A Family For Christmas

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Nan, I’d like you to meet Eliza,’ he said, when she finally released him. The woman turned dark beady eyes towards Eliza, gave her a long appraising look, then smiled. ‘Welcome, Eliza. Let me take your things,’ she said. As Eliza handed her the cloak, she stroked the soft material before hanging it on the coat stand. ‘That’s lovely, dear. Come away into the parlour. Your grandfa’s reading the paper. Samuel, look who’s here to see us,’ she cried, ushering them into a large airy room where a man sat in his easy chair before a blazing fire.

  ‘Still planning on putting the world to rights, Grandfa?’ James asked as the man folded his paper and got stiffly to his feet.

  ‘Someone needs to,’ he replied, shaking James by the hand. ‘Who’s this pretty young lady, then?’ he asked, smiling at Eliza.

  ‘This is Eliza, Grandfa,’ James said. The man held out his hand and as Eliza took it, she was struck by the family resemblance, for he too had blue eyes that twinkled with mischief like James’s, although his hair was snowy white.

  ‘Welcome, Eliza,’ he said, repeating his wife’s earlier greeting. ‘Now, do come and warm yourselves beside the fire. Shall we treat ourselves to a spot of elderflower cordial as it’s a special occasion, Doll?’ he asked, turning to his wife.

  She smiled at him indulgently. ‘Why not? You set out the glasses and I’ll bring in a bottle,’ she ordered, bustling out of the room.

  ‘I’ll do that, Grandfa,’ James said, hurrying over to the highly polished sideboard. As he set them on the table, the old man winked at Eliza.

  ‘Don’t think you’ve ever brought a maid visiting before, young James. Be it a special occasion?’

  ‘Actually, Grandfa, I was going to ask a favour. Eliza here needs a bed for a couple of nights and I was wondering if she might stay here.’

  There was silence save for the ticking of the clock on the mantle over the fire as the old man scrutinized her. Eliza steadily met his gaze and he smiled. ‘You’ll do,’ he nodded. ‘Doll will be pleased to have some company. Likes a bit of a natter, she does, so you’d better watch your ears.’

  James grinned at Eliza and nodded. ‘That’s fixed then.’

  ‘And what’s that you’ve fixed, young James?’ Doll said, bustling back into the room with a bottle in her hands.

  ‘Young Eliza here is to be our guest for the next few days, my dear,’ replied Grandfa Sam. ‘Now who’s going to pour that cordial?’ Eliza gazed at James’s grandparents, hardly daring to believe they’d agreed to her staying so readily.

  After finishing their drinks, they sat down to the most splendid meal of roast beef with all the trimmings. Grandfa Sam and Nan, as they insisted Eliza call them, went out of their way to make her feel welcome and conversation flowed easily. Grandfa Sam was particularly interested in Eliza’s work at the perfumery, likening it to his work in the apothecary downstairs.

  ‘Once you’ve learned what ingredients to use, ’tis all in the mixing and blending,’ he said, and Eliza nodded.

  ‘I’d love to see what you do.’

  ‘Then you shall. It’ll be nice to have someone show an interest,’ he said, looking pointedly at James.

  ‘You know I’m all fingers and thumbs and end up breaking those glass tubes of yours, Grandfa,’ he laughed, holding up his large hands. ‘He’s chased me out of his shop more times than I care to remember, Eliza.’

  ‘Happen that was ’cos you was playing around, my boy,’ he chided.

  Grinning, James got to his feet. ‘That was delicious, as always, Nan. Now you sit by the fire while Eliza and I do the dishes.’

  ‘Oh, but I couldn’t,’ she began.

  ‘No arguing now. Then, if it’s all right with you, I’ll bring in Eliza’s things and put them in the spare room.’

  ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ Eliza asked, looking anxiously at Doll.

  ‘Why bless you, no. It’ll be good to have another woman to chatter to. Samuel isn’t one for conversation, are you, my dear?’ The old man winked at Eliza. ‘I’ll warm a brick for your bed later,’ Nan added.

  ‘Are you sure I won’t be imposing,’ Eliza asked James later, as he prepared to make his way back to the tannery.

  ‘They love you already, Eliza, as do … Well, let’s just say I shall rest easy knowing you’re away from Farrant. Besides, Grandfa’s keen to show you around his domain. Nobody’s ever shown that much interest in his work before. I’ve cleared it with them that you can stay until my next day off, so I’ll be back Sunday to see how you’re getting on,’ he said, touching her cheek gently with his hand as he left.

  ‘Thank you for everything,’ she whispered.

  That night, tucked up in the little bed in the spare room, she thought back over the past few days. How kind it was of Grandfa Sam and Nan to take her in. She couldn’t take advantage of their kind hospitality, though. Tomorrow she would look around the town and see if she could find a job with board and lodging. It was time she stood on her own two feet.

  Next morning, after breakfasting on porridge with creamy milk, Eliza followed Sam and Nan down to the apothecary’s shop. Inside, she was met with the most wonderful fragrance and, inhaling deeply, she detected the sweet smell of lily of the valley, along with violet, rose and lavender. While Sam went round lighting the glass globes and Nan donned a snowy-white apron, Eliza stared around the room in amazement.

  It was like an Aladdin’s cave. Rich mahogany and glass display cases lined the walls, all housing a collection of little glass bottles, dishes and curious items she’d never seen before. Alongside each bow window was a glass counter, one set with dishes of petals and bottles of powders, the other dominated by a large empty dish, a pestle and brass measuring scales. Towards the back of the room was a large workbench methodically lined with glass tubes, spoons, droppers, cutters, crushers and cups of varying sizes. The shelves above were stocked with numerous green and blue bottles all filled with mysterious liquids. Eliza felt excitement bubbling and hoped Sam would show her what at least some of them were for.

  Nan smiled. ‘That’s Sam’s domain and this is mine,’ she explained, pointing to the pots of salves, dishes of scented soaps, bath salts and jars of embrocation. ‘Sam attends to the customers’ ailments while I supply their more personal requirements.’

  ‘And finds out all their gossip,’ Sam added with a broad wink.

  ‘Well, if you know what’s going on in their lives you can sell them something to help,’ Nan chuckled, picking up her broom. ‘I’m off to sweep the pavement.’

  ‘Here, let me,’ Eliza said.

  ‘You can’t do that, you’re our guest,’ the woman protested, but Eliza smiled and gently took the broom from her.

  ‘It’s very kind of you to let me stay when you don’t even know me, but I must at least earn my keep.’

  Outside the air was cold with a stiff breeze blowing in from the sea. Eliza inhaled deeply. That smell definitely reminded her of something, she thought, sweeping the dust into the road then stepping swiftly back as a carriage and pair swept past. Industrious shopkeepers were pulling down awnings and setting out their wares on tables in front of their windows. Everywhere people were hurrying about their business and she’d never seen so many carts and carriages in her life.

  This Salting Regis place was all hustle and bustle compared to the solitude of the moors, she thought, wondering how Fay and Duncan were. She’d have to write and let Fay know her new address now she’d moved on – when she had a permanent one, that was. Spying a smudge on one of the little square windows, she leaned over and gave it a quick wipe.
Then she noticed the pestle and mortar on the sign above the shop and underneath in bold script ‘Samuel Cary, Apothecary’. She smiled: if ever someone was aptly named it was Grandfa Sam. One window was scripted with ‘Dispenser to Physicians and Patrons’, the other, ‘Purest Powders, Soothing Salves; Scented Salts & Soaps’. Salting Regis was obviously a thriving place that catered for everyone, including the wealthy, Eliza thought.

  As another gust of wind blew in from the sea, she shook her head. She wished she could remember where she’d smelled that salty, tangy odour before. Somehow, she knew it was important.

  31

  Despite Sam’s protests that Eliza was a guest, she insisted on helping in the little shop. Seeing her determination, Nan provided her with a voluminous white apron and soft duster, then set her to work polishing the counters and display cabinets. Eliza was fascinated by their contents but found herself jumping each time the shop bell tinkled. Nan soon noticed.

  ‘He won’t think to look here, dear,’ she whispered. Eliza stared at her in surprise. ‘James explained why you’d left your post and asked us to look out for you. Don’t you worry, if that man dares to enter our shop, I’ll chase him straight out again with the poker.’

  ‘Thank you, Nan. That’s very kind,’ she answered, trying not to smile at the thought of this diminutive woman chasing Monsieur Farrant down the street.

  The shop proved to be a busy place. While Nan dealt with the steady stream of her customers seeking soaps, salts and salves in her cheery, chatty way, Sam took his clients behind the screen where they were able to discuss their ailments in private. He would then study the flagons, take down his selection and measure doses into the glass bowl. Eliza watched as he stirred vigorously then dispensed the restoratives into little medicine bottles, carefully labelling them in his copperplate writing.

  Often he ground ingredients together with his pestle and mortar and wrapped the powder in little twists of paper. Occasionally, he would melt lumps of waxy substances, mix with the powders and squeeze in a press to make lozenges. These he stored in little round cardboard tubs, meticulously penning the names on the lids. He took his job seriously, ensuring each customer left with strict instructions on how their restorative should be taken.

  The morning passed by in a flash and, come noon, to Eliza’s delight, Nan left her in charge of her precious soaps and salves whilst she went upstairs to prepare luncheon and have a rest. When she reappeared, declaring she’d left bread, ham and a fresh pot of tea ready for them, Sam and Eliza took their break.

  ‘You seem to be taking a great interest in my work, Eliza,’ Sam commented as they tucked into their food.

  ‘It’s fascinating and I’d love to learn more,’ she cried, staring at him hopefully. He nodded but didn’t say anything else, just wrapped his hands around his cup and stared into the fire. Later, as they made their way back downstairs, Eliza wondered if he’d just been making polite conversation. After all, she was only here for a week.

  Customers came and went all through the afternoon but as time wore on Eliza noticed Sam wincing as he stretched up for jars he’d had no trouble reaching earlier in the day. Although he didn’t complain, she made sure she was nearby and could hand him what was required. Surprisingly he accepted her assistance, even seeming grateful for it.

  By Saturday Eliza had come to know the ways of the little shop. The customers were friendly and she enjoyed wrapping their purchases and replenishing Nan’s little dishes. She was almost sorry when, at the end of the week, Sam locked the shop door and turned the little sign round to show they were closed.

  ‘Well, day of rest tomorrow, Nan, eh?’ he said, rubbing his back.

  ‘For some maybe, but no doubt you’ll be expecting your roast luncheon, and it doesn’t put itself on the table,’ she said, wagging her finger at him.

  ‘You must let me help,’ Eliza offered, as they made their way up the stairs.

  ‘Thank you, dear. Mind you, I expect Master James will be on the doorstep first thing, if I know him,’ she said, turning and giving Eliza a wink.

  At the mention of his name, Eliza’s heart soared. She couldn’t wait to see him again and tell him all about her week. Then her spirits sank. Tomorrow she’d have to leave Sam and Nan and this cosy home. They’d been so kind and she’d already become fond of them. Of course, she’d known her stay here was temporary and hadn’t unpacked all her bundle, but she loved her room, its linen fragranced with Nan’s lavender, and didn’t want to go.

  The little shop, with its perfumed products, healing powders and coloured bottles, was a delight, while Sam’s dispensary was fascinating. How she’d love to learn more, she thought as the three of them sank into easy chairs beside the hearth. Nan poked and prodded until the tamped-down fire burst into life, then held her hands out to the flames.

  ‘There’s nothing like your own fireplace at the end of a busy day,’ she smiled.

  Eliza sighed, thinking how wonderful it would be to have a home like this, filled with happiness and love.

  Just then the kettle on the fender began to sing and Eliza hopped up to pour hot water over the leaves in the ever-waiting brown teapot. As they sipped their tea in companionable silence, Eliza felt she was being watched and she looked up to see Sam eyeing her thoughtfully.

  ‘You’ve been a real help this week, Eliza. Still interested in learning more about formulating and dispensing, or have we managed to put you off life in an apothecary’s?’ Although he spoke lightly, Eliza could tell her answer mattered to him.

  ‘I’ve loved every minute and would welcome the chance to learn more,’ she cried.

  ‘The shop doesn’t have the glamour of the perfumery, though, does it?’ he persisted.

  Eliza thought for a moment. Monsieur Farrant had taught her a lot and for that she was grateful. She couldn’t deny she’d have liked to have finished her training, but now she was away from his possessive, overbearing ways she felt nothing but relief.

  ‘It’s fascinating but in a different way. Monsieur said I had a good nose so I’m sure what I learned before could be put to good use in the shop,’ she finally answered.

  Nan laughed. ‘There, Sam, you can see the girl’s keen, so put her out of her misery.’

  He nodded, that twinkle in his eye. ‘I had detected a certain amount of enthusiasm,’ he teased. ‘The fact is, Eliza, I’m not getting any younger and your assistance this week has made me realize that. If you are agreeable, Nan and I would like to offer you a permanent position with board and lodging.’

  Her eyes widened in amazement.

  ‘Regrettably we can’t pay much in the way of salary, but you would be guaranteed something at the end of every month.’

  How kind these dear people were, Eliza thought, for in all the time she’d worked for Monsieur Farrant she hadn’t received one brass farthing. He’d furnished her with fancy clothes, but that was so she’d look the part in the perfumery or out in his fancy carriage. Although he’d agreed to taking her on, Fay had paid him handsomely for the privilege. Now Sam and Nan were offering her a job and board. What was it Grampy had said about when one door closes another opens? Perhaps, like a guardian angel, he was watching over her.

  She was jolted back to the present by Nan talking.

  ‘And Sam is the best apothecary there is, so you would be trained well. I can teach you how to make the soaps and fragrance the salts, if you wish to pursue the perfumery side of things. Why you could even …’ She trailed to a halt as Sam held up his hands.

  ‘Don’t overwhelm the girl, Nan. Mull it over, Eliza, and you can give us your
decision in the morning before that scallywag James arrives.’

  ‘Please, I’d love to accept your kind offer. I’ll work hard and learn everything you care to teach me,’ she cried, eager to accept in case the opportunity should be snatched away overnight.

  Sam smiled and held out his hand. ‘That’s a deal, then. The only condition being that nothing dispensed here leaves the shop without my approval.’

  ‘Of course, Sam,’ Eliza agreed.

  Although James arrived early the next morning, Eliza had already unpacked her things and set out her treasured box, the portrait Fay had painted, the flower book, the two scent bottles and Fay’s receipt book on the dressing table. She had just taken the stopper off the little black bottle and inhaled the lingering hint of fragrance, when she heard her name being called. Hastily replacing it, she ran her fingers through her hair and, remembering Fay’s words, promised she’d make a concentrated effort to find out where the elusive aroma originated.

  James was waiting in the parlour and her heart did a funny flip when he turned and gave his cheeky grin.

  ‘Think I must have come to the wrong place,’ he teased. ‘Grandfa’s just been telling me about some angel who’s been working in his shop. I don’t see you sporting a halo or wings, so I reckon he must have been talking about someone else.’

  ‘Eliza’s been more help than you ever have, my lad,’ Sam snorted.

  ‘Now, you two, there’s a bit of a breeze blowing but the sun’s trying to shine. Why don’t you take yourselves out for a walk?’ Nan suggested.

  ‘But I must help you prepare luncheon,’ Eliza protested.

  The woman shook her head. ‘I need to do some baking first and can’t if James is under my feet. He’ll pick at this and peck at that till I’ve hardly anything left to take to his father,’ Nan clucked.

  ‘We’ll wash up afterwards, Nan,’ James assured her.