the tree. ‘I hope they all manage to celebrate Christmas in some way and stay safe.’

  A thud reached the sitting room. Lily straightened her seating position.

  Luke strode in, his newspaper folded under his arm. Without a word, he walked over to the tree before letting his gaze drop to the carpet. He turned and gave Sarah a curt nod before pouring himself a whisky. ‘Have you heard?’ His voice rose as exhilaration took hold. ‘Rumour has it, the Germans have dropped bombs in a garden in Dover this afternoon. It's thought they were heading for the castle but dropped the bombs too early.’

  Sarah leant forward in her chair. ‘Oh goodness, has anybody been hurt?’

  Luke took a swig of his whisky. ‘I don't know for sure, but it is thought to be unlikely.’

  ‘Evening, Father.’ Lily stared hard at him. Her father’s love of the war was only matched by the hatred for him that ran through her veins. He never asked if there was any news about the boys, or how any of them were holding up under the immense strain and worry they felt each day. He didn’t care that they were dreading Christmas. She would even welcome Robert bossing her about again. She missed Charles’ infectious smile and laughter, his take on life. As far as she was concerned, it was entirely her father’s fault. It sat squarely on his shoulders. He’d driven them away. She lifted her head and jutted out her chin. ‘Would you like a cup of tea, Father?’

  Alice took a deep breath. Biting hard on her tongue, she looked down at the parcel sitting on her lap and concentrated hard on tagging it.

  Sarah's eyes widened as she shook her head at Lily.

  Colour flooded Luke's face as he squared his shoulders. ‘I am fine, thank you.’

  Lily looked across at her mother. Her hands were clenched and a vein pulsating at the side of her forehead was the only sign of the anxiety she was feeling. Her mother appeared to have aged since the war began. She looked quite frail. Lily forced a smile to her lips. ‘I assume you’ve invited Victoria and Daisy again this year.’

  Alice took a sharp intake of breath. ‘Actually, none of us talked about Christmas.’

  Sarah shook her head. ‘That's understandable. There’s so much worry around, people aren't focussing on Christmas this year, but she's come every year since her parents died, so wouldn't she know to just turn up tomorrow?’

  Lily laughed. ‘You mean, like you would?’

  Sarah gave her younger daughter a look of frustration, before smiling. ‘You’re quite right, Lily, I’d never dream of just turning up without a proper invitation, not even to family, but young people are different these days.’ She moved her gaze to Alice. ‘Best you get round to Percy Street and let Victoria and Daisy know they’re welcome here, as always.’

  *

  Luke carried the golden-brown goose into the dining room on a silver platter, to a chorus of ooh and aah from everyone sitting around the table. He placed the tray in front of him, at the head of the table. He pulled back his chair and picked up the carving knife and fork.

  Edward sniffed the air. ‘That smells wonderful.’

  Sarah frowned. ‘With us taking longer to leave church this morning, I thought it might be a little overcooked, but thankfully it doesn't look like it is.’

  Jane licked her lips. ‘It looks to me like it's been cooked to perfection.’

  Sarah laughed at them both. ‘Anyone would think you two haven't eaten for a week.’

  Any space on the table was gradually filled with bowls of roast potatoes, sprouts and other vegetables. A couple of gravy boats were squeezed on at either end of the table. The carving knife cut through the dark meat with ease and Luke placed several slices on each plate; in turn, they were handed around the table. Everyone loaded their plates as if food had evaded them for a long time.

  Edward looked down at his packed plate. ‘I wonder if I could squeeze on another couple of roast potatoes.’ He smiled at his daughter. ‘You know I love them roasted in goose fat.’

  Sarah shook her head and laughed at him. ‘You are incorrigible.’ She smiled, watching everyone tucking into Christmas dinner. The food bowls looked as though they had been invaded by a swarm of locusts; not even a sprout was left. ‘Make sure you leave room for the Christmas pudding and custard,’ she shouted above the buzz of conversation. ‘We’ve mince pies as well.’

  Alice watched her mother; pleased she was throwing herself into enjoying the day. She gave herself a minute to look around the dining table trying not to think about the people that were missing. Victoria and Daisy appeared to be enjoying themselves and Lily was keeping them entertained. She shuddered to think what she was saying to them, but there was a lot of laughter from that part of the table. Alice wondered what was in the letter from Ted. Victoria looked happier than she had seen her in over four years, but she couldn't help worrying he was raising her hopes, only to grind them to dust again. She eyed her father and wondered why he was so subdued. It intrigued her, but not enough to ask. She was thankful for his silence and gave a silent prayer for everyone's safe return to the family fold. Nobody mentioned them at all; the brave faces were firmly set in place.

  After everyone had eaten their fill, Sarah, Alice and Lily cleared the table to make way for dessert and coffee.

  Alice returned to the dining room and clapped her hands. ‘May I have your attention, as Mother gives you the pièce de résistance.’

  Sarah followed her daughter into the room, to thunderous applause. She carried a silver tray with the Christmas pudding sitting proudly in the middle of it, ablaze from the ignited brandy that had been poured over it. The pungent fumes hung in the air, gradually fading with the blue flame. Sarah started to spoon the dark, rich, fruity pudding into dishes. ‘Help yourself to custard and watch out for those little sixpences. I don't want anyone choking, thank you. Hopefully you’ll all get at least one; I think I went a little mad with them this year.’

  The Christmas pudding disappeared in seconds.

  Edward leant back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. ‘I’ve eaten far too much. I think it was those extra potatoes that did it.’

  Sarah laughed at her father. ‘Not the two helpings of pudding then?’ She stood and picked up her coffee cup. ‘Let's take our drinks into the sitting room, where we can sit in some comfortable chairs and exchange presents.’

  They all stood up and made their way to the sitting room, leaving the dirty dishes where they sat.

  As they entered, they each stared at the pile of presents, all shapes and sizes, under the tree in an array of coloured Christmas paper. They each claimed a chair, but they sat in silence.

  Alice stood up. ‘Shall I play a few chords on the piano before we open the presents?’

  ‘Yes,’ they chorused, relief spreading around the room.

  Sarah gave Alice a watery smile. ‘Perhaps we could sing some carols.’

  Jane clapped her hands together. ‘That sounds like a wonderful idea. I do love a carol.’

  Alice walked over and lifted the lid of the piano, running her fingers over the keys. ‘How about Away in a Manger?’

  Victoria smiled. ‘That's one of my favourites.’

  Edward laughed. ‘Then that's where we shall start, to be quickly followed by Good King Wenceslas, Ding Dong Merrily on High, then God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and finally The First Noel.’

  The room suddenly filled with laughter.

  Lily wiped away the tears as her laughter died down. ‘Are you sure you haven't forgotten one?’

  ‘Have I?’ Edward laughed. ‘Of course, I don't want to be demanding. Feel free to throw in your special requests. I am sure Alice won't mind.’

  Alice laid her fingers on the black and ivory keys. ‘No, I don't mind, although I have to say I wasn't expecting such enthusiasm to my suggestion. Right, let's start with Away in a Manger then.’ She started playing and the room was suddenly full of song.

  It was three hours later, with the daylight long diminished, that Sarah looked across at Lil
y with a forced smile, but her eyes clouded over with sadness. ‘Lily, as you are the yo… will you do us the honour of handing out the presents this year?’

  Lily gave a tight-lipped smile as she cast her eyes towards Alice, who nodded her encouragement. The excitement was missing this year, as Lily took up the reins of doing the youngest's job of searching for and handing out the presents. When she had finished, she sat down to begin unwrapping the gifts she had received.

  Alice looked down to the pile at her feet, before looking back at the tree. ‘Lily, there are still some presents sitting under the tree.’

  Lily frowned. ‘They’re for the boys.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Victoria, there are some for Stephen as well, so you might want to take them home for when he returns.’

  The room fell silent. Victoria nodded as all eyes stared at the unopened presents.

  Luke lifted his wine glass. ‘It's time for a toast.’

  Everyone picked up a glass or cup; no one cared, because none of it mattered.

  ‘To absent friends and family.’

  Everyone followed Luke's lead. ‘To absent friends and family.’

  The rustling of silk and satin sounded around the room, as the ladies rummaged in their pockets for their handkerchiefs. As one, they dabbed their eyes, to stop the onslaught of tears.

  Chapter 11

  January 1915

  Sarah sat in her favourite chair in the dining room, nearest the fireplace. The crackle of the coal and the smoke swirling up the chimney did not distract her from the envelope in her hand. She looked at the spidery handwriting and a smile spread across her face. It was from Charles. With nervous fingers, she ripped open the seal and quickly unfolded the letter.

  Dear Ma,

  I hope this letter finds you all right and father is being nice to you all. It's very wet here in the trenches and we have seen our fair share of rats, but we are keeping well. I'm not spending much of the twelve shillings and sixpence the army pay me; there aren't many shops around here, ha ha. I received the parcel, thank you. It was great to eat chocolate again, as we seem to be living on bully beef at the moment. When one of us receives a parcel, we share the contents; it lifts our spirits to have a treat. Can you send me some socks because my feet are permanently cold and wet? Some of the chaps here are wearing two or three coats. It would be good to be warm again. Tell Alice the balaclava fits a treat, although the shape of it did make me laugh before I put it on.

  It was strange being here on Christmas Day. I missed you all. The Germans lit some lamps on Christmas Eve and started singing carols, so we followed suit. No shots were fired. It was strange sleeping in such silence when we have been used to the constant barrage of bombs and gunfire. On Christmas Day, we were all terribly brave, left our trenches and talked about our families. You know Ma, they are just ordinary men, like me; some have small children. It makes you see things a little different. Some of the chaps played football with the Germans. The next day, it all returned to normal, although I am not sure how hard we all tried to kill each other. Somehow, things are different now.

  Before I go, I want to tell you about a gift box I received from Princess Mary, no less. The brass box had some ciggies in it, as well as a pipe and tobacco, along with a tinderbox and a Christmas card. I'll try and send it home, so it can be kept safe.

  I haven't seen Robert, but Freddie and Stephen are around here somewhere. I am hoping to get leave soon. It’ll be lovely to sleep in a proper bed and eat some home cooking. Say hello to everyone for me and hopefully I'll get home to see you soon.

  Your loving son

  Charles xx

  Sarah's vision became blurry as she tried to read the letter again.

  Dear Ma,

  She chuckled. The cheeky boy, calling her ma; when did he assume that was all right? She ran her fingers across the words he had written. Her baby was safe, and that was all that mattered. She stopped trying to read and hugged the letter close to her chest, hoping he was right and she’d see him soon, to judge for herself. She would show the girls. They’d be thrilled to hear from Charles, and Alice would be happy to know that Freddie was with him, and more importantly, safe.

  ‘What's that you have there?’ Luke's voice carried in the silence.

  Sarah jumped in her seat.

  ‘And why are you hugging it?’

  She clung on to the letter as she lowered her hands onto her lap, the folds of her black skirt wrapped around them. All excitement and happiness was immediately washed away by his cold tone. ‘It's… it's a letter from Charles.’ Sarah wondered if she should offer it to him, but she couldn't bring herself to let go of it.

  Luke sat down at the dining table. Once comfortable, he wrapped his hands around the china teapot, before pouring himself a cup. ‘The post arrived early this morning. Was there anything else?’

  ‘No, at least I don't think so.’

  Luke sighed. ‘What do you mean, you don't think so? Either there was or there wasn't.’

  ‘There wasn't,’ Sarah mumbled.

  ‘What? Stop mumbling. Speak up.’

  Sarah took a deep breath and pushed her shoulders back. ‘No, there wasn't any post, other than this letter from one of our sons.’

  Luke arched his eyebrows as he stared across the room at her. ‘That's better.’ He picked up his cup and sipped the hot tea, before placing it back on its saucer.

  Sarah turned the letter over in her hand. ‘Would you like to read it?’

  Luke shook his head. ‘Not particularly. There won't be anything about the war in there because all the post is monitored, in case it falls into the wrong hands.’

  Sarah's eyes widened as she fought to know what to say. ‘He says he might be home soon. He talked about a Christmas ceasefire and the men playing football with the German soldiers.’

  ‘Football? They are the enemy.’ Luke shook his head again. His voice rose with frustration. ‘I bet Robert wasn't involved in such shenanigans. They are meant to be fighting them, you know, keeping everyone safe.’

  Sarah kept her focus on the letter, determined he wasn't going to spoil her happiness today. ‘They all received a lovely gift from Princess Mary, which was very kind, don't you think?’

  ‘If you ask me, it's all nonsense. They aren't children.’

  Sarah stood up and colour raged into her cheeks. ‘That's just it, Luke, some of them are only children.’

  ‘When I was Charles’ age, I was—’

  ‘Yes, yes, we know, you had travelled across country on your own. We've all heard it before.’ Sarah took a deep breath. ‘Many, many times, Luke.’

  Luke pressed his fingertips down on the table and slowly stood up, never taking his eyes off her. ‘How dare you talk to me like that?’

  The soft tone sent ripples of fear down Sarah's spine. ‘I dare because you may not care whether your sons come home safe or not, but I do. To know that Charles is safe is everything, it's your fault he joined up in the first place.’

  Luke eyed her, daring her to keep talking. ‘I might have known it would be my fault.’

  ‘If he hadn't been so desperate to impress you, he’d still be here, so yes, it is your fault.’

  Luke scuffed back his chair. ‘I can see there is no talking to you today; best you sort yourself out before I get back. I will not tolerate such behaviour from you, or anyone else in this household.’ He glared at her, hands clenched by his sides. ‘Do you understand? Have I made myself absolutely clear?’

  Sarah nodded.

  ‘I can't hear you.’

  Sarah slumped back into the chair she had only recently vacated. ‘Yes, very clear.’

  *

  Alice sat in the family sitting room with a closed book on her lap. Her mother sat opposite her. They both stared into the flickering light that came from the golden flames of the open fire. The logs crackled and every so often a spark would fly onto the hearth.

  ‘The letter was wonderful, wasn’t it?’ Sarah kept staring ahead into the flames.
<
br />   Alice smiled. ‘It was, Ma.’

  Sarah laughed. ‘That is a title I will not be keeping.’

  Alice chuckled. ‘To just know they’re all safe is wonderful news. I wonder if Robert will write to us, although he hasn’t so far, so I suppose it’s unlikely. We’ve to assume no news is good news.’

  Sarah glanced at Alice and nodded. ‘I wonder where they are and what they’re doing.’

  Alice shrugged her shoulders. ‘In some respects, I’d rather not know.’ Her mind instantly went to the Pathé newsreel she had seen at the cinema with Freddie. The men at the front, standing in trenches flooded with water, smoking their cigarettes, some waving and smiling for the camera. She couldn't tell her mother that Robert and Charles were certainly in that situation.

  The front door slammed shut. Neither looked around, both assuming it was Lily.

  ‘Is this how you greet your prodigal son?’ Charles kept his voice low.

  Sarah and Alice both jerked round and jumped up out of their chairs, ignoring the books thumping to the floor.

  ‘Please tell me I'm not dreaming. I do believe I’ve just willed this to happen.’ Sarah stared wide-eyed at her son.

  Alice's eyes filled with tears. Her emotions became too much for her to handle.

  ‘There’s someone else I’ve picked up along the way.’ Charles stepped back, turning his head to the doorway and shouted. ‘Come in.’

  Alice's legs began to wobble. She sank down into the chair she had just vacated. There he stood, next to her brother, both of them in full army uniform. ‘I can't believe it. Is it really you?’ she whispered. She closed her eyes, squeezing them tight before slowly looking through her lashes to see if he was still standing in front of her. ‘Oh Lord, it's true.’ She was rooted to the spot, staring at his grey pallor. He had lost weight since she had last seen him, he looked older and his eyes were dull. She didn't want to think about what had happened to him. Tears rolled down her face. ‘I’ve dreamt of this moment so many times.’

  Freddie didn't take his eyes off her as he took a step forward.