This will conclude this part of the story but my ongoing Follyfoot tale will continue in due course probably in short story form.
Milly insisted on accompanying Steve to the hospital next day to complete the formalities. she was handed a bag with Bert's clothes and wristwatch in and was told that his wedding ring was still on his finger. In the car going home she looked at the watch.
'Ee it's funny- my watch stopped yesterday and I can't get it to go. This one's ticking away quite happily.'
She put it on her wrist. 'I'll always wear it for you now Bert love.'
The death certificate gave lots of long words as contributing to the death but cardiac arrest was first on the list. Mr. Coggins, the undertaker was contacted to arrange for Bert's body to be removed from the hospital. Milly wanted him buried in his wedding suit and his ring left on.
'When he's all dressed up then I'll go and see him for the last time.' she said.
John Carmichael called round that afternoon and as the undertakers was on his way home he volunteered to take them Bert's clothes. A couple of days before the funeral Milly and Steve went to the undertakers. Dora said she preferred to remeber Bert as he was. Steve went into the rest chapel with Milly. It brought back more memories of the Colonel and Slugger. Like them Bert looked at peace. Milly kissed him and said 'Goodbye' then bowed her head in prayer for a few moments. Steve merely touched Bert's cold hand before leading Milly out.
The funeral service was simple and dignified. Kathy had been warned to stay away. David Charlesworth read the lesson and the church choir sang 'I know that my redeemer liveth.' Everyone from follyfoot attended. Vi sat at the back with Jeff on her knee. Teri, only a short time away from her due date sat beside her. At Steve's request Ron sat alongside Dora in the pew to lend her his arm during the slow walk back down the aisle while Steve supported Milly who was outwardly calm and dry eyed.This church held many memories- happy and sad. a place where they were not afraid to show their emotions being among friends and with the comforting presence of John Carmichael and his wife.
Hazel and Ben slipped back to the bungalow while the other mourners said their final farewells at the graveside. At Milly and Bert's wedding the buttonholes had been silk carnations white for the men and red for the ladies. Those that had been worn by Bert, Steve, Ron, Dora and Teri were thrown into the coffin as it was lowered into the sun warmed earth. There were several beautiful floral tributes from family and friends including a basket arrangement from Jeff.
'These flowers are not to stay here to rot ,put them in the church' decreed Milly to the funeral director. Just leave mine here when you've filled in the grave.'
After everyone had gone home and Jeff was having a nap Milly said
'Well with the money Bert left you you'll be able to buy Mr. Chadwick's place.'
'We don't need to think about that now auntie.' said Steve.
'Course you do! no use leaving it to do nothing- make it work for you. There's money in trust for Jeff so you don't need to worry about that and I intend to put the money Bert left me to good use if you'll let me.'
'What do you mean?' asked Dora.
'If there's enough room I'd like to have a bigger greenhouse built over there and gradually build up a good stock so we can sell plants. I've got lots of cuttings already.'
Steve shot Dora a glance.
'Won't you find that too much hard work Milly?' was all she said.
'No love. I can't sit on my backside grieving and brooding. Besides if you're going to be down there with the ponies lass I can help to keep an eye on Jeff as well as looking after the plants. If I get tired maybe I'll sleep at night and not lay there tossing and turning like I do now. Well I'm going to get out of my black suit now- never did suit black. Make sure you get in touch with Bill in the morning.'
Liz and Shaun O'Sullivan turned up later to say goodbye. They were intending to return as soon as Teri had the baby. 'Don't leave it too long before you add to your family' said Liz. Dora bit her lip as today had brought the miscarried baby into her thoughts. 'All in good time' said Steve.
He picked up the post from the coffee table. 'Uh oh- Liverpool postmark and it's not my mother's handwriting. Would you believe it- the landlord has written to say thanks for the rent cheque and he understands I'll be making payments in future. We'll see about that!'
'Steve, look, we may as well face it. It's no more than we expected. We don't want her turning up here homeless because she's not paid the rent do we?'
'What's in your letter?'
'A note to say Mummy and Daddy are planning to arrive on 30th November.'
Milly emerged from her room in time to hear that piece of news.
'Why not let the stay with me when they come here for Christmas. We can't all stay in the bungalow and I don't want to be alone.'
'Good idea.' said Steve. Dora frowned at the thought of her parents in Millys little annex but decided it was probably for the best. As she went past Milly's room that night she heard her saying her prayers.
'Nanny used to say prayers with me at bedtime Steve. Do you think we should start saying them with Jeff?'
'Well you or Milly can if you want but don't ask me. It's another memory I have of the orphanage. Standing up for grace before meals. Saying thankyou for grotty food that was congealing on the plate while Mr. Cherry intoned a long prayer. Mr Cherry eh with his bright red cherry nose! Then of course there were the dormy prayers at bedtime and first thing in the morning. Being named and shamed and told to ask forgiveness for the slightest little wrong. Told to count our blessings while one of the staff stood tapping a stick on the floor ready to punish anyone caught laughing. Lining up to make sure we'd washed behind our ears and being made to kneel on the bathroom floor repeating the Lords prayer over and over and miss breakfast if our beds hadn't been properly made.'
'So that'swhy you never say it in church!'
'And why I'll never give Jeff a smack!'
'Well I used to love snuggling down while Nanny helped me with my prayers.'
'If you asked to be made a good little girl-it worked!'
' You used to think I was a spoiled little daddy's darling!'
' And now I know you're my darling.'
After Steve had fallen asleep Dora began to think of her many blessings and silently offered up a prayer of thanks. Then she thought about the future asking for help and guidance and to always be able to take the rough with the smooth.
The End.