The Christmas Card: The perfect heartwarming novel for Christmas from the Sunday Times bestseller

Angry and undaunted by her employer’s indignation, Alice faced her squarely. ‘I don’t question your authority, ma’am. But from what I’ve seen of Flora she is a little girl who needs love and affection.’

‘Flora has the best of everything. My husband spoils her and she wants for nothing.’

Alice could see that this was going nowhere. Lydia Dearborn did not seem to have any maternal feelings towards her adopted daughter, but arguing was not going to help. ‘I can see that she is a lucky little girl to have come into such a comfortable home, but I was an only child and it’s a lonely path to tread. Might I suggest that she be allowed a little more freedom? She is intelligent and talented, and if she were allowed out under my supervision I think I could help her.’

‘I haven’t decided yet whether or not to sack you, Radcliffe. If you are a bad influence on Flora then you must leave.’

Alice said nothing. She clasped her hands behind her back, feeling like a naughty schoolgirl standing in front of an irate headmistress, but there was little she could do other than wait for Mrs Dearborn to decide her fate. She could imagine Aunt Jane’s smug expression if she were dismissed. It would give her added encouragement to see marriage as the only solution, but the thought of marrying Horace made Alice feel physically sick.

Lydia relaxed her hands with a sigh. ‘I suppose I will have to allow you stay on for the time being, Radcliffe. Apart from upsetting Flora even further, it would be difficult to find a replacement at such short notice, and at this time of year.’

‘I’ll do my best to look after her, Mrs Dearborn.’

‘You will indeed. There will be no more trips out unless you have my permission.’

‘I understand.’

‘You may go, but I expect you to work tomorrow, even though it’s Christmas Day. I have guests coming and I don’t want Flora to ruin my party.’

Alice nodded, biting back the sharp words that rose to her lips. This woman, she decided, was selfish to the core and she disliked her intensely.

‘You may go.’ Lydia dismissed her with a wave of her hand. ‘Wait. On second thoughts you can make yourself useful. The wretched tree needs decorating and the servants are all fully occupied with preparations for tomorrow. I’m going out to luncheon and will be gone all afternoon, so you and my daughter may hang the baubles and tinsel. It will keep Flora occupied.’

Flora knew exactly where the decorations were stored. She led Alice to an attic room at the far end of the corridor where the servants slept. Cabin trunks and other items of luggage were piled from floor to sloping ceiling. Oddments of furniture, oil lamps and a couple of crinoline cages were littered about the room, together with tea chests spilling over with unwanted items.

With a cry of delight Flora pounced on a wooden box. ‘There it is. I knew it was here.’ She lifted the lid and pulled out a strand of tinsel, holding it so that the silver threads danced in rays of sunlight that filtered through the grime on the small windowpanes. ‘Isn’t it beautiful?’

‘Yes, it’s lovely.’ Alice glanced anxiously at the cobwebs that festooned the rafters, but to her relief there was no evidence of the creatures that had made them. She knew that for a grown woman to be afraid of spiders was irrational, but like Flora she had been at the mercy of a nanny who was addicted to drink and laudanum. The gruesome tales of giant arachnids that came in the night to punish naughty children had been told to subdue and scare her. The nightmares had ceased, but the fear remained. She closed the lid. ‘Let’s take them downstairs to the drawing room, Flora.’

‘And I want to put the star on top of the tree.’

‘I want doesn’t get,’ Alice said automatically, and for a moment she thought she was about to witness another tantrum, but Flora’s angry look melted into a smile.

‘May I put the star on top of the tree, please, Alice?’

‘Of course you may.’ Alice picked up the box. ‘You see how easy it is to get along with people when you speak to them nicely?’

‘I think I’m beginning to.’ Flora held out her hand. ‘Let me help you.’

Together they transported the heavy box to the drawing room and set about decorating the tree, stopping briefly at midday when Nettie summoned them to the morning room where, as a special treat, luncheon had been laid on a table in the window.

‘I feel like a grown-up,’ Flora said happily. ‘I’m not usually allowed to have my meals anywhere but in the nursery.’

‘We’re very busy below stairs, Miss Flora.’ Nettie placed a jug of gravy on the table next to the mutton pie with a glistening golden crust and a tempting aroma. ‘Mrs Upton said it would be easier if you and Miss Radcliffe ate here.’

Alice took her seat at table opposite Flora. ‘It looks and smells delicious, Nettie. Thank you.’

‘There’s boiled cabbage to come, miss. I’ll fetch it now.’

‘Ugh,’ Flora said, pulling a face. ‘I hate cabbage.’

‘It’s good for you.’ Alice cut into the pie. ‘But perhaps on this occasion we’ll just have the pie, Nettie. Miss Flora will forgo dessert and have an apple instead.’

Flora’s eyes opened wide and her bottom lip trembled. ‘No, it’s all right. I’ll eat my cabbage, but only if I can have pudding. What is it, Nettie?’

‘Jam roly-poly, miss.’

‘And custard?’

‘Of course, miss. Cook wouldn’t serve pudding without custard.’ Nettie bobbed a curtsey and left the room, returning minutes later with a dish of boiled cabbage. Flora wrinkled her nose, but ate hers without further complaint. Alice smiled to herself and said nothing.

The pudding, as usual, was delicious and very filling. Flora ate all hers, scraping the dish with her spoon to get the last drop of custard, which made Alice laugh. ‘I’m sure there’s plenty more in the kitchen, if you’re still hungry.’

Flora licked her lips. ‘No, that would be greedy, and I’m full.’ She sighed. ‘But I would like to go outside and play snowballs. The sun’s shining on the snow and it looks so pretty.’

Alice had also eaten her fill, mindful of the austerity she would face that evening, and she sympathised with Flora, but she did not dare go against Mrs Dearborn’s wishes. She rose from the table. ‘I think we’d better finish the tree, don’t you? I’m sure it will please your mama to see it looking so lovely.’

Alice had to lift Flora up in an attempt to place the star on the topmost branch of the tree, but it was still out of reach and Flora was heavier than she looked. They tried again and toppled over, ending up in a giggling heap on the floor with a tangle of booted feet and frilled petticoats. Alice was struggling to rise when the door opened and Rory Dearborn strolled into the room. He came to a halt, staring at them in surprise, and a slow smile curved his lips.

‘Well now, what happened? Has there been an earthquake?’

Flora leaped up and ran to give him a hug. ‘You’ve come just in time, Uncle Rory. Alice was trying to lift me high enough to put the star on the tree.’ She held it up for his inspection.

Alice rose to her feet with as much dignity as she could muster, and as she shook out her crumpled skirts she found herself wishing that she had something prettier to wear than the severe black cotton uniform provided by Mrs Upton. She adjusted her white cap, which had slipped over one eye in the fall. ‘Good afternoon, sir.’ She turned away, avoiding his amused gaze as she felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment.

‘Let me help.’ He lifted Flora as easily as if she were a toddler, and held her until she had fastened the slightly bent and battered star in place. ‘That looks splendid, Flora. You and Miss Radcliffe have done an excellent job.’

Alice murmured an acknowledgement, but was still unable to look him in the face. For a gentleman to see a lady’s unmentionables was shocking even to someone who considered herself to be a modern young woman. Flora, however, did not seem to be worry about such niceties and she clung to her uncle’s hand.

‘Have you brought me a present?’

‘Need you ask?’

‘What is it? May I see it now?’

He shook his head. ‘You will have to wait until tomorrow, so there’s no need for you to put on that sulky face, Flora.’

‘But I want—’ Flora broke off, shooting a sideways glance at Alice. ‘I mean, I would like just to see it and feel it so that I can imagine what it might be. Please, Uncle Rory.’

He stood back, holding his hand to his heart with an exaggerated look of astonishment. ‘Who is this polite child? What have you done with Flora, Miss Radcliffe? Where is my niece?’

His laugh was infectious and Alice forgot her moment of chagrin. ‘Flora is standing beside you, sir. She is a reformed character.’

He bent down to ruffle Flora’s curls. ‘In that case I think I might allow her to fetch the present and put it under the tree.’

‘Yes, please.’ Flora tugged at his hand. ‘Where is it?’

‘I left it outside the door. Hoskins told me you were in here.’ He watched her with a smile on his lips as she raced from the room. ‘Such excitement,’ he said, turning to Alice. ‘I almost wish I were a child again at this time of the year.’

‘You’ve made her very happy.’ Alice folded her hands in front of her, not knowing quite how to behave in the presence of her employer’s brother. It was hard to remember that she was a servant. Her father had always treated her as an equal, as had his intellectual friends and acquaintances, but her lowly situation put her at a distinct disadvantage.

‘And you’ve wrought an astonishing change in her,’ he said in an undertone as Flora returned, carrying a large package tied with red ribbon.

‘It’s quite heavy,’ Flora said thoughtfully. ‘Is it a book?’

He shook his head. ‘I’m not giving you any clues. You’ll have to be like everyone else and wait until the morning. I suggest you place it beneath the tree.’

Flora shook the package, holding it close to her ear. ‘It rattles. Is it a box of coloured beads? You know I love necklaces.’

‘Put it under the tree.’ Rory turned to Alice with a wry smile. ‘Perhaps the old Flora is still here, after all.’

‘Flora,’ Alice said sternly.

‘Oh, all right.’ Flora walked slowly towards the tree and went down on her knees to place her present under its spiky branches. She jumped up again, spinning round to face her uncle. ‘Have you got a present for Alice, too?’

‘No, of course not, Flora,’ Alice said quickly. ‘Servants don’t get presents from their employers.’

‘Perhaps they should.’ Rory reached out to take Flora by the hand. ‘I’ve just had a splendid idea; something that will take your mind off presents.’

‘What is it? Tell me, please.’

‘The sun is still shining and the snow is crisp and clean in the gardens. Would you like to go for a walk?’

‘Yes, please. And we could make a snowman and snowballs.’

‘Remember what your mama said, Flora.’ Alice shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, Mr Dearborn, but your sister-in-law specifically forbade us to go out and play in the snow.’

Rory angled his head, a mischievous smile curving his generous lips. ‘Lydia is out and I’m reliably informed by Hoskins that she is not expected to return until four o’clock or even later.’

‘Please, Alice,’ Flora entreated. ‘Just this once. It might never snow again and I’ll die without having made a snowball.’

Alice looked from one eager face to the other and knew she was beaten. ‘That would be a tragedy indeed,’ she said softly.

Flora released her uncle’s hand to throw her arms around Alice. ‘I love you, Miss Radcliffe. May I call you Alice in front of Uncle Rory? He won’t mind. He’s a good sport. I heard my pa say so.’

‘Come along, Flora.’ Rory moved towards the door. ‘And you too, Alice. If Flora can call you that in private I claim that privilege too, and you must call me Rory.’

Alice hesitated. ‘I don’t think I ought to, sir.’

‘What did I just say?’ He paused in the doorway. ‘If I’m allowed to use your Christian name then you must return the compliment, and I insist that you accompany us. If I’m to be bombarded with lumps of ice I refuse to undergo the humiliation alone.’

It was an invitation she knew she should forgo, but it was her duty to look after Flora, or so she told herself as she hurried upstairs to fetch their outdoor garments.

The paths were well-trodden by nannies pushing babies in their perambulators, and their older charges had shuffled through the icy carpet, churning it up so that it turned to slush, but the pristine whiteness of the snow-covered grass was smooth as icing on a cake. Flora uttered a cry of delight, running round in circles and leaving a trail of footprints. Alice hesitated, glancing over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching from the house, but common sense told her that the servants were far too busy to worry about the troublesome child who occupied the nursery. It seemed that Rory Dearborn was alone in regarding Flora as a person in her own right. He was watching her with an indulgent smile, which broadened as he turned to Alice.

‘You’ve worked wonders. Flora is a different child.’

Alice shook her head. ‘She’s always been like this but she wasn’t allowed to express herself. That’s why she was so badly behaved.’

‘Well, you’ve certainly brought out the best in her—’ he broke off as a snowball hit him in the chest. ‘Why, you little devil.’ Laughing he bent down and made another, lobbing it at Flora, who dodged and counterattacked with yet another good shot.

Alice stood back, smiling at their antics until a snowball caught her a glancing blow on the cheek. Forgetting that she was supposed to be above such things, she joined in until they were all breathless with laughter. Flora’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling as she danced over to Alice. ‘Let’s make a snowman.’

Rory brushed flakes of ice off his overcoat. ‘You won that contest, I think, Flora.’

She grinned. ‘Yes, I did. I won, Alice.’

Alice was about to congratulate her when she heard the rumble of carriage wheels and she looked round. ‘Oh, my goodness,’ she said, pointing at the vehicle. ‘That looks like Mrs Dearborn. Your mama had returned, Flora.’

‘What will we do, Uncle Rory?’ Flora clutched his hand. ‘Mama will send Alice away. Please do something.’

Chapter Five

‘Wait here,’ Rory said firmly. ‘I’ll keep Lydia talking. Take Flora in by the servants’ entrance, Alice, and go up the back stairs to the nursery.’ He brushed Flora’s cheek with the tip of his fingers. ‘Don’t look so scared, poppet. I’ll take care of everything.’ He nodded to Alice and set off, strolling out of the gardens and across the road to arrive just as Lydia stepped out of the carriage.

Under cover of the tall plane trees, Alice waited until they entered the house and as soon as the front door closed she took Flora by the hand and hurried her across the street. The wrought-iron gate opened noiselessly and they descended the steps to the basement area. Alice tapped on the door and after a minute or two it was opened by Nettie. She gaped at them open-mouthed.

‘Lawks! What’s going on, miss?’

‘It’s nothing to worry about,’ Alice said, propelling Flora into the narrow passageway. ‘We thought we’d come in this way so that Miss Flora could thank Cook and the kitchen maids for all their trouble.’

‘Well, I never did. I never heard of such a thing.’ Nettie backed away, turned and ran into the kitchen.

Flora glanced up at Alice, a frown creasing her brow, but Alice placed her finger to her lips. ‘Just follow my lead.’

The kitchen was hot and steamy, filled with the savoury aroma of fried onions, herbs and roasting meat. Every surface was covered with baskets of fruit and vegetables and the ingredients for the festive meal. One of the daily cleaning women was at the sink in the scullery, plucking a large goose, and feathers floated to the ground like snowflakes. Cook was at the table whisking something light and frothy, while a small girl, even younger than Nettie, was attempting to peel the skin off blanched almonds.

Alice led her young charge across the slippery flagstones to the table. ‘Miss Flora has something she would like to say to you and the kitchen staff, Cook.’ She nudged Flora, who had been staring at the preparations, wide-eyed.

‘Thank you for making such nice meals,’ she said in a small voice.

Cook stared at her, gulped and swallowed. ‘There’s no need for thanks, Miss Flora. We’re just doing what’s expected of us.’

‘Nevertheless, Miss Flora wanted you all to know that she appreciates what you do. Merry Christmas to you all.’

‘Yes,’ Flora said, nodding. ‘Merry Christmas.’ She was about to take a mince pie from the table, but Alice hurried her towards the back stairs.

When they reached the nursery she saw to Flora first and then took off her sodden boots and hung her stockings from the mantelshelf to dry.

‘Well, that was a near thing,’ she said, pulling up a chair and resting her bare feet on the fender.

Flora sat on the floor, warming her hands in front of the fire. ‘I don’t care if I get into trouble, but I don’t want Mama to send you away, Alice.’

‘That won’t happen, I promise you.’ Rory’s voice from the doorway made them both turn with a start.

Alice hastily covered her bare limbs with her damp skirts and rose to her feet. ‘We were just getting warm.’ She knew she was blushing and she was embarrassed to be caught barefoot and barelegged, but if Rory had noticed he gave no sign of it.

‘That’s very sensible of you. I came to reassure you that my sister-in-law suspects nothing.’

Flora gazed up at him. ‘So Alice won’t be sent away?’

‘I think it’s safe to say that Miss Radcliffe will stay for as long as she wants.’

‘If Alice leaves then I’ll go with her.’ Flora jumped to her feet. ‘Will I see you tomorrow, Uncle Rory? Are you coming to dinner?’

He nodded, smiling. ‘I am indeed. My landlady is the worst cook in London, and probably the worst cook in England, so I have to come here if I want a good meal.’

‘I’m glad,’ Flora said earnestly. ‘I mean, I’m not glad that she’s a bad cook, I’m just happy that you’ll be here on Christmas Day. I only wish that I could see my real mother and give her a present.’

Forgetting everything other than the child’s needs, Alice slipped her arm around Flora’s shoulders. She met Rory’s concerned look with a question in her eyes that she could not voice in Flora’s presence.

He nodded, seeming to understand. ‘I’m sure she was well compensated and now lives in a degree of comfort. She wanted the best for you, Flora.’

‘Will you take me to see her, please?’

‘Much as I’d love to make you happy, I’m not sure that would be the right thing to do. I can’t go against your father’s wishes.’

Flora stamped her foot. ‘He’s not my father. I want to know who my real father is, and I want to go and see my mother. If you don’t take me I’ll run away and I’ll find Blossom Street. That’s where she lives; Smithson said so.’

Alice laid her hand on Flora’s shoulder. ‘You can’t do that, my dear. She might not be there now and you would be all alone in a part of London you know nothing about.’ She turned to Rory. ‘You shouldn’t encourage her, sir.’

He nodded, frowning. ‘Yes, you’re right. What Miss Radcliffe says is true, Flora. But I’ll see if I can find out exactly where she is living. I can’t promise anything, but I might be able to arrange for us to visit her, if that would set your mind at rest.’

Flora’s eyes shone with excitement and she jumped up and down. ‘Yes, I want to see her more than anything in the world. I think it must be a lovely place where she lives with trees covered in pink blossom and the sun is always shining. Sometimes I see her in my dreams. She’s beautiful, like a golden angel.’

‘I think you’re old enough to learn the truth about your family,’ Rory said, frowning. ‘I’ll see what I can do, Floss, but I have to go now as I have an important business appointment. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Alice followed him to the door. ‘You shouldn’t tell her things just to make her happy. This could end badly.’

He met her searching gaze with a hint of a smile. ‘I promise to do my best for everyone concerned. I wouldn’t hurt Flora for the world.’

Flora was tired after playing in the snow and needed little persuasion to go to bed that evening after supper. Alice helped her to wash and put on her flannel nightgown, and when Flora was comfortably settled she read her a story, but Flora was asleep before the tale ended. Alice put the guard around the fire and blew out the candles before leaving the room, and as she made her way downstairs she racked her brains in an attempt to think of a suitable present for Flora. She was still deep in thought when she reached the entrance hall where she met Rory, who was also about to leave the house.

‘I wasn’t expecting to see you, Mr Dearborn.’

‘My meeting finished early and I had to come this way to give my brother some papers. Is Flora behaving herself?’

Alice suppressed a gurgle of laughter. ‘She’s being an angel.’

Hoskins opened the front door, staring at a point somewhere above their heads with an impassive expression.

‘Good night, Hoskins,’ Rory said easily. He proffered his arm to Alice. ‘It’s starting to snow again. We could share a cab.’

The steps were coated in ice and Alice accepted his help. ‘Thank you, but I haven’t far to go.’

‘I believe you’re residing in Queen Square. It’s quite a long walk on a cold and wintry night.’

‘Alice. There you are. I’ve been waiting for a good half-hour.’

To Alice’s dismay Horace appeared as if from nowhere. Snowflakes sparkled on his top hat and the shoulders of his caped greatcoat.

‘I didn’t ask you to meet me,’ she said angrily. ‘I’m perfectly capable of finding my own way home.’

Horace uttered a whinnying snort. ‘Now, now, my dear, we’re about to become engaged, so I am in some way responsible for your safety.’

Rory’s expression gave nothing away as he released Alice’s hand. ‘May I be the first to congratulate you, sir?’

‘And who may you be?’ Horace demanded.

‘This is ridiculous.’ Alice looked from one to the other, shaking her head. ‘We do not have an understanding, Horace. That was my aunt’s idea and had nothing to do with me.’ She could feel the cold seeping through the worn soles of her boots and she shivered. ‘I thank both of you gentlemen, but I wish to be alone.’ She marched off, leaving them standing on the pavement.

‘Where is Horace?’ Jane stood in the dining-room doorway, hands clasped together as if in prayer. ‘He was told to meet you and bring you home.’

Angry words rose to her lips but Alice could see her mother standing behind Jane with an anxious look on her pale face. ‘I don’t need my hand held by him or anyone, and he seems to think that I’ve agreed to our engagement.’

‘You have no choice,’ Jane said coldly. ‘You obey me in this or I wash my hands of the pair of you. Horace needs a wife and you and your mother need a home.’

‘Have you no pity, Jane?’ Beth’s voice broke on a sob. ‘How can you be so hard-hearted?’

Jane turned on her in a swirl of black silk. ‘My heart was broken when my dear Robert departed this world. How dare you question my judgement? You ruined my brother with your spendthrift ways, and your daughter seems to take after you. She would be a fool to turn down an offer from a man like Horace.’ She pointed a shaking finger at Clara, who was standing by the open front door. ‘Close the door, Snippet, you foolish child.’

‘Yes, ma’am, but I think I see Mr Hubble walking through the snow.’ Clara clapped her hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. ‘Oops. He’s come a purler.’

Jane strode across the floor to push Clara out of the way. ‘Horace Hubble, get up this instant and stop acting the fool.’ She waited until he had limped into the hall before slamming the door. ‘Just look at you, Horace. You’re plastered in snow.’