Try a Little Tenderness by Joan Jonker Page A

his. ‘But she is getting too big for her boots and I should have listened to yer years ago.’
    Mary was up very early the next morning and her first task was to spoon the stuffing into the turkey before putting it in the oven on a low light to cook slowly. Then she set about cleaning the grate and lighting a fire. Soon the coals were burning brightly and she put a kettle on the hob ready to make a pot of tea. There was no sound from upstairs so she sat in Stan’s armchair enjoying the peace of the house. The tree looked lovely, and with the presents spread out beneath its branches it gave the room a real festive air. She’d done a lot of moaning in the last week with the extra work and worrying about whether she was going to be able to eke her money out. But right now she felt it had been well worth it. A spark from a coal hissed as it spurted out, bringing Mary to her feet to stamp it out before it had time to singe thehearthrug. Not that another scorchmark would be noticed, the poor mat had put up with a lot of wear over the years. It had been made from bits of old clothes, and she remembered how her mother had sat with her many a night pegging the strips of cloth through the canvas.
    Mary shook herself to chase away the sadness. This was a day for happiness and she didn’t want the family to come down and see her looking miserable. She hugged herself as she gazed into the dancing flames. There was a lot to look forward to, with her dad coming this morning and then the party tonight. She had never had a party before, but she was going to take Amy’s advice and not worry. So what if her friend’s fairy cakes did turn out as hard as rocks, or Molly’s jelly hadn’t set properly? The world wouldn’t come to an end, they would still enjoy themselves.
    She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, Mary didn’t hear the stairs creaking and jumped when her two daughters burst into the room, chorusing, ‘Merry Christmas, Mam.’
    ‘Oh, I must have been miles away, I didn’t hear a sound.’ Mary hugged and kissed each of them. ‘Merry Christmas, sunshine, and I hope yer both like what Father Christmas brought for yer.’
    Laura’s face was eager. ‘Can we open our presents now?’
    ‘Not until yer dad’s up, I don’t want him to miss any of the fun. Give him a shout while I see to a pot of tea.’
    When Stan came down he was carrying a parcel which he put with the others under the tree. He grinned at his wife. ‘That’s for you, love. I hid it under the bed last night.’
    Mary clapped her hands together. ‘Ooh, what is it?’
    ‘Yer’ll find out soon enough, just be patient. And if yer don’t like it yer can tell yer mate off, because she got it for me.’
    ‘Oh dear, in that case it’ll be a joke. When I open it, it’ll probably blow up in me face.’
    Stan’s head dropped back and he gave a hearty chuckle. ‘Fancy thinking that about yer best mate! I admit I haddoubts meself about asking her to get yer something, but I think she’s done yer proud.’
    ‘Dad, can I open my presents now?’ Laura asked. ‘I can’t wait.’
    ‘Just hold yer horses, sunshine.’ Mary pushed Stan gently down on to the couch, then handed him a cup of tea. ‘Me and yer dad will sit and watch. I think the youngest should go first, so let Jenny open hers.’
    Jenny opened the small parcel first, and much to Laura’s annoyance, insisted upon trying the woollen gloves on. Then she laid them to one side and ripped open the large parcel. Her shriek of delight as she held the dress up brought a glow to Mary’s heart. The dress was deep blue with a round collar, long sleeves and belted waist. It was in a heavy cotton, suitable for wear in any weather. The style was plain, but it was the simplicity that made it attractive. ‘Oh, it’s lovely.’ Jenny held the dress close to her chest as she bent and kissed her parents. ‘Thank you, Mam and Dad. Can I wear it today?’
    ‘Of course yer can,’ Mary said. ‘Yer can get all