by Linda Finlay
‘Me, Mr Fairbright? I’m sorry but I don’t see how.’
‘That’s easy, Miss Dyer. You could become a sales assistant in our new store. Of course, you would have to pass an interview and an elementary mathematical test, but I’m sure that would be a mere formality.’
‘A sales assistant? But I have no skills in that kind of work.’
‘You have already shown yourself to be honest, pleasant to people under challenging circumstances and are obviously a hard worker. These are the attributes we require, Miss Dyer, so what do you say? Would you be happy to be interviewed for such a position?’
‘Well, I don’t know. I mean, I have already travelled here this morning and …’ Her words tailed off as butterflies of excitement skittered in her stomach. Wasn’t this what she’d been dreaming of? Yet what would her mother and Grozen say?
‘Mr Didcot is aware of your situation and would be happy to meet us at one o’clock,’ he urged. Seeing him take out his pocket watch and frown, Merry forced herself back to the present. ‘We’ve just time to get there, if we hurry. Come along,’ he insisted.
Realizing she had nothing to lose, Merry followed him out of his office where he was already handing the chit to Miss Brown.
‘Please make payment and reimbursement of wool for Miss Dyer, the correct amount this time, Miss Brown,’ he said. ‘I believe I am now free, unless you have seen fit to rearrange my appointments again?’ He quirked an eyebrow but the woman was frantically pulling down hanks of wool. ‘No hurry, Miss Brown. Miss Dyer will collect everything upon her return,’ he said, snatching his hat from the stand in the corner.
As the agent strode along the busy street, Merry endeavoured to keep up. Her mind was spinning like a merry-go-round at the fair as she tried to take in what he’d said. She didn’t have time to ponder for long, for already he was disappearing down a side road that led through to the main thoroughfare. Finally he came to a halt outside a large double-fronted shop with a door at each side. Before she’d had time to take note of the items in the window, the door on the left was thrown open and a regal-looking woman dressed in black was greeting the agent effusively.
‘Good afternoon, Mr Fairbright. Mr Didcot is waiting in the office for you.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Smale. This is Miss Dyer,’ he said, barely pausing as he marched inside.
The woman frowned down her glasses and shook her head as she took in Merry’s appearance. Hastily smoothing her skirts, Merry followed after the agent. She just had time to take in the glass-fronted counters flanked by rows of wooden drawers before she was ushered up three short flights of stairs to the first floor and into a spacious office.
Mr Didcot welcomed them and bid Merry take a seat in front of his highly polished desk. As the two men began explaining about the new business, she automatically picked up her pins, only to receive a frown from Mr Fairbright.
‘It would be advisable to pay attention, Miss Dyer, for we have much to cover.’
‘Sorry, sir,’ she said meekly.
Mr Didcot nodded and continued talking about their venture, then asked Merry what she had done in Porthsallos. She’d only just finished explaining how she fitted in her knitting around the fish packing when he began firing mathematical questions at her. Just when she thought her brain was going to burst, he sat back in his chair.
‘Well, Fairbright, I don’t know what you think, but I’ve made up my mind,’ Mr Didcot said, his grey eyes twinkling.
Mr Fairbright nodded. ‘I think Miss Dyer has shown herself adept in numeracy and conversational skills.’
‘Really?’ Merry said, her eyes widening.
‘Indeed, Miss Dyer. Such industriousness does you credit and is to be applauded, so I am happy to offer you a trial position here in our new store.’
‘Thank you,’ she gasped, staring from one to the other.
‘Well, would you be happy to faithfully serve and keep the secrets of Didcot and Fairbright?’
‘Yes, I think so, sir, but where would I stay? I couldn’t possibly travel from Porthsallos each day,’ she said, knowing her mother and Grozen would be sure to object.
The two gentlemen chuckled.
‘The terms of your indenture determine you live on the premises. You will share rooms above the store with the other trainee sales ladies.’
‘My indenture?’ Merry asked.
‘The terms of your agreement, Miss Dyer,’ Mr Didcot replied. ‘Now we will need your father’s signature on the paper, along with yours.’
‘I don’t have a father, sir. He died before I was born.’
The two men exchanged looks.
‘I didn’t realize, Miss Dyer,’ Mr Fairbright frowned.
‘I live with my mother and grandmother. Does that make any difference?’
‘No, of course not,’ Mr Fairbright said quickly. ‘Leave it with me, Didcot. I’ll see to things.’
‘All being well, I shall see you on Monday then, Miss Dyer,’ Mr Didcot smiled, then began shuffling his papers together.
‘So soon?’ Merry gasped.
‘We begin the training of all new personnel on Monday of next week,’ Mr Fairbright explained, ushering her out of the office. ‘Ah, Mrs Smale,’ he smiled as the woman hurried towards them, ‘Miss Dyer will be joining us for staff training on Monday.’
‘Indeed? Then I hope she will be more suitably attired, Miss Dyer,’ she said, frowning down at Merry’s hobnail boots.
Mr Fairbright cleared his throat. ‘That will all be taken care of, Mrs Smale.’
‘Will I wear a posh black frock like that?’ Merry asked, fascinated by the little lace collar and tiny glass buttons running from neck to waist of Mrs Smale’s dress.
The woman raised her eyebrows until they met with her parting.
‘Certainly not. You will be dressed in the customary grey befitting to your humble shop-floor status.’
CHAPTER 11
Mr Fairbright insisted on giving Merry a lift home, saying he had business to attend to in the village.
‘I’ll leave you to tell your family your exciting news, then call upon you in the morning to introduce myself and get your mother’s signature on the indenture. Naturally she should feel free to ask me any questions she may have, although I am certain she will approve,’ he smiled.
‘Thank you, Mr Fairbright,’ Merry replied, as she climbed down from his carriage. ‘Oh, you don’t know my address.’
‘But I do, for you gave me the details for your papers of employment,’ he reminded her, his eyes twinkling.
Honestly, what must he think of her, Merry mused as she all but ran down the hill. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother and Grozen about her new position and for once hardly noticed the sea and the boats in the harbour.
However, far from being pleased the two women were outraged.
‘Live in Plymouth?’ her mother gasped. ‘Oh, no, Merry, I don’t think so.’
‘But it is the opportunity I’ve always dreamed of, Mother. I thought you’d be pleased for me – proud of me, even.’
Her mother shook her head. ‘I am proud of you, daughter. Always have been, for you are a skilled and conscientious worker, but …’
‘Surely you won’t stand in my way?’ Merry cried. ‘You understand, Grozen, don’t you?’ Merry pleaded, turning to her grandmother.
The old woman sighed. ‘I do, Merry, more than you realize,’ she said, staring meaningfully at Karenza.
‘Well, you obviously don’t think I’m capable of succeeding at this job. Or perhaps you don’t like the idea of me bettering myself,’ Merry muttered, glancing around their tiny living room. True, it was homely and she’d been happy here, but she wanted to experience more than could be found at home.
‘Oh, Merry, don’t sound so bitter. Of course we want you to get on. Heaven knows, you’ve talked of nothing else since you were a nipper.’ Her mother let out a long sigh. ‘It’s just that you’ll be meeting new people and …’
‘You mean I can go?’ Mer
ry asked, hope fluttering in her breast.
‘We’ll see what your Mr Fairbright has to say in the morning for we’d not want to stand in your way, would we, Karenza?’ Grozen asked, frowning at her daughter.
Slowly Karenza shook her head. ‘No, of course not,’ she muttered, taking hold of Merry’s hand. ‘We’ll miss you if you do go, though.’ Merry swallowed hard, knowing this was an opportunity she just couldn’t turn down.
‘I’ll come back and visit often. Just think, I’ll be able to tell you what goes on in the outside world,’ she joked. To her consternation, her mother’s eyes clouded.
‘That’s what I’m afraid of. Look, Merry, if you are determined to go then there’s something you should know …’
‘Yes?’ she asked, frowning as her mother faltered to a halt.
‘Oh, go and get some rest. We’ll talk in the morning,’ Karenza muttered.
Seeing her mother’s pursed lips, Merry knew there was no use arguing but as she made her way upstairs she heard her grandmother’s voice.
‘I know it’s difficult but you have to let her go, Karenza. Afore she does, though, you really need to tell her …’
Merry paused, straining to hear more, but her grandmother had lowered her voice. Oh well, no doubt she’d find out in the morning, she thought.
However, when she entered the living room the next morning she found her mother and Grozen engaged in a frenzy of activity.
‘What are you doing?’ she asked, staring from the chairs that were upturned on the table to the polishing cloths and broom they were wielding.
‘Making the place respectable for that Mr Fairbright,’ her mother muttered, impatiently tugging a stray tendril of hair back into its knot.
‘He’s coming to see you, Mother, not inspect the cottage,’ Merry laughed.
‘We have standards here, our Merryn,’ her mother admonished. ‘Now put the pot to boil whilst I make myself look presentable.’
‘There’s really no need …’ Merry began, but her mother had disappeared up the stairs. She shrugged and stared at her grandmother. ‘Mr Fairbright is really a nice man.’
‘I’m sure he is, but your mother wants to do you proud so put out the best cups before he arrives.’
Seeing the set look on her grandmother’s face, Merry did as she was told and had just finished when there was a knock on the door.
‘Do I look all right?’ her mother asked, hurrying into the room dressed in her Sunday best.
‘You look fine,’ Merry whispered, hurrying to let her employer in. ‘Do come in, Mr Fairbright,’ she said, then made the introductions.
At first, her mother and Grozen seemed in awe of the smartly dressed man but by the time he was settled at the table with a cup of tea, they began to relax.
‘I have a paper here that explains the terms and conditions of Miss Dyer’s employment. As you can see, she will be trained to the highest standard, have all meals and her uniform provided.’
‘What about her living-in arrangements? I understand there will be male employees on the premises as well?’ Karenza asked.
Merry frowned. ‘Really, Mother.’
‘Don’t worry, Mrs Dyer,’ Mr Fairbright smiled. ‘Your daughter will be sharing a room with two female trainee assistants. The accommodation for the males will be on the other side of the building.’
‘But what if she gets in with the wrong type of man?’ Karenza whispered. ‘I mean, she’s not used the smooth tongues of town gentlemen.’
Merry grinned wryly, thinking of Nicco, but before she could say anything, Mr Fairbright smiled.
‘I’m sure you have taught your daughter right from wrong and can trust her to be sensible.’
‘Yes, we’ve brought up our Merry to be a good girl, haven’t we, Karenza?’ her grandmother replied.
Mr Fairbright smiled. ‘Miss Dyer will be under the auspices of Mrs Smale, the manageress. She is a woman of the world, used to dealing with female requirements.’
‘What about time off? I mean, will we get to see her? Merry hasn’t been away from home before and …’
‘Mother,’ Merry gasped, but again Mr Fairbright smiled gently.
‘We will be recommending our staff maintain contact with their families. With your daughter having only the Sabbath off, the distance between here and Plymouth might pose a problem for her to make regular journeys home but I can promise you will be kept informed of her progress, perhaps by letter?’
‘It would be good to know how she is doing,’ Karenza admitted.
‘I do understand your concerns,’ Mr Fairbright assured her, ‘but I’m sure you want to encourage your daughter to spread her wings and fulfil her potential.’ He paused and Merry thought what a clever man he was.
Slowly her mother nodded. ‘We wouldn’t want to hold her back,’ she sighed. ‘And I’m sure Nicco could bring her home in his cart on occasions.’ Merry frowned, then realizing her mother was weakening, squeezed her hand.
‘As my food and room will be paid for, I’ll be able to bring money home.’ Her mother smiled although Merry noticed it didn’t reach her eyes.
‘But will it be enough to cover the money we’ll lose from her knitting? After all, she does get more for her fancies.’ Grozen fixed the agent with her gimlet stare.
‘That is very true. Which is why I propose you let Miss Dyer show you how to work the shell pattern so that you can knit those fancies too.’
‘Why, you got something up your sleeve, then?’ Grozen asked, quirking a brow.
‘Grozen,’ Merry gasped.
Mr Fairbright smiled and got to his feet. ‘You are a shrewd woman, Mrs Dyer, and hopefully when I return I will be able to reveal my plan. In the meantime, Miss Dyer can spend the rest of the morning showing you the pattern whilst I conclude my business in the village. I’m sure you will wish to read the terms of your daughter’s employment,’ he said, turning to Karenza. ‘If you could give consideration to signing the indenture form, I would be most grateful. Now if you’ll excuse me, I shall be back at noon. Hopefully Miss Dyer will have your blessing to return to the store with me then.’
As soon as the door closed behind him, Grozen turned to Merry.
‘Seems a nice gentleman but I’m not sure about learning this new fancy stitch of yours.’
‘You could at least try, Grozen. If it means you earning more money then …’ Knowing Grozen would never turn down such an opportunity, Merry left her words hanging in the air.
By the time Mr Fairbright returned both women had perfected the shell stitch and Merry, having convinced her mother to sign her indenture, was ready and waiting. He took the signed paper, then inspected the samples Grozen and her mother had knitted.
‘Impeccable work, ladies,’ he enthused. They smiled delightedly. ‘Now, you might be interested to know that Sharp junior has decided he no longer wishes to trade in Porthsallos.’
‘What?’ Karenza gasped. ‘But everyone here relies on him.’
‘Shark that he is,’ Grozen grumbled.
‘His departure has left vacant premises, which I have this very morning leased,’ Mr Fairbright said. ‘I have taken the liberty of speaking with those ladies who traded with him and have come to an agreement. In future they will deal with me and I will pay them a fair rate, in cash, of course. Although I have made it plain that should I find any evidence of unscrupulous practices having been undertaken, trading will cease forthwith.’
Merry smiled to herself. Now she understood why he’d questioned her about the activities of Mr Sharp on their journey to Porthsallos.
‘Good, we don’t want our reputation brought into disrepute by a few local women,’ Karenza said.
‘Although it has to be said they were under extreme pressure to provide for their families,’ Grozen pointed out.
‘Well, I hope the new arrangement will be more suitable for everyone. I shall return each month to collect the work and make payment, so I will see you ladies then.’
Excitement fizzed Mer
ry’s insides as she smoothed down the skirts of her grey bombazine dress and checked her appearance in the shiny glass mirror on the door of the closet. It wasn’t fly-spotted like the one at home, and she’d been told by the formidable Mrs Smale that she must be impeccably turned out at all times. Apparently, they were to be inspected first thing each morning and then again in the afternoon. Her new, highly polished, black laced shoes squeaked as she nervously paced the floorboards waiting for the two trainee shop girls who would be sharing her room to arrive. It was strange not having a frock on the go, but Mr Fairbright had been adamant her new position would keep her too busy for knitting. She peered out of the little skylight and could just make out the sloping roofs of the shops opposite. It was like being on top of the world and very different from her home in Porthsallos.
Merry was still smiling at the surprising turn events had taken, when the door opened and a red-haired, green-eyed girl burst into the room.
‘Fancy having to get up at this time of the morning; it’s hardly light. Hey, this is all right, isn’t it?’ she cried, staring around. ‘I’m Frankie Brice, by the way; Freckles to my friends. Bet you can’t guess why. That your bed?’ She jerked her head to the one alongside the far wall beneath the skylight on which Merry had laid out her night things.
‘Hello, I’m Merryn Dyer, though most people call me Merry. You can have this bed if you prefer,’ she replied.
‘No, you’re all right,’ Freckles said, hefting her bundle onto the one nearest Merry’s. ‘You speak different – where are you from?’
‘Porthsallos, the other side of Logh.’
‘You’re from Cornwall? Well, I never. Plymouth born and bred, me. Da works on the docks. Blimey, these dresses are stiff,’ she grimaced, easing her fingers between the starched collar and her neck. ‘As for these squeaking shoes, Da says he hopes they’re bought and paid for. Hey, get the view,’ she said, standing on tiptoe to peer out of the skylight. ‘Wonder if we can climb onto the roof. Might be a good ruse if we want to break curfew,’ she chuckled.