Songs of Christmas Read online

  Cornered in the mudroom. Standing her ground, unwilling to abandon her post, poor woman. Emily could just picture it.

  “Thank you so much. Could you possibly wait a few minutes? I’ll be there right away.”

  Nancy assured Emily that she would do that. Emily was both relieved and totally incensed at her mother. She pulled sweats on over her pajamas, knowing she would be sleeping at her mother’s house for the rest of the night.

  Dan had managed to sleep through the phone call, but now rolled over groggily. “Something going on at Lillian’s? Are they all right?”

  “They’re fine, but my mother’s driving everyone else crazy. As usual.” Emily yanked on some socks and her sneakers. “She won’t let the night nurse in and is kicking out the evening shift. I have to sleep there again.” Emily pulled out a pantsuit and a sweater from her closet and some other items she would need in the morning, packing everything in a nylon tote bag. “You’ll have to drive Janie to school tomorrow. Make sure she takes her lunch. Have her call me when she gets up, okay?”

  “Okay, honey. Will do. We’ll be fine.” Dan worked at home and had always taken a big interest in caring for Janie, much more than other fathers Emily knew. Which worked out well, since her job was so demanding. As the former owner and editor-in-chief of the village newspaper, he had put in his share of office hours. But that was behind him now. His second career was writing about local history and sailing his boat.

  “Do you want me to go? You still have to get to the office tomorrow.”

  Emily sighed. He was sweet to offer, but she was afraid her mother wouldn’t let him in either.

  “Thanks, honey. I’d better do it. But this can’t go on for the next two months. Jess and I have to figure something else out. I just don’t know what.”

  * * *

  EMILY HAD SET HER PHONE ALARM THE NIGHT BEFORE AND WOKE AT the usual time, seven a.m. It took her a few moments to realize that she wasn’t at home, but in the guest room at her mother’s house.

  Lillian had been very blasé last night when Emily had arrived, acting as if she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. As if this middle-of-the-night visit had been Emily overreacting and she’d had nothing to do with it at all.

  Emily had expected that, too.

  One in the morning had not been the moment to bring her sister into the situation. But Emily knew Jessica was up at seven, too, and she dialed her number before she even got out of bed.

  “I’m at Mother’s again,” Emily reported. “She kicked out the evening nurse, who was very pleasant and easygoing, and she wouldn’t let the night shift in. I came over so they wouldn’t be alone.”

  “I’m sorry, Em. Why didn’t you call me? Isn’t it my turn to sleep on that awful old mattress?”

  “That’s all right. No reason for both of us to have a bad back this week.”

  “Why are you talking so quietly? I can hardly hear you.”

  “I think Mother’s still sleeping, and I don’t want to wake her up,” Emily said. Her mother’s room was next door. Lillian’s hearing could be awful—or sharper than radar, depending on the situation. Emily didn’t want her up until she and her sister had devised their next move.

  “We need a new plan, Jess. The agency won’t send an endless stream of aides.”

  “I have some news. I was talking to Molly last night, and she gave me the name of a woman who sounds perfect. Someone who worked in her shop while getting a home health aide certificate. She’s actually a professional nurse with a specialty in cardiac care in her own country. She’s moved here from El Salvador and needs to be recertified before she can work in a hospital again. Molly says she’s terrific and can get along with anyone. And she would be willing to live in and do the cooking and cleaning.”

  Emily felt suddenly awake, a jolt of hope coursing through her like a cup of hot coffee. “That sounds too good to be true. What’s her name?”

  “Estrella Salazar. Molly couldn’t say enough good things about her, and you know how tough my sister-in-law can be.”

  That was true. Molly was no pushover. Her recommendation went far with Emily.

  “Is she available? When can we meet her?” Emily sat up, searching for something to write on.

  “I sent her an email last night, and she just sent a note back. She can come to Mother’s house this morning for an interview. I told her ten o’clock. What do you think?”

  “Perfect, Jess.” Emily felt like giving her sister a huge hug. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

  “I know what you mean, but let’s be optimistic. Seek and ye shall find, right?”

  Emily smiled. That was one of her favorite verses, too. “Right. And the person for this job will have to be heaven-sent. I don’t know how else they would manage it.”

  * * *

  “ESTRELLA? WHAT SORT OF NAME IS THAT?” LILLIAN FACED HER TWO daughters, her back up like a cat’s.

  “She’s from El Salvador. She’s trained as a cardiac care nurse but can’t work in a hospital here yet. She needs to get recertified,” Jessica explained.

  “Right, and I’m actually a brain surgeon in my native land. Didn’t I ever tell you that?”

  Emily smiled tightly, forcing herself to remain calm. “She’s bringing her references, Mother. We’ll check everything. She is certified in home health care in Massachusetts. There’s no question of that.”

  Lillian sighed and sipped her coffee. Though Emily and Jessica had warned her that Estrella was coming at ten, she had made no effort to get dressed. And it was nearly ten.

  “And she’ll take care of the housework, as well?” Ezra asked. Emily had fixed him breakfast on a tray, and they were all in his room while he ate. “That would be a help.”

  “She’ll live in and take care of everything, just like Mrs. Fallon. It would be best to have one person here around the clock. Not three,” Emily added.

  “How about zero?” Lillian countered. “Annoying busybodies. They hardly give him a moment’s peace, justifying their own existence.”

  “Come now, Lily. Look at me. I can’t even get out of this bed without a crane. We definitely need some help. But I vote for just one. One good person whom we can get to know. Three is a little overwhelming,” Ezra confessed.

  “Then I hope you like her, Ezra,” Emily replied sincerely.

  Before they could ask any more questions, the doorbell chimed. Jessica jumped up. “Right on time. I’ll bring her back so we can all talk together.”

  “I can’t meet anyone. I’m not dressed.” Lillian tightened the belt on her silk robe for effect. “Ask her if she’ll come back later. If she’s unemployed, she must have all day free.”

  “We made the appointment for ten, Mother, and we’re going to have the interview as planned,” Emily said firmly.

  “Just freshen up and throw something on, Lily. We’ll chat a little until you come down,” Ezra suggested.

  Lillian stood up from her chair, looking miffed. “I can’t just throw something on. And I won’t entertain in this state of déshabille . . .”

  “Oh, brother, she’s talking French. Watch out, ladies.” Ezra rubbed his cheek, looking distressed. He was an expert at reading the signs of Lillian’s temper by now.

  “Suit yourself, Mother,” Emily stated flatly.

  “Fine. I’ll be in my room. I can see I have no say any longer about what goes on under my own roof. You two have reduced me to the state of a powerless child. With the help of that turncoat.” Lillian swung her cane in Ezra’s direction, balancing herself with the other hand on the back of her chair.

  “Lily, don’t flounce off like that,” Ezra said, clearly not offended. “Stay and meet this new helper. What do we have to lose?”

  But her mother was already at the door and didn’t even turn to glance back. “If you don’t know the answer to that question, Ezra, you don’t deserve to know.”

  What is the answer? Emily wondered. Her mother feared losing her independence, her autonomy—an
d believed Ezra should fear it and fight it, too. That had to be it.

  Ezra sat back against his pillows, looking a bit frustrated but not all that put out by Lillian’s dramatic exit. “She needs some time alone,” he said. “The last few days have been difficult for her, with me getting sick like this. And she knows she can’t care for me on her own. It’s been a lot of stress for your mother. I worry about her.”

  That was just like Ezra, too, to worry about her mother when he was the one who really needed care.

  “All the more reason to get some good, live-in help here,” Emily replied.

  Ezra nodded. “No argument here, Emily. Believe me.”

  Before Emily could answer, Jessica appeared with a woman who had to be Estrella. She was very pretty, Emily thought, guessing her to be in her midthirties. She had fine features, high cheekbones, and dark eyes. Dimples showed in each cheek as she smiled hello. Her thick, dark hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore small gold earrings and a gold wedding band.

  She had already taken off her coat but carried a large handbag with a manila folder tucked in the outside pocket. Her résumé and references, Emily hoped. She wasn’t wearing a uniform, but a blue sweater set and black pants. Tasteful and conservative.

  Even her mother would have approved, Emily thought, if she had troubled herself to be in the room.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Estrella,” Ezra said. “Thank you for coming over on such short notice.”

  “Thank you for getting in touch with me. I’m happy to help if I can,” she replied politely, deep dimples appearing in her cheeks.

  Ezra was totally charmed, Emily could tell. He sat up a little higher and smiled back, looking over Estrella’s résumé. “Let’s see . . . so you came to the US seven years ago, and have mainly been working in health care,” he began.

  “I take other types of jobs in between, if I can’t find a home-health position. But that’s what I’m trained to do. I was a nurse in a cardiac care unit at a hospital in El Salvador for almost ten years, before coming here. But I haven’t been able to get certified in nursing again. It’s complicated. My English wasn’t good at first. It’s been . . . frustrating,” she admitted.

  “Yes, I imagine it must be,” Jessica said sympathetically.

  “Where did you work last? Here in town?”

  Estrella described her last position. She had worked in the home of a family Emily knew, the Gilmores. George Gilmore, who was about her mother’s age, had recently passed away from heart failure and other complications. George had been living with his son Tom’s family, and Estrella moved in to care for him during his final days.

  It would be easy to get a frank, detailed reference from the Gilmores, Emily thought. She could call Mary or Tom this morning. Estrella spoke with a slight accent, Emily noticed, but was very fluent in English. Her mother wouldn’t be able to complain about any communication problem, though she’d probably try.

  “So you’re able to live in. That will work out for you?” Emily asked, wanting to make sure.

  “It’s not a problem. I’ve been asked to do that before. My mother lives with us, so she will care for my children.”

  “Oh, you have a family. I didn’t realize that.” Ezra looked concerned. “How many children do you have, Estrella?”

  “Two, a boy and a girl. Marta is six and Jorge is eight,” she said proudly. “They’re good children. They mind their abuela. I do whatever the job requires.”

  Estrella hadn’t mentioned a husband, though she wore a ring. Emily didn’t think it was polite to ask. It did sound as if she might be the sole breadwinner for her children and mother.

  “You can have at least one evening and one day off a week,” Jessica offered. “My sister and I will come and help out. That won’t be a problem.”

  “Our housekeeper, Mrs. Fallon, always had a day off,” Ezra explained. “She’s down in Connecticut, helping her daughter.”

  Estrella nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Morgan told me that in her email.”

  They each had a few more questions for Estrella, and she had a few of her own about Ezra’s condition and medical needs. She seemed satisfied with the salary they were offering as well.

  “It’s been delightful to meet you,” Ezra said when it was finally time for her to go. She stood by his bed and shook his hand. “Mucho gusto,” he added, testing out his Spanish.

  Estrella’s face lit with a smile. “Gracias. It was very nice to meet you as well, Dr. Elliot.”

  “Is this interview being conducted in a foreign language? Then I haven’t missed much.” Lillian came through the door, leaning heavily on her cane. “When did you learn to speak Spanish?” she asked Ezra. “I had no idea.”

  “There are many things you still don’t know about me, dear,” Ezra said calmly. “Estrella, this is my wife, Mrs. Elliot. Lillian, this is Estrella Salazar. We’ve had a very good chat.”

  “Isn’t that delightful.” Lillian’s tone was dry as she looked Estrella up and down—searching for some fault she could fix on, Emily had no doubt.

  Estrella smiled at Lillian politely. “I can stay longer if there’s anything you would like to ask me, Mrs. Elliot.”

  Lillian considered the offer a moment. “I’m sure my husband and daughters have asked enough. Don’t mind me. My opinion counts very little around here,” she added with a shrug. “I just do whatever they tell me. You know how it is when you get old.”

  Emily met Jessica’s wide-eyed gaze, and it was hard not to laugh out loud.

  “Oh, Lily, come on. No need to get that way,” Ezra urged her.

  He looked over again at their visitor. “Thank you again for coming. We’ll be in touch very soon, I’m sure.”

  “Either Jessica or I will give you a call later today,” Emily promised. She was already in favor of hiring her, but they did have to check her references.

  “Thank you, Ms. Warwick. I look forward to it.”

  Jessica showed Estrella out, and the others waited a few moments before they started to talk about her.

  “I think she’s perfect,” Emily stated. “I hope her references check out. She worked for Tom and Mary Gilmore. I’m sure they can tell us all we need to know.” Emily took out her phone. “I’m going to call them right now.”

  “Yes, call them, Emily. I’d like to hear what they say,” Ezra said eagerly.

  Lillian sat down in the chair beside Ezra’s bed. “I can already tell you’re smitten,” she said to him. “But what about communicating clearly? That could be a problem. It could be dangerous for you.”

  “Her communication skills are excellent. I understood her perfectly and vice versa,” Ezra countered. “I just said a few words in Spanish to break the ice.”

  “What ice was that, Ezra? It seemed positively tropical in here when I came in.”

  Ezra ignored her. “If her references check out, she can start tomorrow if she likes.”

  “Tomorrow? I’ve barely said two words to the woman.” Lillian sounded shocked and upset. “‘Hello and good-bye’ was the extent of it. I think she should come back, have a second visit with us. After all, she’ll be living here, day and night. It’s important to get to know her better before she moves in.”

  Jessica had returned and cast Emily a worried look. “That’s true, Mother. But we may lose her if we drag this out too long.”

  “Oh, piddle-paddle. What’s meant to be is meant to be,” Lillian said.

  “And ‘actions speak louder than words,’ my dear,” Ezra countered. “Anyone can talk a good game at an interview. You said so yourself. Let’s hire her, see her in action. Then you be the judge.”

  Clever Ezra, he was the only one who could outsmart their mother. Emily loved to see him in action.

  “All well and good,” Lillian retorted. “But if it doesn’t work out, one of us will have to fire her. Have you thought of that?”

  Ezra cocked his head to one side. “True, dear. But I would leave that job to you. You’re quite good at it and have
the most experience. Though you can jump the gun at times; even the best candidates need a learning curve.”

  Emily exchanged looks with Jessica again. She felt as if they were watching a championship tennis match. Their mother was nimble, no question. But Ezra had the edge and seemed ready to close it out—game, set, and match.

  “A probationary period?” Lillian returned in a huffy tone. “Is that what you’re suggesting?”

  “If you want to call it that, fine with me,” he agreed.

  “All right, have it your way. If her references check out and that résumé isn’t a work of fiction, I suppose we could give this Estelle person a try.”

  “Estrella,” Ezra corrected her. “The word means star in Spanish.”

  Lillian rolled her eyes. “Heaven help me. I don’t even like films with subtitles. Do you really think this can work?” she asked her husband.

  “I believe she’ll work out just fine,” he assured her.

  Emily waited for further debate from her mother. But finally, Lillian just levered herself up from her chair with her cane and swung out of the room. “Do what you like. Don’t mind me. I only own this house, that’s all,” she said tartly.

  Jessica cast a worried glance at Ezra.

  “Don’t worry. I know how to handle your mother,” Ezra promised.

  Emily certainly hoped so. If not, they were running out of solutions.

  * * *

  AMANDA DIDN’T SEE GABRIEL AT CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY AND DIDN’T notice his truck in the parking lot on Thursday morning either. Even after chatting a bit with Mrs. Honeyfield about the window repairs, it was hard to tell when she might run into him again . . . and she didn’t want to seem too obvious in her questions.

  She had chosen her outfit for the day with much more care—a dark blue sweaterdress that complemented her blue eyes, with high black boots and arty, hanging earrings Lauren had given her. She had also gotten up earlier to blow out her hair, telling herself that all this primping was not because of Gabriel. The choir was meeting that night for rehearsal, and she knew that feeling confident about her appearance would give her a bit of an edge in managing the choir members for the first time. She was a little nervous about the rehearsal and wanted to be totally prepared, completely acquainted with the music and the various parts of each song, especially the sections that might trip them up and need extra coaching.