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  ‘Of course! You both have impeccable taste. Exchange dresses and both of you would look perfect frights.’

  ‘Not very diplomatic,’ commented Alistair. ‘But true.

  The maids had collected the outdoor clothes and were away with them to the closet near the front door. The two families, chattering amongst themselves, went into the drawing-room. As everyone found chairs, John and James started serving Madeira.

  ‘We told you, Father,’ said James.

  ‘What’s that?’ asked John, knowing full well what his son was getting at but hoping he would not draw attention to it.

  ‘Uncle Albert has adopted the new trend.’

  John’s lips tightened as his family joshed him. Laughingly, Jennie explained what had transpired shortly before their friends arrived.

  ‘You’ve let me down, Albert,’ reprimanded John.

  ‘Sorry, but don’t you think I look smart? Time you shed some of that black.’

  John made no comment but looked accusingly at his family. ‘I think you had prior knowledge of this change.’

  ‘Who? Us?’ said James in mock innocence.

  ‘Or else you schemed with Uncle Albert,’ replied his father, suspicion in his eyes. He glanced at his friend who shrugged as if to say, I am innocent.

  The light-hearted tone of the evening was set. It continued in such a mood, conversation flowing easily but at times becoming tête-à-tête. When it was announced that dinner was served, John escorted Georgina; Albert, Jennie; James, Olivia; and Alistair, Pauline to the dining-room. While they followed the etiquette appropriate to their station in life, they had known each other long enough to dispense with some of the more formal rules and make this a relaxed occasion. The meal brought praise for Jennie who had chosen a menu that catered for all tastes, and equal praise for the accomplishment of her cook. Afterwards light-hearted chatter flowed, especially among the young ones, and everyone enjoyed songs round the piano, gracefully accompanied by Lena.

  ‘We’ve done well, Albert,’ commented John quietly but with great satisfaction, his glance taking in their wives, deeply engrossed in chatter that was meant only for women’s ears. His gaze moved to their offspring, laughing together over a game of cards. ‘And those four couldn’t do better than to pair up,’ he added, inclining his head in the direction of the group.

  ‘Aye, I agree. It would give me great satisfaction to see our families united and our firms continuing to thrive in friendly rivalry. Sadly for that scheme, Alistair has his heart set on being a successful doctor and, though he understands the business to some extent, has little interest in taking over from me. But I’ve always believed, let your children do what they want and they will succeed. Let parents advise only if advice is wanted.’

  ‘You’re an understanding man, Albert. I’m sure you are seeing the results of that in the way Alistair is making such a success of his chosen departure. As far as my firm is concerned, I’m pleased James has always shown a great interest in it, though his father and grandfather were not men of the sea. He has applied himself well and is proving very capable.’

  When Christmas Eve had nearly slipped away, John recharged all their glasses and in the first seconds of the new day he raised his own: ‘A Merry Christmas to you all.’

  Greetings were exchanged, with kisses and laughter all round, then Jennie called, ‘To the servants,’ and led the way through the house to the servants’ quarters where they were gathered around the table in the centre of their dining hall. Jennie knew that such gestures, along with careful consideration of their terms of employment, kept her servants loyal and happy.

  After greetings had been exchanged below stairs, the two families settled down again in the drawing-room for another hour before Georgina finally made a move to leave.

  As they donned their outdoor clothes for the short walk home she took Jennie’s hands in hers. ‘This has been a wonderful evening, and I’m only sorry that Albert and I won’t be coming with you to Scotland. I felt I should stay and be near my niece when her baby is born, as her only relative.’

  ‘I’m sorry too,’ replied Jennie. ‘I do hope all goes well for her.’

  ‘Thank you. And thank you too for including Olivia and Alistair in your visit north.’

  ‘It wouldn’t be the same without taking some of you; it has become such a tradition.’

  ‘There is no need for them to stay here, and I know they are looking forward to it as usual.’

  John finally announced, ‘If we don’t see you tomorrow, we’ll pick Olivia and Alistair up at ten-thirty on Boxing Day.’

  ‘Where’s Lena?’ said Alistair as goodbyes were being made.

  She appeared from the closet beside the front door. ‘Right behind you,’ she said, laughter on her lips as she brought out a sprig of mistletoe from behind her back and held it over her head. Alistair was not going to miss this opportunity. He kissed her full on her lips as lively comments flowed from the others.

  ‘Do you want it, Olivia?’ cried Lena, tossing the sprig to her friend.

  Her eyes were bright as she caught it and held it over her head to receive the kiss she wanted from James. She looked round. ‘It’s yours, Mama!’ She tossed it in the air.

  Georgina held it and a moment later felt Albert’s lips on hers, but before she could pass it to John he’d taken it from her, turned to his wife, held it over her head and kissed her. ‘For my favourite Scottish lass!’ he said proudly.

  Jennie’s eyes were bright. ‘And may we exchange many more of those in the Christmases to come.’

  Their friends were departed; their children gone to their own rooms. John closed the bedroom door and came over to Jennie who was sitting in front of her dressing-table, combing her hair. He stood behind her and held the sprig of mistletoes over her head again, leaning down to kiss her neck. She stayed still for a few moments, enjoying the touch of his lips, and then slowly stood up and embraced him.

  ‘Now enjoy Hogmanay in Dundee,’ he whispered.

  ‘I will if you are there,’ she replied quietly as she slid her arms round his neck and looked deep into his eyes. ‘I love you, John Carnforth. Thank you for coming into my life and staying there.’

  Chapter Two

  John surveyed the clear sky with a sailor’s experienced eye as he and his family walked on the West Cliff during the early-afternoon of Christmas Day. The morning had been devoted to their final packing for their journey to Dundee and now they enjoyed relaxing in each other’s company.

  ‘Should be fine for our ride to York tomorrow,’ he commented.

  ‘And hopefully for the rest of our journey,’ added Jennie.

  At ten-thirty the following day, at precisely the time John had stated, the coach he had hired from the White Horse hostelry in Church Street pulled up outside their residence in New Buildings on the West Cliff. Amidst all the bustle and excitement their luggage was carefully stored on top of the coach.

  ‘Have you wrapped up well against this fog?’ Jennie asked her daughter as she came downstairs.

  ‘Yes, Mama,’ replied Lena in a jocular tone, displaying her grey coat with its three layers of shoulder capes. Embellished with large buttons down the front, it flared slightly from the waist to the top of her black shoes. The comfortable sleeves had deep cuffs. She wore dark blue gloves to complement her close-fitting bonnet.

  ‘There’s a breeze, Mama,’ called James, coming out of the drawing-room, pulling on a pair of leather gloves. ‘It’ll blow the fog away.’

  ‘Maybe,’ she returned doubtfully. ‘But it’s cold, and could be colder still across the moors.’

  ‘You’re looking quite elegant, brother,’ commented Lena. ‘Trying to impress our cousins or the Scottish lasses?’ She hesitated a moment and then added teasingly, ‘Oh, maybe the new coat’s to attract Olivia’s attention?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter whose, so long as you like it,’ he said.

  ‘Very smart.’ She admired the tight black frockcoat as he strutted around the
hall. ‘And it goes well with those grey-striped trousers.’

  ‘Come along, come along!’ The urgency in John’s tone as he came through the front door put an end to all exchanges of compliments.

  Servants bustled around, seeing to the family’s final needs and plying Jennie and Pauline with rugs as they settled in the coach. A few moments later the coachman sent the horses forward and in a matter of minutes they were outside the Nashes’ house. More luggage was stowed; greetings between the two families soon giving way to goodbyes.

  ‘Sorry not to be coming! Have a safe journey,’ called Albert and Georgina as the coach rumbled away and gained momentum.

  The coachman urged the two horses on the climb out of Whitby but once they had reached the moorland heights he allowed them to settle into an easier pace. Similarly the excitement inside the coach at the start of the ‘adventure’ quietened somewhat, though conversation still flowed easily. John showed concern for everyone’s comfort by occasionally asking them if they were warm enough, especially when they experienced dampness from the persistent fog on the heights. Once they started to negotiate the long incline towards the market town of Pickering they began to leave the mist behind. Though it was still cold and they did not see blue sky as they had done yesterday, they were thankful at least that it was not freezing. They stopped at the White Swan for warming drinks and then made quicker progress across the flat country to York.

  Silence descended on the coach as it eventually pulled up outside the Royal Station Hotel.

  ‘This looks magnificent,’ commented Jennie, her eyes wide with wonder as she surveyed the impressive architecture.

  ‘Should be,’ observed John. ‘It was only built last year. The station is just behind so is very handy for tomorrow. I want you all to enjoy this evening.’

  His requests, made previously by letter, were all fulfilled and his generous tips on arrival ensured they were well looked after by the staff, who were also very helpful the next day when the visitors left for Edinburgh where they were to stay the night.

  The journey north remained uneventful. Although it was familiar to them from previous years they always found it interesting, looking out for new landmarks while recognising those that were more enduring.

  Reaching Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they quickly transferred to the Royal British Hotel. Once again John saw to their well-being and, after the evening meal, when they were all seated in the lounge, he reached into his pocket.

  ‘These are for your onward journey to Dundee in the morning,’ he announced as he handed four tickets to James. ‘I’m sorry your mother and I will not be travelling with you but I had an invitation to meet Charles McVee with whom I have a trading venture. He suggested we might meet when he learned I would be in Edinburgh. It will give us the opportunity to clear up some final points and then seal the deal to our mutual satisfaction.’

  ‘Would you like me to stay, Father?’ offered James.

  ‘Not at all, but thank you for the thought! I know you are very familiar with what is in hand and the progress we have made, but there is nothing to keep you here. Your cousins have organised a special party for you young ones tomorrow, starting in the afternoon, so you be on that train in the morning. Your mother and I will catch the four-fifteen from Edinburgh and will join you later.’

  They spent a pleasant evening together and, when they rose to go to bed, Alistair and Olivia made a special point of thanking Mr and Mrs Carnforth for their kindness and hospitality.

  ‘Think nothing of it,’ replied John. ‘It is a pleasure having you both with us and I am sure you will have an enjoyable day tomorrow. You’ll know almost everyone there from previous years.’

  The following morning Jennie and John saw them off at the station. Jennie lingered long, watching the train until it had completely disappeared.

  ‘Come along, love,’ said John quietly, taking her arm.

  ‘Will they be all right?’ she asked, a catch in her voice.

  ‘Of course.’ He gave a little laugh at her concern. ‘They are young men and women, no longer children. And they have each other.’

  ‘But . . .’

  ‘There are no buts about it,’ he said. ‘Now fasten up that coat, the wind is getting a bit snarly.’ He reached out and gently fastened her thick coat at the neck. He held his finger at the last button after he’d fastened it and looked tenderly into her eyes. ‘Don’t worry, love, nothing’s going to happen to them.’ Oblivious to the other people on the station platform, he kissed her gently on the lips. ‘Now, let us enjoy the rest of our day.’

  ‘There they are!’ Lena was the first to spot her cousins among the people meeting the train from Edinburgh at Dundee station. Her smile broad with pleasure, she waved and then glanced at her brother. They had always got on well with their cousins, Avril, Fiona and Robbie, and knew they would spend a joyful New Year together. Not wanting her friend to be left out of the intimacy of the occasion, she held out her hand. Olivia, appreciating the meaning behind the gesture, took it gratefully

  Olivia and Alistair had first come north ten years ago with their father and mother to experience a Scottish New Year with Jennie’s brother’s family, and an immediate rapport had arisen between the MacBrides and the Nashes, with the result that the invitation to come for Hogmanay had been extended to the Nashes every year since.

  At fifty, Martin MacBride, a leading General Practitioner in Dundee, had a formidable reputation for getting things done to better the welfare of his city’s people. He would be at home, waiting to extend a warm Scottish welcome to the two families from England, and especially to his sister Jennie whom he knew would be arriving later in the day.

  ‘Come on!’ James said brightly as he slapped Alistair on the shoulder and matched the pace set by Lena and Olivia.

  The words that passed between them all were as warm and full of excitement as the hugs and kisses that were exchanged.

  ‘The carriage is waiting,’ announced Avril, the eldest girl, taking charge, and then she added with a teasing note in her voice, ‘It will be a bit of a crush but I don’t think any of us will mind that.’

  ‘I’m not having Fiona sitting on my knee,’ protested Robbie, the youngest.

  ‘I can think of better knees to sit on,’ she countered.

  ‘I’ll sit on it,’ offered Lena.

  ‘So I’ll have Avril,’ called Alistair, ‘and James can have Fiona.’

  ‘What about me?’ cried Olivia with mock hurt.

  ‘You’re the lucky one,’ teased James. ‘You’ll have a space all to yourself.’

  The mood for their New Year celebrations was set.

  Once they were settled and the coachman had set the horse away, Avril announced that all was ready for the party, which was to begin in the late-afternoon, and then asked, ‘Aunt Jennie and Uncle John will definitely be coming today?’

  ‘Oh, yes,’ answered Lena. ‘Papa is sorry they aren’t with us but this meeting was a chance he could not afford to miss. He said they would be on the train leaving Edinburgh at four-fifteen.’

  ‘Good.’ Enthusiasm rose in Avril’s voice as she added, ‘We’re going to have a splendid New Year.’ And everyone voiced their agreement with a cheer.

  Uncle Martin and Aunt Mary gave the four travellers from Whitby a warm welcome and, once they had settled in, Martin took Alistair into his study.

  ‘Sit down, young man, and tell me - are you happy in your studies with Doctor Jollif?’

  ‘Oh, yes, sir. He is most generous in imparting his knowledge and often allows me to sit in during his consultations and examinations.’

  ‘That is good. And you are still happy in your choice of profession?’

  ‘Yes. I wouldn’t want to pursue any other career. I would like to do for the people of Whitby what you have done, and are doing, in Dundee.’

  Martin smiled and gave a dismissive wave of his hand, trying to play down the compliment, but nevertheless felt proud that this young man wanted to be like hi
m. ‘I’m flattered, sir. And your father still has not raised any serious objections to your doctoring?’

  ‘No, sir. As you know, when I first announced that I wanted to be a doctor he told me he’d always hoped I would follow in his footsteps. But he quickly assured me, and still does, that I am free to pursue whatever course I wish.’

  ‘A very understanding man.’ Martin nodded his approval. ‘Others would have been more than annoyed that an only son did not follow his father into a thriving business. I wonder what he will do with it when he decides to retire?’

  Alistair’s reply was never uttered for at that moment there was a knock on the door and Mary walked in. Both men immediately rose to their feet.

  ‘Now, Martin, you should not be keeping this young man from enjoying himself. Our New Year’s celebrations are starting. I told you, all medical talk is forbidden unless you have an urgent call - which, please God, you won’t.’

  ‘But, Mary . . . ’

  ‘Don’t “but Mary” me. What we agreed, and you approved, stands.’ She drew herself up, her eyes sharp, deterring any objections he might try to raise. The formidable medical man of Dundee was putty in her hands. She knew it and loved him for it, as well as revelling in his devotion. ‘Off with you, Alistair.’ She shooed him from the room, then turned to her husband with eyes now softened with admiration. She came over to him and kissed him. ‘Enjoy yourself with your family and friends. Let Dundee look after itself.’

  Martin liked being among the younger generation and his lively wit and humour endeared him to them all. They knew he would discreetly absent himself from their celebrations when the time was right. They, in their turn, were respectful and appreciative of all the effort he and his wife had gone to today.

  The main room had been cleared of furniture and was given over to dancing. Tables in the dining-room had been arranged and set to accommodate twenty-seven young people and the four more mature adults who would dine with them when John and Jennie arrived from Edinburgh. Two drawing-rooms were available for relaxation and conversation, and the parlour would soon ring to a sing-song around the piano. The young guests started arriving at five o’clock and soon there was a buzz of excitement and enjoyment as the party got underway. No one noticed the wind rising outside.