‘Why not? It was my mother’s, and it goes well with your gown. It would please me greatly if you would wear it tonight.’
There had been a note of pain in his voice, and his gaze was fixed on the necklace. He wanted her to wear it and she couldn’t refuse. Touching it with her fingers, she said, ‘Thank you. I’ll be honoured to wear your mother’s necklace.’
Smiling, he held out his arm. ‘Let us join David in the lounge. Our guests will be arriving any minute now.’
Mr and Mrs Broughton were the first to arrive. She knew them only by sight, and the wife hung back nervously. Shy in company, Gertrude noted at once, so she made a point of putting her at ease.
The next arrivals shocked her. It was Lord and Lady Chester, accompanied by their daughter. She knew David had also been taken by surprise, because she heard his sharp intake of breath.
The conversation at dinner was wide ranging, covering politics, the war with the Boers, the aged Queen Victoria, and many other subjects. Gertie found she was thoroughly enjoying her role as hostess and had quickly recovered from her surprise at seeing Miriam Chester. Of course she would be here; it was only to be expected.
As soon as the meal was over, the men retired, leaving her to do the job she was here for. It was easy with such a small gathering, and even Mrs Broughton relaxed enough to join in. At one point Miriam sat next to her.
‘I believe you know Mr Gardener well,’ she said.
‘Yes, we’ve been friends since we were toddlers.’ She grinned. ‘At least I was a toddler. I followed David and my brother around like a puppy dog. My brother was always trying to get rid of me, but David wouldn’t let him. He’s always been my dearest friend.’
‘He seems a kind man.’
‘He is one of the kindest.’ It was an intriguing conversation. For someone who was about to become engaged to another man this interest in David was strange. She spent a while longer talking about their childhood, then, aware of her duty, moved on to the other ladies.
When the men returned, the women were all laughing as she told them about the dusty old bookshop, and the grumpy owner.
It wasn’t possible to tell if the business had gone well, but they all appeared to be in a good mood. That could be because of the amount of brandy they had consumed, of course. David did look stunned, though, making her wonder just what had gone on in the other room.
The guests left after another hour, and it was only when they were alone that Alex gave a satisfied smile. ‘Well done, David. You put our case so expertly even I was prepared to give you money.’
‘I don’t believe what happened.’ He shook his head as if trying to clear it. ‘I need a brandy. Are you trying to make me a rich man, Alex?’
‘Do you object?’ Alex handed him a glass filled with a generous amount of brandy. ‘You seem to be quite unaware of your talents, but I saw them early on, and am very pleased to have you working with me.’
She watched the interplay between the two men she loved, and saw how at ease they were with each other. It was clear that not only were they a good partnership, but they had become friends as well, and that made her happy. She was seething with curiosity, though, and longed to know what this was all about.
‘I’ve received many compliments about you, Gertie,’ Alex told her. ‘Mr Broughton was particularly impressed. He said he’d never seen his wife enjoying herself so much. She’s often uneasy in company. You’ve been the perfect hostess, and I’m grateful.’
‘I enjoyed myself.’
‘Good. Now, I expect you’d like to know what this evening was about?’
‘I’m curious, of course, but it isn’t any of my business.’
‘Ah, but it is because we’re going to need your help, aren’t we, David?’
‘We’re going to need all the help we can get.’ He downed his drink and shuddered as the fiery liquid went down. ‘It’s a crazy scheme, Gertie, but if it’s a success … you tell her Alex.’
As the story of the ship unfolded she became excited, sitting on the edge of her seat. By the time he’d finished, she could hardly contain herself. ‘That’s fantastic! The children would be given a chance to test their abilities, and grow in confidence. Can you do it? How would you choose the children? What age limit would you want? When would you get an experienced crew?’
‘Whoa.’ Alex held up his hands. ‘One question at a time. Once the work is nearing completion we would advertise for a crew, and test each applicant to make sure they were suitable. It’s a large ship and they will have to be the most experienced we can get. The boys will only be eligible if they come from deprived families. I think from the age of eight, but that would depend on each boy.’
‘Only boys? What about the girls?’
‘We can’t allow girls on the cruises,’ David pointed out. ‘It wouldn’t be safe for them.’
‘I agree, but we should arrange something for the girls,’ Alex said. ‘What do you think they’d enjoy, Gertie?’
‘Something in the country.’ She gazed into space, trying to imagine what they would find exciting. ‘What about somewhere they could be with animals, and perhaps learn to ride a horse?’
‘A riding school! That’s an excellent idea.’ Alex began to pace, thinking things through. ‘I already have a farm where we breed warhorses for the cavalry, but there’s plenty of room, and we could buy docile horses and ponies. What do you think, David?’
‘Sounds good, but the children will have to be housed and looked after.’
‘There’s a large, unused barn which could be turned into living quarters, but we must go and have a look at the place. Next Friday suit you, David?’
He nodded, marvelling again at Alex’s energy. He certainly didn’t believe in wasting time. ‘One of your ships is due in, but I’m not expecting her for at least another two weeks. If she should arrive while we’re away, my father will see to it for us.’
‘That’s excellent.’ Alex spun round. ‘I’d like you to come with us, Gertie. You know what the children need, and your advice will be valuable.’
‘I’d love to if you think I can help.’
‘Excellent! I shall, of course, ask your parents’ permission for you to accompany us.’
‘It might be an idea to take Millie with us as a companion for Gertie,’ David suggested.
‘Will your father manage without her for a few days?’
‘I’m sure he will.’
Alex rang the bell for the butler, and then smiled at Gertrude. ‘We’ve kept you up late enough. Thank you for helping the evening run smoothly. David will give you details of our journey to Kent when the arrangements are made. Ah, Hunt, Miss Melrose is leaving.’
‘The carriage is ready and waiting, sir.’
‘Ask Dickens to take Mr Gardener home as well, after he’s delivered Miss Melrose safely to her door.’
‘Yes, sir.’
She was in the hall before she remembered the necklace. Quickly unfastening it, she handed it to Alex. ‘Thank you for allowing me to wear this. It’s absolutely beautiful.’
He bowed his head in acknowledgement and slipped the jewels into his pocket. ‘Goodnight.’
Once in the carriage, she couldn’t wait to ask, ‘What did you mean when you said Alex was trying to make you rich?’
‘He’s given me an equal share in the boat, and if the venture is successful, it could be very profitable. And if it isn’t, then I’ll have lost nothing. Alex, Lord Chester and Mr Broughton are to meet all the renovation costs, but Alex insisted I be listed as a partner because I have the expertise needed to see the ship is made seaworthy again.’
‘And he’s quite right. You know a great deal about ships. It’s been your whole life, and I’m so pleased for you. Alex wouldn’t have taken this on if he didn’t believe it was a sound idea, so I’m sure it will be a success.’
‘And that isn’t all.’ He reached out for her hands. ‘We’re going to need carpenters for at least a year – the best in the business. Your fa
ther has those, and we’re going to see him in the morning. This could change everything for you.’
‘Oh, my,’ was all she could say.
Her father was fast asleep in a chair by the fire when she arrived home. He looked so peaceful it was a shame to wake him, and she decided not to mention the ship. Alex would do that in the morning, and be able to explain exactly what he wanted. If she told him now he wouldn’t sleep for the rest of the night. If David was right, this could be the turning point for them, but she didn’t dare let her hopes rise too much. She’d learnt how quickly things could go wrong. This scheme was imaginative, but she must also remember that it was also risky. But if it was a success, it would mean a great deal to so many people, and she was so excited to have been included. She’d been looking for something to occupy her time, and this would be perfect.
‘Father.’ She shook him gently. When he opened his eyes, she scolded, ‘You should be in bed.’
He straightened up. ‘I wanted to see you safely home before I retired. How did the evening go?’
‘Very well. I really quite enjoyed it, and Alex said he was pleased. I was disconcerted when Miriam Chester arrived with her parents, but she was very sweet, and I expect Alex told her I would be acting as his hostess because she didn’t seem surprised to see me.’ She yawned. ‘But I’m tired now.’
‘Time we were both in bed. I’m pleased everything went well. Perhaps he’ll ask you again.’
‘I doubt that, Father. This evening was a special dinner, and he didn’t have much time to arrange for someone to help with the ladies.’
There was so much more she could have told him, but he would hear the whole story soon. Tonight they both needed their rest because it would be an exciting day tomorrow.
Chapter Thirty-Four
It was pouring with rain the next morning but Alex didn’t seem to notice it. The sky was grey, the buildings were grey, and the streets were grey, and David wondered if there was any colour left in the world. This was more than April showers; it was like winter again. He shouldn’t have had that other brandy last night because his head was throbbing.
‘Don’t look so gloomy,’ Alex told him. ‘It’s only a drop of rain. The sun will be out by afternoon.’
‘It’s coming down in a solid lump,’ David groaned, ‘and I’m not sure I want the sun to come out. I won’t be able to see if it does. You drank as much as I did last night, so how come you’re so cheerful?’
‘I spent ten years in the army.’
‘Ah, drink a lot, do they?’
The only answer was an amused grin. ‘Come on, we’ve got a project to get under way.’
‘Where to first?’ David tried to ignore the headache. There was a very busy day ahead of them.
‘The Melrose workshop to see how many carpenters he can let us have.’
Sutton saw them as soon as they walked in, and so did Fred, who waved frantically at them, smiling happily as usual.
‘This is a pleasant surprise.’ Sutton shook hands with them. ‘What can I do for you?’
David had wondered if Gertie would tell her father about the project, but it was clear he was surprised to see them.
‘We’re going to renovate an old sailing vessel, and we need to hire from you as many of your best carpenters as you can spare,’ Alex told him. ‘We’ll pay you top rates for any with the right skills.’
‘Wait a moment, the men must hear this.’ Sutton faced the workshop. ‘Stop working men, and gather around to hear what Mr Glendale has to say.’
David watched the faces as they listened to the plans for the ship. Fred’s eyes were growing wider and wider, and he began to shift from one foot to the other.
‘Sir,’ one of the men caught Alex’s attention when he’d finished talking. ‘I used to sail on the Ocean Sprite as ship’s carpenter. I know her inside out. She’s a fine vessel and rides well in rough weather. I’d like to work on her again.’
‘There’s one for you. Anyone else interested?’ Sutton smiled at the men. ‘If any of you would like to do this work, then please say so.’
Three more men came forward, and Fred was practically jumping up and down. ‘Me too! Can I? Please, sir?’
‘We’d be pleased to have you, Fred.’ Alex placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder to keep him still. ‘That’s if Mr Melrose can spare you. The job will take at least a year, and we can’t take all his good workers away from him.’
‘Of course you can work on the ship,’ Sutton told him, making the boy yelp in delight. ‘How many are you going to need?’
‘David’s the only one who can answer that.’
‘Five or six who know what they’re doing, and then we can employ less skilled men to work under them. The ship’s a wreck, and we’ll need a large workforce if we’re going to get her seaworthy within a year. Which is your aim, Alex.’
‘I’ve got a mate,’ one of the men said, ‘and he’s a good carpenter. He’s out of work and would jump at a chance for a job.’
‘Ask him to see Mr Gardener. Do you know where his office is?’
‘Yes, sir, everyone around the docks knows the Gardeners. It’s a highly respected firm. I’ll bring my mate along, and you won’t have any trouble getting the workers you need. They’ll be queuing outside his office as soon as word gets around.’
‘Make it this evening some time,’ David told him. ‘I’ll be there until late.’
‘We’ll be there, sir, and thanks.’
Fred tugged at David’s sleeve. ‘Plenty of men down our street are out of work. They ain’t skilled carpenters but you’re gonna need men to do heavy work, ain’t you?’
‘We’ve already thought of that, and Tanner Street is our next stop. We want to give them first chance, and then we’ll ask around the area.’
‘Thanks, most of them are desperate for jobs.’
‘We know, and we’re going to help as many men as we can.’ David then turned to the man who had sailed on the Ocean Sprite. ‘What’s your name?’
‘Harry Green, sir.’
‘I’m going to put you in charge of the carpenters.’
‘Thank you, sir. When do we start?’
‘We’ve worked out that carpenters can begin their work two weeks on Monday, but we’ll have to confirm that later. It all depends on how quickly the ship can be cleared,’ Alex informed them. ‘You’ll receive your wages from Mr Melrose as usual, but while you’re on this job you will all be given an increase, and a bonus when the work is finished.’ He glanced round at the men. ‘It’s going to be hard work, and you’ll earn every penny of it.’
There were smiles all round.
‘I see that doesn’t worry you. We’re going to have an exciting time seeing this elegant lady come back to life. Mr Gardener will answer any questions you might have.’ Then he turned to Sutton. ‘Let’s discuss terms.’
They went into the office while the men who were going to work with them gathered around David.
‘I hope I’m not taking too many of your workers away from you?’ Alex settled in a chair and took a notebook out of his pocket; it was already filled with facts and figures he’d spent the night working on.
‘No, I can manage. Those staying are too old for the kind of work you need, and they’ve long years of experience with the firm.’
‘Good.’ He then set about outlining the deal. The terms were more than generous, and an agreement was soon reached.
‘Did my daughter know about this last night?’ Sutton asked.
‘Yes, but I gather she didn’t mention it.’
‘No.’ He smiled broadly. ‘You just wait until I see her this evening.’
‘And speaking of Gertie, I would like your permission to take her to my farm in Kent for a couple of days.’
‘Oh?’ Sutton frowned. ‘She didn’t mention that either. Explain, please.’
Sutton listened while the plan for the riding school was outlined. ‘It was your daughter’s idea,’ Alex said. ‘I’ll need her advice about acco
mmodation and care of the children. David’s coming and bringing Millie as companion to Gertie.’
‘Ah, well, that’s all right then. It sounds like a worthwhile scheme, and I’m sure my daughter will be delighted to help.’
‘Thank you.’ Business concluded, he stood up, eager to get on to the next stage of the project. ‘Now we must find more workers.’
‘You’re not wasting any time.’
‘No, I’ve bought the ship and want the work carried out as soon as possible. I’ve set David a deadline of one year to complete the renovation, and every moment counts.’
‘If anyone can do it, he can. He knows what he’s doing.’
Alex nodded. ‘That’s why I want him as a partner.’
The rest of the day was hectic as they moved from place to place, hiring shipbuilders, riggers and an army of labourers. By the evening everything was in place and work was going to start immediately on clearing the ship of accumulated rubbish and debris. David had seen the joy on the men’s faces as they were offered work. Fred and May’s fathers were two of them, and the majority of the workforce had been found in the slum areas where there was the most need. He still had to go back to his office and see others who had been recommended and were coming to him there. But he could snatch a couple of hours to relax first.
‘Where do you get your energy from?’ David asked, collapsing into a comfortable leather armchair in Alex’s library.
‘I haven’t been wandering around all day suffering from last night’s indulgencies. Would you like a drink?’
‘Tea?’
‘If you wish.’ When it was ordered, Alex also sat down, stretching his long legs out and sipping a whisky. ‘That was a successful day.’
David nodded, relieved to discover the headache had gone at last. ‘I suspect there’s more to your enthusiasm to restore an old ship than merely a business venture.’
‘There is. As a boy I used to dream about sailing the seas in a ship like this, the wind filling her sails as she surged through the waves. And when I saw her I thought she could be put to good use, and fulfil my childhood fantasy.’
Hold on to your Dreams Page 24