Work Text:
This year we were not going to Seth’s for Christmas dinner. Ellen had offered, but was relieved when we declined her invitation, for their small cottage would be very full, since there would also be William and his wife, Daisy, plus their very active toddler, joining Ellen, Seth and Arthur. We were, however, going there for tea as was our custom.
On hearing this, Annie Hopkins had insisted we go to dinner with them. We had agreed on condition that we provide the bird, and had arranged to go round about midday, which would allow us to have a leisurely morning while the young Hopkinses opened their presents.
And then, just before we left for the annual Christmas Eve nativity service, Lizzie Hopkins knocked at the door to ask if we had any bedding we could spare. It appeared that Stanley had discovered a young couple sheltering in an old cowshed, and not wanting them to spend Christmas Day in such a situation, especially as the young woman was expecting a child, had brought them home.
I found some bedding and Lizzie and I carried it next door to the Hopkins’ cottage. As we entered, I heard Annie say, “Stanley, you take Joe and the children to the service; Florrie will meet you there. I’ll stay with Maggie.”
Annie saw me come in and indicated the young woman who seemed to be in some discomfort. I nodded and added, “Could you call in to Holmes and let him know I’ll be there later.”
“Of course.” Hopkins sounded slightly surprised but didn’t question his wife. Lizzie bundled her two younger brothers into their coats, and they were soon off.
As soon as they had gone, Annie said, “I’ve sent Florrie to tell Mrs Henshaw she’s needed, so you don’t need to stay, Doctor.”
“I’ll wait for Mrs Henshaw unless you object,” I replied. Mrs Henshaw acted as the local midwife and was an extremely capable woman. She would also tell me if she had any concerns about this latest birth.
Between us we helped Maggie up to Annie’s bedroom. I then sat with her while Annie went to make what preparations she could. It wasn’t long before Mrs Henshaw arrived. She tutted slightly, which made Maggie cry.
“No doubt things couldn’t be helped,” Mrs Henshaw said. “It won’t be long now.”
Since she didn’t seem to need me, I went downstairs to see Annie. “How will you cope?” I asked.
“I’ll sleep with the girls tonight, and Stanley can go in with the boys.” She laughed. “He may not get much sleep though. Joe can sleep downstairs, at least it will be warmer than the cowshed. I’m not sure how I’m going to cope with Christmas dinner though.”
“Why don’t you come to us? You can use our kitchen and dining room and it will give Maggie some peace.”
“Are you sure you and Mr Holmes won’t mind?”
“We’ll be delighted. It will be good having Christmas meal at home again.”