When the Heather Blooms (13 page)

‘That's a ring you're wearing, lassie! An engagement ring … Well I never.' She sat down with a thump and bounced up again, coming round the corner of the table to take Charlotte's hand and have a closer look at the two sparkling diamonds, then she hugged her warmly.

‘This is the surprise I've been wanting …'

‘It isna a surprise at all,' Lachie interrupted over a mouthful of scone. ‘We knew – Mimi and Peter and me. We saw them kissing and cuddling.' Charlotte and Josh turned to him, eyes widening with shock as their minds flicked over a dozen possible scenarios. Mimi kicked him under the table.

‘You weren't supposed to tell,' she hissed.

‘Well, it's true.' Lachie said.

‘When was this then, Lachie?' Josh asked, recovering his composure and winking at Charlotte, noting her cheeks were hot with confusion.

‘We were helping Peter with the fencing on the other side of the wood and Charlotte walked over from Home Farm with wee Joe in his pram. I thought you were going to eat her,' he added.

‘That's enough from you, young man, or there'll be no chocolate buns,' Polly warned but her eyes were twinkling as she looked at her youngest son. ‘But I'll agree it's long overdue, Josh.' She was remembering the familiar way he had stroked Charlotte's hip and Josh knew what was in her mind. He grinned.

‘I know. We shall not waste any time now though. Before you ask, we're having a quiet wedding at the beginning of July, but I have a few changes to make before then.'

‘Aye, I suppose you will have,' Polly nodded. ‘You'll be needing a proper house for one thing, and maybe a garden.'

‘Something like that,' he nodded.

‘He never did tell us what he was doing until he had it all worked out in his head,' she said to Charlotte and changed the subject, or so she believed. ‘Mr Glenys has lost his wife. I hear he's giving up his wee farm and moving in with his sister. She lives on the other side o' Dumfries. I wonder who'll get Lintysmill, or if it will be to sell again,' she mused.

‘Why are you so interested in Lintysmill, Gran?' Fraser asked, passing his cup and saucer for a refill.

‘Because nobody ever heard who the good Samaritan was who bought it and let the Glenys stay on, for one thing, and for another the land joins Throstlebrae at the bottom. I wondered whether your father would be interested. He always says land is the best investment a man could have, in his opinion, that is.'

‘That's because he's a farmer,' Fraser grinned. ‘He's prejudiced.'

‘Aye, he was always determined to be a farmer, a bit like Peter here. Libby will be pleased you're engaged,' Polly added, turning back to Charlotte and the subject which was uppermost in her mind.     

The summer term was a busy one but for Charlotte the weeks seemed to fly past. She wished she had kept the piano and a few other things from her old home as Josh had wanted her to when she had sold everything to pay the debts her mother had left. Instead she stayed after school to practise the songs for the end of term concert on their piano. Morven was still living in the flat with her, and the girl's unhappy plight was the only thing which dimmed Charlotte's happiness. Donnie had refused to give up his motorbike. He clung to it like a small boy with a favourite teddy. Morven loved him and made the excuse he had never owned anything of his own before, but she wished he had not chosen a motorbike, or such a powerful one. He seemed unable to make any serious plans for their future.

‘Donnie is coming to get me this evening,' Morven announced wearily one Friday in mid-June. ‘We're going to look at a flat in the next block to where he stays. He says it's going cheap because it's in a poor state.'

‘I do hope it will be suitable.'

‘I doubt that, from the way he describes it,' Morven said, ‘but it's the first time he's looked for a place for us.'

‘We'll keep our fingers crossed. It may be better than you're expecting. Remember you can have my curtains and a few other things. Josh's mother is knitting a pram suit for the baby for the winter. Things will come all right, Morven.'

‘I pray they will.' Morven was near to tears and she looked exhausted. ‘I don't know what I'd have done without you, Charlotte. You're the best friend I've ever had. Here's Donnie now. I'd better go. Is Josh coming round?'

‘Yes, in about half an hour.'

‘We'll not be late. I hate riding pillion now that I feel so bulky.'

Charlotte listened for the usual roar as Donnie took off. It didn't come so she glanced out of the window. Morven was still standing on the pavement, Donnie was astride his motorbike and it was obvious they had quarrelled. Morven climbed onto the pillion brushing away tears with the back of one hand and clinging to Donnie with the other. He zoomed away with more noise than he normally made.

Josh was pleased to have Charlotte to himself for once, although he felt sympathy and concern for Morven. She was a bright, intelligent girl and she enjoyed her work with the children. It was still light at ten o'clock in mid-June so neither Charlotte nor Josh felt concerned when Morven had not returned.

‘Perhaps it's a nicer flat than she expected and they're measuring up windows and things,' Charlotte suggested. At half past eleven it was quite dark and Josh was preparing to go home. They were standing together in the hallway of the flat, locked in each other's arms, when the shrill ring of the telephone startled them.

Charlotte reached out for the receiver, still within the circle of Josh's arm. He felt her tense.

‘A-a crash? Hospital?' she repeated. ‘Is she … are they …?' the blood had drained from her face and she was glad of the support of Josh's arm. He moved closer to listen with her.

‘Ask which hospital,' he whispered. ‘I'll take you. Tell them we're coming now.'

Chapter Twelve

The nurse's expression reflected Morven's grave condition.

‘Miss MacRory is asking for you, Miss Crainby. Perhaps your presence will calm her, but time is precious. The doctors are going to operate.

Charlotte stifled a gasp of dismay. Morven was barely conscious and one eye was covered. She opened the other.

‘Charlotte …' she breathed. ‘Thank you …' Her words came with an effort but she seemed desperate to communicate. ‘My baby … If I die …'

‘No, no,' Charlotte began but the nurse indicated she should listen. ‘They're going to take it away.  Don't let them put it in a home …'

‘Don't distress yourself, my dear,' the nurse soothed. ‘The doctors need to operate to save your baby.'

‘Not a home … not like Donnie.' Morven fixed her eye on Charlotte's face. ‘Promise you'll …?'

‘We must ask you to leave now, Miss Crainby, Mr Pringle. The doctors are waiting.' Morven tried to protest. ‘You will see your friends in a wee while,' the nurse soothed. She inclined her head towards Charlotte. ‘There is no time to lose. ‘I shall come back to you in a few minutes.'

Charlotte's eyes widened when the nurse returned accompanied by a priest.

‘Morven isn't a Catholic,' she stammered.

‘No, my child, but I met Donnie at the school where he worked. He had no family I believe. He attended services in our church sometimes. I was here when they were brought in.'

‘I-I see.' Charlotte murmured.

‘It was a nasty accident …' Josh's heart sank and he moved closer, putting a protective arm around her shoulders as the priest went on. ‘His motorbike hit a telegraph pole and somersaulted into a timber yard. I understand Donnie was killed instantly.'   

‘Oh no! Poor Morven …'

‘I have to tell you …' the nurse looked at Josh, then turned to Charlotte. ‘The doctors do not think your friend will live till morning. I'm so sorry. The doctors are doing all they can. It may be possible to save the baby but it is premature and …'

‘I-I see.' Charlotte's face was deathly white.

‘Miss MacRory has no family?'

‘No, her grandmother brought her up. She's dead.'

‘She cannot realise what she is asking of you. Father Turnbull, may I leave you to explain?'

‘What about?' Charlotte looked from the nurse to the priest.

‘If Miss MacRory regains consciousness she may plead with you to care for her baby. It is difficult to refuse a request when a person is dying. As a single woman I don't think you would be permitted to adopt a child who is unrelated to you. You must not feel compelled to make promises which may distress you later.'

‘Miss Crainby and I are to be married in less than a month,' Josh interrupted. ‘But this has all come as a shock, Father …'

‘I understand, but unless God performs a miracle, I fear there is little time to consider the implications. If you wish to avoid making promises to a dying girl I suggest you leave now.'

‘I can't do that!'

‘We should like some time alone to – to talk.' Josh said. His arm tightened around Charlotte.

‘Very well, but it is my duty to explain the commitment which would be required …'

‘We work with children, Father, and we are not feckless teenagers to take on responsibility without careful thought.'

‘I see.' The priest looked at Josh with reluctant respect. ‘I will ask one of the nurses to send in some tea.'

As the door closed behind him Josh and Charlotte looked at each other, then he enfolded her in his arms and held her close. He felt her trembling. They clung together, struggling to make sense of the night's events.

‘Sometimes it's difficult to believe there is a God,' Charlotte murmured. ‘Where is His mercy now?'

‘I know, my darling, and yet I feel there has to be.' Josh knew he would never have got through his time in the RAF had he not clung to his belief there was a greater power than man. He cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. ‘Perhaps even now He is working out some purpose beyond our comprehension. Whatever you decide Charlotte, I want you to know you have my support.'

‘You mean if the baby survives? If … if I promise to take care of it?'

‘I shall be with you every step of the way,' Josh said with quiet assurance. ‘Bringing up a child affects both our lives. It must be a joint decision. I would have preferred a little time on our own together and time to consider such an important issue, but I doubt if we shall have that option.'

‘Josh …' Charlotte considered her words with care, ‘we have just got used to the idea of getting married, but – but do you think you would ever have considered adopting a child?'

Josh pondered the question. ‘It's not something I've thought about, but yes, I might have done. If you wanted to adopt a child I would have considered it.' He thought of his mother and knew she would be against such a proposal. ‘I know how fond you are of children, Charlotte. I remember you considered teaching children who needed help.'

‘Yes, ever since I was in the Swiss clinic I've thought I would like to do that.' ‘Then perhaps we should consider adopting Morven's child if it is necessary.'

‘I have the money I was saving to buy a house,' Charlotte said, considering the practical aspects, ‘but I know that will not last for ever. Do you think we can afford to keep a child and educate it? Would you mind the sacrifices?'

‘We can afford a child,' Josh assured her. ‘Money is not an issue. In fact there are several things we need to discuss. This is neither the time nor the place but I think we might enjoy having a small person to care for. I've seen how tenderly you look at wee Joe and Molly.' He broke off as the nurse brought in tea. ‘I'm ready for a drink. The decision will be taken out of our hands if the baby doesn't survive. We must consider that too.' Charlotte caught her breath. She hadn't.

They had barely time to drink their tea when one of the doctors came in.

‘Miss MacRory is asking for you. She is drifting in and out of consciousness. I will take you to her now. There may not be much time …'

‘Thank you,' Josh said. They followed the doctor.

‘You may see the baby later if you wish. She has been taken to the special care unit. She is as well as can be expected in view of the trauma. The next twenty-four hours will be crucial.'

Morven had no tubes in her now. She looked almost like a wax doll, lying lifeless in the white bed. Charlotte moved to her side and lifted one limp hand from the coverlet. Morven opened her eye.

‘Charlotte … you came.' Her voice was little more than a whisper. She gave a faint sweet smile, like a trusting child, Charlotte thought. She had difficulty holding back her tears. ‘Baby girl …' Morven murmured, her gaze fixed on Charlotte's face. There was no doubting the unspoken question. Josh moved closer. She looked up at him in silent pleading. His eyes were filled with sadness. Morven looked little more than a child as she lay there and she seemed to be fading away before their eyes.

‘We shall take care of her, Morven,' Charlotte said clearly. She felt a faint squeeze from Morven's fingers. ‘Josh … will make a lovely daddy,' she whispered, her gaze moved to Josh's face and back to Charlotte's. ‘Thank you …' Her eyelids closed. A few moments later she murmured, ‘Lucy … yours now.' They were the last words Morven MacRory would utter. Father Turner stepped forward.

‘We will say the Lord's Prayer together for the mother who has given her daughter into your keeping. May God grant you strength and wisdom.' They bowed their heads in prayer.

They were only allowed to look through the window at the baby. She seemed to be in some sort of glass bubble and her tiny body appeared to have tubes sprouting everywhere. Charlotte caught her breath.

A cheerful nurse came out of the unit to speak to them.

‘She looks a poor wee soul just now but in a month's time she'll be just like every other baby.'

‘Do you really believe that?' Charlotte asked.

‘Indeed I do m'dear. I'm not saying she doesn't need careful nursing, but we shall give her that.' She sounded so matter of fact that Charlotte felt hope surging through her. Josh took her arm and led her away.

‘I'll stay with you tonight, Charlotte, shall I?'

‘Oh yes please, Josh. I don't think I shall sleep anyway but I don't want to be alone.'

‘If I'm honest, neither do I,' Josh admitted. ‘Death is such a final thing and Morven had barely begun to live her life.'

‘I think Morven intended us to name the baby Lucy, don't you?' Charlotte said much later when they were curled in bed together.

‘Yes, Lucy is a nice name. Do you mind?'

‘No. I like it. Do you think we could ask the minister here to baptise her very soon?'

‘I think that would be wise.'

Charlotte was glad they had settled for a quiet wedding but even that seemed to demand more time and preparation than either of them had anticipated. Mimi had agreed to be a bridesmaid so long as she could wear a long dress.

‘I don't mind,' Charlotte told Mary, ‘I'm wearing a ballet-length dress and I've got a frivolous little hat to match.'

‘The main thing is that you're both happy, lass,' Willie said, drawing contentedly on his pipe. ‘And I've never seen Josh looking so pleased.'

‘Molly is going to be a flower girl,' Charlotte told them.

‘It's a good job it will only be family,' Mary laughed. ‘I think two-year-old Molly may take more watching than Mimi realises.'

Charlotte was grateful when Libby and Victoria offered to deal with the arrangements to be made at Darlonachie. Everything was to take place so soon after the end of term. The school concert had to go ahead despite the grief and trauma of Morven's death. The headmistress was depending on Charlotte to accompany the children's singing but she always needed to practice her music. She was a competent pianist but she knew her limitations.

Josh and Charlotte had expected to be the only mourners at the joint funeral but there were members of staff from both schools and a number of parents were there from Morven's school. Some of them were in tears as they recounted how much their children had loved their young teacher.   

During the last week of term Charlotte cleared her flat and moved her possessions in with Josh. They went regularly to see baby Lucy but for a few days they almost despaired of her survival when she developed an infection which affected her breathing. Despite the reassurance of the sister in charge they were filled with anxiety.

‘Now you go off and get married and enjoy your honeymoon,' sister advised when Lucy began to improve again. ‘The wee one will be all right with us and there's nothing you can do, even if you are here. Take my advice; you'll have plenty of work and worry when she's ready to go home with you.'

 So Josh booked a honeymoon in Switzerland, knowing Charlotte wanted to pay a visit to the clinic there and also to see more of the country and the mountains. He had been quieter than usual during the last week of term and Charlotte wondered whether his mother's views on adoption were giving him cause to regret his decision. Charlotte steeled herself to ask him.

‘I have no regrets. I think we shall enjoy having a child of our own. I knew my mother would not approve. She has led a sheltered life and she's a different generation. There was nearly always some relation or other to bring up an orphaned child, but that didn't always mean the child was wanted or loved. When my mother sees wee Lucy she will love her as she loves her other grandchildren, so don't you worry, sweetheart.

‘So what is bothering you then, Josh?' He looked at her.

‘Something I should have told you a long time ago,' he said. ‘Several things have happened and they're forcing me to make a major decision now. I have to learn to consult you. This decision affects both of us and more than anything in the world, I want you to be happy, Charlotte.'

‘I am happy, Josh. I know all about getting married, thanks to you,' she grinned, ‘so I'm not nervous about it. I think Lucy will make the biggest change in our lives.'

‘You're right there,' Josh agreed. ‘This place is not suitable for a child for a start. Charlotte, do you remember once telling me you couldn't wait to get away from Darlonachie?'

‘Yes. I thought everybody despised me because I was my mother's daughter. It hasn't been like that though. Whenever we go back people are always friendly.'

‘They respect you for selling everything to pay off your mother's debts. They like you for the person you are, not for who your mother was. Just as my mother learned to love you and welcome you into her family.'

‘Yes, I shall always be grateful for that. I know you couldn't have been happy if your mother had disliked me, as she did my mother.'

‘It would have made things difficult,' Josh admitted, ‘and I would not have asked you to make the choice I'm going to put to you now.'

‘You did say you would go back to Darlonachie one day, I remember,' Charlotte smiled, ‘so the answer is yes, before you even ask. If that's where you want to live, then I'll be happy to be wherever you are, dearest Josh. But what would you do about your work? I wouldn't like being left alone all week and having a weekend husband.'

‘Neither would I,' Josh answered with feeling and pulled her onto his lap. It was a little while before they resumed their discussion.

‘I've been offered a job as a physics teacher but I have to decide soon.'

‘Wouldn't that be a step backwards?'

‘Depends how you look at it. I enjoy teaching and seeing my pupils progress and helping the ones who have difficulties. I think the satisfaction will make up for a lot. Besides, there're other things I'd like to do. I miss not having a garden and I'd like Lucy to enjoy the freedom of the countryside, as we did when we were children.'