December 1959
Another Christmas was approaching...Last year...was it really just last year? She spent it with Betty and her family while Timothy lay in hospital.
The year prior was the quiet one spent with Timothy and Patrick...the first one without Marianne. And before that was the somber day that they spent with Marianne...one of her last 'good" days before the end.
All the years before that when Marianne was well and life appeared as if it would go on the same for a very long time, they would spend the day with Betty's family. It was a large brood and she and Betty would alternate hosting.
The day would be filled with lots of cheer and children's laughter. Patrick would often leave, but would return for his wife and son. So many years they all spent together going back to when Marianne and Betty's children were the ones running around and laughing.
Now her family has changed again. There is still Timothy and Patrick, but now there is Shelagh and baby Angela. It was time for them to start their own traditions that do not include her.
At his most recent visit, Timothy said that they would be having their Christmas dinner at Nonnatus House. He assured her that he would come for a nice long visit over the Christmas holidays.
"You can stay as long as you want, but make sure they bring that baby to see me too."
"Of course, Dad says we have to keep an eye out to make sure you don't nick her," Timothy laughed, "Did you try to nick me when I was a baby?"
"I saw you two or three times a week. I wanted to though, but you mummy and daddy loved you too much."
"They did, didn't they."
"Your Dad and Shelagh still do."
"I feel bad for Angela's first mum having to give her up. I went with Dad to a Mother and Baby home, it was horrible. So many young girls crying over their babies."
"Why ever did he take you there?"
"I like to go on his rounds with him. Anyways I fancy some moral contagion."
"Timothy! You are cheeky. You did not tell your father that, I hope."
"I did and he scolded me. He is always scolding me."
"You'll soon be a teenager and it will get worse. You need to learn to keep your cheeky thoughts to yourself or save them for me," she laughed.
Her plans for Christmas were all in place. She would spend the day at Betty's and on Boxing Day, she would have dinner with her own family when they brought Timothy round for his holiday visit. Patrick assured her that she would have plenty of time with Angela.
Christmas Day was enjoyable...far more than last year when she was fraught with worry of Timothy. She did wish that Betty would be less sour.
The moment Granny mentioned that she would be cooking the next day, she regretted it.
"Cooking on Boxing Day, whatever for?"
"Well I won't have Christmas leftovers to serve and I am having guests."
"Guests?"
"Timothy is coming to stay so we will all have dinner together to celebrate Christmas."
"We?"
"Timothy's family...my family."
"I thought that I was your family."
"Well you are, but my grandson is as well," she explained as she told herself to not mention the baby.
She expected that news of Angela would send Betty into a fit. She had been busy knitting gifts for the little one, but had been careful to keep it from her sister. It was unfortunate because she knew Betty had some wonderful patterns that she would have loved to borrow.
David, Betty's son-in-law, who overheard the conversation, said, "It would be nice to see Patrick and Timothy again."
Betty responded, "He has a new wife you know."
"Really good for him!" David exclaimed.
"Humph," Betty responded.
Granny thought Betty's least favorite son-in-law was in her mind the best of the group.
"Auntie, please give my regards to Patrick when you see him."
"Humph."
Granny smiled at David without responding.
The following day, Granny greeted Timothy and took Angela straight from Shelagh's arms.
Patrick laughed and said, "Hello to you too."
"Oh hello, Patrick. I'm sorry, but I am very busy."
"Obviously!"
Later as they were all at the table, Shelagh comment, "It is all wonderful Mrs. Parker."
"Thank you dear, but you may as well call me Granny. Everyone else does."
"I do," Patrick added.
"I remember it took some time before you called me anything," Granny teased.
"Well that's because I was afraid of you!"
"Dad really how could you be afraid of Granny?" Timothy asked.
"Tim, you'll understand when you start calling around for someone's daughter."
Granny laughed, "When did you stop being afraid?"
"After Timothy was born and I realized I had provided you with all you ever wanted."
"Twice now," she said as she pointed to Angela.
"Now your sister is another story. I am still afraid of her."
"As well you should be. May I suggest you stay clear of her."
"Why?" Timothy asked.
"My sister seems to think that you and your father should still be mourning all alone."
"So she must not be too happy to hear that I have a new sister."
"She doesn't know. I haven't told her."
Patrick laughed, "You're afraid of her too!"
"No dear. I just like to avoid confrontation. However David did send you his regards."
"Oh. I did like that chap. He and Judy are the best of the bunch," Patrick said, "There was the other one, the banker, who had no use for the East End."
"He is going to be off working for the bank in New York for three years. It has Betty in quite a dither."
"I am sure it has," Patrick said without much interest.
"Are you sure your sister is really that upset over...over me?" Shelagh asked.
"Never you mind dear. It is my opinion that matters and I am pleased as punch."
"Don't believe her. She has no use for either of us. It is the children that she wants," Patrick said to Shelagh.
"Patrick," Shelagh responded.
Granny responded to Shelagh, "Don't worry dear. He is only half right. I like you."
Everyone laughed.