In the early 19th century
when Europe was at caught in the blitz of Wars and Revolution, it was a fine Christmas
evening for Daniel Trevor and his family. It has been a tough time for the
Trevor family. His wife's mother Muriel has come to visit their Stone-clad
villa located at Plaghmoth, Austria for Christmas. She lived in London and
inherited a Scottish ancestry. She orchestrated a perfect fusion of several
cultures and heritage. Her steak of golden-white hair echoed her Scandinavian
connections, her witty eyes and soft spoken manner reflected how well a
Londoner she was and her modest and simple dressing style showered her Irish
Scottish origin.
Daniel was half Irish and
half Austrian unlike his wife Mary whose father, Charles was a British trader
based in China.
Few months ago while his
visit to India for his business Charles came across Miss Florentine, a
Victorian doll at an auction in Calcutta which resembled to his mother,
arbitrarily.
Muriel was surprised to
find the beautiful doll and immediately without waiting for her husband's
consent packed it in the bags for her granddaughter, Isabelle. She was
travelling to her daughter next week via Vienna and the trip would take her six
weeks.
She was very eager for the
trip and has been planning what to give to whom for quite a bit of time. For
his eldest grandson, John who loved to travel she has bought a sailor's uniform
and small models of train and car. For her younger grandson, Henry who loved to
write it was a Book called Magic of Christmas tales that she had bought as a
gift.
Today morning was not as good as Daniel has anticipated. There has been
floating news of an upcoming war up in the North and Trevor owned a bunch of
factories there. On top of that Mary had a small argument in the brink of
breakfast. She wants Daniel to sell his factories and start afresh in Asia
since her father is willing to help them settle there. But Daniel doesn’t want
to leave his homeland, his soil. He shares boxes and chests of memories which render
warmth and happiness which are essential ingredients to life. The children have
also been fighting for silly things like toys and gifts when the Daniel feels
doubtful if this is their last peace raven Christmas before the Devil is let loose
from the North. He felt tired and needed to escape these worries. So, he
stepped out. Time ticked on, and before he would realise it was already ten
past four in the afternoon. Daniel headed back with a red rose hidden under his
big cloak, a gift for Mary, his love.
Flaunting a jumper inscribed
with Moose and flaky snow all over the place, Henry paced towards her Granny
with his big book of Delight. It was around five in the evening as Mary was
busy in the kitchen preparing a massive dinner for the family. “Danny is late for dinner.” Mary signed and
kept on going with her usual cooking chores in the kitchen. The kids have
gathered around Muriel shrouded by the warmth of a blinking fire place.
Snow has started to clutter at the door step when Daniel returned to his house
with a late gift for Mary. He quietly entered through the rear door and tiptoed
to the kitchen. Barney, their dog raised a lazy head to check the familiar
smell and returned his daily schedule of two hours nap in the evening. And
today it was warmer, the people and the scintillating warmth from the burning
hearth made him lazy for even to bark at Daniel. But something else was
churning in the room. A pair of curious eyes has been staring at the three children
and their old baby-sitter for a couple of moments. Daniel felt glad to witness
the scene. His children, who would usually quarrel for toys, food and many
silly tantrums, today looked quite curious, happy and lost in their worlds of
imagination under the care of their grandmother. He had never witness John to
be so much involved while playing with his toys or Henry intently grasping
every word Muriel was uttering. Isabelle was smiling with delight clasping to
her grandmother’s gift with care. Daniel had to chuckle and he slowly edged towards
the kitchen and tapped Mary’s shoulder silently. As Mary turned in response, Daniel
launched a soft smooch to her lips and handed her the rose while planting a
soft kiss on her palish fingers. Mary had already forgiven but still she loved
Daniel for his comforting gestures like these. They had been married for over
nine years but Daniel has not stopped to delight and surprise her even still.
Daniel signalled Mary to
follow him towards the Hallway which sported a massive Fir tree. Mary frowned
for a while but didn’t deter to her husband’s wish. After entering the room,
she gasped in delight. Her three devils were quietly busy in their own lands of
curious hymns. Mary almost cried in delight and thanked her mother for this
feat. It was definitely a Christmas to remember.
P.S. The war soon broke out in Europe and the Trevor family had to move to US where
they are settled now.
