It was the morning of Christmas Eve. I loved working on the estate at this time of year. There was something magical in the air, it felt timeless and steeped in tradition. A few days earlier I had cut a magnificent Fir tree for the hall and masses of Holly and Ivy to decorate the many fireplaces and architraves. Recently it had turned much colder and a light dusting of snow had fallen overnight. As the morning light began to break through, an ominous sky of thick, laden clouds was slowly revealed. Heavy snow showers were forecast throughout the day. This concerned me asI was hoping to get away early that evening and drive back home.
The main tasks for the morning were digging and washing the vegetables ready for the big day.
carrots, swede, parsnips, red cabbage and of course lots of Brussels sprouts, all from the garden, along with various herbs. Some potatoes and a few apples came out of storage. I worked quickly but carefully, only the best produce would do.
As I scrubbed the carrots in the icy water my hands were raw and stinging from the cold. Large flakes of snow began to fall. The wind whipped them swirling into my face and eyes.
Through the open gateway of the kitchen garden I caught a glimpse of the Land Rover taking off up the drive. The snow was falling faster now. I could barely see it but for the distinctive outline. Perhaps someone's going to pick up Anna I thought.
As I stood there preparing the veg, I caught delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. Every now and then a little warm draft would dance under my nose. Sweet and savoury, laden with spices. My thoughts tuned to Anna, as they often did. I had not seen her since May. I had hoped to see her in the summer, but the family had spent months sailing the Med. I knew she was meant to be coming back for Christmas. I felt strangely nervous and excited. Although I longed to see her again, I felt protective of my perfect image of her, my memory of the evening we had together. The more time passed, the more I feared reality would not live up to that memory and perhaps with one of her throw away comments, she would dash my flawless reverie.
I dried everything off as best I could and crated it up. As I got to the kitchen I heard carols ring out on a small radio just above the gentle hubbub. The windows dripped with condensation.
Mary greeted me warmly, the hot air rushing past her, blasting me with intoxicating smells.
"Look at the state of you Sam, come in. come in!" she pleaded.
"I had better not," I said "lots to do."
"Come and warm yourself you daft boy, we need someone to test the mince pies."
That was all the persuasion I needed. Five minutes won't hurt I thought. I slipped off my muddy boots and took off my wax jacket.
"Come on, come in you must be frozen half solid." chirruped Mary, taking my jacket to hang in front of the Aga.
It was a hive of activity. Trays upon trays of mince pies covering almost every available surface.
"Now love, will you have Brandy butter?"
"Er, yes please! sounds good."
Mary surgeon like, removing the tops of a few mince pies called out "Caroline will you pour this handsome young man some coffee."
A pretty redhead looked at me bashfully.
"Yes Mam." She Replied.
She bought it over to me with a half curtsy.
"Thank you very much." I said looking into her green eyes as I took the mug of coffee.
She smiled holding my gaze.
"Here you go young man." Mary interrupted putting a little plate into my hand.
Three steaming mince pies with melted brandy butter oozing from the gaps
"Tell me what you think." she beamed
They were heavenly. Light airy pastry, unctuous filling and a good kick of warming brandy.
As I ate and drank Mary told me about everything she had left to do before this evenings drinks party. Her sense of urgency reminded me I still had a lot left to do myself if I was going to get away this evening. I went to take my plate and mug to Caroline who had begun to wash up.
"Here, allow me." she said softly turning to take them from me with delicate soapy hands.
Joined momentarily by the objects we both held, our eyes locked again and I took in her soft features.
''Mistletoe!'' Mary shouted "We haven't got any mistletoe!"
Caroline blushed and turning quickly back to her washing up.
'Don't worry, I'll get some now."
I took my nicely warmed jacket and slipped my boots back on at the door.
The snow began to fall again as I climbed the ladder and I cut a good clump of mistletoe from an old wizened apple tree that had clearly played host to the parasitic plant for too long. I thought to myself I must try and get some going elsewhere before this tree gives up the ghost.
The rest of the day went quickly as I ticked off various Jobs that needed wrapping up. A quick shower and a shave was all I had time for, before changing into my best shirt and tie.
Thick snow crunched under foot as I made my way through the gloaming, When the house came into view it looked magnificent. Dozens of windows radiating a warm glow that bathed the snow below in orange light. I felt immense pride in that moment. I felt part of something bigger.
I was warmly welcomed, a drink thrust into my hand. The room buzzed with a mixture of family, staff and neighbours. The Christmas Eve drinks party was a tradition that had gone on for as long as anyone could remember. As I made polite conversation I looked for Anna, she was nowhere to be seen. My mulled wine was topped up again as I fought off a request from a neighbour to fix his fence, I presume at our hosts expense. I scanned the room again for Anna, no luck. I did notice Caroline was also receiving unwelcome attention from one of the Keepers. I downed my drink and made my excuses.
She looked lovely, her red hair in ringlets. A simple emerald green dress brought out her eyes.
I saw her relief as I approached. I greeted the two of them, I was perhaps a little over familiar with her. The combination of drinking on an empty stomach and my aim to get rid of Bryan, Ryan or what ever his name was, brought out my competitive streak. It soon did the trick and we were alone. I got to know Caroline. She was very sweet and charming. I felt the attraction was mutual.
She was very funny and had a wicked sense of humour. Blocking out the background noise we laughed together sharing a few fervent glances.
Slowly the chatter around us hushed a little. An almost imperceptible change, nevertheless I turned and as bodies passed each other I saw Anna looking coldly in my direction before she was blocked from view again. I struggled to keep my conversation with Caroline going. It took all my willpower not to look back in Anna's direction. By the time I did, she had gone.
A few guests had started to leave. Most that were still there looked as though they were just getting started! I was beginning to think about heading off when Caroline said she had to give Mary a hand in the kitchen for the rest of the evening. We said our good byes with slightly more distance than we had had before Anna's appearance. I think Caroline must have picked up on the distraction.
I said good bye to a few others including 'his lord and ladyship.'
I nipped to the lavatory before I left. I stood in the hall buttoning up my coat in preparation for a cold walk home, when I heard the tap of heals on the grand marble staircase to my left. I saw her shiny stocking covered legs first, As she made her way carefully down the stone steps. As she came completely into view she saw me, before looking down again. She was concentrating on keeping her footing. I watched her intently, she looked absolutely stunning. She wore a short black cocktail dress, Diamonds in her ears and around her neck. She sparkled and shimmered in the festive lights as she crossed the hall to reach me.
"Hello Sam."
"Anna." was my reply, not sure how this would go.
"Leaving already?"
"Yeah, I'm driving home tonight."
There was no reaction.
"Enjoy the Party?" She asked pointedly.
"Yes, I did thank you."
"Well it's good to see you're making new friends!"
"What Caroline?....You're jealous!"
"Of course I'm not!" she said far too defensively.
I had underestimated her insecurity. The hard, confident exterior was cracking.
I was enjoying her vulnerability, but I didn't like to see her suffer.
"You look amazing by the way." I offered.
She instantly softened.
"It's all for you!"
She looked longingly at me and then up above my head.
I followed her gaze. A sprig of mistletoe hung directly above me in the doorway.
As our eyes met, she smiled, a mischievous look about her.
Her eyes darted between my eyes and my mouth, She placed her palms flat on my chest.
Then the door to the music room burst open. She sprang back.
"Anna darling! there you are" It was her father "Where have you been?"
"I had some wrapping to do." she said flustered.
"I see you've met our head gardener then?" He said loudly. The drink becoming more obvious in his voice.
"Yes Daddy."
"Good! Good! Fine boy! fine boy you are Sam, keep up the good work!"
"Thank you Sir."
It was obvious he was not going to leave the two of us there alone.
"Well I must be going, Merry Christmas to you both!"
"MERRY CHRISTMAS! To your good health my boy!" He bellowed before emptying his glass.
"Merry Christmas!" Anna said sadly, before she turned to rejoin the party with her Father.
I'd stayed at the party far longer than I had intended. My drink had been continuously topped up. When got back to the cottage I struggled to get the key into the lock; I realised I had drunk far too much to drive, even if the roads had been better. It was a straight forward decision; I'd leave first thing in the morning.
I set a fire, got changed, poured myself a good sized single malt and settled in the armchair. My feet were so grateful for the sheepskin rug and the warmth of the fire. I got up to top up my glass and put the radio on.
Christmas songs, of course! Oh well it is Christmas Eve I suppose.
As Fairy tale of New York started up I felt a pang of sadness, I thought of my mates, they'd all be at the pub back home. Maybe if I had stuck to the plan and just stayed an hour at the party, I'd be back there with them now.
The fire crackled, snapping me from my negative thoughts. Besides, it had been worth it to see Anna again. Even if it was just for the briefest of moments.
