3 Rumours of Christmas Jumpers Abound

3

Rumours of Christmas Jumpers Abound

A week later and the plans for the Christmas Eve party have been the talk of the village.

‘What’s all this nonsense about the party and Christmas jumpers?’ Georgina asks the moment I walk into the kitchen on a typically windy, autumnal Tuesday morning. With the invitations due to go out at any time, no doubt it’s already a hot topic of conversation and some speculation in the village.

‘The theme is an old-fashioned Christmas,’ I reply. ‘I hardly think they’ll all turn up in jumpers with snowflakes and Santa’s face on them.’

She laughs. ‘I thought they’d got the wrong end of the stick. I hear that Mrs Jessop, at the post office up by the green, was gossiping about it.’

It didn’t take long for the rumours to start, I muse. I bet Georgina got that from Harry. He loves to pull people’s legs and joke around but sometimes it backfires. Harry works over at Brentwood Farm and will have been here bright and early this morning with a delivery of milk, eggs, fresh vegetables and time to share a little gossip.

‘It’s a tribute to Freddie because it was his favourite time of the year. The emphasis is on bygone years and it’s going to be rather nostalgic.’

‘It won’t be the same without him,’ she replies, sadly. ‘Am I ordering in mince pies by the crate as usual?’

‘Yes, late afternoon the parish choir will be singing on the green and I’ll arrange for some volunteers to hand out hot drinks as well.’ Like the party, it’s a tradition Freddie and Elizabeth started when they moved here, and this year is no exception.

Georgina stops chopping vegetables to glance in my direction, as I grab a mug from the kitchen cupboard. ‘I’m worried about Elizabeth, Sienna. She’s barely eating.’

‘I know, but all things pass with time. It’s a case of giving her some space and, with luck, her spirits will rise a little as we get closer to the party. At the moment she’s telling everyone she’s fine when she isn’t, but once she’s ready to let people back in again she’ll perk up.’

Georgina wrinkles her forehead. ‘I hope so, I really do. Elizabeth seemed to be rallying a little, but now she’s become distant again. Do you think it’s worth encouraging her to consider having a little afternoon tea party for the ladies who lunch? I think the company might boost her spirits.’

‘That’s a great idea! I’ll mention it to her and let you know what she says.’

Talk about treading on eggshells. No one, apart from Grandma and me, know what Elizabeth is really dealing with. The fewer people who know about it, the better. Sympathy won’t heal this wound, but gossip could rip it open again and cause untold damage.

‘And did you hear that our handsome vet was seen coming out of Ashburn House yesterday evening?’

‘Oh … I hope Pixie is all right. I’ll have to give Daniela a ring.’ I suppose sometimes word on the village grapevine does come in handy but seriously … Xavier’s flamboyant style is a tad much for me, albeit he is rather swoon-worthy. As for Daniela, she only has eyes for Nigel. However, I do wonder whether our locum veterinary surgeon is even aware that he only has to smile at someone in passing to create a stir. That thought makes me chuckle. Poor chap. If that’s the case, it could put him off village life forever.

‘What’s this I hear about you having an unexpected visitor last night?’ I ask, the moment Daniela picks up.

‘How did you know?’ She sounds amused.

‘Obviously, there was nothing interesting going on in Darlingham yesterday, for you to be the hot topic of conversation first thing this morning. Is Pixie OK?’

‘She is now, thanks to Xavier. I was just about to put the kids to bed when Clara dropped her glass of milk. Pixie was straight there and, I swear, I almost fainted because all of a sudden there was blood everywhere!’

Ooh, she does sound a tad traumatised. ‘Poor you!’

‘Honestly, it was bedlam trying to do everything one-handed as I daren’t put William down and Clara was screaming her head off. Xavier was on call, and he was here in no time at all.’

‘Where was Nigel?’

‘Neither of us felt like cooking and he headed off to collect takeaway from our favourite restaurant.’

‘Takeaway?’ The nearest one I can think of is at least a twenty-five-minute drive from here.

‘I know … but I reheat it in the air fryer. It was supposed to kick off a relaxing evening once I got the kids to bed. When Nigel got back it took an hour to clear everything up but at least Pixie’s paw was bandaged. She’s housebound now until it heals as it was a pretty bad cut, which required stitches.’

‘Well, if you need any help just give me a call.’

‘The good news is that Nigel now realises I’m struggling, and he’s agreed that I need some help.’

My eyes widen. ‘Really?’

‘Well, I did totally lose it; it felt like the final straw and I think my over-the-top reaction scared him. We agreed to employ a nanny to look after the children on Tuesdays and Thursdays to begin with. I already have someone in mind. And Nigel promised me that he’ll do his best to make sure he’s at home every weekend. Unless there’s an emergency at work that he can’t delegate, of course.’ She sighs, and it’s harrowing to hear. ‘I’ve lost all sense of … me. I told Nigel that I want to start writing again whenever I can grab a few hours of undisturbed time. I need something just for me and I know that sounds selfish, but I do.’

‘Aww, Daniela, that’s understandable. Most of the time you’re exhausted just from the lack of sleep, but the children won’t be little forever.’

‘What with Pixie being a minx at times, and the house to run, I get moments when it feels like I’m sinking. I also told Nigel about this little performance for Elizabeth’s party and he thinks it’ll do me the world of good to have something different to occupy my mind.’

‘He’s such a sweetheart, Daniela. He’d do anything for you but you have to tell him what’s going on inside that head of yours.’ She’s been putting on a brave face, pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.

‘I know and I should have said something to him well before now. Mum does what she can, but she feels guilty she can’t do more. However, it’s not easy getting someone to cover for her. Running a newsagent’s and a convenience store is a full-time job all year round. My parents make a living from it but, given the hours they work, I wish they could afford to retire early and have a less demanding lifestyle. Still, it is what it is; it makes me really appreciate how hard Nigel works. He’s a good husband and father, and he’s focusing on securing our future. Once the kids are both in school, I hope to go back to work – part-time at first, obviously.’

Now that’s a surprise. ‘I didn’t realise you felt so—’

‘Cut off from the world?’

Gosh, how did I miss this? I thought she was simply an anxious parent of two young children, as I’d no doubt be if I were in her position.

‘It’s just that I stress about every little thing and the incident with Pixie shouldn’t have turned me into a blubbering mess. When Xavier arrived, both me and the kids were all in tears. The poor man wasn’t prepared for what he walked into. Anyway—’ she exhales sharply ‘—I’m glad you rang because I have some good news. It’s a yes from Oliver.’

In the background I hear my name being called.

‘That’s awesome. Sorry, but I must go. Elizabeth is looking for me. Take care and I hope Pixie’s paw heals quickly.’

‘Me, too,’ Daniela groans. ‘She’s such a little rocket, it’s hard to keep her still. Bye for now.’

I walk out of the storeroom where the Christmas decorations are kept, and almost collide with Elizabeth.

‘Oh, there you are!’ She lowers her voice. ‘Your grandma is here, and she has some news!’

We head off to the orangery and I walk straight over to give Grandma a hug.

‘How is the Christmas programme coming together?’ she enquires, as she settles herself back down.

‘Everything is slotting quite nicely into place. It’s going to be a Christmas Eve to remember, that’s for sure.’

Grandma and Elizabeth glance at each other, excitedly. It’s the highlight of their year and now they’re both widows, it takes a lot of courage not to dwell on the past and focus firmly on ensuring there’s laughter and gaiety.

I really miss Dad, Pops, and Freddie. Three bright lights have been extinguished but life goes on; death is a natural part of the cycle, but that sense of loss never really goes away.

I prefer to believe that they’re here with us in spirit, rather than dwell on how much I miss them. However, it’s a sharp reminder that each day is precious and it’s important to grab on to the positive and push the negative away. We can’t turn back the clock, but memories last a lifetime. They can continue to put a smile on our faces and gratitude in our hearts, if that’s where we put our focus.

‘Right, we have about half an hour before Georgina announces lunch. I’ve told her there will be three of us. She’s insistent that I need building up, so you can expect something substantial,’ Elizabeth apologises.

In truth, she has needed that encouragement, and she isn’t nearly so peaky, or drawn, as she was following the loss of Freddie. I feared the setback with Peter would see her withdraw, and she has been noticeably quiet, but now she’s getting into Christmas mode it’s a blessing in disguise.

‘Well, when you hear my good news, it might give us all a hearty appetite,’ Grandma declares, proudly. ‘An old friend of Ivor’s is close to the Stuart-Adams family, enough to tell me that Briony’s cousin, Richard, lives less than a mile from her parents. I managed to persuade him to get me Richard’s telephone number.’

Elizabeth’s hands fly up to her face. It’s strange to hear Grandma refer to my late granddad by his Christian name. He was always just Pops to me.

‘You did? Well done, Charlotte.’ Elizabeth is clearly delighted.

Grandma’s cheeks begin to colour up. ‘Stroud isn’t that different to Darlingham. It might be a town, but in the outlying villages some families go back generations. The only other option is an aunt who moved to Norfolk with her family in the late nineties. That seemed like a bit of a long shot to me.’

Grandma places a piece of paper down on the coffee table in front of us and I stare at it, before turning to look at Elizabeth. ‘I hope I don’t mess this up. Perhaps Grandma should make the call.’

Elizabeth reaches out to touch my arm to give it a reassuring squeeze. ‘I’d rather this enquiry was at arm’s length. You can assure whomsoever you talk to …’ she pauses, making direct eye contract ‘… that you will simply pass on any information you obtain directly to the solicitors handling Peter’s estate. I won’t interfere in any way.’

‘You don’t want to know where James is, if it’s possible to locate him?’

She sighs, shaking her head. ‘In my heart, of course I do, but to use that information to get in touch with him wouldn’t be fair, would it?’

‘Fair?’ I query, feeling puzzled.

When I glance at Elizabeth I’m shocked to see a momentary look of panic reflected in her eyes.

‘I … um … I have no idea what sort of life he’s had.’ The words come out in a rush but she looks agitated. ‘Hopefully, a happy one. But I’d understand if he doesn’t want anything at all to do with … Oh!’ Her voice wavers as her breath catches in her throat. ‘Peter chose not to tell Freddie and me about our grandson. In doing that, he not only robbed us of the chance to get to know his son, but he robbed James of that contact, too. What must he think of us? Cold and uncaring, probably.

‘I simply want to ensure my son’s wishes are honoured, if at all possible, without any interference from me in case it causes even more distress – to James, or Briony’s family. If my grandson chooses to seek me out then, naturally, I will welcome him with open arms, but that decision isn’t mine.’

It’s just a phone call, I tell myself. Maybe two, if this Richard Stuart-Adams is in direct contact with James. As Elizabeth said, if he doesn’t want to be found then that’s his prerogative.

‘OK. Leave it with me.’

The look of relief on Elizabeth’s face is humbling.

The door opens and Georgina’s head appears around the side of it.

‘Five minutes, ladies?’

‘Perfect timing.’ Elizabeth smiles back at her.

‘I hope you’re ravenous,’ Georgina replies, leaving the door ajar as she hurries away.

Elizabeth chuckles to herself. ‘I think I am. And after lunch perhaps we could start going through the Christmas trimmings to decide what colour scheme we’re having this year? What do you think?’

Grandma and I murmur our agreement as we stand and make our way through to the dining room.

‘Of course,’ Grandma adds, lightening the mood. ‘Old-fashioned means going multicoloured.’

‘Hmm …’ Elizabeth sounds a tad dubious. ‘We might need a trial run to test that out first.’

I walk along behind them, chuckling to myself. It could be a long afternoon. Grandma loves colour but Elizabeth favours a more coordinated approach. They have this little tussle every year and it’s the differences between them that makes their friendship so lively.

‘Hi, Mum. How’re you doing?’

‘Fine. How about you, my darling daughter?’

‘It’s all good here. Elizabeth says your invite to the party is on the way and she’s looking forward to catching up with you and Greg properly .’

‘Bless her! We hardly spoke more than a couple of words at the funeral, and the do back at the house afterwards wasn’t quite the celebration of Freddie’s life that she’d hoped it would be, was it?’ That note of sadness in Mum’s voice says more than words can convey.

My shoulders sag. ‘It was a bit of a disaster. We could all have cheerfully sobbed our hearts out, but you don’t do that out of respect. That’s why the Christmas Eve party is so important to Elizabeth. She fully intends it to be the celebration that Freddie deserves. How’s Greg?’

When my mum, Helen, and her best friend rented a holiday cottage in Cornwall two years ago, little did she know that it would lead to her eventually moving there. After literally bumping into a guy in a restaurant, causing him to spill his drink all over himself, they struck up a conversation. After several trips back over a period of eighteen months, an easy friendship turned into a full-blown relationship.

Greg owns a boat repair yard and when Mum moved in with him, earlier this year, she took over the admin side of his business. It was a huge upheaval, but both Grandma and I wanted her to find happiness a second time around. He’ll never be a dad to me as I hardly know him still. However, Mum seems content and I guess that’s the true test.

‘Over-worked and underpaid, according to him,’ Mum laughs. ‘He moans that I keep a tight rein on the finances but he’s finally turning a healthy profit, rather than simply making ends meet.’

I know she misses us all but sometimes you have to let go of the past and grab whatever chances come your way to build a new life. I was saddened by the change in Mum after we lost Dad. She floundered for a while. As the years passed, she came to terms with it by throwing herself into village life, but she was lonely and missed her soul mate. Now, together with Greg, she’s building a new future. Finally, she has a real sense of purpose again. We all need that, without it what’s the point in getting out of bed each day?

‘Your grandma has suggested that we stay for two nights over the festive period. Greg said it’s only fair, given that last year we spent Christmas afternoon and evening with his family. He’s looking forward to a return trip to Darlingham.’

After Freddie and Elizabeth’s party, the following morning Greg had set off for the drive back to Cornwall with Mum beside him. It was tough waving her off; it was the first time since Dad passed that Grandma, Mum and I weren’t together around the Christmas table to enjoy a festive roast turkey dinner. But it was also the first time Mum was able to meet Greg’s entire family, ahead of her moving down there permanently in April of this year.

Grandma and I ended up going to Elizabeth’s and it was fun, albeit noisy. Liam ducked out and went to his parents, which says a lot about our relationship at the time. The writing was on the wall even back then. I was just too blinkered to see it.

‘I am, too, Mum.’

‘I appreciate that it’s been a tough year and every time you’ve planned a visit you’ve had to cancel, but we’re a ten-minute stroll away from a beautiful cove. When you do get a chance to come and see us, you’ll love it.’

‘I know and I promise that as soon as I can get away, I’ll make the trip. Even if it’s just for one night.’

‘One night will do,’ Mum muses. ‘I miss you … and I miss your grandma, although she’s always on the phone keeping me up to date on what’s happening.’

I freeze. Has Grandma talked to Mum about Elizabeth’s situation? I wonder. Or was it a hint that Mum rings me more often than I call her? ‘She does?’

‘Oh, I get all the gossip. And I can confirm that we won’t be packing Christmas jumpers,’ she chuckles. ‘We’re going to hire some costumes. Greg is totally up for it!’

I breathe a gentle sigh of relief, as for one moment I thought Grandma might have unwittingly let something slip about Peter, or James. ‘I’m coming as an elf.’

Mum starts laughing. ‘You make people smile, just like Freddie did. You’ll do him proud, my darling and this year it’s going to be more important than ever to keep everyone’s spirits up.’

As we say goodbye and the line disconnects, I realise that I’ve never thought about it like that. It actually makes me feel a little tearful. Oh well, onwards and upwards.