Northfield 15
The Halloween Parade
The lanterns spread their shimmering glow on the Poplar main street. The Cub Scouts and the Girls Brigade marched at a steady pace, some of them slightly awkward, some more confident with the task. They were cheered by the crowd at the sides, proud parents and other residents of Poplar.
Patrick and Shelagh were among the crowd, their first outing as an engaged couple. Shelagh felt that they were being observed. Although the staring and murmuring was good-natured, she still felt a little exposed. She was grateful that Patrick didn't try any displays of affection in public.
The marchers dispersed after arriving at the Wellclose Square and started the picnic. Shelagh saw Glenda Severs with her father reminding her of what had transpired earlier that week.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Patrick. Timothy and I were up in the attic at your house a couple of days ago looking for some real lanterns for the leading marchers. Timothy was sure that they were stored in your attic after last year's parade."
"So those are ours, those steel lanterns in the parade?"
"Yes. But Timothy also found an old camera there. He said it could be his mother's….Jennifer's old one."
"Yes, it could be. She had one, but I thought Granny Parker kept it. I do not know half the stuff at our attic."
"There was actually a film inside the camera and Tim said he would develop it. But I haven't seen the pictures yet."
"Let's ask him." Patrick beckoned Timothy to come to them. "Did you develop the film from that old camera you found? Was there anything interesting on it?"
Timothy shook his head. "No, Dad. Someone must have had a finger on lens or it was never used. No pictures. May I go now? Jack is waiting. Dad, I know you want to go home and do your stuff" - there was a contemptuous stress on the word stuff that made Patrick and Shelagh laugh – "but can I stay for half an hour?"
"Yes, you may, son. We will leave for home. Bedtime at 10 sharp for you, though." Timothy ran back to his mates.
Patrick and Shelagh walked back to Nonnatus House. When the street was suddenly nearly empty, Patrick caught Shelagh by her shoulders and pressed her against his chest. "That's my girl. It was a nice parade, wasn't it?"
Shelagh agreed that it was. "I seem to have toughened up after all. It is not so hard to be seen publicly with you."
He chortled. "I should hope so." They continued walking and he said in a slightly altered tone: "I had a long talk with Joan yesterday on the phone. Granny Parker, I mean. She asked me to thank you for the letter."
"Good. Is she coming to visit?"
"Yes. There is some…family business we need to deal with. And she has some of Jennifer's papers and things at her house that she thinks should now belong to Timothy. I will drive there next week on Sunday and will fetch her to visit us. "
After a pause he continued: "After Joan's visit, we should have a proper discussion about what we want. Where we should live? Which grammar school Timothy should go to? You know, married stuff. Warts and all. This will be a rather complicated family arrangement. I hope you will not regret it. You will take on, to be honest, readymade relatives, family habits and customs instead of creating your own family from a fresh start."
"Oh, I don't mind that." She kept her eyes downcast. She wanted to talk a little more about having a baby but didn't dare. She didn't see his bleak face.
"I want you to be certain, to be sure that this is what you want. I mean, to be sure that you will get what you want."
"But I am. I am completely certain. There is a string from my heart attached to yours. We belong together."
He stopped walking and embraced her again. He talked his head leaning on the top of her head: "I have sensed from the first time we met that you would do me good. Make me whole again. I have a habit of leaving things behind rather than dealing with. That should change."
"Yes, you have that habit. You don't have to do that anymore. With me."