Christmas Past (42 page)

‘It has, but no more than if I’d needed to provide us with a home. Besides, the business is going from strength to strength. We’ll soon be on our feet again. Actually,
it’s an investment for the future, for our children. My father’s counting on our having a son, to follow him on the farm.’

‘We mustn’t let him down, then.’ Jacqueline decided it was time to resume their honeymoon and dived under the sheets.

Mary went to draw the bedroom curtains and noticed the moonlight, and the tall chimneys casting shadows on the snow-topped hill.

‘Oh, Jack, just look at the moon, and the snow on the hill’

‘I’d rather not. It should be spring by now. Who ever heard of snow in March, especially on our daughter’s wedding day.’

‘Well, it didn’t actually snow today, that’s one consolation, and where it’s lingering on the hill it looks beautiful – weird with the chimneys, but beautiful all
the same. Do come and look.’

Jack walked over and placed an arm round his wife’s waist. ‘You’re right, it does look well. And I noticed the grass is growing now they’ve shut the coke ovens. It might
even cover the hills in a few years’ time. But I’m dead beat. Can’t we go to bed? It’s been a long day.’

‘Yes, we’d better if I’m to be up early in the morning.’

‘Up early? It’s Sunday. Aren’t we having a lie-in?’

‘I thought I might go to church.’

‘Church? What, St Catherine’s?’

‘Of course. Where else would I go?’

‘Well I never know with this family. There’s our Jacqueline born a Catholic, turns Spiritualist and then decides to get married at Longfield.’

‘Ah, but the Downings have always worshipped at Longfield church, and you know our Jacqueline. She’s a free spirit; no one will influence her.’

‘Quite right too. Then there’s our Avril, she’s begun going to the chapel of all places, taking my mother with her too. And you, well, it’s so long since you’ve
been to St Catherine’s I wondered what suddenly changed your mind.’

‘I’ve been talking to Theresa tonight. Seems they have a new priest, she says he’s like a breath of fresh air, caring and more modern in outlook than the old one. Besides, I
feel as though I need to go. I’ve missed it these past years, and this time I won’t be going out of duty or conscience, but because I want to.’

‘Well, we’d better get some sleep then. I feel as if I haven’t been to bed for weeks.’

‘But it all went off splendidly, the wedding I mean.’

‘Aye, but we’re going to miss our Jacqueline,’ Jack said.

‘Just like we missed our Alan,’ his wife added.

‘It’s going to be quiet without them, Mary.’

‘Not for long.’

‘No, I suppose there’ll be one or the other popping in most days.’

‘I didn’t mean that.’

‘Oh? What did you mean then?’

‘I mean I’m pregnant again.’

‘What?’

‘Oh, Jack, I hope you don’t mind. I know I should have worn my cap, but I just got carried away. Besides, it wasn’t entirely my fault. After all, you were bragging about how
young and virile you were on the night of our Jacqueline’s birthday.’

‘You mean you’ve known since Christmas and you’ve only just told me?’

‘I had so much on my mind that I didn’t realise at first, what with the funeral, and then our trip to Newcastle. Besides, at my age, it could have been the change, but it
isn’t. Dr Sellers says I’m definitely pregnant.’

‘Oh, Mary, you will be all right, won’t you?’

‘I’m fine, never better. I’ve worked it out, and with Yvonne’s help I should be able to carry on with the shop. I shall just cut down on my own designs for a while and do
more buying. I know one thing: you and the baby are going to come first from now on. You’re sure you don’t mind?’

‘Mind? I can’t wait. It might be a son to follow me in the business, and maybe if I steer clear of presents like engines and Dinky toys he won’t grow up with a mania for
motors. We’ll buy him a tool set instead and give him a few hints on repairing shoes.’ Jack laughed.

‘He’ll do as he likes, just the same as the others have,’ Mary said.

‘Aye I know, and we shall be just as proud of this one as we are of the others.’

‘But it might be a girl,’ Mary said eagerly.

‘Maybe.’ Jack grinned. ‘But there’s one thing for sure, I shan’t be buying her a bloody sewing machine.’

‘Oh, Jack, it will be lovely next Christmas, with a new baby in the house.’

‘Aye. Better than the last, but looking back we’ve had some good Christmases.’

‘Like the ones when our Jacqueline was born, and our Alan,’ Mary reflected. ‘Then our Alan met Avril, and our Elizabeth was conceived at Christmas if I’m not
mistaken.’ She sighed. ‘It seems all the best things in our lives took place at Christmas.’

‘The best thing in my life was when I met you, and don’t you forget it. Oh, and by the way, I’ve got something for you.’

‘For me?’

‘Aye, for our anniversary. Don’t forget we once had a wedding too.’ He took a tiny velvet box from his pocket, opened it and lifted out a gold ring set with sparkling hearts.
‘I never can remember the exact date but I know I’ve got the month right.’ He smiled shyly.

‘Oh, Jack, it’s beautiful.’ She placed it on her finger. ‘And now I feel awful. With all the wedding arrangements I haven’t got you anything.’ She
couldn’t tell him he was a month late.

‘I’ve already got the greatest gift possible. I’ve got you.’

‘Yes, Jack, you’ve got me. Even without an eternity ring you’d have been lumbered with me for ever, and Jack, I know I don’t tell you very often, but I do love
you.’

‘I know, lass. We neither of us tell each other very often, but I know.’

‘Perhaps we should tell each other more. Gladys said we should, and Rowland.’

‘Aye, but Rowland was good with words and I’m not. What was it our old man used to say?’

‘I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised at anything your dad used to say.’

‘“If you want fancy words, Lizzie lass, you’ll have to look them up in a bloody dictionary.” I suppose I must take after him.’

Mary switched out the light. ‘Your father was a wise man, and a lovely one,’ she said. ‘I’m glad you take after him.’

Then they went towards the bed, hand in hand in the moonlight.