by Caragh Bell
‘Hello, I’m Laura, good to meet you.’ Laura half-waved but remained next to Ella by the door. She could sense their lack of interest and so she kept her distance. She regarded the blond man with his aloof stance and unfriendly eyes. Then she sized up the woman on his right. She looked like she was sitting on something pointy. Laura inhaled sharply. She had these two pegged already; they were not the type of people she was interested in being friends with at all.
The couple nodded at her and Sebastian turned to Henry. ‘Where’s Aurora?’ he asked. ‘I presume that you brought her here?’
‘Why of course,’ said Henry in surprise. ‘I’d hardly leave her with Maggie.’
Cressida sipped her wine and tried not to look bored. She was due to meet Alexis, her best friend, at a wine bar in Kensington at eight. She hated being late and this wine was just vile. It tasted like a sharp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that assaulted her delicate palate.
Suddenly James strode in with Aurora trailing behind. ‘Sorry we took so long,’ he apologised, surveying the room.
Aurora waved shyly at her older brother, who was glaring in her direction. ‘Happy Christmas, Seb and Cressida,’ she said in a small voice, shrinking behind James.
Sebastian sipped his whiskey slowly and deliberately, his cold blue eyes trained on her face. Then, he turned to Henry, ignoring her greeting completely. ‘So the stocks are up,’ he said.
James stiffened. Maggie had mentioned that Aurora’s brothers were a bit off, but this was just rude.
‘So, do you work in the stock market?’ he interrupted coolly, causing Sebastian to turn around again.
‘Yes,’ he said curtly. ‘It’s too complicated to explain.’ He turned to his father once more, clearly put out at having been interrupted.
‘And you?’ asked James, directing his question at Cressida.
Before she had a chance to speak, Sebastian turned again. ‘Work? My wife? I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree there, old chap. She just spends my money.’
Cressida blushed crimson and took a frantic sip of wine.
James could feel his hackles rise. Gloria, sensing his anger, waved him away. James understood her silent message but there was no way that he was leaving Aurora with these people.
‘Come on, Borealis, let’s go and make some hot chocolate,’ he said, holding out his hand.
She grasped his fingers and smiled gratefully. It felt good to be protected.
‘What did you say?’ asked Sebastian with a snide smile. ‘What did you call her?’
‘He calls me Borealis,’ explained Aurora in her clear voice. ‘It’s a nickname.’
‘Bore being the operative word,’ said Sebastian nastily, laughing at his own joke. ‘How clever.’ He turned to Cressida and snorted. ‘Why did I not think of that before?’
‘What did you say?’ asked James in a dangerously low voice.
Gloria stood up in alarm. ‘James, darling, could you get some more wine for Cressida here? She’s almost empty.’
James ignored her and stared contemptuously at Sebastian.
‘I said, what did you say?’ His brown eyes flashed.
Laura and Ella glanced at each other in excitement. Maybe James would punch Sebastian.
William, sensing the same thing, walked over to James and grabbed his arm. ‘Your phone is ringing,’ he lied, pulling him towards the door.
James tried to resist but William was firm. Laura and Ella walked out too, ushering Aurora in front of them. You could cut the air with a knife.
‘Well, it’s certainly quieter now,’ said Gloria lamely, shocked at Sebastian’s behaviour.
Henry said nothing; he just hung his head and sighed.
Cressida placed her glass on the coffee table. She looked at her watch pointedly and nudged her husband. Sebastian nodded, drained his whiskey and stood up.
‘Well, enjoy your day tomorrow, Dad,’ he said, patting Henry’s shoulder. ‘We’re off to Cressida’s place. Her brother is back from Moscow so …’
‘Enjoy!’ cried Gloria in relief, jumping up. She had been terrified that this vile young man would come back the next day.
Cressida gave her a tight smile and picked up her fur jacket. ‘Goodbye,’ she said, nodding formally. ‘Thank you for the drink.’
‘No offense, Aurora, but your brother is a total arsehole.’ Laura folded her arms. ‘He’s just awful.’
Ella nodded in agreement. ‘That was tense.’
James circled the island unit in rage. How dare that snob come into their home and treat people that way? How could anyone be so cruel to a motherless girl?
William peeled a clementine. ‘Now, Lolly, I don’t seem half as bad.’
‘I’ve got to agree,’ she answered, shaking her head. ‘Good lord, Aurora, what was it like growing up with that pig?’
‘He was away at university,’ she said in a small voice. ‘I didn’t really see him.’ She bit her lip. ‘George is far worse. He’s older and much nastier.’
‘You poor thing,’ exclaimed Ella. ‘You’ve really had a rough time.’ She rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.
Aurora shrugged. ‘It’s not too bad. I don’t see them a lot and I have Maggie and Freddie.’
‘Maggie and Freddie?’ repeated William. ‘As in Freddie the pig farmer?’
Aurora giggled. ‘Yes, that’s him. Maggie’s my nanny. She looks after me. She’s our cook too.’
James opened a can of beer viciously. ‘Why does Henry let him treat you that way?’ he asked angrily. ‘It’s completely out of order.’
‘Daddy doesn’t like shouting,’ she answered simply. ‘He just pretends it doesn’t happen.’
William spat out an orange pip. ‘Tell your pal Freddie to call his next two piglets George and Seb,’ he suggested.
‘Maybe.’ She giggled.
‘Right,’ said Laura, all business. ‘It’s Christmas Eve, you lot. No more negativity. Let’s play a game and sing some songs. Father Christmas will be here soon so we’d better get a move on.’
Chapter Eight
The turkey was delicious. They toasted Freddie’s father for rearing it and Gloria for cooking it so well. She had stuffed it and roasted it slowly for five hours. After the clean-up, the whole family retired to the sitting room to watch the Queen’s speech which Gloria had recorded.
Aurora clutched her new Barbie doll possessively. Father Christmas had brought it, along with the CD she wanted and chocolate sweets. She was the same size doll as Princess Grace but she had long brown hair instead of blonde and two different outfits: a ball dress and a jumpsuit. She would fit in quite nicely at the doll’s house.
‘What will you call her?’ asked James, stretching out his long legs. He was sitting on the sofa eating Quality Street and flicking through the channels.
Aurora kissed the doll’s forehead. ‘I’m not sure yet,’ she said seriously. ‘It’s a very big decision.’
‘Yes,’ he nodded gravely. ‘You’re absolutely right.’
Gloria stood at the drinks cabinet and poured Henry a cognac. ‘It’s Remy Martin,’ she said, putting the cork back in the dark-green opaque bottle. Walking over to the sofa, she handed it next to him. ‘You’re probably used to far more expensive brandy but –’
‘It’s perfect,’ he interrupted, grasping her hand.’ Now, for goodness’ sake, sit down. You’ve been slaving all day.’
She sat down next to him, still holding his hand.
The fire blazed merrily in the grate and the room felt warm and cosy.
Laura and William were playing chess on the coffee table. Every now and then, William would shout in triumph. ‘Strategy, Laura! You’ve just got to have strategy.’
Henry stroked Gloria’s wrist. ‘You know, today has been so wonderful,’ he said softly. ‘It’s usually just us, isn’t it, Aurora?’
She nodded. ‘You and me and Maggie.’ She sighed. ‘Freddie invited her over this year as we weren’t there.’
‘If they had a turk
ey half as good as ours, she will have had a great time,’ said James. ‘I’m absolutely stuffed.’
‘We would normally have goose or something like that,’ continued Henry, ‘and then sing carols by the fire.’
‘Shall we sing?’ suggested Gloria. ‘Then it will feel like home.’ She kissed Henry tenderly. ‘I want you to feel at home,’ she added in an undertone.
He smiled broadly. ‘That sounds wonderful. Right, I’ll start.’ He got up and turned off the television. ‘Any requests?’ His tall frame blocked the light from the fire and James squinted.
‘Eminem!’ yelled William.
‘Who?’ Henry scratched his head.
‘Take no notice,’ giggled Laura. ‘Try something like “O Come All Ye Faithful”.’
‘Righty-oh.’ Henry cleared his throat and began to sing in a baritone.
Gloria joined in and tried to harmonise. James’ eye met Laura’s and they smiled. Singing carols was definitely a first in their home.
The song came to an end. Aurora clapped and beamed at her father.
William stood up and wagged his finger at Laura. ‘Pause the game, little sis. I want to beat you properly in a sec.’
He took a deep breath and started to sing ‘The First Noel’. Henry and Gloria joined in and, despite himself, James started to hum along. He couldn’t remember the words but he knew the air from primary school. Aurora watched him in delight and he winked at her.
Laura threw her eyes to heaven. ‘Good Lord, family mine, can we please stop behaving like The Brady Bunch?’
William bounded back to the game of chess. ‘Laura should sing next,’ he suggested cheekily.
‘Not a chance,’ she retorted. ‘Now hurry up and take my pawn. This is getting tedious.’
Henry pulled Aurora to her feet. ‘Let my darling girl have a go. She has a lovely voice.’
Aurora blushed. ‘No, Daddy. I can’t.’ She backed away slightly. ‘You sing again.’
‘Go on, Borealis,’ urged James. ‘Sing “Jingle Bells” or something. Please?’
She pushed her hair back from her face. ‘Oh, all right. I’ll sing something.’
Gloria smiled encouragingly and sipped her wine. The shadows danced around the room and the light from the fire served as a makeshift spotlight.
William whooped as he took Laura’s rook. ‘Get in!’ he shouted, punching the air.
‘William!’ chided Gloria sternly. ‘Aurora is about to sing. Please be quiet.’
Aurora took a deep breath and started to sing ‘O Holy Night’.
Gloria nearly dropped her glass. William and Laura whipped around in shock. James sat up straight, his dark eyes widening in surprise.
Aurora’s voice was sweet and true and it soared over them all. With closed eyes, she projected her voice and every word was clear.
James could feel the hairs stand up on his neck. He had never heard anything like it. The child was only nine years old, yet she possessed a voice more akin to that of a trained soprano. It was simply beautiful: rich and melodious. He gazed at her in wonder.
William nudged Laura and whispered, ‘Blimey, can we exploit her? We could make a fortune.’ He gazed at Aurora in awe. ‘We should definitely sign her up for Pop Idol. I could be her manager.’
Laura said nothing. She just stared at the younger girl in astonishment.
The song ended and for a moment Aurora kept her eyes closed. Then she came down to earth and curtsied.
Henry clapped and opened his arms for a hug. ‘You were simply wonderful, my darling,’ he praised. ‘Simply wonderful,’ he repeated, kissing her forehead.
James couldn’t hide his amazement. ‘Where did you learn to sing like that?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know,’ she replied honestly. ‘I just can.’
‘You could be on the West End,’ chimed in William. ‘Have you ever considered getting an agent?’
Aurora giggled. ‘You’re silly.’
Gloria stroked her hair. ‘That was absolutely amazing, darling. You are just terrific.’
Aurora glowed with pleasure. Singing was her drug. It relaxed her and made her feel good. When she closed her eyes, it was like she disappeared and got lost in the music. Even as a baby, she had picked up melodies very quickly. Maggie taught her local folk songs and she listened to Freddie’s tapes as much as she could. Laura had played her Pink CD over the past couple of days and she already knew the notes. It was very different to what she normally listened to, but it was definitely good. Maybe Laura would copy some songs for her to take back home.
James sipped his beer and stared at her speculatively. ‘Your mother could sing,’ he said quietly. ‘She was very good, right, Henry?’
Henry looked wistful for a moment, his lined old face sad. ‘I thought she was an angel the first time I heard her sing. It was in Dublin. She was simply exquisite.’
Gloria put her arm around his shoulders. ‘Well, she lives on in your daughter,’ she consoled him. ‘Aurora is the angel now.’
‘Stars, a princess, an angel. What next?’ mocked James, grinning. ‘You’re a remarkable little lady.’
‘Thanks, Jiminy,’ Aurora said with a laugh.
Henry clapped his hands for attention. ‘Gloria and I want to make an announcement.’
Laura choked on her Coke. ‘Mum?’ she squeaked. Her mother winked.
Laura glanced wildly at William and then at James. They had discussed a possible proposal but had not expected it so soon. Aurora smoothed her doll’s hair, seemingly unperturbed by Henry’s call to attention. Gloria beamed at them all, her face young and hopeful.
‘Well, we would like you all to join us,’ said Henry, ‘on New Year’s Eve in Cornwall. I would like to host a party for you all to show my gratitude for your wonderful hospitality.’ He smoothed his grey hair back from his forehead.
‘A party?’ gasped Aurora in delight. ‘Oh, Daddy, that sounds fantastic!’ She jumped up in delight. ‘We’ve never had a proper party before. May I invite Freddie? May I stay up late?’
Henry smiled. ‘As the birthday girl, you may do what you please.’
‘Birthday?’ echoed William. ‘Your birthday is on New Year’s Eve?’
Aurora nodded. ‘I was one of the first babies born after midnight.’ She blushed. ‘Well, that’s what Maggie says.’
James said nothing. He could tell that Aurora knew little of her birth and that was a blessing. Maybe a party wasn’t such a bad idea. Laura and William would be fascinated by Henry’s house and he wouldn’t say no to Maggie’s cherry pudding. Plus, he could take more photos of the landscape; the ones he had shot that last day were truly stunning. His professor had given him a distinction for his image of a wave crashing on the jagged rocks of the beach near Henry’s house. Maybe Laura could advise Aurora on how to modernise her Victorian bedroom. Rosie was heading home to Norfolk so he was at a loose end. Plus, he could stand up for Aurora if her nasty brothers turned up.
‘I’m in,’ he said definitely. ‘Tell Maggie to start baking, Borealis. I’ve been dreaming of her cherry pudding for weeks.’
Chapter Nine
Maggie held her arms out wide and waited for Aurora to hug her. She was standing at the main door of the old house, dressed in a long tweed jacket to keep out the cold. The frost still had its icy grip on the Cornish countryside, its white mark glistening on the stark trees and frozen fields.
‘I’m so glad to see you, my lovely,’ she said tenderly, kissing the child’s forehead. ‘Did you ’ave a nice Christmas in the city?’ She cuddled her close.
Aurora nodded. ‘Oh, Maggie, it was so much fun. I met lots of new people and I went shopping and I had Nutella!’ Her cheeks glowed and added much-needed colour to her pale face. She was dressed in her red coat and black hat.
Henry deposited two suitcases on the flagstones. ‘It’s a long drive, Maggie,’ he muttered. ‘My leg isn’t the better for it.’
‘Was it slippery on the roads, sir?’ she asked, taking Aurora’s hand and
rubbing it. ‘I ’eard there were black ice up near the cove.’
‘No, we were quite fortunate in that respect,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I drove slowly just in case.’
They went inside and took off their coats and hats in the hall.
Aurora was delighted to see that Maggie had lit the fire in the drawing room. The large room was cosy for once with the flames in the grate dancing merrily.
‘Did you enjoy your time off?’ asked Henry, sitting in his favourite chair by the fireside. ‘Tell Conny that our turkey was quite something.’
‘Our bird was good too,’ she agreed. ‘I spent the day with Conny, Mary and Freddie.’
‘How was the pudding?’ asked Aurora, referring to the Christmas pudding they had made together two months before.
She always helped Maggie with the Christmas baking. A large bowl would be filled with dried fruit, suet, sugar, apples, orange rind, spices and a good splash of brandy. ‘Stir it and make a wish, little ’un,’ Maggie would say, handing her the wooden spoon. ‘Wish and it will come true.’ Aurora would close her eyes and wish with all her might, stirring the thick mixture simultaneously. It was always the same: that she would get a new brother or sister. Oh, how she craved company! She would prefer a girl so that she could play dolls and do her hair. However, a boy would be fine too. They could go to the beach and chase the waves or go for picnics in the woods.
Henry rubbed his hands together and warmed them over the flames. ‘I certainly missed your baking, Maggie,’ he concluded. ‘Gloria is a wonderful woman, but the pudding was definitely from Waitrose.’
‘Lawks! That sounds awful, that does. Lucky I kept a spare puddin’ for the New Year party you’ve sprung on me.’ She took Aurora’s coat and hat from the little girl’s hands. ‘I’ll put these away and you warm yourself up. I made an apple pie this morning. The kettle’s boiled. I’ll just make some tea.’
Henry beamed at her. ‘That sounds wonderful. Apologies again for the late notice regarding my little soirée.’