A Family For Christmas (33 page)

As they made their way back to the shop, they
heard the maroon being fired, followed by the pounding of feet on the cobbles. James stopped
dead so that Eliza cannoned into him.

‘Hey, careful,' she muttered, but
James was staring transfixed as the rescue boat was launched. ‘Come along,' she
urged. ‘It's time we were getting back.'

Reluctantly he nodded and followed her.

Next morning, the weather was brighter, bringing
customers and all their news to the shop once more. A fisherman, desperate to feed his family,
had set sail only to be caught up in a storm the previous day. The lifeboat had been launched
and, much to the community's relief, the man and his boat had been rescued.

‘Such brave men risking their lives, else
poor Mrs Hook would have been a widow this morning, and her with thirteen mouths to feed,'
one woman whispered to Nan. ‘Waves washing right over the harbour wall, they were, then
this morning sea's calm as a millpond. Beggars belief, doesn't it?'

‘It does indeed, Mrs Cutler. Now what can I get you?'
Nan enquired.

While Nan attended to the customer and Grandfa
took her husband behind his screen for a consultation, Eliza tidied the shelves and thought
about James. It was a shame he'd had to leave just as they were getting comfortable with
each other. It had made her aware of two things, though. Although they'd spent many
evenings walking around Follytown collecting flowers and chatting, they hadn't really
found out much about each other. More importantly, she really wanted to get to know him
better.

As if her thoughts had conjured him up, the
little bell over the door tinkled and there he was.

‘James, what are you doing here?' she
cried, hurrying over to greet him. ‘Did you not get back to Follytown last
evening?'

‘I did, but I've been busy since. Oh,
Eliza, I have so much to tell you,' he said, his eyes bright with excitement.

An equally surprised Nan looked up from serving
her customer and smiled. ‘It's almost noon, Eliza. Take James upstairs and make a
brew. I've left a plate of sandwiches ready, but kindly leave some for our luncheon
too,' she said, wagging her finger at them.

‘So what brings you here on a
workday?' Eliza asked, once they were settled in the easy chairs with their mugs of
tea.

‘After I left you yesterday, I went back
and watched the lifeboat. Those men were so capable and calm, even though the waves were
breaking right over their boat. They're doing something worthwhile with their lives,
Eliza, and it got me thinking.'

Eliza's heart nearly stopped. ‘You don't mean
…?' she whispered, hardly daring to go on.

‘Well, it's early days. Before I can
volunteer I need to be living in Salting Regis. You have to be on the spot when the
maroon's fired, you see. Anyhow, I've spoken to Father and he's agreed I can
work alongside him in his shop and have my old room back. The guv wasn't happy when I said
I was leaving, but I've finished my apprenticeship so there was nothing he could do. He
was more understanding when I explained I intended training for the lifeboats, though, and
wished me well.'

‘But isn't it dangerous?' she
asked.

‘Not if you do what you're told. They
have very strict rules about safety and such. Anyhow, I've to speak to the coxswain this
afternoon. Oh, Eliza, I'm so excited. If I'm accepted for training, I shall be doing
something rewarding with my life. Plus …' He got up and pulled her to her feet,
nearly spilling her tea over the rug.

‘Careful,' she said, but he was too
excited to pay any attention and, taking the mug from her, whirled her round the room.

‘Don't you see? It means we shall be
able to see each other every day after work,' he cried, grinning from ear to ear. His
enthusiasm was so infectious, she couldn't help but smile back, even though a little knot
of worry was coiling itself like a snake in the pit of her stomach. Could she really bear the
thought of losing him now she'd finally found love? Didn't everyone she loved
disappear from her life one way or another?

Sitting at ‘their' table,
chocolatini in front of them, Eliza listened as James told her he was to report to the lifeboat
station for training the next day. He was so excited he could hardly sit still, and it was some
moments before he noticed her lack of enthusiasm.

‘I thought you'd be pleased for
me,' he said.

‘I am,' she answered carefully,
staring down at her drink.

‘But …?' he persisted.

‘It sounds so dangerous, going out in heavy
seas to rescue sailors who've themselves fallen victim of the same weather.' And
everyone I get close to disappears, one way or another, she thought. He smiled and took her
hand.
And I can't face losing you
, the voice in her head screamed.

‘So you do care a little for me,
then?' he teased. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and nodded. ‘Well,
that's good to know. And you needn't worry about safety. Most of the crew are
seasoned fishermen used to sailing in all conditions, and there are cork lifebelts to wear.
Besides, the lifeboats are now purpose built and self-righting since that tragedy when some of
the boatmen perished. They were on service to a barque carrying emigrants bound for Australia
and …'

‘But what happens if you're out when
it gets dark?' she interrupted.

‘Oh, Eliza, you are a worry pot,' he
laughed. ‘The
lighthouses display leading
lights to guide vessels into port. Now come along, drink up or Carla will be after us and
we'll be up the creek without a paddle,' he laughed. ‘Get it? Boats and up the
creek …'

‘If that was meant to be a joke, it was the
worst one I've ever heard,' she admonished.

‘I love it when you're angry,'
he grinned. ‘Those pretty hazel eyes of yours spark with gold and the way you're
pouting those rosebud lips makes me want to kiss you right this minute.'

‘James Cary!' she cried, peering
around in case anyone had heard.

‘Well, if a chap can't tell his girl
how attractive she looks, then it's a rum deal. Rum deal, get it?' he chortled.
‘Sailors' grog; rum …'

‘James Cary, this boating lark's gone
to your head.'

‘Sorry, Eliza. I meant what I said about
you being pretty, though.'

She snorted and lifted her heavy boot.
‘With this? Hardly.'

He frowned. ‘I think you make too much of
that. Oh, I know you limp sometimes when the weather's cold or you're tired, but you
really are an attractive young lady.'

‘I wish you wouldn't tease me
so,' she muttered, looking down at her drink.

‘Seems to me someone's done their
best to knock the confidence out of you,' he said. ‘One day, I will make you see you
are the most desirable woman in Salting Regis. Now, as Nan's given you the rest of the
afternoon off, let's go and see Father and tell him my good news.'

She stared at him in surprise, remembering her
last
visit. ‘Apparently all I've been
doing is talking about you and he said he'd like to see you again.'

This time James's father greeted Eliza with
more warmth and was overjoyed to hear his son's news.

‘That's grand, lad. You must be proud
of him, Eliza,' he said, turning his gaze on her. She nodded but his eyes narrowed.
‘You are pleased, I take it?'

‘As long as he doesn't take any
risks, though how I'll feel when I hear the maroon go up …'

‘'Tis your place to support him, my
girl,' Mr Cary cut in.

‘Hey, they haven't taken me on for
definite yet,' James pointed out.

‘They will, strapping lad like you. Why,
you were practically born sailing and rowing. Eliza, why don't you make us some tea while
James tells me more about his training?' he suggested, nodding towards the scullery.

Feeling she'd been dismissed, Eliza did as
he'd suggested. The kitchen area was tiny, every surface littered with dirty dishes. She
was really going to have to keep her fears to herself in future, she thought, automatically
clearing away and giving the grimy surfaces a wipe before setting out the tea things. Carefully,
balancing three full mugs, she made way back to the workroom. The men were deep in conversation
but stopped abruptly.

‘Have I interrupted something?' she
asked. The two men exchanged glances then James shook his head.

‘Father was just saying that now I'm
working with him he might introduce a new line he's been thinking of making. Seems before
he can start, though, he needs a small foot to measure. Unfortunately, mine's too
big,' he
said, laughing down at his size
elevens. Eliza stared down at her built-up boots and grimaced.

‘I'd offer but, as you can see, my
feet wouldn't be much use.'

Mr Cary looked at her foot. ‘Happen
they'd do just fine, but to make sure, would you mind me taking off them boots so I can
take a look?' Eager to do something right, Eliza placed her mug on the bench and perched
on his stool.

‘Nice bit of craftsmanship,' he said,
studying them. ‘How do you find they fit?'

‘They're much better than the ones I
had before, though I still walk like a clumsy clod, especially when it's cold.'

The man frowned then bent and placed her foot on
his knee. He twisted it this way and that, then shook his head.

‘Seen worse,' he finally muttered,
handing her back her boots.

‘Oh,' she said, slightly put out by
his off-hand manner. Then she saw James watching her. ‘Well, I hope that's been of
help,' she added politely.

‘Yes, ta,' the cobbler answered. Then
he turned to his son. ‘Well, you'd best let me get on if I'm to make a start
on that new line.'

‘Right, see you later then. Come on, Eliza,
I'll walk you home,' James said.

‘'Bye, Mr Cary,' Eliza said.
The man grunted, having already turned back to his workbench.

‘Well, that went well, didn't
it?' James said, as they made their way through the streets where the shopkeepers were
closing up for the night.

‘Do you think so?' she asked, recalling the way Mr
Cary had rebuked her.

‘Oh, yes, very well indeed,' James
said, taking her hand.

Eliza saw little of James over the next few
weeks and when they did meet, he looked tired and preoccupied. He blamed it on the new line his
father was introducing and the extra hours he was putting in training now that the Lifeboat
Institution had accepted him, but she wondered if she'd done something wrong.

Although business picked up in the shop, Nan
seemed to be spending more time upstairs, leaving Eliza to deal with the customers. Whenever she
asked Grandfa Sam if everything was all right, her questioning seemed to bring on a fit of
coughing, making her wonder if she'd outstayed her welcome.

One morning she decided she'd ask if they
wanted her to move on but as she opened the parlour door to offer her prepared speech she was
met with a chorus of

‘Happy birthday!'

‘Oh,' she gasped, staring at the
smiling faces of James, Grandfa Sam and Nan. ‘Is it my birthday?'

They burst out laughing.

‘Indeed it is,' James said, kissing
her cheek.

‘But shouldn't you be at work?'
she asked.

‘No, today is a special day. Now sit down
so we can tuck into Nan's special birthday breakfast. Then, if you eat up nicely, we might
have a few surprises for you,' he said.

‘Happy birthday, my dear,' Nan said,
placing a plate of bacon, eggs and fried bread in front of her.

‘And may you have many more, if it means we
get fed
like this,' Grandfa Sam added,
raising his mug. They all laughed and began eating.

‘That was delicious, Nan, thank you so
much. You have been so kind the least I can do is our dishes,' Eliza said, when
they'd finished eating.

‘You'll do no such thing on your
special day, my girl,' Nan chided. ‘You and Sam go and sit beside the fire while
James and I clear the table.'

‘But …' she began.

‘I wouldn't argue, Eliza. I never
do,' Sam said, sinking thankfully into his chair.

‘How true,' Nan laughed, collecting
up their plates and bustling from the room.

‘Happy birthday, Eliza,' Nan said,
reappearing moments later and handing her a neatly wrapped parcel.

‘Why, thank you,' she cried, tearing
at the string, then unfolding the paper. ‘Oh, they're beautiful,' she
whispered, holding up a sprigged cotton dress in peaches and cream along with a russet cape.

‘I hope you like them, dear. That's
what I've been making whilst you've been serving in the shop.'

‘But this material must have cost you a
pretty penny,' she murmured.

‘You've earned it and, besides,
we've not forgotten you donated that cloak of yours for the boxes. Think of it as a
combined birthday and Christmas present, for we never did get round to celebrating, did
we?' Grandfa Sam said.

‘Thank you,' she whispered, stroking
the soft material. ‘This stitching is so neat it must have taken you ages to do. I really
appreciate all your hard work, Nan,' she cried, jumping up and giving the woman a big
hug.

‘Hope I get the same treatment,' James teased,
handing her a large box. Inside was the most beautiful pair of leather shoes Eliza had ever
seen. They were a similar russet colour to the cape, fastened with the daintiest peach buttons.
Her heart jumped, then flopped.

‘These are gorgeous … but
shoes?' Wordlessly she lifted her twisted foot.

‘No buts,' James said. ‘Take
off your boots.'

She stared at him. He couldn't be teasing
her, surely?

‘Go on, girl,' Sam encouraged. James
kneeled in front of her and gently eased the shoes onto her feet. They fitted perfectly.

‘Right, now take a walk across the room so
we can all see,' he urged. Hesitantly she got to her feet and took a few steps. It felt as
if she was stepping on air.

‘I'm walking properly,' she
cried, but her words were lost amongst their cheers. ‘I can't believe it.' She
turned to stare at the grinning James. ‘But how …?'

‘Remember that new line Father was talking
about? Well, that was for you. I explained the trouble you had walking sometimes and asked if
there was anything we could do. That's why he wanted to inspect your foot,' he
grinned.

‘Why, you cunning …' she began,
realization dawning.

‘I was thinking more along the lines of
clever, handsome young man,' he quipped, and Nan snorted. ‘Anyway, Father said if we
carefully crafted the leather, taking your shape into account, there was no reason why we
shouldn't be able to make you a lighter pair of shoes. We burned many a candle till we got
them right, I can tell you. Now go and put on your new finery. Today, Eliza, you are to be
treated like a beautiful princess,' he declared.

‘Oh, thank you,' she cried, throwing herself into his
arms.

‘Well, that sure was worth all those
sleepless nights,' he laughed.

‘But what if I get them dirty?' she
asked, staring down at her shiny new shoes.

James rolled his eyes. ‘Then we'll
clean them.'

A weak winter sun was breaking through the
cloud, casting yellow rays over the calm waters as they strolled around the harbour.

‘This is the life,' Eliza exclaimed,
revelling in their unexpected time together. What a contrast it was to the moor, she thought,
thinking back to her birthday before last. Fay and Duncan had been so kind making a fuss of her
special day. It had been the first time since Grampy died that her birthday had even been
acknowledged, let alone celebrated. Last year had been horrible, with Amos suddenly disappearing
from the perfumery, but now James was making a fuss of her. As if picking up on her thoughts, he
turned to her and grinned.

‘Happy?'

‘More than I can say,' she said,
nodding to a customer out walking her dog.

‘And you're getting to know people
too, which is good,' he commented.

He began telling her about the men he now worked
with on the lifeboat and how friendly they were. Then he pointed to a large vessel below the
boat station, explaining how it was being checked over in case it should be needed for a rescue.
She could hear the enthusiasm in his voice,
see
the gleam in his eyes and realized just how much his confidence had increased since he'd
begun training. He looked so handsome in his navy jacket and light blue shirt, his dark hair now
neatly cut, just hitting the back of his collar, that her heart gave a flutter. She stared down
at her new outfit and beautiful shoes and for the first time truly felt she was worthy of being
seen with him. If only she didn't have this anxiety about his job hanging over her,
everything would be perfect.