The Sea Shell Girl

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake, I reckon you two have only just crawled out from under your gooseberry bushes. It means which side a man has his equipment in his trousers.’

  ‘Equipment?’ Merry frowned.

  ‘Blimey oh rimey have you never seen a naked man?’

  ‘No, of course not,’ Merry stuttered, shocked at the notion.

  ‘Well, I shared bath night with me brothers and …’ She was interrupted by the clang of the supper gong. ‘I’ll explain later. Let’s go down; I’m famished,’ Freckles cried. ‘You missed a good picnic. Joanie packed enough for an army but all that fresh air’s made me hungry again.’

  ‘I think I’ll give supper a miss,’ Merry said, unable to face the inevitable questions about her day.

  ‘Do you have a bad head, Merry?’ Prunella asked. ‘Only I have some smelling salts in my valise.’

  Merry smiled. ‘That’s kind but really I’m not hungry. I am very tired, though,’ she said, yawning as she lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes. Luckily they took the hint and Merry heard the latch click behind them.

  The next morning, after they’d dressed the window and removed the dust covers from the counters, Mrs Smale gave them each an appraising look. Mindful of their altercation the previous day, Merry held her breath but the woman nodded.

  ‘Already you are looking more like trainee assistants. It is good to see you have been paying attention to what I’ve been telling you. Now, before I give you today’s lesson, which will be in the art of selecting fabric, our esteemed employer Mr Didcot wishes to have a few words, so please stand to attention,’ she commanded.

  ‘Good morning, ladies,’ Mr Didcot greeted them, his cane tapping on the stone floor as he crossed the room. ‘I have some exciting news I wish to impart. However, before I do, I would like to thank you for all your hard work in helping to get our store up and running. Mr Fairbright and myself are of the firm belief that our enterprise will only be as good as it’s employees.’ As he paused and beamed at them, Mrs Smale began to clap.

  ‘A round of applause for Mr Didcot, ladies.’ They duly put their hands together only for him to shake his head.

  ‘Thank you, but that is hardly necessary. Now the reason I am here is to welcome our new dressmaker who is joining us today. You may already know that we have a tailor working above menswear and now we are to be graced with our own lady tailoress. Life is moving on a pace and women are now travelling further than they have before. This means they will require suitable attire but have less time to attend dress and hat fittings. As you will already have seen, we have purchased in bonnets and hats in various shapes and sizes, which just need customizing. We have also been fortunate in acquiring beautiful materials, and also dresses that have already been part made.’ He paused as they gasped and looked at each other in surprise. Then, smiling knowingly, he continued, ‘The idea being, the client will need only one fitting, which can be done on the premises. The item will then be finished and packaged ready for carriage collection.’

  ‘That sounds a brilliant idea, Mr Didcot, but will the nobs wear that, so to speak?’ Freckles asked.

  Mrs Smale frowned. ‘I’m sure Mr Didcot has better things to do than answer your ridiculous questions, Miss Brice.’

  ‘That is quite all right, Mrs Smale, and, as it happens, a very good point, Miss Brice. This is indeed a new venture and we have yet to see if it will become popular. As such, I would request you mention this service to our clients whenever appropriate. Now, I know you have a busy day ahead so I will leave you to it.’ As he tapped his way towards the stairs, Mrs Smale turned to address them.

  ‘Right, ladies, you have heard what Mr Didcot has to say about our new service. Now I want you to pay close attention for you are about to receive your first lesson in the art of showing clients the wonderful fabrics and dress lengths we have for sale.’ Opening the glass doors of the floor-to-ceiling cupboard, she gestured to the bolts and bales of materials that lined the shelves. They were arranged in their various colours and as she stared at the wonderful array, Merry felt a pang of excitement. At last she was going to learn the secrets of good dressing.

  ‘Mrs Rose, perhaps you would pass me that wonderful sea-green cotton.’

  ‘Oh, um, yes of course, Mrs Smale.’ To their surprise the woman stood there, her hand hovering over the various green materials.

  ‘Quickly, Mrs Rose. I really do need to conduct this lesson before the store opens,’ the manageress tutted, going over and pulling out the required bolt herself. Freckles nudged Merry’s side.

  ‘You’d think she was colour-blind,’ she hissed.

  ‘Perhaps she’s just nervous,’ Merry whispered, seeing how shaken the supervisor looked.

  ‘Now, in order to show the client this wonderful fabric to best effect, rather than spread it along the counter, display it against your body so that she can see how it could look on her,’ Mrs Smale continued, holding it against her black dress.

  ‘That is beautiful,’ Prunella gasped. ‘Imagine having a gown made up in that.’

  ‘And that is precisely the wonderful service the store will offer. Now, in this other cabinet here we have the part-made items Mr Didcot mentioned. It will be our duty to sell the client what they request, whether it be a length of material or one of the unfinished garments, and then escort them upstairs to the dressmaker. As Didcot and Fairbright is the first store to be offering such a comprehensive service in the town, we have the most marvellous opportunity to make our store a success, which is splendid, is it not?’

  ‘So we sell the client the material or dress length, then take them upstairs to the dressmaker,’ Freckles said.

  ‘No, Miss Brice, you do not. Mrs Rose and myself have been trained to carry out these roles. Your duty will be to shadow us, for of course there will be silks to match to the material, buttons to offer for selection and any manner of accessory the client may wish to add. Here at Didcot and Fairbright it is our aim to provide customization.’

  ‘Customization for the customer, that’s good,’ Freckles laughed.

  ‘Thank you, Miss Brice. Now come over here, all of you, and I’ll talk you through all the labels of these wonderful materials. It will sound more professional if you can refer to them by their name.’

  ‘Here, madam, let me show you our Peter and this is our Paul,’ Freckles gushed. Merry couldn’t help giggling but luckily the manageress was so enthralled by her task, she didn’t hear.

  As word of the new service spread, the store became busy and Merry marvelled at the well-dressed ladies who came in requesting to be shown the merchandise. Now, as instructed, they were lined up behind the counter waiting to be called on to help.

  ‘That’s what we’re like,’ Freckles muttered, jerking her head to a servant hovering patiently behind her mistress. ‘Shadows be blowed; servants more like.’

  ‘Do I have to wait all day for assistance, Miss Brice?’ Mrs Smale called, sending a withering glance their way.

  ‘Coming, Mrs Smale,’ Freckles cried. ‘Immediately, Mrs Smale, at your beck and call, Mrs Smale,’ she added in such a low voice only Merry heard.

  Merry stared around as she waited to be summoned. There was a buzz of excitement about the place that morning as women marvelled at the hats displayed on their blocks, felt the lengths of materials swathed around the dummies, then pointed to the reticules artistically displayed along the shelves behind the counters.

  ‘If their quality is up to scratch it will save me from having to make the tiresome trip to the capital each season,’ one woman declared, as she stopped and held up her lorgnette to inspect the bales of materials displayed behind the counter.

  ‘It will indeed be a blessing,’ her companion agreed. ‘Although whether they will stock the latest mode, remains to be seen.’

  ‘Well, I’ve heard they have a dressmaker on the premises …’ Their voices became inaudible as they moved further down the store. Then Merry noticed a familiar figure enter the store. It was Lady
Sutherland, the lady from the granite house in Porthsallos. She was immaculately dressed as ever, and Merry watched in fascination as she seemed to glide across the floor. How lovely to be so elegant, so poised, she thought as the lady approached the counter.

  ‘Excuse me, my dear,’ she said, stopping in front of Merry.

  ‘How may I help you, madam?’ Merry asked politely, trying to quell her nerves.

  ‘I just wondered if there was something wrong. Has my hat pin dislodged or has perchance a smut from the dusty road outside landed upon my face?’

  Merry’s eyes widened in horror. ‘Oh, no, madam, please forgive me for staring. It’s just that I have seen you in Porthsallos.’

  The woman peered closer. ‘Ah, yes, the girl with the beautiful white hair – I, too, have seen you.’

  ‘May I be of assistance, modam?’ Mrs Smale asked, frowning at Merry as she hurried across the room. ‘Please forgive Miss Dyer for not showing you any of our merchandise. She is but a trainee assistant and …’

  ‘She is looking after me perfectly well, thank you. As I was saying, Miss Dyer, the weather will be changing soon and I am seeking material for my dressmaker to run up a more suitable outfit for the autumn. Perhaps you could advise something appropriate?’

  ‘Please allow me, modam,’ Mrs Smale simpered. ‘I am, Mrs Smale, the manageress here.’

  ‘Really?’ Lady Sutherland replied, her lips twitching in amusement. ‘Then perhaps you could give me the benefit of your expert opinion.’

  ‘Of course, modam. I feel the sea green would be perfect. Miss Dyer, please hand me the sea-green wool crepe.’

  Merry looked at the woman and frowned. Surely with those hazel eyes and dark hair that colour would be too cool against her skin.

  ‘But …’ she began.

  ‘Now, Miss Dyer, I’m sure our esteemed client doesn’t have all day.’

  ‘Indeed I do not, which is why it will be such a help having the benefit of your expert advice,’ the woman said.

  ‘Thank you, modam. Now, Miss Dyer, perhaps you could display the material as I demonstrated.’

  Merry held the material up against her dress and turned this way and that so the woman could get the full effect.

  ‘It is indeed a wonderful colour but would you think it right for me, my dear?’

  As Lady Sutherland turned the full force of her amused glance on Merry, she felt obliged to shake her head.

  CHAPTER 16

  ‘Then perhaps you would be so kind as to show me what you consider would be suitable, my dear?’ Feeling the manageress bristle, Merry turned towards her.

  ‘Do as the client requests, Miss Dyer,’ she ordered in a tight voice.

  Merry nodded and, turning back to the materials, selected a heavier fabric in a darker pine green. As she held it up against her, Lady Sutherland nodded.

  ‘That would indeed make a beautiful skirt. And can you recommend material for a blouse to go with it?’ Ignoring the manageress’s sharp intake of breath, Merry turned and selected a bolt of cream silk then displayed it against herself. ‘Perfect. Now, buttons, I think.’

  ‘Whilst Miss Dyer is selecting some in pearl, may I take this opportunity to advise you that we have our own dressmaker on the premises. I would be happy to take you upstairs to meet her and discuss your requirements,’ Mrs Smale gushed.

  ‘Surely you weren’t about to suggest pearl buttons, Miss Dyer?’ Lady Sutherland asked, putting her hand to her mouth in horror.

  Merry had to stifle a giggle for the woman was clearly enjoying herself. ‘Well, actually no, I wasn’t,’ she replied.

  ‘Thank heavens, for I cannot abide them; they remind me of my grandmother’s blouses. I will leave the choice to you, Miss Dyer; you obviously have good taste.’ Lady Sutherland smiled at Merry before turning to Mrs Smale. ‘One cannot beat the enthusiasm of youth. They see things with such a fresh eye, don’t they?’

  ‘Indeed, modam,’ Mrs Smale said stiffly. ‘Although personally speaking I feel experience counts for more. Now I was telling you about our new dressmaker and you will be delighted to hear about our new service. We are proud to be the first store in the area to offer part-made items of clothing. They require only one fitting, which I’m sure you will agree will prove invaluable in the saving of your time.’

  Lady Sutherland glanced at the clock then shook her head. ‘Talking of time, I’m afraid I am running late for my next appointment. However, I will call in another day and ask Miss Dyer to show me what you have to offer. In the meantime, if you could have everything packaged, I will send my driver round to collect them. Thank you for your advice, my dear. You have a very good eye for colour. Good morning to you both.’

  The woman had hardly left the store before Mrs Smale rounded on Merry.

  ‘Miss Dyer, may I remind you that I am the manageress of ladieswear and you, as a lowly trainee assistant, are here to do my bidding. In future you will wait until I ask you to assist with a client.’

  ‘But you were serving someone else and …’

  ‘It is not your place to argue with me, Miss Dyer. I would also point out that you failed in your duty to mention our new part-made service. That is a serious omission after Mr Didcot’s instruction, and one that will be noted on your records. Now get those items packaged ready for collection,’ she ordered.

  Merry swallowed hard as the woman strode away across the store. She’d only been trying to help.

  ‘Blimey, she’s really got it in for you, girl,’ Freckles whispered as she passed by on her way to the stockroom. ‘I’d keep my head down if I were you.’

  Merry spread out brown paper on the counter, then forcefully cut a length of string, knowing what she’d really like to tie it round. Why shouldn’t she help a client if she was asked? And that Lady Sutherland had seemed really nice. Still, Freckles was right: she’d better not give the manageress any further cause for complaint.

  ‘But I expressly asked for crimson ribbon and this is scarlet.’

  Merry was brought back to the present by the indignant voice of a client. Mrs Rose was standing beside her looking mortified.

  ‘I do apologize, madam,’ the supervisor simpered. Then, seeing Merry watching, she gestured her over. ‘Please bring the client the roll of crimson ribbon, Miss Dyer,’ she instructed.

  ‘Of course, Mrs Rose,’ Merry said, turning and selecting the correct red. This wasn’t the first time the woman had picked out something in the wrong colour and Merry couldn’t understand how anybody could make such an elementary mistake.

  ‘Yes, that’s the one,’ the client nodded as Merry held out the roll for her to inspect. ‘I would like a yard, please.’ As she carefully measured the ribbon against the rule, the client scanned the rolls of ribbon before turning back to Mrs Rose. ‘I will also take a yard of the emerald, I think.’ Mrs Rose gaped at the various rolls of green. ‘Today, if you please. I don’t have time to waste,’ the client snapped, making the supervisor jump so that the roll she’d just selected clattered to the floor.

  ‘Oh, no,’ the supervisor gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.

  ‘That was the wrong green anyway,’ the client rebuked, clicking her tongue.

  Swiftly Merry selected the emerald and handed it to Mrs Rose. She was about to retrieve the roll when Mrs Smale appeared at her side.

  ‘It is unforgivable to drop the merchandise on the floor, Miss Dyer. You will remain behind when the store closes for luncheon and explain yourself. Now get this tidied up immediately. I do apologize, modam,’ she said, turning to the client, who was shaking her head.

  ‘Yes, that was most careless of you, Miss Dyer, get this tidied up immediately,’ Mrs Rose echoed. Merry stared at the woman in disbelief until she flushed a dull red and turned away. With great difficulty Merry fought down a retort, then bent and retrieved the ribbon. If that was how she wanted to play it, so be it. Merry wouldn’t be helping her again.

  ‘Blimey, that weren’t fair. It’s just not your day, is it?’ Freckles
said, crouching down beside her.

  ‘I know,’ Merry sighed.

  ‘Miss Brice, return to your station at once,’ Mrs Smale snapped.

  ‘I’m only helping Merry to roll up the ribbon,’ Freckles began but the manageress’s eyes narrowed. ‘Since you are so keen to help your friend, you may remain behind with her at noon. Miss Prim,’ she called to the girl, who was returning from the stockroom. ‘Please assist Mrs Rose by wrapping her client’s purchases.’

  Merry duly tidied away the ribbon, then noticed an elderly lady hovering by the drawers containing hanks of wool. She glanced around but Prunella was still assisting Mrs Rose, and of Mrs Smale there was no sign.

  ‘Can I help you, madam?’ she asked, hurrying over.

  ‘I do hope so, dear. Mother asked me to buy her some wool. She doesn’t get out much and knitting keeps her occupied.’

  ‘What is it she wants to make?’ Merry asked politely, taking in the woman’s stooped figure and speculating how old her mother must be.

  ‘She wishes to make a scarf,’ the woman explained. Merry glanced at the woman, who despite the warm day, was dressed in elegant cashmere, and frowned.

  ‘I can show you the wool we have, but I’m not sure any will really be suitable,’ she began, placing a drawer on the counter.

  ‘Oh, I think this will be perfect,’ the woman enthused, picking up a hank of the navy blue.

  Merry frowned down at the rough yarn. ‘This is worsted wool. It has quite a rough texture due to the tight twist.’

  ‘She makes scarves and mittens for the Missions to Seamen,’ the woman said with a smile.

  ‘Then this will be perfect …’ Merry began.

  ‘Good morning, modam, may I be of assistance?’ Mrs Smale interrupted, appearing by their side.

  ‘No, thank you. This young lady has already been of great help. I will take six hanks of this yarn you recommend,’ she said, turning back to Merry.

  ‘Of course, madam,’ Merry answered as she began counting them out.

  ‘I will issue your receipt, modam,’ Mrs Smale simpered.

  The woman wrinkled her nose and turned back to Merry. ‘I’m sure this young lady is perfectly capable.’ As the manageress stood gaping in her guppy-like manner, Merry had to fight down the urge to laugh.