Chapter 4
1876 – Christmas
Elsie – Aged 13
She ran downstairs, it was Christmas her favourite time of the year her pa didn't have to work as hard so he was around a lot more Caroline had the day off from her market stall and mam was cooking a feast, a goose her father had raised all year. She still had to get the milk and the eggs but that needed to be done in double quick time so she could get to morning service at church then home for the fun. She was finished and halfway cooking breakfast when Caroline came downstairs, "God you're up early church won't go any faster you know". Sour puss she could dream it would.
Once out of church she scooped up some snow and chucked it at Caroline they fought all the way back and were soaked by the time they were in the kitchen. Her mam only laughed something Anne hadn't done in a while. Once dried they sat in front of the fire and exchanged gifts Caroline received a new coat as the elbows on hers had worn away, Mam got a wonky sowing bag (made by her) and a bead necklace from Caroline, Pa got the matching uneven hat and scarf set from her and a pair of gloves Caroline (noticeably neater in knitting style). She had received a new dress green with a grown up bunched back and lowered neckline she instantly loved it.
It was a nice change the other 3 members of her family have seemed on edge for ages, she could sense it something was wrong but she didn't know what. Mam was snappy, Caroline was trying to do mam's job as well, and pa had taken to taking less time at work. The farm was going strong so it was a mystery to her what was wrong but she knew better than to ask. She wanted to help but she was too young to work and her household skills weren't fantastic she had taken to looking in the local paper for odd jobs, with no luck, she thought a piece of extra income may be welcome. She had just become very afraid that something big was happening and she couldn't help.
In bed that night after the most fantastic Christmas, she snuggled down in her shared room Caroline was still getting ready for bed when she heard this most deafening crash. Caroline had told her to stay in the room rushing out and locking the door she shouted at the top of her lungs to be let out, she was afraid was mam or pa hurt? Was it something dangerous? Caroline came back and just held her, not letting her leave the room. She sobbed into her shoulder until she was calm everything only just beginning.