The final episode of 'Of children and grandchildren', very domestic and a bit long but I wanted to get everybody back together, I hope what we would all like. Hope you like it.
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Jean smiled and lifted Bobby up to place the star on the top of the Christmas tree. She was really looking forward to Christmas this year, a really big family get together. It was going to be a squeeze, getting everybody in round the table and overnight guests, but it would be the best Christmas she had had for many a year.
'Pretty tree, mama,' said Bobby giving her one of his customary sloppy kisses.
'It is lovely, isn't it, sweetheart?' She kissed him back, the only wish she had was that Jack could find it in his heart to join them, even if it was just for the day. To be honest she doubted it, it didn't hurt as much as it used to but it did still hurt. Christopher, Ruby and Amelia were going to be there, she'd had to put them in Mattie's old room, the only other one with a double bed. Amelia would have to share with Bobby, she was going to put the sides up on the bed and they could sleep top to tail. She'd asked Charlie what was happening over the season, he was on call so he wouldn't be able to get over to see his mother. Jean had suggested she come to Ballarat, she was very welcome to stay over. Charlie said his brothers would be at home and he would ring her on the day. The Boss had given him leave over the New Year to go and see her.
Apart from actual family, godparents had been invited. The newly married Frank and Alice would join them, as would Matthew and Rose; Agnes Clasby had also been invited, by Bobby of course, it was going to be a full house. The only person missing would be Mattie. Dear Mattie, Jean sighed, if only... She still missed her friend, and didn't like to think she wouldn't be with them at Christmas.
Lucien had worried it would be too much for her, but she was determined to have a proper Christmas. The ones they'd had over the previous years had been nice, but not what she would have liked. Christmas for her was for family, for children. Now there were children so what other reason did she have to do it right? Lucien watched her prepare and sort and do whatever she did with amazement. She never seemed to stop and still had time for him, time to respond to him in bed the way she had from the first time.
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Alice had been surprised to receive Jean's invitation for her and Frank to join them for Christmas dinner. Surely she would want to spend the day with family?
'But you are family, Alice' Jean had countered, sweetly, 'and Bobby will be so disappointed not to have Auntie Alice and Uncle Frank there. Unless you'd prefer it to be just the two of you, as newlyweds?' She wasn't above a little emotional bribery when it suited her. Anyway, she knew they'd be spending the day alone, together but alone, and that wasn't right, in her eyes.
'I'll check with Frank, but I think it will be fine. Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?' She asked. Alice actually liked the idea of a family Christmas, it had been many a year since she'd had one, and Jean was right, she felt as if she and Frank and the Blake's were one big happy family!
' You can help me with the veggies, but, I prepare them night before so we can get to mass on Christmas morning.'
'Alright, I'll come over on Christmas Eve then.' Alice smiled, she was actually looking forward to it.
As long as Alice was happy then so was Frank, so he did not raise any objections, why would he, the Blake's had only ever treated the two of them as extended family.
Jean hadn't told Lucien they would be going to church on Christmas morning, she'd drop that little nugget of information closer to the time and when he was at his most persuadable! But as she always went to the Christmas Service he was probably expecting it, anyway.
Agnes wasn't invited by Jean, she primed Bobby to ask her, knowing full well she wouldn't refuse.
As the preparations got underway, Charlie found he wasn't as disappointed about not going home as he thought he would be, plus he had a very big secret that would be revealed on Christmas morning, just after church.
Christopher and his family arrived on Christmas Eve afternoon. Lucien had been dispatched to collect them from the station, they had chosen to come by train as they thought the long car journey would have been too much for Amelia. Amelia was delighted to see her grandmother and grandfather again. She happily pulled Lucien's beard as she sat on his knee on the couch. Bobby was his usual reticent self when he met his cousin/adopted niece; it was going to be really complicated to explain the relationship when he grew up, thought Jean. She told Lucien to put Amelia on the floor with Bobby to play, Jenny was safely in her bassinet, out of the way of any sibling rivalries! Bobby looked confused when Amelia made a grab for one of his toys and looked to mama for reassurance.
'Share, Bobby,' she said, passing him another of the trucks Bill Hobart made for him. He smiled and moved over to give Amelia a kiss. It has to be said Bobby liked giving kisses, Jean thought it was something he'd learnt watching her and Lucien. Lucien rarely missed the opportunity to kiss Jean; on the cheek or forehead, in front of Bobby!
Jean had prepared a cold meal, so she could get on with the preparations for the following day. While the men moved the table and chairs in the dining room ready and washed the dinner pots, Jean, Alice and Ruby prepared vegetables and anything that could be done ahead of time. With the three ladies working together the task was completed quickly, which gave Alice time to read to Bobby before he went to sleep. She noticed Amelia fell asleep quickly, but she was a little young to understand the story, anyway. She kissed Bobby goodnight and went back to join the adults.
After a final whisky, Alice and Frank said they'd meet them at church in the morning. When Jean had told Lucien she would like all the family to go to the Christmas Service he hadn't objected. She knew his faith had been shattered during the war and subsequently when Father Morton had been killed. For him a father does not desert his children, and this is what he felt God had done, deserted his children. She had long ago given up trying to persuade him to go to Sunday Mass, but he would go at Christmastime. He would come back to the church in his own time, she hoped.
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Christmas morning dawned bright and clear. After breakfast the children were allowed to open one present before church. Bobby opened a gift from Agnes, it was little engine, and he happily rolled it over the floor. Amelia had a teddy bear from her grandparents; Jean had told Lucien that she didn't have one, and Lucien had said all children should have a teddy bear!
Lucien had insisted Jean open his gift for her before church. It was a tiny box, red velvet on the outside. Inside it was the most beautiful diamond and sapphire eternity ring!
'Oh Lucien,' and she burst into happy tears.
He pulled her close, 'You deserve it,' kissing her and slipping the ring onto her finger.
Her gift to him was a pair of gold cufflinks with a diamond insert. Lucien wore them that day, but said he would only wear them on special occasions, so he'd have to take her out more often!
At the church they met up with the rest of the 'family'. Bobby tried to crawl over Lucien's shoulder, he remembered the baptism and didn't want water poured over his head again.
'No wet, papa!' he cried.
'Not this time, Bobby, no water this time.' Smiling, he held him just that little bit tighter so as not to drop him as he wriggled.
They enjoyed the service, Alice and Lucien took turns holding Bobby, he was very wriggly, not really appreciating the music because he didn't like loud noises and a church full of people raising their voices in song is very loud! Jenny wasn't keen either and was about to join in when Jean took her glove off to allow her daughter to suck on her finger!
They left the church feeling full of Christmas cheer. The service and singing had been uplifting, Jean had really enjoyed being able to share this part of the season with her extended family. Christopher noticed his mother looked even happier than usual and he finally had to forgive Lucien for all that had gone before.
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Back at the house a serious round of present giving and receiving over sherry and whisky for the adults and juice for the children. There were pretty things and practical things, jokes and sensible presents, toys for the children. Jean thought the little ones had been very spoiled, but perhaps, just this once it didn't matter!
She moved to the kitchen to see that everything was going as it should do. She was a past master at timing meals and with her preparation over the previous few days she didn't have too much to do.
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Mattie landed at Melbourne airport a week before Christmas. Only her parents knew she was coming back. She'd asked them not to tell anyone because she wasn't sure what her plans were for the future. Her father had said he would be pleased to see her but he and her mother had booked a cruise for Christmas and he was worried she would be on her own over the festive season. He offered to get her a ticket so she could join them but she'd declined his offer, she had plans, she said, not to worry, she wouldn't be alone over Christmas. Martin O'Brien decided he'd never understand his daughter, he loved her as a father would, but understand her? Never!
During that week she adjusted to Australian time, met up with some university friends and generally relaxed. Her mother gave her the use of her car for the duration of her stay, which meant she was free to come and go as she pleased. She had to endure a couple of formal dinners, at which her father had introduced her to wealthy, but more importantly, available young men. She had to smile, bless him, he never stopped trying. Her mother had told her not to worry, and told Martin to stop matchmaking, she'd settle down in her own sweet time. Mattie was more like her father than she would like to admit.
She saw her parents off on the cruise, giving them their Christmas gifts as they boarded. Wishing them a pleasant trip and a Happy Christmas she waved and turned away to go and take the car back to the house. She had a couple of days before she would leave, using her mother's car for the next part of her trip.
Christmas morning seemed very strange, so quiet, but she had things to do so she couldn't sit in bed dreaming.
Writing her parents a quick note to say where she would be when they returned, she finished her packing and loaded the car. The note she left on the mantelpiece in the drawing room.
The drive out of Melbourne was easy, it was too early for many people to be out if they were travelling anywhere over Christmas.
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She pulled onto the drive, the familiar Holden was there together with another car she didn't recognise. She'd made the decision and she would stick to it.
Taking her case and a bag of gifts she went and, taking a deep breath, knocked on the door. A familiar,
'I'll get it,' made her smile. Jean.
The door opened
'Any room at the inn?' inquired Mattie.
'Mattie, oh Mattie!' Jean positively squealed and pulled her into a warm, welcoming hug. 'There's always room for you,' dragging her into the house, 'why didn't you say you were coming? Lucien! Charlie! It's Mattie!' She barely drew breath, this was the best Christmas present. One of the things she had really wished for.
Lucien and Charlie came charging through from the lounge.
'Made it then?' said Charlie with a cheeky grin as Lucien grabbed her and hugged her until she could hardly breathe!
'Charlie, you knew?' Jean had caught his remark.
'Um, well, yes. Mattie wrote and asked me to keep it quiet.' He ducked.
'I asked you to post her present!'
'It's under the tree, at the back so you wouldn't notice it.' Charlie couldn't help but smile, it was so good to see her, they'd been writing for months, he'd made her aware of the problems that had occurred and anything that Jean hadn't put in her letters he'd put in his. The letters had become friendlier as time had gone on until he decided her really missed her being around, more than you would a housemate.
Jean took Mattie through to the lounge and asked Charlie to put her case in her (Jean's) old room as Christopher and Ruby were in Mattie's.
Alice was delighted to see her and Mattie was equally delighted to hear her news. She didn't know Frank that well but she could see that Alice was happy and that was all that mattered. Agnes was pleased to see her, she remembered how much of a help to Lucien and Jean the young nurse had been.
Mattie was introduced to Bobby and to her goddaughter. Bobby was a bit shy but when she gave him a new wind-up toy car he decided she was alright. She'd bought Jenny a combined baptism and Christmas present of a silver bangle. Jean and Lucien thought it was lovely. She also had gifts for the adults which were duly handed out as was the present that should have been posted by Charlie! Charlie quietly gave her his gift, a pretty little necklace, a suitable gift from a friend but not one that anything could be read into! Mattie, knowing that Charlie wasn't one for cufflinks or tiepins, had found him his own hip flask. Not that she wanted to encourage him to drink, but he'd told her that Lucien rarely carried his these days and he could have done with it on a couple of occasions!
The day passed with stories of the old days, Mattie answered questions about her time in London, it seemed she'd learnt a lot and enjoyed the experience for the most part, but had missed her friends. The meal Jean had prepared was eaten with relish and the conversation continued. Mattie said how much she had missed Jean's cooking. The men were volunteered to wash up while the ladies withdrew to play with the children.
When Jean went to see to Jenny in their room Mattie asked if she could join her, just to talk, catch up and also get the chance to be with her goddaughter. Jean was more than happy, sensing that her young friend wanted to talk in private. There was something behind Mattie's reappearance, hopefully not too worrying.
Mattie watched Jean change the baby and then sit in the window-side chair to feed her daughter. She smiled, it was not a sight she ever thought she'd see, Jean looked so peaceful, so happy, and she deserved it.
'You know Charlie told me everything, don't you?' She asked.
'I didn't, but I suppose he had no one else to talk to about it, so it makes sense. And you were too far away for it to get around Ballarat.' Jean looked up at her, she wasn't angry with Charlie, far from it, at least she didn't have to go over it again to explain to Mattie what had gone on. Things had turned out well in the end.
'And you, how are you really, Mattie?' Jean looked into her eyes, almost, thought Mattie, into her soul.
Oh, I'm fine. I'd always planned to come back for a holiday but needed to save up enough leave to make it viable. Christmas seemed like a good time.' Mattie replied evenly.
'Really?' Jean really wasn't sure. She was sure she saw a hint of tears in the younger woman's eyes.
'Well, I missed you all of course,' Mattie tried to sound light hearted but Jean knew her better than she knew herself. Jean just raised an eyebrow.
'Alright, I missed you all dreadfully, but I didn't want to let you down and come back because I was homesick. It was a fabulous opportunity and a great experience. Seeing you that week in London when you and Lucien were on your honeymoon, well, I can't say it was easy.' There she'd admitted it, she wanted to come home, she was homesick, very homesick at times.
'You wouldn't have let us down, you never have.' Jean was saddened to think her friend had only stayed so she wouldn't disappoint her and Lucien. 'And I'm sorry if we made it hard for you, by coming to see you.' Jean reached out her free arm and touched Mattie on the shoulder; Mattie was sitting on the floor next to the chair but she had turned her head away. She put her head against Jean's leg, like a child, letting Jean stroke her hair. She absolutely was not going to cry, but she felt like it.
Jean thought she'd better change the subject.
'Have you seen your parents?'
'Yes , I spent last week with them, they've gone on a cruise, They had booked it before I said I was coming home, though.' Glad that Jean had stopped probing. 'Dad organised a couple of dinners to introduce me to eligible men!'
'Still trying to marry you off, then?' Jean laughed
'Yes!' She turned and looked up, smiling. 'I don't think he'll ever stop.'
'He's just thinking of you. He wants you to be settled and happy.' Jean said.
'I'd like to be as happy as you.' She replied.
'I'd like that for you too, but I wouldn't want you to wait as long as I did!' Jean patted her shoulder.
'Worth the wait?'
'Oh, yes, definitely worth the wait.' The smile on Jean's face confirmed it.
Mattie got up and stretched. Would you mind if I turned in now, Jean? I'm rather tired.'
'Of course not,' Jean looked up.
Mattie bent down and kissed Jenny on the forehead and Jean on the cheek, 'Goodnight.' Jean watched her leave the room, glad she knew she could always call Ballarat her home.
Mattie poked her head through to the living room to say goodnight to the remaining guests. The men stood and wished her pleasant dreams. Charlie, unobtrusively slipped out to the bottom of the stairs and caught her just there.
'Goodnight, Mattie,' he whispered, 'and, welcome home.'
'Thank you for keeping my secret. Charlie, goodnight.' She leaned in and kissed his cheek. He watched her climb the stairs to Jean's old room with a small smile. He really was glad she was back.
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Later, after their guests had gone and the children were settled, Jean and Lucien lay in bed, her head on his chest, her eyes closed in blissful sleep. Lucien thought it had been a wonderful year and he really was blessed.
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Season's Greetings to all who have kindly reviewed and messaged me while I wrote this story. I hope, with your blessing, to do more in the New Year.
y t
