A Christmas Tale

snow-stormVictoria and Lizzy were busily adding the finishing touches to the Christmas gifts that their father was going to pack into the trunk.  This Christmas the family were all going to London to spend Christmas with their grandparents, Earl and Countess Granville and their Uncle John and his family.

Victoria and Lizzy had been excited for weeks.  This trip was going to be special, and they loved spending time with their cousins Milly, Charles and Bertie.

**

Lord Edwin and Lady Elizabeth Granville moved out of London after they were first married.  Edwin decided it was time he took more of an interest in the family’s country estate Brentwood Manor which was situated in the small town of Wellingborough, North Hampshire.

Of their children, Lizzy was still attending school and Victoria had graduated two years ago from Wellingborough Private College.  Since graduating Victoria did some part time tutoring in English.

Life in the small country town was pleasant and everyone knew everyone.  Elizabeth Granville belonged to many social circles and loved to entertain at the manor house.  She enjoyed tending her prize rose garden and often entered special blooms in the local flower show.

**

Snow had been falling lightly for days and Edwin told his family they would be leaving early the following morning. Christmas Day was in three days’ time and they wanted to arrive at Charswood, Edwin’s parents’ home on Christmas Eve so the family could join in all the festivities together.

That evening after dinner the girls rushed around and made sure they packed their prettiest gowns for Christmas, plus some warm clothes for travel.

**

Neither of the girls could sleep, they were so excited.  In the morning they bounced out of bed by seven, washed and dressed and were downstairs for breakfast by 8am.

“Obviously you are both rather excited,” said Edwin, “It usually takes you both longer to get out of bed than this,” he laughed.

“We are Father, very excited,” said Victoria looking over at her younger sister.

Everyone was ready to leave the house on time at nine o’clock.  The snow was starting to fall heavier and Edwin explained to his family that the horse and trap would need to travel quietly and the journey would take longer than usual.

The ride was slow and as they neared the little village of Winthrop the wind picked up.  Edwin told his family that they may have to shelter in the local Inn until the bad weather passed.

“The road is getting too dangerous and we are in danger of one of the wheels cracking if we push on, plus it’s too hard going on the horses in the heavy snow,” he explained looking at his wife.

Elizabeth eyed the snow, which had begun to accumulate on the window of the carriage. “Of course my darling, you know best.”

“Come on lets pull in to the Bluebird Inn, and I will go inside and enquire about accommodation for the night,” Edwin told his family.

With that Edwin instructed the drivers to stop and he jumped out of the carriage.  

Edwin came back out to the carriage and told his wife that the publican advised him the snow was expected to get worse during the day and lift tomorrow.  He suggested the family should stay the night and he had three rooms made available for the family to use.  

The girls were disappointed they could not continue the journey but appreciated their father had everyone’s best interests and safety at heart.

“Our drivers will take the horses to the barn behind the Inn and accommodation can be found for the drivers.  Come on everyone let’s make the most of it,” added Edwin cheerily.

**

It was lovely and warm inside the Inn and a most welcoming roaring fire was going in the corner.  The smell of hot roast beef was coming from the kitchen and it helped to make the group feel warm and safe.

“We can come down and have a nice supper here and after breakfast if the snow is lighter we can head off,” Edwin said smiling at his daughters.

The girls settled into their room.  It was small but cosy with two single beds.  It had heavy dark green velvet curtains and green bed covers.  It smelt a little musty and the girls thought perhaps the rooms were not let out all that often.  Still it was warm and they had shelter from the cold winds and snow outside.

**

Around seven o’clock the family went downstairs and had a lovely dinner by the big fire.  Roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding went down a treat as did the apple pie.

The publican and his wife were a friendly elderly couple and you could see they enjoyed having some guests.  After dinner they came and sat down at the table with the family and Edwin was offered a glass of top shelf whisky.

“Why thank you kind sir, this is mighty decent of you,” he nodded at his hosts.

“Our pleasure sir.  It is Christmas after all, and we don’t often have guests to stay in the winter months,” replied the publican whose name appeared to be John.

After chatting with the publican’s wife for a while Elizabeth and the girls made their way upstairs to bed.  Edwin called out to his wife that he would be up soon.

By nine thirty the girls were tired and ready to go to sleep.  They snuggled themselves into their warm beds as the wind howled outside.

“I hope the bad weather eases tonight,” Victoria said to Lizzy as she fell into asleep.

**

It was about one o’clock in the morning and Victoria woke with a fright.  She could hear loud banging outside. As she looked out the window she could see a man at the door of the Inn with a lamp, he seemed frantic.

Victoria put on her wrap and decided to go and see if her father had woken with all the commotion.

As she knocked on her parent’s bedroom door her father came out.

“Yes I heard banging on the Inn door Victoria, I will go downstairs and see what’s going on.  You wait up here with your mother,” said Edwin as he threw on his robe.

Victoria nodded to her father and went into the room to see her mother.

A few moments later Edwin came back upstairs looking concerned.

“I must get dressed quickly, in fact we all need to,” he announced, “There has been a bad accident at the mine nearby and people are trapped.  We all need to see what we can do to help.”

“Of course father I will go and wake Lizzy and we will be downstairs very soon,” Victoria replied, assuring her father.

**

John the publican informed Edwin that some of the injured people would be brought back to the Inn and he would go and fetch Dr Foster.

Edwin and his family wrapped up warm and headed towards the mine.  There was debris everywhere and people were screaming.  Some of the men lay injured on the ground.  Edwin decided to go back and get his horse and trap so the badly injured could be ferried to the hotel.

The sight was horrible, Lizzy started to cry and Victoria had to give her a squeeze of encouragement in order for her to cope.

The air was full of dust and people were coughing.

Victoria bandaged up some of the menfolk who had minor injuries.  Lizzy gave some of the injured sips of water while their mother tried to comfort anxious wives who had arrived on the scene.

Edwin helped the badly injured into the trap and they were sent back to the Inn to be tended to by Dr Foster.

As Victoria made her way closer to the mine she heard a faint voice call out.

“Please, can you help me miss?”

Victoria rushed over to where she heard the voice coming from.  Amongst debris she found a crumpled broken body of a young man.

He was in tears; his handsome face was all dirty, his hair full of dust and blood, and his leg looked to be badly broken.

Looking up at Victoria he said, “I think I may be goner.  I can’t move and this stack of wood is crushing me.”

“Stay still, I will go for help”, said Victoria assuring the young man with a squeeze of his hand.

Victoria soon found her father and a water bottle and they both made their way back to the young man.

“Thank you sir but I don’t think you can help me, the beam of wood is too large for you to lift by yourself.  Please go and help others,” he said while drifting in and out of conscious.

‘Wait with him Victoria, I will go and get some men to help me lift the beam then we will deal with the young man’s injuries.”  Victoria nodded to her father and told him to hurry.

“Thank you miss for being so kind.  There must be so many people who need your attention,” the young man whispered.

‘Shhh, you just breath slowly.  My father will get you out soon, please be brave,” Victoria whispered back, trying not to cry.

Victoria tried to comfort him; it upset her to see a young person so seriously injured.  The young man looked up into Victoria’s face and pleaded “Please miss can you find my father? He was in the mine too.”

Victoria said she would ask her father to find out but in the meantime she felt she needed to stay by the young man’s side.  Gently she enquired his name.

“Bryn,” he winced.

“That’s a nice name,” replied Victoria softly as she held his hand. “Mine is Victoria.”  He smiled and closed his eyes again.

**

As soon as Victoria saw her father she called to him that Bryn needed to be transported to the doctor as soon as possible and she also asked him to enquire about his father in the mine.

After what seemed to be forever some men came to lift the log off Bryn’s leg, blood gushed everywhere, he was barely conscious.

“We need to get help for this man, and fast!”  called out one of the helpers.

“Can I travel with him to the Inn please?” asked Victoria as he was loaded on.

“Sorry but you are needed here for a bit please miss,” said the man who was organising the rescue.

Victoria nodded, realising she needed to stay put, there were still many people needing her help.

Already there was news that four people had been killed and there were others missing, as well as a good number seriously injured.

**

It was almost dawn before everyone had been attended to and those seriously injured had been taken to the Inn.  

A makeshift hospital was set up in the dining room and mattresses and blankets had been put on the floor.

Dr Foster and his wife Annie were exhausted, they had many people who needed help and some of the miners didn’t look like they would last till dawn.  The scene was one of total chaos.  

Victoria found Bryn amongst the laid out stretchers.  He looked very unwell, his ribs had been crushed, his arm and both his legs broken – one leg was badly injured.

Victoria sat down beside him and sponged his face; it was still covered in blood and dirt.  She felt sad.  Bryn reached for her hand.

“I think you must be a Christmas angel,” he said looking up at her.

“I am just trying to help like everyone else.  Just take a few sips of water and I will come back soon,” replied Victoria as she moved on.

Victoria found her Mother and her sister Lizzy in the kitchen, they looked exhausted.  

“We can’t rest yet Victoria.  There is still much to be done and we cannot leave for London until we have done our bit to help these poor souls,” she said knowing her daughter would feel the same.

“London can wait, so can Christmas.  This is where we are needed right now Mother,” she replied.

As they were talking Edwin came over, “I will send word to London and let the family know we will be delayed, perhaps a few days.”

“Of course my dear we are needed here right now,” Elizabeth replied as she took his arm reassuringly.

**

All night more wounded miners were brought into the Inn to have their wounds attended to.  Some were able to go home after they had been bandaged and only the very badly injured stayed.  Dr Foster and his helpers were all exhausted; they hardly had time to stop for a cup of tea.  Luckily a doctor from a nearby village had managed to arrive to offer assistance.

Once things had settled down a bit Edwin told his wife and daughters to go and get a couple of hours rest.

“If you are sure father.  Please come and fetch us if you need us,” replied Victoria, her eyes already closed.

“I will, now be off with you all and go and have a well-earned rest.  You are no good to anyone being this tired,” Edwin said as he hugged his daughters.

The sisters barely laid down their heads and they were soon fast asleep.

**

It felt like they had only drifted off when their mother was gently waking them up.

“Go and wash and change your clothes, then come downstairs for some food before we start helping Dr Foster again,” smiled Elizabeth to her daughters.

Once downstairs Victoria anxiously looked around to see how Bryn was getting on.  She could not see him anywhere so went to Dr Foster to ask where he was.  “The young man you are referring to got much worse while you were having a rest and he has been sent by coach to a London hospital.  He needs his leg attending to or he will lose it,” the doctor advised.

“Oh no, I should not have left him,” said Victoria, upset at the news.

“He asked me to thank you for his care Victoria, and said he was very grateful to you.  We did everything we could for him here but he needed specialised treatment.”

“I see, well I hope he can be helped…he was a very nice young man,” Victoria replied as she walked off in a daze.

**

After the family had given as much help as they could, they left the Inn on Christmas Eve and promised to return on their way back home to Wellingborough.

It was good to see everyone when they arrived at Charswood. The Earl and Countess had been most concerned about their family and remarked on how tired they all looked upon arrival.  

Christmas Day was lovely, but Victoria’s thoughts were with the people so badly affected by the mine explosion, especially Bryn.  She felt guilty celebrating while the people of Winthrop were suffering.

Cousins Charles, Bertie and Millie were of similar age to Victoria and Lizzy and they had been looking forward to spending time together.  Both Charles and Bertie tried hard to lift their cousin’s spirits.

Although Victoria enjoyed herself, her thoughts kept going back to the terrible tragedy at the mine.  She worried about Bryn and wondered which hospital he might be in.

**

The day after Christmas Victoria asked her father to send a messenger to Dr Foster to see if he could tell him which hospital Bryn was admitted to in London.  

Victoria told her father she was anxious to find out how Bryn’s condition was.

Edwin agreed to send a messenger, after all it was Christmas and the mine accident had had a big effect on all the family.

**

Two days later the messenger returned with a note from Dr Foster advising that Bryn was in Bishopwood Hospital.

Victoria asked her father if the family could go and pay him a visit.

“Of course Victoria you and I will go and see him, Lizzy and your mother can stay here with your grandparents,” replied Edwin.

“Thank you Father,” Victoria said, feeling relieved.

The next morning after breakfast Edwin and his daughter set off on the twenty mile journey to the hospital.  The wind was cold and it was a gloomy day.

“It was best your mother and sister stay home and keep warm in weather like this,” Edwin remarked to his daughter while tucking a warm blanket around her knees. The cold wind was coming into the carriage so they huddled together.

After what seemed like an age Victoria and her father arrived at the hospital.

It was a grey, impressive two-storey building covered in vines.

“Let’s go in and see what we can find out about young Bryn,” Edwin said to Victoria as they got out of the carriage.

After some enquiries they were ushered to a ward where they found Bryn sound asleep.

Victoria whispered to her father that maybe they should go and sit outside the ward until he woke up.

As they spoke Bryn opened his eyes; he heard the sound of whispered voices and assumed it was the nurse.  His eyes lit up when he saw the pair, “It’s you, the kind lady who looked after me after the mine explosion,” he smiled.

“Yes it’s me.  How are you Bryn? We have all been so worried about you,” replied Victoria as she took a seat beside him.

Her father nodded in agreement, reaching out to shake Bryn’s bandaged hand.

“Thank you for coming sir, it’s very good of you to come all this way.”

“That’s alright lad, we wanted to find out how you were and also to let you know your father was found.  He is fine apart from some cuts and bruises,” Edwin smiled reassuringly.

“I am so relieved.  Thank you sir and thank you Victoria, I think you said that was your name?” smiled Bryn.

“It is, and I am so glad you are getting better,” Victoria replied warmly.

“They saved my leg as well.  I will have a limp but I still have a leg which is the main thing, I am luckier than some,” Bryn said, “I hope to go back to the village in two or three days’ time.  Maybe you can stop by if you have time, I would like to see you all,” Bryn added looking at Victoria.

Victoria blushed a little, now Bryn was looking better she could see how handsome he was.

**

Returning back to her grandparent’s house Victoria felt happy that she had made the effort to go with her father to see Bryn in hospital.  She had taken him a small gift of sweets and they spent an hour chatting.  Bryn told her he was an only son, his brother had been killed in the mine five years earlier and his father was a widower.  His mother died when he was quite young.

Victoria realised how lucky she was to have a sister, parents and grandparents.  Her heart went out to Bryn; he had obviously had a very hard life.

“Can we call and see Bryn on our way home please Father,” asked Victoria on the journey back to her grandparent’s house.

“Of course we will my dear, and I want to see how Dr Foster and his wife are coping, and the people of the village.  We must take them some food and see if there is anything more we can do to help,” he replied.

“I am pleased Father, we must do what we can to help those less fortunate,” Victoria replied looking up at her father.  Edwin squeezed his daughter’s hand.

**

After New Year at Victoria’s grandparent’s home, the family packed up and headed off on their homeward trip.

They were going to spend a couple of nights at the Inn to see if there was any help needed.

On arrival at the Inn Victoria could see Bryn sitting over by the fire; he stood up as she walked over and kissed her hand.

“My, you are looking so much better Bryn and you are standing on your leg,” Victoria said excitedly.

Bryn laughed, “I daresay I do look a bit better than I did when we first met a few weeks ago.”

They both laughed.

In fact there were only two or three people still staying on at the Inn, most injured people were now either home or still in hospital in London.

The mine had been permanently closed.

“The mine will not be re-opened its far too dangerous,” Bryn told Victoria.  “I will most probably need to go to London for work.”

Victoria felt sad for him, as he would need to leave his father.

After dinner Victoria approached her father, “Do you think Bryn could find work in Wellingborough father?” asked Victoria, with a pleading look in her eyes.

“I am not sure but I am happy to ask around for him.  With his leg injury it could be difficult for him for a while.”

Bryn smiled and told Edwin he appreciated him looking out for him.

**

Over the next couple of days Bryn and Victoria spent some time together, mostly sitting by the large fire in the Inn chatting. Bryn’s father Robert came to the Inn and had dinner with everyone, at which time he thanked Edwin and his family for looking after his son.

Life had not been easy for Robert and Bryn, but they had had each other and together they both worked in the mine, managing to survive working long hours and a six day week.

Robert realised now the mine was closed Bryn would need to find work elsewhere which may mean him moving away.  

He was still a young man and his whole life ahead of him and he was not going to stand in his son’s way.

**

The next day Edwin packed up his family to set off back home to Wellingborough, which was a four hour ride.

Before leaving Edwin and Victoria told Bryn they would let him know if they could find any sort of work for him in Wellingborough.

On the ride home Lizzy teased her sister, “You have a soft spot for Bryn don’t you? I can tell,” she giggled.

“Hush, don’t be silly.  He is a nice young man and I have been worried about his wellbeing since the mine accident, that is all,” said Victoria looking flushed.

“Of course,” replied Lizzy giving her sister a cheeky look.

**

After the weekend Edwin and Victoria went into town.  Edwin had business to attend to and Victoria had to go and do some tutoring for a couple of hours.

“I will ask around for Bryn,” Edwin promised as he left his daughter.

Mid-afternoon Edwin met up with Victoria, “I have talked to James Smyth, the local banker and also to Mervyn Brown, our lawyer.  Both would be interested in meeting Bryn with the view of employing him but he would have to have a trial first,” he added, “Both suggested for him to come and see them in two weeks to give his leg more time to heal.  I will send word to Bryn tomorrow,” he said as he grinned at his daughter.

“Thank you Father for all you have done, Bryn will certainly be most appreciative,” said Victoria to her father as she pecked him on the cheek.

“I know he will lassie.  He is a fine lad and it’s good to be able to help him,” he said looking at his daughters smiling face.

**

Two weeks later Edwin and Victoria arranged to meet up with Bryn in Wellingborough.

Bryn looked smart.  He was dressed in a dark blue long coat, dark pants and black boots with a blue waistcoat, shirt and white necktie, he looked very dashing, Victoria thought.

“We have two appointments for you Bryn; I will take you to see Mervyn Brown who is our lawyer first,” Edwin explained, “Mr Brown is a good man, a fair man and you could do well working with him.  He could possibly even train you in the business,” he added.

“Well sir I would have a lot to learn, but it would indeed be an honour to work for such an esteemed gentleman,” replied Bryn.

Mervyn Brown was indeed a nice man.  He had white hair tied back, a gentle manner and was obviously impressed with Bryn’s manners, “Well young man, if Edwin here thinks you could make a go of it working for me I would be happy to give you a month’s trial.  Think it over and let me know in a weeks’ time will you?”

“Thank you sir, and thank you for the opportunity.  I will let you know in the next few days,” Bryn replied as he shook his hand upon leaving.

“We will go and have a cup of tea now before you go and see Gerald Smyth.  Come on you two,” Edwin said to Victoria and Bryn, who were busily discussing the interview with Mr Brown.

After taking tea they all made their way to the bank.  Mr Smyth was busy so they had to wait a few minutes.  When he opened the door he called Edwin over, “I will just talk to the lad if that’s alright Edwin.  Catch up with you later perhaps,” he said.

Edwin shook his hand and went and sat back down with Victoria.

“Mr Smyth seems very busy,” Edwin whispered to his daughter.

Victoria nodded to her father.  A few minutes later Bryn emerged smiling, “Well I have two jobs, now I need to decide,” he smiled.

“That’s fantastic Bryn, I am so proud of you,” said Victoria.

“I would like to go back to the Winthrop and see my father to discuss the job offers with him before deciding,” Bryn said to Victoria, beaming.

“Of course you must, we look forward to your return of course,” Victoria said as they parted ways.

Bryn made his way over to a carriage and waved goodbye.

“I will return soon,” he called out.

“I wonder which position would suit him best father?” said Victoria to her father as they entered their carriage.

**

A few days later there was a knock on the large front door of Brentwood Manor.

James the butler came and found Victoria, “There is a young man here for you, and he said his name is Bryn Jeffries my lady,” he announced, obviously curious.

“Thank you James, show him into the parlour and would you ask Rosie to fetch some tea please,” Victoria said feeling suddenly excited.

Bryn entered the room, walked over to Victoria and kissed her hand.

“I am going to accept the position with Mr Brown, the lawyer.  I have discussed it with my father and we both feel it would be a wonderful opportunity for me,” he announced as he took the seat opposite her, “Also father will sell his cottage in Winthrop and move to Wellingborough, I am to look out for a new home for us while I am here.”  He was smiling as she had never seen him before.

“That is indeed wonderful news Bryn, a new beginning for both you and your father.”

At that moment Victoria’s father came into the room and he congratulated Bryn on accepting the new job, and also wished him well finding a new home for himself and his father, “You are welcome to stay with us until you find a new home Bryn,” added the older man.

“That’s very kind sir, but I could not impose.  I can stay in town at the Inn,” he replied.

“Nonsense, you stay here with us, we have plenty of room,” Edwin assured the young man.  Victoria nodded in agreement.

After having a cup of tea Bryn made his farewells.  He had to go back sort his affairs before moving to Wellingborough.

Victoria felt quite excited, she was becoming very fond of Bryn and she hoped he felt the same way about her.

**

Two weeks later Bryn arrived at the door of Brentwood Manor.  Victoria rushed downstairs to greet him, “How are you Bryn?” she gushed, feeling slightly embarrassed at her exuberance.  She was glad her sister was out riding.

“I am well, thank you.  I am looking forward to starting at the law office on Monday; I have just called on Mr Brown to make the final arrangements,” he continued, “Father is in the process of selling our cottage and I must quickly look around for a cottage.  In the meantime, I am going to accept your father’s kind offer of accommodation if that is still acceptable to you?” he smiled.

“Of course, we are happy to help.  I will show you to your room upstairs, do come this way and then we will go down and take tea with Mother and Father,” Victoria replied happily.

Bryn bowed and followed Victoria upstairs.

“You have a beautiful home Victoria,” Bryn said as he walked up the red carpeted stairs.

“Thank you, it’s been a family home for many years and it was passed on to my father by his parents,” replied Victoria.

After settling into his room Bryn went down stairs to join Victoria, Lizzy and their parents.  Everyone was happy to see Bryn again and looking so much better.  “Your limp has almost gone now young man,” remarked Lady Granville.

“Yes it is, and I will always been thankful to your family for your care,” said Bryn while sipping his tea.

**

Monday morning Bryn was up and about, bright and early.  He was excited to get started in his new job at the law practice.

The next few days Bryn set about learning a whole new set of work skills.  This job was so different from working in the mine from the age of fifteen.   He felt fortunate that his mother, who had been a school teacher, had taught him to read and write well before her death.  He worried a little if he would be able to pick up the work quickly but Mr Brown seemed happy with his progress and encouraged Bryn.

**

After being in Wellingborough a couple of weeks Bryn found a quaint cottage on the edge of the town.  It had a little bit of land with it so his father could have a cow and some chickens which would give him an interest.  It also had some lovely plum and apple trees.  The garden had been well kept by the previous owner and Bryn knew he and his father would be very happy there.

Bryn understood that his father would be sad to leave Winthrop, he had lived there all his life and he had special memories there but he also realised it was time to leave and time to start a new life with the closure of the mine.

When Bryn and his father moved into the cottage Victoria and her family took a welcome basket of home cooking for them.  

Bryn had been working for Mr Brown at the law office for three weeks before his father moved into the cottage.  He had enjoyed staying at the manor house with Victoria and her family and they made him feel very welcome.

**

Bryn’s fortunes were improving and he was enjoying his new employment.  During the next few months Mr Brown had Bryn begin basic legal studies.  Bryn showed promise and it was hoped he would eventually be able to complete studies to become a fully-fledged law clerk.

Victoria and Bryn’s friendship continued to develop and soon it was evident to all that their relationship was a serious one.

The following Christmas Victoria and Bryn married.  Lizzy, along with their cousin Millie were bridesmaids, while Charles and Bertie were groomsmen.

It was a beautiful wedding held in Winthrop where the couple first met a year ago – and of course the reception was held at the Bluebird Inn.

Victoria and Bryn set up house with Bryn’s father.  He was not keeping well and his lungs were not great after all the years working in the mine.

Victoria only did a small amount of tutoring so she could be around to care for her new father-in-law.

The last twelve months had been full of highs and lows but through the sad days two young people had come together to forge a new life and share their dreams of a bright and happy future.

Merry Christmas to you all.

By Kay Rayner. Read more here.