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discoveredinaljMr Bodie's Christmas
by krisser
Spring Gardens
Building Seventeen
Mr Bodie stood at the window on his side of the flat that he shared with Mr Doyle and watched as the snow fell softly to the ground. He peered downward following the laughter and spied young Masters Mark and Anthony Jax throwing snow at each other before falling on their backs into the snow and flapping their arms like birds to make snow angels.
Mr Bodie turned as he heard Mr Doyle place more logs in the fireplace. More for ambience than function, as it was steam-powered heating system but Mr Doyle kept a small woodpile stocked so to keep the illusion. Mr Doyle pointed to the ashes in his bucket and removed them. Mr Bodie watched Mr Doyle walk away. He couldn't help himself, the movement always fascinating.
Mr Bodie sighed. Mr Cowley, in a magnanimous gesture or drunken stupor more like, had given everyone four days off. Mr Bodie turned back to look out the window.
There were many chores he could do to fill the time. He had played the Santa Claus many a year, then always ended up at the pub for a meal and ale, alone. He hadn't actually celebrated the season himself since his sister died. His father had always been working while his mother was never one for family gatherings. He was sure that his partner in all things was going to suggest just that.
"Bodie?"
Mr Bodie turned, fully prepared excuse on his lips to avoid a sure to be Christmas fiasco, but after one look at the bright, beaming smile that adorned the face of his more often than not ratty partner, he found himself agreeing to what ever cockamamie plan his partner had hatched.
Mr Doyle rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"My mum is expecting the both of us on Christmas Eve." Mr Doyle shook his head while he put his hand up to forestall his partner's protests. "She made it abundantly clear that I must bring you with me. In fact," Mr Doyle lowered his voice, "I think she wants you there more than me."
"Now, Ray. . . "
"You love her pies – no matter the filling." Mr Doyle used his secret weapon.
Mr Bodie paused, thoughtful. "I do indeed love her pies." A dreamy smile graced his face. "Your mum is truly one of the finest if not the very best baker in all of England."
"Then you'll come." Mr Doyle exclaimed gleefully.
His partner's joy was so genuine that there was no other option but to agree. "I would be delighted." Mr Bodie bowed as if to royalty. An impish smile replaced the contented expression. "We're expected Christmas Eve. . . So, what do we do with the extra day of leisure? Though, I must admit I do have some ideas." His eyes darted to the bed.
Mr Doyle cocked his head and smiled. "I'm sure we will make time for that activity, but we have some toys to deliver first."
Mr Bodie nodded his head once. His partner was correct. He had discovered early on that they were of like mind on this topic. They picked up a toy or two on their travels, liberated discards that had lots of years left, scooped up Murphy's tinkerings, and redistributed all to deserving families with less means. Each had particular areas they supplied.
"The Jax's lads first," Mr Bodie said over his shoulder as he opened his wardrobe. He quickly changed into all black clothing. He turned to catch his partner eyeing him frankly with a lascivious intent.
"You make it very difficult to keep to the original schedule." Mr Doyle took in several deep breaths.
Mr Bodie moved quickly across the room, straight at Mr Doyle, who backed up as far as he could go before the wall stopped him. Mr Bodie possessed his lips and kissed him as if he might never get the chance again and had to memorise everything. He eventually pulled back, breathing hard. "There, that should hold you for a wee while."
"You cad," Mr Doyle said breathing hard and heavy. "You'll get yours."
Mr Bodie smiled like the cat that ate the cream, "I'm looking forward to just that!"
They stood there, a moment in time, the desire on one face exactly mirrored on the other. Mr Bodie sucked in a deep breath and waved his partner to the door lest he gave into the need to ravish him on the spot. Those full lips were always begging to be taken, and he had just the smidgen of will power.
Mr Bodie took several more deep breaths before he followed Mr Doyle to his side of the flat. They cleared the table to wrap the collected toys in butcher paper, then tied them closed with ribbon bits they'd picked up here and there over the year. Mr Bodie marked the gifts for the Jax lads separately before they each stuffed a haversack full of packages and cinched it closed with a strong tie.
Cleaning up the evidence of such work was automatic; nothing would be traced back to them. They headed downstairs and filled their bellies with the repast left by the always-considerate Mrs Jax. They found themselves the sole occupants of the parlour and made fast work of their self-fuelling.
The barn was the next stop with a side detour to the Jax residence. Mr Jax and the family were just leaving, taking Mr Cowley's time away offer seriously, and they were leaving to spend Christmas with Mrs Jax's mother. Messrs Bodie and Doyle left the gifts safe and dry in the parcel box by the door.
Though a carriage would have been more convenient, it was also much more conspicuous, and Mr Bodie's area of benefaction would have made the carriage seem out of place. They saddled the horses with extra padding to provide a place to carry the oversized bags of toys behind them. They headed toward Mr Bodie's old stomping grounds.
Bethnal Green
While they didn't waste anytime in getting to Mr Bodie's destination of choice, they reined in to a slow, sedate pace once there. It wouldn't do to draw notice. Mr Bodie led them to familiar territory and pointed out the intended neighbourhoods. As planned, darkness was complete by the time they arrived.
"There are several good families that can't do extra without worry. They never knew who played Santa and I don't wish to disappoint while they still have young ones," Mr Bodie explained matter-of-factly as he sorted and divided the packages between the two of them.
Mr Doyle fell in love with his partner all over again. He bestowed a smile so bright Mr Bodie was sure a light had been turned on.
They rode silently through the dilapidated and tumbledown area, Mr Bodie pointing out the intended targets of his packages. The houses may have seen better days, but they held more seasonal spirit that Mr Bodie could remember experiencing.
They tied the horses out of view under trees with limbs that touched the ground. They pulled out what was needed and set off. Mr Bodie crept silently along-side the first house to deposit a package on a backdoor step out of sight from the street.
There he found a plate of biscuits with a simply scrawled note of thanks. He filled a small sack with the expressed thanks for later enjoyment. He crept along the back of the house as he moved on to the next place. A similar offering was found and Mr Bodie gladly exchanged the baked goods for the toy. He moved on with a light heart.
Mr Bodie worked diligently for the next hour until the last toy had found a home.
Mr Doyle returned as Mr Bodie was rolling up the empty haversack and tucking it under the back panel of his saddle.
"Somehow the good folk of the neighbourhood must have divined that biscuits are the best way to say thanks." Mr Doyle handed him a full bag of baked goods.
Mr Bodie's faced reddened a bit as he accepted the bag with a smile. "I'll share."
Mr Doyle smiled in return. "Onward, our next stop awaits."
They mounted the horses and headed in a southerly direction.
Whitechapel and High
Sweep confluence
Sweeps were invisible to most of the affluent homes they served, but their work was like a backdoor key and enabled them to know the inner workings of polite society. Even though the homes were prosperous, it didn't mean that the children were always remembered.
Through the years the sweeps had taken note of deserving children of indifferent care and they had done what they could to let them know they were remembered. Later, with the help of a protector, they had been able to ensure that little ones were thought of despite a family oversight.
Mr Bodie and Mr Doyle arrived before any of the sweeps would have had to leave on assignments. Mr Doyle signalled to Benny, but the sweep had been looking out for his arrival and had already started toward them.
"Knew you wouldn't forget." Benny's smile was warm and welcoming. "Thank you."
Mr Doyle handed down his haversack to the sweep. "You lads know who has the need, and you do all the work. I thank you." He stuck out his hand and shook the sweep's hand, passing him several pound notes at the same time. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Guv." Benny pocketed the remembrance, and with a wave, hauled the bag of gifts to the conclave.
Spring Gardens
Building Seventeen
Back at home, horses tended to, and bottles of rum or whiskey propped against other's doors, Mr Bodie knew they should try for a few hours rest before the early morning train, but one look at the intent on his partner's face and he decided that sleep was overrated.
Mr Doyle said not a word but went straight to work divesting Mr Bodie of his clothes and leading him to the big, soft bed. Somewhere along the way, Mr Doyle's clothes had managed to find a home on the floor.
Mr Doyle laid immediate claim to lips and neck, chest and belly, finally finding home in a groin pungent with need. How could he not do his part? He sucked in the thickening cock until it burst with joy due to the more than adequate handling.
Mr Doyle didn't have to wait long to find himself under the full attention of his partner's desire to reciprocate in a manner most suitable. His own burst of joy was no less glorious.
Sleep came quickly but was short lived.
The early train departure had them on the road and headed to the station while it was still dark. They knew the train stops would take just a bit longer on the day of Christmas Eve but Mr Doyle still hoped to arrive mid-morning. He wanted his partner to help with the pudding prep.
Great Western Railway
London en route to Derby
Mr Doyle had splurged for the first class carriage. After meeting his partner's mum, Mr Doyle wanted this season to be happy and festive. He looked down at his own clothing and knew his own mum would be pleased at their fine turn out. They each wore dress trousers in a dark colour with a side stripe in a toning shade, practical as always, yet elegant. Their cutaway coats of a matching colour had buttons the same as the stripe. Time off or not, they still wore their over side-button shirts. This particular shirt was a favourite to both as it had many hidden pockets so they could carry their armaments without detection.
They carried light, but they still carried. It did them no good to go about unadorned when they knew that danger lurked more oft than not.
They sat as far away from the door as possible to watch those who entered. It was second nature now to be on guard wherever they travelled.
The dining car was a welcome break and Mr Bodie looked on in anticipation. They had no sooner received their food when Mr Doyle nudged his partner to see if he, too, had noticed something. Mr Bodie was already wiping his mouth.
"A dipper in the midst."
Mr Doyle nodded and head signalled that he would move in behind. Mr Bodie stood and approached the man directly expecting the brush of a slight jostle. Mr Bodie grabbed the hand as it tried to exit his pocket.
"Look what we have here, a dipper," Mr Bodie exclaimed loudly to attract the attention of all. "This ruffian tried to relieve me of my billfold. You all should check your pockets."
While Mr Bodie made his announcement, said ruffian tried to twist away from the hold Mr Bodie had on him. The hold remained steadfast, and Mr Doyle was standing directly behind the pickpocket so he would have moved no where.
Mr Doyle reached into the dipper's pockets and once emptied, they removed him from the dining car and led him to the luggage compartment.
Mr Bodie continued to hold him as Mr Doyle drew his face. "We will distribute your face to the train stations. You need to try your luck elsewhere."
Mr Bodie pushed open the train car door with his foot. "But not today and not here." Mr Bodie pushed him off the train as it crossed a deep pond. He closed the door after hearing the splash.
"Well that's one way of dealing with the dipper," Mr Doyle commented.
"He would have just ruined someone else's Christmas. He'll have a long soggy walk to reflect."
"Or curse you all the way."
Mr Bodie smiled, "I can live with that."
Derby, Derbyshire
East Midlands
They hired a hansom cab to convey them from the train station to Mrs Doyle's home. They had many packages and the snow, while not deep, would make the journey more of a trudge.
Mr Bodie grabbed his partner's arm, worried. "Are you sure that I should be with you? This is a family time." Mr Bodie could not see just how he fit in when his own family couldn't fit him in.
"You are my family. Just so happens that my mum feels the same way. You are now her family as well," Mr Doyle assured him. "My sisters and their kids love you as well." Mr Doyle patted Mr Bodie's knee several times in a soothing gesture.
"Fine," Mr Bodie said aloud, but nothing could quite quell the trepidation he felt.
The conveyance stopped and Mr Doyle paid as Mr Bodie gathered all the belongings.
"Oi, a little help here," Mr Bodie called out as Mr Doyle stepped to open the gate.
Mr Doyle stopped and collected the bag of gifts, leaving the rest for his partner. "I'm afraid if I remove anything else, it will all fall."
"You'll get yours." Mr Bodie shook his head that couldn't be seen for stack of festively wrapped boxes.
"Oh, I plan on it!" Mr Doyle said and could see Mr Bodie's pleased expression in his mind's eye.
Mrs Doyle opened the door wide and welcomed the pair home. "Now the holiday can begin." She hugged the pair of them even with their arms full.
"Bodie, love, leave all that near the hearth. I need you in the larder. Ray, dear, I fixed the top bedroom for you dears, away from the little ones and less noise, more privacy." She turned and missed her son's face redden. "Come down as soon as you drop your things; there's pudding to prepare." She followed Mr Bodie into the kitchen.
She led Mr Bodie to the larder and pointed to an old box on the top shelf. "We need its contents to complete the pudding.
"Before we start, and it will keep us busy for the rest of the day, let's have a fortifying snack." She covered the table with cold meats, fruits, bread and pastries. "Help yourself. You're one of the clan now. Ray will want some food before we begin as well."
Mr Doyle walked into the kitchen and took in a smiling mother, a smiling partner, and food crumbs every where. "You did manage to save a bit for me, I hope?" There was a warm contentment settling about his heart. This was better than he imagined. "Have you told him what he's in for yet?" Mr Doyle directed to his mum. To his partner he pseudo whispered, "You may still have time to run."
Mr Bodie smiled and turned his attention to Mr Doyle's mum.
Mrs Doyle wiped her hands on her apron and sat back in her chair. "We will all attend church first. One day won't do you wrong, Raymond! Then the dining table will be decorated with flowers, evergreens, and linens. Our Christmas dinner will be the highlight of the day. And to your liking, Bodie, love, the meal will be served in large quantities.
"We will be having a feast. Roasted goose, sage and onion dressing, standing rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding, boars head, ham, turkey, oysters, potatoes, pies - cranberry and mince. I made a Christmas cake, just for you, Bodie, love." She paused for effect. "Then comes the serving of the plum pudding. It will be a fine repast." She leaned forward. "Your sisters will be here shortly to help in the preparation the pudding, but we will start now. This pudding requires plenty of time to cook. It's made of suet, breadcrumbs, raisins, and spices. Then it will sit by itself and rest until tomorrow when it will be boiled in beef broth. Then we open it together and serve it hot."
"Don't forget firecrackers after dinner," Mr Doyle reminded her.
She smiled fondly, "Like your nephews ever would." She stood up and opened the box and began laying items on the table. "Ray, get out your apron, and one for Bodie as well. We have pudding to make."
"I want an apron to match my eyes," Mr Bodie said dramatically to cover the emotion that hovered close to the surface.
"I make a fine pudding and this year will be the finest as we have you here this year, dear Bodie, and with you here my Ray will smile all the day, even while we're working in the kitchen. Which begins now. Wash your hands first!" Mrs Doyle announced and shooed them to get going.
That he was included in the Doyle ritual did not go overlooked by Mr Bodie. It did make him feel warm and loved. Yes, he felt a family love, a family that he was included within now. He looked over to his partner's smiling face, love shining through, and now all was perfect.
It truly was a Merry Christmas.
fin
by krisser
Spring Gardens
Building Seventeen
Mr Bodie stood at the window on his side of the flat that he shared with Mr Doyle and watched as the snow fell softly to the ground. He peered downward following the laughter and spied young Masters Mark and Anthony Jax throwing snow at each other before falling on their backs into the snow and flapping their arms like birds to make snow angels.
Mr Bodie turned as he heard Mr Doyle place more logs in the fireplace. More for ambience than function, as it was steam-powered heating system but Mr Doyle kept a small woodpile stocked so to keep the illusion. Mr Doyle pointed to the ashes in his bucket and removed them. Mr Bodie watched Mr Doyle walk away. He couldn't help himself, the movement always fascinating.
Mr Bodie sighed. Mr Cowley, in a magnanimous gesture or drunken stupor more like, had given everyone four days off. Mr Bodie turned back to look out the window.
There were many chores he could do to fill the time. He had played the Santa Claus many a year, then always ended up at the pub for a meal and ale, alone. He hadn't actually celebrated the season himself since his sister died. His father had always been working while his mother was never one for family gatherings. He was sure that his partner in all things was going to suggest just that.
"Bodie?"
Mr Bodie turned, fully prepared excuse on his lips to avoid a sure to be Christmas fiasco, but after one look at the bright, beaming smile that adorned the face of his more often than not ratty partner, he found himself agreeing to what ever cockamamie plan his partner had hatched.
Mr Doyle rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"My mum is expecting the both of us on Christmas Eve." Mr Doyle shook his head while he put his hand up to forestall his partner's protests. "She made it abundantly clear that I must bring you with me. In fact," Mr Doyle lowered his voice, "I think she wants you there more than me."
"Now, Ray. . . "
"You love her pies – no matter the filling." Mr Doyle used his secret weapon.
Mr Bodie paused, thoughtful. "I do indeed love her pies." A dreamy smile graced his face. "Your mum is truly one of the finest if not the very best baker in all of England."
"Then you'll come." Mr Doyle exclaimed gleefully.
His partner's joy was so genuine that there was no other option but to agree. "I would be delighted." Mr Bodie bowed as if to royalty. An impish smile replaced the contented expression. "We're expected Christmas Eve. . . So, what do we do with the extra day of leisure? Though, I must admit I do have some ideas." His eyes darted to the bed.
Mr Doyle cocked his head and smiled. "I'm sure we will make time for that activity, but we have some toys to deliver first."
Mr Bodie nodded his head once. His partner was correct. He had discovered early on that they were of like mind on this topic. They picked up a toy or two on their travels, liberated discards that had lots of years left, scooped up Murphy's tinkerings, and redistributed all to deserving families with less means. Each had particular areas they supplied.
"The Jax's lads first," Mr Bodie said over his shoulder as he opened his wardrobe. He quickly changed into all black clothing. He turned to catch his partner eyeing him frankly with a lascivious intent.
"You make it very difficult to keep to the original schedule." Mr Doyle took in several deep breaths.
Mr Bodie moved quickly across the room, straight at Mr Doyle, who backed up as far as he could go before the wall stopped him. Mr Bodie possessed his lips and kissed him as if he might never get the chance again and had to memorise everything. He eventually pulled back, breathing hard. "There, that should hold you for a wee while."
"You cad," Mr Doyle said breathing hard and heavy. "You'll get yours."
Mr Bodie smiled like the cat that ate the cream, "I'm looking forward to just that!"
They stood there, a moment in time, the desire on one face exactly mirrored on the other. Mr Bodie sucked in a deep breath and waved his partner to the door lest he gave into the need to ravish him on the spot. Those full lips were always begging to be taken, and he had just the smidgen of will power.
Mr Bodie took several more deep breaths before he followed Mr Doyle to his side of the flat. They cleared the table to wrap the collected toys in butcher paper, then tied them closed with ribbon bits they'd picked up here and there over the year. Mr Bodie marked the gifts for the Jax lads separately before they each stuffed a haversack full of packages and cinched it closed with a strong tie.
Cleaning up the evidence of such work was automatic; nothing would be traced back to them. They headed downstairs and filled their bellies with the repast left by the always-considerate Mrs Jax. They found themselves the sole occupants of the parlour and made fast work of their self-fuelling.
The barn was the next stop with a side detour to the Jax residence. Mr Jax and the family were just leaving, taking Mr Cowley's time away offer seriously, and they were leaving to spend Christmas with Mrs Jax's mother. Messrs Bodie and Doyle left the gifts safe and dry in the parcel box by the door.
Though a carriage would have been more convenient, it was also much more conspicuous, and Mr Bodie's area of benefaction would have made the carriage seem out of place. They saddled the horses with extra padding to provide a place to carry the oversized bags of toys behind them. They headed toward Mr Bodie's old stomping grounds.
Bethnal Green
While they didn't waste anytime in getting to Mr Bodie's destination of choice, they reined in to a slow, sedate pace once there. It wouldn't do to draw notice. Mr Bodie led them to familiar territory and pointed out the intended neighbourhoods. As planned, darkness was complete by the time they arrived.
"There are several good families that can't do extra without worry. They never knew who played Santa and I don't wish to disappoint while they still have young ones," Mr Bodie explained matter-of-factly as he sorted and divided the packages between the two of them.
Mr Doyle fell in love with his partner all over again. He bestowed a smile so bright Mr Bodie was sure a light had been turned on.
They rode silently through the dilapidated and tumbledown area, Mr Bodie pointing out the intended targets of his packages. The houses may have seen better days, but they held more seasonal spirit that Mr Bodie could remember experiencing.
They tied the horses out of view under trees with limbs that touched the ground. They pulled out what was needed and set off. Mr Bodie crept silently along-side the first house to deposit a package on a backdoor step out of sight from the street.
There he found a plate of biscuits with a simply scrawled note of thanks. He filled a small sack with the expressed thanks for later enjoyment. He crept along the back of the house as he moved on to the next place. A similar offering was found and Mr Bodie gladly exchanged the baked goods for the toy. He moved on with a light heart.
Mr Bodie worked diligently for the next hour until the last toy had found a home.
Mr Doyle returned as Mr Bodie was rolling up the empty haversack and tucking it under the back panel of his saddle.
"Somehow the good folk of the neighbourhood must have divined that biscuits are the best way to say thanks." Mr Doyle handed him a full bag of baked goods.
Mr Bodie's faced reddened a bit as he accepted the bag with a smile. "I'll share."
Mr Doyle smiled in return. "Onward, our next stop awaits."
They mounted the horses and headed in a southerly direction.
Whitechapel and High
Sweep confluence
Sweeps were invisible to most of the affluent homes they served, but their work was like a backdoor key and enabled them to know the inner workings of polite society. Even though the homes were prosperous, it didn't mean that the children were always remembered.
Through the years the sweeps had taken note of deserving children of indifferent care and they had done what they could to let them know they were remembered. Later, with the help of a protector, they had been able to ensure that little ones were thought of despite a family oversight.
Mr Bodie and Mr Doyle arrived before any of the sweeps would have had to leave on assignments. Mr Doyle signalled to Benny, but the sweep had been looking out for his arrival and had already started toward them.
"Knew you wouldn't forget." Benny's smile was warm and welcoming. "Thank you."
Mr Doyle handed down his haversack to the sweep. "You lads know who has the need, and you do all the work. I thank you." He stuck out his hand and shook the sweep's hand, passing him several pound notes at the same time. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Guv." Benny pocketed the remembrance, and with a wave, hauled the bag of gifts to the conclave.
Spring Gardens
Building Seventeen
Back at home, horses tended to, and bottles of rum or whiskey propped against other's doors, Mr Bodie knew they should try for a few hours rest before the early morning train, but one look at the intent on his partner's face and he decided that sleep was overrated.
Mr Doyle said not a word but went straight to work divesting Mr Bodie of his clothes and leading him to the big, soft bed. Somewhere along the way, Mr Doyle's clothes had managed to find a home on the floor.
Mr Doyle laid immediate claim to lips and neck, chest and belly, finally finding home in a groin pungent with need. How could he not do his part? He sucked in the thickening cock until it burst with joy due to the more than adequate handling.
Mr Doyle didn't have to wait long to find himself under the full attention of his partner's desire to reciprocate in a manner most suitable. His own burst of joy was no less glorious.
Sleep came quickly but was short lived.
The early train departure had them on the road and headed to the station while it was still dark. They knew the train stops would take just a bit longer on the day of Christmas Eve but Mr Doyle still hoped to arrive mid-morning. He wanted his partner to help with the pudding prep.
Great Western Railway
London en route to Derby
Mr Doyle had splurged for the first class carriage. After meeting his partner's mum, Mr Doyle wanted this season to be happy and festive. He looked down at his own clothing and knew his own mum would be pleased at their fine turn out. They each wore dress trousers in a dark colour with a side stripe in a toning shade, practical as always, yet elegant. Their cutaway coats of a matching colour had buttons the same as the stripe. Time off or not, they still wore their over side-button shirts. This particular shirt was a favourite to both as it had many hidden pockets so they could carry their armaments without detection.
They carried light, but they still carried. It did them no good to go about unadorned when they knew that danger lurked more oft than not.
They sat as far away from the door as possible to watch those who entered. It was second nature now to be on guard wherever they travelled.
The dining car was a welcome break and Mr Bodie looked on in anticipation. They had no sooner received their food when Mr Doyle nudged his partner to see if he, too, had noticed something. Mr Bodie was already wiping his mouth.
"A dipper in the midst."
Mr Doyle nodded and head signalled that he would move in behind. Mr Bodie stood and approached the man directly expecting the brush of a slight jostle. Mr Bodie grabbed the hand as it tried to exit his pocket.
"Look what we have here, a dipper," Mr Bodie exclaimed loudly to attract the attention of all. "This ruffian tried to relieve me of my billfold. You all should check your pockets."
While Mr Bodie made his announcement, said ruffian tried to twist away from the hold Mr Bodie had on him. The hold remained steadfast, and Mr Doyle was standing directly behind the pickpocket so he would have moved no where.
Mr Doyle reached into the dipper's pockets and once emptied, they removed him from the dining car and led him to the luggage compartment.
Mr Bodie continued to hold him as Mr Doyle drew his face. "We will distribute your face to the train stations. You need to try your luck elsewhere."
Mr Bodie pushed open the train car door with his foot. "But not today and not here." Mr Bodie pushed him off the train as it crossed a deep pond. He closed the door after hearing the splash.
"Well that's one way of dealing with the dipper," Mr Doyle commented.
"He would have just ruined someone else's Christmas. He'll have a long soggy walk to reflect."
"Or curse you all the way."
Mr Bodie smiled, "I can live with that."
Derby, Derbyshire
East Midlands
They hired a hansom cab to convey them from the train station to Mrs Doyle's home. They had many packages and the snow, while not deep, would make the journey more of a trudge.
Mr Bodie grabbed his partner's arm, worried. "Are you sure that I should be with you? This is a family time." Mr Bodie could not see just how he fit in when his own family couldn't fit him in.
"You are my family. Just so happens that my mum feels the same way. You are now her family as well," Mr Doyle assured him. "My sisters and their kids love you as well." Mr Doyle patted Mr Bodie's knee several times in a soothing gesture.
"Fine," Mr Bodie said aloud, but nothing could quite quell the trepidation he felt.
The conveyance stopped and Mr Doyle paid as Mr Bodie gathered all the belongings.
"Oi, a little help here," Mr Bodie called out as Mr Doyle stepped to open the gate.
Mr Doyle stopped and collected the bag of gifts, leaving the rest for his partner. "I'm afraid if I remove anything else, it will all fall."
"You'll get yours." Mr Bodie shook his head that couldn't be seen for stack of festively wrapped boxes.
"Oh, I plan on it!" Mr Doyle said and could see Mr Bodie's pleased expression in his mind's eye.
Mrs Doyle opened the door wide and welcomed the pair home. "Now the holiday can begin." She hugged the pair of them even with their arms full.
"Bodie, love, leave all that near the hearth. I need you in the larder. Ray, dear, I fixed the top bedroom for you dears, away from the little ones and less noise, more privacy." She turned and missed her son's face redden. "Come down as soon as you drop your things; there's pudding to prepare." She followed Mr Bodie into the kitchen.
She led Mr Bodie to the larder and pointed to an old box on the top shelf. "We need its contents to complete the pudding.
"Before we start, and it will keep us busy for the rest of the day, let's have a fortifying snack." She covered the table with cold meats, fruits, bread and pastries. "Help yourself. You're one of the clan now. Ray will want some food before we begin as well."
Mr Doyle walked into the kitchen and took in a smiling mother, a smiling partner, and food crumbs every where. "You did manage to save a bit for me, I hope?" There was a warm contentment settling about his heart. This was better than he imagined. "Have you told him what he's in for yet?" Mr Doyle directed to his mum. To his partner he pseudo whispered, "You may still have time to run."
Mr Bodie smiled and turned his attention to Mr Doyle's mum.
Mrs Doyle wiped her hands on her apron and sat back in her chair. "We will all attend church first. One day won't do you wrong, Raymond! Then the dining table will be decorated with flowers, evergreens, and linens. Our Christmas dinner will be the highlight of the day. And to your liking, Bodie, love, the meal will be served in large quantities.
"We will be having a feast. Roasted goose, sage and onion dressing, standing rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding, boars head, ham, turkey, oysters, potatoes, pies - cranberry and mince. I made a Christmas cake, just for you, Bodie, love." She paused for effect. "Then comes the serving of the plum pudding. It will be a fine repast." She leaned forward. "Your sisters will be here shortly to help in the preparation the pudding, but we will start now. This pudding requires plenty of time to cook. It's made of suet, breadcrumbs, raisins, and spices. Then it will sit by itself and rest until tomorrow when it will be boiled in beef broth. Then we open it together and serve it hot."
"Don't forget firecrackers after dinner," Mr Doyle reminded her.
She smiled fondly, "Like your nephews ever would." She stood up and opened the box and began laying items on the table. "Ray, get out your apron, and one for Bodie as well. We have pudding to make."
"I want an apron to match my eyes," Mr Bodie said dramatically to cover the emotion that hovered close to the surface.
"I make a fine pudding and this year will be the finest as we have you here this year, dear Bodie, and with you here my Ray will smile all the day, even while we're working in the kitchen. Which begins now. Wash your hands first!" Mrs Doyle announced and shooed them to get going.
That he was included in the Doyle ritual did not go overlooked by Mr Bodie. It did make him feel warm and loved. Yes, he felt a family love, a family that he was included within now. He looked over to his partner's smiling face, love shining through, and now all was perfect.
It truly was a Merry Christmas.
fin
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