Chapter 27

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to then, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will te a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

The pastor's voice rang out in the church, the rich timbre of it adding a sense of exultation to the verse he was reading. Abigail was pleased that he had chosen this passage from Luke 2:8 and how the gentleness of his sermon today had drawn the children into the story of the birth of Jesus so that now even the youngest of them sat transfixed by his words.

Families were squeezed up tightly in the pews, having had to make room at the last moment for their large group but no-one seemed to mind. Children had waved across the church at each other and then "whispered" in the way they do to their friends thinking no-one else can hear. Then after the initial period of fidgeting had passed they all settled down. Pastor John had greeted them as "God's flock from the orphanage" and it surprised her to think just how right he was. There was no family connection between most of them and yet they had created one as though the same blood flowed through their veins.

The congregation stood then as the opening notes of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night were played and suddenly the richness of many voices filled the church. Elizabeth had Little Jack beside her, his mouth opening with no sound coming out but it didn't seem to bother him, he was enjoying just being part of it all. Around them the other children were joining in, their enthusiasm for singing having built up on the journey into Brookfield and now she watched their joyful little faces as they belted out the words to the hymn. Or, as she realised, in the case of Chloe's little brother Charlie, his own version which began "When shepherd washed their socks by night, all seated round the tub…." She had to suppress the laugh that was building up inside her, especially when her eyes caught Grace's and from the expression on her face it was clear that she too had heard it. As the last verse petered out his voice still rang out clear with the final lines "The Christ child said you've got nice socks, but next time wash your feet."

There were bursts of laughter around the church and when Charlie gazed around at everyone he had the cheekiest look on his face. Whispering so that all could hear he quickly said, "Pa told me that someone should always sing those words to bring a smile to anyone who is feeling a little sad today, so I hope it worked!" Pastor John had to take a moment to wipe the tears of laughter from his eyes before he could speak. "I think that is a wonderful sentiment young man and from now on I believe it should be a tradition in this church every Christmas. Do you think you could teach me how to sing it one day?" Charlie had a huge grin on his face and nodded quickly, "I think so but you may find it hard to learn, there are lots of big words."

While this was going on Lillian had noticed Allie, Chloe and Megan animatedly discussing something, their voices covered by the laughter and conversation from those around them. It was clearly something serious they were talking about and occasionally one of them would glance around to the rear of the church before turning back and adding something more to the conversation. She tried to follow their line of sight and after a few watches she realised they were focused on two young girls of much the same age seated in the back row beside a woman who she guessed was their mother, so tiny that she barely looked much older than them. She had seen the woman in town sometimes and believed that she did cleaning work at the hotel. From what Lillian recalled the husband had been killed in a farming accident the previous year and from the look of the three of them today it was clear they were struggling to make ends meet. It was a difficult time for many people right now but for some in particular it was a constant battle just to keep their heads above water.

They were clean, if shabbily dressed, and their voices rang out clearly when the next hymn began. She wondered why their three girls were quite so interested and hoped that they had good intentions for the thought of any of them being mean to others horrified her. The children were encouraged to always look kindly on people less fortunate in life that themselves and she reminded them often that there were many like that around. Perhaps she should have a word with them after the service just to make sure that they remembered how important it was to extend grace to everyone, no matter their circumstances.

With the final blessing from the pastor the congregations began to file out of the pews, a slow process as words were exchanged between friends and acquaintances. Attendance at church on Sunday was as much a social as religious occasion for those who lived far out of town, their one opportunity of the week to exchange pleasantries with their friends and to get the latest news on what was happening. Babies needed to be cooed over and family problems discussed. In the summer months this happened on the lawns outside but in this weather it was a briefer exchange as they joined the procession exciting the church.

In the case of the children there was the scramble for some to find Christmas gifts that had fallen on the floor or for little Susan the doll that she was sitting on herself. When the gifts from the Hope Valley sewing circle had been unpacked both Lillian and Grace had almost burst into tears, the thoughtfulness that had gone into them touching their hearts. Each of the girls had received a soft doll, her hair colour matching the child's and their name embroidered on the apron that covered a brightly checked dressed. For the boys there were dinosaurs, each one different in shape, colour and size. Again their names were embroidered in bright colours, this time down the long tails. Suddenly Elizabeth's questions from Hope Valley about the children made sense and they gave thanks for this detail which meant there would be no doubt as to who the owner of each item was.

By the time Lillian finally reached the steps she could not see the girls. She wasn't overly worried for she trusted them to behave but there was still a niggling feeling in her mind that they were mixed up in something. Finally she spotted them across the street as they called out to the mother and daughters walking ahead, who stopped and turned. She realised that Megan would know their names if they attended the town school and she was relieved to see that there were no looks of concern on their faces. Grace had come up beside her now and seeing what had caught Lillian's attention she asked, "Do you know what they are doing?"

She shook her head in reply, not wanting to take her eyes off what was happening. Allie had stepped forward, her hand held out in front of her as she was clearly explaining something to the woman. When the two girls turned to their mother in an imploring way Lillian began to figure out what was going on.

"I'll be back in a minute Grace. Could you start rounding up the children by the sleighs please?"

Crossing the road she could now see all three girls surrounding the family and hoped that her guess was correct and it wasn't something untoward that was happening. She let out a deep breath when the woman drew Allie into an embrace while her daughters wrapped their arms around Chloe and Megan, tears clear to see on all their faces.

She approached quietly, not wanting to disturb the moment but knowing that there was perhaps more that she could offer to the situation. "Good morning," she said as she drew near, her voice just audible. The group released one another and Allie was the first to turn towards her. "Miss Lillian, I can explain." When Lillian smiled and put her arm around the girls shoulder she could feel her relax. "It's alright Allie, I think I have an idea of what you are doing." Holding her hand out to the woman she introduced herself, "I'm Lillian Walsh, from the Little Hope Orphanage."

The woman looked nervous for a moment before putting her hand out and quietly saying, "I'm Mary Watson. These are my two daughters Mae and Beth. I didn't mean to cause any trouble, your girls came over to us with the gifts. We didn't ask, I promise."

It was then she noticed that the woman was holding three barrettes in her hand, the ones that had been given to the older girls for their present this morning. She also recognised chocolates from Lucas's book bags last night and was overwhelmed for a moment at the kindness and generosity these three had shown. "It's ok, I wasn't thinking that. I hope you will accept the gifts for what they represent, our girls wanting to share some of the good fortune that they have been lucky to receive."

There was such relief on Mary's face at Lillian's words and gratitude for the kindness being shown to them that she started to cry once more. Between sobs she managed to get out some words, "I can't remember the last time someone has given us anything, let alone so selflessly, they are truly beautiful human beings."

A shout from across the road broke the moment and Lillian could see Tom waving at them to come to the sleighs. Making a quick decision she turned back to Mary, "Would you be kind enough to come and share Christmas lunch with us? We have more than enough food thanks to the generosity of others and it would be a wonderful gift to me, to all of us, if you would agree to share our table. The girls can join in the games that the children will play and we always have more Christmas songs in the afternoon. I could hear how beautiful Mae and Beth were singing in the church and it would be such a pleasure to be able to listen to their sweet voices again."

She could see uncertainty on Mary's face so quietly added, "Please, it would mean a lot. And I will make sure that someone gets you safely home afterwards."

In the kitchen Mrs Winters was busy feeding Simon and Bessie, their giggles as she played games with the spoons making her smile as it brought back memories of when her own children were this small. She had been truly blessed to have so many to look after over the years but it was these little ones who needed so much special love who meant the most to her. She liked it when the orphanage was quiet, no-one else here to disturb them so she could be as silly as she wanted. And she could love them without constraint, giving cuddles and little kisses up and down their wonderful chubby arms as they laughed and squealed. Yes, this was definitely her favourite time.

Out in the hallway she could hear the sound of furniture being moved, scraping along the floor, and she wondered whether she should go and check that everything was okay with Nathan and Lucas. She had offered to help get the Constable back up the stairs but they had declined, saying that they would be staying downstairs for a while.

At the end of the hallway the two men were standing with their backs to the front door, both breathing heavily from the exertion of the past half hour. Lucas looked at Nathan and asked, "Are you sure you want to do this again? You must be getting tired by now because I know I certainly am."

Nathan smiled to hide the fatigue that had set into his muscles. "Just one more time, Lucas. I think I can do the whole distance now."

They had started with Lucas supporting Nathan as he stood up shakily, taking time to get his balance. Then he slowly took one careful step, then another. After a few he felt his legs begin to tremble and quickly sat down on one of the chairs that Lucas had wisely suggested placing at intervals along the hallway. Bit by bit they had tried, each time reaching a few more steps before he had to stop. Finally he had decided he could do it on his own but Lucas hovered behind him so much that he felt his movement restricted by his presence. "Bouchard, I don't need you to be so close," he had exclaimed in frustration. "Give me some space and I will get there!" He suddenly wondered if this was what it was like for an infant taking their first hesitant steps, lurching forward in an ungainly way but with determination to reach their destination at the other side.

So they continued practising until Nathan was confident that he could walk the entire length unaided. Lucas knew there was no point in arguing, the man had made up his mind that he was going to do it and that was that. Now he stood at the end, aware that if Nathan fell then he would be unable to stop him but also knowing that it was a price his stubborn friend was willing to pay. Once he had decided that he wanted to be able to walk across to Elizabeth and Allie at some point in the afternoon he had set his mind to doing it and nothing bar a total collapse was going to stop him.

Nathan knew he was pushing himself but this was so important that he had to keep going. He was slow but that would change with practice and the pain in his back was something that he had so far managed to hide from Lucas for he knew that if he gave any hint of that then this whole session would stop. Now he lifted his head and looked to where the other man was standing, keeping his focus on him in the same way he would do with his girls later. The sight of them at the end of whatever distance he had to walk would be all the motivation he needed.

When he took the final step and stood in front of Lucas he could feel relief rush through his body. This was going to be his gift to them, along with something else he had in mind. Lucas held out his hand to shake it, feeling pleased to have helped his friend to achieve what he had set out to do. "I must say, I didn't think you were going to get this far so quickly Nathan, but when you said you would do it you really meant it."

Nathan gave him a look that had Lucas wary, suddenly realising that Nathan wasn't finished. "What now?"

"Now I need to be able to kneel and get back up again."