Page 9 of A Winter By the Sea
The [Duke’s party] reached Woolbrook Cottage on Christmas Eve. The weather on their arrival was bitterly cold.
—Deirdre Murphy,The Young Victoria
DECEMBER1819
With guests from the duke’s household expected to arrive at Sea View any day, the Summers family decided to keep their own Christmas celebrations simple that year.
Their finances were still tight, so they also limited themselves to handmade gifts—things they could sew or make themselves. This left Emily and Georgiana at a distinct disadvantage.
Emily decided to write poems for each family member and inscribe these onto cards, bringing out her languishing watercolors for the purpose.
Georgiana, however, had no idea what she might make.
Sarah said, “You need not make anything, Georgie. Presents are not required.”
“I can’t be the only one not giving gifts!”
“You will think of something,” Mamma assured her. “Something small.”
They observed St. Nicholas’ Day on December sixth and afterward exchanged their modest gifts: embroidered needle cases, handkerchiefs, fragrant potpourri Sarah had made from dried flowers, and Emily’s lighthearted poems, with lines likeTo Sarah, our anchor.She works hard and we thank her....
Presents opened, Mamma began to rise, saying, “Thank you, everyone.”
“Don’t forget me!” Georgie jumped to her feet and handed around quarto-sized sheets of paper with crooked hand-drawn borders and the wordCertificateacross the top.
“I’ve made each of you a certificate, redeemable for a service from me.”
“Excellent idea,” Sarah said.
Mamma read hers and looked up with a smile. “‘Good for a long walk, followed by a foot rub.’ Perfect.”
Sarah read hers next. “‘Help in sifting flour, grating sugar, and washing up after baking.’” She nodded. “I shall gladly accept that offer.”
“Mine is the best,” Emily said, waving hers in the air. “‘Good for one turn cleaning the water closet.’” She turned to her twin. “What does yours say, Vi?”
“She promises one hour of reading to Mrs. Denby in my place.”
Emily huffed in mock offense. “That’s a privilege, not a favor!”
Georgie giggled. “Well I know it!”
Viola looked at their youngest sister with approval. “Even so, nothing would make me happier than to see you spend time with Mrs. Denby. Thank you, Georgiana.”
———
The next day, as Emily helped Jessie clear the breakfast table, she noticed a pendant at the housemaid’s neck—a small wooden cross on a simple chain. The cross had been richly carved and polished. Emily could guess which handsome fisherman had made it, as she had often seen Tom Cordey carving after a day’s fishing. She had also seen Jessie’s blushing smiles whenever he was near.
“That’s new, is it not?” Emily asked. “A gift from Tom?”
“Yes, miss.” Jessie dipped her head as a blush rose to her cheeks.
“It’s lovely.”
“I think so too.”
Snow was a rare occurrence in Sidmouth, but that year the snow fell fast and thick, transforming the esplanade into a crunchy white walkway, framing shop windows, glazing tree branches in icing sugar, and shrouding each headstone in the churchyard. Even the slopes of Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill were dusted in white.
The major’s father and brother came to Westmount for the holidays, and the Huttons invited the Summerses to an early dinner on Christmas Eve. So the ladies donned their warmest cloaks and walked up the snow-covered lane to join them for the evening. The major’s friend, Mr. Sagar, joined the party as well.
