A Family Christmas

by Glenice Crossland

  Emma, being better off than Lucy, had bought a dress but Jane said she couldn’t possibly look any more beautiful than Lucy. Jane had got over the envy and was thrilled with the blue bridesmaids’ dresses she, Kitty and Nellie were to wear. James, of course, was to be best man for John and Will for Ben. Robbie Grey was to be groomsman. All that was needed now was the sun to shine. Jane was becoming annoyed with Lucy’s ‘What if the car doesn’t turn up? What if the caterers forget? What if Mr Crossman forgets to bring his gramophone?’

  ‘For heaven’s sake, Lucy. I’m sure Emma isn’t making so much fuss. Tomorrow’ll be fine. Besides, as long as you and John are married nothing else matters, does it?’

  ‘No, Jane, you’re right. I’ll stop worrying.’ But she didn’t. She did however look into the new mirror, already taking pride of place over the mantelpiece, and ask for everything to go well on her wedding day. The stall man had said it was a wishing mirror and Lucy Gabbitas believed that wishes could come true, otherwise she wouldn’t be preparing to marry the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

  The sky was as blue as Lucy’s eyes when she woke on her wedding day. In a flurry of excitement Jane and Kitty washed her hair and set it in waves using sugared water, then they did each other’s, laughing at the sight of them all done up in metal curlers. Will had taken off in the company of Albert Marshall to do some jobs for the greengrocer.

  ‘I’m not stopping in there,’ he said. ‘It’s like a women’s hairdresser’s.’

  At first the pair had protested at the idea of having to get dressed up, but then one day the lads had been taken to be measured for suits – with long trousers – with instructions for them to be made with room enough to turn down the legs and sleeves as the lads grew. The promise of a proper man’s suit had been enough to make the pair behave themselves and as Kitty had warned them, conduct themselves in a proper manner. If not, they had been told, they would have to make do with short trousers.

  At quarter to two the car arrived and Will proudly escorted Ben and the bridesmaids into the ribbon-trimmed vehicle. Then he came back for Lucy and Mr Slater, who had been asked to give Lucy away. With Ben being the groom Mr Slater and his wife were proudly standing in for Lucy’s parents. Lucy shed a tear as she wished her father and mother here, especially her father. It would have been nice if Aunt Kate could be here too but that was one wish the mirror couldn’t possibly grant.

  ‘Eeh, lass, I’m sure you must be missing yer mam and dad on this special day, but I’m sure they’ll be watching from wherever they are. In their absence I’d be most ’onoured if yer’d let me take yer dad’s place, and I shall be just as proud as ee would ’ave been.’

  ‘Oh Mr Slater, I couldn’t ask for anyone better.’ Lucy wiped her eyes just as Will charged in. ‘Come on, Lucy. Oh I’ve never seen as many people in all me life. Emma’s already there. She looks lovely, but not as lovely as you.’ Will blushed at the first compliment he could ever remember paying his sister.

  ‘Come on then, let’s get it over with.’ Lucy was smiling again. She took a final look in the mirror and they were off.

  Reverend Goodman was as proud as if he was conducting the marriage of his own son. John, along with his brothers, had filled a gap in the vicar’s life. A daughter was all very well, but he would dearly have loved a son. It wasn’t to be and he knew God must have his reason.

  Emma and Ben made their vows first, followed by Lucy and John. The congregation thought a double wedding was the loveliest thing they had ever seen. Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and even people none of them recognised had turned up to watch the unusual ceremony. Then they were on their way to the photographic studio for pictures to be taken of their special day. When all the formalities were over and they were in the car to the Guild Hall, where the reception was to be held, John gave in to temptation, took Lucy in his arms and kissed her. ‘Lucy Grey, I love you and I always will.’

  ‘Even when I’m old and wrinkled?’

  ‘Yes,’ he answered. ‘Will you love me when I’m old and bald?’

  ‘I might,’ Lucy teased. ‘On the other hand I might run off with Lewis Marshall.’ Lewis was a standing joke between them.

  ‘Ah, but you’re forgetting Lewis’ll be old and bald too.’

  ‘Oh dear, well I’ll just have to find myself a handsome young stud then, with some hair.’

  ‘Don’t you dare.’ Then they were at the Guild Hall.

  ‘Thank goodness,’ Will said as he opened the car door for the newlyweds, ‘I’m starving.’

  ‘Well, no change there then.’ Lucy kissed her brother on the cheek, causing his face to turn the colour of the carnations in her bouquet. ‘By the way,’ she told him, ‘I’ve a surprise for you tomorrow.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘I said tomorrow.’

  Will wondered what it could be. Whatever it was it wouldn’t stop him worrying about starting work in the pit. Not even a new suit and two weddings had been able to do that.

  ‘Oh no.’ John could see Daniel the bird man standing amongst the onlookers. As soon as Dan saw them he made a rude gesture with his fist, first at Lucy, then at John. Lucy felt herself growing hot with embarrassment. Fortunately the crowd put Dan’s action down to the fact that they were newlyweds and thought it was amusing. ‘I bet he’ll be doing that every time he sees us for the rest of our lives,’ Lucy whispered.

  It wasn’t until they reached the reception that Nellie was able to introduce Tom Johnson to her family. She had asked if she could invite a friend, but none of them had expected a male friend, especially one as suave and handsome as Tom. ‘Where did you find him?’ Lucy whispered.

  Nellie shrugged. ‘I suppose we just found each other.’

  ‘Well he’s lovely. Is it serious?’

  ‘I suppose so. He’s coming over most weekends so I guess it must be.’

  ‘Coming from where?’

  ‘Blackpool. He owns a garage there.’

  ‘Goodness, hang on to him.’

  ‘I will if I can. I really like him, Lucy.’

  ‘Well it’s obvious he likes you. I should say more than likes.’

  Nellie smiled. Lucy had never seen her looking so radiant.

  The fresh aroma of cucumber salad greeted the guests as they entered the Guild Hall. The tables looked beautiful with two wedding cakes set out on the top table.

  John went to thank Emma’s mother, who had insisted on supplying the tea. ‘We really appreciate this,’ he said. ‘It must have cost a small fortune. I wish you’d let me contribute.’

  The lady smiled. ‘It didn’t cost all that much. I’ve contacts in the catering trade so it’s all been supplied at wholesale. Besides, it hasn’t cost any more for the two of you than it would have for a single wedding. I daresay there’d have been the same number of guests, and anyway, you paid for the hire of the hall and the cars so we’ll call it quits. It’s lovely to meet all Ben’s family and friends and I’m so grateful to be here without embarrassing everyone. The trouble with epilepsy is that I don’t have any warning. I dreaded having a turn in church.’

  ‘Well you didn’t. It’s lovely to meet you too. And thanks again. I doubt we could have afforded a spread like this for so many people.’

  Mrs Scott leaned towards John and whispered ‘Well I can, and who else have I to spend it on except my only daughter. Shall we eat?’

  The guests were finding their places at the long tables. John went to find Lucy. He hadn’t eaten all day and was famished.

  When the ham, cakes and trifle had all been demolished and the tables cleared, the dancing began. Mr Crossman, a fellow miner from over the hill in Warrentickle, had brought his large collection of records and his gramophone. Music was his hobby and providing entertainment was a good way of spending Saturday nights. He began with ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ for the children. As the evening wore on and more and more Pale Ale was consumed the music changed and the floor became crowded. Miners, umbrella girls, cousins from
Cragstone and neighbours from the rows all joined in the dancing. Even Prudence Goodman had one or two partners. Robbie hoped she would find a boyfriend and leave him in peace. The only girl he wanted was Dot Greenwood. ‘You’re the prettiest girl in the room,’ he told her as he took the opportunity to hold her close in a waltz neither of them knew how to do.

  ‘No, I think both brides are the prettiest,’ Dot argued. ‘And what about the bridesmaids? They look lovely in their blue dresses.’

  ‘Aye they do, but I’m not bothered about dresses. You look just as pretty when you’re mucking out or stacking the hay.’

  ‘Oh, so you fancy me in wellies then?’

  ‘Aye, I fancy you in owt.’ The couple laughed and moved closer. Boadacea Greenwood sighed contentedly at the sight of her daughter and the handsome young lad. Then as the music changed she dragged little Arthur on to the dance floor for the Hokey Cokey.

  Prudence Goodman fumed. She knew she was looking her best, and Robbie Grey hadn’t even noticed.

  When Will woke at seven the next morning he could see a rook pecking at the window above his bed. Then another came, fluttering and fretting to join its mate. They came from the tall trees opposite the Memorial Gardens. One Sunday the gang had counted nine nests altogether. His dad had once told him they had nested there for at least fifty years. Will had tried to count the birds but it was impossible. The birds on the roof flew away and Will suddenly remembered the surprise Lucy had promised him. He hurried out of bed and into his old trousers. She would have a fit if his new suit wasn’t hung on a hanger and kept for best. Jane heard the scuffling in the attic above her and then Will calling ‘Lucy!’ She caught him on the landing just as he was about to barge into the bedroom where John was in the throes of his fourth climax.

  ‘No, Will, ssh. You mustn’t go in our Lucy’s room anymore.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Well, our Lucy’s married now. Come into my room and let’s have a chat.’ Jane guessed Will might be jealous of John after being doted on by Lucy for so long. Jane hopped back into bed and Will perched on the bed beside her. ‘Oh, I see. You think they might be doing it.’ Will blushed as he realised what he had said.

  ‘Well, it’s possible I suppose. It’s a natural thing to happen once two people are married. But, no, I wasn’t thinking that. I just thought we’d let them have a lie in after such a busy day yesterday.’

  ‘I suppose so, but our Lucy said she’d a surprise for me today. Can I open the curtains?’

  ‘What, and have old Lanky on Next Row seeing me in me nighty? Anyway, I can tell you about the surprise. Our Lucy won’t mind.’

  ‘Go on then.’

  ‘Well, how would you like to work for Mr Brown instead of at the pit?’

  Will wondered if Jane was having him on. His eyes filled with tears. ‘You know how I’d feel, but I’ve got to go to’t pit.’

  ‘No, you haven’t. That’s the surprise: you’ve got a job working for Mr Brown, starting tomorrow.’

  Will stared at his sister. ‘You’re not ’aving me on are yer, Jane?’

  ‘Oh, Will. Do you really think I’d be so cruel?’

  Will’s face lit up like a beacon. ‘I’m just going to tell Ernie.’

  ‘He might not be up yet. Oh, and by the way, what do you know about doing it?’ Jane nudged Will with her elbow.

  ‘Everything.’

  ‘I doubt that. Look, shall I ask James to have a word and explain things to you? So that you do know everything.’

  ‘OK, but I expect I know already.’

  ‘Oh I expect you do, but just to make sure.’

  ‘I’m going to Ernie’s.’ Will set off down the stairs.

  ‘Will!’ Jane called after him.

  ‘What?’ He was impatient to be off.

  ‘Don’t you think you ought to put a shirt on in place of your pyjama jacket?’ She heard him clomp up to the attic. A young boy, content at last.

  The house resembled a gift shop. Presents covered the table in the kitchen and also the polished, posh table in the front room. Even the dresser was overflowing with brown paper parcels and objects that had been handed over unwrapped but with much love.

  ‘What’s that?’ Now the cloud had been lifted from Will’s shoulders he was taking an interest in the proceedings.

  ‘It’s a toast rack,’ Lucy said. ‘If you unwrap anything remember who it’s from; I shall need to thank them.’

  ‘Are yer going to put toast in a rack now you’re married then? Why don’t yer put it on a plate and eat it like we always do?’

  ‘Good question,’ John laughed. ‘But it’s nice of cousin Polly to buy it for us, whoever she is.’ John had lost track of all the friends and relatives. The umbrella girls had bought them a lovely pair of lace-edged sheets. The shock came when Lucy opened the box Nellie and Tom had given them. Inside was the most beautiful dinner service imaginable, fine bone china, decorated with twenty-two-carat gold. ‘Oh John, look at this; it must have cost a fortune. I shall never dare use it.’ There were soup bowls, tureens, dinner plates and dessert dishes. ‘I bet our Ben’s been given the same.’

  ‘It’s really good of them. He must be worth a bit, that friend of Nellie’s.’

  ‘He owns a garage.’

  There was also a tea set from Mary and Jacob, bone china patterned with roses.

  ‘I’ll tell you what: I’m going to get our Robbie to make us a cabinet to put all this on display.’

  ‘Oh, that’ll be lovely and it’ll be safe.’

  Both Lucy and Ben had received a cheque from Aunt Kate, who regretted missing the weddings and wished them all well. Auntie Kate had found herself a rich husband over in America. Lucy said John should bank the money for emergencies, but John said they weren’t going to think about emergencies the day after their wedding. John Grey was the happiest man in Millington. He had a wife most men could only dream of. He had a new family and a house full of love. He had been accepted by the people of Millington and he vowed to look after Lucy and her brother to the best of his ability. John had considered the death of his parents a tragedy from which he would never recover. Now he realised that being made homeless had been the beginning of a new and wonderful life. He prayed that his brothers would find the same fulfilment.

  Chapter Twelve

  IF JOHN GREY was the happiest man in Millington, Will Gabbitas was certainly the proudest as he clambered in and out of the brand new lorry, selling the fresh greens to both old and new customers. Mr Grundy had fashioned a series of shelves on the back of it so that customers could see everything on display. Will went up and down the streets knocking on doors. ‘Anything today?’ Most of the housewives would come out and see what was on offer – even if they didn’t buy much it was an excuse for a gossip and Mr Brown would pass on any news he picked up on the way. Will would weigh out the fruit and vegetables with either the large black weights or the small brass ones. He would then carry the merchandise back to the doors for the ladies. Most would enquire about how the weddings had gone, or how their Mary or Nellie were keeping these days. One even had the audacity to ask, ‘Not got a bun in the oven yet, your Mary, then?’

  Will thought the new council houses were ever so posh with the big gardens and lavs just inside the back door. Back in the truck he thought about what the woman had said. Evelyn Smithson had told Kitty that she had got caught with a baby the first time she had done it. Kitty had told their Albert and Albert had told Will. So why hadn’t their Mary got a bun in the oven? Perhaps she and Jacob didn’t do it. Maybe it wasn’t as much fun as everybody made out. Perhaps it even hurt. He decided to ask James when they had their talk.

  ‘We’ll put the plums down to ’alf price now Will. Them bloody wasps ave been at ’em so we’d best get rid.’

  ‘All right, Mr Brown.’

  ‘Tha’d better start calling me Fred if we’re to be working together.’

  ‘All right, Mr Brown. So long as yer don’t think I’m being cheeky; our Lucy warned me ab
out that.’

  ‘No, I won’t. I just thought it’d be more friendly, like.’

  ‘All right, Mr … I mean Fred.’

  ‘’Ow does tha feel now tha’s nearly got first week over? Are tha going to like it?’

  ‘I love it, especially the markets. I’ll try not to mek a mistake next week.’

  ‘Mistake? Why, did tha mek one this week?’

  ‘Aye. I sold a whole bag of onions at a penny a pound too much. It were yer writing, yer see. I mistook a five for a six.’

  Mr Brown let out a guffaw of laughter. ‘Did anybody complain, lad?’

  ‘No. Mind you, I made ’em all laugh with me jokes so I don’t suppose they noticed.’

  ‘Tha can mek a few more mistakes like that, lad. I shan’t complain.’ He looked at his gold pocket watch. ‘Right then, we’ll do the four rows now and then we’ll call it a day. I like to finish early on a Saturday. Tha’s worked ’ard enough this week so I’ll sort lorry out today. I think we’re going to do well me and thee, lad. Once we get into a routine we’ll be grand.’

  ‘Thanks Mr … Fred.’

  By the time they reached Top Row the truck was almost empty. There wouldn’t be much left for the greengrocer to sort out by the time he’d given stuff to the poor families. At present there were about fifty children living on the row and by the look of it, all of them were out in the yard on this lovely August afternoon – girls playing hopscotch or skipping, boys playing football. The Holmeses and Murphys against the Marshalls and Cartwrights. When the truck trundled along the row the game was forgotten as they all came to take a look at the brightly painted vehicle. To celebrate Will’s first week on his new job Mr Brown gave every child an apple. He knew the mothers would appreciate his generosity; besides, they were almost past their best anyway. He’d start on a new box on Monday.

  William went off to join the Marshall team. ‘We’re losing two nil,’ Ernie Slater moaned.