by Linda Finlay
Seeing further protest was useless, Merry swallowed down her retort and nodded.
‘Blimey oh rimey, girl, she’s got it in for you good and proper,’ Freckles murmured as they hurried to the staff-room that evening. It had certainly been a long afternoon, for nothing Merry had done had met with Mrs Smale’s approval.
‘Well, hello there, girls,’ Chester said, looking up from his supper as they entered the staff-room. ‘You’re mighty late.’
‘We were kept in. Took me back to me school days, I can tell you,’ Freckles sighed as she sank onto a chair.
‘Sorry we didn’t wait, girls,’ Teddy added. ‘But we were starving after spending the afternoon pounding the streets.’
‘You what?’ Freckles asked, helping herself to bread and butter.
‘Mr Jenkins had us walking all round town wearing placards advertising the store,’ Chester said, frowning at Merry. ‘You look even paler than usual; you all right?’
‘Well …’ she began.
‘Old Smelly had a right go at her.’
‘Like the name,’ Teddy grinned at Freckles.
‘Well, her breath reeks of old cabbage. Anyway, she really went for Merry just ’cos Fairbright liked her idea of advertising the store’s opening.’
‘Ah, so we’ve you to thank for our poor aching feet?’ Chester moaned, grimacing at Merry.
‘I just said to Mr Fairbright that I thought we needed to let people know we were open.’
‘Forget it for now, girl, and get some hot tea down you. That’ll make you feel better,’ Freckles said, picking up the large brown pot.
As the others bantered and compared notes of their day, Merry sipped the scalding liquid. Why had the manageress taken against her? She’d only been trying to help, and she’d carried out every task she’d been assigned to the best of her ability.
‘What do you think, Merry?’ She came to with a start to find five faces staring at her expectantly.
‘We were planning what to do on our first Sunday off,’ Chester explained. Merry stared at her new friends, wondering if she should go home. But it was so far, and she’d only have been away a week. Also, she really didn’t want to risk bumping into Nicco.
‘After we’ve been to church, of course,’ Prunella added.
‘Oh, yes,’ Nicholas agreed.
‘Or not, as the case may be,’ Teddy winked. ‘We thought if we chatted nicely to Joanie, she might pack us a picnic.’
‘Oh, you did, did you, Master Bear?’ the housekeeper said, bustling into the room to clear their plates.
‘Your food is the best ever, Joanie,’ Chester wheedled, rubbing his stomach appreciatively.
The woman grinned. ‘Pleased to hear it, young man, and I’ll be pleased to pack a picnic ready for you to collect after morning service,’ she said, wagging her finger at him.
‘You’re a hard task mistress,’ he protested.
‘But a proper one, young man,’ she retorted. ‘Now who’d like some bread and butter pudding?’
The rest of the week passed in a whirl. The boys had been sent out again with their placards and, as word spread, the store became busier. Determined not to get on the wrong side of Mrs Smale again, Merry meticulously carried out her duties but she could feel the woman watching her every move. It was a relief to cover the counters and clear the window on Saturday evening.
The sun was hot on their skin, their mood jubilant as the trainees made their way back from church the next morning. Merry inhaled deeply, revelling in the fresh air after having been cooped up indoors all week.
Chester smiled at her. ‘Mind all the dust these carriages are stirring up,’ he said, gesturing to the Sunday worshippers passing by. ‘It’s the perfect weather for eating al fresco, though, is it not?’
‘Thought we were having a picnic in the park,’ Freckles giggled, nudging his arm.
‘Al fresco means an informal meal prepared for eating in the open air,’ Prunella informed them.
‘You are clever, Prunella,’ Nicholas said, gazing at her in wonder before looking quickly away.
‘We’ll go on and collect the food,’ Chester said. With whoops of delight, the boys ran ahead, leaving the girls watching after them.
‘I think you’ve got an admirer there, our Pru,’ Freckles commented. ‘All Nicholas needs is a bit of encouragement.’
‘I don’t think so,’ Prunella said seriously, not bothering for once to reprimand Freckles for shortening her name. ‘My time here is purely a temporary measure while Mother seeks a suitable marriage prospect. She wishes me to marry a duke or, at the very least, a lord in order for me to have a title.’
‘Blimey oh rimey,’ Freckles muttered, raising her eyebrows at Merry as they approached the store. She hadn’t realized before now just how imposing the building was. It was set in a row of large brick houses, most of which now had sizeable shop windows fronting the street. They were about to turn down the path that led to the back yard, when a figure stepped out of the shop doorway.
‘Cop a load of that,’ Freckles whistled.
As the man came closer Merry’s heart flopped.
‘Hello, Merry,’ Nicco said, his smarmy grin encompassing Freckles and Prunella.
‘Nicco, what are you doing here?’ she stuttered.
‘I’ve come to see you, of course. A seagull told me it was your day off so I thought we could spend it together. Been waiting ages,’ he grumbled.
‘Well, we’ll leave you to it,’ Freckles said. ‘Don’t want to be goose-gogs, do we, Pru?’
‘Oh, don’t go …’ Merry began, but Nicco took hold of her arm.
‘Nice to meet you, ladies, but I’m sure you’ll understand I wish to spend time alone with my betrothed.’ He pulled Merry towards the donkey and cart, leaving them staring after him in amazement.
‘I am not your betrothed,’ Merry hissed, pulling her arm away.
‘Oh, come on, we told everyone we’d be making it formal at the fair next month. Of course, I hadn’t known then that you intended running off to Plymouth. Still, it’s obviously something you had to get out of your system. I told Father I’d let you do it then you’d be ready to settle down and be a good wife.’
‘Settle down? Be a good wife? Nicco Neaple, you are the most conceited man I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.’ She was so incensed she didn’t notice the little group of Sunday worshippers gathered close by, watching in amazement.
‘Come along, you’re creating a scene,’ he said, taking her arm again.
Angrily, she shook him off. ‘Look, Nicco, let’s get one thing straight …’ she began.
‘Stop making an exhibition of yourself. Get into the cart and we’ll go somewhere more private,’ he insisted. ‘Then we’ll talk.’
She narrowed her eyes and stared at him. ‘Only if you promise to listen to what I have to say.’
‘Yes, yes, but do hurry up,’ he said, already gathering up the reins.
Knowing she needed to sort things out once and for all, Merry reluctantly climbed up beside him. He urged the donkey on and guided them through the bustling crowds until they came to a quieter street with tall houses on one side, an imposing pillared stone theatre and open parkland on the other.
As her body settled into the rocking rhythm, she found herself beginning to calm down. She’d never been to this part of the town before and watched in awe as they passed by a busy railway station and goods yard, with smoke and steam belching from sooty black trains, which shunted back and forth, clanging and hissing as they went.
Climbing higher up the cliff road, she stared down at the harbour where dozens of masts swayed in the breeze and men scurried around unloading crates and barrels onto the quays. Even from here she could see these boats were larger than the luggers that ferried goods into Porthsallos. Then the cart turned a corner and she could see the open sea shimmering in the distance. Her spirits lifted and she inhaled the salty air greedily. Noticing, Nicco smiled and patted her arm.
‘You might
have moved away from the sea but it’s still inside you,’ he declared. Although what he said was true, she wasn’t about to admit it. She’d enjoy the ride, but when he stopped she needed to explain once and for all that she had no intention of marrying anyone, ever.
Then she realized he’d pulled up at a green beside a tea room with tables and chairs overlooking the Hoe and the sea beyond. Jumping down, he tethered the donkey through the railings, then immediately put out his hand.
‘Come on,’ he said. Not wishing to make a fuss, Merry allowed him to help her down from the cart.
She noticed the people already seated were smartly dressed, and was glad she was wearing her Sunday best although she had to admit it was looking slightly the worse for wear now. Soon she’d be able to buy some material and run up a new dress, she thought, her spirits rising.
‘It’s a bit early for supper,’ Nicco said. ‘Therefore I intend making my declaration over luncheon.’ Merry’s eyes widened in horror and, as if the sun had fallen from the sky, she shivered.
‘Please don’t, Nicco,’ she whispered. ‘I really need to talk to you …’ She stuttered to a halt as a shadow fell over them.
‘You wish to order, sir?’ the waiter asked.
‘Just a lemonade for me, please,’ Merry said quickly.
‘Ah, yes, you are playing hard to get,’ Nicco grinned at her. ‘That’s fine. I will bide my time. Two glasses of lemonade, please, waiter.’
They sat looking out over the water until their drinks were placed before them.
‘Here’s to us,’ Nicco said, raising his glass to hers.
‘Look, Nicco …’
‘I couldn’t believe it when I called to collect you from Fairbright’s, only to learn you’d travelled back to Porthsallos with him.’
Merry stared at him in surprise. ‘You went to Mr Fairbright’s?’
‘Indeed I did. I had intended taking you to Plymouth as usual but Father had things he wished to discuss at the pallace and kept me later than I’d anticipated. Heard you’d travelled by carter with that Otto,’ he muttered, scowling into his glass.
She was about to say he was a good man then thought better of it. It wouldn’t do to rile Nicco.
‘I had to keep my appointment, Nicco. Mother and Grozen rely on me.’
‘I’m glad you realize that. They both send you their regards and hope you’ll pay them a visit soon.’
‘You make it sound as if I’ve been away ages,’ she sighed, picking up her drink.
‘It feels that way to me,’ he replied, giving her a sombre look. Quickly, she stared out over the sea. She refused to be blackmailed. ‘Anyway, I took the pony and trap and rode like the wind in order to bring you back from Plymouth. You’d already left, though, and that Brown woman told me you’d used your charms to secure this job …’
‘What!’ Merry spluttered, banging her glass down on the table so that the people seated at the next table turned to look. ‘Look, Nicco, I got the job fair and square,’ she hissed. ‘I had to attend an interview, answer mathematical questions and then, and only then, was I offered the job.’
He shrugged. ‘It is of no consequence, Merry.’
She stared at him in disbelief. ‘Clearly you have no idea how I feel, Nicco. But then it’s always been about you and what you want, hasn’t it? This is the best opportunity I’ve ever been offered and I intend to make the most of it,’ she retorted, jumping to her feet.
Dashing away her angry tears, she hurried off. Really he was the most arrogant man, and who did that Miss Brown think she was? Using her charms, indeed! Why didn’t anyone credit her with any intelligence? Hearing footsteps behind, she quickened her pace but it wasn’t long before Nicco caught up with her.
‘That’s what I love about you, Merry,’ he chuckled, falling into step beside her.
‘What, my wish for independence?’ she asked, hope rising that perhaps he did understand after all. When he didn’t answer she turned to face him. He was staring out over the water.
‘See all those sparkles?’ he said, his voice low. ‘They’re just like the diamonds I want to give you.’
‘Oh, Nicco,’ she groaned. ‘Look, I really do like you but I don’t want to marry you – or anyone, come to that.’
He sighed and was quiet. ‘It’s this job, isn’t it?’ he asked finally.
‘That’s part of it, yes,’ she admitted. ‘I need to prove to myself that I can do it, Nicco, and I really want you to understand.’ He nodded and her heart lifted.
‘Well, Nicco is nothing if not fair. You may stay in this little job. I shall bide my time until you’ve got it out of your system. Then we shall marry.’
‘No!’ she gasped. ‘That’s not what I meant at all. You must understand …’
‘I will tell everyone back home we have decided on a year’s betrothal and that we’ll marry come the fair next year,’ he butted in.
Merry opened her mouth to protest then closed it again. He would never listen so what was the point?
‘I’d better be getting back; the others will wonder where I’ve got to,’ she said quickly.
‘Don’t think I’ll forget this conversation, Merry. I will make my formal declaration in one year from now.’
Merry relaxed back into her seat as they made the journey back to the store in silence. A year was an age and anything could happen during that time.
‘I’ll come and see you next Sunday,’ he said, pulling on the reins as they drew up outside the store.
‘No, don’t do that. Everything’s new here and I need to spend time with the other assistants,’ she said, quickly climbing down. ‘Give my love to Mother and Grozen and tell them I’ll make the journey home to see them before long.’ He opened his mouth to reply but, not wishing to hear any more, she turned, ran down the path to the yard and fled inside.
Closing the heavy door with a sense of relief, she leaned against it and breathed in deeply. Would Nicco never get the message? While she intended going home in the near future, he needn’t know that, need he?
CHAPTER 15
‘Surely you haven’t been out by yourself, Miss Dyer?’ Merry looked up to see the manageress frowning at her.
Although it was their day off, the woman was still attired in her black dress and was looking as officious as she did on the shop floor.
‘A friend from Porthsallos came to visit, Mrs Smale,’ she answered.
‘A gentleman, perhaps?’
Merry flushed, uneasy at the gleam that sparked in the woman’s eyes. It reminded her of something, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember what.
‘Let me remind you that the terms of your employment require permission be granted before you may have a follower.’
‘Nicco is not my follower, Mrs Smale. Like I said, he is a friend …’
But the manageress wasn’t listening. ‘You can be sure this misdemeanour will be marked on your records, Miss Dyer.’
‘But I haven’t done anything wrong, Mrs Smale,’ Merry insisted, but the woman was already marching away.
‘Oh rats,’ Merry cried, fighting back hot tears as she hurried up the stairs. Sinking onto her bed, she kicked off her shiny shoes then lay back against the pillow and stared up at the skylight. A breeze must have got up; white clouds were scudding across the sky like puffs of cotton wool. What a day, she thought. At least she had a year’s grace from Nicco’s persistent pestering.
In the meantime, she would concentrate on her job. She loved the smell of the materials, the soft feel of the kid-skin gloves, the glossy sheen of the colourful ribbons. Why, she’d even spotted drawers of worsted wool and would be able to advise the clients on its durability and suitability. If only their manageress hadn’t taken against her, she would have been quite happy.
She couldn’t help comparing the shrewish woman with her gentle mother, and was seized with a sudden urge to return to Porthsallos and see her. How comforting it would be to feel her mother’s arms around her. Even the sharp edge of Grozen’
s tongue seemed mild next to Mrs Smale’s bitter barbs. Merry sighed, knowing she would have to leave it a few weeks so Nicco wouldn’t be expecting her. Honestly, where was her courage? She’d spent the past few months dreaming of getting away from the village and here she was, at the first hint of trouble, planning her return.
‘Blimey oh rimey, you’re a dark horse,’ Freckles cried, bursting into the room. ‘Or perhaps, with your cloud of white hair, I should say light horse,’ she spluttered. ‘Fancy you being betrothed and to such a good-looker too. Not that you ain’t good-looking yourself, of course. Poor old Chester’s gutted so I’ll just have to console him …’
‘But he’s not,’ Merry said, raising herself up on her elbow.
‘He is, old thing,’ Prunella agreed.
‘No, I mean Nicco is not my betrothed.’ Freckles and Prunella exchanged perplexed glances. ‘He might want us to marry but I don’t,’ Merry explained.
‘Is he not eligible material?’ Prunella asked.
Despite herself, Merry grinned. ‘Nicco is set to inherit the pilchard factory when his father passes on, so in that respect he is very eligible.’
‘You mean he’s got money as well as looks?’ Freckles whistled. ‘Blimey, girl, what’s your problem?’
‘I don’t want to get married,’ she said.
‘You mean never?’ Prunella gasped. ‘But Mother says that is why we women have been put on this earth, to have …’
‘Yes, yes,’ Freckles interrupted. ‘Here, guess what: you know Chester said he’d made a bloomer on his first day? Well, he finally got round to telling us what it was. Oh, this will make you laugh. He was shadowing Perkins up in the tailor’s room when the client was asked which side he dressed. Anyway, Chester, bless him, said he couldn’t understand why it should make a difference which side of the room he stood,’ she shrieked. ‘What a wheeze, eh?’
‘Sorry, I’m not sure I understand,’ Merry said.
‘No, I didn’t. And it’s really quite shocking,’ Prunella gasped.