The Christmas Wedding

‘Your uncle and I have given our lives to rearing you and your brother. Never let it be said that I turned my back on a child in need. You may bring him here and he can stay until his broken bones knit together, but then he must return to his family. I want that clear from the start.’

‘Yes, absolutely, Aunt. If it’s all right with you I’ll go and tell Dr Neville the good news and I’ll leave it to him to persuade Mr and Mrs Fox that it’s the best thing for their son.’

Eleanora eyed her speculatively. ‘I suppose a doctor could earn a comfortable living, in the right place. It’s a respectable profession.’

‘Yes, Aunt.’ Daisy knew better than to argue. She rose from the table. ‘I’ll set off for the hall. It’s stopped snowing and the sun is shining. Perhaps a thaw has set in.’

‘One can but hope.’ Eleanora buttered another slice of toast. ‘I must persuade your uncle to buy a pony and trap. Life would be much more pleasant if one could drive out once a week or so. I miss the shops and the bustle of London, and I doubt if I’ll ever get used to living in the country.’

Daisy had no answer to this and she hurried from the room. She went to the kitchen where she found Hattie seated at the table, enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of toast, while Linnet washed the dishes in the stone sink.

‘My aunt says that Linnet may have the small room next to yours, Hattie. I’ll help her to get it ready, so it won’t cause you any extra work.’

‘I think it’s a good idea. Linnet’s a good worker and I’m not as young as I used to be.’

‘Excellent.’ Daisy tried not to sound too relieved. Hattie was a dear, but she could be awkward and vinegary when she chose. ‘And the other thing is that my aunt has agreed to have your younger brother here until his arm heals, Linnet. Do you think your parents would agree?’

Linnet’s plain face was transformed by a smile. ‘Oh, miss, that would be too good to be true. Mum and Dad get sick every winter and it’s Jack who suffers the most. Us older ones can look after ourselves, but Jack is only a nipper. But …’ she hesitated, frowning, ‘they wouldn’t want charity from no one.’

‘I guessed as much,’ Daisy said quickly. ‘That’s why I’m going to walk to Creek Hall and ask Dr Neville to speak for me. I think your parents might listen to him.’

‘Yes, they would. They respected the old doctor – we all did. The village won’t be the same if Dr Neville goes away for good.’

‘Who told you that, Linnet?’

‘I’m sorry, miss. It’s common knowledge that the old doctor was in trouble moneywise. Stands to reason that Dr Neville will be, too.’

‘Is nothing private in Little Creek?’

Linnet chuckled and turned back to washing the dishes. ‘No, miss. Not a thing.’

‘Well then, perhaps you’d be good enough to take a message to Creek Hall when you’ve finished what you’re doing? I’ll write a note to the doctor, asking him to persuade your parents that it would be in everyone’s best interests if Jack stayed with us, for a while at least. You could look after him and he’d feel quite at home with you living here as well.’

‘It ain’t right to take a child from his ma and pa,’ Hattie said grimly. ‘You shouldn’t interfere in other folks’ business, Miss Daisy.’

‘Don’t be such a wet blanket, Hattie. Having Jack here will lift all our spirits.’ Daisy left the kitchen before Hattie had a chance to argue.

‘They’ve arrived,’ Daisy said, peering from the parlour window. ‘Dr Neville has brought Jack.’

Eleanora rose from the chair by the fire, smoothing her skirts. ‘I don’t know why I agreed to this.’ She followed Daisy into the hall and stood behind her as she opened the door. ‘And I can’t think why I allowed you to persuade me that the boy ought to have Toby’s room.’

‘We won’t see much of my brother for the foreseeable future, and Jack will only be with us until his arm heals.’ Daisy looked out into steadily falling rain. With the usual vagaries of the British climate, the temperature had risen and rain was falling steadily, turning the snow into slush.

‘You’ll drop the child,’ Eleanora cried anxiously. ‘Do be careful, Doctor.’

‘Put me down, Doctor. I can walk,’ Jack protested. ‘I ain’t a baby.’

Eleanora wagged a finger at Jack. ‘You’ll do as you’re told, young man. We don’t allow boys to be cheeky in our house.’

Daisy exchanged wry smiles with Nick as he stepped inside and put his wriggling burden down. ‘Welcome to Creek Cottage, Jack. There’s a fire in the front parlour, or would you rather go straight to your room and rest?’

‘I don’t want to go to bed,’ Jack said angrily. ‘If they’re going to mollycoddle me I’d rather go home, Doctor.’

‘Mrs Marshall is just thinking of your comfort, Jack.’ Nick rested his hands on the boy’s shoulders, turning him to face Daisy and her aunt. ‘I suggest you thank the ladies for taking you in and making you welcome.’

Jack scowled, glaring at Eleanora with a sulky frown. ‘Ta ever so, missis.’

Daisy held her breath, but to her surprise Eleanora’s lips began to quiver and she started to laugh. ‘You do remind me of my nephew. Toby hated being fussed over. You’ll do, young man, but you’ll remember your manners while you’re under my roof.’ She turned to Linnet, who was hovering in the background. ‘Bring your brother a cup of cocoa and a slice of Hattie’s seed cake. I’ve never known a small boy who didn’t have a large appetite.’

Daisy was about to follow them into the parlour, but her aunt forestalled her. ‘No, Daisy. I’ll take this opportunity to get to know our young guest. You have the advantage over me there, so I suggest your take Dr Neville to the kitchen and see that he has some refreshment to keep out the damp.’ She closed the door firmly.

‘There,’ Nick said, chuckling. ‘You’ve been put in your place, Daisy.’

‘I know. It’s always like this. Aunt Eleanora can’t get used to the idea that I’m a no longer a child.’

‘She seems to have taken to young Fox.’

‘She said that he reminds her of my brother. Toby can wrap Aunt Eleanora round his little finger. Anyway, perhaps you’d like to come to the kitchen and meet Hattie. She thinks she runs the household, and she’s not far wrong. My aunt relies on her completely, so it’s good that she has Linnet to help out.’

‘With the two girls living in and earning money, even if it’s not a high wage, the Fox family should be able to survive the winter. They aren’t alone in their struggles either. There are others in the village, the squire’s tenants in particular, who suffer equally.’

‘You really care about the people of Little Creek, don’t you?’ Daisy said softly. ‘I don’t think you’d have the heart to walk away.’

‘That’s my dilemma, Daisy. My head tells me to sell up and move on, but my heart wants to continue the work begun by my father. It’s not an easy decision to make.’

‘I know you’ll do what’s right.’ Daisy led the way to the kitchen, where the aroma of hot cocoa mingled with the savoury smell of the mutton stew simmering on the range.

‘So you’re the famous Dr Neville,’ Hattie said without giving Daisy a chance to make introductions. ‘This young girl speaks very high of you, sir.’ She nodded in Linnet’s direction. ‘But she says you’re going back to London.’

Nick held out his hand. ‘You must be Hattie. I’ve heard so much about you from Miss Marshall. How do you do?’

Hattie’s thin cheeks flushed scarlet and she shook his hand before bobbing a curtsey. ‘Very well, thank you, Doctor.’

‘Perhaps you’d like some tea or cocoa, Nick?’ Daisy said hastily.

‘Tea would be nice, if it’s no trouble.’

Hattie bustled over to the range, pushing Linnet out of the way. ‘Of course, Doctor. I’ll make a fresh pot now and Linnet will bring it to you in the front parlour.’

‘My aunt is getting to know Jack,’ Daisy said, keeping a straight face with difficulty. It was obvious that Hattie wanted to make a good impression on the doctor. ‘We’d best use the dining room.’

‘There’s no fire lit,’ Hattie argued. ‘The missis said to be economical with the coal and logs and only light the fire half an hour before dinner.’

‘I could see to the fire for you, Doctor,’ Linnet volunteered eagerly.

‘Thank you, we’ll manage.’ Daisy backed towards the doorway. ‘Tea for two in the dining room, please.’ She ushered Nick out of the kitchen and closed the door. ‘They’re trying to kill you with kindness,’ she added, giggling. ‘I’ve never known Hattie to be so eager to please.’

‘It’s the profession, not me personally. The people of Little Creek had great respect for my father, which was well-earned because he worked tirelessly for their benefit.’

‘He must have been a great man.’

‘He was, and I know he wanted me to continue his work, but I really don’t think it’s going to be possible.’

Daisy took a seat next to him. ‘I wish I could help.’

‘There’s just one avenue open to me now. It’s one I didn’t want to take, but I’ll lose my home and the practice if I do nothing.’

‘What is it? Can you talk about it?’

‘I have an aged aunt, living in Canterbury. We used to visit her once a year on her birthday, and her anniversary is coming up next week. She’s very wealthy and I’m her closest relative. She might lend me enough money to pay off the squire, and then I could stay and set up in practice.’

‘You would still face the same problems, wouldn’t you? If your patients are too poor to pay for your services you would be in the same position as your father.’

‘I would have to ensure that I charged enough.’

‘Did you ask for payment when you set Jack’s arm?’

Nick shook his head. ‘How could I? You saw how the family live, and Jack’s father hasn’t worked for years.’

‘My point exactly. You might borrow money from your aunt, but it wouldn’t be long before you were in exactly the same position as your father.’

A tap on the door preceded Linnet, who entered carrying a tray of tea and two large slices of seed cake. ‘Mrs Cribb says she hopes you enjoy the cake, Doctor. And if you have a moment, could you look at her left shoulder? It pains her when she lifts anything heavy.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Nick said, smiling. ‘I’ll take a look at it before I go.’

Daisy waited until the door closed on Linnet. ‘You see! You are too kind and obliging. People know that and they take advantage of your good nature.’

‘I’ll accept a cup of tea and a slice of that delicious-looking cake as payment.’

Daisy passed him his tea and cake. ‘That will be your downfall, Dr Neville.’

‘Making a fortune has never been my aim, but a comfortable living and the upkeep of Creek Hall is something I have to consider. One day I hope I’ll be in a position to marry and raise a family, and for that I need a steady income.’

Daisy was tempted to ask if he had anyone in mind, but that might lead to embarrassment on both sides and she hastily changed the subject. ‘I thought I’d visit the village school tomorrow and ask if I might help Jack with his lessons at home, at least until he feels well enough to go back to school.’

‘I’m sure Massey will be delighted. He’s fairly new and I’ve only met him once, but he seems like a decent fellow.’

The sun was shining next morning and the thaw continued. The creek had swelled with snow melt and the crystal-clear water rushed past, tumbling small branches and pieces of flotsam over rocks in its haste to join the river and continue its journey out to sea. Daisy walked briskly, but she still had time to look around and marvel at nature. Already there were tight little buds on the trees, just waiting for spring to arrive and the warm kiss of the sun to burst into leaf. At the side of the lane, beneath the hedgerow, she saw a small patch of snowdrops and she was tempted to stop and pick them, but she was on a mission to persuade the schoolmaster to allow Jack to keep up with his studies at home. Jack had been showing signs of boredom, and it was astonishing how much difference good food and rest could make in such a short time.

As she approached the village Daisy was conscious of the interest she was creating. Some of the women she met greeted her with a smile and a nod, while others gave her sidelong glances and walked on. The Marshalls were still the subject of interest and speculation, as reported daily by Linnet. People had little to talk about and a new family in the village gave the gossips something new to discuss behind closed doors.

The school itself was situated opposite the village pub and the church, and the children had been allowed outside at break. The boys had found pockets of snow and were hurling snowballs at each other, while the girls played skipping games and chanted rhymes that were new to Daisy. She made her way between the different groups, narrowly avoiding being hit by a snowball thrown by a boy she recognised as being Danny, one of Jack’s friends. He caught up with her as she was about to enter the building.

‘Where’s Jack, miss? Is he all right?’

‘He’s staying at Creek Cottage for a while,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘He broke his arm, but Dr Neville set the bones and Jack has to be careful he doesn’t injure it again.’

‘When will he come back to school?’

‘As soon as the doctor says it’s all right. Now, where will I find Mr Massey?’

‘He’s right there, miss. Behind you.’ Danny turned and raced back to join his rowdy friends.

Daisy turned to find herself facing a tall, dark-haired young man, whose black jacket was worn at the cuffs and dusted with chalk. ‘May I help you, miss?’

‘You must be Mr Massey, the schoolmaster.’

‘That’s correct. I’m Elliot Massey. Might I ask your name?’

‘I’m Daisy Marshall and I live at Creek Cottage. We only moved in recently, although it feels as if I’ve lived here for months.’

A slow smile lit his grey eyes. ‘I know the feeling. How may I help you?’

‘I was wondering if you could set some work for Jack Fox. I expect you know that he injured himself falling from a tree.’

‘Yes, of course. I know that he’s been taken in by the new people from London.’

‘Mr and Mrs Marshall are my uncle and aunt, and Dr Neville thought it a good idea if Jack came to stay with us for a while. Jack’s parents are unwell and his sisters are in service.’

‘I am aware of the family history. It’s impossible to do anything in Little Creek without everyone knowing.’

‘You’re not the first person to tell me that,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘Anyway, if you think it a good idea perhaps I could help Jack with some work at home, so that when he returns he doesn’t find himself far behind the other children.’

‘Of course, and thank you. If only the parents of some of the other children thought the same as you my life would be so much easier. I try my best to make learning exciting and interesting, but it’s impossible to get through to some of my pupils. Young Jack shows promise but he’s easily distracted.’

‘If you would allow me to take a couple of books and a slate, I’ll do my best.’

‘I can do better than that, Miss Marshall. If you can wait until this afternoon, I’ll bring the books after school.’

At that moment a bell rang and the children raced past them, bringing gusts of cold air with them.

‘I can see that you’re busy,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘I’m sure Jack would appreciate a visit from his teacher.’

Elliot leaned down to grab a small boy who was clutching a handful of snow. ‘Take that outside, Benny. You don’t bring snowballs into the classroom.’

The child shrugged and stomped out into the schoolyard where Daisy caught sight of him throwing what remained of the snow at a little girl, who started to cry.

‘Thank you, Mr Massey. I’d better go now, but I’ll tell Jack you’re coming to see him.’

Daisy threaded her way through the crowd of rosy-cheeked children as they pushed and shoved in order to get inside out of the cold. She noticed that, although most were scrubbed clean, their clothes were patched and mended and their shoes down at heel. It was obvious that Little Creek was not a rich village, and she understood a little more of the dilemma that Nick Neville faced. She could only hope that his meeting with the aged aunt would prove fruitful.

The sun was still shining, but the temperature was plummeting when Daisy set off towards home, but as she passed the pub she saw her uncle strolling on ahead with a fishing rod over his shoulder and a wicker basket clutched in his hand. She quickened her pace and caught up with him.

‘You’ve bought the fishing tackle.’

‘I tried it out yesterday. Perkins, the pub landlord, showed me how to cast and we spent a good two hours on the river-bank, until my poor feet and fingers were frozen, but now I’m off to try downstream. We’ll have fish for supper tonight, Daisy.’

‘I look forward to that.’ Daisy fell into step beside him. ‘You seem to have settled in to country living so easily, Uncle.’

‘It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a boy, my dear. Now I’ve got my chance and I’m grabbing it with both hands. I just hope your aunt can adjust, although I know she loves London and she’ll miss the shops and the theatres.’

‘It is a big change, Uncle.’

He turned his head to give her a searching glance. ‘And what about you, Daisy? Are you happy here?’

She was about to answer when something further downstream caught her eye. She grabbed her uncle’s arm. ‘Look, on the river-bank. Oh heavens! I think it’s a dead body.’

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