The Christmas Wedding

by Dilly Court

  ‘I’m afraid your pa had an accident, too. He can’t come home.’

  Judy’s small face puckered but she did not cry. ‘He’s a goner, ain’t he?’

  ‘I’m afraid so, dear.’

  Judy’s eyes welled with tears and her lips quivered, but she did not cry. ‘Ma always said we’d end up in the workhouse. I sell matches by day but I can’t do that and look after the little ’uns.’ Judy ruffled her sister’s curls before bending down to pick up the younger child. ‘We ain’t got nothing to eat, so we’d best go there now and get it over.’

  ‘There must be another way,’ Daisy said desperately. ‘Your mother is frantic with worry, and I promised I would do what I can to help.’ She thought quickly. It was too late to take the children away from this awful place this evening, but they were in desperate need of food and warmth. ‘I’ll find you somewhere safe to stay until your ma comes out of hospital, Judy, but I can’t do that until tomorrow.’

  ‘No, miss.’ Judy sank down on a wooden chair as if her knees had buckled beneath her, and the child in her arms began to snivel.

  ‘But what I can do is get you some food and some candles, and a bag of coal. Will you be all right here for a while?’

  ‘Yes, miss.’ Judy’s hand shot out to grasp Daisy’s wrist. ‘You will come back, won’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I promise I will, and I’ll bring you something to eat and drink. I know where there’s a shop that stays open until very late and it’s not far from here, so I’ll be as quick as I can.’ Daisy patted Judy’s hand. ‘Don’t be afraid. Everything will be all right. You’re a very brave girl, Judy.’

  Daisy left the house and set off for the shop in Whitechapel Road where she knew the owner, who had been one of her uncle’s former customers. She walked briskly, ignoring the salacious remarks from men who openly propositioned her. In this mood she would have taken on anyone who tried to prevent her from getting sustenance for the children. She breathed a sigh of relief when she found the shop was still open and Mr Gittins greeted her like an old friend. She explained her mission and he insisted on sending his son to carry her purchases, including a bag of coal and some kindling. When it came to payment she found she was sixpence short, but he refused to take back any of her purchases.

  ‘It’s my contribution to the family,’ Gittins said, shaking his head. ‘I know Hilda well and she’s as honest as the day is long, and a hard worker. Unlike that husband of hers. She’s better off without him, in my opinion. He was a wastrel and a drunk, and that’s why the family are in such a sorry state.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Gittins. I’m very grateful.’

  ‘Your uncle did me many a good turn in the past, Daisy. Give him my regards when you next see him.’

  ‘I most certainly will.’ Daisy left the shop trailed by young Bob, who hefted the coal onto his shoulder as if it had been a sack of feathers. When they arrived at the Beggs’ house he carried it inside and set it down by the empty grate.

  ‘Shall I get a blaze going for you, miss? I’m good at lighting fires.’

  Daisy placed her purchases on the table. ‘Yes, Bob. Thank you.’ She lit two candles and began to unpack the food with the children already seated at the table, their eyes wide open and their small fingers twitching with eagerness to snatch the smallest crumb. Judy sliced and buttered the bread and shaved off pieces of cheese, making sure that each of the children had their fair share, while Daisy filled cups with milk from the jug she had borrowed from Mr Gittins.

  Bob stood back, admiring the fire he had managed to get going so that flames roared up the chimney. ‘I done a good job, even if I says so meself.’

  ‘Yes, that’s excellent.’ Daisy handed him the empty jug. ‘Would you be kind enough to take this back to the shop? And thank you for your trouble. I’d give you a tip but I haven’t got a penny left. Next time I see you I’ll make up for it.’

  Bob touched his cap. ‘Don’t worry, miss. Glad to help. I’d best get going or Pa will wonder what’s happened to me.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘And thank him again. The children look better already.’

  Daisy sat with the children long after Bob had left. The way the food was disappearing was a testament to how little they had eaten for a day or more, and the poverty in which they were living was all too obvious. The light from the newly lit candles and the cheerful crackling of the fire only succeeded in making the surroundings look even more desolate. The bare boards were rotten in places and stained, despite Hilda’s obvious attempts to scrub them clean. A bedstead in one corner of the room seemed to suffice for all the family and the bedding looked as though it needed a good wash. As the room heated up Daisy became aware of a foul stench and she discovered an overflowing chamber pot that had been pushed under the bed. She took it out into the back yard to dispose of the contents and rinsed it under the pump before hurrying back indoors to check on the children, but she need not have worried. Judy was in the process of putting the little ones into their tattered nightgowns, although giving them a wash seemed out of the question and hardly relevant considering the general state of the room. Daisy helped Judy to put the small children to bed, and she stoked the fire. ‘I think it’s time you got some sleep, Judy,’ she said gently.

  ‘Will you stay, miss?’

  ‘I can’t, I’m afraid. I have to be up early to go to work at the hospital, but I’ll see your mother first thing, and I’ll tell her what a wonderful daughter she has. I know she’ll be proud of you, Judy.’

  ‘But what will we do tomorrow? The landlord is going to throw us out.’

  ‘Try not to worry. I’ll think of something and I’ll find somewhere for you to stay while your ma is in hospital. You’ll have to trust me, Judy.’

  ‘Yes, miss.’

  ‘I’ve made the fire safe, so there’s no need for you to touch it. I want you to lock the front door after me, and don’t open it to anyone until I return tomorrow. I’ll get here as soon as I can, so you feed the little ones with what’s left of the bread and butter, and I’ll bring more food.’

  Daisy hardly slept that night for worrying about the four children she had been compelled to leave in the deserted, unsanitary house. Minnie came in late, but Daisy pretended to be asleep. Minnie was a lovely person but she was inclined to idle chatter and Daisy was not in a mood to listen. Eventually Minnie climbed into the bed next to Daisy’s and was asleep within minutes, but Daisy was still wide awake. The clock in the entrance hall struck the hours and chimed the quarters with monotonous regularity and, just as Daisy was falling asleep, she heard the clatter of feet on the stairs and muffled laughter as the dancers from the Pavilion Theatre returned to their room. She heard the clock strike three, and the next thing she knew someone was shaking her and calling her name.

  ‘Wake up, Daisy. You’ll be late for work if you don’t get up now.’

  Still half asleep, Daisy sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The floorboards were cold beneath her feet, but the chill had a bracing effect and she was now fully conscious.

  ‘I had a wonderful time last evening,’ Minnie said gleefully. ‘I went to the Gaiety Theatre with Flora and Ivy and we had dinner in the restaurant, where I met the most charming man. His name is Giles Coleman and he works in the City. He treated us all to champagne and he wants to see me again. Isn’t that exciting?’

  ‘Yes, very.’ Daisy poured what was left of the water into the bowl and had a quick wash. ‘I’m glad for you, Minnie. You deserve someone who will treat you well.’

  Minnie blushed a delicate shade of pink. ‘Oh, I don’t know about that. Pa always tells me I talk too much, and I haven’t a sensible thought in my head.’

  ‘That’s not true. You were accepted to train as a nurse at the London. That should make your father proud.’

  ‘I hope so,’ Minnie sighed, shaking her head. ‘Anyway, enough about me. Did you find Hilda’s children?’

  ‘Yes, I did, and they’re in desperate need of somewhe
re to stay while their mother is in hospital. I promised to help, but I don’t know who would take them in.’

  ‘I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I don’t know many people in London. I suppose it would be easier if you were at home in Essex.’

  Daisy laced her stays as tightly as possible and slipped her dress over her head. ‘I think you might have the solution there, Minnie,’ she said thoughtfully. ‘But I would have to take them to Little Creek and I don’t know if I could get time off.’

  ‘You could try asking Sister Tutor.’ Minnie checked her appearance in the tiny mirror placed on the top of the chest of drawers. ‘I’m going down to breakfast. I can’t go a whole morning without eating, even though I had a splendid dinner last night. Giles is very generous. He insisted on paying for everything. I think I have a rich beau, Daisy. Isn’t that splendid?’

  ‘Yes, splendid indeed.’ Daisy scraped her hair into a tight knot at the nape of her neck and secured it with half a dozen pins as if daring a single lock to escape.

  ‘Come on. Hurry up.’ Minnie held the door open. ‘I hate cold porridge.’

  ‘I’m coming.’ Daisy followed her downstairs to the dining room, but even before she had reached the door she had made her mind up. The children would be safe in Little Creek and she knew exactly where to take them. Mrs Bee and Dove would take care of them and Dove would make sure that Judy attended school. She had always suspected that Dove had a soft spot for Elliot Massey, and that it was mutual. Even if she hadn’t taken up the position of his assistant teacher at the school, this would give them the opportunity of seeing more of each other. But first Daisy would have to get permission from Hilda, and then she would have to face Sister Johnson. It was going to be a busy morning.

  Hilda was tearful but in the end she acknowledged that the welfare of her children was the most important thing, and her convalescence was likely to be a long one. ‘Are you sure that these people will be kind to my little ones, Nurse?’

  ‘I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t know them personally, and Creek Hall is an ideal place for children. They’ll get fresh air and good food, and the village school is excellent. Besides which, Mrs Boynton is one of the kindest people you could wish to meet.’

  ‘But the gent who owns the house might not be happy to have my nippers foisted on him.’

  ‘Dr Neville is a friend of mine and I know he’d agree with me. In fact, I’ll go and see him first to get his permission, but I know he won’t object.’

  Hilda dashed tears from her eyes. ‘Why would you do this for me? We were strangers before the accident.’

  ‘You’re someone in need of help. That’s what nursing is all about, Hilda. The surgeons can fix your bones, but a broken heart is another matter. If your children were taken into the workhouse it would be the worst thing that could happen, apart of course from losing your husband.’

  ‘I’ll miss him, of course, but my old man was no good as a provider. He could charm the birds from the trees if he put his mind to it, but a good husband he weren’t, nor a good father neither.’ Hilda reached out to grasp Daisy’s hand. ‘Take care of my nippers and I’ll be grateful to you for evermore. I can’t say truer than that.’

  Daisy gave her an encouraging pat. ‘Leave it to me, Hilda. I won’t see you for a day or so, but if Sister Johnson gives me leave of absence I’ll take the children to Creek Hall today.’

  ‘And if she don’t?’

  ‘I’ll go anyway, but don’t worry, I’m sure I can persuade her to let me do the right thing.’

  Despite the fact that she arrived in Harley Street during surgery hours, Nick had Daisy shown into his consulting room.

  ‘What is it, Daisy? What’s happened?’ He gave her a searching look. ‘You’d better sit down and tell me.’

  ‘It’s to do with that dreadful accident on Saturday. I saw Hilda on the ward after her operation, and she was in a terrible state worrying about her children, so I said I’d check on them for her.’

  ‘That was good of you.’

  ‘I felt it was the least I could do so I went to Green Dragon Street and found them living in the most horrible conditions imaginable. The eldest is only nine or ten and she was trying to look after the little ones. I think they would have starved to death if they’d been left alone much longer.’

  Nick perched on the edge of his desk. ‘Have they no one to look after them?’

  ‘Not a soul. The landlord has evicted the rest of the tenants so they’re completely on their own and he’s threatening to throw them out.’

  ‘So how can I help?’

  ‘I hardly slept last night for worrying about them, but it was Minnie who suggested that I take them home to Little Creek. The only problem is that my aunt and uncle are too old to look after such young children …’

  ‘And you thought of Mrs Bee. I know the way your mind works, Daisy, and I agree wholeheartedly. There’s precious little for her to do while I’m in London and I hadn’t the heart to sack Dove, knowing what a help she is to Mrs Bee.’

  ‘So you don’t mind?’

  ‘Of course not.’ He moved round the desk to take a seat, reached for pen and paper and began to write. ‘I would come with you, if it were possible, but sadly I have appointments booked all day. However, take this note to Mrs Bee and I know she’ll do her best by the children.’ He opened a drawer and took out a leather pouch. ‘I was going give her this money for housekeeping on my next visit home, but perhaps you could do it for me.’

  ‘Yes, of course I will.’

  He eyed her curiously. ‘How did Sister Tutor react when you asked for leave of absence?’

  ‘She wasn’t at all happy. She said I shouldn’t get involved in patients’ affairs, but when I told her of the children’s plight she said I could have two days off.’

  ‘She must think a lot of you to agree to such a thing.’

  ‘I was expecting her to refuse, but then I would have had to resign. I can’t leave those poor children alone in that terrible place. I’m going there now and I just hope their landlord isn’t around.’

  ‘Have you seen Toby yet? I know he’s been on night duty for nearly a month, but I’m sure he’d go with you if you managed to wake him.’

  ‘I knocked on his door before I came here, but there was no response. Toby always did sleep heavily.’

  ‘Have you enough money for the railway tickets?’

  Daisy bit her lip. She hated asking for a loan, but these were exceptional circumstances. ‘Actually, I’m afraid I was going to impose on your good nature.’

  ‘Nonsense. That’s what friends are for. Take what you need from the pouch. I’ll make up the difference next time I return home.’

  ‘Thank you, Nick. You’re a true friend.’ Daisy rose to her feet. ‘I’m sorry I interrupted your consultations.’

  ‘I’ve always got time for you, Daisy.’ He pushed back his chair and stood up. ‘But I’d like to take you out to tea on Sunday, if you’re free.’

  ‘I’d like that, although a picnic in Hyde Park would be nice, and it would cost less.’

  ‘Has anyone ever told you what a remarkable person you are, Daisy?’

  ‘Yes, often,’ she said, laughing. ‘Only Jonah Sawkins doesn’t count, and anyway he’s got his sights set on Ivy, poor girl.’

  Nick opened the door and followed her into the waiting room. ‘Do I know the fellow?’

  ‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘And you don’t want to.’ She was suddenly aware that two elegantly dressed ladies, seated on gilded chairs amongst potted palms, were staring curiously at them. ‘Thank you, Doctor,’ Daisy added in a more formal tone. ‘I’ll recommend you to all my friends and acquaintances. Good morning.’ She managed to keep a straight face until she stepped out onto the pavement, and she was still giggling as she climbed into the hansom cab and instructed the driver to take her to Green Dragon Street.

  Despite the fact that the children were terrified by the great iron beast of a steam engine when it roared i
nto the station, the rest of the journey to Little Creek was reasonably easy. The little ones slept for most of the time and Judy gazed out of the window, crying out excitedly at the sight of green fields dotted with woolly white sheep and cows placidly munching the grass. It had not occurred to Daisy that a child born and bred in the city might never have seen farm animals, but Judy was clearly enchanted by everything she saw. As luck would have it Grace Peabody was travelling on the same train and she pounced on Daisy, demanding to know everything from the time Daisy had left Creek Cottage until the moment she spotted her handing out buns to the children.

  ‘Well, Daisy, I’m proud of you for acting in such a Christian manner. My husband will doubtless use this story in his sermon on Sunday. I hope we’ll see you in the congregation.’ Grace sat down suddenly as the train slowed and came to a halt.

  ‘I’m afraid I only have permission to stay overnight and then I must return to my duties,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘But I’m sure that Dove will bring the little ones to Sunday school as soon as they’ve settled in.’

  ‘I suppose Dove Fox is a steady young person, unlike her elder brother, and Mrs Boynton is a good woman. I know she’ll do her duty as far as the children are concerned. Their mother must be very grateful to you for going to so much trouble.’

  Daisy glanced out of the window. ‘We’re here.’ She felt her spirits lift as she gazed at the neatly kept station with its flowerbed surrounded by small rocks painted white. Daffodils swayed in the breeze and the trees behind the stationmaster’s house were bursting into leaf. She had always thought of herself as a city girl, but she realised with a sense of surprise that she had missed the countryside even though she had only been gone for such a short time.

  ‘My husband is meeting me with the pony and trap.’ Grace rose from her seat. ‘We could take you to Creek Hall. The babies look far too tired to walk all that way.’

  ‘That would be very kind,’ Daisy said reluctantly. She had been looking forward to a walk along the river-bank and through the wood, but she had to admit that Pip and Nate, the two youngest, would never manage such a long trek.