by Rosie Clarke
‘Oh… that’s a little strange, isn’t it?’ Rachel queried. ‘After all, he made it clear that he needs Harpers to succeed.’
‘Yes, and he still does,’ Sally said, thoughtful now. There must be something more important to take him back to America. ‘He is relying on all his senior people to keep the ship afloat while he’s away.’
‘How nautical.’ Rachel smiled. ‘Would you like some cocoa? I made extra and it only needs to be reheated.’
‘Yes, I’ll do that,’ Sally said and went into their tiny kitchen.
She wondered what could be so important that it would force Mr Harper to undertake a long voyage when he must want to be here and oversee his fledgling business. Sally knew that Mr Harper wasn’t a rich man. Most people thought he had to be just because he was American, but what he had was tied up in Harpers, so it must be urgent for him to leave at this stage – and he’d said it was important personal business. The belief that it was a woman grew and she felt a foolish ache in her heart. How ridiculous to fall in love with a man who didn’t want her – but she had!
Why go now? She’d seen an odd look, almost of pain in his eyes when he spoke of his personal business and was certain he would rather be here in London. He’d been so enthusiastic when talking about the Christmas season to come.
Sally knew that her employer wanted Harpers to do Christmas in a big way. He’d talked of snow scenes in the windows and models of reindeer.
‘I’d love to bring in live reindeer and a Father Christmas, but we don’t have a toy department for the children,’ he’d told Sally at dinner. ‘I don’t think it would have the same appeal for adults, do you?’
‘No, not quite,’ she’d affirmed. ‘I think long wreaths of holly and glass balls everywhere will probably be enough – and some spectacular windows. We might have a Father Christmas in the window with his sack filled with presents…’ Sally had laughed as an idea had occurred to her. ‘Supposing we hired one of those mimic artistes? Have you seen them? They look as if they might be made of wax, because they have pale masks on their faces, and then they suddenly move and make people jump out of their skins.’
He had looked at her as if stunned and then a smile had spread over his face. ‘We could have him in the window and when he moved, people would be shocked. It would cause a sensation…’
Sally’s laughter had bubbled out at that. ‘Yes, it might be fun. If he was dressed as Santa Claus and he sat on his sleigh and then got up and started to put presents into the sack…’
‘We could have him move every fifteen minutes or something like that,’ he had agreed. ‘People would gather to see if it happened again…’
‘He might ring a Christmas bell or something and invite people into the store – we could have a hot spiced drink to give away perhaps…’
‘Has anyone ever told you that you’re a genius, Sally Ross?’ he had said and toasted her with his wine. ‘Work on that idea – and talk to Marco about the other windows too. I think you can’t start preparing for important events too soon… and don’t forget the Stockholm Olympics in July. I know Marco has plans for that, but he would appreciate your input…’
Thinking back over the evening, Sally smiled. It had felt comfortable and right being with Ben Harper, and she knew she could be happy spending her life in his company… but she was just an employee. He couldn’t have made that plainer when he mocked her, even though just for a moment she’d felt as if the air had tingled between them…
30
Beth noticed something different as soon as they entered the house that evening. There was a different smell – the distinct aroma of cigar smoke. She hadn’t smelled that in her aunt’s house ever.
‘Has a gentleman been here?’ she asked Aunt Helen.
To her surprise, Aunt Helen’s cheeks tinged with pink. ‘Yes, as a matter of fact – a friend of mine called to see me this afternoon,’ she said. ‘He bought me some flowers and stopped to tea. He liked your jam and buttercream sponge very much, Beth.’
‘That was nice for you,’ Beth said, doing her best to hide her shock as she hung up her coat and hat. ‘Did you know he was coming?’
‘Well, no,’ Aunt Helen said. She hesitated, then, ‘You know that I’ve been having tea with a friend on Sundays recently?’ Beth nodded. ‘Gerald Greene is Martha’s cousin and he sometimes calls on her on a Sunday… We’ve become friends…’
‘Oh, that is lovely for you,’ Maggie said, genuinely pleased. ‘It is nice to have friends – especially gentlemen, because they sometimes take you out…’
‘Yes… as a matter of fact, Gerald is taking me to a theatre and supper afterwards…’ Aunt Helen looked self-conscious. ‘Tomorrow evening… so you girls will have to look after yourselves…’
‘You mustn’t worry about us,’ Maggie said quickly. ‘How lovely that will be for you. You must be so excited – what will you wear?’
‘I think my pearl grey satin,’ Aunt Helen said and blushed like a young girl. ‘It is my best and I don’t have time to make anything new.’
‘It suits you well,’ Beth assured her. ‘What a lovely treat for you, Aunt Helen.’
‘Yes.’ Her aunt gave a little laugh. ‘It was most unexpected, as were those delightful flowers. Please do go and smell them, girls, they are lovely.’
Beth was silent as she went through to the parlour to sniff the flowers, which were a mixture of roses and freesias and must have been expensive. She was shocked and surprised, for she had never expected her aunt to have a suitor.
Returning to the kitchen, she helped put their supper of macaroni cheese on the table. She felt pleased for Aunt Helen but wondered about the future if her only relative should decide to marry. Would Gerald come here or would Aunt Helen give up this house and move into his home?
‘You’re very thoughtful, Beth?’ Aunt Helen said.
‘We were busy at work. I think I shall go up when we’ve washed up – unless there is something I can do for you, Aunt?’
‘Oh, no, I mean to have an early night myself,’ her aunt said. ‘Please don’t worry, Beth, there will always be a home for you – though I am sure you will find a young man of your own one day soon.’
Beth shook her head. She would find it difficult to let herself love again and she would not marry simply for a home. If her aunt did marry, Beth would find herself a room in a lodging house somewhere, but it was a little unsettling to learn that Aunt Helen had an admirer…
‘Gerald is taking me to the ballet,’ Aunt Helen said excitedly. ‘I’ve never been but he isn’t a fan of Music Hall – though he says that at least three Music Hall artistes have been invited to perform at the Royal Command performance at the Palace Theatre for their Majesties in July…’
‘Oh, how exciting,’ Maggie said. ‘I should love to attend the ballet. I read that Nijinsky’s Faun was brilliant in Paris – though some people said it was a little… bestial…’ she lowered her voice, hardly daring to say the word.
‘Oh dear, that sounds unpleasant.’ Doubt flickered in Aunt Helen’s eyes, but then she shook her head. ‘Well, Gerald is taking me to see Swan Lake so I hope there will not be anything bestial about that.’
‘Oh no, I’m sure there won’t,’ Maggie said. ‘The ballet I read of was in Paris – they wouldn’t have anything like that here…’
Beth smiled at her approvingly and changed the subject.
After supper, the clean crockery was placed in the dresser and then the girls went upstairs to the room they shared.
‘I didn’t mean to upset your aunt,’ Maggie said. ‘I shouldn’t have told her what the papers said about Nijinsky’s Faun…’
‘I doubt if her friend will take her to see anything remotely shocking,’ Beth said. ‘I’m not sure that Aunt Helen will truly enjoy the ballet – but she does seem to like this Gerald…’
‘Oh yes, she does,’ Maggie agreed. ‘It will be so exciting if she marries him – perhaps they will let us have this house to ourselves then…’
>
Beth realised that Maggie didn’t understand the seriousness of their situation, because it could leave them both homeless. Beth thought it more likely that the landlord would want to put a family in this house, but she wouldn’t say anything yet. After all, Aunt Helen had only just told them about her friend…
Everyone knew that Mr Harper had returned to America, leaving Miss Ross, Mr Stockbridge and Mr Marco in control of the store. The supervisors and Miss Hart, the floor walker, all had their parts to play, but it was accepted by most that the orders came from the offices on the top floor. Miss Hart was the only one who spoke disparagingly of the arrangement, everyone else understood that Miss Ross was a good influence and that the store had improved under her aegis. Sales were increasing week on week now and even the menswear was selling steadily. As the summer progressed – one of the wettest on record – Mr Stockbridge was seen taking his stocklists into Miss Ross’s office every week and the whisperers said she had the final say on most things. The dress department and the hats, bags and scarves were always busy and Mr Stockbridge had agreed with Rachel Craven that they needed an extra junior. He’d come to see her after speaking with Sally Ross.
‘June is not well trained,’ Rachel told him. ‘We have valuable things here and I should prefer a young girl I can train myself.’
‘Yes, I quite understand – and Miss Gibbs is now an excellent salesgirl, testament to your training.’ He’d beamed at her. ‘I’ve always thought Miss Gibbs an excellent young woman.’
‘Perhaps you could choose someone like her for us again,’ Rachel suggested. Mr Stockbridge had a daughter of around Miss Gibbs’ age and she thought he might have a soft spot for her because of it.
‘I’m glad he agreed that we could have a new junior,’ Beth said after he’d gone and they were alone. ‘June Brown just isn’t up to our standards, Mrs Craven.’
‘No, she is not,’ Rachel agreed. ‘Our department is still the busiest of all and we have an excellent turnover. I think you too should have a rise, Miss Grey, but I cannot ask for too much all at once.’
‘Oh, I manage, just,’ Beth assured her. ‘I never have anything much left to save, but for the moment I’m settled at my aunt’s – though if she gave up her house, I should not find it easy to pay my rent elsewhere.’
‘Is it likely she will?’
‘I’m not sure,’ Beth replied honestly. ‘My aunt has a gentleman friend – he has taken her to the ballet, which she enjoyed far more than she expected, and since then he has taken her out to dinner and the theatre twice. She has had him to tea several times and he is invited to lunch this coming Sunday…’
‘It sounds as if he might be serious?’ Rachel said and Beth nodded. ‘Does that make you anxious?’
‘Yes, a little. Maggie hasn’t thought of it yet, but the landlord would never allow us to take over his house…’
Rachel nodded her understanding. ‘Yes, I do see your concern. ‘If we had a third bedroom, you might have shared it. However, I am sure you will find accommodation easily enough.’
‘Yes – but it might not be quite the same. Some landladies are too fussy and others are not particular enough about their rooms.’
Rachel agreed. ‘I had a good landlady, though she was inclined to be nosy. However, I’m sure your aunt will not leave you in the lurch. You will have time to look around…’
The conversation ended then because customers entered the department and all of them were busy serving throughout the morning. Beth sold five hats to one customer, who was getting married. The same customer bought gloves and scarves to match her hats from Maggie and went on to buy a new white leather handbag from Rachel.
‘She spent a lot of money with us,’ Maggie remarked when they were quiet for a few moments.
‘Yes, for her wedding next month,’ Beth confirmed. ‘She said that she tried some of the other department stores but decided on Harpers because we are polite, friendly and our stock is bright and new all the time.’
‘That is a real compliment,’ Maggie said, smiling happily. ‘I’ve just got my first proper wage – and I’m going to buy one of those new hobble skirts Miss Ross got recently. They are made of artificial silk and so smart – and nearly a third cheaper than the silk ones, which means I can afford it out of my savings now that I’m earning more.’
Beth had seen the skirts everyone was raving over but didn’t feel she could afford to splash out on a fashion item. Her clothes had to last and yet when Maggie came back and showed her the deep blue skirt, she felt very tempted. Once, she might have asked Aunt Helen to make a skirt in the smart style for her, but now her aunt simply didn’t have the time.
On Saturday evening, Beth sensed that her aunt had something important to say to her. She waited until Maggie had gone upstairs and then asked her to come into the parlour for a moment.
‘Is something the matter, Aunt?’
‘No, nothing – at least, I am a little concerned for you and your friend, Beth, my dear. I think you have realised that I have become fond of Gerald. He has asked me to be his wife…’
‘Congratulations. I hope you will be very happy,’ Beth said because it was all she could think of. ‘When will the wedding be?’
‘Quite soon, I believe,’ Aunt Helen said and blushed. ‘I hope you don’t think I’m a foolish woman to rush into marriage with a man I hardly know?’
‘Why should I think that, Aunt?’ Beth asked and smiled, going forward to kiss her cheek. ‘I really don’t know him – but he seemed nice when he called for you.’
‘I know it is quick,’ Aunt Helen said. ‘I am a little anxious for you and Maggie – if I give this house up, you will have nowhere to live.’
‘When were you thinking of getting married?’
‘In August…’ Her aunt sighed. ‘I know it seems rushed, but we’re neither of us young and we do not want to waste the time we have. Gerald is taking me to Paris for a little holiday…’
‘I see… Then Maggie and I had better look round for somewhere to stay…’
‘I wish you had been a little older, perhaps then you might have taken over the house. It belongs to an elderly friend of my father, of course, but he had told me that he wished to sell with vacant possession and only his feeling of duty towards Papa had prevented him from turning us out before this, so he will be glad to have it back…’
‘Yes, I understand…’ Beth bit her lip. ‘I shall tell Maggie when I go up and we’ll find somewhere as quickly as we can…’
‘No need to leave before the wedding. My landlord is bound to give you a week’s notice…’
Beth kept silent with difficulty. Her aunt spoke as though it was an easy matter to find a new home just like that, but Beth knew differently. Sally and Mrs Craven had found it difficult enough. Beth and Maggie would find it impossible to rent a flat between them on their wages, and choosing a decent room to lodge in would take time. There was also the matter of things she owned that had belonged to her mother. Aunt Helen had allowed her to put things in her bedroom and the box room. She would either have to sell or to store her mementoes somewhere.
‘Do you know where you will be living?’
‘Gerald has a nice house out in Hampstead,’ Aunt Helen said. ‘I shall take some of my things, of course, but most will be sold. You could get a price for yours too, Beth.’
Beth nodded her assent. It seemed clear that she was not required in Aunt Helen’s new life.
She left her aunt sorting out some of her remnants of material and went upstairs to the bedroom she shared with Maggie. It was going to be awkward telling her friend that they only had a few weeks to find a new home.
Maggie listened, seeming calmer than Beth had expected. ‘I’m sure she is very excited,’ she said and looked slightly uncomfortable. ‘Ralf’s mother told me that I could go and live with them… I can share with his sister until she gets married in August and then have her room.’ Her gaze dropped as Beth looked at her in surprise. ‘I didn’t tell you, because
I wasn’t sure – and I didn’t want to let you down, Beth. I know your aunt has been better since I came…’ her voice tailed off. ‘Would you mind if I went to live with them?’
Beth took a moment to answer. ‘I shall miss you, of course I shall,’ she said at last. ‘I’ve enjoyed sharing with you – it has been fun. And it’s true; Aunt Helen likes you more than she likes me.’
‘I didn’t say that – just she’s been easier for you to live with, Beth.’
‘I think she was jealous of my mother and resented that she’d had chances she hadn’t. I’m glad she has this opportunity to be happy and it makes things easier if I only have to find one room.’
‘Yes, I suppose it might,’ Maggie said. ‘It’s a pity you can’t share with Sally and Mrs Craven…’
‘If only there was a third bedroom,’ Beth said. ‘I would have moved in a like a shot – but they each have their own bed and I can’t expect them to share with me.’
‘I’m sorry, Beth.’ Maggie put an arm about her waist. ‘I shall miss you too. I wish you could come and stay with Ralf’s family, because they’re lovely – but there’s only just room for me.’
Beth smiled at her. ‘You know it means that his mother thinks you will marry one day?’
‘Yes.’ Maggie’s face lit up. ‘When he took me to tea, she made it clear that she liked me…’
‘Then I am glad for you,’ Beth said, though she was a little uncertain that she would wish to move into the home of the mother of the man she intended to marry.
‘Mrs Higgins says that she has never known Ralf so happy. She thinks that he might have gone off and joined the Royal Flying Corps if it had not been for me…’
Beth nodded, wondering if that was the reason Ralf’s mother had taken to his young lady so readily. Did she see Maggie as the lesser of two evils? Many people thought Maggie’s sweet nature meant she was easy to influence, but Beth knew she had a mind of her own and hoped that it would not lead to conflict and unhappiness for the young girl one day.