by Glynis Smy
The knock on the door startled Kitty. She prayed it was not Arthur on one of his impromptu visits. Whoever it was had chosen an awkward moment. Her large table overflowed with items to redecorate a fan. The beads and ribbon were laid out in coordinating colours and she really wanted to get it finished. She had a potential customer in mind, and with several summer balls coming up, she knew it would be a sought after item. Fortunately she had finished counting her savings and they were hidden away from view. She liked to count her savings in private, her father would never take a penny from her, but he would be shocked to see the amount she had saved. Her dream of a little shop with accommodation above was fast becoming a reality. She had rent money to cover her for over a year, plus extra to spend on stock. She was ready to start her business and nothing would stand in her way. She checked herself in the mirror, and answered the door. She was taken aback to see who stood on the other side.
‘James. How nice to see you. A pleasant surprise indeed. I thought it might possibly be Arthur. He has a tendency to appear with reading material at odd hours.’
Kitty felt the familiar butterfly feeling in her stomach, it happened whenever she met James. The smile on the handsome face of a mere acquaintance had an incredible affect on her.
‘My apologies for disturbing you Kitty. I wondered if your father was at home.’
He did not let on that he had seen her father leave.
‘I am afraid he is out on his evening jaunt. Can I help you?’
Kitty was not sure what to do. She could not invite him in; it would not be the correct thing to do. People would have seen William leave. Rumours of her being on the game would be around the street within minutes.
‘I...I have a gift for Sarah, but I have no wish to disturb her. I hoped your father would assist me. I saw her in the cemetery park today, she looked so sad. Our policemen do a grand job. Her husband was a good one and for some unknown reason, I had the urge to do something to brighten up her day. I have been given extra tickets for the theatre on Thursday evening. They are for the show, Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I only come to the city on occasional visits and do not have friends I can share them with at such short notice. My family have been given their own, so mine will go to waste. Then I thought of Sarah, and how it might cheer her up. I am sure you would accompany her and enjoy an evening out.’
‘It is very thoughtful of you. There is only one problem. Sarah is in mourning. Plus I am not sure if she is ready for a trip to the theatre at the moment.’ Kitty said.
Kitty was disappointed, neither her father nor the boys would want to attend, of that she was certain. They were always laughing at the expense of the actors at the cheap shows they had attended in the past; they were most definitely not theatregoers. She on the other hand, would love the opportunity. On a few occasions she had been to one of the cheaper halls in Whitechapel. A night at a luxurious theatre would be a wonderful experience.
‘I will speak with Sarah tomorrow if you wish. Or shall we slip around now and ask?’ She was still very much aware they were still on the doorstep.
‘No, I did not think this through, Kitty. I had forgotten the rules of mourning, forgive me. I will not intrude. I am sure I will find someone to use the tickets.’
Kitty wanted to ask him to take her, but knew it was out of the question. An evening alone with a virtual stranger would not be acceptable.
‘Yes, I am sure you will find someone.’
She stepped backwards, ready to end the conversation.
‘I am sorry, James, it was thoughtful of you.’
James hesitated. He held out the tickets.
‘Please take them; they are of no use to me. I am sorry to have disturbed you. Goodbye Miss Harper...Kitty.’
‘Thank you. It is very generous of you. I will pass them onto Sarah as you intended. She can decide what to do with them. Goodbye Mr Lockwood...James.’
A heavyhearted Kitty held the tickets in her hand and watched him walk away. How she would have loved to invite him inside. Tomorrow she would tell Sarah and give her the tickets.
***
Sarah felt sorry for Kitty; she had listened to the story of James's visit, and the offer of theatre tickets. They now sat on her mantle and their presence appeared to fill the room. When Kitty had handed them over, Sarah sensed her disappointment. She glanced at the tickets again, it seemed such a shame they should go to waste. While she stood ironing, she pondered the situation.
She would speak to Patrick and see if he would take Kitty along. The girl must be allowed to enjoy herself. Life was too short to ignore the pleasures it offered. Brady’s death was evidence of that. Kitty was young, and the theatre was an exciting place to go. Gifts such as this did not often come their way.
She approached her son while he ate his meal when he returned from work. The other two had changed shifts, so they were alone.
‘Patrick. I wonder if you would consider a night at the theatre. Not with me but with Kitty. We have been given these free tickets, but she has no one to accompany her. I cannot. William will be at work, and it seems a shame the tickets will go to waste.’
Patrick chewed down his mouthful. He looked over the tickets.
‘The theatre? I am not so sure it is for me. Posh place that one.’
‘It is for Kitty. Not you or I. She never goes anywhere special. Please.’
‘Who gave them to you anyways? I mean theatre tickets are not something that come our way on a regular basis.’
Sarah sat beside him. She knew her son well enough to know he was considering the situation.
‘James Lockwood. You know the chap who helped catch the thief. He bought the tickets for me, for us. A gift to cheer us up. I cannot see your brothers going. Had I wanted to go, I know you would have escorted me. So do it for Kitty in my place. Please Patrick.’
Patrick leant back in his chair and grinned.
‘Well, as you asked so nicely. Why not?’
Sarah kissed his cheek.
‘Thank you. She will be thrilled. It will be a pleasant evening for both of you.’
Sarah had noticed he was fond of Kitty, more than a brotherly love.
She slipped next door to tell Kitty.
‘Are you sure Sarah, do you think father will agree to it?’
‘Why would not he? It is a gift from me.’
Kitty was making scones and the flour decorated her brow and forearms. She continued forming the mounds as she spoke.
‘I wonder what I should wear. What do you think Sarah?’
Sarah laughed, she pointed at Kitty wagging her finger up and down.
‘You could always wear what you are wearing now. No shame showing that you work for a living. The flour is a very nice touch.’
Kitty frowned, and crossed the room to look into the large mirror that hung on the wall.
‘Oh, you can never be serious, Sarah. I wondered what you meant. Oh, dear what should I wear? We will have to go through my wardrobe. It is so exciting.’
‘Yes and we will have to smarten my son up a bit. His father’s suit is still hanging in my room. We can adjust it for Patrick. Not that he will care what he wears.’
Chapter 16
Good Companions
William looked with pride at his daughter. Sarah was in awe of the beautiful young woman who stood before them. Kitty’s gown was a soft shade of blue satin with navy velvet insets; she had trimmed it with ivory lace. It had a softer bustle at the back with draped layers. Some of the gowns she had designed had longer trains. To complete the outfit she had navy blue velvet, hooded cape, edged in the same soft blue as the gown and ivory gloves. Sarah had helped dress her hair, it now sat like a neat crown of curls, and even if one had fallen out of place it would still look perfect. A selection of five small silk flowers were pinned close to her ear, they nestled onto the nape of her neck. Elegance and Kitty were in unison tonight.
‘You look wonderful Kitty, what a picture you make. Give your Papa another twirl. You will make t
he rich look shabby tonight, that gown is a corker. Your designs are going to be the talk of London one day, you mark my words.’
Kitty twisted around so her father could see the complete ensemble. She had worked hard on it. She had taken the idea from a picture in one of her magazines and adapted it to suit.
‘Papa you are a tease. Oh, hello Patrick.’
Patrick stood smiling at her. He had slipped in through the back door.
‘Now there’s a sight for sore eyes.’
Kitty curtsied. ‘Well thank you kind sir. And you have scrubbed up well. Look at you. Handsome in your suit. We make a fine pair.’
Kitty twirled again. She was so excited. Secretly she hoped they would meet James. However, Patrick would be a good companion. He was always fun, and livened up an evening. She was fond of him. He did look handsome. His tanned face beamed, he looked taller and more muscular than usual. The white of his shirt matched the white of his smile and Kitty marvelled at what a suit of clothing could do for a person.
‘Are you ready my lady?’ He held out his arm with a sweeping bow and Kitty giggled.
‘Oh, Patrick, you tease me worse than this one here.’ She nudged her father. ‘Come on then my friend; let’s show the world how to enjoy itself. All this twirling will make me giddy. Goodnight folks.’
They said their goodbyes and swept out of the cottage with enthusiasm. Neighbours stopped what they were doing and called out compliments. Kitty and Patrick waved and bowed. There was a wonderful atmosphere.
They took a tram and walked part of the way to the theatre. The crowds were milling around the entrance. Horses snorted and pawed the ground. Loud, excited voices filled the air. The evening was warm and pleasant, with a clear sky. Kitty stopped walking and looked at the grand building they were about to enter: it gave her a thrill just to walk up the stairs to the entrance. She was mesmerised by the decorative gowns and jewellery of the people milling around the grand foyer. She could not help but feel a little envious.
‘Her necklace looks full of rubies, Patrick. Do you think they are glass or real?’
Kitty inclined her head towards a large woman to her left. The necklace was beautiful and the stones were cut into oval shapes.
‘They catch the light so well. Rubies, definitely rubies. I will buy you a handful sometime. How about that?’
‘Tomorrow, Patrick. Buy me some tomorrow.’ Kitty giggled.
‘Your wish is my command, Princess. Now shall we find our seats? I wonder what it looks like inside the actual theatre.’
‘Plush. Come let us find out.’ Kitty headed towards the great doors.
The luxurious décor did not disappoint, large pillars draped in wine coloured velvet drapes stood marking the entrance of the theatre corridors.
Nudging Patrick, Kitty resisted the urge to stroke the fabric. She whispered ‘I wonder if the palace looks like this inside.’
They presented their tickets to an attendant. He asked that they follow him and led them to a side door. Kitty looked to Patrick; he raised his eyebrow in approval. They were being shown into a private box. Kitty stepped inside and noticed a man seated at the opposite end. It took a few seconds to register her good luck. The man was James.
He rose from his seat and approached them.
‘Good evening, Kitty. Ah, Patrick. Wonderful to see you made good use of the tickets.’
‘With Kitty bending one ear, and my mother the other, what was I to do but give in, James?’ Patrick laughed.
The men shook hands, and Kitty merely dropped her head as acknowledgement.
‘James, it is good to see you. Sarah was determined that we should attend tonight.’ She said.
‘It is my good fortune you did, my guests were unable to join me. Now I have you both to keep me company.’
They settled into their seats. Kitty sat in-between the two men.
The performance exceeded expectations for Kitty. James handed her viewing glasses and their fingers touched for one brief moment. Whenever their eyes met, Kitty gave James a coy smile. By the end of the evening, she knew she loved James Lockwood.
James suggested that they take his carriage home; he appeared to be reluctant to say goodbye on the theatre steps.
‘It is very kind of you, James. I am sure Patrick will not object. Patrick?’ She turned to speak to her friend. She saw him frown, and for a split second was puzzled by his reaction.
‘Whatever you wish, Kitty.’
‘In which case, thank you, James. We would be delighted. And please stop for a nightcap with my father. He would be most offended if you did not. Your gift has been most generous and I know he will want to thank you in person.’
James assisted her into the carriage. ‘Thank you, Kitty. I will say good evening to him. I am due to return to the farm tomorrow. My father has several duties for me to carry out, and I am not certain when I will be back in town.’
***
William was delighted to see James. His companion, however, was not. Arthur had arrived earlier in the evening; he had taken William a small bottle of whiskey he wanted to strengthen their friendship, ready for when he asked for Kitty's hand in marriage. He was annoyed when he found out that she was out, and even less impressed when he was told about the tickets.
This was the first time he and James had been in social company since they sealed their pact. James had made no mention of buying theatre tickets for Kitty.
He now considered James as a serious rival. He was also concerned about Patrick. The two of them were gaining attention of the woman he wanted for himself.
‘A beautiful gown, Kitty. Let me take your cape. You smell divine’ He moved forward and inhaled her perfume. ‘Roses’.
‘Why thank you Arthur, how nice of you to notice. We have had a wonderful evening and James was kind enough to escort us home in his carriage.’
While she served drinks, Arthur and James engaged in conversation.
‘So James, how long will you be in town for?’
‘I leave tomorrow. We have a great deal to do before harvest.’
‘Harvest? That will keep you busy and away from the city for quite some time.’
James replied. His message held a hint to Arthur.
‘I will be away no more than five days. My father will want to sell at the corn exchange next week. No, I will not be away too long, but not certain of my exact return dates.’ He pulled his gloves off slowly, concentrating on each movement. ‘I have several appointments when I return.’
‘I myself have a few projects to complete. ‘Tis a shame we are both so busy, we could have enjoyed and evening together.’ Arthur said light heartedly. ‘I hope your crop produces a good yield. Some of the farmers I have spoken recently are in hope of a bumper harvest.’
James smiled politely, ‘Thank you Arthur. How is the world of journalism? The murders must give you some interesting material. Are you still writing for the hospital?’
William, Kitty, and Patrick listened to the two men. Usually they were not in the bit interested in each other. Kitty was pleased they were making an effort for a change.
‘Gentlemen, at the risk of sounding rude, I must say goodnight.’ Kitty suppressed a yawn.
‘Forgive us, Kitty. Thank you so much for a pleasant evening. And Patrick, thank you for escorting her and for making good use of the tickets.’
Patrick shook the hands of both men. ‘The pleasure was all mine, James. Arthur, no doubt I will see you soon. Kitty, thank you for a pleasant evening. Now if you will forgive me, William, I will go and put my mother out of her misery. She will be waiting for news of the evening.’
Kitty smiled at Patrick. She was fond of him, and he had been the most pleasant companion. ‘Thank you, Patrick. Maybe one day we will do it again. Now I know you enjoy the theatre.’
‘I look forward to it. Night all.’
‘I will follow you out. Good night, William, Kitty. Arthur, do you require transport home?’
Arthur shook his head. ‘No than
k you. I have my bicycle. We must catch up with one another upon your return. Night, William. Kitty, I expect you to write me a detailed account of the play you have seen tonight. That will be your lesson for the week. Agreed?’
Kitty laughed. ‘Agreed, Arthur. It is a splendid idea.’
***
‘Nice chap. I like young James. It was thoughtful of him to bring you home.’
William undid the laces on his boots and wiggled his toes in front of the small fire. ‘He will always be welcome here, a decent sort. Those tickets were a very generous gesture. Arthur was a might generous with the whiskey too. I think he has set his heart on making you more than a friend you know. I think James has an eye for you too though, so could be a war amongst men. He chuckled ‘And let us not leave Master Patrick out of the queue. He had a twinkle in his eye tonight. They know a pretty lass when they see one.’
‘You are silly Papa; Arthur is nothing more than a friend. Patrick is like my brother and James is an acquaintance of us both. I hardly know him, he lives in the country and goodness knows when I...we, will see him again, if ever.’
Her words came out in a defensive rush. She fiddled with the ribbon on her sleeve.
‘I am off to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow.’ She leant and kissed his face. ‘Thank you for allowing me tonight. I will never forget it.’
It was the end to a perfect evening and she knew she would fall asleep with James on her mind.
Chapter 17
Moving Day
William eventually overcame his initial shock. The announcement that Kitty was going to run a small shop was one thing. When she told him she was moving out, he expressed his concern.
‘I cannot say I shall not worry about you, because I will. There is no point in us going around the houses with this. If I say you cannot move out, you will do it on bad terms. I would rather see you leave happy.’
‘I know you will worry about me, Papa, but this is a chance of a lifetime. Women are in business alongside men nowadays, and I want to be one of them. Please say yes with encouragement. I need you to bless this dream, you know that.’