Haunted Christmas by Pat Herbert

Author:Pat Herbert [Herbert, Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-06T04:00:00+00:00

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There were several large fir trees lying in front of Morrie’s greengrocery emporium that wintry morning. They looked and smelt wonderful, and Bernard was as excited as a child, trying to decide which one to choose. Mrs Harper just stood by and watched him in amusement. There were several other people examining the trees too.

“Hurry up and pick one, Vicar,” she prompted. “There’ll all be gone if you don’t make up your mind soon.”

“Which one do you like best, Mrs Harper?” he asked her, dithering between two likely candidates.

“They all look the same to me,” she said, unhelpfully. She gave them a cursory glance. “That one.” She pointed to the tallest tree propped up against the window. “I think that’ll look fine in the ’all. Once we’ve got the lights on it and everything.”

Bernard wasn’t so sure. It looked a bit threadbare to him, compared to a couple of others he was considering. But it was definitely the tallest, and, as Mrs Harper said, once the lights and tinsel were on it, it wouldn’t be noticed.

“Very well,” he said. “I bow to your judgement. But look at the price. Five shillings. That’s a bit steep.”

“Don’t worry,” she said. “Leave it to me.” So saying, she disappeared inside the shop, leaving Bernard to cool his heels outside. While he waited he changed his mind at least ten times about his choice. Finally, Mrs Harper reappeared. “That’s done,” she said with gratification. “It’ll be delivered tomorrow morning.”

“How much is it going to cost?” he asked anxiously.

“Nothing,” she said in triumph.

“Nothing? What do you mean?”

“I just told ’im it was in a good cause – works every time.”

“Just that? And he agreed to give it to you for nothing? I mean, I know it’s for charity, but the man has to make a living.”

“Well, when I say I got it for nothing …” she began.

“Well?”

“I said ’e and ’is wife could come to the dance for free.”

“But isn’t it already over-subscribed? They won’t be able to move in the hall at this rate.”

“Don’t worry,” she said dismissively. “There’s always some who don’t turn up. Anyway, ’e also promised to donate a basket of fruit for the raffle, so we can’t pass that up, can we?”

“No, Mrs Harper. We can’t. What would I do without you?”

Her only reply was a sniff. It spoke volumes.

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