On Christmas Day

by Rosie James

  Cecilia nodded. ‘Try and be back before it gets dark, Lexi,’ she said, ‘I’ll make us a few sandwiches for our supper.

  It was about twenty minutes later that Cecilia heard Joe call out, and frowning, she immediately left her chair and went upstairs. It was very unusual for either of the children to wake up during the evening.

  Opening their bedroom door, she went in quietly. Joe was sitting up, rubbing his eyes. He’d obviously been crying.

  ‘Joe, darling, what is it?’ Cecilia said gently, sitting on the bed and taking Joe in her arms. ‘Don’t you feel very well?’

  Joe shook his head. ‘I was having a nasty dream, Mama,’ he whimpered, and she pulled him in closer.

  ‘So what was it all about, Joe?’ she asked softly.

  There was a very long pause while Joe tried to work out what he should say. He’d been dreaming about trying to get Lucky out of the water, but he knew he must not say that. He took a very deep breath. ‘Well, I dreamed we lost Lucky,’ he said carefully, ‘and that we couldn’t find her anywhere.’

  ‘Oh, what a horrible dream,’ Cecilia said, ‘but don’t you worry, Joe. Lucky is fast asleep and quite safe.’ She smiled. ‘Dreams are silly things, but everyone has them sometimes. They don’t mean anything, darling.’ Cecilia began to tuck Joe up again. ‘You all had a lovely time today, didn’t you? Just think about that instead of losing Lucky.’

  Joe snuggled down, glad that he’d kept his promise to Lexi.

  ‘We saw Lexi and Johnny kissing, Mama!’ he whispered – well, he hadn’t been told to keep that a secret. ‘It was when we were trying to see if there were any fish in the river, and we saw the two of them hugging and kissing each other! And Johnny had his arms around Lexi’s waist and he was lifting her right up off the ground. It was funny!’

  Presently, Cecilia went downstairs and put the kettle on to make herself a cup of tea. What Joe had just told her had ruined her evening, and had re-ignited, yet again, all her latent fears for her daughter. How was this going to be resolved, Cecilia asked herself helplessly. A relationship – a real relationship – between Johnny and Lexi simply would not work.

  And how on earth would Cecilia ever get her lovely, self-willed daughter to change her mind about anything?

  It was Tuesday the 8th September, the day of Lexi’s first performance at the Pump Room, and hurrying home from the shop Lexi couldn’t decide whether she was feeling terrified or excited. She was aware that her heart fluttered wildly every time she thought about it, despite Albert’s reassurance that once she began to sing all her fears would melt away – ‘to be sure, they’ll be gone like the snow in bright sunshine,’ he’d said.

  That morning, Miss Lewis had been nearly as excited as Lexi, and had insisted that she should leave earlier than usual so that she could relax before getting ready for the event. ‘I can easily do without my after-dinner rest for once, Lexi,’ the owner had declared. ‘Besides, I shan’t want much to eat today because I shall be taking tea at the Pump Room later shan’t I! And for the first time in its life, the shop will have a “closed” sign on the door – just for this very special afternoon.’ Jean Lewis had hugged Lexi. ‘I shall be so proud of you, my dear,’ she’d said.

  With the children at school and Albert snoozing after his dinner, Lexi went upstairs to get ready. A few minutes later, Cecilia tapped on the door and came in. They had decided that the ivory dress would be the one to wear today, and glancing at her daughter, Cecilia said –

  ‘Lexi – would you like to wear this – the present Dada brought me?’

  Lexi turned immediately to take the lacy shawl from her mother. It was so delicate, so beautifully woven, its dazzling shades reminding Lexi of the glistening colours in the boiled sweet jar, and straightaway she draped it around her shoulders and stared at herself in the mirror.

  ‘Oh Mama – can I really borrow it?’ she asked. ‘It suits the dress so well, doesn’t it? Are you sure you don’t mind, Mama?’

  Cecilia smiled. ‘Of course I’m sure, Lexi. Anyway, when am I going to have the chance to wear it? But – Dada will like it that one of us does, and it’s going to look so lovely on you. She paused. ‘You needn’t actually wear it – just hold it casually and float it about, like this … see? It will boost your confidence and give you something to do with your hands.’

  Lexi was impressed by her mother’s grace as she held the scarf and moved around to show what she meant. For those few seconds Cecilia had looked like a young girl again.

  Lexi hugged her mother. ‘I am going to love using it, Mama,’ Lexi said, feeling calmer than she had all day. ‘It will be like having you and Dada up on that stage with me,’ she added.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Later, Cecilia and Albert, dressed in their very best, made their way into town to the Pump Room. Lexi had gone on ahead because she’d been asked to arrive half an hour earlier so that she and the pianist could plan the afternoon.

  Cecilia glanced at Albert as they walked along together, arm in arm. He did look very dapper in his well-pressed trousers and best jacket – which was always at home waiting for him when he came back. And, fortunately for her, Cecilia’s one decent dress still fitted her. Lexi was not going to be ashamed of her parents.

  Arriving at their destination – which neither one of them had ever been inside before – they were shown to a table for two at the very back of the crowded room. Cecilia’s eyes shone at the sight of the starched white cloths and sparkling cutlery, and she sat down very carefully on the high backed, upholstered chair, as if she was afraid it might break beneath her weight.

  The huge room was already buzzing with conversation as everyone began their tea, waitresses moving quietly between the tables to serve the guests – but Cecilia’s mouth was so dry she wondered if she would be able to swallow even a mouthful of the toasted tea cakes they’d chosen. Soon, their daughter, their Lexi, would be standing up there on that important stage, all by herself, and would be the focus of every critical eye.

  Very aware of her surroundings, Cecilia lifted her little finger gracefully as she raised her tea cup to her lips, sending a warning glance to Albert, daring him to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.

  Then, at last, Lexi was ushered on to the stage and the pianist took his place at the piano. And the room fell completely silent.

  Cecilia felt Albert’s hand cover her own gently as Lexi, looking as if she’d just stepped out of a painting, began to perform, trailing the long shawl around and behind her as she sang, her pure voice and sweet innocence capturing every heart in the room. Song after song, with no hesitation and not a word forgotten.

  Cecilia stole a glance at Albert and their eyes met. And there was no need for the unspoken message between to be uttered.

  Lexi was, always had been, someone special.

  Later, they didn’t wait to walk back with her – well, so many people were wanting her to stay and talk to them – and with Cecilia’s arm in his, they wandered home, just the two of them, like in the very early days. He pulled her closer.

  ‘Apart from our Lexi, you were the best-looking woman in that place, so you were, Cissy,’ he murmured, and she smiled up at him. He’d always known the right thing to say to the ladies – but still, it was quite nice to have the compliment.

  ‘If you say so, Albert,’ she replied softly. Then she quickened her step. The dog and the children were being looked after by the neighbours, and they’d be wanting their tea.

  It was nearly 6 o’clock by the time Lexi eventually left the Pump Room, and Johnny was waiting there by the door to walk her back home.

  Holding her hand tightly, he gazed down. ‘I cannot believe that you – that anyone – could remember all those songs, Lexi,’ he said. ‘Everyone loved it, and you looked so beautiful.’

  Even as he spoke he moved them both into a corner out of sight and placed his lips on hers. Then – ‘I love you Lexi…’

  She snuggled into him, grateful that he was here and that
she could start to relax. ‘I did feel a bit nervous when I was being introduced,’ she admitted. ‘But Dada was right – as soon as I’d sung the first notes, well – they seemed to sing themselves after that. And I didn’t look down because I didn’t want to see anyone I knew,’ she added. ‘I just kept my eyes ahead and concentrated.’

  ‘I thought people would never stop asking for encores!’ Johnny said. ‘They just kept on clapping!’

  ‘I couldn’t believe it myself,’ Lexi said slowly. ‘And to think I’m going to be paid a fee at the end of the month!’ She shook her head briefly. ‘Singing is so easy, surely anyone can sing.’

  ‘Oh no they can’t,’ Johnny said. ‘Not the way you do it, anyway.’ Then he made a face. ‘Thanks to something very important on the work front, my father can’t return Alfred and me to college on Monday after all, so we’re having to go back on Saturday instead.’ He groaned. ‘And then we shan’t be home again until Christmas! That’s ages away! How can I bear being away from you for so long?’ He squeezed Lexi’s hand. ‘But I’ll be right there listening to you again this Thursday, Lexi – and we’ll do the rounds together on Friday, won’t we?’ He stopped to place his lips on hers again. ‘We’ll just have to make the most of the few hours we’ve got left together.’

  By the end of the month, Lexi felt so confident on the Pump Room stage, her performances had become almost as routine as working behind the counter at the sweet shop. Not only that, Mr McCann seemed to like her a lot more than he used to, even saying that when he was not there Lexi could take the rents up to the study and count it up for him – like Johnny always had done. Since they’d had that discussion about her money it was as if a corner had been turned and everything was coming right, all at the same time.

  The one thing clouding her happiness was that yesterday Albert had informed them that he must go back to work, but that he wouldn’t be long away.

  ‘Will you be home for Christmas, Albert?’ Cecilia wanted to know.

  ‘Sure, and I’ll try and be home to enjoy the festivities, Cissy – and by then I expect the country will be at peace again, don’t you? And everyone safely back home.’

  Cecilia had looked doubtful at that. While some still maintained that the war would be over by Christmas, others were beginning to say that soon there’d bound to be shortages of food, which eventually would mean rationing. But at least, for the moment, France, and whatever was happening over there, seemed a long way away, with very little impact on the home front. Perhaps Albert was right, Cecilia had thought, and it would end almost before it had begun.

  The late November evening was cold and unpleasant, and it had become dark very early. Cecilia glanced at the clock. It was 7.30 and it shouldn’t be too long before Lexi finished the round. She’d promised to be as quick as possible tonight.

  Phoebe and Joe, already in their pyjamas after their Friday night bath, were in the sitting room teaching Lucky to do tricks. The little dog already knew the words ‘sit’ and ‘down’, but it was taking her longer to understand ‘roll over’ – which always ended with her wanting her tummy tickled. Cecilia had to admit that she loved Lucky as much as the children did. It was an undemanding little creature, quite happy to finish up anything left over at meal times – though Lexi seldom returned without dog treats she’d bought at the pet shop on her way home from the Pump Room.

  That night, tucking the children into bed, Cecilia felt happy and content. And why shouldn’t she? She had enough work to keep them going, and although Albert had only stayed just over a month, he had brought quite a large sum of money with him this time – most of which had been stored away for future emergencies.

  It was almost 8.30 before Lexi came home, and she immediately came into the sitting room and sat down, glancing over at Cecilia who was reading the paper.

  ‘Sorry I’m a bit later than I said I’d be, Mama,’ Lexi said, yawning briefly. ‘But Mr McCann kept me talking and I couldn’t get away without seeming rude.’

  Cecilia got up from her chair. ‘Never mind,’ she said, going into the kitchen. ‘I’ve made us some sandwiches and the kettle’s already boiled.’

  As they sat comfortably eating their supper, Cecilia looked up at Lexi. ‘What was Mr McCann having to say this evening? It must have been something very important to keep you there so long.’

  Lexi hesitated before replying. She’d never told her mother about Reynard investing some of her savings because she didn’t think Cecilia would approve, or even understand, what it was all about. But now, in as few words as possible, Lexi tried to explain what Mr McCann had done on her behalf, adding that, apparently, her savings had already become more than their initial value and that they were still increasing.

  Cecilia poured herself another cup of tea. ‘Hmm, well –I suppose M. McCann is certainly the person to talk to about such matters,’ she said, ‘if making more and more money is what fills your mind.’

  ‘Oh, we weren’t only discussing money,’ Lexi said, sensing Cecilia’s mild disapproval. ‘But Mr McCann seems to like talking about other things as well. Anna was there, of course, and she joined in and kept telling him about my performances at the Pump Room –she has been there several times.’ Lexi wrinkled her nose. ‘It was a bit embarrassing, Mama, having to listen to Anna saying how everyone kept calling for more and more encores, and how lovely I looked.’

  ‘And what did Mr.McCann have to say about that?’ Cecilia asked.

  ‘Oh, he just said he thought that by the sound of it I deserved much more than the fee they are paying me,’ Lexi said, smiling. ‘But I said it was better than nothing and that it was all helping towards my savings.’

  Cecilia admitted to being flattered at Reynard’s apparent interest in Lexi. But then Lexi was always liked by those who knew her – Jean Lewis had made a point of telling Cecilia how wonderful Lexi was with customers. So, Cecilia thought, her daughter seemed also to be finding favour in Mr McCann’s eyes as well. Perhaps her young presence was making up for the fact that his sons were both away from home so much.

  ‘Anyway,’ Lexi said as she got up to get ready for bed, ‘Mr McCann had to go out straight after that, leaving me to take the rents upstairs for him and clear up.’ She glanced at Cecilia. ‘Isn’t it funny Mama, that I used to be terrified of Johnny’s dad – and now I don’t feel afraid of him at all! In fact, I think I quite like him.’ Lexi paused. ‘Not that I would ever like him as I like Dada – because I love Dada, of course, and loving someone is different from liking someone, isn’t it?’

  Chapter Fifteen

  The following Friday evening, Anna took one last look at herself in her bedroom mirror, then reached for her coat. Tonight, she was due to meet a friend at the Theatre Royal where they’d booked to see the current production – a renaissance play. It was Anna’s favourite period in history.

  It was already 6.45 and time to start walking into town to be in good time for the 7.30 start. She put on her coat and buttoned it right up to the neck. Anna hated being cold and she’d been feeling chilly all day. She hoped she wasn’t sickening for something.

  But she knew it wouldn’t be that because she seldom, if ever, became unwell. No, Anna Hobbs knew the reason for the little shivers that had been running up and down her back all day. It was because recently she ‘d sensed that they were not alone at Grey Gables. Despite her employer’s insistence that it was all utter nonsense, Anna was certain that the Grey Lady of ghostly folklore did put in an appearance every now and then – especially on miserable dull days at the end of the year. Draughty days that sent all the doors banging and the windows rattling. Days like this one.

  Part of the housekeeper’s problem was that she had a psychic element to her nature and had always been very sensitive to ethereal activity. As a very young child she had ‘seen’ things that no one else had, and had sometimes foretold certain events long before they’d happened. This gift had apparently also been enjoyed by her grandmother, missing the generation in between, and the worst th
ing was that Anna felt she could not tell anyone about it. That she should keep it to herself. People would think she was mad! Anyway, she’d never, ever, said anything to frighten her boys. Her eyes softened as she thought of them, wishing they were here now. When Alfred and Johnny were at home she was seldom aware of her strange sensations.

  Anna picked up her bag and went towards the door. She’d given Lexi the spare key to let herself in later, because Mr McCann was dining out this evening so there would be no one at home when Lexi returned with the rents. Anna looked thoughtful for a moment. She didn’t think her employer would object to this unusual arrangement – well, he trusted Lexi with his money, so surely he’d trust her with a door key.

  As she closed the door behind her, Anna hoped that Mr McCann’s evening would cheer him up a bit because last night, when he’d come back from his Thursday appointment, he’d looked absolutely terrible – wan and utterly despondent as he’d glanced in at the kitchen to wish her goodnight. If only she could help, Anna thought now, but her employer was a very private person who preferred to keep himself to himself. He had never offered, nor encouraged, any confidences.

  As she made her way down the long drive and out of the gate at the end, Anna suddenly began to feel brighter. There were plenty of people about, all enjoying themselves, and the pubs were noisy and already full to overflowing. Perhaps she and her friend would stop at the Abbey hotel and have a drink together after the performance, just for a change. Well, it was Friday night.

  Later, Lexi opened the door to Mr McCann’s study and went inside. She dropped the huge bag of coins on to the desk with a thump, then collapsed gratefully onto the swivel chair and leaned back, closing her eyes.

  She was exhausted, absolutely exhausted, but she would never let anyone know that. And certainly not her mother … if Cecilia had the slightest inkling that Lexi was wearing herself out, she would insist that her daughter give something up before she made herself ill.