The Daisy Chain Line
The final part of our sparkling serial
Wow!” Annie beckoned Frances into the kitchen. With Steve working on Dandelion’s boiler and Ben playing upstairs, they were alone. “Think I’ll pass as Mrs Christmas?” Frances wore a red velvet dress, a cape trimmed with white fur, and black boots.
“Definitely!” Annie grinned. “Although we need someone’s approval first.” “Your husband?” She bit her lip. No, not Steve. He didn’t know she’d broken with tradition and hired a female Santa. Preoccupied with Dandelion’s boiler, he’d shunned attempts to talk. Feeling shut out by his closeness to Maria Wade over the sale of her Daisy Chain Line had made Annie secretive.
Now though, she felt childish and mean. Normally they’d discuss everything. She’d tell him soon – before he saw Frances. “Ben!” she called. “Come down, please.” Footsteps drummed down the stairs. “Wow!” her four-year old son said. “But isn’t Santa a man?”
“Yes,” Frances smiled, “but he’s busy so he’s sent me. I’m his wife – Mrs Christmas. Pleased to meet you, Ben.” He stared. “You know my name?” Frances tapped her nose. “We know everyone… and Santa’s told me all about the Santa Specials. Will you help?” “Oh yes!” Annie smiled. “You’ve passed my test.” Next, they showed Frances around the Daisy Chain Line although Annie avoided Steve in the shed. On Platform One, they met Ronnie and Jake, and the boys ran off to play. “You look fab, Mrs C!” Ronnie enthused. “Can you start tomorrow?” Annie said. “Definitely,” Frances agreed. “I’ll put some meals in the freezer for Silas and arrange for someone to check on him. He won’t like it but when’s that stopped me?”
“Right – shall we decorate Dandelion first?” Ronnie asked.
Annie told her about Dandelion’s boiler. “I’m worried. We can’t run the Santa Specials with only one engine.”
“Now Steve’s even more determined to sell to Maria. But Ben loves the Line. One day I want him to run it.”
Ronnie plonked the decorations on the platform. “Are my overalls and spanners in the shed?” Annie nodded. “Could you and the boys decorate Buttercup?” “I suppose so, yes – why?” Ronnie rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll join Steve. Together we’ll get Dandelion’s boiler working.”
Without Ronnie, Annie was busy. After checking Eniko was coping in the tearoom and Abdul didn’t need anything in the ticket office, she and the boys decorated Buttercup’s carriage.
“There!” She connected the last fairy lights. “Thanks, boys, you’re a great help.”
She stood on the platform as the boys sprayed fake snow on the waiting room windows. A Christmas tree stood in the ticket office and frost iced the grass. Had the Daisy Chain Line ever looked more Christmassy? It had been hard, but they were all set for the Santa Specials. Could they save her beloved Line?
“What’s that, Mummy?” Ben asked, covering his ears at a sudden bang. She laughed. “It’s Dandelion!” Covered in soot, Steve and Ronnie emerged from the shed.
“We’ve done it!” Ronnie beamed. “Dandelion’s working.” She was ecstatic, but Steve looked miserable. Why?
“Oh, thank you! Right, boys – we’ve another train to decorate!”
A snowflake drifted down. It must be a good omen. What could go wrong now?
“WHEN were you going to TELL ME? Tomorrow? CHRISTMAS EVE?”
With Buttercup and Dandelion all ready for the next day, Ronnie took Ben for an impromptu sleepover. “Takeaway?” Steve suggested.
“Can we afford it?” she queried. “Not really, but we deserve a night off.” Why was he so grumpy? Annie lit the advent candle. “Only twenty sleeps ‘til Christmas.” When he barely nodded, she snapped, “What’s up? You were happier last night when Dandelion’s boiler was broken.”
“No, I was happier last night when I thought my wife didn’t keep secrets. Frances – our very own female Santa. When were you going to tell me? Today? Tomorrow? Christmas Eve?”
Before she could explain, the doorbell rang. It was their Chinese takeaway. Steve paid the driver and plonked the bag down.
“You’re mad. The Santa Specials will only work if we play to our market. Kids expect a male Santa.”
“How sexist! A female Santa sets us apart from the competition. It’s a talking point. Besides, Mrs Christmas was first mentioned in 1800s literature.”
“That’s something you could’ve told me if you’d bothered discussing it.”
“Sorry… there was never a good time. Last night you were worried about Dandelion… How did you find out?”
“Ronnie thought I knew.” Dividing the Szechuan prawns, he said, “She knows more about our business than I do. Why shut me out, Annie?”
She saw red. “Now you know how I feel! Twice I’ve found you discussing Maria’s offer behind my back.”
“Maria arrived unannounced.” He glared. “I guessed you’d dismiss her offer, but I wanted to hear the details. And I think we should sell, whatever happens. I’m exhausted. Also, Maria and her money might go elsewhere.” “Good!” “That’s childish, Annie. Maria might be the Line’s only hope of a future.”
The next morning Annie awoke to a scattering of snow trimming hedges, trees and fields. It was the perfect background for the Santa Specials.
On board, sacks of presents were piled by the carriage door and on a trolley were mince pies, biscuits, jugs of mulled wine and squash. They were ready!
“I hope it goes well,” Frances said. “Silas and I loved the Daisy Chain Line when we were kids. It’ll be sad when it goes.” “Goes?” Annie frowned. “I heard you’re selling and the new owners are turning it into a theme park.”
Annie was shocked. Was that Maria’s plan? Preoccupied with Frances’ revelation, she opened the gates to Ronnie, Ben and Jake. “Enjoy your sleepover?” “It was great! Now we’re riding the first Santa Special!”
“Steve joining us?” Ronnie asked.
Annie sighed. “He’s busy.” Then a car drove up the snowy lane. “People are coming!” “Did you doubt it?” Ronnie laughed. In the ticket office, there was a queue. “At this rate, we’ll need more staff,” Annie smiled.
“I want to see Mrs Christmas,” shouted one little girl, tugging her mother’s arm.
What a fantastic beginning. Just maybe the Santa Specials would save the Line.
These takings are amazing!” she told Steve later. “Well done.” He hugged her. “It’s only the start, but hopefully the Santa Specials will take off. Sorry I moaned about Frances. Money stresses me out… and I see your point about Maria.”
She was just about to tell him Frances’ theme park rumour when her mobile rang. It was Lorraine who’d once worked in the tea room, accepting part-time work.
“We’ve so many bookings,” Annie said, “we need more stock. Mad, isn’t it?” “I like these problems!” he said. “Me too! And I’ve an idea to make the Santa Specials even more popular.” “No more secrets.” He kissed her nose. “No – I’ll tell you now.”
Annie was on a high. Familiar faces were back working at the Line and it was delightful seeing families so happy. Frances was a real draw. Whenever Annie dropped Ben at the childminders, his friends asked about Mrs Christmas. But today Annie couldn’t settle. “You’re usually so calm,” Abdul smiled. “I wish I hadn’t asked One4Newz to cover the Santa Specials.”
The news programme ran a feature on local Christmas events. It would be great exposure, but she was so nervous.
“They’re here!” Abdul announced as a van curled up the driveway.
Annie recognised Tara Hayward, the programme’s anchor. The cameraman and sound technician began setting up. Tara explained her presenter/director role. “Ever appeared on television?” “No – I’m terrified.” Tara smiled. “Don’t be – just talk as if we’re chatting over coffee. I’ll run through the questions, so you’re prepared. And if you stumble, we’ll re-shoot.”
A QUEUE had formed. In a MIST of steam DANDELION chuffed up the line
Once they started, Annie began to relax.
“Today we’re at Overton’s famous steam railway, the Daisy Chain Line. Annie Silverton runs it with her husband. Is that right, Annie?”
She smiled. “Yes – my family have owned the railway for over 150 years.”
“Really! And you’ve a new attraction?”
Annie detailed the Santa Specials, growing in confidence as she spoke. “But there’s a twist?” “Yes – we’ve hired Mrs Christmas who’s proving very popular.”
Tara spoke to camera. “So, why not give your family a festive treat and visit the Daisy Chain Line. Ride Buttercup or Dandelion and meet Mrs Christmas.” Annie was thrilled. What a great advert! “So much for nerves, you’re a natural,” Tara said over coffee and mince pies in Journey’s End. “Could we see Mrs Christmas in action? Meet your husband?”
While they filmed various locations, Annie looked for Steve.
A queue for the next Santa Special had formed on the platform. In a mist of steam, Dandelion chuffed along the line. The television crew boarded.
“This is Mrs Christmas and…” Annie began but the words died on her lips.
Sitting by the window was Steve. And Maria Wade was beside him!
Somehow Annie kept composed, introducing Steve to Tara, smiling as excited families were filmed and chatting to Frances about earlier rides.
But inside she was raging. Maria Wade was after her husband as well as the Line, and he wasn’t resisting.
“Hi, Annie – great ride,” Maria beamed. “Steve kindly suggested joining me.”
So he was too busy to take Ben on the first Santa Special but could join Maria!
“He’s good like that.” Annie glared at Steve. “Enjoys taking people for a ride.”
She escorted Tara and the crew out. After they left she rushed into Daisy Cottage, almost sobbing.
The Santa Specials were a success. The coverage would bring more business. Hopefully, she’d saved the Line. But had it been at the ultimate cost – her marriage?
Before collecting Ben, Annie stopped at the cash and carry. The Line was so busy they’d run low on supplies.
“Hi Annie,” Ronnie greeted her, stacking shelves with Christmas puddings. “Hi,” she muttered. “What’s wrong? Not Dandelion again?” “No – Steve. I caught him with Maria Wade on a Santa Special. It’s humiliating.”
“It might look bad, but it isn’t. I worked with Steve the other day and we had a good chat. I’ll tell you later.” “I think my marriage is over.” “Annie, you’ve nothing to worry about.” Despite Ronnie’s reassurances, Annie felt distraught as she drove home. What if Steve had duped her friend, too? She carried the shopping into Daisy Cottage. Was that Steve? On his mobile? What was he saying? As soon as she went in the lounge, he ended the call. Annie was furious. “Who’s that – Maria? Don’t bother lying. You and Maria are welcome to each other and the Line!”
Upstairs, she flung herself on their bed. Soon she was crying so hard she didn’t hear Steve come in.
“Annie…” He put a hand on her shoulder. Angrily, she shrugged it off.
“Here, this is for you,” he whispered,
holding a red envelope. Did he think a Christmas card could save their marriage?
“Tomydarlingwife,” she read as a voucher fluttered out. “Complimentary stayatWade’sHotel? I don’t understand.”
Gently, he wiped her eyes. “I’ve been arranging this with Maria. Although we’re broke, I wanted to spoil you…” “My Christmas doesn’t matter. Ben…” “No – you deserve a break. When Maria suggested checking out her other businesses to help us decide on her offer, I thought it could be my present to you.”
So Steve had been trying to surprise her. She wrapped her arms around him. “How lovely. How did I doubt you?” “I thought we’d be safe chatting on the train while you were with the camera crew. I was shocked when you boarded.” “And I read it as guilt. Ronnie knows?” “She’s having Ben while we’re away.”
Silhouetted against the sunset, Wade’s Hotel was an impressive sweep of glass and chrome. Annie shivered.
It was the weekend before Christmas. Following the TV coverage, Santa Special sales had sky-rocketed. They’d engaged several ex-staff to cover their break.
“How romantic – a four-poster bed!” Annie gasped, entering their suite. “We don’t have to go for dinner yet.” “We do – I’m starving!” she laughed. “But we’ve all night ahead of us.”
After showering, Annie donned a red sparkly dress. Walking into the restaurant, she felt a million dollars next to Steve in his grey suit. This was a world away from the Daisy Chain Line and their problems.
The waiter showed them to a secluded table. After scallops, they ate traditional roast turkey, finishing with the lightest Christmas pudding she’d ever tasted.
“Thank you, Steve. This is a fantastic present.” She clinked his wine glass.
“It’s thanks to Maria really. She certainly runs a successful business. This hotel’s wonderful… maybe she is the best person to take the Line forward.”
“If that was her plan.Apparently she wants to turn the Line into a theme park.” “You’re joking!” He looked shocked. “She’s not after the Line, but the land.”
Steve threw down his napkin. “In that case, we’re not selling.”
Back in their suite, Annie curled her arms around Steve’s neck. “The news hasn’t spoiled the break?” He kissed her. “Nothing could spoil this. Come here, Mrs Silverton.”
Driving home, Annie was looking forward to Christmas. Ben was excited, the Specials were successful and Easter wasn’t far away. She planned bunnies on board giving out eggs and hot cross buns. All she needed was a summer attraction. Steve slowed to pass a cyclist. “I’ll tell Maria the deal’s off,” Steve
He KISSED her. “Nothing could SPOIL THIS. Come here, MRS SILVERTON”
declared. “The Line must stay as it is.”
“Agreed. Though I admit Maria’s a good businesswoman.” “I still think we need financial security.” “Yes – but not by selling.”
The days leading to Christmas were the busiest Annie could remember with Santa Special visitors and lastminute preparations.
“Mum and Dad arrive tomorrow,” Steve said, wiping the worktops. “Super!” She slipped Ben into his PJs. There was a knock at the door. “Maria!” “Sorry it’s late – could we chat?” No longer seeing Maria as a threat, she welcomed her. “Fancy a cuppa?” Annie asked. Maria nodded, sitting at the kitchen table, a large bag beside her.
“Thanks again for our break. It was really wonderful,” Annie said warmly.
“No problem … I just wondered what you’d decided on my offer?”
Steve sat down. “We’re grateful – it came when we most needed it…” “But it’s no?” Maria said. Annie nodded. “We heard there are other plans for the Line. We want it to stay a railway.”
“You heard about the theme park? It’s my partner’s plan. I’ve another idea.” “Ok-aa-ay,” Annie said, slowly. “I like the Line. Wade and Wade wanted to develop the site. Update it. But your Santa Specials prove there’s value in traditional tourist attractions.” “Go on,” Steve urged. “You keep the Line, run it as you see fit. But sell me some land. I’ll build a boutique hotel – like where you stayed. The businesses would feed each other.” “How much land?” Annie asked. “I’m thinking the lower field. It would be out of view of the Daisy Chain Line.” “It’s worth considering.” The money would help them survive. A hotel would bring more visitors. “We’ll discuss it, but it sounds good.” “Depending on price,” Steve beamed. Maria laughed. “Spoken like a true businessman … Talk in the New Year?” “Definitely,” Annie agreed. “Well, enjoy Christmas. There are some gifts here for Ben.”
“Thank you, Maria. That’s kind.”
Snow was falling. With Ben in bed, Annie and Steve waved off Maria. “Magic happens at Christmas, doesn’t it?” Annie smiled. “And when I’m with you.” “We don’t use that field and a hotel would help Overton’s economy.” “This will be a great Christmas.” “And a better New Year.” They kissed, shivering, Steve pulled her inside and locked the door.
“Shall we celebrate with an early night?” he murmured into her hair.
“I thought you’d never ask.”