When Midnight Comes

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Will you go through it all with me again?’ she asked Elsie that evening, a worried frown on her face. They had designated stops where they set up their stalls, and one was nearly here. She didn’t feel at all prepared for her first outing as a fortune-teller.

  ‘We will do better than that,’ she replied. ‘I’ve asked a few of the group to come and let you tell them their fortunes.’

  ‘Oh, no!’ Chrissie was horrified. It would be bad enough trying this with strangers, but worse with people she had come to know. ‘I can’t do that.’

  ‘Don’t worry, my dear, you’ll be all right. Just remember what I said. Study them as they come in and tell them only things that will uplift and intrigue them. No bad news; you want them to leave you happy and full of hope.’

  Chrissie nodded but was extremely apprehensive. She couldn’t understand why they were insistent she become their fortune-teller during the journey south, but she didn’t have time to worry any more as the first person arrived. Elsie had been so patient explaining everything, so she put aside her doubts and plunged in, hoping she didn’t make too much of a fool of herself.

  The next two hours flew by. As soon as one person left another took their place at the table, giving her no time to panic.

  ‘Quite remarkable,’ Elsie said when they were finally alone. ‘You have a nice way with you and they were all smiling as they left.’

  ‘I’m happy you are pleased, but I was just telling them whatever came in to my head, and it doesn’t sit easy with me to be fooling anyone. I’ll be even more uneasy when it is people who pay.’

  ‘We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.’ Elsie put a cup of tea in front of her. ‘Drink that and I’ll give you a reading.’

  Chrissie sat back and ran a hand over her eyes, feeling suddenly drained.

  ‘It takes it out of you, doesn’t it? That’s why I can’t do a long session any more.’ She pulled Chrissie’s hand towards her and gazed into the crystal ball. ‘By the time the trees are beginning to bud you will leave us. We will be sorry to see you go, but there will be a job you want to take, and life on the road is not for you. I don’t usually do this, my dear, but I’m going to give you a warning. There is a rough journey in front of you, where you will encounter sadness and disappointment. Things will be unpleasant for a while, but no matter how bad things are, all will be resolved and your future happiness assured.’ She looked up and smiled. ‘And don’t forget that horse because he is there.’

  Chrissie laughed and shook her head. ‘That was a good fairy story, Elsie. I’ll never be as good or as inventive as you.’

  Elsie patted her hand, still smiling. ‘Why don’t you have an early night? It will be a long day tomorrow.’

  ‘How did she do?’ Pa asked quietly as he looked in Elsie’s door.

  ‘Very well. Everyone was happy with the readings she gave them. They all gave me a nod of approval as they left. She has the gift, Pa, but doesn’t know it and doesn’t want to know. She thinks it’s a load of nonsense, but she’s worn out and fast asleep now.’

  Pa came in, sat down and spoke in a whisper. ‘If she’s that good do you think we can persuade her to stay with us? She does come from Traveller stock and this might be the life for her.’

  Elsie shook her head. ‘She’ll stay with us until the spring and then be on her way. Her destiny is in a different direction.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that. Some of us have become rather fond of her. It doesn’t matter what there is to do she just pitches in without being asked, and I’d swear she’s as strong as some of the men.’

  Elsie looked pointedly at Pa. ‘I know how you feel, but she won’t be staying, no matter how much we’d like her to.’

  He nodded and stood up. ‘I believe you, but that won’t stop us trying to keep her. See you in the morning. You’ll watch over her while she does her first session in the fortune-teller’s tent?’

  ‘Of course, and I’ll step in if she becomes flustered, but I’m confident that won’t happen.’

  ‘Take your choice.’ Elsie spread out an array of bright and beaded shawls and shirts.

  Chrissie eyed them with dismay. ‘Do I have to wear things like that?’

  ‘The people who come to you do expect it, but you don’t have to dress up if you don’t want to.’

  ‘I’d rather wear my own frock.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Elsie studied Chrissie carefully. ‘We must put on a bit of a show, so how about a compromise? You stay as you are and we’ll drape a shawl over your chair.’

  ‘All right, but not that one.’ She pushed aside the gaudy one Elsie had given her and picked up one with blue and green swirls on it. ‘I think this will be better. When Mum was alive we went to the seaside once and I’ll always remember it. This pattern reminds me of the waves rolling in.’

  ‘In that case, my dear, it’s the perfect choice. Help me to the tent and we’ll get it all set up for you.’

  Chrissie’s insides churned as she thought about the day to come. She really didn’t want to do this, but she had given her promise and there was no backing out now. ‘Will you be close by in case I need you?’

  ‘I’ll be behind a curtain the whole time, but you don’t need to worry, you’ll be quite all right.’

  ‘I wish I had your confidence,’ she declared when they reached the tent.

  There was plenty of room inside, with a table in the centre covered with a plain soft-green cloth, the crystal ball on top and two chairs. The inside was draped with various gauzy curtains and a place behind one of them for Elsie to sit comfortably unseen. She was pleased to see it wasn’t festooned with bright colours and strange symbols. It was rather dim in there, though. ‘Can we have more light?’ she asked. ‘I want to be able to see the people clearly and for them to see me.’

  ‘You can have whatever you like.’ Elsie peeped out of the tent and called for Sandy.

  He arrived at a trot. ‘What can I do for you?’

  ‘Chrissie wants more light in here.’

  He looked around, frowning. ‘The only way to do that will be if we pull the flap right back and drape thin gauze over the entrance.’ He set to work and when finished he turned to Chrissie. ‘Is that better for you?’

  The filmy curtain was blowing gently in the breeze and the sun was filtering through to light the interior. ‘That’s much better. Thank you.’

  ‘My pleasure, madam …’ He grinned. ‘What do we call you?’

  She frowned, puzzled. ‘Chrissie, you know that.’

  ‘No, you need an exotic name we can put on the board outside.’

  ‘Can’t I use my own name?’ she asked Elsie.

  ‘Well, Chrissie or Christine doesn’t sound right. Do you have a middle name?’

  ‘I do, but I never use it. It’s awful.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Gloria.’

  ‘Perfect.’ Elsie and Sandy said together. ‘Madam Gloria it is, then.’ Sandy left whistling happily.

  ‘Oh dear,’ she groaned. ‘This is going from bad to worse. You never told me I needed another name.’

  The elderly woman laughed at her expression of dismay. ‘I was about to mention it, but Sandy got there first. Sit down, people will be arriving soon. One of the young boys will stand outside and show the customers in one by one.’

  She waited, secretly hoping no one would want their fortunes told, but that hope was soon dashed when the curtain was lifted and a woman took the seat opposite Chrissie.

  For the rest of the day it was one customer after another and she was surprised to see how many people wanted to consult a fortune-teller, and it wasn’t only women. As each one came in she took note of how they were dressed and the way they approached the table. It was evident that for many it was just a bit of fun, but others were more serious, and one or two badly needed their spirits lifted. A woman arrived at the end of the day when they were going to pack up and Chrissie was feeling quite drained after such a long day. The woman was quite smartly dressed but her cl
othes had seen better days and it was clear she had fallen on hard times.

  ‘I know you are getting ready to finish for the day,’ she said, hesitating at the door, ‘but could you give me a reading – or whatever it is you do?’

  Ah, she doesn’t believe in this, Chrissie recognised, and had probably been driven here by desperation. The woman’s next words confirmed this when she was asked to sit down.

  ‘I don’t know what you charge, but this is all I have.’ She placed a penny on the table.

  Chrissie didn’t touch the coin, but just reached out for her hand and studied the palm. Then she did something she hadn’t done all day and pulled the crystal ball towards her, gazing at it intently. ‘There is a welcome change on the way for you – in fact, it is very close. You must be careful not to miss the opportunity, though. Look down at the right time, and the key to opening a better life for you is honesty.’

  ‘But you do see hope for the future?’ the woman asked.

  ‘Yes, I do.’ Chrissie picked up the penny, placed it back in the customer’s hand and curled her fingers around it. ‘The reversal of your future starts now, but remember honesty is the key.’

  The woman smiled as she stood up. ‘I don’t understand what you have just said, but thank you for talking to me. I do feel a glimmer of hope now.’

  When she had left, Chrissie rested her head in her hands, exhausted. That woman wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand what that was about – she didn’t either!

  Elsie came out from behind the curtain and sat at the table. ‘You didn’t take any money from her. Why?’

  ‘I couldn’t after telling her such a load of nonsense. It was all she had.’ Chrissie shook her head wearily. ‘I can’t do this again; I’m worn out.’ A tear trickled down her cheek and she wiped it away quickly. She never cried, and to do so now when there wasn’t any reason was just stupid.

  ‘You’ve drained yourself, that’s all, my dear. The same thing happens to me after a day of trying to lift hopes for those in need. You’ve done an excellent job, but the amount of people coming has been too much for you. I’ll get Sandy to limit it tomorrow. All you need now is sleep and then you’ll feel better in the morning. I’ve listened and watched you all day, and everyone left with a smile on their faces. You may not believe it, but you have helped a lot of people today. It will be easier next time.’

  She didn’t see how this could get better, but she was too tired to argue.

  Chapter Six

  They were all so pleased with her and grateful for the success she had made of the fortune-telling that Chrissie didn’t have the heart to refuse the next day. They had also given her half the money she had earned, with the rest going to help feed the animals. This was something she hadn’t expected. During the night she had thought long and hard about what she was doing and seriously considered striking out on her own again. It didn’t take her long to dismiss that idea, though. She had food and a roof over her head, and all the time travelling to the country – albeit a slow journey. Once well away from London and in an area she liked the look of, she would start searching for work in a big house somewhere. Everyone here was kind and she enjoyed working with the animals and anything else she was asked to do, but this wasn’t the life for her. She wanted to put down roots somewhere nice, where it would be possible to make a life for herself away from the dirt and noise of London. It wasn’t going to be easy, she knew that, but at least she was moving in the right direction now.

  ‘We’ve got bad weather coming in.’ Sandy reached out and helped her put a cover on a mare. ‘We’d better do this for all of them.’

  ‘I was going to. It’s beginning to rain already and the wind is cold for early October. I doubt if we’ll get many visitors today.’

  ‘A few will come.’ He gave her a sideways glance. ‘You did well yesterday and Elsie was pleased. I know you only want to stay with us for a short while, but we would all be pleased if you would join us permanently. It isn’t a bad life.’

  She shook her head. ‘I’m grateful you’ve let me come along, but I can’t stay. Although I enjoy being with you and seeing new things every day, I want a permanent home. I need to belong somewhere. Do you understand?’

  ‘You would belong here, but I do understand. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She patted the horse and sighed. ‘Can you finish here for me? I’ll have to get the tent ready just in case anyone does come.’

  ‘All right, and don’t look so worried. You’ll have an easier day today.’

  She rolled her eyes and grimaced. ‘I do hope so.’

  The wind became so strong during the afternoon they had a job to stop the tent from blowing away. There had only been three customers all day and now the weather was so bad they had to pack away the stalls.

  ‘All right, my dear.’ Elsie came out from behind the curtain. ‘Let’s get out of here before it blows away. We must let the men take the tent down before it’s damaged.’

  Chrissie quickly packed everything in a bag and took hold of Elsie’s arm. The rain was thundering down now and she was relieved when two of the men arrived to hold a rainproof sheet over them to keep the elderly woman dry as they helped her back to her home. Once inside she made Elsie comfortable by the stove and put the kettle on to make a hot cup of tea.

  ‘As soon as I’ve made the tea I’ll go and see if the horses are all right.’

  ‘The men will see to them, my dear.’ She smiled and patted Chrissie’s arm. ‘You already do more than your fair share of the work.’

  ‘Well I promised Pa I’d earn my keep while I’m here.’

  ‘And you are. In the short time you’ve been with us you have earned everyone’s affection and respect.’

  The caravan door opened and two men tumbled in. ‘Got any more tea in that pot?’ they asked, shaking the rain from their hair.

  ‘Plenty.’ Chrissie got out two more cups for Sandy and Pa. ‘Sit down, you look cold. Are the animals all right?’

  ‘They’re fine. We’ve found them a sheltered spot by that tall hedge. ‘They’ll be all right there, but we’ll keep an eye on them until the storm passes.’

  ‘Call me if you need any help,’ she told them.

  ‘Thanks, but you stay here with Elsie. It could be a rough night.’

  They were right, but as the night wore on she thought rough was the wrong word. Wild was a better description. It was something she had never experienced. There had been storms in London, of course, but living in a solid brick house was very different to this. The noise of the wind and pelting rain made the little home seem flimsy as it rocked in the storm. Elsie didn’t seem concerned, though, and slept peacefully through the noise. For Chrissie there was no sleep and she was relieved when dawn came and the storm had died down.

  The men and youngsters were already at work when she joined them. A couple of the homes had been damaged by falling branches and the field where the horses were was a muddy mess.

  ‘Start moving the animals,’ Pa ordered. ‘Put them in the corner by the homes. It’s dryer there.’

  As Chrissie squelched her way through the mud, three of the boys caught up with her.

  ‘We’ll have to clean their hooves and dry them off,’ young Bobby told her.

  That job took the four of them all morning. The horses were precious to the Travellers and their welfare was of prime concern to everyone. By the time they had finished, the animals were clean and dry, but Chrissie and the boys were filthy.

  ‘Good job,’ Sandy told them as he inspected the animals. ‘They are clean, fed and happy now, which is more than I can say for you four. There’s a river over there, so why don’t you all go and throw yourselves in it?’

  ‘It’s only a bit of mud,’ the boys declared before running off to see what else needed doing.

  ‘Go and get cleaned up, Chrissie, and see if Elsie needs anything. We’ve got quite a few repairs to do so we won’t be moving for a couple of days
.’

  It was a busy time but everyone worked together, determined to make the delay as short as possible. On the third day after the storm they were hitching up the horses when Ma came over to Chrissie.

  ‘Someone here wants to see you.’

  She glanced up from fastening the harness and recognised the woman with Ma. There was a difference in her this time. She was smiling and the look of desperation on her face had disappeared.

  ‘I’m so pleased I caught you before you left. I had to thank you for the advice you gave me.’

  Chrissie didn’t know what to say. All she could remember was telling the woman a load of nonsense.

  ‘Everything has happened just as you said it would. The day after the storm I was walking to the village when I slipped on the mud and grabbed hold of a tree to stop myself falling. When I looked down there was something shining at my feet and when I picked it up I saw that it was a beautiful pearl necklace with a diamond clasp. My first thought was that such a find would ease my situation, but then I remembered what you said about honesty, so I took it to the local policeman. He came to see me the next day and said it had been returned to the lady who had lost it and she wanted to see me. They live in a mansion the other side of the river and she told me it was a family heirloom.’ The woman beamed and caught hold of Chrissie’s hands. ‘They needed a housekeeper and because I had been honest and not kept the jewel for myself they offered me the job. So you see, if I hadn’t returned the necklace I wouldn’t have been offered the post. I can’t thank you enough. You wouldn’t take any money off me, but I want you to have this now.’