Tales from the Finchbottom Vale – (91) Christmas Plans

 

“I fancy something to eat” she said and the movement of her head caused the golden earrings to glint in the Christmas candlelight.

“Me too” he said

As they left their pews he glance up at the memorial plaques on the wall and one of them in particular

“Lt William Beaumont Killed in Action, Died February 1941 aged 19”

It struck a chord for two reason firstly because his brother was 19 when he lost him, though not in a war, his demise was due to drink driving, his own.

The other thing was that he felt a connection to William Beaumont because his grandfather knew him, in fact they served together in the Downshire’s and was actually present when he was killed and he always spoke well of him.

The reason it struck a chord on that day was that he had been taking stock of his life and had come to the conclusion that life was a participation kind of thing and he hadn’t participated fully and he had lived twice as long as William.

And that was why he had gone to church that day for guidance from on high while enjoying the peace and tranquility and he got an answer of sorts

“You know what to do” 

And then by divine providence she was there in the church, Caroline Kimber.

“Now it’s up to you” he said to himself

She smiled when she saw him and sat beside him and they chatted as they had many times before, but on this occasion he was more overt in his converse which gave Caroline hope which was why she said

“I fancy something to eat”

 

They left the church and crossed the street to the corner café where they had often had lunch together.

 

They used to sit right in the window, never saying much, they just sat there in a comfortable silence, drinking tea and watching the world go by.

But he had decided that other people sitting in café’s should be watching him and Caroline go by.

So on that day as the Christmas shoppers bustled by George was oblivious to them because he had eyes only for Caroline and nor was he silent and as a result she was expectant and then he said

“I was wondering what you were doing for Christmas”

“Nothing, I have no plans” Caroline replied

“Nor do I” George said “so why don’t we plan to do nothing together”

“You mean spend Christmas…. Together”

“Yes”

“I would like that very much” she said

“Merry Christmas” he said and saluted her with his mug and she reciprocated.