Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage Read online

  Their parents decided that the money they had sitting in the bank could be put to good use if their sons could agree on what sort of business they wanted to set up. A year later, both Pete and David, two keen home brewers, bought out the small microbrewery at Middle Norton, just three miles away. It was a steep learning curve in the beginning, I think they would both admit that now, but they’ve expanded it way beyond the on-site store.

  It’s a firm reminder, though, not to take anything in life for granted, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

  ‘It’s a bit late for breakfast!’ Mrs Price’s voice reflects surprise as she walks towards the table. The hand that was halfway to my mouth stops dead, holding that last, buttery piece of sandwich and dripping tomato sauce onto the table.

  There is a moment or two of silence before Kurt speaks up.

  ‘It’s brunch, Mrs Price,’ he explains, sounding a tad guilty to have pulled us away from the task in hand. ‘The team were flagging, and we can’t have that. Can I get you a nice cup of Earl Grey tea?’

  Mrs Price has a soft spot for Kurt. As soon as her eyes land on him, that iron-rod back of hers seems to relax immediately and her mouth softens, the strained look evaporating away.

  ‘Oh, that would be lovely, thank you, Kurt.’

  Sarah immediately jumps up to give her place to Mrs Price, but Tollie is also on his feet and shepherds her around to the top of the table, instead.

  ‘I can’t stay long, but then I suspect you are all eager to get back to work,’ she hints as she settles herself into the seat.

  We last another ten minutes, respectfully waiting until Mrs Price has finished her tea. There’s a lot of small talk about the work we have left to do to get everything ready and who is going to do what exactly. Then we disperse, leaving Mrs Price to chat to Jude and Jade as she asks how they are doing at school.

  Heading out onto the towpath, I lean in to Gray. ‘Do you think she was a head teacher before she came here?’

  He shrugs his shoulders. ‘I was thinking more along the lines of a sergeant major,’ he replies, laughing.

  As we walk back towards The Star Gazer, we bump into my boss from the Lockside Nurseries.

  ‘Hey, Immi. I wondered where you all were. I’ve just dropped off a tray of red poinsettias for the dinette tables. I left it on the gangplank.’

  ‘Ah, thank you, Martin. That’s very kind of you.’ He’s a great boss and he always donates something floral to brighten up The Star Gazer for the Santa Ahoy cruises.

  Gray and I stop to chat, the others striding off in case Mrs Price suddenly appears. It’s not that she judges people, but more about the example she sets. Mrs Price is always doing something for someone else and I know it makes me feel uncomfortable if she catches me standing around, aimlessly chatting.

  ‘Are you still researching the history of the cottage?’ Martin poses the question, while slipping the rucksack off his back.

  ‘Yes, why?’

  ‘Well, I just delivered a vanload of plants to a big house over at Middle Norton. On the way back I dropped into the village hall. There was a Christmas tabletop sale going on, and I saw these and thought of you.’

  Martin hands me a pile of aged photographs and a couple of very dusty books, all tied together with a faded blue ribbon. It looks as if it’s been hidden away in someone’s loft for years.

  ‘The sepia photograph on the top was taken from the other side of the canal. What caught my eye was seeing Lock Keeper’s Cottage before any of the hedging had been planted. It looks so naked.’

  As I slip the top photo from beneath the ribbon, it’s strange to see the stone building without the mass of shrubs and trees that now add to its appeal, as well as lending some privacy from walkers using the towpath. In the photo everything looks sparse, whereas now it takes constant trimming to keep it all under control, with some of the bushes and trees seeming determined to take over. It’s an annual battle and another highlighted date on the community action calendar.

  ‘Well spotted, thank you. I’ll enjoy going through these. What do I owe you?’

  Martin puts up his hand to stop me. ‘Call it an early Christmas present. You’ll still get a potted something, or other, come Christmas Eve,’ he adds. ‘Can’t break with tradition, or the staff will rebel.’ Martin laughs and I smile appreciatively.

  ‘Well, how about popping into The Bullrush and grabbing a bacon sandwich on me? Tell Sarah I sent you.’ He looks tempted but shakes his head.

  ‘I’d love to, but I must get back. There are three Saturday lads in helping out today. The second delivery of Christmas trees is due in midweek. We need to move things around in the yard to make sure there’s enough space. You did a good job of tidying up the two large greenhouses this week, Immi. It made all the difference when the potted plants arrived first thing. Anyway, I must go – enjoy the first trip of the season.’

  ‘Will do. And thanks, Martin, for the welcome splash of colour.’

  He nods his head in acknowledgement.

  ‘Next year, just you wait and see what I’ve got planned! We’re gonna do Tollie proud.’ Martin gives me one of his mischievous looks.

  My heart is bursting with happiness and it’s not simply because Gray is here, but the way everyone is gearing up to celebrate next year’s landmark achievement – I can’t believe it will be ten years since Tollie started the Santa Ahoy cruises. Over that period, year-on-year the money raised for local charities has continued to grow. It’s brought a community together in a way only a good cause can. Next year is going to include an extra-special celebration. We’re planning a series of coffee mornings and a few barn dances throughout the summer to fund a special dinner in Tollie’s honour. It’s going to be one Christmas none of us will ever forget and just thinking about it is giving me goosebumps. We’re all used to pulling out all the stops for the kids, because that’s what Christmas is all about. But this tribute to Tollie, and everyone involved, is about recognising the fact that when people join together, their efforts can make a real difference.

  I reach out, placing my hand on Martin’s arm to give it a squeeze.

  ‘I know we are. The secret is out, but I can tell you that the look on his face was classic. He had no idea what we were planning.’

  Martin’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

  ‘It’s a pity in one way, but on the other hand we want this to be special. To do it justice, I think we need Tollie to be involved. Yeah, we’ll have a big party – the biggest the marina has seen – but it’s important to mark it in a way that makes him happy. I’ve been worried he might think it was a bit of a waste of money.’

  That stops me in my tracks.

  ‘A waste?’

  ‘Well, to be honest, the parties where we all contribute and bring stuff don’t cost much. If we did that, instead of some grand sit-down dinner in his honour, the money could be used in whichever way Tollie wanted.’

  ‘Maybe he’s right. I’m reporting back to the committee at the Easter get-together. Although, knowing Tollie, he’ll already be thinking through his own little action plan and how he’s going to get us all on his side.’

  4

  All Aboard

  After another two hours of graft and a quick change, we all head back to The Star Gazer, buzzing with excitement. Finally the first Christmas cruise can get under way. Gray is looking very smart and incredibly handsome today, in his navy-blue suit. With gold buttons imprinted with an anchor, and four shiny stripes emblazoned on the cuffs, his white cap with its navy peak, gold braid and anchor badge, he looks every inch the part of a seafaring captain. He’s standing at the entrance to the gangplank, with his legs firmly planted on the towpath and arms linked behind his back, and his smile is genuine. He salutes each and every one of our arrivals in true nautical style; the kids are absolutely loving it.

  Mrs Price collects the tickets, warmly wrapped up in a white fur coat that makes her look rather like a polar bear. One by one, the queue of excited ch
ildren and smiling parents begin to filter on board. The noise level as they descend into the hull is several decibels above the background music, which is a compilation of Christmas carols. Fisher installed a Bose sound system but, with eleven adults and thirteen children quickly filling up the space, we’d have to crank it up to full volume for it to be heard above the chatter.

  Captain Gray closes the cabin doors with a flourish and holds up his hands to settle everyone down.

  ‘Welcome, everyone. Please slip off your coats and take your seats. If any of the children would like to come and sit on the rug in front of Santa’s chair, please do.’

  Abe did a great job of banking up the fire and screwing in the protective guard around it. The glowing coal embers give out a decent amount of heat, particularly at this end of the boat, although with only four radiators covering the whole of the fifty-seven-foot run, the galley area to the back doesn’t benefit quite as much.

  There’s a flurry of activity as the parents settle themselves into the dinettes. Most of the children make their way back to the saloon area to sit cross-legged on the colourful rug. It was handmade by Ethel and Abe. It’s an old-fashioned rag rug where small strips of fabric are pulled through the base material, which is a heavy-weight hessian. They spent two winters making it, as it’s seven feet by eleven, and the kids seem to love the textures. I often spot them running their fingers back and forth against the various fabrics as they sit watching Santa.

  ‘Now, I hope you’re all ready for when Santa asks you that special question.’ Gray surveys their expectant, upturned faces.

  We have kiddies as young as three years of age, with Jude and Jade being the oldest. But last year was the first time the twins became unofficial helpers, joining in on several of the cruises. To my delight, today they have dressed up as little elves. I’m sporting my own, brand-new elf costume, as the old one was showing signs of wear and tear – a bright green fitted jacket and woollen trousers, black belt, red and white striped hat – and I’m holding a clipboard. The children keep glancing at me in awe. The girls are wearing green elf dresses with red pointy collars and red bobble hats. Their red and white striped leggings are reminiscent of candy canes as the three of us stand in the gangway alongside the dinettes, awaiting Santa’s arrival like a dutiful posse.

  ‘Hush!’ Gray puts a finger to his closed lips, looking wide-eyed at his excited audience. ‘I heard something up on deck.’

  The silence is immediate as everyone stops talking to hold their breath and listen. Suddenly there’s a sharp rap on the door, which heralds a little chorus of excited shrieks.

  Gray waits a moment or two until the backing track changes and suddenly the cabin is filled with the sound of sleigh bells jingling. It’s beautiful and a few moments later he swings open the double doors, letting in a blast of chilly air. Seconds later Santa stoops as he steps inside, letting out a loud, ‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas, everyone!’

  One of the littlest ones throws her hands up to her cheeks, her jaw dropping as she stares in wonderment. Tollie makes the most amazing Santa, even though it’s mostly padding, but his naturally white moustache and beard, topped off by a very realistic curly white wig, is reminiscent of a vintage Christmas card. He doesn’t just look good, he looks authentic in the eyes of an adult, but real in the eyes of a child.

  ‘I’m so thrilled you could come to see me today. Don’t you all look amazing?’ His baritone voice is both gentle and jovial. ‘We have Christmas jumpers and a whole rainbow of colours that have really brightened my day,’ he booms out. ‘My chief elf, Immi, will be writing down your requests ready to take back to the North Pole. And her helpers, Jude and Jade, are here to make sure everyone has a really good time. Shall we ask Captain Gray to up anchor and cast off?’

  There’s a loud chorus of yeses egged on by myself and my little helpers, both of whom put their hands around their mouths as they shout it out. Santa pretends to be blown back in his seat at the raucous chorus, aided and abetted by the parents joining in.

  ‘Well, Captain Gray, we are in your hands!’ Santa declares, with gusto.

  But Gray doesn’t move, instead cupping a hand around his right ear. ‘Did you hear that?’ he replies in a semi-hushed tone.

  He stabs his index finger up towards the cabin-top, and everyone falls silent once more. There’s a sharp scraping noise, followed by a succession of hollow tapping sounds. Jade and Jude are now on the mat alongside the children and both put a hand up to their mouths. It’s priceless.

  ‘I think it’s Rudolph and the sleigh!’ Jude declares and the children’s eyes widen in anticipation.

  Santa claps his hands. ‘I wondered when my friend Rudolph would arrive with the presents. Captain Gray, can you do the honours, please?’

  Gray swings open the doors to the cabin once more and Abe, dressed in a penguin onesie, waves at the children before handing Gray the first sack.

  ‘Sorry we’re late, Santa. A heavy snowstorm descended just as we set off, but Rudolph did us proud. Hi, girls and boys.’

  There’s a chorus of ‘Hi’ back, as Gray lifts the sacks over the children’s heads to stack them alongside Santa’s bench seat. We’re full to capacity and there isn’t an inch spare, but no one’s complaining.

  ‘Right, it’s time to get under way,’ Gray declares as he disappears out of view.

  I change the backing track to fill in the time it takes for Abe to pull up the anchor and cast off, while Gray heads off to take up his position at the tiller.

  Jude and Jade hand out printed lyric sheets to the parents as the first of the Christmas songs begins playing.

  ‘Who’s going to sing along?’ I ask.

  Hands fly up into the air as the opening strains of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ fills the air.

  My little elves pass around glow sticks so that everyone can join in, even if they don’t want to sing. So, there’s a lot of arm waving, much wriggling about and – most importantly of all – a sea of smiling faces. The drone as the engine kicks into life signals the start of our little forty-minute cruise up to the marina and back.

  I leave Jude and Jade doing a wonderful job of sitting with the children and egging them on as I head to the galley to begin ferrying around the Christmas punch for the adults.

  Santa is doing what he does best and a chorus of unorchestrated voices fills the air; it’s a heart-warming moment. Our real-life Father Christmas has the biggest, rosiest cheeks as he laughs out loud in genuine merriment. Tollie is just a big kid at heart and his rotund belly seems to jiggle as if it really is a part of him. He was made for this role and the kids and adults alike are loving it.

  But then something happens to change my mood. My eyes alight on a three-year-old little girl I remember is called Hannah; she’s rather shy, but I catch her looking directly at me and all she does is smile. For some silly reason I suddenly find myself thinking about Gray and me. If we had a daughter, what would she look like?

  A sense of panic and memories of old wounds that never seem to heal begin to overtake me. Questions that I have always refused to acknowledge seem to jump into my head, unbidden. Did my mother walk out because I was a disappointment to her? Or was she the disappointment to Dad and I? But what if I take after her and end up letting everyone around me down?

  Something hidden away deep inside me starts to unravel and I realise there’s a reason why I’m not putting any pressure on Gray. Yes, I’m sympathetic about his situation, but I’m also scared; scared that I don’t deserve someone as wonderful as the man who has captured my heart. And I don’t quite know how to handle that.

  Sarah, Jade and Jude are standing on the towpath talking to Tollie as I walk down the gangplank.

  ‘Oh, my goodness, you girls!’ I call out, hurrying over to them and giving each a hug of thanks. ‘You looked amazing and what a team we made today. Thank you so much for helping out, it was much appreciated.’

  ‘Mum says we can do all the trips this year, if you like. It’s fun
, Immi, and we love doing it.’

  I glance at Sarah and she gives a little nod of her head.

  ‘I would love that. We make a great team, girls,’ I admit as Tollie gives me a wink. Their eyes are sparkling with enthusiasm. ‘You are both very welcome on board at any time. It’s a lot for one elf to cope with, I must admit, and having you there ensured everything went very smoothly indeed.’

  They high-five each other and start jumping around, the late afternoon chill turning their breath into little ribbons of smoky whiteness. ‘Yay, we get to be the official little elves.’

  Shrugging on my hat so it doesn’t fall off, I find it hard not to laugh at their exuberance. Like their parents, the girls are doers. They have so much energy and they need to expend it. During the holidays and when they aren’t at school they help out in the café. Whenever they are around they bring with them an air of liveliness that is refreshing. Sunny girls, with sunny characters.

  ‘Maybe we should get a Christmas fairy costume and take it in turns to wave the magic wand,’ Jade adds, her arm arcing over her sister’s head as she sprinkles some invisible fairy dust.

  ‘What a fabulous idea,’ I exclaim. ‘And Abe’s penguin onesie was perfect. That was another little surprise I wasn’t expecting.’

  The sound of the cabin doors being opened and then firmly shut attracts my attention and I watch Gray as he heads in our direction. He must have walked through from the stern, looking for me.

  ‘You were quick tidying up,’ he comments as he strides up to snake his arm around my waist. Without warning he produces a tiny sprig of mistletoe, stooping to kiss me. The girls start to giggle.