Rose Neville, manageress of the Margate branch of Lyon’s teashops smiled as she listened to the carol singers from a local school. As the children sang their hearts out to Hark the Herald Angels Sing, she noticed the busy Nippies joining in, as were some of the customers. Christmas was a time to forget about our troubles and be happy she thought to herself as she dropped a few coins into a collection box. Rose never stopped feeling proud of the Nippies – waitresses who worked for the chain of famous Joe Lyon’s teashops. Dressed in their recognisable black uniforms, white aprons and caps, they stood out from others in the same business.
‘There is something wrong with that woman,’ Anya, who served behind the counter said, nodding towards a Nippy who looked rather glum. ‘She should be joyous as it will soon be Christmas’.
Rose was used to Anya’s sharp words as she knew deep down the Polish woman had a generous heart. She often thought it was Anya’s use of English that made her words appear a little harsh.
‘Oh dear, she does look rather sad,’ Rose said quietly. ‘I’ll have a quiet word with her, thank you Anya. How are you coping on the counter? Even with rationing, it seemed all the inhabitants of Margate wished to purchase bread and cakes from the teashop counter.
‘We could do with more staff.’
‘I’ll send one of the Nippies to lend a hand.’
‘As long as it isn’t that miserable one,’ Anya sniffed.
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Womans Weekly Fiction Special.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Womans Weekly Fiction Special.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Perfect Gift
The change to their Christmas plans was a shock, though it could teach them a lesson…
Christmas Is Coming
With all the mess, noise and disruption, she was seriously struggling to embrace the festive spirit
The Generation G-App
It was a lovely idea, but surely there was no way the project would become a successful reality?
The Christmas Tree
The cottage had no festive cheer, but could Jennie create the impression of Yuletide joy before it was too late?
We All Stand Together
If the plan failed, Joan wouldn’t be the only one having an unhappy Christmas
The Christmas Robin
Presents to buy, food to cook and a tree to decorate – could she create the perfect day?
Maudie's First Christmas
With all her dreams of a family Christmas dashed, it seemed that Ruth would have to adjust to a very different festive season this year...
Friends Like You
Leah was about to find out what sort of people she’d had in her life all these years…
Breaking Point
She hoped her children would start to compromise soon, or they were in for a distinctly frosty festive season
A CHAT WITH... Sarah Morgan
Well-known for her heart-warming family tales, Sarah Morgan’s latest novel is packed full of love and laughter. Here, she reveals how she comes to craft her characters and she gave her new release that sprinkle of festive magic...