Collette Bonnar's Short Stories: Christmas at Branley Cottage - Part Two

The Story so far…

It was Kate McNamara’s first Christmas back in Ireland having worked for years in New York. She’d settled into village life in the cottage where she’d grown up. Having befriended a group in her local book club, she’d invited those who would have been spending Christmas on their own to celebrate Christmas Day with her. But there was one special man in the group, Philip Kilcoyne, who, much to Kate’s disappointment had other plans made for the festive season. A few days before he was due to travel, Philip called to Branley Cottage to wish her a Happy Christmas…

 A while later, Philip rose to go. “Well, I’d best make tracks. I’m going to nip across to Willowfield to pick up a few presents for my nephew and his wife.”

Kate smiled - men and buying gifts at the last minute. As if reading her thoughts, Philip withdrew a small package from his inside pocket. “Here’s one little gift, I did manage to buy on time,” he grinned, as he made his way to the sitting room to put the present under the tree.

“I didn’t get anything for you,” she hedged, not wanting to reveal that she’d bought him a tie - weeks earlier. She’d planned to wrap it later and place it under the tree for Christmas Day. She decided she’d leave it now until the New year.

“No worries,” Philip smiled at her warmly. “Have a happy Christmas, I’ll be back before the New Year and we’ll catch up then,” he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“I hope you have a lovely time and safe journey,” said Kate as she waved him off.

Kate woke early on Christmas Eve, there was an eerie stillness outside. When she peered through the curtains, she was unable to believe her eyes. The grounds of Branley Cottage were completely shrouded in snow. Her first thoughts flew to Philip, he was right about the snow forecast. She was glad he’d set out a day early, but her heart was heavy as she showered and prepared for the busy day ahead. 

After breakfast, she decided to walk down to the village to collect the turkey and gammon from the butcher, the last items on her list. She’d done all the other grocery shopping the previous day. Wrapping up well against the elements, she set out on the short walk to Mangan’s Butchers in the centre of the village.

“It’s a cold one and that’s for sure,” Tom, the jovial butcher greeted her when she arrived into the shop.

“Yes, a lot of snow has fallen during the night,” said Kate.

“Well, be careful walking home,” Tom advised as she paid for her goods.

“I will, but it’s not too bad for walking just yet, it hasn’t started to freeze.”

Looking over at his son who was busy putting up orders, Tom said; “Joe will be delivering over your way in half an hour, he’ll drop off your turkey and ham.” Then slipping a small box of chocolates into her shopping bag, he winked; “A very Merry Christmas to you.”  

“Oh, thank you, and the same to you,” Kate smiled back and set off for home as a fall of snow began to swirl around her. 

Kate spent the rest of Christmas Eve preparing food for the following day. The smell of gammon and cloves boiling filled the old kitchen as she began to chop vegetables for the soup. After stuffing the turkey, she decided to lay the dining table. Standing back to survey her handiwork, a pang of regret stole over her. Her thoughts again turned to Philip and she chided herself for not inviting him earlier to spend Christmas Day with her and the others. 

Shaking out of her reverie, she went off to prepare for Midnight Mass. Wearing the new red coat she’d bought before leaving New York, Kate pulled on a black fur hat and leather gloves as she headed out into the freezing December night. Further snow had fallen as she walked the short distance to the old stone church at the other end of the village. Joining the other churchgoers, the atmosphere was jovial as they entered the chapel for the Christmas Service. Taking a pew in a side aisle, Kate glanced around appreciatively, admiring the festive holly wreaths and large red candles. The choir had just begun singing the entrance hymn when someone slipped into the seat beside her. Kate’s heart leapt; “Philip! I thought you were in Doolin,” she whispered.

“Long story, I’ll tell you afterwards,” he smiled wryly, as the priest began with the opening prayer. When Mass ended, as the choir sang Silent Night, Kate stole a glimpse at Philip’s strong handsome face. She wondered why he hadn’t made the journey after all to his nephew and wife in County Clare.Emerging from the church, Philip offered; “Would you like to come across to Hunter’s Lodge and I’ll explain,” he said, referring to his home which was only a short distance from Branley Cottage.

“Why don’t you drop into my house?  I’ve made a big pot of homemade soup, so we can tuck into that with a few hot rolls.”

“Well, I’ll not refuse, I could do with something to heat me up,” replied Philip.A short time later, when they were seated at the kitchen table, Philip began to explain why his trip had been cancelled at the last minute. “I wasn’t aware of it, but Grainne is three months pregnant. Yesterday, just as I was about to set out, I got a call from Owen to say that she’d been rushed into hospital with a threatened miscarriage. She’s fine now but she has to stay in hospital over Christmas.”

“Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that, but as long as the baby is going to be OK, that’s all that matters,” said Kate. Then added, “but why didn’t you call me?”

“I thought about it, but I felt so bad about declining your kind invitation in the first place. I couldn’t possibly just ring and ask if the invitation was still open,” he said, ruefully.

“Don’t be so silly. You’re very welcome to join us. I’ll set another place at the table, there’s loads of food,” Kate was barely able to keep the delight from her voice.

“Well, in that case, I’ll graciously accept,” Philip smiled and gave her a hug. After Philip left, Kate felt a warm glow steal over her as she put his gift under the tree. She sighed with contentment, looking forward to this special Christmas in Branley Cottage.