Stay with Me Read Free

satisfaction, his glance taking in their wives, deeply engrossed in chatter that was meant only for women’s ears. His gaze moved to their offspring, laughing together over a game of cards. ‘And those four couldn’t do better than to pair up,’ he added, inclining his head in the direction of the group.
    â€˜Aye, I agree. It would give me great satisfaction to see our families united and our firms continuing to thrive in friendly rivalry. Sadly for that scheme, Alistair has his heart set on being a successful doctor and, though he understands the business to some extent, has little interest in taking over from me. But I’ve always believed, let your children do what they want and they will succeed. Let parents advise only if advice is wanted.’
    â€˜You’re an understanding man, Albert. I’m sure you are seeing the results of that in the way Alistair is making such a success of his chosen departure. As far as my firm is concerned, I’m pleased James has always shown a great interest in it, though his father and grandfather were not men of the sea. He has applied himself well and is proving very capable.’
    When Christmas Eve had nearly slipped away, John recharged all their glasses and in the first seconds of the new day he raised his own: ‘A Merry Christmas to you all.’
    Greetings were exchanged, with kisses and laughter all round, then Jennie called, ‘To the servants,’ and led the way through the house to the servants’ quarters where they were gathered around the table in the centre of their dining hall. Jennie knew that such gestures, along with careful consideration of their terms of employment, kept her servants loyal and happy.
    After greetings had been exchanged below stairs, the two families settled down again in the drawing-room for another hour before Georgina finally made a move to leave.
    As they donned their outdoor clothes for the short walk home she took Jennie’s hands in hers. ‘This has been a wonderful evening, and I’m only sorry that Albert and I won’t be coming with you to Scotland. I felt I should stay and be near my niece when her baby is born, as her only relative.’
    â€˜I’m sorry too,’ replied Jennie. ‘I do hope all goes well for her.’
    â€˜Thank you. And thank you too for including Olivia and Alistair in your visit north.’
    â€˜It wouldn’t be the same without taking some of you; it has become such a tradition.’
    â€˜There is no need for them to stay here, and I know they are looking forward to it as usual.’
    John finally announced, ‘If we don’t see you tomorrow, we’ll pick Olivia and Alistair up at ten-thirty on Boxing Day.’
    â€˜Where’s Lena?’ said Alistair as goodbyes were being made.
    She appeared from the closet beside the front door. ‘Right behind you,’ she said, laughter on her lips as she brought out a sprig of mistletoe from behind her back and held it over her head. Alistair was not going to miss this opportunity. He kissed her full on her lips as lively comments flowed from the others.
    â€˜Do you want it, Olivia?’ cried Lena, tossing the sprig to her friend.
    Her eyes were bright as she caught it and held it over her head to receive the kiss she wanted from James. She looked round. ‘It’s yours, Mama!’ She tossed it in the air.
    Georgina held it and a moment later felt Albert’s lips on hers, but before she could pass it to John he’d taken it from her, turned to his wife, held it over her head and kissed her. ‘For my favourite Scottish lass!’ he said proudly.
    Jennie’s eyes were bright. ‘And may we exchange many more of those in the Christmases to come.’
    Â 
    Their friends were departed; their children gone to their own rooms. John closed the bedroom door and came over to Jennie who was sitting in front of her dressing-table, combing her hair. He stood