by C. G Oster
"I hope so," Dory said. "We could all use a break. They have been giving us hell for months. Still, I must return in case our faith in them is misplaced."
"Yes," Lord Wallisford grumbled.
"Well, in that case, we'll have a proper luncheon and you can take my car," Lady Pettifer said.
"That's not necessary," Dory said.
"You can take it down to see your mother tomorrow, and then return it here for New Year's Eve. This is certainly a year we wish to see the end of. We started out this year together, we should finish it together." Leaning over, she clapped Dory on the knee. "Besides, I am hardly going anywhere between now and then. You could use it more than I, and I know you are a good driver."
While Dory wanted to argue the generosity, she didn't. It would save her a great deal of time having Lady Pettifer's car at her disposal. Obviously, in London, it would be more at risk, but Lady Pettifer wouldn't care about that.
"There you are. This house is infernally cold," Livinia said as she walked into the parlor. Sitting down, she poured herself a cup of tea, refusing to wait for Mr. Holmes to do it for her like Lord Wallisford did. "Ooh, mince pies. I usually can't tolerate the sight of them, but Gladys makes them edible," she said and picked one off the plate.
"She puts brandy butter in the pastry," Dory said.
"No wonder I like them," Lord Wallisford stated. "Nothing tastes more like Christmas in my book. I've heard the vicar is forbidden from ringing the bells, so it will be a silent Christmas."
Even the Christmas bells had been commandeered by the war effort. Another blanket proclamation of traditions they weren't allowed to do, but this one was understandable as the bells these days signified an invasion, and it wouldn't perhaps suit the Christmas spirit to remind people of what that would sound like.
"How is your young man?" Livinia said teasingly as she sipped her tea. She could only be referring to Captain Ridley. Seemingly, Livinia had finally forgiven him for arresting her mother. For some time, Livinia pretended he didn't exist.
"As far as I know he is well. He can't tell me where he is."
"Vivian was the same, but he's sailed for Singapore now, it turns out. He finally wrote."
"Well, he'll be safe there," Lord Wallisford said. "The Japanese will never get that far south. They have to get through China and Tibet first, and people underestimate how vast China is."
"We will all pray for a safe journey."
Even Dory would. For whatever disagreements they'd had in the past, everyone deserved a prayer for safety in this war. She also didn't wish the distress of losing a son on Lord Wallisford. Lady Pettifer would be devastated too.
"Always had a way of finding trouble, that boy, so I am glad he's out of harm's way," Lord Wallisford said.
"Is there anything on the wireless?" Lady Pettifer asked.
"The king won't broadcast his message until tomorrow. Right now there's some nonsensical man named Charlie Chaplin. Never heard of him."
"Charlie Chaplin is famous, Father," Livinia said. "From Hollywood."
"Spare me ribald from Hollywood," Lord Wallisford complained.
"It's levity, a concept you completely lack understanding for." Livinia took another mince pie off the plate. "People need a bit of levity. Brings people together."
It was strange hearing Livinia speak about what people needed. These last six, seven months had changed her perspective considerably.
"Yes, Lord Wallisford said gruffly. "Perhaps we all do. Maybe we should all dine together today. That way your aunt can join us. You too, Holmes, and Mrs. Parsons. We should all start the Christmas celebrations today before you need to dart off this afternoon, Miss Sparks."
This was momentous. As far as Dory knew, the family and the staff had never dined together. The war was changing everyone's attitudes, it seemed.
"That would be lovely," Lady Pettifer said. "Make sure we have enough place settings for all, Mr Holmes. And bring some brandy up for the pudding."
"I will go inform Mrs. Moor," Mr. Holmes said in his ever-present cool voice.
"I'll do it," Dory said, rising from her seat. "I need to go say hello anyway." She was really glad Lord Wallisford had suggested they dine together, which meant she could have a bit of a Christmas lunch with her aunt as well. It addressed a point of discomfort whenever Dory came to visit with Lady Pettifer and Dory was asked to dine with the family. Today they were all family, and that was a lovely feeling.
The End.
Next in the Dory Sparks Mysteries Series, The Summerfield Bride.
It was a surprise that Dory would ever need a wedding dress, but VE day wasn’t just the end of the war, it was also the start of a new chapter—a chapter that Captain Ridley proposed they start together. A proper wedding dress, at Lady Pettifer’s insistence, necessitated a visit for one of the best atelier’s in London. The day proves that not all brides are equal, and Cornelia Vellsted, the Summerfield Bride, would never wear her beautiful gown down the aisle.
Release date - August 2019