The Secret Orphan. Glynis Peters

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      ‘Are you warm, George? Might I suggest as Victoria is busy preparing our meal that you might fill the coal scuttles? Let Victoria relax for the evening. We will sing carols to start off the Christmas festivities, you can play for us. What do you think?’

      With amusement she watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. Not moving, she waited for his response. A beaded row of sweat formed across his brow and she knew he battled with his temper.

      Biting into the side of her cheek and clenching her fists to stop an outburst of giggles, Elenor watched him stand up and adjust his jacket.

      ‘Now, I really must finish writing in my aunt’s card. If you would kindly return my items to my desk, thank you.’

      She made a pretend fuss of moving a silver bird from one side of a cabinet to another and watched him return her desk to order.

      ‘Oh, and please leave the door open, I need to listen out for my aunt.’

      She watched him stomp from the room and hesitate, pondering whether he dared slam the door. He left it open.

      The afternoon was productive on her part, and the evening turned out to be a jovial affair. Each chose a carol to sing together, and Elenor chose ‘Silent Night’ to sing for her solo. Rose played several tunes, all with perfect precision. Elenor noticed neither parent praised her. They expected nothing but perfection. When the singing was over, Rose fell asleep on the mat beside the fire.

      ‘Ah, little thing looks like a contented kitten,’ Aunt Maude said. Elenor scooped her up and handed her to Victoria. As she kissed the top of the Rose’s head, she realised she’d never seen Rose’s parents show the same affection.

      When the evening drew to a close, Maude called George to her and whispered something to him. He left the room and Elenor looked to her aunt who tapped the side of her nose and grinned back at her.

      He returned carrying a large object covered in a sheet.

      ‘Set it down over there, George. Careful. Gently does it.’

      Her aunt pointed to the object on the small table next to the Christmas tree.

      ‘This belonged to your uncle and now it’s yours. Tomorrow we will be able to listen to King George give his speech. We will be part of history.’

      Elenor jumped to her feet and pulled away the sheet. She clapped her hands in delight.

      ‘A wireless set. How wonderful. Oh, but how does it work?’

      ‘Fret not. When I couldn’t see it in your uncle’s bedroom, I asked George to look for it and get it serviced. He’s learned how to set it to the right frequencies.’

      Elenor could see by George’s face that was not the case and guessed he had hidden it away for his own use.

      ‘Thank you, George. It was most thoughtful of you, and now my aunt will be able to enjoy it on a day-to-day basis. I suggest after tomorrow you move it to the parlour. After all, that is where she spends most of her days.’

      His faced flushed just as she guessed it might. Elenor sensed his intention had been to use it whenever he wanted in the room her aunt rarely entered.

      ‘If at any time either of you wanted to listen in with us, I am sure you wouldn’t object, Aunt?’

      ‘Not at all, although it is yours, so maybe your study? That way, if I want to doze, you can still listen to your music. Talking of dozing, it’s time for my bed.’

       Chapter 14

      Squeals of laughter came from Rose as she pulled out the contents of her Christmas stocking.

      ‘Ah, Rose reminds me of you at that age, Elenor,’ said Maude.

      ‘Really? I was that noisy?’ Elenor laughed.

      ‘If she’s too noisy she can go to her room,’ George grumbled as he poked at the coals on the fire.

      ‘Not at all. It is a day for her to have fun. Goodness knows, there is little joy in the world at the moment. With preparation and talk of another war, we must focus on bringing happiness into our homes. If anyone retires to a room today, it will be me. Now, you four go about your business, and I’ll sit here quietly until dinner time.’

      Elenor gave her aunt a wide smile.

      ‘We won’t be long. I don’t think Rose will allow it.’

      The trip delivering her pasties took Elenor a little longer than anticipated, but she found it worthwhile despite George’s grumbles. Back home the table was soon laden with an array of tempting treats, and after they’d eaten, Christmas Day afternoon was spent discussing the King’s speech.

      George debated with her aunt about the horrors of the past, and of how the invasion of Austria was having an impact upon Britain. The threat of war threatened to dampen the mood for Elenor, but she battled against it by playing with Rose. After four games of hide and seek, she caved in and declared it was Rose’s bedtime. Victoria and George took the hint and went to their own rooms.

      When left together for the evening, Elenor and her aunt sat nibbling at a slice of Christmas fruitcake.

      ‘Do you think there will be a war, Aunt?’

      ‘I did think it was all hot air and males locking horns across the waters, but confess I fear there is more to the call for us to have gas masks and be prepared to evacuate children.’

      Elenor shuddered.

      ‘Rose gagged when I took her for her mask fitting. She screamed when she saw me in mine,’ she said.

      ‘You took her?’

      ‘Yes. George and Victoria were going on another of their visits. They asked me to take her. It was the week before I took you for your fitting.’

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