The Christmas Rose

by Dilly Court

Rose patted her on the shoulder. ‘See how you feel when you’ve seen the cottage, and, remember, you don’t have to make up your mind today. You can go home and think it over, and you must discuss it with Harry, and the youngsters, too. Although I believe Mr Sheldon said there is a very good village school.’

  ‘I’ll bear it in mind, miss.’ Winnie gazed longingly at the tea and cake.

  ‘May I hold Daisy?’ Rose asked gently. ‘Just while you drink your tea, of course.’

  Winnie passed the sleeping child to Rose, but Daisy began to whimper. Rose stood up, and was cradling the small child in her arms, rocking her gently when Eugene guided Harry into the room.

  ‘You seem to have a knack with little ones, Rose.’ Eugene helped Harry to a chair and placed some tea and cakes within reach.

  Rose hitched the sleeping infant into a more comfortable position. ‘I had plenty of practice helping Sadie with her babies, and little Daisy seems quite placid.’

  ‘Daisy don’t take to everyone,’ Harry said through a mouthful of cake. ‘And I ain’t heard a peep out of the boys since they got here, nor Mary neither.’

  ‘That’s because this ain’t a farm,’ Billy said despondently. ‘I ain’t seen no animals.’

  ‘That’s easy enough to remedy.’ Eugene handed the cakes round and eager hands reached out to grab the last of them. ‘When you’re ready we’ll do the tour.’ He turned to Winnie. ‘And I’m sure you’re keen to see the cottage.’

  ‘Yes, sir. But it will have to be as big as the one we rent in Bow, or it won’t do. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but we’re city dwellers and we don’t understand country ways.’

  ‘It will be your choice, Mrs Norman,’ Eugene said calmly. ‘It will be for you and Harry to decide what’s best for the family.’

  The sun had disappeared behind a bank of iron-clad clouds by the time everyone was muffled up and ready to go outside. Eugene had sent for Giles, his farm manager, and Giles took Harry and the boys on a tour of the farm outbuildings, followed by a cart ride to see the livestock that were hardy enough to overwinter in the fields. That left Eugene and Rose free to take Winnie and the two little girls to see the cottage where they would live, should they decide to accept his offer. It was easy walking distance from the main house and the cottage was set on a rise, sheltered by a stand of trees. The view from the front door was breath-taking and Rose could have stood all day gazing at the neatly hedged fields sloping down to a silver ribbon of river, where the bare branches of willows dipped into the water.

  She clutched Eugene’s arm. ‘What river is that, Gene?’

  ‘It’s the Thames. We’re a couple of miles upriver from where you were born, Rose.’

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ she breathed. ‘What a wonderful view.’

  ‘Never mind the view, duck,’ Winnie said, shivering. ‘This looks like a nice house, but can we go and see the cottage now, sir? Me and the nippers are freezing to death.’

  Eugene produced a bunch of keys and opened the door. ‘This would be your home, should you decide to make the move, Winnie.’

  Winnie stared at him open-mouthed and it was Daisy who toddled into the cottage first, followed by Mary.

  Rose gave Winnie a gentle shove and she tottered into the narrow entrance hall, from which a staircase led up to the first floor. Two doors on either side of the hall opened into rooms far more spacious than those of the ground floor of the Normans’ present home in Bow.

  ‘You’re joking, sir? It ain’t fair to tease a poor woman.’ Winnie wandered into the living room like a sleepwalker.

  ‘This would be your house,’ Eugene said firmly.

  Rose looked around with an approving nod. ‘It’s a nice size, Winnie, and the range seems to be in good condition.’

  Winnie trailed her fingers over the dusty cast iron. ‘A bit of black lead will bring this up a treat. I ain’t had a proper oven since my old man passed away.’ She turned to Eugene with trembling lips. ‘Are you sure this is meant for us, sir? Is there another family going to share it?’

  Eugene shook his head. ‘I can assure you that your family will be the only people living here. Why don’t you have a good look around? I believe the bedsteads were left behind by the previous tenant, and I’m sure we can find you some furniture from the attics in the big house, should you require it, of course.’

  ‘Ma.’ Mary appeared suddenly through a back door. ‘Come here. There’s a wash-house with a copper, just like the one where you work, and there’s a blooming big mangle – bigger than me.’

  Winnie hurried to examine the latest treasure, returning moments later with a wide grin. ‘There’s a stone sink and a pump what works. We won’t have to go down the street for water.’

  ‘I’m afraid the privy is out in the garden,’ Eugene said apologetically. ‘It’s built over a stream so it’s really quite convenient.’

  ‘Do the people from the cottages lower down share it with us?’ Winnie asked anxiously. ‘You don’t have to come here from the big house, do you?’

  Eugene threw back his head and laughed. ‘Lord, no! It’s all yours, Winnie. No one will bother you if you live here. There’s a parlour for your use and there are three bedrooms upstairs.’

  Winnie collapsed on her knees, covering her face with her hands. ‘It ain’t fair to show us this when we won’t be able to afford to live here.’

  Eugene raised her gently to her feet. ‘I need a good man to help Giles, and if Harry is keen to learn, the cottage is yours for a peppercorn rent. The boys will go to school and they can help at harvest time and learn to do odd jobs around the house. Go upstairs, have a good look round and see what you think.’

  Mary grabbed her mother’s hand. ‘I been up there already, Ma. It’s like a palace and there are big beds in all the rooms. I won’t have to sleep in a drawer now. Come and see.’

  Winnie scooped Daisy up in her arms. ‘Well, I never! I dunno what to say.’

  ‘We’ll leave you to explore properly,’ Eugene said, taking Rose by the hand. ‘Giles will bring Harry and the boys here, and if you feel like joining them on the wagon ride, please do so. I have a surprise for Rose.’

  ‘What is it, Gene?’

  He led her out of the cottage, closing the door firmly behind them. ‘It won’t be a surprise if I tell you.’ Eugene tucked her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘I have your Christmas present in the house, and I’m only sorry I couldn’t get it for you on the right day.’

  ‘It sounds exciting, but it makes me feel even worse because I didn’t get anything for you.’

  ‘There is something I would like, but I’ll tell you later.’

  ‘That’s not fair,’ Rose said breathlessly as she tried to keep up with his long strides. ‘Being mysterious doesn’t suit you, Gene. You usually come right out with whatever is on your mind.’

  ‘Not this time. I had to force myself to keep quiet, but not for much longer.’

  ‘Now I am really curious.’ Rose gave up trying to speak as the cold air and the fast pace made it virtually impossible, but she managed to keep up with him until they reached the house.

  ‘You’re back early, sir.’ Mrs Cardew passed them in the hallway. ‘I’ve had a cold luncheon laid out in the dining room. I thought that would be the easiest way, considering we have young children to feed.’

  ‘Excellent, thank you. We’ll be in my study. Let me know when the others arrive back from their trip around the farm.’

  ‘Of course, sir.’

  Eugene led the way through twisting passages to a small room where a fire had been lit in the grate. ‘That woman is a mind reader,’ he said cheerfully. ‘I didn’t have to ask her to light the fire. As usual, she anticipates my wants and needs.’

  ‘She spoils you, Gene.’ Rose took a seat by the window. ‘Should you ever give up being a bachelor, some unsuspecting woman will take on a real challenge.’

  ‘I’ll be careful who I choose in that case, Rose.’ Eugene went to his desk and opened a drawer. He
took out a shagreen-covered box and laid it on the well-worn tooled leather surface. ‘I had this made for you.’ He hesitated, eyeing her warily. ‘I’d planned to invite you and Sparrow here for Christmas, but events intervened.’

  ‘I suppose by that you mean Max’s unexpected arrival?’

  ‘That played a part in it.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Gene. You’re speaking in riddles and now I’m even more confused.’

  ‘I’m not sure where I stand with you, Rose. Being your employer complicates matters.’

  ‘I know I’m a bit late with the next article, but I’d have finished it this morning if I hadn’t come here with you.’

  ‘That’s not what I meant.’ Eugene picked up the box and handed it to her. ‘I was going to give you this on Christmas morning, Rose. Open it, please.’

  She lifted the lid and the diamond centre of the white enamel petals flashed as they caught the light.

  ‘Do you know what flower that is?’

  ‘It’s the same as the ones blooming outside your front door.’ She looked up, smiling. ‘It’s a Christmas rose.’ She took it from its velvet bed and her smile faded.

  ‘What’s the matter? Don’t you like it?’

  ‘I love it, but it’s obviously very expensive.’ She replaced the piece of jewellery in its box. ‘I can’t accept it.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous. It’s a gift.’

  ‘A very expensive gift, Gene. It wouldn’t be proper.’

  ‘Since when have you worried about propriety? I seem to recall a young woman who left home and travelled on a steamer from Australia to London, with nothing more than a vague idea of where she would meet a man to whom she was unofficially engaged.’

  Closing the box, Rose laid it back on the desk. ‘I can see the cart bringing the Normans back for luncheon. We’d better join them.’ She took a step forward but Eugene moved swiftly to bar her way.

  ‘No, you don’t, Rose Munday. You’re not going anywhere until we’ve had the talk we should have had weeks ago.’

  ‘Let me pass, Gene. We need to look after the Normans.’

  ‘They can take care of themselves for five minutes. Damn it, Rose, I should have spoken up before, but I suppose I was afraid you would turn me down.’

  ‘What are you saying, Gene?’

  ‘I’m offering you everything I have, Rose, including my heart. I’m probably making a mess of things, but you must know how I feel about you.’

  There was no mistaking the sincerity in his voice or the depth of feeling in his gaze, and she knew she was lost for ever. Their last short but passionate encounter had left her yearning for more, and she made no attempt to push him away as he drew her closer and their lips met.

  ‘Say it,’ he whispered in between kisses. ‘Tell me that you love me, Rose.’

  ‘I do.’ The confession floated on a breath, and she relaxed into his embrace, giving as well as receiving. ‘I do.’ She drew away just far enough to gain control of her breathing. ‘But Max hasn’t given up, despite the fact that I gave back his ring. He still thinks I’m going to marry him.’

  ‘Max will have to learn that he can’t have everything his own way.’ Eugene released her gently, turned and reached for the box. He flipped it open and held it out to her. ‘Now will you allow me to give you your Christmas present?’

  She dashed a tear from her eyes. ‘Thank you, Gene. It’s beautiful – I love it.’

  He pinned it to her bodice. ‘The next thing I buy will be an engagement ring.’

  ‘You haven’t proposed.’

  Eugene smiled. ‘I will when the time is right.’ He was about to kiss her again when a sharp rap on the door announced Mrs Cardew’s appearance to inform them that the family were in the dining room and had already started on the cold chicken.

  They entered the dining room hand in hand to find everyone intent on eating as much as they could stuff into their mouths. Winnie looked up and hooted with laughter. ‘I knew it. I told you, Harry, he’s been and gone and done it.’

  ‘Hush, Ma,’ Harry said in a low voice. ‘You’ll embarrass Miss Rose.’

  Winnie reached for her glass of wine and raised it in a toast. ‘Here’s to you, sir, and you, Miss Rose. Long life and happiness.’ She downed the drink in one gulp.

  ‘It’s not what you think,’ Rose said hastily. ‘We’re not engaged.’

  Winnie picked up the bottle and refilled her glass. ‘Well, it’s only a matter of time. I could see it coming.’

  Eugene pulled up a chair for Rose. ‘You’re very perceptive, Mrs Norman. I’m doing my best to win the fair lady, but more importantly, have you come to a decision? Will you accept my offer of employment, Harry, and the cottage that goes with it?’

  Billy wiped his mouth on his sleeve. ‘Say you will, Harry. I ain’t never seen grub like this afore.’

  Winnie cuffed him round the ear. ‘Mind your manners, Billy Norman. You’ll be respectful of the master when we take up residence in that little palace. We would be fools to turn you down, sir. I’ll be more than happy to offer my services to the mistress of Greenfields.’ She sent a meaningful glance in Rose’s direction.

  Eugene raised his glass to Winnie. ‘You’re a woman after my own heart, Mrs Norman.’

  ‘It’s Winnie, sir,’ she said, blushing. ‘I’d be honoured to accept your offer of work and a new home. We all would, wouldn’t we, Harry?’

  ‘Yes, Ma.’ Harry reached out to hold his mother’s hand. ‘I’ll drink to a new life for all of us.’

  ‘I can hear the children singing carols.’ Rose huddled closer to Eugene as he handled the reins on the return journey to London. It was getting dark and she could just make out the bulky shape of the barouche ahead of them, and the sound of the children’s voices ringing out in the cold air like carillon bells. ‘That was a generous thing you did today, Gene.’

  He glanced at her, smiling. ‘I didn’t do it solely for the Norman family. I wanted to make you happy, and prove that I’m not such a bad fellow.’

  ‘I know you’re not,’ Rose said gently. ‘Perhaps I know you better than you know yourself, and you’re not likely to give up the newspaper in order to devote yourself to farming. If – and I say if – we were married, what would become of me? I don’t think I could bear to be left at home, tending to the household while you were in Fleet Street, working on the latest edition.’

  ‘You have talent, Rose. I’d be a fool to overlook that, and I suppose I’ve always thought that we would work together.’

  ‘In what way?’ Rose asked suspiciously. ‘I don’t want to sit in front of that typewriter machine all day.’

  He threw back his head and laughed. ‘What a picture that presents. I told you that Arthur has decided to retire, but what I didn’t mention because I wanted to wait until it was finalised, is that I’m buying him out. The Leader will be ours, Rose. We’ll run it together and make it the best-selling daily newspaper in London. What do you say to that?’

  She slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘That’s an offer I can’t refuse, Gene.’

  He leaned over to brush her lips with a kiss. ‘Sort things out with Max, please, Rose. I can’t live without you. I want you to know that.’

  When they arrived back in Wapping Eugene paid a boy to hold the horse while he saw Rose safely home, but when they arrived at the Captain’s House lights blazed from all the windows, and the front door had been left ajar.

  ‘This doesn’t look right,’ Eugene said grimly. ‘I’ll go in first.’

  Rose was close on his heels as he stormed into the parlour, where he came to a sudden halt.

  ‘Where the hell have you been, Rose?’ Max demanded angrily. ‘Why are you with him?’

  ‘Hold on, Max,’ Jimmy said anxiously. ‘Don’t jump to conclusions.’

  A fashionably dressed young woman rose from the sofa where she had been sitting next to Maria. ‘How are you, Rose?’

  ‘Caroline!’ Rose gazed at her in astonishment. ‘I thought you and
Phineas were on a business trip to Australia.’

  ‘Phineas is still there but I decided to return home with my little ones.’ Caroline patted her gently swelling belly, smiling. ‘I didn’t want to risk travelling nearer to my time.’

  Rose threw her arms around Caroline, finding herself close to tears. ‘I wish you’d been here when I arrived home, Carrie.’

  ‘Max has told me everything,’ Caroline said gently.

  ‘Rose is being difficult,’ Max added hastily. ‘I’ve bought her a ring, and I don’t know what else I can do to show I’m sincere.’ He glared at Eugene, who was standing quietly at Rose’s side. ‘You’re the one who’s filled her head with silly notions about a career in journalism. You’re just using her.’

  ‘That’s enough, Max,’ Rose said angrily. ‘Leave Eugene out of this. I told you that I don’t want to marry you, and I just need you to accept it.’ She turned to Caroline. ‘Please make him see sense. I know he’s trying to be honourable by keeping his word, but it wouldn’t work.’

  Maria rose to her feet. ‘Perhaps we ought to leave you to sort this out in private.’

  ‘Yes,’ Caroline agreed, nodding. ‘But you need to think very hard before you press her any further, Max. If Rose has changed her mind you must respect her wishes, even if they go against your own.’

  Rose shook her head. ‘Don’t go. There’s nothing I have to say to Max that can’t be said in front of his brother and sisters.’ She reached for Eugene’s hand and clasped it tightly. ‘I did love you, Max, or at least I thought I did, but now I realise that it was part of growing up for both of us. You need a wife who will do your bidding and never question your judgement. You need someone willing to put you first and make a home for you wherever your next posting happens to be. That’s not me, Max.’

  ‘It’s him,’ Max said gruffly. ‘Eugene Sheldon has turned your head, flattering you and flaunting his wealth.’

  Rose was alarmed to see a muscle tighten in the angle of Eugene’s jaw, but he gave her hand a comforting squeeze. ‘I see Rose for what she is, Max, and I love her with all my heart.’

  Caroline and Maria exchanged misty glances and Maria’s hand flew to her lips. ‘Oh, how lovely,’ she breathed.