Stay with Me (3 page)

‘Sorry not to be coming! Have a safe journey,' called Albert and Georgina as the coach rumbled away and gained momentum.

The coachman urged the two horses on the climb out of Whitby but once they had reached the moorland heights he allowed them to settle into an easier pace. Similarly the excitement inside the coach at the start of the ‘adventure' quietened somewhat, though conversation still flowed easily. John showed concern for everyone's comfort by occasionally asking them if they were warm enough, especially when they experienced dampness from the persistent fog on the heights. Once they started to negotiate the long incline towards the market town of Pickering they began to leave the mist behind. Though it was still cold and they did not see blue sky as they had done yesterday, they were thankful at least that it was not freezing. They stopped at the White Swan for warming drinks and then made quicker progress across the flat country to York.

Silence descended on the coach as it eventually pulled up outside the Royal Station Hotel.

‘This looks magnificent,' commented Jennie, her eyes wide with wonder as she surveyed the impressive architecture.

‘Should be,' observed John. ‘It was only built last year. The station is just behind so is very handy for tomorrow. I want you all to enjoy this evening.'

His requests, made previously by letter, were all fulfilled and his generous tips on arrival ensured they were well looked after by the staff, who were also very helpful the next day when the visitors left for Edinburgh where they were to stay the night.

The journey north remained uneventful. Although it was familiar to them from previous years they always found it interesting, looking out for new landmarks while recognising those that were more enduring.

Reaching Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they quickly transferred to the Royal British Hotel. Once again John saw to their well-being and, after the evening meal, when they were all seated in the lounge, he reached into his pocket.

‘These are for your onward journey to Dundee in the morning,' he announced as he handed four tickets to James. ‘I'm sorry your mother and I will not be travelling with you but I had an invitation to meet Charles McVee with whom I have a trading venture. He suggested we might meet when he learned I would be in Edinburgh. It will give us the opportunity to clear up some final points and then seal the deal to our mutual satisfaction.'

‘Would you like me to stay, Father?' offered James.

‘Not at all, but thank you for the thought! I know you are very familiar with what is in hand and the progress we have made, but there is nothing to keep you here. Your cousins have organised a special party for you young ones tomorrow, starting in the afternoon, so you be on that train in the morning. Your mother and I will catch the four-fifteen from Edinburgh and will join you later.'

They spent a pleasant evening together and, when they rose to go to bed, Alistair and Olivia made a special point of thanking Mr and Mrs Carnforth for their kindness and hospitality.

‘Think nothing of it,' replied John. ‘It is a pleasure having you both with us and I am sure you will have an enjoyable day tomorrow. You'll know almost everyone there from previous years.'

The following morning Jennie and John saw them off at the station. Jennie lingered long, watching the train until it had completely disappeared.

‘Come along, love,' said John quietly, taking her arm.

‘Will they be all right?' she asked, a catch in her voice.

‘Of course.' He gave a little laugh at her concern. ‘They are young men and women, no longer children. And they have each other.'

‘But . . .'

‘There are no buts about it,' he said. ‘Now fasten up that coat, the wind is getting a bit snarly.' He reached out and gently fastened her thick coat at the neck. He held his finger at the last button after he'd fastened it and looked tenderly into her eyes. ‘Don't worry, love, nothing's going to happen to them.' Oblivious to the other people on the station platform, he kissed her gently on the lips. ‘Now, let us enjoy the rest of our day.'

 

‘There they are!' Lena was the first to spot her cousins among the people meeting the train from Edinburgh at Dundee station. Her smile broad with pleasure, she waved and then glanced at her brother. They had always got on well with their cousins, Avril, Fiona and Robbie, and knew they would spend a joyful New Year together. Not wanting her friend to be left out of the intimacy of the occasion, she held out her hand. Olivia, appreciating the meaning behind the gesture, took it gratefully

Olivia and Alistair had first come north ten years ago with their father and mother to experience a Scottish New Year with Jennie's brother's family, and an immediate rapport had arisen between the MacBrides and the Nashes, with the result that the invitation to come for Hogmanay had been extended to the Nashes every year since.

At fifty, Martin MacBride, a leading General Practitioner in Dundee, had a formidable reputation for getting things done to better the welfare of his city's people. He would be at home, waiting to extend a warm Scottish welcome to the two families from England, and especially to his sister Jennie whom he knew would be arriving later in the day.

‘Come on!' James said brightly as he slapped Alistair on the shoulder and matched the pace set by Lena and Olivia.

The words that passed between them all were as warm and full of excitement as the hugs and kisses that were exchanged.

‘The carriage is waiting,' announced Avril, the eldest girl, taking charge, and then she added with a teasing note in her voice, ‘It will be a bit of a crush but I don't think any of us will mind that.'

‘I'm not having Fiona sitting on my knee,' protested Robbie, the youngest.

‘I can think of better knees to sit on,' she countered.

‘I'll sit on it,' offered Lena.

‘So I'll have Avril,' called Alistair, ‘and James can have Fiona.'

‘What about me?' cried Olivia with mock hurt.

‘You're the lucky one,' teased James. ‘You'll have a space all to yourself.'

The mood for their New Year celebrations was set.

Once they were settled and the coachman had set the horse away, Avril announced that all was ready for the party, which was to begin in the late-afternoon, and then asked, ‘Aunt Jennie and Uncle John will definitely be coming today?'

‘Oh, yes,' answered Lena. ‘Papa is sorry they aren't with us but this meeting was a chance he could not afford to miss. He said they would be on the train leaving Edinburgh at four-fifteen.'

‘Good.' Enthusiasm rose in Avril's voice as she added, ‘We're going to have a splendid New Year.' And everyone voiced their agreement with a cheer.

Uncle Martin and Aunt Mary gave the four travellers from Whitby a warm welcome and, once they had settled in, Martin took Alistair into his study.

‘Sit down, young man, and tell me - are you happy in your studies with Doctor Jollif?'

‘Oh, yes, sir. He is most generous in imparting his knowledge and often allows me to sit in during his consultations and examinations.'

‘That is good. And you are still happy in your choice of profession?'

‘Yes. I wouldn't want to pursue any other career. I would like to do for the people of Whitby what you have done, and are doing, in Dundee.'

Martin smiled and gave a dismissive wave of his hand, trying to play down the compliment, but nevertheless felt proud that this young man wanted to be like him. ‘I'm flattered, sir. And your father still has not raised any serious objections to your doctoring?'

‘No, sir. As you know, when I first announced that I wanted to be a doctor he told me he'd always hoped I would follow in his footsteps. But he quickly assured me, and still does, that I am free to pursue whatever course I wish.'

‘A very understanding man.' Martin nodded his approval. ‘Others would have been more than annoyed that an only son did not follow his father into a thriving business. I wonder what he will do with it when he decides to retire?'

Alistair's reply was never uttered for at that moment there was a knock on the door and Mary walked in. Both men immediately rose to their feet.

‘Now, Martin, you should not be keeping this young man from enjoying himself. Our New Year's celebrations are starting. I told you, all medical talk is forbidden unless you have an urgent call - which, please God, you won't.'

‘But, Mary . . . '

‘Don't “but Mary” me. What we agreed, and you approved, stands.' She drew herself up, her eyes sharp, deterring any objections he might try to raise. The formidable medical man of Dundee was putty in her hands. She knew it and loved him for it, as well as revelling in his devotion. ‘Off with you, Alistair.' She shooed him from the room, then turned to her husband with eyes now softened with admiration. She came over to him and kissed him. ‘Enjoy yourself with your family and friends. Let Dundee look after itself.'

Martin liked being among the younger generation and his lively wit and humour endeared him to them all. They knew he would discreetly absent himself from their celebrations when the time was right. They, in their turn, were respectful and appreciative of all the effort he and his wife had gone to today.

The main room had been cleared of furniture and was given over to dancing. Tables in the dining-room had been arranged and set to accommodate twenty-seven young people and the four more mature adults who would dine with them when John and Jennie arrived from Edinburgh. Two drawing-rooms were available for relaxation and conversation, and the parlour would soon ring to a sing-song around the piano. The young guests started arriving at five o'clock and soon there was a buzz of excitement and enjoyment as the party got underway. No one noticed the wind rising outside.

 

‘Was your meeting with Mr McVee satisfactory?' asked Jennie when her husband came back into their hotel room.

‘Very. It should lead to a profitable transaction. It has certainly been worthwhile, waiting until that later train.'

‘Good. Then I'm pleased.'

‘I ordered some tea to be served in the lounge as I came up. We have time. Are you ready?'

‘Just get my coat.' She went to the wardrobe, took out her outdoor coat and draped it over her arm.

At that moment there was a knock on the door and in answer to John's ‘Come in' a page-boy appeared.

‘Your luggage, sir?'

‘There you are.' He indicated the two suitcases.

They followed the page-boy from the room. While they went to the lounge to enjoy their cup of tea, he installed their luggage in the cab that was waiting to take them round to the station. Twenty minutes later they were on their way. The horse was skittish but the cabby's skill kept it under control.

‘I don't like that wind,' shuddered Jennie, disturbed by the howling sound as the wind chased along the street and around the buildings, whisking smoke from chimneys and sending paper scudding along the pavements.

John and Jennie lost no time in getting to their carriage, relieved to be out of the Edinburgh gale.

Jennie gave a sigh of relief as she sank back on the seat. ‘I'll be glad when we get to Mary and Martin's.'

 

Scottish fervour swept everyone into a party spirit which Avril set on course with an opening sing-song. The small orchestra played, the dancing began, and once into its swing kept going. The floor was never empty. Chatter and laughter resounded throughout the house. The deteriorating weather outside was never given a thought until James approached Dr MacBride.

‘Sir, my parents . . .?'

The doctor's raised hand halted his question. ‘All taken care of, my boy. I am about to depart for the station myself.'

‘Would you like me to accompany you, sir?'

‘Wouldna dream of it. You must stay and continue to enjoy the party. I will see to your mother and father. No need at all for you to face the inclement weather. We'll soon be joining you.'

 

As the train, shaking from the force of the gale, rattled towards the bridge over the Tay. Jennie grasped her husband's arm and looked at him in naked alarm. ‘We shouldn't be jolting around like this. I don't like it at all.'

He patted her hand reassuringly. ‘Nothing's going to happen, my love,' he replied confidently. ‘It's only the wind. Ignore it.'

‘That's easier said than done.' Her grip tightened when the wooden sides of the coach groaned in protest at a fresh onslaught.

‘We're safe enough,' he comforted her. ‘These trains are strong, built to withstand anything.'

‘I hope so. Oh, I wish we were there!'

‘We soon will be. And then we can enjoy the feast I'm sure Mary will have prepared for us.' John tried to sound reassuring, having just glanced out of the window and distinguished, in the fading light, the waters of the Tay heaving towards the iron bridge ahead of them.

 

‘The horse is very restless, sir,' said Dr MacBride's coachman. ‘Doesnae like this wind. I'm afeared to take him out the neet, sir.'

‘Then I shall walk, Angus,' replied Martin.

‘I'll accompany you, sir. Tae help with the luggage. We can mebbe borrow a trolley.'

‘Good man! We'll bring only what is necessary. The rest can wait at the station until tomorrow when you pick it up with the carriage.'

‘Very good, sir.'

Buttoning their coats tightly and cramming their hats more securely on their heads, the two men set off. They matched each other stride for stride as they leaned into the fierce wind.