Gertie stood by the dumbwaiter outside the dining room, fidgeting in a fever of impatience. The delay in starting the midday meal had cost her valuable time. Right now she was supposed to be on the seafront, meeting Dan under their favorite lamppost by the Punch and Judy stand. That’s if he bothered to turn up.
Tapping her foot, she waited for the waiter to rise, her arms aching from holding the tray weighed down with dirty dishes. In order to save time she’d overloaded it, and now she was in danger of dropping the bloody lot on the floor.
The rope jerked, then started threading downward, which meant the platform was on its way up. About flipping time, too.
She barely waited long enough to secure it before dumping the tray on it, then lowered it rapidly to the floor below.
A loud clattering of china echoed up the chamber, and she flinched. Maybe she’d done it a little too fast. As if to agree with her, an irate voice floated up to her. “Here! Flipping watch it up there, will you!”
“Sorry!” Gertie shook her head and rushed back to the dining room. Pansy was just coming out the doors with another loaded tray, and Gertie had to skip sideways to avoid crashing into her.
“Blimey.” Pansy stared at her. “That was close.”
Gertie gritted her teeth to prevent a curse from escaping. “I just hope Dan’s there waiting for me, that’s all.”
Pansy sighed. “Look, why don’t you go on and meet him. I can finish up here. I can get one of the other maids to help me.”
Gertie felt like hugging her. “You will?”
“You did it for me when I was meeting Samuel.” Pansy grinned. “Remember? You said I could do it for you some day. Looks like this is the day.”
“You’re a good sort.” Gertie slapped her on the shoulder, rattling the tray in Pansy’s hands. “Ta, ever so.” Wasting no more time, she tore off down the hallway, dragging her apron off as she went.
Ten minutes later she was running down the Esplanade, praying that Dan would be there. After the flipping row they’d had at the cottage, he might have decided to forget about her. Or maybe he’d got there and waited so long he’d thought she wasn’t coming.
It was already getting dark, and the lamplighter had started his rounds. As Gertie rushed past him, he nodded and smiled, then reached up with his long pole to light the gas lamp above his head.
Farther down, to her immense relief, she saw a tall figure leaning against their lamppost. Gasping for breath, she slowed her step and patted her hair. He was there. He’d waited. That’s all that mattered. She had an hour and a half to spare before she had to get back. The twins would be arriving on the evening train. They’d be home just in time to go to the carol singing ceremony.
A twinge of doubt attacked her stomach. What if he couldn’t come to the ceremony? He was always busy on Christmas Eve, taking toys to the orphans. Once she’d even managed to get away from her duties to help him.
Tonight he’d have to go on his own. Tonight belonged to her twins. They’d been gone over a week, and she couldn’t wait to see them again. Still, that was later. He’d still have time to come carol singing before he left for the orphanage.
She drew closer, close enough to see Dan’s grin as he waved at her. A rush of warmth almost overwhelmed her. She loved this man. If only she knew how he really felt about her. If only she could trust him.
For some reason a vision of Clive popped in her head. Impatient with herself, she pushed the thought away. Clive was a good friend, but she could never think of him in that way. Only Dan could make her knees weak and her heart beat so fast she could hardly breathe.
She reached him, and he held out his arms. She went straight into them, regardless of who might see her. After all the worrying, the relief was like a warm blanket, wrapping itself around her and shutting out all the cold and darkness.
“How’s my sweetheart?” Dan murmured in her ear.
He always greeted her that way, and she never got tired of hearing it. Tonight, however, she needed more. She pulled back, tilting her chin up so she could see his face. “Am I your sweetheart? Really?”
“Of course you are.” He pulled her close, and would have kissed her, except she turned her face away. “What’s the matter?” He sounded irritated and the warm feeling melted away. “Are you still angry at me?”
“No.” Without the comfort of his arms the cold seemed to seep into her bones. She hunched her shoulders against the wind.
“It’s just that I never really know if you mean it or not.”
“Of course I mean it.”
He tugged at her arm, but she kept the space between them, wary of being swayed by his soft words. Deep down she knew they were at some kind of crossroads, and what was said in the next few minutes could change everything.
Dan let her go, and turned away. He took a few steps away from her, and for a frightening moment she thought he was leaving, but then he halted, and walked back to her.
“Look, Gertie, I’m sorry about what happened in the cottage. I was wrong to pressure you. I know that. If I didn’t care so much about you it never would have happened. It’s because I think so much of you that I got carried away. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
He still hadn’t said he loved her. He couldn’t say it, she told herself, because he didn’t feel it. He never had really loved her. Pride made her lift her chin and look him in the eye.
“I think perhaps I should go home. My twins will be arriving soon and I want to be there when they get home.”
“The train isn’t due for another two hours.” Dan’s face was grave when he looked at her. “Besides, I rather wanted to be there with you when they came home.”
He’d surprised her. She looked down at her feet and drew a circle on the pavement with her shoe. “What for?”
He didn’t answer right away, and when he finally spoke, his voice sounded strange. “Gertie, I was going to do this later, but I think this might be a better time.”
In utter disbelief, she watched him kneel down in front of her. “Gertie McBride, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to take care of you and the twins, and try to be the best husband and father I can.”
Her mouth hung open so long her tongue froze. She tried to speak, but only a squeak came out.
Dan tilted his head to one side and peered up at her. “What was that?”
Gertie took a deep breath. “Bloody hell.”
Dan looked anxious. “Is that a yes or no?”
“Yes!” Gertie choked and cleared her throat. “I’d love to marry you.”
“Well, thank goodness that’s settled.” Dan got to his feet, grabbed hold of her, and soundly kissed her.
A burst of applause drew them apart. The lamplighter stood just a few feet away, his pole propped against his shoulder. “Congratulations!” he called out, and pulled off his cap to wave it at them.
Gertie felt as if the entire Esplanade was rocking under her feet. All the lamps along the seafront twinkled in the dusk, bathing their garlands of holly and berries in a warm glow. Gertie drew her hands to her face, still trying to believe what had just happened. Dan had asked her to marry him. Now it was really Christmas.
Cecily stood next to Baxter by the library door, hoping she’d put enough pins in her hair to keep it securely fastened all evening. Having been kept busy all afternoon, she’d barely had time to breathe, much less get herself dressed for the carol singing ceremony.
Inside the room, Phoebe was darting about, giving last-minute instructions to the fidgety schoolgirls who were opening the evening with the first carol. Behind them, the pianist and violinist were quietly arguing about an arrangement, while the other two members of the quartet sat on their chairs looking bored.
The colored glass balls on the Christmas tree slowly rotated in the draft, sparkling in the light from the chandelier above. Flames leapt in the fireplace, and above it boughs of holly and fir covered the mantelpiece, tied together with bright red and white ribbons. Holly wreaths clung to the wood paneling and Madeline had hung little golden bells among the prickly leaves. Satisfied that the room looked its best, Cecily prepared to greet her first guests.
Sir Walter arrived first, looking resplendent in a black morning coat. His wife, dressed in a gorgeous pink lace gown, clung to his arm as if afraid to lose him.
“You look utterly ravishing this evening, Mrs. Baxter,” Sir Walter murmured, as he raised her gloved hand to his lips.
Cecily felt a telltale warmth creep over her cheeks. “You are too kind, sir.”
“I speak the truth.” He turned to Baxter, who looked as if he’d swallowed a sour lemon. “Do I not, old chap?”
“If you say so, then it must be true,” Baxter said, his voice as stiff as his face.
Cecily hurriedly turned to Sir Walter’s wife. “Such a pleasure to see you, Lady Esmeralda.”
“And you, Mrs. Baxter.” She gave Cecily a gracious smile. “The library looks so festive. A perfect setting for singing carols.”
“Thank you.” Cecily turned to look into the room. “I was just thinking, it’s a shame I didn’t have the photographer come back this evening. He took such lovely photographs at the banquet. I must say, however, that Mrs. Prestwick surpassed herself this year decorating the library, and it would have been lovely to have photographs to keep.”
Lady Esmeralda nodded. “It would, indeed. I must confess, I’m anxious to see the photographs of the banquet. Walter and I don’t have that many photographs taken.”
“Ah, well, I left them in my office.” Cecily smiled. “I’ll have them all on display in the library tomorrow.”
“Splendid!” Lady Esmeralda took hold of her husband’s arm again. “Shall we, then?”
“Of course, my dear.”
“I do hope you will enjoy the evening,” Cecily said, giving her own husband a nudge.
Baxter coughed. “Yes, yes, do have a nice evening.”
“We’ll certainly try.” Lady Esmeralda sighed. “We almost didn’t come down. My husband has such a dreadful headache.” She sent him an anxious look. “He’s had far too many headaches lately.”
Cecily took a closer look at Sir Walter’s face. He did seem drawn and pale. “I’m so sorry. Can I get you a powder? Mrs. Chubb always keeps some in the kitchen for emergencies.”
Sir Walter shook his head and winced. “Thank you, no. A glass of your good brandy will soon chase it away.”
“That always makes him feel better,” Lady Esmeralda said. “He’ll be in good spirits once he joins in the singing. Though I must confess, it’s rather hard to feel festive when one is in fear of being murdered in one’s bed.”
Cecily felt a pang of dismay. Apparently word had spread faster than she’d thought. “We are taking every precaution to see that doesn’t happen,” she said, and received a questioning look from her husband, which she duly ignored. “I’m hoping the soothing effects of the carols will help take our minds off the tragedies.”
“Ah, yes. The carols. We adore carol singers, don’t we, Walter?”
“Positively, my dear.” Sir Walter patted the hand clutching his arm. “We always had them call on us at Rosewood. This is our first Christmas away from home. We would have missed the carol singing had we not been fortunate enough to enjoy it tonight. After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas without carols, is that not so?”
“Quite so, and I’m happy you were able to join us.” Cecily waved a hand at the door. “Please, go in and make yourselves comfortable.”
The couple glided into the room, and Cecily turned to her husband. She was about to make a comment about Sir Walter’s sickly appearance, but just then the Millshires arrived, minus their children, much to Cecily’s relief. From all accounts, the Millshires’ offspring could be quite disruptive.
She had no time to dwell on her thoughts after that. The rest of the guests arrived in groups, and by the time everyone was settled the schoolgirls were about to start singing the first carol.
As the clear voices rose to the high ceiling, the beautiful chords of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” accompanied them, filling the room with the lyrical music.
Cecily wished that Madeline had been there to hear it. She loved Christmas carols. She had decided not to come to the ceremony after all. Apart from the fact that Angelina had tasted more than her share of adventure that day, the trauma had taken a toll on Madeline, and all she’d wanted to do was take her baby home and watch over her.
It was a shame, really. The carols were such an important part of the season. The story of the birth of Christ, and the meaning of the true spirit of Christmas. As Sir Walter had said, it wouldn’t be Christmas without carols.
Something clicked in her mind, and she frowned. There it was again. That odd sensation. Something Sir Walter had said… She caught her breath. Surely not. She struggled with her thoughts for several minutes, while the singing rose and fell all around her. Of course. Now it all made sense. All she had to do was find the proof.
The platform was deserted when Gertie arrived at the train station. Although the wind had turned even colder, and flakes of snow drifted sideways across the tracks, Gertie was warm with excitement.
She’d intended to have one of the footmen fetch the twins in a carriage, but Dan had insisted on driving her to the station. The twins would be thrilled to have a ride in the motorcar. She hugged herself as she gazed along the empty tracks into the darkness. She couldn’t wait to see them.
“It should be here any minute,” Dan said, glancing up at the large clock swinging above his head.
As if to confirm his comment, the station master appeared, a large oil lamp swinging in his hand. He walked to the end of the platform and put the lamp down at his feet.
In the distance Gertie heard a faint whistle. Grabbing Dan’s sleeve, she gave it a tug. “They’re coming!”
Dan laughed, and put an arm around her. “All this excitement just to see the twins come home! Just wait until we all move up to London. You’ll be so excited then you’ll forget how to talk.”
A sharp stab of cold shot through Gertie’s stomach. How could she have forgotten what it would mean to marry this man?
She would have to leave Badgers End again, and everyone she knew and loved at the Pennyfoot.
She couldn’t seem to breathe, and her vision blurred, so that the oncoming train seemed to fade into the cloud of steam. She could hear the clatter of the wheels now, and the whistle, much louder, shattering in her ears. Not now, she told herself, pushing away the fear. Don’t think about it now. Just enjoy the twins’ homecoming. Worry about it all later.
The engine roared into the station, then screeched and rattled to a stop. Steam hissed from the chimney, and Gertie wrinkled her nose as the musty coal fumes filled her lungs.
Only three of the train’s doors opened, spilling out its passengers. At the far end of the train, Gertie saw two small figures jumping down the steps and onto the platform. “There they are!” Without waiting for Dan, she flew toward the twins, arms outstretched.
Lillian was the first to see her. Her scream echoed all the way down the platform. She rushed forward, followed closely by James, while Daisy, dragging a large portmanteau behind her, brought up the rear.
Gertie stooped to hug the twins, who smothered her with kisses. By the time she had untangled herself from their arms, Dan had taken the bag from Daisy and was walking her back to the motorcar.
James talked nonstop, his tongue tripping over the words in his excitement. Lillian tried to get a word in now and then, but with all the jumping up and down she was doing she had no breath to compete with her brother.
Basking in the warmth of their affection, Gertie forgot all about her troubles with Dan. It was Christmas Eve, and her twins were home. That was all that mattered for now.
Cecily found it hard to concentrate on the carol singers. She had one eye on the clock, wondering how soon she could leave without attracting attention. The schoolgirls came to the end of their rendition, and polite applause followed. Phoebe signaled the quartet and they began to play “We Three Kings.”
Some of the guests got up to stand around the Christmas tree, while others moved closer to the piano. Voices began singing a hesitant chorus of the carol, somewhat out of tune and unusually sedate.
No doubt the news of the recent murders had dampened their spirits. She would have to think of something to lighten the mood.
This was the one night of the year when the staff was invited to join the guests in the singing, though few of them took advantage of the offer.
Cecily noticed Clive standing over by the window, and Mrs. Chubb next to him. Neither Pansy nor Gertie were visible, much to Cecily’s surprise. Gertie always enjoyed the ceremony, and she was supposed to bring the twins. Cecily was really looking forward to seeing her godchildren, and although Baxter would be the last one to admit it, she knew he was anxious to see them as well.
Deciding that perhaps the train was late, Cecily looked around for her husband. Baxter was standing near the door, talking to one of the guests. She was rather hoping to slip away for a few minutes and return before he noticed her absence.
“Cecily! Why aren’t you singing?”
Startled, Cecily turned to find Phoebe staring at her with an offended look on her face. “I was singing,” she said, steering Phoebe away from a couple of guests. “I simply forgot the words, that’s all. I’m afraid this isn’t one of my favorite carols.”
“Well then, what is your favorite carol? I’ll have the musicians play it for you.”
Cecily shook her head. “Really, Phoebe, there’s no need. Actually I like all the carols. I just know some better than others. I will sing the next one, I promise.”
Looking only slightly appeased, Phoebe cast a stern glance around the room. “Really, I don’t know what’s the matter with these people tonight. No one seems to want to sing. By the way, where are Madeline and the good doctor? I thought they were coming tonight.”
“Madeline decided to take little Angelina home. The poor little thing has had quite enough excitement for one day.”
Phoebe nodded, sending wisps of ostrich feathers floating to the floor. “She has, indeed. Dreadful children to do such a thing.” She glared in the direction of the Millshires, who were singing with obvious reluctance. “They are little savages, those two. I had to chase them out of here this afternoon. They were trying to crawl under the branches of the Christmas tree. Can you imagine? All those glass balls rattling back and forth. I was quite sure they would all be broken.” She fanned her face with her gloved hand. “Thank goodness they didn’t bring the little monsters-”
She broke off with a gasp of horror. “Goodness, there’s Frederick. I told him to stay in the bar. Once he starts drinking he thinks he’s the world’s greatest tenor. I’d better get over there before he starts tormenting everyone’s eardrums.” She darted off toward the door, where the colonel was apparently regaling his captive audience with his war stories.
Cecily was pleased to see that Baxter had made his escape and was now over by the fireplace, talking to a seemingly enchanted young lady hanging onto his every word. Deciding that this was a good time to disappear for a while, she edged over to the door, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Across the room, Lady Esmeralda was in an animated discussion with another woman, while her husband gazed around the room with a bored expression. For an instant his gaze met hers; then, as if unaware of the contact, he turned away.
Cecily drew a deep breath, opened the door, and slipped outside into the hallway.