Daisy felt a lump grow in her throat as she sat cross-legged beside Bobby and Will on the floor. When the King faltered, everyone held their breath as he wrestled with his stutter. But he overcame his difficulty and addressed the nation as the ancient radio set crackled. Daisy felt the overwhelming love and pride that filled the room as he spoke.
Christmas is for children, the King reminded the country and referred to the many British children who had travelled to members of the Commonwealth for safety. When he spoke about the meaning of separation, hankies were tugged from sleeves and mother’s hand crept towards Aunt Betty’s. She knew that Mother was thinking of Pops and Matt and Aunt Betty’s sad smile was for Uncle Ed.
Daisy hoped that Pops was listening at this very moment. Perhaps Matt was too, although it was more likely he would be on standby duty. There had been no letters from either one, though Mother thought this was to be expected since postal services were disrupted.
“Remember this,” comforted the King in his gentle voice, “if war brings separation, it brings unity also … good comrades … good neighbours.”
And everyone looked at Mr and Mrs Webber who had proved to be the very best of friends and neighbours. Uncle Leo raised his glass to their hosts and Mrs Webber’s pink cheeks grew even redder with embarrassment. Mr Webber gave a dismissive shrug and returned his concentration to his smoking.
“I have seen a good spirit of fellowship spring up in adversity,” the King continued. “We shall need this spirit in our own lives … and think about others …”
Daisy glanced at Bobby, trying to disguise her deep feeling of affection for the very best brother a girl could have. Will was - well, he was just Will, and she loved him too. She loved everyone in this room; her family and friends like Mr and Mrs Webber. There were others she thought of like poor Tommy and Sally and Grace and all her friends who lived on the island and Mr Cox and Nurse Gwen whose kindness she would never forget.
There was another name too. That name was Sammy. The boy who had saved her life on the roof of the hospital. Sammy Berger was the person she thought of now, Sammy and his father, wherever they might be.
The King took a long, painful pause and the radio crackled noisily but his last words were clearly audible.
“Our future will be hard but our feet will be planted on the path of victory. With the help of God we can win this war … and make our way … to justice and to peace.”
The anthem boomed out, everyone scrambled to their feet and stood to attention. It wasn’t as if, Daisy thought, the King had intentionally walked into this room with his mild-mannered voice and aura of deep comfort. But somehow he had, and she knew every other household in the country must think the same.
‘P at, let’s have a round of fortune cards,’ Mrs Webber suggested later that afternoon as they sat by the parlour fire. ‘I want to know if the calving goes well this year.’
Mr Webber coughed politely. ‘Time for a walk, Leo,’ he mumbled. ’Let’s stretch our legs before the next round of milking. Boys, do you want to join us?’
Eager to be away, they all shambled out. Grandma chuckled. ‘Men don’t approve of this sort of thing.’
Aunt Pat nodded. ‘I’m not sure the cards are right for Christmas Day.’
‘Oh, go on, Pat,’ urged Aunt Minnie with a giggle. ‘Let’s have a bit of fun. No one takes them seriously, anyway.’
‘What do you think, Betty?’ asked Aunt Pat hesitantly, though Daisy saw she was already searching her handbag.
Aunt Betty smiled ruefully. ‘Just as long as you forecast something nice, Pat.’
Very soon the pretty cards, with their colourful symbols, were dealt. Grandma’s were read first, with a predictable interpretation. ‘A different address,’ said Aunt Pat immediately.
Grandma waved her hand. ‘No surprise at all. I don’t need the fortune cards to tell me that!’
Mrs Webber showed her hand. ‘Oh, what do these mean, Pat? A beautiful sunset over the fields and one with a crescent moon showing?’
Daisy held her breath as Aunt Pat studied them carefully. ‘I can tell you there’s an opportunity in the offing.’
‘Oh good!’ Mrs Webber cried. ‘I hope it’s that holiday we promised ourselves. We haven’t taken one in years.’
Daisy watched as Aunt Pat frowned at Aunt Betty’s cards. ‘You are going to have a visitor, Betty, who I’m afraid, won’t be welcome.’
‘Oh,’ said Aunt Betty disappointedly, her face very pale.
‘I can’t change it,’ sighed Aunt Pat. ‘One card is showing a black sheep - an unwelcome caller - it’s as plain as the nose on my face. And I don’t mind admitting that I’ve always considered my nose to be my best feature.’ Somewhat embarrassed, Aunt Pat turned her attention to Mother. ‘Now your card, Flo.’
Aunt Pat considered the hand that Mother had been dealt. ‘This lovely card - the Lily, is the symbol of innocence and purity.’
Everyone gathered round. ‘But what does it mean?’ Aunt Minnie asked curiously.
Aunt Pat smiled. ‘New life is is in your aura.’
The room was silent until Mother broke the spell. ‘I haven’t a clue,’ she decided.
‘You’ll find out,’ replied Aunt Pat mysteriously.
Daisy turned her cards over slowly. ‘What about mine?’
‘This is the symbol of responsibility and protection,’ announced Aunt Pat pointing to the card bearing an angel. ‘Your celestial being is carrying a seed in her hands. You must take care to grow and nurture it.’
Daisy had no idea what it meant. She wasn’t the world’s best at gardening. In fact Grandma had once remarked that her granddaughter wasn’t blessed with green fingers but sticky ones.
‘What a lovely card!’ said Aunt Minnie. ‘Yet not a bit like Flo’s.’
Daisy didn’t want to disappoint Aunt Pat so she said quickly, ’I did
