The Christmas Key

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

  Thomas stood and came around behind Martha, putting his hands on her shoulders. “She loved you.”

  “And I... loved her.” Martha put her head in her hands and wept.

  ***

  Martin pushed the gate to his property wide open, and latched it onto the fence. The afternoon was cooler than the last few days and he was almost finished preparing for the party tonight. Christmas Eve. First one married. He smiled to himself.

  “What’s that cheesy grin for, son?” Thomas, followed closely by Randall, carried two tall garden candles from the house.

  “Christie.” Martin took one of the candles from Thomas and pushed the sharp end of its stick deep into the ground inside the gate. “Our first Christmas.”

  “Here, you’re stronger than me.” Thomas handed Martin the second candle. “Know what you mean. Our first Christmas as well. As husband and wife.”

  “And we will celebrate both events tonight.”

  “And tomorrow.”

  Job done, the men wandered toward the house. Randall trotted ahead, found a long patch of grass, and began to roll. Between the long, jasmine covered railing of the deck, and the edge of the cliff, a marquee was set up with a couple of long trestle tables and chairs. Thomas had strung solar lights and tinsel around it, as well as the deck.

  “Looks inviting, Thomas. Thanks for the help.” Martin led the way up the steps and through to the kitchen. “Drink?”

  “Water’s good for now.”

  “When are you heading back for Martha?”

  “Soon, unless you need more help.”

  “Not much to do until later on. Is she okay?”

  Thomas sat at the counter and Martin leaned against the opposite side, both with glasses of water. “Bit rattled. Last thing we expected was a letter from the past. We’re going to leave the notebook be for the moment.”

  “And the money?”

  Thomas shrugged.

  Randall wandered in, tail plumed high. He plonked himself beside Thomas and rolled onto his side. “Good idea to have a nap, dog. Once guests arrive, you’ll be run off your feet.”

  “What about me?” Martin finished his water.

  “It was your idea, so no sympathy here. When will Angus get back?”

  “Not his keeper, Thomas.”

  “I just wanted some friendlier company.” Thomas grinned and stood. “I’ll go find the bride.” He grabbed a box of tinsel on his way out.

  Once Thomas left, Martin started on the platters. One at a time he piled them high with seafood salad, a fresh garden salad, his own twist on potato salad, and a fruit platter. Each went into the fridge once done. Then, he worked on a cheese and fruit board.

  Angus arrived as Martin was cleaning down the counter. With a smile, he put a box onto the coffee table. A big box, filled with little gift wrapped boxes. “The craft shop was wonderful! I can’t believe they did all of this so quickly.”

  Martin joined him and picked one of the small boxes up. “The size is perfect. This is going to be fun.”

  “Where shall I put them? All under the tree, or piled on one of the tables?”

  “We might let Christie decide. She’s feeling a bit left out today, but should be here soon.”

  “In that case, I might go and change.”

  “Angus, thanks for picking them up. Between you and Thomas, it’s made my job much easier today.”

  “A pleasure. I’ll be right back to help set things out.” His phone rang and he pulled it from a pocket. “Oh, it’s Trev. Back shortly.”

  Martin gazed after Angus. He seemed happier today. Perhaps looking forward to tonight. Or seeing Elizabeth.

  ***

  “But, doll, don’t you think it should wait until after Christmas Day? We still have to get ready for the party, and goodness, look at the time!” Daphne threw her phone into her handbag. “We should close now.”

  With a laugh, John headed for the front door. “Very well. An hour early won’t upset anyone. Not on Christmas Eve.” He locked the door and turned the sign.

  “Thank you. But about the display—”

  “It won’t take me long to set it up. Elizabeth insisted it be done as soon as the board arrived. Which, as you can see, is now here.”

  Daphne pouted as she glared at the oversized timber board leaning against the window, along with a long spike and John’s tools. It was a pretty sign in spite of her irritation, with the main photo showing off the foyer of Palmerston House, then a smaller photo of the pond area, and another of the kitchen.

  “Well, I’m going to need a while to get ready so are you doing this now, or on the way to the party?”

  John came back around the counter and held his arms out. Daphne stopped pouting and went into his embrace. “Daph, you go home and take as much time as you need, but you always look wonderful. I’ll drop around to Palmerston and get this set up, then I’m done until after Boxing Day.”

  “Promise?” Daphne’s voice was muffled against his chest. “We’ll have some time together?”

  “We work together every day, love. But I get what you mean.” He released her and reached for his own phone from behind the counter. “How about we have a serious talk after Christmas? It might be time to plan for the caravan you want and a bit of travel.”

  “Oh, love!” Daphne threw her arms around John. “Yes, let’s do exactly that!” She planted a kiss on his lips.

  “Well, if this is the response to the idea, we do need to talk.” John kissed her back. “Go get ready. I’ll be there soon.”

  A few moments later, as she let herself out of the back door, it occurred to Daphne she’d never found out why John was so secretive about Angus visiting that time. And now with Palmerston House on the market, what would happen to dear Elizabeth and Angus? Nothing had been said about finding them a home of their own, so what was going on?

  ***

  Christmas music, laughter, conversation. Christie heard the wonderful sounds from the gate, where she and Randall had gone to look out for Thomas and Martha. Even though it wasn’t quite dark, all the solar lights looked lovely, and someone – she suspected Thomas – had added tinsel to the gate. She couldn’t remember seeing it open like this before. Nor, it seemed, had anyone else, as all the cars were parked along the street.

  Arriving home only a couple of hours ago, she’d been amazed at her transformed house. The marquee, a second Christmas tree on the deck, a dance floor set up outside. How Martin had done this, and prepared all the cold food, was beyond her. All she’d had to do was decide where their gifts to the guests should be, accept a glass of wine, and take a shower. Even Angus had smiled more than she’d seen in days.

  “Ah, there you are.”

  “I was just thinking about you, Angus.” Christie kissed his cheek as he stopped beside her. “Thanks for helping Martin today.”

  “The least I can do, seeing as you are both being so generous about my staying here.”

  “You’re most welcome, although I do hope...”

  “So do I. She does appear to be running late.”

  “So are Martha and Thomas. They went to pick up George first.”

  “This looks like them.” Angus nodded to the road.

  The four wheel drive spluttered as Thomas reduced speed and turned through the gateway. His window was wound down and he stopped beside Christie and Angus. “Special delivery. Might go closer so George doesn’t have to walk too far.”

  “We’ll follow.”

  Thomas nosed toward the side of the house and, by the time Angus and Christie caught up, was opening the front passenger door. Randall danced about at Thomas’ feet.

  “Who put tinsel on your collar?” Martha opened the back door and climbed down, accepting Angus hand. “Thank you, dear.”

  Christie and Thomas helped George out, who leaned back against the door once it closed. He put a hand onto Angus’ shoulder. “Terribly sorry, Angus.”

  “George?”

  “It was a shock to us when we drove past
, so I can only imagine how you feel.”

  “I’m not sure I follow.” Angus cast a puzzled glance at Thomas.

  “You don’t know.” Thomas said.

  “Auntie, did these two start on the Christmas cheer early? They are not making much sense.”

  “No, but I think I’d like some now.” Martha took Angus’ hand. “When we drove past Palmerston House, there was a big sign out the front. Elizabeth appears to have put it up for sale.”

  “She’s selling Palmerston House?” Christie shook her head. “Elizabeth would never do that!”

  “If the board out the front is correct, then she is. Through John.” George took his cane from Thomas.

  Christie looked from George, to Thomas, then Martha. Elizabeth loved her home. But maybe she loves Angus more. “Angus—”

  But he was already moving. Christie sprinted after him. “You’re going to see her?” She caught him near the gate.

  “I am.”

  “Shall I drive you?”

  “The walk will do me good.”

  “Then, I’ll come—”

  “Miss Christie, you have guests. I shall return in due course.” He didn’t slow or turn his head. “I must do this alone.”

  Yes, you do. Whatever it was. In a moment he’d disappeared into the night.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  As she turned on the outside lights, Elizabeth softly hummed a love song she’d heard on the radio the first day she’d met Angus. For some reason it was stuck in her head. All day he’d been in her thoughts, even more than usual. Well, she would see him soon, at Christie and Martin’s party, as long as he was there, of course.

  When John arrived earlier to put up the board, she’d almost told him to take it away. It was real. Her beautiful, stately home for the past twenty plus years was going to be sold. After he left, she’d wandered the gardens, then sat in the front living room for a while. So many memories filled this place. From the early years here with Keith, her childhood sweetheart, to the year just gone.

  She’d found her old friend Martha again. Met Martha’s great-niece Christie under less happy circumstances, not imagining they would also become friends. Charlotte Dean had been a guest for most of the year, and she missed her, now Charlotte had moved to the Macedon Ranges. So many celebrations. Two weddings. Even some danger.

  All in all, the years had been kind to Elizabeth, and to Palmerston House. It was the right time to do this. Angus made sense by moving out and it was only after much soul-searching she’d realised what motivated him.

  The flashing lights on the Christmas tree reminded her to switch them off. They were wasted anyway, with only herself here. She turned them off, picked up her handbag and a paper carry bag filled with small presents, and went to the front door.

  She glanced behind at the darkened foyer, with the tree a beautifully decorated sentinel. Decorated with Angus. Elizabeth smiled and opened the door.

  Angus stood on the doorstep, his hand raised to knock.

  ***

  All the way down the hill, Angus’ thoughts had spun. Why would Elizabeth sell the home she’d cherished for so long? Was his leaving the reason she wanted to go? To leave River’s End? Where would she live? Or did she no longer wish to run her business? Yet, she loved looking after her guests and making each one of them feel special.

  He’d halted before going down the driveway, staring at the large board now dominating the fence line. In its history, Palmerston House was sold once, and that was to Elizabeth and Keith. Before then, it belonged to generation after generation of the Ryan family. Martha grew up here. Only one other person had owned the property, William Temple, who built the house.

  The first time he’d been here, it was to stay for a short visit. Time to spend with Christie. But Elizabeth kept him here. Apart from a few weeks away to attend to business, he’d become a long-term guest, liking everything about the sprawling property and the woman who owned it. Loving everything.

  The outside light turned on, so he turned from the sign and strode along the driveway. With every step, his heart beat a little faster and his resolve got a little stronger. Elizabeth needed to explain this so he could understand. And she needed to come to the party, where her friends would help put a smile back on her lovely face.

  On the verandah, he raised his hand to knock. The door swung open before he made contact, and there was Elizabeth. All dressed up and with a radiant smile.

  Which dropped when she made eye contact. She hadn’t known he was there. How could she? He pulled his shoulders back, ready with words of support and understanding, rehearsed on the way.

  “Elizabeth, you cannot sell Palmerston House!”

  Angus! Those were not the words he’d expected to say. Elizabeth would tell him to leave. Shut the door in his face and who would blame her. He opened his mouth to apologise but nothing came out.

  “Actually, I can.” Elizabeth stepped aside. “Do you want to come in?”

  Angus was in the foyer before she changed her mind. The Christmas tree’s lights were off and the foyer in darkness.

  “You look... so pretty.”

  “Oh!”

  She blushed. Angus ignored the inner voice reciting all the reasons this was a mistake. He closed the door.

  “Allow me to rephrase my first statement into a question. Why are you selling your home, dear lady?”

  “Did you leave Palmerston House because you wanted us on an even playing field, for want of a better term? Angus, were you concerned because I own such an expensive property and you were a guest here, rather than having your own home?”

  He nodded.

  Elizabeth drew her breath in audibly. “By sell... selling Palmerston House, I’m giving us an even playing field.”

  The grandfather clock slowly chimed seven o’clock. Angus reached both his hands out. Without hesitation, Elizabeth put her own hands in his.

  “My sweet Elizabeth. You humble me with your kindness. I have no answers, not yet, but your happiness means more to me than my own pride, so please, don’t sell your home. Not for me.”

  “I’d sacrifice everything, Angus, anything, to have your love back,” Elizabeth whispered.

  Without letting go of her hands, Angus dropped to one knee. “You’ve always had my love. And this is probably the silliest time to ask, but will you marry me? Will you?”

  ***

  “Did you know Angus moved out?” Daphne, empty champagne glass in hand, trailed behind Christie toward the kitchen, away from the music and laughter outside.

  “He’s been staying here with us. Daph, don’t take it personally. If he and Elizabeth wanted it common knowledge, they’d have said something.”

  “Common knowledge? But she’s my friend!”

  Christie put down an empty platter and hugged Daphne. “I didn’t mean it like it sounded. Here, have some more champagne. You need to remember they never once called themselves a couple.”

  “So who does know? John is in so much trouble for keeping this to himself.”

  As she poured champagne into Daphne’s glass, Christie smiled. “Poor John. He must have been in a difficult situation with Elizabeth insisting on secrecy about selling, and Angus the same about getting his own place. And as far as I know, the only other people who knew were Thomas and Martha, and only because Elizabeth mentioned it at the hospital when they asked about Angus.”

  Daphne gave an exaggerated sigh. “Well, perhaps it was for the best. I’d have wanted to help them through it. Offer some counselling when they might not be ready yet.”

  “You’re very sweet.” Christie picked up a tray of pastries. “And so is Sylvia for bringing all of these.”

  “What’s sweet is the present from you and Martin.” Daphne beamed and dug around in the oversized bag slung over her shoulder. “You are both so clever!” She pulled out a snow globe, turned it upside-down, and then watched as snowflakes fluttered over River’s End beach. “We’ll take this on our caravan trips.”

  “We wa
nted something to remind people of home, no matter where they are. And being Christmas, thought the snowflakes were perfect.” Christie took another look. “Martin designed them.”

  “Well, everyone loves them. I’ll bring the champagne bottle. And go and apologise to John. I do hope Angus and Elizabeth are talking things through.”

  ***

  “I can’t help but blame myself for putting the idea into Angus’ head.” George sat beneath the marquee with Thomas and Martha as they finished off their plates. “It was an innocent comment, but set things in motion, I fear.”

  “There’s little point in second guessing yourself, George. It may have happened anyway, so you should concentrate on your health.” Martha refilled his glass of sparkling water.

  “Would love some whiskey instead.”

  “We all want things we can’t have, so stop complaining.” Thomas cut a slice of cheese. “I’d like Randall to duplicate himself, for example.”

  “It is Christmas, dear.”

  “Time of miracles? Don’t know if they extend so far.”

  Martha looked past Thomas toward the gate. “Speaking of miracles...”

  Thomas and George followed her line of sight. Angus and Elizabeth emerged from the darkness, their hands entwined. At first, nobody else noticed, then one by one, each guest stopped talking and formed a semi-circle around the couple.

  “Please, don’t let us interrupt the festivities,” Angus said.

  Christie abruptly halted halfway down the steps. “Elizabeth? Angus?”

  “Is John here?” Elizabeth asked, eyes sparkling.

  “I am.” John, with Daphne on his arm, stepped forward. “Is everything alright?”

  Elizabeth glanced at Angus, then back at John. “We need to apologise for causing you such inconvenience. And I’ll pay you for any costs, of course. But it appears I may not be selling Palmerston House after all.”

  A murmur passed through the group, then fell silent as Angus spoke.

  “Certain decisions are still to be made, but I’m so very delighted to tell you all, our family, and friends that Elizabeth has agreed to marry me.”