by Joan Jonker
When Poppy was putting her coat on at lunchtime, she was feeling very happy. She couldn’t wait to tell Charlotte – and Jean, if she could join them – how lucky she felt. And, of course, she wanted to know how Jean had fared on the first morning of her new job.
Poppy’s feet had barely touched the pavement when she was smothered by Charlotte’s arms wrapped round her neck. ‘Oh, Poppy, I’ve been thinking about you all weekend. Do you like your new job? Were they kind to you?’
Her voice muffled, but her heart singing with happiness, Poppy said, ‘If you’ll give me room to breathe, sweetheart, I’ll tell you.’
Charlotte linked her arm and squeezed. ‘It seems ages since I saw you, Poppy, and I have missed you, even though it’s only been two days. But I can see you every day now and we can have lunch together. Jean is meeting us in the café, and I’ve had strict instructions that I am not to ask you any questions about your job until she’s with us. She doesn’t want to miss one word.’
‘And I’m eager to know how she got on,’ Poppy said, as they walked towards the café. ‘I’ve got so much to tell you both, and then we’ve got Jean’s news to listen to, so it’s going to be a busy lunch hour. We’ll have so much to talk about, we’ll have no time to eat.’
‘You must eat something, or you’ll make yourself ill.’ Charlotte nodded in agreement with her words. Then she thought she’d better put into action the plan she’d drawn up that morning. It wasn’t something she wanted Jean to hear. ‘Andrew and I are going to drive you home tonight, as a little celebration of your new job. We’ll drop you at the corner of your street again, so don’t worry about your mother not being prepared for visitors. Then on the way, you can tell Andrew how your day has gone, for he will be interested. Will you come up to our office when you finish work? It’s very difficult to park outside your office, with it being such a busy street.’
Poppy nodded before pushing open the café door. ‘Thank you. It’s kind of you, and I do appreciate it. Don’t mention it in front of Jean, though, ’cos I’d feel embarrassed. And it had better be the last time, or I’m going to be spoiled for getting on a crowded bus.’
Jean got up from where she was sitting at a table for three, and the two women, who had worked together for several years in an office where the atmosphere was always tense, smiled before holding out their arms and hugging each other.
‘I can tell by your face you’ve hopped in as lucky as me,’ Jean said, looking relaxed and years younger. ‘I still can’t believe how quickly it’s all happened.’
‘You two sit down and I’ll go to the counter and order,’ Charlotte said. ‘Soup as usual, with bread, and a cream cake to follow by way of a small celebration.’
It was a noisy lunch, with Poppy and Jean telling excitedly of the difference in their new jobs from working for Mr John. And they both agreed they were stupid to put up with his temper and rudeness for so long. They should have had the courage to walk out long ago. ‘Yes, we should,’ Poppy said, ‘but in this case it’s all well that ends well. We could have found other jobs, I suppose, but I’m sure I’d never have found a nicer boss than Mr Sutherland Senior. He is quiet and gentle, but can be businesslike when he feels like it. I get on with him like a house on fire, and we’ve had a few laughs already. I’m not afraid to speak to him on a level, and he seems to appreciate that.’
‘Ooh, I’m not that sure of myself yet,’ Jean admitted. ‘My boss is very pleasant and friendly. But it’ll be a while before I can get Mr John out of my system, and be more outgoing.’
The lunch break passed quickly, and when it was time for them to go their separate ways, they agreed to meet the next day at the café. After kissing Poppy, Charlotte said she might not make it for lunch the next day. ‘But Andrew and I will see you at the Grafton tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it.’
Jean was standing at the edge of the pavement, waiting for a break in the traffic, when Charlotte said, ‘I’ll walk up to the office with you, Jean, because I want to have a word with Father.’ She blew a kiss to Poppy. ‘’Bye for now.’
Poppy watched for a while as they walked up Castle Street, then turned and ran up the steps to her new office. She was humming softly, and felt lighter in heart than she ever had.
Charlotte rapped on the door of her father’s office. ‘Can I come in, Papa?’ Without waiting for an answer, she opened the door and walked in.
George raised his brows. ‘It’s manners to knock on the door and wait to be invited in, my dear.’
‘I knew you weren’t with a client, Papa, because I asked at reception. I wouldn’t just walk in if you had someone with you.’ Charlotte put her two hands behind her and lifted herself on to the desk. She shuffled her bottom so she could look her father in the face. ‘I’ve just had lunch with Poppy and Jean, and it was wonderful to just sit and listen to them talking about their new jobs, and what a difference there was from working for John Sutherland. Jean is very happy here; she can’t believe her luck. And Poppy, well, she’s beautiful all the time, but today her eyes were shining, and she was full of life. She praised Mr Sutherland Senior, and said he was lovely to work for, and they got on very well together.’
George sat back in his chair. ‘Anything new to report in the romance department? Does she mention Andrew at all?’
‘Poppy was too excited today, talking to Jean. I knew she wouldn’t mention Andrew, for her head was too full of other things, so I said we would run her home after work, just to the top of her road, so she could finish the day off in style. But I’m afraid I’ve been a bit naughty. I led her to believe I’d be with Andrew, otherwise she would never have agreed. But I won’t be here when she comes, because I believe they would get on better if they had some time on their own. Andrew doesn’t know what I’ve arranged yet, but I’ll go upstairs when I’ve finished here. He can make an excuse for my absence by saying Mother rang for one reason or another.’
George leaned forward. ‘Let me get this straight. Poppy has agreed to accept a lift home with you and Andrew, but what she doesn’t know is that you have no intention of being with them. And Andrew knows nothing about it! I know you love your brother, and you are fond of Poppy, my dear, but why do you have to be so cloak and dagger about it? And why don’t you invite Poppy to our house, so your mother can make her acquaintance? That might help matters along, and I believe your mother has every right to be involved if Andrew is really serious about the girl.’
Charlotte’s eyes were like saucers. ‘Oh, no, Papa! I wouldn’t arrange a meeting because I think it could be disastrous. If Poppy was made to feel she was on show, it would put an end to any hope Andrew has.’ She slipped down off the desk. ‘I have to go up to Andrew’s office now, and put him in the picture. Then I’ll nip off home.’ She kissed her father before heading for the door. ‘I’ll see you later, Papa.’
When the door had closed on his daughter, George pushed his chair back, so he could cross his legs in comfort, and began to think deeply. He was sure his wife would approve of Poppy, for it would be hard not to like the girl. And if they became acquainted, it could only help Andrew’s cause. Then George had a brilliant idea. If his daughter could plan, then so could he. He lifted the internal telephone and asked his secretary to have him put through to Mr John Sutherland Senior. Then he sat back and chuckled as he waited for his telephone to ring.
‘John, old boy, I hope I find you well and prospering?’
‘Can’t complain, old boy,’ John Sutherland replied. ‘I’m not as rich as you, but I’m making enough to keep heart and soul together.’
‘It’s ages since we met, John, so how about lunch at the club tomorrow? I would like to see you again; we don’t meet often enough. But as there is something I want to ask of you, lunch is on me. Not to mention the odd glass or two of single malt. How does that sound to you? Say two o’clock at the club?’
‘Sounds excellent, George, old boy. I’ll look forward to it. See you then.’
George placed the rece
iver back in its cradle, then sat back with a very satisfied expression on his face. And he said softly, under his breath, ‘I believe that’s as good as anything my beloved daughter has come up with so far. If what I’ve got planned in my head bears fruit, then I really will be helping the course of true love.’
Later, as he was leaving the office, he lifted his hard hat as he bid the staff goodnight. And they could hear him whistling as he ran down the steps outside. The receptionist jerked her head at one of the typists. ‘Mr George is in a very good mood. Perhaps he’s got a dinner party to look forward to.’
‘I was going to say some people have all the luck,’ the typist replied, ‘but I won’t, ’cos he’s a good boss.’
Andrew was standing outside the office building when he saw Poppy turn the corner. She waved to him, and his heart flipped. Even at that distance she looked adorable, and he wished she was his girlfriend so he could run towards her and greet her with a kiss, as lovers do. He had never felt like this before and wished he had the nerve to tell her so. As for anyone who said there was no such thing as love at first sight, he would tell them they were wrong. For he’d lost his heart to her the minute he’d held out his hand to help her up off the ground.
‘I’m not late, am I?’ Poppy asked. ‘I got away as quickly as I could.’
‘No, you’re not late,’ Andrew said, ‘but I’m afraid I have a disappointment for you. Mother rang to ask Charlotte to go home, as she needed her for some reason or another. That’s all Charlotte could tell me. I did say you wouldn’t be happy coming in the car with just me for company, but she said she would apologize when she sees you tomorrow at the Grafton.’
Poppy looked up into his face, and asked, ‘Why wouldn’t I be happy in the car with just you for company? Because Charlotte said the drive home was to celebrate my first day in the new job, I had made up my mind to sit in the passenger seat anyway, to make the most of it. So, unless you have any objection, I’d be delighted to sit in the front seat and enjoy your company along with the scenery.’
‘I would never have any objection to you sitting beside me, Poppy, you should know that. It will be my pleasure to drive you home and set you down safe and sound.’
‘Are you ready for the off, or do you have to go back to your office for any reason?’
‘No, I’m finished for the day. My office is closed.’ Andrew was so happy he became daring, and cupped her elbow. ‘My car is parked by Exchange Station, but it’s only a few minutes’ walk.’
‘It’ll do me good to get some exercise, and stretch my legs,’ Poppy said. ‘The only exercise I get is when I go dancing.’ They reached the car and Andrew opened the passenger door. As she slid into the brown leather seat, she added, ‘With you and Charlotte spoiling me like this, I’ll be getting fat.’
Andrew looked at her before starting the car. ‘You don’t need to lose weight, Poppy. You are perfect as you are.’
‘Oh, you wouldn’t be saying that if you saw me first thing in the morning, bleary-eyed and bad-tempered.’
Andrew chortled. ‘I don’t believe that for one minute, but I’d like to see it. Just out of curiosity, of course.’
Poppy snuggled back into the soft leather. ‘I’ve had a wonderful day, Andrew. A day of peace, with no one shouting, snarling, and looking down his nose at me and Jean as though we were peasants. John Sutherland Junior is an uncouth, big-headed rotter, and I feel free and happy knowing that I’ll never have to see or speak to him again. But his father is just the opposite, and I’m going to enjoy working for him.’
Andrew steered the car into the street where Poppy lived, and he had his hand on the ignition key to switch the engine off when she said, ‘Six houses down, Andrew. You might as well do the job properly. I won’t invite you in, though, because my mam will only have been home from work for about a quarter of an hour. And as soon as I get in, she and David will be firing questions at me, about how my day has gone. But I will ask you in soon, just to prove that I do have a mother, and she’s wonderful.’ She stepped out of the car, then turned and put her head back in. ‘Thank you, Andrew, you really are a love. Will I see you and Charlotte at the Grafton tomorrow night?’
Andrew was in his seventh heaven. ‘Of course we’ll be there. I particularly am looking forward to it. Until then, take care, and give my regards to your mother.’
Poppy’s wide smile had Andrew driving home humming softly to himself. He definitely seemed to be making progress. And he vowed that tomorrow night at the Grafton, he’d come right out of his shell and let her see how he felt about her.
And if Andrew was in a happy mood, so were Poppy’s mother and brother as they eagerly listened to how wonderful her day had been. How kind and gentle Mr Sutherland Senior was, and how well they got on. ‘I couldn’t be any happier, Mam, for everything seems to be going my way right now.’
David tried to look serious when he asked, ‘Does your happiness lie solely with your new boss, or does being driven home by Andrew have a part to play in it?’
‘Not a big part at the moment, dear brother, but who knows what the future holds?’ Poppy saw the knowing looks exchanged between her mother and brother, but she was so happy she didn’t care.
In the smoking room at the club, George Wilkie-Brook sat facing his old friend, John Sutherland. George was smoking a cigar, while John preferred his old faithful pipe. And on the table in front of them were two glasses of the best malt whisky. They had discussed business for a short while, then George had talked at length about his son’s wish to become more than just a friend to John’s new secretary. ‘I have met her, and I can understand Andrew’s being captivated by her. You must agree, old boy, she is very beautiful.’
John nodded. ‘Yes, indeed. And while this is only her second day as my secretary, I find her intelligent, efficient, and also full of life. She certainly brightens my office with her presence, and she’s put new life into myself and Cecil. If Andrew captured her heart, he would be a very lucky man.’
‘I wholeheartedly agree, old boy, and my daughter, Charlotte, dotes on her. We are all hoping there is a happy ending to this story.’
‘What does Harriet say?’ John asked. ‘Is she of the same mind?’
Ah, well, you see, Harriet hasn’t seen the girl yet. Not because she doesn’t want to, for she does. The thing is, she’s not allowed to. Charlotte is the matchmaker in this, and has done much to bring the couple together. But she is keeping Poppy from meeting Harriet, for she believes my wife, being of the old school, will frighten the girl off. And this is where I come to the part where I’m asking you, as an old friend, to do me a big favour. And remember, it’s all in the cause of true love.’
John knocked his pipe on the huge crystal ashtray. ‘As long as you are not planning to take my new secretary away, then I’ll do what I can to help. I have to say, however, that I can’t see how I can.’
George uncrossed his legs and sat forward. ‘I’ll tell you what I have in mind, then we’ll go through to the dining room for our meal.’
Poppy and David were surprised to see Andrew and Charlotte in the foyer of the Grafton, waiting for them. ‘We got here early,’ Andrew said, as Charlotte hugged Poppy. ‘We’ve got your tickets, so we can go straight in.’
‘You shouldn’t have bought our tickets,’ David told him. ‘Let me pay you for them.’
‘You pay next time, eh?’ Andrew couldn’t wait to get on the dance floor so he could hold Poppy close as they danced together. But the girls had to go to the cloakroom to hang up their coats and comb their hair.
‘I’m sorry about last night, Poppy, but it couldn’t be helped,’ Charlotte said. ‘However, according to Andrew I wasn’t missed. He said you enjoyed the ride home.’
Poppy smiled at her through the mirror. Yes, I did! Your brother is very gallant. It’s nice to be treated like a lady.’ She gave a curl one last twist, then linked Charlotte’s arm. ‘Let’s go, my feet are itching.’
The first couple Poppy saw when she pu
shed open the door to the dance hall were Sarah and Jim. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, and waved when they saw her. Sarah had told her over the weekend that Jim would be calling for her to take her to the dance. It seemed Jim had found the right girl at last.
Then Poppy spotted Andrew and David, in conversation with Peter and Kate. ‘Come on, Charlotte, let’s join the gang.’ The first thing she noticed when approaching the group was the easy manner in which Peter stood with his arm round Kate’s shoulder, and the couple looked very happy. Love was definitely in the air there, Poppy thought, and was very happy for them. Peter greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, and asked her to put his name down for the first slow foxtrot.
‘I’m sorry, Peter, but I promised Andrew the first. Make it the second, eh?’
‘That’s okay, babe. We’ll swap partners for the next one. Kate doesn’t mind, do you, love?’
Kate turned her head and winked at Poppy. A wink that said, thanks to you, Peter and I are fine now. ‘If Andrew can put up with me.’
As soon as the band started up, Andrew’s arm went round Poppy’s waist and he led her on to the dance floor. Holding her close, he whispered, ‘Has Peter made it up with Kate?’ When Poppy nodded, he told her, ‘I’m glad. I don’t have to be jealous of him any more.’
Poppy leaned back to look into his face, but found those deep brown eyes played havoc with her heartbeat, so turned her head to look over his shoulder. ‘You haven’t been jealous of Peter, have you? There was no need, for there was never anything serious between us. We’re good mates, we’re fond of each other, but there was never any romance involved. Does that satisfy you?’
‘Yes, it is a great relief. But can I ask you a personal question? You won’t get angry or think I’m being forward?’
You can ask, Andrew, but whether I answer or not depends on the question. So out with it, before the dance is over.’