A Family Christmas

by Glenice Crossland

  She frowned, wondering what would happen if she became ill and couldn’t fulfil her duties. She would need to ask questions before she upped and went. Still, what would happen if she became ill whilst she was here? Mr Smith couldn’t be expected to keep her on. No, the time was coming when she would have to make way for a younger woman. Oh, the relief at knowing there was a welcome waiting for her at Nellie’s! She would enquire about a few things before she decided, though. She had a week before Tom and Nellie came, a week in which to come to a decision one way or the other. As far as she was concerned, she had already decided. If Tom Johnson agreed with Nellie that she was needed, then she would go to Blackpool. To the place with the memories, and who knows, she might make even more, memories associated with being a granny.

  She would need to go shopping, buy herself some new clothes; after all, she didn’t want to show Nellie up. She might even go and have one of them Eugene permanent waves. If she dared. Mrs Cooper felt alive for the first time in years.

  Reverend Goodman was back in Millington in time to call the banns for Will and Betty, and to baptise Andrew Grey. The vicar and his wife seemed to have aged and lost weight in the few weeks they had been away. Lucy invited Louisa to be godmother to her son in an effort to cheer up the woman she now considered her friend. Only Robbie was told the news about Prudence when he enquired about her health. The news that his wife was in an asylum and had been prescribed barbiturates in an effort to sedate her came as a shock to Robbie.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ he told Herbert, who was having trouble containing his emotions.

  ‘Not half as sorry as I am for the trouble I’ve caused you, Robert.’

  Robbie didn’t answer. He just felt sad that the man who had given him and his brothers a home had ended up in such a tragic position.

  ‘We have met with Paul Tomlinson and have done everything we can to sort out the problem we caused. It came to our attention that our daughter had destroyed all the correspondence from the lawyer. Her illness obviously accounted for her actions. We are, however, doing our best to make amends. It will of course take time. Mr Tomlinson will be in touch, eventually.’

  ‘And what about Prudence? Will she recover?’

  ‘It is highly unlikely. Apparently she has been of unsound mind for a long time, probably all her life. Unfortunately I ignored her condition, unlike Louisa, who has been worried about Prudence for some time. My fault entirely. I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Oh I expect it was only natural to hope it would go away. Do you think I ought to go and see her?’ It was the last thing Robbie wanted, but after all she was his wife.

  ‘No, it wouldn’t do any good. She wasn’t even aware that we were there. She seems to have become obsessed with one of the doctors, says he’s going to marry her. There wouldn’t be any point in you visiting her. She’s quite content planning her wedding.’ Herbert smiled through the threatening tears. ‘You’re a good man, Robert. I hope you’ll be able to begin anew in the near future.’

  ‘Well, I’m sorry the news isn’t better about Prudence.’ Robert genuinely was sorry. He wouldn’t wish insanity on his worst enemy.

  ‘Keep of good heart, Robert. I am praying for you, and for God’s forgiveness for myself.’

  Robert nodded and went home. He wasn’t much wiser about where he stood with his marriage; all he could do was put his trust in the lawyer and wait.

  As usual Christmas Day had been a hectic one for Lucy with four little ones and Bernard besides. Even though Andrew was only three months old the family had taken it for granted that Christmas Day would be spent on Top Row as usual. Mary and Jacob had turned up first, with gifts for everyone and a bag containing a cold cooked ham, a loaf and a large tin of My Lady peaches. Then came Jane and James, whose presents had already been sent to Father Christmas. Emma and Ben arrived in the van with baby Joyce, announcing that they hadn’t come to stop as Lucy had enough to do without visitors. But they stayed anyway. The women had taken over and produced a mountain of sandwiches, a sliced up fruit cake and peaches and cream.

  Lucy had been forced to take it easy and enjoy the company of her brothers and sisters whilst the men played nursemaids in the front room. The highlight of the day had been the arrival of an extremely pregnant Nellie and her husband. Lucy had surveyed her family all around her and had found it difficult to suppress the threatening tears. The sight of Nellie and Tom – who had so much – so obviously enjoying their hospitality, humble as it was, gladdened her heart. Glancing up at the mirror, Lucy made a silent wish for health and happiness for everyone here. The mirror had been decked with holly by Will and Robbie, and Lucy added an extra wish that by next year’s celebrations Robbie would have found happiness with Dot. The rest of them had all been so fortunate in their choice of partners.

  Lily had been ecstatic when Nellie had told her they were taking her home to Cragstone to spend the day with her family. She had rushed out on Christmas Eve and bought presents for everyone. The money Tom had given her for Christmas had soon disappeared, but Lily hadn’t minded. She had a lovely new winter coat, a warm woollen one with a belt that emphasised her tiny waist, and a large collar. Nellie had taken her to one of the posh shops and let her choose it herself. She couldn’t wait to see Jim’s face when he saw her looking so glamorous. Mrs Johnson had bought her a phial of Mischief, which made her feel even more sophisticated. Actually she had felt quite shy when she arrived back at the little house in Cragstone; her old habit had got the better of her and she had burst into tears, especially at the sight of Molly, who had always been closest to her. Nellie had promised to call for her at seven and take her to visit Mrs Cooper before returning to Blackpool. Lily expected to cry again at the sight of her dear friend.

  Actually it had turned eight when Nellie managed to tear herself away from Lucy’s, where a party was still in progress. Mrs Cooper was expecting them and had put on a new dress and tried in vain to get a comb through her recently permed hair. It hadn’t quite turned out like the poster in Marybelle’s window and instead of shiny waves there was a mass of frizz. The disappointment hadn’t quelled her excitement at the thought of her visitors. Once everyone had calmed down conversation turned to the important matter which was uppermost in everyone’s mind. Was Mrs Cooper moving to Blackpool or not?

  ‘I don’t want to be a nuisance.’

  ‘But we’re going to need you,’ Tom had emphasised, knowing instinctively that the woman was afraid of being a charity case. ‘Without your help we shall have to shut the guest house.’

  ‘But what will Mr Smith say? I mean ee’s been good to me.’

  ‘Ah yes, but I’m sure there are plenty of people in need of work.’

  ‘Aye, and besides I’m not as young as I was. What if I get poorly? I shall be nowt but a burden then.’

  ‘I’ll look after yer, Mrs Cooper.’ Lily took hold of the housekeeper’s hand. ‘Ooh, yer should just see the room; it’s like one you’d see on the pictures. Ooh, please come, Mrs Cooper.’

  ‘Aye, that’s as maybe, but it’s up to Mr Johnson and Nellie, not you, yer silly Lily.’ At the familiar expression Lily looked about to turn on the tears again.

  ‘Well, it looks as though you’ve no option but to come,’ Nellie said.

  ‘So shall I tell your employer? Or will you?’ Tom handed Lily a handkerchief.

  ‘I’ll do it. Like I said ee’s been good to me.’

  Mr Smith had been waiting all evening for the expected visitors. Christmas was a lonely time in places like the manor. He would be relieved to move on, if the truth be known. Though what was afoot was a mystery. The news that the place was to be taken over had come a month ago. He wouldn’t be at all surprised if it wasn’t something to do with the Ministry of Defence. With a war looming ever closer that seemed to be the most likely explanation. He had had no problem finding a new position. He wouldn’t be sorry to leave this sprawling mansion. Men of Mr Smith’s standing could always be found work with West Riding County Council. The news tha
t his housekeeper was leaving came as a blessing in disguise. Molly and Madge would no doubt still be needed here, but Mrs Cooper would probably have lost her position.

  Mr Smith had been anxious about the elderly woman and now the problem had been laid to rest he could sit back and enjoy his evening. He insisted on Nellie and Tom staying the night. Journeying back to Blackpool at this time of night was unthinkable; besides, Boxing Day would be just as miserable as today had been without anyone to share it with.

  He rang the bell for some refreshment for Nellie – forgetting his staff were on holiday – and brought out his best brandy for Tom and himself. It came as no surprise when Lily answered the call and delivered the tea and sandwiches. She might be a silly Lily, but she was the most thoughtful and hardest working one Tom Johnson had ever encountered and she brought sunshine into the room every time she entered. Nellie had chosen her waitress well and he only hoped Mrs Cooper would be as happy in his employ. ‘It looks like you’ll be remaining here for the night, Lily.’ Lily’s face told him how delighted she was at the chance to gossip with Mrs Cooper to her heart’s content.

  ‘This is a drop of good brandy.’ Tom held out his glass to his host for a refill.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  THE ADOPTION INSPECTORS couldn’t have turned up at a worse time. Monday morning – and a wet one at that. The kitchen was full of steam and the smell of hot soapy water. The door was almost blocked by the wringing machine and the tub and rubbing board. To crown it all Bernard was off school and he and Rosie were wanting to help. Lucy let Rosie stir the starch and Bernard hang the wet washing on the rack, which had been let down so he could reach. When the knock came Lucy prayed it would be someone willing to take one of the twins off her hands for an hour or two.

  ‘Good morning, Mrs Grey.’ Lucy’s heart missed a beat.

  ‘Oh! Won’t you come in? If you can get in, that is.’ Lucy forced a smile to her face.

  ‘Yes, we can get in. I can see you’re busy and we won’t detain you for long. It’s Bernard we are here to see this time. Do you think we can talk to him in private?’

  ‘Yes, of course, you can go through here.’ Lucy opened the door to the bottom of the stairs and led the man and woman through to the front room. At least it was tidy in here. ‘Be a good boy, Bernard, for the lady and gentleman.’

  ‘Thank you. Please carry on with the washing, though it’s a typical January drying day.’ Lucy wondered if the man was only here for the outing or if he had perhaps lost his voice. It was the lady who seemed to be doing all the talking. Still, no doubt he was taking everything in. She closed the door and left them to it, just in time to keep out the sound of Rosie beginning to wail ‘And me, and me.’ The little girl hated being parted from Bernard just when he was on holiday from school.

  Bernard sat on the edge of the worn, leather sofa, unsure whether he liked the man or not.

  ‘Well, Bernard, have you been helping your mother this morning?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Do you like living here in this house?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Is there anywhere else you would rather live?’

  ‘Yes.’

  The man glanced at his colleague and frowned. The woman said, ‘Where would you rather live, Bernard?’

  ‘In a gingerbread house.’ Bernard giggled and the woman laughed with him.

  ‘Would you like to show me where you sleep?’

  Bernard nodded, jumped up and headed for the stairs. ‘You’ll have to be careful; they’re very steep. That’s why Mam keeps the door closed, because our Rosie’s a clumsy little thing and might fall down.’ He held out his hand. ‘Hold my hand and then you won’t fall.’ The woman did so. ‘I sleep here in this bed with our Peter.’ He jumped up on the bed and bounced up and down, laughing as he added, ‘Our Rosie and Violet sleep in that bed and Andrew sleeps in the cot in Mam’s room, cos he’s only a baby.’ He came closer to the lady, who he had obviously taken a fancy to and whispered, ‘When Uncle Will gets married I can sleep in his bed up in the garret. Sometimes I sneak up there in the morning while it’s still dark. I like it up there. Uncle Will shows me things.’ The man cast a look of alarm at his colleague.

  ‘What does he show you, Bernard?’

  ‘Come on. I’ll show you.’ The three clattered up the narrow stairs to the attic, where Bernard jumped up on one of the beds – which had fortunately been made – and lay flat on his back. ‘The clouds, that’s what he shows me, and the birds. Uncle Will says they are rooks. I like the birds. They look at me and I wave to them. Once he showed me the stars. The Milky Way, that’s a funny name. And heaven. That’s where my old mam is, watching over me cos she’s turned into an angel.’

  ‘And what about your old dad?’ The man spoke for the first time.

  ‘I haven’t got one. I expect he died long ago in the olden days. I’ve got my new dad now and my new mam.’

  ‘Do you love them?’

  ‘Yes and they love me.’

  ‘I’m sure they do.’ The woman ruffled Bernard’s hair. ‘What’s your other name, Bernard.’

  ‘Bernard Smithson.’

  ‘Would you like to be called Bernard Grey?’

  ‘Yes. Then I’d be like my brothers and sisters.’

  The inspectors looked at each other, both of the same mind: that the boy was highly intelligent, well-mannered and an entirely happy child.

  ‘Let’s go down, Bernard.’ The boy ran to the stairs. ‘Don’t fall,’ he warned. Then he led the woman by the hand, carefully down both sets of stairs.

  Lucy had managed to tidy up a bit and hoist up the rack, but couldn’t do anything about the mangle and tub until all the washing was done. She waited anxiously as she heard the clatter of feet on the stairs.

  ‘Well, Mrs Grey, I think that will be all for now.’ The woman glanced at the sleeping baby and bent to touch Violet and Peter on the cheeks. ‘You have five very beautiful children; you must be really proud. Good morning.’ She waved a hand at Rosie, who waved back.

  ‘What happens now?’ Lucy asked as they made towards the door. ‘Can the adoption go ahead?’

  ‘You will be contacted.’ Then they were gone.

  ‘Oh!’ Lucy was more frustrated than before. She was sure the state of the kitchen must have shown her to be slovenly and put them off. It wasn’t until the washing was finished and the kitchen tidy again that she had time to go over everything that had been said – not that much had, except to Bernard, and she had no idea what had been discussed in her absence. Then she recalled the words the woman had said. FIVE beautiful children. Did that mean she considered Bernard was already theirs? How long would they have to wait before finding out? She heard the dog scratching at the door to be let in. ‘And you’re more trouble than the lot of them,’ she told the little dog. Then added as an afterthought, ‘But we love you all the same.’

  ‘What a performance,’ Molly said to the cook as Mrs Cooper went yet again to bring something down she had forgotten. First it had been the picture of her mother which had been hanging over the bed. Then it had been a hat box from the top of the wardrobe, containing a hat she kept for funerals. Now she had gone to check if anything had fallen behind the marble-topped wash stand.

  ‘I should ’ave forgotten that on purpose.’ Madge pointed at the photograph in an ornate gilded frame. ‘’Ave you ever seen such a miserable mug as that? She’d gi’ me nightmares if I ’ad her on me bedroom wall.’

  ‘Still, she is her mother.’ Molly thought privately that her own mother didn’t look much happier. The only time she smiled was when Molly handed over her pay packet or she had received a postal order from Lily. Oh but Mrs Cooper was lucky, going to live at Blackpool in a posh ’ouse with their Lily. Molly would miss Mrs Cooper, who was always kind to her. Nobody knew what was going to happen when she had gone. She expected Madge would be in charge, her being the eldest. Mr Smith had told them they were to be kept on, but what if the new boss was horrible?

 
Mrs Cooper bustled back in carrying a bookmark carefully in her hand, a look of wonder on her face. ‘Eeh, it’s a good job I ’ad another check, I’d ’ave ’ated to leave this behind. This, Molly, was given to me by the loveliest man I ever knew.’

  ‘Were yer in love wi’ ’im, Mrs Cooper?’ Molly’s eyes were shining at the thought of something romantic having taken place.

  ‘Yes, Molly I was.’

  Madge stopped peeling apples and sat down at the table to listen.

  ‘And ee loved me. We would ’ave got married; I ’ad me dress and me shoes all ready …’

  Molly held her breath in anticipation.

  ‘And then ee went and died.’ The elderly woman covered her face with her kid-gloved hands, unwilling for her emotions to be seen.

  ‘Oh, Mrs Cooper, don’t cry.’ Molly picked up the bookmark inset with a pressed bluebell. ‘Did ee buy this for yer?’

  ‘No. He made it specially for me. It upset me when I lost it and now I’ve found it again.’

  ‘So that’s all right then.’ Molly threw her arms round the housekeeper. ‘Was ee handsome?’

  ‘Aye, inside and out, ee was handsome. Tall, thin and kind. Always look for kindness, me duck. Don’t forget, handsome is as handsome does.’

  ‘I won’t. Now then, are yer all ready? Larry’ll be ’ere to tek yer to’t station in a minute. Oh I wish yer weren’t going.’ Molly started to cry.

  ‘Come on, yer daft haporth. Anybody’d think I was off to Timbuctoo. I’ll write and yer must write back, think on.’