by Linda Finlay
‘I’m a dealer,’ he replied, taking a sip of his drink, then picking up the menu. ‘Shall we order?’
She wasn’t to be distracted, though. ‘How fascinating, what do you deal in, exactly?’
‘This and that. You know how it is,’ he shrugged. ‘I was thinking of having the haddock.’
‘Who’s a hungry boy, then?’ she replied in that sing-song voice that was already getting on his nerves. He forced his lips into a smile then drained his glass. ‘Oh, and a thirsty one too,’ she giggled.
‘Yes, well, as I said, I have had a busy day.’
‘You didn’t explain exactly what you do,’ she persisted.
‘I effect the transfer of items from one person to another, taking a healthy commission in the process.’ When it goes right, he thought, remembering his ‘agent’ who’d nearly got caught the previous day.
‘And does that make much money?’
‘Enough. I also offer, er, protection too. That’s lucrative.’
‘Oh, goody. I love a man with plenty of readies,’ she gushed. ‘And you can protect me anytime,’ she added, fluttering her spiders again.
‘Are you ready to order, sir?’ the waiter asked, appearing beside their table.
‘Yes, the haddock and chips for me, please,’ he said, grateful for the interruption. The waiter frowned, and Christian realized he should have let Letticia order first. ‘What will you have, my dear?’ he asked hurriedly, to cover his faux pas.
‘Oh, Christian, you are forward,’ she gushed. ‘I’ll have the same but with a double portion of mushy peas, please. Do you have any battered cod’s roe?’
‘Certainly, madam. Would you care to change your order?’
‘Goodness me, no, I’m so famished I’ll have that as well.’
What a pig, Christian thought, calculating how much (or, rather, how little) he had in his wallet. And he’d been hoping to have enough left to spend on Lil’s favours later.
‘Can I get you more drinks, sir?’
‘Scotch, please, a large one,’ Christian replied automatically.
‘Well, if you’re pushing the boat out, I’ll have a large gin and pink,’ Letticia grinned. ‘I’m not really used to imbibing, so you might have to carry me home,’ she giggled.
Christian’s spirits lifted. Not used to drink, eh? Perhaps there was hope for later, and without paying for it. The park was really dark, and he knew the weak link in the chain they used to lock the gate.
‘I’ve told you all about my job, Letticia, so why don’t you tell me about yours. You’re a travelling schoolmistress, I believe,’ he asked, turning on the charm.
‘Oh, Christian, I do believe you’ve been doing your homework,’ she tittered. ‘My little joke, get it?’
‘Very droll,’ he replied. ‘You’re obviously a clever lady. Now, which schools do you teach in?’
‘Two local authority establishments in the town, and I also have to visit this place called Red Cliffs,’ she pulled a face. ‘It’s horrid, full of evil, smelly little girls. Do you know, the other day one of them had the audacity to question my sewing instruction? Nobody doubts my methods, I can tell you, so I locked her in the coal store.’
‘How terrible,’ he exclaimed, thinking she must be a hard woman to do such a thing; even he wouldn’t do that to a child.
However, Letticia thought he meant it had been terrible for her. ‘It was. That new woman, Miss Sullivan, tried to take me to task, but I told her good and proper.’
‘Quite right too,’ he nodded, thinking that was a scene he’d like to have witnessed. ‘I’m intrigued. If you hate working at Red Cliffs that much, why don’t you leave? I mean, a clever young lady like you must be in great demand,’ he gushed, and she flushed with pleasure.
‘Your drinks,’ the waiter said, placing their glasses before them. He watched in astonishment as Letticia downed hers in one, wiped her lips with the back of her hand, then placed her glass back on the tray.
‘Another, please,’ she told the waiter. If the man was surprised, he was too well trained to comment and, with a polite nod, went to replenish her glass. ‘All this talking is giving me a right thirst,’ she giggled at Christian, who was nursing his whisky thoughtfully.
‘You were telling me why you don’t leave Red Cliffs,’ he prompted.
‘So I was,’ she replied. ‘My father is employed by the local authority. He’s very high up, you know. Well, anyway, he says that working for a charitable institution will look good on my character and might even improve my marriage prospects,’ she giggled. ‘As you’re probably aware, I’m not the typical English rose you gentlemen seem to prefer.’
She paused, and Christian realized she was expecting him to demur. ‘You have very interesting characteristics, Letticia,’ he said.
‘Goodness, do you think so?’ she simpered. He nodded, and she leaned forward so that her top gaped, affording him a glimpse of her skinny bosom. Crikey, he’d seen more meat on a sparrow, he thought, remembering Lil’s luscious, rounded curves. ‘This is really nice, Christian. I’m having a lovely time and could sit here all night,’ she sighed.
Heaven forbid, he thought, just as the waiter and waitress appeared.
‘Your drink, miss, and your food,’ the waiter said, stepping back so that the waitress could set down her loaded plate. Christian tried not to curse. What he’d envisaged would be a quick discussion about the failures of Red Cliffs looked like taking up the whole of his evening as well as rapidly depleting the contents of his wallet. At this rate, he’d end up without the wherewithal to enjoy some real comforts with Lil, which he was sorely in need of after the past half hour.
‘This is what I call a decent portion,’ Letticia was saying.
He eyed her piled plate with distaste and then looked quickly away as she began stuffing the food into her mouth.
‘They are going to carry out an inspection at that so-called school,’ she told him, spraying a mixture of batter and peas across the table and completely ruining the little appetite he’d had. He pushed his plate aside. ‘You not going to eat that?’ she asked. He shook his head, and she stabbed his fish with her fork and added it to her own. ‘Be a shame to waste it,’ she said, seeing his horrified look.
‘Sure you wouldn’t like the chips as well?’ he asked sardonically.
‘Oh, thanks,’ she said, pulling his plate towards her. ‘Good job you didn’t have mushy peas as well ’cos anymore and I’d have wind something chronic.’
Charming, he thought, taking a sip of his drink and determining to get the conversation back on track. ‘Is it usual for schools to have inspections?’ he asked. She nodded but, to his irritation, continued stuffing large pieces of fish into her mouth. Feeling sick, he looked down at his glass and tried to ignore the revolting sounds coming from across the table. Then pushing both empty plates to one side, she gave an almighty belch.
‘Oops, manners,’ she laughed, taking a glug of her gin, which seemed to refresh her memory. ‘You were asking about inspections,’ she said. ‘Well, Red Cliffs is a special case. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but there has been a complaint, so of course my father will have to investigate.’
‘Why will your father have to investigate?’ he asked, looking at her intently.
‘I already told you, he’s the inspector,’ she announced proudly.
‘What will happen if the school is found wanting?’ he asked.
‘Then he could have them shut down. Still, knowing him, he’ll probably give them a warning or something.’
‘But if they were closed down you wouldn’t have to work there any more, would you?’ Christian pointed out. ‘Surely that would be the answer to your prayers?’ And mine, he thought, as a vision of the property developer handing him a wad of notes flashed before him.
She sighed. ‘The trouble is, I would either have to find another job or marry.’
‘Well, as I said earlier, you have attributes that make you very marriageable. Any man would be proud t
o propose …’ he began.
‘Goodness, Christian, I had no idea you felt that way about me. I mean, a proposal on our first date, well!’
‘I didn’t mean …’ he stammered, taking a hurried gulp of his drink.
‘I accept, you silly man. I was only trying to keep the school open because I thought I’d never get another position as convenient as that. Now, I don’t need it. I shall tell father he must have Red Cliffs closed immediately. Then we can arrange our wedding,’ she cooed.
‘No,’ he said, swallowing hard. ‘That’s not what I meant …’
‘You’re worried about those poor little children. Well, that’s so sweet of you, I could kiss you right this minute,’ she said, leaping to her feet and hurrying over to kiss his cheek.
The restaurant fell silent as the other diners looked on with interest. Christian rubbed his cheek in dismay. What the heck had gone wrong?
‘Sit down. You’re making a spectacle of yourself,’ he hissed.
‘Oh, I’m so happy, Christian. When we have our own family, you’ll make a wonderful father,’ Letticia gushed.
Unable to contain his dismay, he snapped his fingers at the waiter. ‘Bring me the bill.’
Outside, a gentle drizzle was falling. Anxious to be rid of the woman, Christian seized upon the excuse.
‘Driver,’ he called, hailing a passing carriage. ‘Take this, er, lady home,’ he instructed as it pulled up alongside them.
‘But darling Christian, you must come with me and speak to Father,’ she pouted.
‘These things need to be done properly, Letticia. It’s too late an hour to respectably call upon him this evening,’ he replied glibly. ‘Besides, I have more business to attend to. Good weddings require money, after all. Now, hurry out of the wet,’ he said, all but pushing her inside and hurriedly closing the door.
She lowered the window and leaned out. ‘How long will it be before I see you again?’ she asked.
‘Be assured, I will attend to my business as quickly as I can. In the meantime, the sooner you can get Red Cliffs closed, the sooner we can set a date, can’t we?’
‘Oh, Christian, you really are keen. I will speak to Father first thing in the morning.’
‘Until I can formally ask for your hand, you must keep our plans for the future secret. I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with my future in-laws, do I? Now, pull up the window, and I’ll see you as soon as I can. Off you go, driver,’ he called.
As the carriage moved away, he sank back against the wall. That was a close shave, Christian, he told himself. Silly cow! As if he’d entertain the notion of marriage to someone like her. He needed somebody warm, someone whose kisses filled him with passion. Not like that sloppy effort she’d inflicted on him. Still, at least it had given him the opportunity to lift her purse, he thought, pulling it from his pocket and testing its weight. Red Cliffs was within his grasp at last, he thought, whistling as he headed towards the nearest tavern to celebrate.
When Christian woke the next morning, his head was thumping, and his throat felt as rough as sandpaper. Despite his hangover, he was in high spirits, for Red Cliffs would soon be his. Checking he had enough of Miss Green’s money left for a carriage, he hurriedly got himself ready. He would pay a visit to Madam Rosa, collect his valuables and get his agents to dispose of them. Then he would lie low while Miss Green dealt with her father’s inspection. She was so keen to marry, he had no doubt she would ensure the school was closed down. Things couldn’t have worked out better, he chuckled.
Buoyed up with his success, he decided to take another look at his inheritance. Giving the driver instructions to head for Red Cliffs and then on to the Yalberton area where he knew the gypsies had made their latest camp, he hopped into the carriage. Then he closed his eyes and settled down to sleep. It seemed only moments later when he was woken by the carriage juddering to a halt. Peering out of the window, he saw a crocodile of ragged urchins crossing the road in front of them. Sarah was laughing up at that Higgins fellow, and he couldn’t help thinking she’d be quite a good-looking woman if it wasn’t for that unruly hair of hers and those unfashionable clothes. A great improvement on that scrawny Miss Green, anyway, he thought with a shudder. Glancing behind, he saw the imposing property of Red Cliffs rising up from behind the iron railings. Not long now and it would be his, he smirked, rubbing his hands together with glee.
*
Unaware she was being observed, Sarah continued her conversation with Harry then fell silent as they entered the church. Determined to put all thought of the school’s accounts and forthcoming inspection out of her mind, she opened her hymnal. A little hand crept into hers, and looking down, she saw Monday regarding her with those periwinkle eyes. Her heart swelled with love, and she gave the girl a warm smile. Then she looked at the other children from the school. Whilst they were clean from their bath night, their mismatched clothes set them apart from the rest of the congregation, who were dressed in their Sunday best.
‘Ask and ye shall receive,’ the vicar intoned, staring down from the pulpit.
I only ask that Red Cliffs is saved, Sarah thought.
‘Whatever ye ask, ye shall be granted.’
‘I want a wee wee,’ Maisie’s little voice piped up. As a titter ran through the congregation, Mrs Daws quickly led the little girl from the church. Aware that some people were tutting in disapproval, Sarah and Harry exchanged dismayed glances. Whatever would the vicar think of this interruption to his sermon?
They needn’t have worried, for he was smiling. ‘Trust a little child to show us the way. That little girl was not afraid to ask and nor should we be. Something to reflect on as we sing our final hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”.’
‘Well, back to the fray,’ Harry whispered as they led the children up the aisle. Sarah nodded. Truth to tell, however hard she tried to dispel it, the forthcoming visit to the accountants was playing on her mind, and she was anxious to get back and sort the rest of the papers. Unfortunately, as she hurried down the path, she was accosted by Hubble, Bubble and Trouble, as Mrs Daws had named them, and by the expressions on their faces she could tell they meant business.
25
‘Good morning, Miss Sullivan,’ Miss Snooper greeted her, sniffing as she looked Sarah up and down. ‘The verger has told us of your requirement for new material so the girls can make items for the Christmas Fayre. I must say, we were most surprised to hear that, for they usually serve the refreshments.’
‘And they still can, Miss Snooper,’ she replied, making an effort to curb her impatience. ‘It’s customary for the boys to make things in order to raise funds, and I feel it is only fair the girls should be given the same opportunity.’
Miss Snooper sniffed. ‘Really? Why? I mean, they are girls,’ she said, emphasizing the word girls.
‘And being girls, sewing skills will enhance both their employment and marriage prospects,’ Sarah explained, forcing her lips to remain smiling.
‘But do they really need new cloth?’ Miss Prior asked, her beady eyes boring into Sarah.
Before she could reply, Miss Middle spoke. ‘I see you are wearing yet another dress, Miss Sullivan,’ she said, narrowing her eyes at Sarah’s green skirts. ‘Are our donations not good enough for you now, then?’
‘Of course, Miss Middle, we are most grateful for your offerings. Actually, this dress is one which I have adapted to fit.’
‘Oh, you sew, that explains it,’ the woman muttered.
‘It is a handy skill to have, Miss Middle, and as I said earlier, one that will benefit the girls throughout their lives. However, if we expect people to pay for the articles we make then the material really does need to be in pristine condition.’
As Miss Snooper sniffed and opened her mouth to say something else, Sarah noticed Jack Wise beckoning to her.
‘Please excuse me, ladies. I believe the verger wishes to speak with me. But if you can assist with the materials, we will be most grateful. Good morning to yo
u,’ she said, smiling with relief as she hurried towards him.
‘I do believe Miss Sullivan has set her hat at our dear verger,’ Miss Snooper sniffed. Sarah couldn’t resist turning and quoting the school motto.
‘Love never faileth, Miss Snooper,’ she called, stifling a giggle.
‘I’m sorry for interrupting your conversation, Miss Sullivan,’ Jack said, his eyes twinkling in a way that let her know he was anything but. ‘I wanted you to know that, having given your request for new material my keenest attention, I have found the perfect solution.’
‘Really, Mr Wise, er, Jack? That sounds marvellous, and so quickly too.’ She smiled up at him and he beamed delightedly back.
‘Let me introduce you to Mrs Knight and she will explain,’ he said, ushering Sarah back to the porch where an elderly lady, sporting an elegantly trimmed bonnet, was waiting in a wicker Bath chair.
‘This is Miss Sullivan from Red Cliffs, Mrs Knight. She is the person who has had the splendid idea that girls as well as boys should raise funds for the Christmas Fayre.’
‘And quite right too,’ the silver-haired woman, replied, giving Sarah such a warm smile, she knew she had an ally. ‘Miss Sullivan, it is nice to make your acquaintance. I’m really interested in your project and might even be able to help. Do you have a few moments to talk?’ Sarah looked down the path and saw the crocodile of children led by the master already making its way up the road towards the school.
‘Yes, of course, Mrs Knight.’ The woman beamed.
‘Just give a wave when you’re ready for me to push you home, Mrs Knight,’ the verger said. Then, with another bright smile in Sarah’s direction, he bounded over to where the vicar was now being interrogated by the three good ladies of the church.
‘I do believe you have an admirer, my dear,’ Mrs Knight chuckled. ‘Now, I understand you are seeking new material for your girls to make aprons and other items for the Christmas Fayre.’
Sarah nodded. ‘I feel it’s important they should contribute to the fundraising, as well as serving refreshments. It would be good for their self-esteem and teach them a craft. Although there are some here who don’t agree,’ she added, looking over towards the three ladies.