The Christmas Miracle©

Free Online Romance Story

Written by American Author Sky Taylor

Rosemary settled into the beautiful brocaded sofa as she awaited her housekeeper, Elly McBride. Something was on Elly’s mind…..and that was odd in itself because Elly generally preferred keeping to herself, remaining secluded in the shadows.  

Elly had worked for her family for the last decade, her work impeccable, yet Rosemary knew very little of her personal life.

Even so, Elly had proven to be one of the most-trusted employees at Allen Manor. Mother had been closest to her, Rosemary decided in retrospect, her mood sinking to a depressive state.

A glance towards the massive rock fireplace which danced in a lovely assortment of flames did nothing to soothe her inner torment.  

At this point in life, she had far too many burdens. What was the point of life? She felt like a gypsy moth - no safe haven….

Here she sat…in this massive, empty tomb….alone, except for those handful of hours per week when Elly would arrive to tend to the house cleaning chores.

The only things in life that had truly mattered to her were gone - both parents in a space of two years, with her mother’s passing a short six months ago. And she had taken their deaths very hard. They had been the only two people on earth who had loved her for herself.

Her father had been a well-respected judge, her mother a very successful real estate magnate, but although they had left her with money to suffice ten lifetimes over, it was the poignant memories of her time with them that she held so dear to her.

They had supported her - through thick and thin. And after Rosemary’s dissolved wedding plans ten years ago, they had remained her sole focus as Brian had left scars that she felt might never heal. Catching him virtually in-the-act was something that she just couldn’t get past and obviously, he had been more interested in the Allen’s wealth than her own self.

And when she had confronted her ex-finance on his scandalous escapade, he had blamed such on Rosemary’s inability to have children - that he had been trying to find a way to break off the wedding. Although she knew it was a lie, she just couldn’t scrape his rejection from her memory.

"Your mind is miles away," Elly softly commented, her lovely face outlined with a warm smile as she balanced the silver tray containing her employer‘s favorite tea.

"That it is, Elly. That it is."  Then, "I hope you aren’t going to give me your resignation. I….I couldn’t do without you."

Elly shook her dark, curly locks, then told her, "It depends.  I have a few unusual requests."

Rosemary tensed. Losing Elly would be a blow and until this moment, she hadn’t realized how attached she had become.  

Sure, they were mere strangers passing in the night - or in their case, in the day, but there was something very comforting about Elly’s presence. She was so…uplifting - always in a great mood. At times, Rosemary envied that level of happiness.

She leaned forward and took one of Elly’s hands and told her, "Anything that you wish, Elly. I don’t want to lose you. Do you need more pay?"

Elly smiled as she squeezed Rosemary‘s hand gently, then withdrew and began pouring out the tea as she spoke, "You already pay me four times the going rate for my services. And the health insurance on top of that - and the holiday bonus - you’re already far too generous."

"You’re worth every penny, and you know that," Rosemary assured, accepting the teacup. "Are…are you okay?" she felt pressed to ask, due to Elly’s hesitancy.

"I’m pregnant," she elated.

"Oh my, Elly! I’m delighted for you and Bill," Rosemary congratulated, immensely relieved.  

Obviously, therein lay Elly’s concerns, and it was something they could definitely work around.  

And the thought of having a baby in the house amid Elly’s work hours at the manor lit a flame of excitement that she had not felt for months, if not years.

"Bill must be on the clouds," she related, attempting a smile.  

She had not smiled in such a long while, her eyes drifting to Elly’s mid-section, but she could tell nothing from the oversized duster dress. In fact, until now, she had not even realized that Elly had taken to looser clothing over the last several weeks.

"He is," Elly told her, still appearing a bit hesitant in her approach. "I must say that I was concerned about broaching the issue, for…..reasons best left unuttered."  

There was a moment of silence, both women acutely aware of Elly’s unspoken meaning, then she continued, "You know that the louse didn’t deserve you."

Rosemary nodded, then set her tea aside. "I appreciate your consideration, Elly. And not to worry; I’m a bit excited over your news. You must know that I came to grips with my….inability to have children years ago." After a brief, painful pause she added, "And of course, Brian didn’t."

Elly nodded, her attention on the fireplace rather than her employer.

Rosemary continued, "And at this moment, I’m saddened that we haven’t become closer over the years. When-when I thought you might resign, I must admit my heart jumped into my throat. If your concerns involve the baby, we can set up a nursery here - and of course, you will need time off to recover. Do you need a nurse? I-I can take care of that, as well as tend to the chores at the manor until you‘re one-hundred percent again. I don‘t want you going beyond your limits, and you‘re the only employee of Allen Manor that hasn‘t left."

The gardener, the chef, and the ground’s keeper had went into retirement when her mother had passed. All were up in years and had been trusted employees of her parents for decades - and were more like family than employees to her parents. Elly was nearer to her own age, perhaps in her mid-thirties.

Elly hesitated again, this time pinching her pink lips together. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she had to say certain things. She had promised…..and it was time.

She took a moment to study Rosemary’s face, the reflected concern adding to the dark circles beneath her eyes. Her golden hair was in a storm about her face, making it appear tiny and fragile. And the fuzzy robe and bunny slippers had been the entirety of her wardrobe since the day of the funeral.

"Rosemary, although I greatly appreciate your offers…..my concerns go much deeper than the baby," she finally managed, with difficulty, and she eased out a discontented sigh.

Rosemary leaned forward again and coaxed her, "Then tell me so that I can fix things. Please?"

Elly nodded, then eased out in a soft voice, "I made a deathbed promise to your mother, one that I haven’t been able to carry out. It’s been very difficult….finding the perfect moment to have a proper discussion with you, Rosemary. I had prayed for a sign - to show me when it might be best to have this discussion, and….my baby….well, if that isn’t a sign, then I don’t know what is."

Rosemary jumped as a log slipped down in the belly of the fireplace. She was on the edge of her seat as things were…..  

A deathbed promise?

"You-you spoke with mother?" she asked for clarification. "Regarding a-a promise?"

Elly nodded, then took up her tea again, taking a lingering sip for courage.

"Indeed. Your mother was concerned about you, loving you as deeply as she did," Elly began. "She wanted me to promise that if I saw you…..going off track in life, that I’d be there for you. That….I’d talk with you about such."

"I see," Rosemary eased out in a flat tone, leaning against the sofa for support as thoughts of her beloved mother came spiraling through her mind.

"Look at you, Rosemary - the afternoon hour and you’re still in your house robe and bunny slippers," Elly pointed out.  

"I-I know, Elly. I know."

Elly continued while she still had the courage, "I know that you’ve seen the doctor, but yet there is no improvement because….frankly, you don‘t want to improve. And-and I can only imagine how difficult it has been….losing both parents in such a short span. But Rosemary, as your doctor advised - if you continue on this path you’re apt to sink into a very deep depressive state. Yes, medicines can help - but there are times when we must also do our best to prevent an unfavorable demise and to promote healing when it is in our power. Do you really think that your parents would be happy right now, seeing you in this state? You-you never go out; your church misses you tremendously. And I‘m the closest thing to a ….best friend that you have, ironic in itself."

continue

 

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