The CBB :: View topic - The Four Gifts

#1: The Four Gifts Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:54 pm

This is a sequel, in several parts, to my Secret Santa drabble for LizB - *No Peace on Earth* - and takes place about a week after the live crib organised by Nell (Christmas 1940.)

It was going to be posted as another Secret Santa drabble for Liz but time got away from me so, as it is about Christmas, I thought I would post it the night before Epiphany. I know, I know, the Three Kings only brought *three* gifts . Laughing

Who said I could count? Wink

“It is Christmas Day in the workhouse,” intoned the white-haired woman solemnly, but her grey eyes glinted mischievously as she raised her glass to the tall, gentle-faced woman sitting opposite.

“Nell Wilson, this is a far cry from George Sims’ workhouse, let me tell you!” laughed her companion. “I doubt the King in Buckingham Palace dined as well as we have this evening,” and she looked down at her dish still half full of Christmas pudding. “I’ve met my Waterloo in this though! I’m afraid I’ve eaten far too much already.”

“Hilda, you don’t eat enough, never mind too much,” retorted Nell sharply. “You’re a scrag end of a thing at the moment. One of these days you’ll end up starving yourself to death.”

“With you behind me, Nell, I would never do that. You wouldn’t let me. Look how often you drag me kicking and screaming to the dining room!” Hilda Annersley’s rich voice was full of her love for this friend and deputy, whose young face sat so oddly beneath her crown of white hair.

Hilda looked around the room, at the candle-lit Christmas tree gleaming in the small bay window, at the fire dancing merrily in the tiled hearth, at the table and sideboard still groaning with Christmas cake and other goodies. What a cosy, welcoming room it was, inviting one to sit and take one’s ease.

“I don’t know how you managed all this with the war on,” Hilda said quietly, and her sensitive face was suddenly suffused with sadness. “I feel guilty sitting here tonight safe and warm and full of food – when I think of what is happening over there in Europe, wondering where some of our girls are, whether they have enough to eat, whether they are even still alive.”

“Hilda, dear girl, you not eating enough won’t help any one of them, no matter how great their suffering, “ Nell answered softly, concerned as always for this gentle woman who felt things so intensely, who cared so very deeply, yet hid it all beneath an impassive mask.

She spoke urgently, trying to remove the shadows from Hilda’s eyes. “You’re doing more than your share, love. When we created that live crib for you just over a week ago, you reminded us that we are all in God’s hands, reminded us that Right will prevail in the end. You have buoyed us all with your courage, made sure we followed Madge’s dictum to Be Brave. All that’s left for us to do is pray, and I know you do that.”

Hilda snaked a slim hand across the table and laid it over Nell’s strong sturdy one, squeezing it silently, a lovely light shining in her eyes. “Thank you for inviting me, Nell. I’m having a wonderful time.”

Nell smiled back at her. “I’m so glad, because I wanted you to have a complete rest – and I didn’t think you would get that at your brother’s house somehow.”

Hilda shook her head somewhat sadly and then raised her glass. “To our loved departed ones,” she whispered.

Nell raised her own glass and they drank silently. “Still thinking of James?” she asked quietly. Hilda’s eyes flashed up at her and then she turned her head to look into the fire.

“Might-have-beens are useless,” she said quietly, “but yes, Christmas is especially hard, even after all these years. I loved him so….”

This time it was Nell’s strong hand which reached across the table in silent sympathy. Losing family was grief enough, but to lose the one with whom you expected to live out the rest of your days, the one to whom you had given your heart and soul, was something from which you never recovered. She only hoped she was making it up to Hilda in some small way.

She cleared her throat, clasped Hilda’s hand one last time and then pushed her chair back. “Present time,” she whispered hoarsely and they moved over to the comfortable armchairs which faced each other across the beautiful old rug laid in front of the fireplace.

Hilda settled herself, feeling too replete to want to do anything but sleep, and watched lazily as Nell moved across to the tree. Bending down she retrieved one of the two presents lying there and came to lay it on Hilda’s lap. “With all my love, Hilda,” she said softly.

Hilda looked down at the gaily-wrapped parcel that lay so lightly on her knees then glanced up at Nell, to see her grinning widely in anticipation. Slowly, Hilda untied the coloured ribbon and peeled back the paper - to find herself touching soft woollen material of a deep rich cerise colour.

“Nell?” she whispered wonderingly, unable to believe her eyes.

“For goodness sake, get on with it, woman. I want to see if it fits!” Nell’s voice was tart but the smile was gentle as she watched her friend’s face.

Hilda lifted the garment out of the paper and let it fall open – to gasp in astonishment. It was a floor length dressing gown, beautifully stitched, and on the collar and pockets someone had lovingly embroidered sprigs of lavender. Hilda rubbed its silky softness against her cheek.

“Nell, it’s exquisite! Thank you so much. But – how…where…..?” Her voice failed her. It was one of the most beautiful presents she had ever received.

“I knew the colour would suit you!” crowed Nell triumphantly, warmed by the loving appreciation and delight she saw in Hilda’s eyes. “And it should keep you warm on cold nights when you get hauled out of bed by mischievous Middles!”

“It will certainly do that!” breathed Hilda, still rubbing it against her face. “But you didn’t answer my questions, young lady!”

“Oh, as to where – I found the material in a shop in a back street in Armiford and knew immediately it had been waiting there just for you, though goodness only knows how much longer we will be able to buy such things. How? Jeanne made it up for me, and embroidered the lavender on it, because we know how much you love it. Why don’t you try it on?”

Hilda stood up, stripped off her cardigan and slipped her arms into the silky warmth. How could wool be so soft and light? Nell’s cool grey eyes surveyed her with satisfaction, thinking how beautiful Hilda looked at that moment, the cerise colour emphasising the rosy glow in her cheeks and the bright sheen of her brown hair. She stood there as straight and slender as a young sapling, her eyes a soft, gentle blue.

“It’s perfect,” sighed Nell in relief. “You could knock spots off the Queen herself in that garment – although, to be frank, love, you can do that anytime at all without even trying.”

Pulling a face at this very unexpected compliment, Hilda slipped off the dressing gown, laid it reverently on the sofa, well away from the fire, and stroked it caressingly before bending to kiss Nell. “I love it, Nell, my dear,” she whispered reassuringly. “Bless you for being so thoughtful.”

Nell smiled up at her, her strong face soft in the flickering firelight......

Last edited by MaryR on Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:12 pm; edited 9 times in total

#2: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:16 pm

Yet another lovely instance of the growing friendship between Hilda and Nell in the early days - the thoughtfulness, the caring all coming through strongly. I love the idea of Nell finding the material, and Jeanne making up the dressing gown and doing the embroidery - lavender sprigs because Hilda loves it so. I can just imagine her at her stateliest, clad in her dressing gown, administering justice to some recalcritant middles who are where they shouldn't be in the middle of the night!

Thanks for this lovely word picture, Mary - I can see it all so clearly in my mind's eye.

#3: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:25 pm

Oh mary this is a perfectly wonderful beginning to a story which I can tell is going to be exquisit. I just love the interaction there and I am already considering starting a chant for M. O. R. E. Please? Laughing

No, don't worry, I know the way you work. It truely is beautiful though - I mean it.

#4: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:30 pm

As Elder said - you've painted such a picture, so much love and respect there. So much caring for each other.

Thanks Mary.

#5: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:35 pm

Thanks, Mary. That was such a lovely present for Nell to give to Hilda.

#6: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:56 pm

What a truly glorious gift, Mary. This was just lovely. How sensitive Nell is to Hilda - like Elder, I can just see her organising this and then hugging her secret to herself! And how thoughtful she is for Hilda, recognising that Christmas can be sad as well as joyous.

It is truly delightful to see them at the beginning of their lives together, and knowing how much love and happiness still awaits them....

Thank you Mary

#7: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:50 pm

Thank you Mary - a wonderful gift Kiss

Liz

#8: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 7:20 am

Oh, how lovely !
Well done, Mary Smile

#9: Author: Katya, Location: Mostly Bradford

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:56 am

Oh Mary, you've done it again - wonderful, beautiful, brilliant! As Cath said, it's so good to see them together, full of life. Am very much looking forward to reading the rest of this. If Squirrel does start a chant, I for one will be joining in... Wink

Thank you, cherie.

#10: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:24 am

What a wonderful gift, so typical of Nell's care for Hilda.

#11: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:10 pm

Awww, what a simply lovely, sweet story. I love these glimpses into Hilda and Nell's friendship, and how comfortable and loving they are with each other. Thanks for this Mary - how wrong is it that I suddenly want it to be Christmas again?? Wink

#12: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:43 pm

Thank you all for your lovely comments, but I'm sorry I'm making you nostalgic for Christmas already, gaityr. Laughing

Nell smiled up at her, her strong face soft in the flickering firelight, and watched as Hilda in her turn brought over the large parcel she had put under the tree when she first arrived. She placed it on the rug in front of Nell. It was elegantly wrapped in dark blue paper, the wide silver ribbons a vivid contrast.

“This is not just a Christmas gift, it’s to thank you for so much else,” Hilda said earnestly, as she knelt by the box and gazed up at Nell. “It’s for inviting me here for one of the most perfect Christmases I have had. It’s for that wonderful live crib you engineered so artfully for me. But most of all, it’s to thank you for just being you, for being there at every turn, for upholding everything I do at school. For becoming my friend and making life so much less lonely….”

Her voice trailed off as she reflected on all she owed Nell, but the latter simply shook her head, grinned, and leaned forward, pulling open the ribbons and peeling back the paper. She found herself looking at a plain cardboard box. Frowning at Hilda, who smiled back blandly, she pulled apart the flaps and peered in. Putting in a tentative hand she withdrew an object wrapped in newspaper. Carefully removing that, she saw a cup – but not just any cup!

A few minutes later, there were several cups, saucers and plates spread around. Nell gazed in awe. Holding a cup in her hand, she eyed Hilda, who was watching her somewhat apprehensively. Nell reached out her free hand and touched Hilda’s shoulder. “Relax, dear girl, it’s all beautiful – so delicate and yet….”

She stopped, overcome. The china was exquisite, a delicate pale, pale pink, with a restrained pattern of tiny flowers here and there in muted greys and blues and pinks. The most remarkable thing about it was the octagonal shape of each piece, the cups having four larger and four smaller panels, all of them almost translucent. You felt that if you held them up to the light, you would see right through them.

Hilda reached in and pulled out a larger object, which when unwrapped proved to be an ethereal-looking octagonal teapot. Nell subjected it to a considering look and then whispered, “Hilda, even the fairies couldn’t have made anything this fine. It almost seems made of…..of moonbeams.”

Hilda was thoroughly startled at this most whimsical statement from the very prosaic Nell. She held the teapot and smiled up at Nell. “I was going to buy you a tea set by an artist called Clarice Cliffe, whose designs are unusual, indeed were very innovative in the Twenties when she started, but then I decided that their bright gaudiness might offend your taste, unconventional though you are, my dear,.”

Nell tried to glare, but she was so overcome that it was impossible. “No, you chose exactly right. I love them,” she said softly.

“These are from the Shelley factory and they were actually producing at the same time as Cliffe, but I thought their delicate shape and colouring would suit your cottage better. They might well fetch a pretty sum in the future, so look on them as an investment as well as a gift.”

Nell’s eyes widened. “Hilda, it’s too much,” she whispered. “I shall be afraid to use it – the pieces are so thin I might break some of them!”

Hilda eyes glinted with amusement. “You probably will, knowing you! Part of my present is a promise to replace anything you break – so use it, dear. That’s why I gave it to you. Why should beautiful objects be hidden away and only brought out on state occasions? Use it and enjoy it. I have a feeling that, long before this war is over, we shall be sick of ugliness and long for something that will take our minds off it. Remember your Keats: A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Unable to say anything, Nell bit her trembling lip. Hilda understood and leaned across to squeeze her hand. In silence, smiling at each other companionably, they began to pull out the rest of the tea service. Hilda unwrapped a delicate sugar bowl and raised her head……..

#13: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:35 pm

Oh Mary, how beautiful. Thank you for such a scene of friendship. *what's coming next I wonder...*

#14: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:00 pm

Thanks, Mary. Hilda chose just the right present for Nell.

#15: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:03 pm

Another lovely little vignette, Mary. I just love the description of the teaset - it sounds so fascinating and quite unique with its octagonal design. Thank goodness you told us it was made by Shelley, though, because otherwise my first question would have been 'who made it?'

I agree wholeheartedly with Hilda's assessment of Clarice Cliffe china - interesting yes, garish, absolutely, and out of place in Nell's small cottage - definitely! (Ducks to dodge any Cliffe aficionados reading this.)

Lovely, too, to see how Hilda instinctively knew what would fit in Nell's cottage, even though she'd never visited it before. And I find it very interesting to realise that Nell would be so enthralled with something so very delicate - clearly Hilda knows a good deal more about her tastes than I have ever gleaned in all my reading of EBD.

Thank you.

#16: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:56 pm

Shelley china!! Lucky, lucky Nell! I love the stuff and have some friends who have a fair amount of it...I wish!

And it is to be used - that's the gorgeous part! I chuckled over the idea that Hilda knows that Nell will break some of it - but more seriously, how well she knows Nell, knows that she values the delicate, the subtle, the exquisite - a part of her character that she reveals to so very few.

Thank you Mary. Very Happy

#17: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 12:02 am

I loved that Hilda said part of the gift was replacement for any broken parts - how often do we 'keep something for best' thereby wasting them, hiding them in the backs of cupboards.

Thank you Mary, lovely insight into both their characters.

#18: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:08 pm

What a beautiful teaset

Thanks Mary

Liz

#19: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:48 am

Clarice Cliffe ware is lovely in its own style, but definitely not right for Nell`s cottage.

I too am really relishing this insight into Nell`s character. What a delight !

#20: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:22 pm

I did warn some of you that it wasn't going to be all sweetness and light! Shocked

...... Hilda unwrapped a delicate sugar bowl and raised her head, about to say something to Nell, when she heard a sudden hissing noise from over near the window and caught a flare of light out of the corner of her eye. She straightened, turned her head that way, and then stared open-mouthed in horror.

“Nell,” she whispered, her throat seizing up. “The tree….” And then the sugar bowl was tossed unceremoniously aside and she was desperately scrambling to her feet. Nell caught the urgency on her face and turned to look. What she saw had her out of her seat with one almighty leap.

The candles had somehow set fire to the Christmas tree and already the flames were hungrily licking at the upper branches. Popping noises could be heard as ornaments shattered in the sudden heat, and the smell of burning filled the air.

Looking around frantically, Nell snatched up the nearest thing that came to hand, ran over and threw it round the tree. She leaned down and tipped over the pot, sending the tree crashing to the ground, and then rolled it over and over to try and smother the flames. She gave no thought at all to her hands, or indeed the rest of her body, as she almost lay on the burning branches in her desperate efforts to extinguish the fire.

Hilda grabbed a blanket off the sofa and threw that over the tree as well, stamping on any branches that were still smouldering. Thank God she had seen it in time, she thought dazedly, as she stood there breathing hard, watching closely in case any little flame had escaped their ministrations.

Finally, in the silence that now filled the room, she looked down. Nell was still crouched over the tree, kneeling there immobile, as though in shock or…..

Sudden fear struck Hilda and she gasped out urgently, “Nell, tell me you’re okay. You’re not burned, are you?” There was silence and still Nell did not move. “Nell? Speak to me,” she cried, her lovely voice ragged with dread.

#21: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:37 pm

Well,you gave us light, all right, but definitely not a good type!!! But the sudden change from the previous scene does remind us how quickly a situation like this can, quite literally, flare up.

What a good thing that Hilda noticed the flames out of her eye corner, and that Nell reacted so quickly - though whether in the best way possible will only emerge when we find out the extent of her injuries, and whether her present position results from extensive burns, or more from the shock of what happened, which will inevitably have triggered memories of earlier conflagrations and shootings.

Please don't make us (and Hilda, of course) wait too long to find out more about Nell's condition.

Thanks, Mary

#22: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:59 pm

*I have a feeling I know why Nell is now in shock!*

Won't say as it will spoil it for the rest of you.

Thanks Mary - that was a mighty fine cliff there! Laughing

#23: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 3:23 pm

Here I was, Mary, all ready to thank you for that lovely interlude in which Hilda presents Nell with her gift... and now I just want to beg you to fill in that cliff.

I hope Nell is alright.

Thanks for the update. And I'll give even more thanks in advance if you'll update quickly! Mr. Green

#24: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 5:06 pm

MARY!!

That was not nice! I was feeling all warm and fluffy and then that happened Shocked

Please update as quickly as you can

#25: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:22 pm

Nell, how could you be so impulsive ? Shocked

Hilda waited and found the blanket......

#26: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:05 pm

Thanks, Mary. I hope that Nell is ok.

#27: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:22 pm

Really Nell, as a Guider you should know soooo much better!

Thanks Mary

Liz

#28: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:47 pm

LizB wrote:

Really Nell, as a Guider you should know soooo much better!

Thanks Mary

Liz

Why? She did exactly what is recommended - cover fire and roll on floor - exactly as she and Con helped Thekla.

#29: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:50 pm

Recommended for a person, yes, but not to risk herself like that with the tree, especially when there was a blanket to hand that could have been used, surely.

Liz

#30: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:16 pm

LizB wrote:

Recommended for a person, yes, but not to risk herself like that with the tree, especially when there was a blanket to hand that could have been used, surely.

Liz

True, but she did use something to cover the tree, and then attempted to smother the flames. had she not done so there could have been two casualties, herself and Hilda, those trees can be lethal when alight.

Lesley

#31: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:20 pm

Mary!!!!

There I was thinking, lovely, two posts to find from Mary - and then I read it and ...aargh! You see the effect, don't you? - even my grammar is affected!

Well, that changed the mood didn't it?!

I also have an inkling as to why Nell might be in shock....

Thank you Mary - such a well-handled change in tone.

#32: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:20 pm

Sorry

That will teach me not to get so caught up wibbling that I don't pay attention to every little detail!

Liz

#33: Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 12:42 am

Well, you certainly know how to pull me back from the edge of sentimentality! There I was, thinking about how wonderfully perceptive Hilda was to see past Nell's crusty exterior and present her with such a beautiful present...and then flames start shooting out! Shocked

Hope everything turns out all right.......soon? Wink

#34: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:29 am

Thank you Mary.

I also have a suspicion as to why Nell is in shock.

#35: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:11 pm

Uhoh

MAry that was CRUEL!

*also on the suspicious bench*

#36: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:11 pm

Mary

this is lovely. It is so nice to see you develop the relationship between H&N(alive this time)

Please let us know Nell is okay... soon

Looking forward to more

#37: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:11 am

Well that was certainly a way to bring an end to Hilda and Nell's chat! Now, when do we get the next section? Please Mary?

#38: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:21 pm

Squirrel wrote:

Now, when do we get the next section? Please Mary?

*adds to pleas*

Liz

#39: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:29 pm

Liz, see your Inbox, written even as you posted here. Laughing

I was just about to post but thank you for the interest. Wink

I was going to post yesterday to put you all out of your misery but the board was so slow, even after deleting cookies, that I gave up! Embarassed

........Sudden fear struck Hilda and she gasped out urgently, “Nell, tell me you’re okay. You’re not burned, are you?” There was silence and still Nell did not move. “Nell? Speak to me,” she cried, her lovely voice ragged with dread.

Quickly, Hilda knelt down and gently put her arm round Nell’s bowed shoulders. At the soft touch Nell looked up, to show the tears streaming down her white cheeks. She held out her hands, and Hilda saw she was clutching the charred remains of some deep pink woollen material.

“I used your Christmas present, Hilda.” Nell whispered miserably. “Your lovely, lovely dressing gown! I’m so sorry!”

Hilda pulled Nell close and gently removed the bits of material. She spoke softly. “I’ll survive, my dear, though I’m sorry for all the careful thought that went into it. You’re not hurt, that’s all that matters, and your cottage is still in one piece. I thought for a moment there you’d burnt yourself. You haven’t, have you? Let me look at you.”

Nell shook her head and rubbed her hands over her face, “What a mess!” she said disconsolately, her voice trembling now the emergency was over and the reaction set in. They surveyed the charred debris in front of them. Bits of pink material and blue blanket stuck to burnt branches, there were hardening pools of wax on the floor as well as soil from the overturned tub in which the tree had been planted, and the tree ornaments were twisted out of shape or shattered, shards lying everywhere.

“Oh, Nell!” whispered Hilda compassionately, her arm still around Nell. “All your family ornaments, all those memories gathered over the years. I’m so sorry, my dear.”

Nell, however, was recovering her equanimity and now shook her head. “We’re safe, that’s the main thing. If you hadn’t seen…..” They both shuddered inwardly at what might have happened. But they had been so quick that even the black-out curtains behind the tree had survived unscathed, although the wooden floor would probably be damaged.

“Come on,” said Hilda, rising lithely and pulling Nell to her feet. “Let’s get all this outside and clean up the mess.”

Half an hour later, they were ruefully surveying the blistered and burned wooden floor. A small price to pay, reflected Nell gratefully, for the greatest gift of all that they had received that day.

“Sit down, Nell,” said Hilda sharply, noticing her friend’s sudden pallor, and she pushed her unceremoniously into her chair by the fire. “I’ll make a cup of tea, but first….” Going to the dresser by the door she splashed amber liquid generously into a glass and handed it to Nell, ordering sternly, “Drink that while I’m gone. All of it!”

When she returned ten minutes later, she found normality restored, apart from the lingering smell of burning. Not only had Nell downed the whisky, she had also moved all her precious china to the dresser and cleared away the newspaper and box into a corner out of sight. With one part of her mind, Hilda was relieved to notice that the sugar bowl, which she had thrown down in her terror, was still in one piece.

She set the tray down then took Nell by the shoulders and scrutinised her face anxiously, but the colour had returned to her cheeks and the misery had cleared from her eyes. “You’ll do!” Hilda sighed thankfully. “Sit down again and pour the tea. I’ll be back in just a moment. I’ve forgotten something.”

#40: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:38 pm

They are both safe, that is a relief. Thank you Mary for posting that when you did. I'm glad Hilda is able to be there for Nell when she needs it so much, when all the little things are seeming worse than the greatest good there was. They are safe, and that is the main thing. Thanks

#41: Author: Katya, Location: Mostly Bradford

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:46 pm

Incredible, Mary - even though I knew in advance what was going to happen, my heart suddenly leapt into my mouth reading the previous post as I realised that beautiful dressing gown had just gone up in smoke!

Sorry, btw, that's not meant as a gloat, but I needed to illustrate how good the writing is in this. And I held off until after it was revealed! Aren't Hilda and Nell lucky to have each other....

Thank you, cherie.

#42: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:59 pm

*much relieved*

I am very glad that they are ok, although sad for the loss of the dressing gown and the ornaments. Sad

Thanks Mary

Liz

#43: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:08 pm

Poor Nell.

I had anticipated the dressing gown, but not the ornaments. Thanks Mary

#44: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:18 pm

MaryR wrote:

“I used your Christmas present, Hilda.” Nell whispered miserably. “Your lovely, lovely dressing gown! I’m so sorry!”

How heartbreaking. Sad

But I'm so glad that they both are safe, and have realised just as we have that the most important thing really was the friendship that led them to exchange their gifts in the first place. I'm a bit broken up about poor Nell losing some of her family ornaments, but, as Hilda says, she'll do. With Hilda, she will!

Lovely - thanks ever so for the new update, Mary!

#45: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:02 pm

Thanks, Mary. I had also guessed about the dressing gown. I'm glad Hilda wasn't upset about it.

#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:51 pm

Knew it! Not through prior knowledge - just that I guessed it would be that. Poor Nell -but the important thing is that they are both fine - nothing else matters.

Thanks Mary. Laughing

#47: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:35 pm

I too, had thought it might have been the dressing gown - which is too bad given the loving care which Nell had put into choosing the material and having it made up, but at least neither she nor Hilda was hurt, which is far more important. And Hilda would have been too much relieved that they were both unhurt to grieve unduly over the loss of the dressing gown, much as she loved her present from Nell.

Thanks, Mary

#48: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:02 am

Oh poor Nell - doing the right thing, but (as I had thought she might) with Hilda's dressing gown. And losing the Christmas tree ornaments too! They are safe - and they might not have been - but the initial taste will have been very bitter in Nell's mouth. Hilda was perfect, reminding Nell that the important thing is that they are together and they are safe - definitely the greatest gift.
Thank you Mary!

#49: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:02 am

Had also thought it likely to be the dressing gown but hadn't thought about the ornaments and the memories around them. At least they are both ok and Hilda noticed quickly enough.

Thank you Mary.

#50: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:40 pm

I hadn't twigged about the dressing gown, but I DID guess about the ornaments.

Thank you Mary.

#51: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:14 pm

Don't worry about the ornaments. Hilda has it all in hand....

....“You’ll do!” Hilda sighed thankfully. “Sit down again and pour the tea. I’ll be back in just a moment. I’ve forgotten something.”

However, it was a good few minutes before she returned, and when she did so, Nell gaped. Hilda had in her arms a large wooden box, dark and glowing richly, and when she placed it silently on Nell’s knee, the latter saw the beautiful carvings – birds and butterflies, leaves and flowers. It was stunning, a veritable feast for the eyes.

Stroking the outstretched wings of a large butterfly perched on the lid, there came to Nell’s mind an image of the three kings bearing boxes such as this to hold their gifts, as they travelled the long weary miles to Bethlehem.

Hilda knelt in front of Nell and there was so much love in her eyes. When she spoke it was in a quiet whisper, scarcely to be heard above the crackling of the fire. “Dearest Nell, I want you to have this box, and all it contains, to make up in some small way for all those memories you lost tonight.”

Nell simply looked at her bemusedly so Hilda, smiling gently if a little sadly, undid the small brass padlock and lifted the lid. The box was lined in a soft, sky-blue silk, and nestling therein lay ornaments, Christmas decorations such as Nell had seen in their days in Austria. Some were made of pale, unvarnished wood, others were painted in jewel-like colours.

With a trembling hand, Nell reached in and pulled out a bell, a snowflake and an angel, all crafted of that pale wood, and hanging from thin red cord. Laying them in the lid, she next withdrew a tiny Nativity scene, painted in vibrant hues, and a little Nutcracker Prince.

Tears were shining in her eyes as she looked up into Hilda’s gentle face. “These are Tyrolean,” she whispered. “The box as well…. Hilda, dear girl, I can’t take these from you. They are such precious things. I have just ruined my one gift to you – and you repay me by wanting me to have these. Why?”

Hilda reached in and held up an exquisitely crafted star. Her eyes were an intense blue, and her voice still very quiet, when she spoke again. “I started collecting these almost as soon as I came to the school – two or three every year – thinking that some day I might have my own home, my own tree….”

Her voice trailed away and she swallowed hard, her eyes remote, as though she had travelled light years away from that peaceful shadowy room. Nell knew she was remembering James and the home they might have made together some day. Was that why she had collected these treasures? In memory of a love she had never wanted to replace?

Nell waited patiently for Hilda to return to her, feeling such compassion for this gentle-hearted, generous woman who had twice been so grievously bereaved.

#52: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:19 pm

Oh Mary how lovely. Hilda wiling and able to provide more christmas spirit when the first lot has been taken away. I'm sure that you will bring the symbolism in that gift out futher in the next post or so. Such a lovely picture of that love which gives and gives and keeps on giving. Thank you Mary love - just beautiful.

#53: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:26 pm

These will come to mean as much for Nell as her lost ones - not to replace them, but to make their own space, with just as much love.

Thank you Mary.

#54: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:29 pm

What a beautiful gift from Hilda - as Lesley notes, Nell will come to value these ornaments for themselves, and not simply as replacements for her own, irreplaceable ones. Clearly, Hilda's wish to give them to Nell now is affirmation of the relationship growing between them.

Lovely, Mary
Thank you

#55: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:54 pm

Oh, Mary, I had a huge lump in my throat when I read that, at the thought of Hilda collecting those lovely things, and hoping for... something. Remembering James, yes, but also believing that there is a future, that there could be somewhere for her, a home and all that makes it so. And they will be their ornaments, part of their home.

#56: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 12:47 pm

Thanks, Mary. That was so lovely - I was really moved by the last post.

#57: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:35 pm

Beautiful!

Thank you Mary Kiss

Liz

#58: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:26 pm

Oh that was exquisite Mary.

Thank you

#59: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:48 pm

How simply lovely - poor Hilda, but I loved reading about how she'd collected these ornaments year by year, and is now presenting them to Nell to take the place of those that have been lost.

Thanks Mary - this was beautiful!

#60: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:17 pm

......Nell waited patiently for Hilda to return to her, feeling such compassion for this gentle-hearted, generous woman who had twice been so grievously bereaved.

The remoteness in Hilda’s eyes faded and she focused on Nell again as she added softly, “But it didn’t happen and now, with the war…..who knows?” and she shrugged. “I don’t know how I managed to get it out of Austria, but I was determined that, even if I ended up with no clothes, this was coming with me.”

She gently stroked the blue silk. “I bought the casket first. I found it in a shop in Vienna, and just couldn’t resist it. It is so exquisitely carved and I felt it was worthy to be carried by the three kings themselves.” Nell started at this echoing of her own thoughts, but Hilda was deep inside herself and never noticed.

Hilda looked down at the star she was still holding. “Jeanne lined it for me, and then, because it made me think of the magi, I knew what I was going to do with it. This star was the first ornament I bought.” Nell caught the sheen of tears in Hilda’s eyes and caressed her brown hair gently, causing Hilda to look back up at her. “I want you to have them, Nell,” she said simply, her rich voice very quiet and very sweet.

“Hilda, I can’t….” Nell began again, but Hilda stayed her with a tremulous smile.

“Yes, you can. I brought them with me to give to you this Christmas, would you believe?” Nell remembered how she had wondered at all the parcels Hilda had turned up with. “I decided they needed to be used, not hidden away, and you have a home, a homely home, where one can feel at peace. But….” The soft voice faltered. “Once I was here, I couldn’t quite bring myself to part with them. I love them so much.”

Suddenly she smiled, and her whole face lit up. “But now I know why I collected them. I did it just for you. Oh, not to replace what you lost tonight! That would be impossible, for there are so many memories invested in those on the tree, all your childhood and youth, your life with Cherry and your parents. But perhaps you can make new memories with these and give them a home for me. They have been without one long enough. They need to live.”

“Oh Hilda, my very dear girl,” whispered Nell, tears in her own eyes. “How can I refuse you anything, anything at all? Not only your treasures, but you yourself, have found a home. You belong here with me, Hilda, and these beauteous objects – these now belong with both of us. They are no longer yours or mine, they’re ours. And yes, we will make new memories with them – but we will make them together - for we both need them.”

Hilda smiled up at her through the tears now spilling down her cheeks, overcome at the wonderful gift Nell had just offered her, one that far outshone the lost dressing gown. Seeing the tears, Nell put the precious box to one side and drew Hilda into her arms. Hilda nestled her head against her friend’s shoulder and gazed dreamily into the fire, relaxed and at peace. Home – with Nell…….

#61: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:22 pm

Thanks, Mary. Hilda did well to get them out of Austria.

#62: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:18 pm

Oh Mary that was exquisite - such love there from both of them. Well done Nell for knowing exactly what to say, and Hilda that was a princely gift.

Thank you. Kiss

#63: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:23 pm

Oh Mary, so lovely, such a touching reality. Yes, Hilda's home is Nell's cottage, and this near tragedy has been the thing to help them realize that - and free Hilda to give her gift with a free heart. Sometimes it can be so difficult to do what you want - you know you want to, but something stops you - and for Hilda, that something has meant she gave it at the right time.

Thankyou Mary - lovely.

#64: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:46 pm

Oh what a fitting ending - that Nell and Hilda should both be at home there, where they belong, and with a whole world and life ahead of them.

Lovely, Mary.

#65: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 12:26 am

Quote:

Not only your treasures, but you yourself, have found a home. You belong here with me, Hilda, and these beauteous objects – these now belong with both of us. They are no longer yours or mine, they’re ours. And yes, we will make new memories with them – but we will make them together - for we both need them.”

What a beautiful, beautiful statement from Nell; at last Hilda has a home she can call 'home'. And such a wonderful foretaste of their many years' relationship - which makes Hilda's grief in ND even more heart-wrenching.

Thank you for this lovely ending, Mary

#66: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:54 am

Oh Mary,
I have just caught up with this, and again you have reduced me to tears !
This is just so very beautiful.
You have really made Nell and Hilda live and breathe , my dear.
Heartfelt congratulations !

#67: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 1:57 pm

Thank you, Mary.

#68: Author: Katya, Location: Mostly Bradford

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:00 pm

They have their memories, their home, their life, their love. The past, the present, the future and each other. Four precious gifts indeed...

Another incredibly beautiful piece of writing, Mary - simply stunning. Thank you, cherie.

#69: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:35 pm

How simply lovely, and what a wonderful ending. Thank you for this, Mary - I'm so glad that the two of them have each other, and have realised how much they mean to each other.

#70: four gifts Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:30 am

Mary, at last I've been able to read this, and it's absolutely lovely, and so good to have Nell alive!
Wonderful gifts, wonderful friendship, gripping tension, wonderful ending as Hilda and Nell begin to make a home together.
I found Katya's response so moving that I can only echo it.

Perfectly lovely, Mary.

#71: Author: calico, Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:51 am

Thank you Mary.
What a beautiful story.

#72: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:30 pm

Mary

absolutely lovely tale. Hilda's gift and Nell's acceptance of it in this way shows how close their relationship is, even though it is still very new

#73: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:36 am

over the fire, interrupting such a wonderful evening, but lovely the way it can only reinforce their friendship. Smile

#74: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:18 pm

Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments and appreciation of this little tale. This, and No Peace on Earth were a delight to write, because Hilda just waltzed right in and handed them to me. Wink

I'm still working on the sequel to Turning the Tables, but Hilda is being very sheepish about handing over her plans for this. I'm beginning to wonder just what she HAS got in store for Nell. Laughing

#75: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:24 pm

Thank you Mary - the gifts, all of them, were so exquisitely beautiful!

And a home is an even more priceless gift.

Liz

The CBB -> St Agnes' House

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