Christmas Child: an absolutely heartbreaking and emotional Victorian romance by Carol Rivers (classic english novels txt) 📕

‘Indeed, indeed,’ agreed Lord Marsden, raising his hand for order. ‘Our monarch will begin the day with a private thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle. Our Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain has proposed that we celebrate with the representatives of all the countries in our magnificent Empire. The following day at Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria will entertain heads of state including Archduke Franz Ferdinand, at a state banquet.’

Ettie glanced at Mary who was idly inspecting her nails. That was, until the speaker, in a deeper and more energetic tone, added, ‘Therefore, Tuesday June 22nd, has been designated a public holiday.’

The gathering could not contain itself. Even Mary’s head came up with a snap. The applause was loud and the footmen and valets cheered. Even Mrs Powell, Ettie saw, made an exception of smiling, though the smile was brief. The two children tugged excitedly at their mother’s skirts and were eventually led off by Nanny.

‘My wife and I and the children have been invited to celebrate at parliament and will be away for the week. Therefore, you will all be given free time on Tuesday for your own celebrations. May we wish you a happy Diamond Jubilee in honour of our most beloved monarch.’ He offered a few private words to the butler, then gestured his wife to lead out the entourage.

The moment the last figure departed, a hubbub of excited chatter began.

‘We’re to have a holiday,’ Ettie said to Mary. ‘Isn’t that wonderful?’

‘Don’t know.’

‘It’s Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. We’ve been given permission to celebrate. Perhaps we could go up to the city?’

‘Then who’s gonna cook the dinners? And clean up after that?’

‘Cook will let us off for an hour or two, I’m sure.’

Mary frowned and tossed her head as if she didn’t care. But Ettie knew that she did. For regularly every morning now, it was Mary who visited the slops room. And Ettie guessed the reason why. Mary’s rosy cheeks, bright eyes and defiant expression as she tucked her hair into her cap, left very little to the imagination. Cook had labelled her only yesterday, as looking like the cat who’d got the cream.

And Ettie certainly wouldn’t disagree with Cook.

Chapter 63

Tuesday 22nd June arrived and Ettie could barely contain her excitement. She and Mary were to be released for the half day; and Jim had secured the use of the cart as transport for all the lowers. As it was such a special occasion, Ettie had arranged her copper-coloured waves into a neat plait that fell down her spine. She had borrowed a navy-blue skirt and white blouse from one of the nursery maids.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Mrs Powell jumps out of the bushes and stops us from going,’ said Mary as she took off her uniform. ‘This ain’t never happened before.’

‘There’s never been a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee before,’ Ettie reminded her friend.

‘Do I look all right?’ Mary pushed her hands over her green frock, the only one she possessed. ‘What about my hair?’

‘Shall I pin it up for you?’

Mary plonked herself down on the bed. ‘Put this slide into the back please.’ She fished in her pocket.

‘I’ve never seen you wear this clip before. It’s tortoiseshell, isn’t it?’

‘The fastening is broken.’

‘I’ll see what I can do.’

Ettie fought a hard battle to tame Mary’s wilful mop. But at last it was neatly pleated, with the exception of a few delicate tendrils over her ears. The clip though, refused to snap shut.

‘I’m not having much luck. I don’t trust it to stay in your hair.’

Mary’s brow furrowed as she gave an irritated sigh. ‘Well, if you can’t, you can’t, I s’pose.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Ettie apologized, not wanting Mary to fall into a mood. ‘If only we had a mirror, you could see how nice you look.’

Mary sprang to her feet. ‘I’ve got one.’ From under her pillow she drew out a small hand mirror.

‘It’s beautiful, Mary.’ Ettie admired the delicate pattern of tulips winding around the handle.

‘A gift from Jim,’ said Mary coyly. ‘It’s silver.’

‘He must think a lot of you.’

‘He does. He told me so.’ Mary gazed at her reflection. ‘You’re right, I don’t need the slide.’ She glanced at Ettie. ‘I’m glad we’ve made friends. I wasn’t very kind to you when you first came.’

‘We’re friends now and that’s all that matters.’

‘Ettie, I’ve never said this before, but don’t let no one walk all over you. Not like they’ve done to me.’ Mary’s eyes filled with tears.

Ettie placed the mirror and slide on the washstand. She put her arms around the stiff little figure. ‘Hush now, there’s nothing to be upset about. Today is very special.’

‘I know. And you are, too.’ She quickly stood up. ‘I’m going soft, that’s what I am. Come on, the others will be waiting.’

As Mary had predicted, Jim was downstairs, cap in hand. His hair was neatly combed to one side. He wore a smart grey suit that Ettie had never seen before. When Mary saw him, she looked happier than Ettie had ever seen her look before.

Ettie knew instantly that Jim and Mary had fallen in love. This must be the reason for her friend’s unusual behaviour. It seemed a true romance had blossomed, thanks to Jim’s persistence.

‘Well, then, shall we get going?’ Jim invited.

The two girls followed through the house to the boot room and garden beyond. Unlike Christmas Eve, when they had walked to church in the freezing cold, today was warm and overcast. Jim led the way to the cart in the lane, already crammed with the lowers. Ettie climbed into the rear. All heads turned in surprise as Mary took the dickie seat next to Jim.

Ettie’s heart lifted, for she understood that this was Mary’s way of telling everyone that she and Jim were a couple. What better occasion could there be for Mary to announce her feelings for Jim?

To add to the atmosphere of celebration, there was a bubble of excitement in every