Читать книгу The Secret Orphan - Glynis Peters - Страница 20

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.’