The Christmas Rose

by Dilly Court

  Rose turned her head as the door burst open to admit Maria. Her cheeks were flushed and she was breathing heavily. ‘It’s ridiculous,’ she said angrily. ‘The goose isn’t going to feed all of us and neither is the Christmas pudding. Are you sure that Max and Jimmy are coming for dinner?’

  ‘I had to invite them,’ Rose said apologetically. ‘And I’m afraid I asked Eugene to join us, too.’

  ‘What are we going to do? I’d send the sisters home, but they have nothing to eat.’

  ‘We’ll have to make do. We have the hamper from Fortnum’s.’

  ‘That’s true, and you’re right, of course. It is Christmas Day and everyone should be welcome.

  ‘Even the Spriggs sisters?’

  Maria pulled a face. ‘I suppose so. Mind you, Rose, I’m regretting my decision to give them a home. It’s not their former profession that bothers me – I can accept that some unfortunates have to sell their bodies in order to live – but Jessie’s constant sermonising is driving me mad. She would do better to become a missionary in some far-off country.’

  ‘I think you’ve solved the problem,’ Rose said thoughtfully. ‘As I told you before, it was Festus Parker who introduced me to Eugene.’

  ‘How might that help?’ Maria demanded crossly. ‘There’s a war about to break out in the kitchen. Cora insists on smoking and Jessie keeps telling her that tobacco and alcohol were invented by the devil, and then Flossie stands up for Cora and Edna puts in her two penn’orth.’

  ‘It’s still early,’ Rose said slowly. ‘Tell Jessie to get ready. We’re going to church.’

  ‘What?’ Maria stared at her open-mouthed. ‘Are you leaving me to cope on my own?’

  ‘Not at all. Cora will take over in the kitchen, and Flossie can help you lay the table. I’m going to find God’s work for Jessie and Edna.’

  ‘What are you going to do, Rose?’

  ‘I’m taking the ladies to meet Festus. The Parkers are certain to attend morning service, and all I have to do is find their local church, which shouldn’t be difficult. I’ll let Jessie speak for herself and hope that Festus will guide her footsteps to the sort of life she yearns for.’

  ‘I hope you’re right.’ Maria shrugged, shaking her head. ‘But anything is better than listening to the squabbling going on in the kitchen. I’ll give Jessie the glad tidings.’

  ‘Good. It’s time I called on the Parkers, anyway. I need to thank them for what they did for me.’

  ‘As I recall they abandoned you in London with nowhere to go,’ Maria said caustically. ‘However, if they can take Jessie off my hands I will love them for ever.’

  The High Street was eerily silent with very little traffic, and the only pedestrians were those making their way to church. Rose stood on the edge of the kerb trying to attract the odd passing cab, but all were taken and Jessie was beginning to complain. Edna had insisted on accompanying them, but Izzie had been left behind to supervise the children. Rose was glad to be out of the house, and if she were not there to greet Max and Jimmy, at least she had a good excuse. No one could criticise her for attending church on Christmas Day, but getting to Spitalfields from Wapping seemed to be an almost impossible task with so few cabs on the streets. It was with mixed feelings that she recognised Eugene’s carriage as it drew alongside the kerb.

  Eugene stuck his head out of the window. ‘I was on my way to see you, Rose. Where are you going?’

  ‘To church, but we’ll miss the service if we can’t get a cab soon.’

  He opened the door and alighted before Giddings had a chance to jump down from the box. ‘Where do you want to go?’

  ‘I don’t know exactly, but the Parkers live in Elder Street, so it will be the nearest church.’

  Eugene repeated the instruction to Giddings, who passed it on to Simms. ‘Allow me.’ He handed Jessie and Enda into the carriage and, for once, both were speechless. ‘Now you, Rose.’ He sat down beside her. ‘I didn’t know you were religious.’

  The teasing note in his voice and the twinkle in his eyes made it almost impossible to keep a straight face, but she managed with a supreme effort. ‘I’m a woman of many surprises. Anyway, I thought it was time I saw Adele and Festus, if only to thank them for putting me in touch with you.’

  He shot a curious glance at the Spriggs sisters, who were staring fixedly out of the window. ‘And who are these ladies? I don’t think we’ve met.’

  Jessie eyed him suspiciously and Edna stifled a giggle.

  ‘This is Jessie Spriggs and her sister Edna. They’ve been looking after Maria’s house in Great Hermitage Street, and they’re joining us for Christmas dinner.’

  ‘Delighted to make your acquaintance, ladies,’ Eugene said cheerfully. ‘It’s quite some time since I attended church.’

  Rose smiled and said nothing, but she crossed her fingers, hoping that Festus and Adele were among the congregation, otherwise this journey would have been for nothing.

  The church was crowded with worshippers, and at first, Rose could not see the Parkers. She was beginning to wonder if they had been sent to another mission, but during the first hymn she recognised the unmistakable baritone that could only belong to one person. Jessie sang loudly, mostly in tune, but even she could not drown Festus Parker’s heartfelt rendition of every hymn and prayer. Rose tried to concentrate on the service but it was almost impossible with Eugene sitting so close that she could feel the warmth of his body, and his fingers closed around hers during the last hymn.

  ‘Now what?’ he whispered as they waited to join the exodus from the church.

  ‘The Parkers were the first to leave,’ Rose said anxiously. ‘Could you head them off, Gene? I really need to speak to them.’

  ‘Leave it to me.’ He slid into the slowly moving crowd and threaded his way to the front.

  Rose sighed with relief as she waited her turn to leave in an orderly manner with Jessie and Edna tagging on.

  Outside, in the narrow passage between White Lion Street and Lamb Street, Eugene’s tall figure and elegant attire made his stand out amongst those who were shorter and less well-dressed. He looked up as if sensing Rose’s presence and greeted her with a smile.

  ‘Rose, look who I’ve just met.’

  She hurried to join them. ‘Mr and Mrs Parker, Merry Christmas.’

  Adele broke away from her husband to give Rose a warm embrace. ‘My dear, how well you look. It’s lovely to see you again.’

  Festus nodded gravely. ‘Eugene tells me that you’ve had an article printed in the newspaper, Rose. Well done, indeed.’

  ‘It wouldn’t have happened had you not introduced me to Eugene,’ Rose said tactfully. She beckoned to Jessie and Edna, who were hovering a few feet away. ‘May I introduce Miss Jessie Spriggs and her sister Edna? Jessie, Edna, this gentleman is Mr Festus Parker and this lady is his wife, Adele. They are missionaries, something that I think is dear to your heart, Jessie.’

  Festus acknowledged them with a curt bow. ‘Ladies.’

  ‘How nice to meet you, my dears,’ Adele said, shaking them by the hand. ‘Won’t you join us for a cup of coffee?’

  Jessie bobbed an awkward curtsey, as if in the presence of royalty. ‘Thank you kindly, ma’am. I am thinking of putting myself forward for missionary work, and my sister also, but we have duties to attend to in Wapping. I would not want to let the mistress down, even if it means suppressing my own inclination to accept your gracious invitation.’

  Rose exchanged amused glances with Eugene. Jessie was obviously doing her best to impress the Parkers, and judging by the expression on their faces, her humble words had met with approval.

  ‘An admirable sentiment,’ Festus said, beaming. ‘I understand perfectly, but we are always looking for helpers. If you would like to call on me in a couple of days’ time, we can discuss matters over a cup of tea.’

  ‘Oh, yes, sir. Thank you, sir.’ Jessie’s face split in a wide grin.

  Adele laid her hand on her husband’s arm. ‘We could do
with some assistance today, dear.’ She turned to Rose with a persuasive smile. ‘We’re giving a Christmas meal to the poor and needy in rooms above the Pewter Platter in White Lion Street. Mr Fowler, the licensee, has very kindly allowed us the use of his kitchen.’

  ‘Jessie is a keen cook,’ Rose said hastily. ‘I’m sure we can manage at home, if Jessie and Edna wish to help Mr and Mrs Parker.’

  ‘And that would be an excellent item for the next edition of my newspaper,’ Eugene added. ‘We’re doing a feature on Christmas stories, aren’t we, Rose?’

  She nodded vigorously. ‘And as such I’m sure that the Leader would be most generous in contributing to your next venture.’

  ‘We’ll stay, Guvnor,’ Jessie said eagerly. ‘I can roll up me sleeves with the best of ’em, and Edna and me can talk to the unfortunates on their level, so to speak. We’ve been poor sinners, and now we’re saved.’

  ‘Amen,’ Edna said vaguely.

  ‘Come, Rose.’ Eugene tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. ‘We must let these good people go about their business.’

  ‘Of course.’ Rose kissed Adele on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you very soon, I promise.’

  Eugene pressed some coins into Jessie’s hand. ‘This will get you back to Great Hermitage Street when you’re finished here.’

  ‘Yes, and don’t worry about Izzie,’ Rose said before Jessie had a chance to argue. ‘She can stay with us tonight. That will save you a double journey.’

  ‘That’s settled then.’ Festus backed away, motioning Adele and the sisters to follow him. ‘We have God’s work to do.’

  ‘And we need to get home,’ Rose said in a low voice. ‘Maria will be coping on her own, but at least it should be more peaceful now.’

  Max was pacing the floor in the front parlour when Rose walked into the room. Maria jumped to her feet, frowning.

  ‘What took you so long, Rose? The goose will be cooked to a cinder.’

  Jimmy looked up from the newspaper he had been reading. ‘I’m sure it will be fine, Maria. Don’t fuss.’

  ‘It’s all very well for you, Jimmy,’ Maria said crossly. ‘But I’ve had hungry children pestering me for an hour or more.’

  ‘Then they’ll enjoy their meal even more.’ Jimmy folded the newspaper and set it aside. ‘The piece you wrote about that family in Bow is very touching, Rose.’

  ‘Never mind all that, Jimmy,’ Max said irritably. ‘I want a few words with Rose, in private.’

  Rose glanced at Eugene, who was close behind her. ‘I’m sorry I was out when you arrived, Max, but you might call it a mission of mercy.’

  ‘Where are the sisters?’ Maria asked anxiously. ‘I hope they didn’t rush downstairs to the kitchen. Cora is likely to set about them with a rolling pin if they make any adverse comments.’

  ‘There’s no need to worry. They’re helping to feed the poor and needy,’ Rose said, smiling. ‘And I think, if Festus has his way, they’ll be fully occupied with good works from now on.’

  ‘Rose, a word, if you please.’ Max grabbed her by the arm. ‘This is ridiculous. I come home expecting to find my fiancée waiting for me, and it seems that your interests are elsewhere.’

  ‘Steady on, old chap.’ Eugene’s tone had a sharp edge.

  Max rounded on him. ‘Keep out of this, Sheldon. I blame you for the current situation.’

  ‘Stop it, both of you.’ Rose shook free from Max’s restraining hand. ‘I won’t talk to you while you’re in this bullying mood. Everything you say makes me glad that we aren’t engaged.’

  ‘You don’t mean that, Rose.’

  Maria hurried to the door and held it open. ‘I’m going to call the children to the table, and that includes you, Max. We’re going to have our Christmas dinner in peace and harmony, or I’ll want to know the reason why.’ She stepped into the hallway, calling the children’s names.

  Jimmy stood up and stretched. ‘I agree with Maria. No more bickering, if you please.’

  Max proffered his arm to Rose. ‘Allow me.’

  She was tempted to walk past without acknowledging his attempt at peace-making, but she knew it would make matters worse, and she laid her hand on his sleeve. ‘We’ll talk about this later,’ she said in a low voice. ‘But I’ll never speak to you again if you ruin the children’s Christmas.’

  The meal passed off surprisingly well, largely due to Eugene’s efforts. He kept the children amused with accounts of the scrapes he had got into as a boy, and the dire punishments he had received. Sparrow hung on his every word, as did Izzie, who was clearly impressed and rendered speechless. Max countered with stories of his experiences on the battlefield, which made the two older girls stare open-mouthed, until Maria put a stop to a tale that was likely to conclude with gory details. Jimmy was more successful with tales of his misfortunes as a midshipman and junior officer, and his vivid descriptions of dolphins, whales and flying fish. Polly wanted to know if he had seen any mermaids and was quite tearful when he replied that they were only to be found in fairy stories. Eugene saved the situation by telling Polly about narwhals, whose long ivory tusks had been brought back by seafarers in the past, convincing some people that they had come from the legendary unicorn. Then Cora brought in the showpiece, which was a pudding with blue flames licking round it as the brandy burned away. She served generous portions, doused in custard for the children and brandy butter for the adults. There was a brief period of silence while everyone ate, hoping to find one of the silver charms at the bottom of their plate.

  When the meal was over Maria ushered everyone into the parlour to give out the presents from beneath the tree. The candles had been lit and the tinsel shivered in the draught and twinkled as brightly as any star. There were cries of delight from the children and Sparrow insisted on rushing upstairs to put on her new frock and the bead necklace. Izzie had tears in her eyes as she opened her gift of a muffler and hat, and Rose had added a bag of sweets, which met with her instant approval. Cora and Flossie were delighted with their gifts and retired to the kitchen saying they were going to wash the dishes, although Rose suspected that they would end up sitting round the table, drinking port and smoking cigarillos. Maria loved her shawl, and her present to Rose was a silver-backed hand mirror and matching comb.

  It was time for Rose to confess, but she waited until Izzie had taken the younger children upstairs. ‘I’m afraid I have nothing for you, Max and Jimmy, because I didn’t know you would be here, and the same goes for you, too, Gene.’

  Jimmy sipped his brandy and declared that spending Christmas with the family was a treat in itself, but Max put his hand in his breast pocket and took out a small velvet-covered box. He flicked it open and a large diamond sparkled in the firelight. He seized Rose’s hand and went down on one knee.

  ‘My dearest Rose, I know we haven’t got off to a good start, but I’m sincere in my regard for you, and this is the ring I promised you all those months ago in Bendigo. I would be honoured if you would agree to marry me.’ He took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger.

  ‘I – I don’t know what to say,’ she murmured, glancing at Eugene.

  Max sent him a triumphant look. ‘Can you beat that, Sheldon?’

  Eugene shook his head. ‘I wouldn’t be so crass as to try.’

  ‘Congratulations, Max,’ Jimmy said, slapping his brother on his back. ‘Rose is a diamond beyond price.’

  ‘Yes, I second that,’ Maria added, giving Rose a hug. ‘That makes us true sisters, Rose.’

  Rose stared at the diamond as it flashed white fire on her left hand, and she was lost for words. To refuse in front of the family would humiliate Max further, and she had loved him once. Eugene could have intervened, but he had refused to say anything and she felt as if she had walked into a huge spider’s web and was entwined in its silken mesh, unable to break free.

  ‘Well, Rose, my love. Will you give me an answer?’ Max raised her hand to his lips, holding her gaze.

  There was silence in the
room and everyone was staring at them. Rose was so shaken that all she could do was nod.

  ‘I take that as my answer, Rose.’ Max swept her into an embrace that was more possessive than passionate.

  ‘Have we any champagne, Maria? This calls for a toast.’

  ‘Yes, indeed. I think there was a bottle in the Fortnum’s hamper. That’s if Cora and Flossie haven’t drunk it.’ Maria made for the door but Eugene forestalled her. ‘Thank you for taking pity on a lonely bachelor. I’ve enjoyed your hospitality, but I must leave now.’

  ‘Won’t you stay a little longer?’ Rose suddenly found her voice. ‘It’s still early.’

  He shook his head. ‘No, but thank you for the offer. I sent Simms and Giddings back to Tavistock Square, so I’ll have to find a cab or walk, but I’ll see you tomorrow, Rose. I’ll need your contribution to Wednesday’s edition.’ He left the room without a backwards glance.

  Rose met Max’s triumphant smile with a sudden rush of anger and she wrenched the ring off her finger. ‘You took me by surprise and you didn’t give me a chance to speak, Max.’

  ‘What’s the matter, Rose? You accepted my proposal in front of witnesses. We’ve been unofficially engaged for months – isn’t this what you were waiting for? You travelled all the way to London so that we could be together.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Max, but I don’t feel the same as I did then. If you’d been here to meet me, things might have been different.’

  ‘That wasn’t my fault, and you know it. I’m a soldier and I have to obey orders.’

  ‘I know that.’ Rose shook her head. ‘Please don’t make this harder than it already is – I’d like us to part as friends.’