SEEING IS BELIEVING

 

St Pancras Station, London England September 1940

 

Four forlorn looking children stood upon the platform at a very Smoky St Pancras station.

Yes they were waiting for a train of course, which was going to take them to Liverpool where then they would board a steam ship which eventually would take them all the way to The United States of America.

There were two boys; Peter, 6 and Jack, 11 as well as two girls Sally, 10 and last of all Lucy aged 12. 

There was of course a noticeable absence of any parents or guardians and the reason for that was rather catastrophic. 

The children’s Father, Jack Robinson, was tragically killed in action at Dunkirk. Kathleen Robinson, the children’s mother passed away even more tragically as if that were possible and in the most wretched of circumstances.

There had been an air raid on the Hammersmith area of London, one of hundreds at that time and on rushing back to the house and against the wishes of the local ARP. 

Mrs. Robinson had forgotten her ration coupons and she didn’t know how long they would all be down in that infernal air raid shelter, so leaving Peter Jack Sally and Lucy with neighbours, Kathleen Robinson scooted back the three hundred yards to the house.

Seconds after entering, the last thing Kathleen would ever hear was a high pitched whine and consequently a one thousand pound bomb plunged straight through the Robinson’s roof..

Several other houses were also destroyed. 

There weren’t any other surviving members of the Robinson family that is all except for one. 

Uncle Cyrus had emigrated to the USA in 1937 and unlike his brother Jack who joined the British Army Expeditionary force that landed in Belgium and shortly after got chased out of Dunkirk, Cyrus sold his all stocks and shares and invested them in a US munitions factory in South Dakota.

Little did Cyrus realize even in his wildest dreams, that six months after buying a 51% stake in American Armaments inc, Franklin D Roosevelt, god bless his cotton socks affirmed to all and sundry that from now on, “America” was looking after No1 and subsequently declared the BLUE EAGLE BRAND.”

That, coupled with a massive rearming program of unprecedented levels, made Uncle Cyrus Robinson a very very rich man indeed.

 Three years later, Cyrus sold said munitions company to one of the richest families in America for an undisclosed amount and consequently bought a mammoth sized mansion just outside Boston Massachusetts, which is where the four remaining members of the Robinson family were now “supposed” to be heading.

 

 “Ready everyone?” Said Lucy turning around to look at the rest of her charges. “Oh Peter for heavens sake,” she cried. 

Peter had a cold and as such had a constant runny nose of which the contents were now dripping from his nostrils as well as all over his left sleeve. “No no no Peter use your handkerchief like I showed you.”

“Don’t want to,” snapped back Peter, however, Lucy having adopted the matriarchal role being the eldest albeit involuntarily, suddenly produced one of her own and after spitting on it, literally swabbed Peter and as much as he struggled, resistance was futile.

A loud voice boomed out of a nearby platform speaker. "This is the last call for the 10.20 London to Liverpool Lime Street, calling at Birmingham New Street, Crewe, then Liverpool Lime street, last call."

“Come on gang,” cried Lucy and amidst all those crowds of people, four very brave children, with their young lives in turmoil and still not knowing what the hell what was going to happen next, ploughed on regardless. 

Peter, Jack and Sally duly followed their big sister Lucy and shortly after managed, only just though, to finally board the 10.20 London to Liverpool train...

 

Three weeks later

 

The SS Pride of Liverpool blew her horn loud and proud as she entered Boston harbour.

Any accompanying Royal Navy escorts had now headed for Nova Scotia and for the last leg of the trans Atlantic crossing, the twenty strong convoy that had set out from Liverpool just over three weeks ago were now closely chaperoned by the US Coastguard.

Remarkably, none of the twenty escorted ships were lost, even due to excessive U boat activity in that part of the North Atlantic..

Amongst all the passengers that were currently disembarking from the Pride of Liverpool were four kids from Hammersmith and it has to be said the suit cases they were carrying were a lot larger than they were. 

In fact from a distance it looked like all four suit cases had sprouted legs and were now walking down the gang way by themselves.

Lucy, Sally, Jack and little Peter waited patiently in a long shed like building with a large sign saying “US immigration and customs.

Just then a tall man in a uniform suddenly appeared and looking at Lucy said, “are you the Robinson family from England?”

“Yes sir,” said Lucy and holding out her hand she said “and you are?”

The tall man in the uniform was lost for words, here in front of him were four little kids, thousands of miles away from home and this particular young English kid had way and above any class of any high rolling big shots he’d ever come across and Patrick Kelly had seen a few.

“Well I’ll be a son of a gun,” cried Patrick and his heart instantly melted, holding his hand out the big Bostonian said, “my name’s Patrick Miss, and what would your name be?”

Lucy Robinson curtsied and said, “my name is Lucy and this is Peter, Jack and Sally,” Lucy gestured with a hand as she made the introductions.

“Well Miss Robinson,” said a beaming Patrick Kelly, your papers appear to all be in order and it just leave’s me to say “WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Shortly after being welcomed into a brand new country the four Robinson children waited patiently outside the shed like facility and waited and waited, three hours later there was still no sign of Uncle Cyrus.

Five hours had gone by now and the children were beginning to get restless and Peter had started to cry for his Mother, both Lucy and Sally did their very best to calm him down but, well how can you really explain to a six year old what had actually happened.

Just when it was beginning to look impossible, a long sleek black motor car pulled up outside the immigration building and directly in front of the children.

A door on the long black vehicle opened and a tall man wearing a peaked cap as well as a sort of uniform got out and approached all four children.

He pointed at Lucy and said, “Are you the Robinson children from England?”

Lucy took charge and replied by saying “may I ask who you are sir?”

The tall uniformed man gave the appearance he was about to have a stroke and with both hands indignantly placed on hips said, “no you most certainly may not, now answer the question, are you the Robinson children?”

Lucy immediately took a disliking to this man and wanted to know where Uncle Cyrus was, however that was easier said than done as none of the children had ever seen the elusive Uncle Cyrus.

Even when he lived in England he never ever came to the house, indeed they were lucky to receive a Christmas card from him.

Lucy instinctively gathered the other three around and said, “We are the Robinson’s, well what’s left of em,” stated Lucy.

“Yes quite,” answered the tall uniformed man, but giving the impression he really didn’t give a hoot in hell.

"Well now we’ve established that, this way” and the tall man headed back to the long sleek automobile, he then opened the passenger door.

“Come along I haven’t got all day,” he shouted, with an air of impatience in his voice.

Lucy didn’t want to go anywhere with this strange man, however Peter had started to cry again and Sally as well as Jack had already begun to drag the suitcases toward the motor car, so reluctantly Lucy gave in and followed suit.

Not before though she again asked the tall stranger if they were going to see Uncle Cyrus?

For a split second the tall man grinned an evil smile, but only for a second and said, “ummm, yes Uncle Cyrus, of course, now get in the car, I’m late as it is.” He muttered under his breath, “pesky kids.”

Seymour Shank had worked for the Snikerton’s nigh on 30 years and in all that time he never asked any questions, no matter what, it paid not to, the Snikerton’s were well known and well connected in Boston society and one didn’t cross Ebenezer Snikerton or his wife Cecilia. 

Seymour glanced through the rear view mirror as he made his way around the outskirts of Boston and headed for Snape Manor, the Snikerton family home since the beginning of the revolution.

As Seymour glanced through the mirror again he began to wonder what the Snikerton’s had in mind for these kids, not that he cared, in Shank’s eyes children should be seen and not heard, pesky little blighters, always crying for nothing plus they always seemed to have runny noses and smelled a lot too.

Two hours later a black Rolls Royce Silver Cloud crunched over a gravel drive after passing through two huge black wrought iron gates which were attached to two equally large stone pillars that had the words SNAPE MANOR engraved on them.

As the gates automatically closed Peter began to cry again and just as Seymour was about to reprimand him for it, he smiled and then thought, he won’t be the only one blubbering when these brats finally to get to meet their new owners.

 

 

Shortly after exiting the car, the four Robinson children were shown to their room, if that’s what you could call it, Lucy thought it more like a dormitory like they had in Tom Browns school days. 

After depositing the children Seymour informed them all that they had one hour to unpack and clean themselves up, after that he would come and collect them.

“Don’t like him,” said little Peter and was just about to use his sleeve again as a makeshift handkerchief, when another one miraculously appeared as if by magic in Lucy’s hand and Peter’s face got swabbed again. 

Jack peered through the dorm door and then with a scowl on his face whilst wagging a finger at Lucy as well as speaking in a mock deep voice said, “NO, YOU MOST CERTAINLY MAY NOT.” Everyone fell about in a fit of giggles.

Jack was always the joker and for the first time in months, the sound of laughter once again weaved it’s magic in an effort to heal the wounds of loss and despair that had so cruelly befallen these unfortunate children.

Two tall black clad figures approached the bottom of a staircase and pausing, looked at each other. 

“Hear that Mr. Snikerton?” Said the female black clad figure.

“Yes indeed Mrs. Snikerton and not a sound we’re used to hearing,” answered the male black clad figure.

“No and believe you me, children weren’t put on this planet just so they could horse around and enjoy themselves, they have a reason for being like the rest of us and those four brats will soon understand what those reasons are." And as Cecilia Snikerton said those words, she smiled, though it wasn’t one of mirth and happiness, it was one of evil intent and abject cruelty and unfortunately for Lucy, Sally, Jack and little Peter, even after what they had already endured, the real nightmare was just about to begin.

Exactly one hour later, Seymour returned to escort the Robinson children down the long staircase and to finally meet the Snikerton’s. 

Shank’s smiled and thought to himself, an experience these snot nosed little brats wouldn’t ever forget.

The Robinson children accompanied by Seymour Shank entered the great hall, which doubled up as a dining room.

The first thing Lucy noticed were all the huge paintings adorning the walls of the hall and all of them seemed to be portraits of peoples faces, some dating back to the fifteenth century.

Smack bang in the middle of the hall was a very large table and seated at opposite ends were two figures both dressed in black.

Seymour ushered the four children toward the table.

Lucy was seated alongside her sister Sally whereas Peter and Jack were walked right around the table so they were now seated opposite and facing their sisters.

As soon as all four children were seated, two servants suddenly appeared and placed large bowls of steaming hot liquid in front of the six-seated dinners.

Plates of freshly baked bread rolls were also placed alongside the soup.

Four very hungry children stared at the steaming bowls of homemade beef broth and then stared again at the golden crusty bread rolls and as one four pairs of hands instantly grabbed for the food in front of them.

"STOP. HOW DARE YOU. Have you never heard of saying grace first?”

 

  

Lucy, Sally Jack and Peter, hands frozen and still hovering over those gorgeous looking crusty bread rolls, just stared at the tall woman dressed all in black, now standing at the end of the table.

Cecilia Snikerton slowly lifted the black veil she always wore, particularly when there were children around and stared directly at Lucy.

“I asked a question and I expect to be answered young lady?”

Lucy spoke up in reply. “But Mrs, Err, Oh I’m afraid I don’t know your name yet, err we kind of forgot, you see we haven’t eaten for hours and well, we’re very hungry.”

Cecilia paused a little and smiled albeit cruelly then said. “Aw well in that case I suppose we “could” overlook the matter this one time?” 

Cecilia continued to grin and looking up she snapped her fingers. In the large hall and given the acoustics it sounded like a whip crack. 

The two servants swiftly reappeared and Cecelia instructed them to remove the food from the table, only the children’s though.

 Cecilia Snikerton still staring at Lucy said, “however “We” won’t.”

Lucy, Sally, Jack all gasped in shock and Peter started to cry, “that will be quite enough of that” cried Cecilia and pointed an accusing finger at Lucy. “I hold “you” responsible as you’re the eldest and should know better, maybe by breakfast tomorrow you will have all learned your lesson”.

Seating herself back into her chair Cecilia again addressed the children and said. “I know this sounds harsh but children should learn proper manners and etiquette, therefore I’ll allow you all to stay seated whilst Mr. Snikerton and I finish our dinner. I also have a message to pass onto you regarding your uncle Cyrus as well and children.” 

At this point Cecilia Snikerton placed a long bony finger to her thin red lip sticked mouth and said.  “Not a sound, myself and Mr. Snikerton are not used having anyone at the dinner table and as such don’t want disturbing, is that clear?” 

Apart from a small whimper from little Peter, there wasn’t any kind of response from the Robinson’s, so Ebenezer Snikerton swiftly picked a large serving spoon up off the table and with a crashing sound brought it hard down onto the surface.

“Well,” bellowed Mr. Snikerton?

A few murmured yes’s sounded back from the Robinson kids and so throughout the whole of the two hour sitting, four extremely frightened, hungry, parentless, kids as well as being thousands miles away from home were made to sit and watch.

Cecilia and Ebenezer Snikerton first tucked into a first course of steaming hot broth followed by a huge golden brown Turkey which when carved had what looked like the whitest and most succulent meat the children had ever seen and as one all licked their lips in the hope Mr. and Mrs. Snikerton would find it in their hearts and let them have at least something, even it was only the left overs.

The dessert came in the form of the biggest apple pie ever and it was piping hot, added with of course the creamiest of fresh custard sauce.

At last, the Snikerton’s finally completed dinner and after daintily dabbing her mouth with a pure white cotton napkin Cecilia Snikerton spoke again

“What do we do before we eat at the table children?”

“WE SAY GRACE,” cried all four Robinson kids.

Cecilia spoke again and said, “you see, you’re learning already, myself and Mr. Snikerton both agree when it comes to bringing up children, learning the hard way is the best way, wouldn’t you agree Lucy?”

Lucy nodded that she did but was rather more concerned what Mrs Snikerton had just said, bringing up children, whatever did she mean by that and where was Uncle Cyrus?

Cecilia spoke again as Ebenezer Snikerton lit up a large cigar of which the smoke from it made the children cough, much to his amusement.

“I suppose you’re all wondering where your dear old uncle Cyrus is, well I’m afraid I have some terrible news for you children."

 And without any hesitation or any kind of compassion for how the children might react or feel she said. 

“HE’S DEAD.

Unfortunately Cyrus met with a rather unfortunate accident at the munitions factory he owns, er owned.”

Now at this point the children hadn’t a clue what had transpired before they had been evacuated from England but what actually happened was.

Cyrus Robinson after owing favors for years to the Snikerton’s and as well as being in their debt, indeed it was the Snikerton’s that made it possible for Cyrus to buy the munitions factory in the first place and it was the Snikerton’s that greased the wheels of power in Washington that swung the huge contracts Cyrus’s way.

Well of course Cecilia and Ebenezer wanted something in return and with both never having children and servant’s either getting too expensive or too old and dying off, the Snikerton’s had an idea.

They’d heard Cyrus mention the fact he was now the sole benefactor of four children, aged 12 10 11 and 6 respectively and proposed a deal to Cyrus.

At first Cyrus refused then after a bit of pressure from the Snikerton’s he finally agreed to pass sole custody of all four remaining Robinson children over to the Snikerton’s.

The deal was signed and Lucy, Sally, Jack and little Peter were now effectively and officially, under the care and guardianship of Cecilia and Ebenezer Snikerton.

And just to make sure the initial hesitancy was a one off occurrence, the Snikerton’s, as well as having powerful political connections, also had powerful criminal ones too..

Swiftly following a phone call to a certain Italian American family in New York, three days later. 

Cyrus Robinson was found inside a blast proof testing bunker, well pieces of him were anyway.

Apparently he’d gone in there with a full box of live hand grenades, which was of course a very foolish thing to do.

Standing now, Cecilia smiled the trademark Snikerton family smile and said. “So now you know children and as sole surviving Benefactors myself and Mr Snikerton have decided to let you stay in the great house” and at this point Cecilia’s smile widened even further. “But of course that means you will all have to earn your keep.”

Lucy, Sally, Jack and little Peter just stared back at Cecilia Snikerton in complete disbelief and then Lucy dared to speak up. 

“May I ask doing what?”

Cecilia was just about blast the wretched child on her impertinence but then decided against it, there would be another time for that. “All will be revealed in the morning dear children.” She snapped her fingers again and like magic, Seymour, the Snikerton’s chauffeur come lapdog appeared dangling a long brass key.

“Off you go children and make sure you get lots of beauty sleep.” The evil smile appeared once again. 

“You’re going to need it.”

Under Seymour’s supervision all four very hungry and desperate Robinson children were led off to their sleeping quarters. Going off what they’d just heard, things weren’t looking too good for four little English kids who were over three thousand miles away from home.

 

 Just before she fell asleep that night, belly still rumbling from hunger, Lucy knelt down and said a prayer,

 

 

"Please Lord I need your help,

Please protect my family

Sally, Jack and especially Peter.

He’s so small and precious and I

really don’t know what I’d do without him and last of all, please take care of Mummy and Daddy who are with you in heaven.

Please tell them we miss them so much, amen."

With tears streaming down both cheeks, Lucy checked her charges were all alright, then jumped into bed and cried herself to sleep.

 

Two month’s later

 

It was two weeks before Christmas and not a bauble or decoration in sight at Snape Manor.

In Cecilia Snikerton’s own words, she had decreed, “THERE’LL BE NO CHRISTMAS IN THIS HOUSE” and as such, life pretty much carried on as it always did.

The two servants that were on duty the evening Lucy and her younger siblings had turned up had since departed. Rather mysteriously it has to be said and as you can guess, the four Robinson children had now taken their places.

Lucy worked in the kitchen, her sister Sally mended any clothing that needed repairing as well as any housold fabrics such as drapes furnishings etc,  

Jack waited on the Snikerton’s hand and foot and always under the watchful eye of Seymour the chauffeur.

 Peter? Well poor Peter with him being only small, could only serve one purpose really.

He was forced to clean and sweep all the fireplaces including the huge chimneys that were prevalent throughout Snape manor which was a dangerous undertaking to say the least.

Indeed once or twice Lucy would hear the dreaded sound of a thud and as such would immediately race toward which ever fireplace she was nearest to and inevitably find a small bundle of soot punctuated by big bemused blinking eyes holding a brush.

Lucy would then quickly clean Peter up and check and see if he was OK.

However it wouldn’t be long before Seymour would again appear and again poor Peter, even when he cried from the soot stinging his eyes, had to return back to the nearest fireplace, collect his brushes and promptly disappear back up into the huge gaping hole.

Mr. and Mrs. Snikerton weren’t amused, no sir they weren’t amused at all..

Some busybody at City Hall had and unbeknownst to the Snikerton’s had somehow discovered Cecilia and Ebenezer had children at the manor and as such a what they called, a social inspector was about was going to call around and check everything was in shipshape.

“Preposterous” cried Cecilia when reading the letter, “it’s an outrage,” shouted Ebenezer.

“I’ll be on the horn to the senate committee over this,” but didn’t when he found out, much to his chagrin that it was the senate committee who had passed the new child care bill three years ago.

So as a consequence operation (pulling the wool) sprang into action and for the next three days the whole of Snape manor transformed from its usual drab state to what looked like a Christmas wonderland.

A huge tree was erected, decorated in the finest of baubles and tinsel, heaps of gaily wrapped boxes were placed under the twenty foot new England Spruce.

There wasn’t anything in them of course and the deception continued on, only this time in the form of brainwashing.

In an Oscar winning performance that surely Elizabeth Taylor herself would have been proud of, Cecilia informed the children that evening at dinner that she’d had a change in heart.

Indeed Cecilia even went so far as to say she’d received a vision from Jesus himself and as such promised to be a different person from now on.

Walking slowly over toward Lucy and believe me this was really hard for Cecilia, she knelt down and said. “Can “you” ever forgive Lucy, as the Lord Jesus forgave me?”

Lucy was just stuck for words and didn’t know what to say, here was this horrible woman who hadn’t shown them any kind of compassion or care from the moment she’d clamped eyes on them all.

However, the Robinson’s were a gentle trusting breed and as such Lucy slowly held out her left hand and placed it on Cecilia Snikerton’s right shoulder and said, “I forgive you Mrs. Snikerton and Mr. Snikerton too.” Well if Lucy could have actually seen Cecilia’s face, as her head was now turned the other way, Lucy would have indeed snatched it back away just as if it had been a rabid dog.

The ruse was now complete and Snape manor, looking like any other house anywhere in America at that time of year, lay ready and waiting for the visit of Mr. Do Gooding nosy parker child inspector.

The sound of a door bell rang and as Seymour went to answer it, a smiling Cecilia Snikerton hovered toward the children and feigning a look of sorrow as well tentatively patting each child on the head said. “Now remember children, let your New Mother do all the talking and everything will all be fine.”

It was little Peter that spoiled Cecilia Snikerton’s approach to getting in character for this most unwelcome snoop from city hall.

“But Mummy’s in heaven, Daddy is too and we miss them so much don’t we?”

Peter, holding Mr. Ted by one ear turned and looked up at his big sister Lucy for confirmation.

 Lucy smiled, glanced down and nodded yes. A little tear appeared on her right cheek as she gently pulled Peter along with Mr. Ted toward her.

It was all Cecilia Snikerton could do, not to pick Peter up by the scruff of his neck like the little runt he was and lock him in the kennels outside with all the other whining mutt’s.

However, there were more pressing matters in hand and looking around toward the hall entrance Cecilia Snikerton turned into Elizabeth Taylor.

 

 

A large man appeared alongside Seymour who apart from his employers who were trying to look like plausible Guardians, Seymour stayed exactly as he really was and glared balefully at the large tweed suited stranger standing in front of them.

Seymour joined Ebenezer who was also scowling, however Cecilia gushingly more than made up for the both of them and announced herself accordingly.

“Why Mr. Mass so good of you to come.” Shaking the man from City Hall by the hand Cecilia Snikerton introduced the four Robinson children.

First Peter who also made Mr. Mass shake hands with Mr. Ted as well as saying how do you do. Mr. Mass found this to be enchanting and said so, Cecilia’s face gave the appearance if you were to touch it, her face would shatter into a thousand pieces.

Jack was next and told Mr. Mass a joke, which again he found hilarious.

Then Sally, who told him the tweed suit he was wearing was really nice.

Mr. Mass thanked Sally and then with a mischievous smile said, “I bet you’d like the other one better.” Sally smiled albeit a puzzled one and wondered what on earth he meant by that.

Then last but not least Lucy, who curtsied and then said, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Mass.” 

Mr. Mass had a big beaming smile on his face this time and slowly dipping his head he gently kissed Lucy’s outstretched hand, then said, “why Miss Lucy Robinson the pleasure’s all mine.”

Everyone one was startled and Seymour along with Ebenezer Snikerton furtively shuffled around like errant schoolboys waiting to be punished.

A still blushing Lucy replied and said, “Oh, however did you know my name, er Mr. Mass?” She was still in shock, Lucy had never had her hand kissed before, in fact she only thought they did that in Humphrey Bogart movies when he starred with Lauren Bacall.

Mr. Mass answered Lucy’s question. “Well young Miss Lucy, “I” happen to know an awful lot and a lot more than some folks give me credit for,” as Mr. Mass from city Hall said those words he turned and stared directly at the Snikerton’s.

This was absolutely ludicrous and Cecilia was starting to get tired of these little parlor games and as such took control.

“Mr. Mass may I have a word in private?”

The man from City Hall smiled and said, “yes of course Mrs. Snikerton, but first let me say a quick farewell to all the kids, that’s if it’s alright with you?”

Cecilia almost reverted back to type and muttered, “I suppose so, but can you please hurry I have an important charity ball to prepare for and the Robinson children aren’t the only under privileged kids in the world.” With that she snapped her fingers and swept out of the hall followed closely by Ebenezer and Seymour.

Mr. Mass then turned around to the Robinson kids and said. “Tell me children, if you had one wish, what would that be, we’ll start with the eldest this time, so you first Lucy?”

Lucy looked upwards and then said and without any hesitation, “I wish that everything turns out alright and no harm comes to me or my family.”

With a beaming smile, Mr. Mass turned his attention to Jack. This time Jack closed his eyes then said, “I hope and wish that one day we all become really rich and don’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

 

 Then it was Sally’s turn. Sally became all sort of glassy eyed and said “I want to be a fairy tale Princess and live in a massive castle and then one day marry a handsome Prince as well as living happily ever after of course.”

“But of course,” replied a beaming Mr. Mass. “Now then, onto the smallest of the family Robinson.” Leaning down on one knee the large built man from City Hall inched a little closer toward Peter.

“Well young Master Peter, if you were to have only one single wish, what would it be?”

Peter smiled shyly he wasn’t used to being the center of attention, though he usually was and played nervously with Mr. Ted’s ears. 

Then suddenly Peter looked straight into Mr. Mass’s eyes and said, “Can I ask Mr. Ted first?”

Mr. Mass smiled and it was a smile of warmth and kindness, he nodded in the affirmative and Lucy was beginning to wonder if this kind gentle man was who he said he was.

After placing Mr. Ted’s mouth to his ear for a few seconds Peter said he was ready.

“Please do tell,” said the still smiling Mr. Mass.

“Well,” said Peter, “me and Mr. Ted aren’t really sure if there is a Father Christmas, what I mean to say is,” none of us have ever actually seen him,”

Mr. Mass gently interjected and said, “well Peter, you’re not really supposed to see him, that’s the point. The whole magic of Santa Claus is about believing he exists but not being really sure if he does, has that made any sense at all young Peter?”

“Sort of,” replied Peter.

“so what is your wish young fellow?” Again asked Mr. Mass.

“My wish, sorry” and Peter looked at Mr. Ted, “our wish, is that we want to meet Father Christmas in person, then we’ll both know for sure,”

Mr. Mass stood up and vigorously rubbing the top of little Peter’s head along with a respectful pat on Mr. Ted’s head roared with laughter, clutching his belly with both hands as he did so. “ SEEING IS BELIEVING eh young Master Peter.”

A door opened at the end of the hall and both Cecilia and Ebenezer appeared, “Mr. Mass, if you don’t mind would you please hurry, as much as I respect your duties I’m rather late as it is.”

“Yes of course, of course,” replied Mr. Mass and shaking hands with each and everyone of the Robinson’s he prepared to leave.

However not before little Peter approached him again and looking up at the large man with snow white hair and beard said, “do you have a first name Mr. Mass, like my sisters Lucy, Sally, Jack and me?”

Mr Mass stopped dead in his tracks and then suddenly started to boom out that laugh again, replying he said. “Why of course I do young Master Peter,” at that moment Mr. Mass headed toward the door and the waiting Snikerton’s, but just before he left, he paused and turning toward all four children, said with a big wink, “my first name is “CHRISTOPHER and then he disappeared.

The ruse apparently worked and after Mr. and Mrs. Snikerton had produced a legal document stating that by law the Robinson children now lawfully belonged to the Snikerton’s, lock stock and barrel, Mr. Mass seemed satisfied all was in order. After wishing the Snikerton’s a very merry Christmas he departed back to City Hall.

As soon as Mr. Mass had departed the grounds of Snape Manor Cecilia Snikerton gave Seymour the order to remove anything at all that remotely resembled Christmas.

 

Snape Manor, Boston Massachusetts Christmas Eve 1940

 

 

All over the great state of Massachusetts preparations were being made for the big Day.

caroler’s were caroling, turkeys were plucked and children all over the Commonwealth were waiting in gleeful expectation of the main man himself, Santa Claus.

That is all except for four extremely unfortunate kids from England called Robinson. 

Immediately after the visit by the man from City hall, the Snikerton’s reverted back to type and all the decorations were removed, the tree taken down and any new clothes that had been specially purchased to make it look of course the Robinson children were properly cared for, were burned and Lucy, Sally, jack and little Peter were forced to watch and as always, under the watchful eye of Seymour Shanks.

While the clothing burned away in a makeshift brazier, Cecilia made a grand appearance and again wearing the ubiquitous veil.

“Well my little darlings, pray tell me what you see, you first Lucy, since you appear to know everything?”

Lucy had tears in her eyes along with Sally, Jack and Peter, Mr. Ted wasn’t present he’d been given to the hounds to play with and poor poor Peter had been made to watch as they proceeded to tear him to pieces. Of course believing Mr. Ted to be a rabbit. 

Peter was heartbroken and sobbed continuously for nearly two whole days and all Cecilia Snikerton could do was grin in a cruel manner.

Lucy answered by saying that it was their nice new clothes that were now burning away in front of them. She tried to be brave and not cry in front of her brother’s and sister Sally, but it was becoming increasingly harder to keep her chin up and didn’t know how much longer she could cope. 

Lucy had trusted this woman and now this.

“WRONG” little Miss know it all,” cried a triumphant Cecilia Snikerton.

She carried on with the torture. “Look more closely child, now tell me again what you see?”

A wretched Lucy just helplessly nodded, not knowing what to say.

“Never mind child, I’ll help you,” gloated Cecilia and now standing in front of the children she gestured toward the flickering flames and after pausing a little she flung up both arms and again triumphantly cried out. “ALL YOUR DREAMS AND HOPES” you sniveling little brats, did you honestly think I’d actually had a vision, did you actually believe that myself and Mr Snikerton “LIKE” children? “NO,” Cecilia screamed “I HATE CHILDREN, HATE HATE HATE." As she screamed those words Cecilia Snikerton dementedly jumped up and down  as if she herself was on fire.

Cecilia eventually calmed down and after lighting a long thin cigarette, she informed the children she had some news for them.

Poor Lucy nearly fainted.

 “Noooo, you can’t do this, you just can’t, pleeez Mrs. Snikerton I’m begging you pleeez don’t do this” and subsequently Lucy fell to her knees sobbing. it appeared finally poor Lucy had apparently reached breaking point.

 

 

Cecilia smiled while she exhaled her cigarette smoke toward the children, then replied by saying “au contraire young Miss Lucy, you seem to have forgotten “I” own your miserable carcasses, which means “I” can do what the hell I please, anyway its already been decided, they leave tomorrow, now inside all of you, there’s work to be done.”

The news Lucy had been told was horrific! They were to be split up.

Lucy and Sally were staying here at Snape Manor slaving as per usual for the Snikerton’s. But worse, far worse was the fact both Jack and little Peter, her little sweet Peter were being taken to that dreadful Munitions place somewhere far away and Lucy knew it was a very dangerous place as Uncle Cyrus found out to his peril.

The Snikerton’s swept down the main staircase and both looked resplendent in all their best finery..

They were attending the Annual Boston Rotary Club Christmas Eve Charity Ball, not that the Snikerton’s ever gave any money away that is..

.

Cecilia Snikerton was wearing a glittering diamond encrusted gown that shimmered every time she moved, accompanied by an equally glittering tiara.

As Ebenezer headed toward the waiting Rolls Royce with of course Seymour chauffeuring, Cecilia headed toward the kitchen and confronted the four still weeping Robinson children.

She instantly clapped both her hands together which were now clad in expensive elbow length opera gloves.

“That’s quite enough of that,” Cecilia cried and then she pointed directly at Lucy,

“I’m personally holding you responsible if these brats haven’t cleaned this house by the time I return.

I want it looking like a new pin as I have guests coming tomorrow and mark my words young lady, if it isn’t perfect, “YOU” don’t get to say goodbye to those two.” As Cecilia said those words, she pointed a silver opera gloved hand at both Jack and Little Peter, “understand?”

Just as Cecilia was about to close the door and lock it, she popped her head back round it again and said, “Oh kids I almost forgot, “MERRY CHRISTMAS.” The door then slammed shut followed by a locking sound. 

For the first time since the children had arrived at Snape Manor, they actually heard Cecilia Snikerton laugh, though really it was a sort of hysterical cackle.

All four Robinson children huddled as one together and instead of cleaning the great house as instructed, they duly sobbed themselves to sleep.

 

 

 

Christmas Day at Snape Manor

 

Overnight there had been a great storm and a white blanket now lay all around Snape Manor. 

Daylight shafted in through the great house kitchen window and Lucy awoke with a start. She was sure she could hear banging from somewhere, instinctively she grabbed a hold of the three siblings and waited.

It was then Lucy noticed the kitchen door that had been locked the previous night, was now slightly ajar, curious thought Lucy.

 

She gently nudged the others awake and slowly but surely, all four Robinson kids made their way toward the great hall.

What they saw next completely knocked all four children for six.

There glittering away in the corner was the biggest Christmas tree they’d ever seen, even larger than the one erected to try fool the child inspector from City Hall.

There were also lots of other seasonal decorations, bouquets of fresh holly, Christmas wreaths, and on the main table itself was a spread fit for a king. 

There was a huge turkey, accompanied by bowls of sweet potatoes and other such seasonal vegetables.

Centerpiece of this array of edible delights was the biggest Plum Pudding the Robinson’s had ever seen, complete with a sprig of green holly.

Peter shouted and Lucy jumped, “Look,” again shouted Peter.

There amazingly underneath the huge tree must have been the largest collection of Christmas Presents ever and as the children got nearer, they in turn realized the presents all had their names on brightly colored gift tags attached to them.

However the thing that had made little Peter shout in utter joy was,perched right on top of all the other gifts was an exact replica of his beloved Mr. Ted.

As Peter ran over toward the big brown teddy bear, Lucy wept tears of joy.

 She didn’t quite know what was going on here yet but whatever it was, it was something very special. Then she heard the banging again and sobering reality kicked in.

Shouting for the rest of the family to head toward her, Lucy, along with Sally, Jack and little Peter, who was now clutching the new Mr. Ted with both hands, no one was taking him this time, no one, they all approached the main front door.

*BANG BANG BANG*

 “Open up, this is the Police,” a voice on the other side cried.

Lucy shouted back that they couldn’t, it was locked, the voice asked if they could open a window and Lucy again told the voice they were locked too.

Then the voice said stand back.

All four children, now standing at a safe distance waited as the sound of banging intensified, as well as the sound of splintering wood. 

Eventually three uniformed officers from the Boston Police department, appeared through the broken door, accompanied by two ordinarily dressed men albeit in big winter coats.

What transpired next came as an even greater surprise to Lucy, even than the tree full of presents.

“I’m so sorry for your loss Miss Robinson, as if you haven’t had enough bad luck.” The policeman couldn’t quite understand why, even though he’d just told of a terrible accident on the outskirts of Boston, why all four children had smiles on their faces.

Apparently during the severe storm a freak bolt of lightning had seemingly struck the Snikerton’s black Rolls Royce, instantly killing all the occupants inside. 

in fact all that was left were the rather grisly charred remains of Cecilia and Ebenezer Snikerton along with of course one Seymour Shanks.

After the Police had finished talking to the children, the two accompanying men wearing big winter coats as well as large fedora style hats approached all four Robinson’s.

 

 

The first man was from the Boston Social Services Department and duly informed the Robinson children, because they were now effectively again regarded as orphaned, they were now legally in their custody.

However, the first fedora wearing man then made way for the second fedora man.

He cleared his throat, placed some spectacles on the end of his nose and then said. “Miss Lucy Robinson, Miss Sally Robinson, Mr. Jack Robinson and last of all, Mr. Peter Robinson,” the man paused and then read out loud something that was written on an official looking document.

“It is my solemn duty of on behalf of Morgan and Morgan Investment Bank, to inform yourselves that because of recent tragic circumstances,” the fedora wearing man looked directly at all four children as he said the next few life changing words.

“That according to Boston law, as sole surviving legal members of Snikerton estates you are bequeathed all existing assets and properties pertaining to said estate.”

The fedora wearing man then removed his spectacles, politely folded the official looking document and tucked it in his inside pocket, then said, “Are there any questions?”

Lucy spoke on behalf of everyone and said, “I’m not sure what that means sir?”

The fedora man smiled for the first time and replying said. “It means Miss Robinson, you, along with the rest of your family are now among the richest in the whole of America.”

 

*****

Boston Massachusetts 2015

 

From that day onward all the Robinson children’s woes and troubles were finally over.

Lucy enjoyed a wonderful lifestyle, married and bore three beautiful children..

Sally got be a fairy tale Princess as well as living in a castle, by actually marrying a real live Austrian Prince.

Jack became one of the wealthiest investment bankers in America, just like he said he would..

Peter? 

Well all those wishes that were made in the great hall all those years ago, really and incredibly came to pass one way or the other.

Except you’re thinking, for little Peter and Mr. Ted, who of course wanted proof there really “IS” a Father Christmas, Santa Claus, call him what you will.

Well I’ll let you into a little secret. 

The man from City Hall, Mr. Mass? Well I still think that was really him and “he” knew the Snikerton’s were bad and I truly believe even now and I’m 81 years old and the only surviving member of the Robinson family and probably still, the only human being, along of course with Lucy, Sally and Jack to actually see the great man himself.

So if anyone should dare tell you that there is no such person as Santa Claus, then get them to read my story.

I’m sure they will after that, you see, SEEING, REALLY IS BELIEVING,

 

THE END