Mrs Boots

by Deborah Carr

  She was deep in thought as she worked, so didn’t hear Amy enter the shop.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ her sister asked, making Florence jump at the sound of her voice and drop one of the pens she was holding.

  She bent to pick it up, checking it for damage. Relieved it wasn’t damaged, Florence placed the pen back on the stand. ‘Humiliated,’ she said, honestly. ‘Heartbroken.’

  When Amy didn’t say anything Florence stared at her, surprised to see her sister close to tears. ‘What’s the matter, Amy?’

  Amy pulled her into a hug. ‘I’m so sorry this happened,’ she said, loosening her hold and stepping back. ‘You were so happy last night before … well, before Mother said her piece to Father and persuaded him to change his mind.’

  ‘I told you,’ Florence said miserably. ‘We mustn’t blame her. She was only doing what she thought was right.’

  Amy sighed heavily. She didn’t look convinced. ‘It’s all so unnecessary,’ she snapped. ‘You’re twenty-three. Surely you’re old enough to make your own decisions by now?’

  ‘It will be fine,’ Florence reassured Amy, suspecting she was trying to do the same thing for herself.

  ‘Poor Mr Boot. I could see he was mortified when Father rescinded his approval for you two to become engaged.’

  He had, Florence thought miserably. She wondered if he had written to her yet and when he might arrive at his home in Nottingham.’

  ‘What will you do?’ Amy whispered, glancing at the closed back door of the shop that lead to the bottom of the stairs to their flat. Their father should arrive at any moment and Florence knew her sister wouldn’t want him to overhear them discussing this incident.

  ‘We are allowed to correspond by letter,’ Florence said, relieved that this was the case and that her father hadn’t forbidden any contact at all. ‘I wrote to him last night and will continue to do so until I next see him.’

  ‘Good. I’m certain he will be writing to you as much. I don’t know why I hadn’t noticed it before, but that man is very much in love with you.’ Amy thought for a moment. ‘I knew he liked you, but I thought it was because you were happy to show him the sights. It didn’t occur to me that you two would fall in love.’

  Florence hadn’t expected it to happen either and said so, adding, ‘Was it because he is older than me?’

  ‘What, that I didn’t think you two had become so close?’

  Florence nodded. It felt good to speak openly about Jesse to Amy. She wanted to hear her sister’s thoughts about their relationship.

  ‘Yes, and also because he didn’t seem to be the type of man I ever expected you to fall in love with.’

  ‘Because he sometimes uses a walking stick?’

  ‘What? No,’ Amy said, sounding offended at the accusation. ‘I’m not that shallow.’ She seemed offended. ‘No, I had thought Albert was more the sort of man you’d end up with. Someone livelier, always wanting to socialise with people, go dancing, that sort of thing. Mr Boot seems to favour quieter outings, that’s all.’

  Florence could understand why her sister would think this way. She had done, too. ‘You’re right,’ she admitted. ‘I know Albert is nothing more than my friend, but before meeting Jesse—’ she ignored her sister’s surprise at the use of his first name but chose to ignore it and continued ‘—I would also have thought that if I ever met a man fascinating enough to make me want to give up my independence and get married, he would be a sociable person, one that likes to be entertained, travel, take adventures. Someone who liked music and being out at events.’ She realised she didn’t even know if Jesse had plans to travel or if he liked the theatre. ‘However, with Jesse, I feel like I’ve met my soulmate. I feel utterly at ease with him.’ She gazed out of the window, recalling Jesse collecting her by carriage outside the front door, and smiled at the memory of their outing to Rozel Bay. ‘I am as happy talking to him about business, or the places we wish to visit, as I am to sit in his company in complete silence.’

  She stared back at her sister and saw the wistful expression on her face.

  Amy gave a shuddering sigh. ‘How romantic. I hope to find that connection with a man of my own someday. If not, I’m going to remain unmarried. I’m not going to settle for a dull man who might boss me around from morning till night.’

  ‘You will find someone special,’ Florence said, certain that if she had then surely her younger sister would be lucky enough to as well. Amy was a kind, fun-loving girl who deserved to be happily married with her own home and family.

  Amy opened her mouth to speak, when they heard the unmistakeable sound of their father’s footsteps on the wooden staircase in the hallway. Both instinctively turned away from each other and busied themselves in their work.

  He opened the door, surprised to see Florence there. ‘You didn’t come to breakfast,’ he said, as if he was telling her something she didn’t know.

  ‘I wasn’t hungry,’ she said, unable to look him in the eye.

  ‘Florence,’ he said, walking up to her. ‘Look at me.’

  Feeling her face reddening, she did as he asked.

  ‘I know you’re upset about what happened last night. You probably blame your mother and me for our decision to ask Mr Boot to return to the mainland.’

  ‘Yes, I have to admit that I am upset.’ Before he could reply, she added. ‘But I do understand why you did what you did.’

  ‘You do?’ He didn’t look convinced.

  ‘Yes. I can’t say in all honestly that I’m happy about it, but I know that you only have my best interests at heart.’

  ‘Then why are you missing breakfast and keeping to yourself?’

  Did he really not know? ‘Because I’m …’

  ‘She’s heartbroken,’ Amy said in her defence.

  ‘That’s enough, young lady,’ their father snapped. ‘I think Florence is stronger than you imagine. Now, get back to your work. Florence is more than capable of speaking for herself.’ He looked Florence in the eyes. ‘Aren’t you?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m glad that you understand my decision,’ he said, his voice gentle and, she noticed, with a hint of sadness about it.

  Florence suspected that her mother was hoping that she or Jesse would tire of the other before he could return to Jersey, or any wedding banns could be read the following summer.

  ‘I can’t say I’m happy about it,’ she said honestly, ‘but I do understand.’ She decided to be careful not to give her mother any further ammunition to use against her or Jesse over the coming months. She was determined to see their separation through and marry him next summer, whether her mother gave her blessing or not.

  Chapter 16

  ‘Good morning,’ Albert said cheerily, when Florence walked into the grocers next door a few hours later. ‘How are you this fine morning, Miss Florence Rowe?’

  Despite her misery, Florence couldn’t help smiling at his sunny disposition. ‘I’m well.’

  It was true; she was in fine health. She always was. Albert didn’t need to know what had happened the evening before.

  He narrowed his eyes and studied her face. ‘You don’t seem as happy as you’re making out,’ he said. ‘I have a suspicion not all in your life is as cheerful as you’re making out.’

  She forced a brief smile, letting it slip when he crossed his arms in front of his chest and rubbed his chin. He had been her friend for so long that he was beyond fooling.

  ‘Come, take a seat,’ he said, indicating the prettily upholstered chairs near the back of the shop. ‘You know I believe tea to be the answer to most ailments and troubles. I’ll make us a pot and you can tell me everything.’ Before she had a chance to make an excuse he disappeared into the tiny room at the back of the shop. ‘A deliciously fragrant new blend was delivered yesterday and I’m yet to sample it.’

  She sat, hoping he wouldn’t take too long, and that her father would be too focused on customers to notice how long she was missing. ‘Thank you,’
she said, realising how thirsty she was at the thought of a cup of tea. ‘That would be very welcome. Do you have any biscuits?’

  Albert soon came back carrying a tiny porcelain pot and two cups and saucers. ‘I am a connoisseur,’ he said with mock indignation. ‘I will not be offering any accompaniment with this fine sample.’

  ‘I thought you said you hadn’t tried it yet?’ She couldn’t help teasing him. Albert never failed to brighten up her day.

  The realisation gave her an understanding why her mother had held hopes of them making a couple at some point. The thought of her mother’s issues with her and Jesse being together brought a lump to her throat. If only she could see Jesse’s good qualities and not worry so much about everything else. Surely if she wasn’t worried about marrying Jesse and he was a good man, which she knew her mother was well aware that he was, then everything else shouldn’t matter. Should it?

  ‘Deep in thought?’ Albert said, pouring the tea and sitting back, watching her. ‘Now, before a customer comes in tell me what it is that’s making you so miserable.’

  ‘I’m not miserable,’ she fibbed.

  ‘Troubled, then.’ He held up his hand when she went to argue. ‘And please don’t think that you can dissuade me from finding out what is wrong, because you won’t. You’re my dearest friend and it upsets me to see you unhappy. Now, take a drink of that delicious blend and tell me what you think of it.’

  She did as he asked, raising the fine porcelain teacup to her lips and taking a tentative sip. The hint of orange and something else. ‘It’s delicate and I have to admit I do like it. What is it?’

  ‘It’s Earl Grey’s Mixture. Black tea flavoured with the oil from the rind of bergamot orange.’

  ‘Orange? That’s different.’

  ‘You haven’t tried this tea before then?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, I don’t think so. I’m sure I would recall if I had.’

  They drank in silence for a few moments and then Albert, finishing his tea, placed his cup back on its saucer and sat back in his chair. ‘Tell me.’

  She took a little time to finish her drink and gather her thoughts. How much did she want to share with him? She wasn’t exactly certain. She stared at his kindly face, aware that he was more than a little intrigued. ‘I’ve been seeing something of Mr Boot.’

  ‘Your father’s friend who you accompanied on outings several times?’

  She stiffened briefly at the mention of Jesse being her father’s friend. It made him seem so much older and she wondered, briefly, if that’s how her mother saw him too.

  ‘Well, he was initially introduced to me by my father, yes. However, he is more of a family friend. He’s become my friend over the weeks,’ she admitted quietly.

  Albert sat forward. ‘Go on. I can sense there’s more.’

  ‘We’ve become close and he … well, he asked for father’s blessing last night.’

  Albert’s eyes widened and for a second his mouth dropped open. ‘He did? What did your father say?’

  ‘Yes, and then after a conversation with my mother, changed his mind.’ Her voice wavered with emotion.

  ‘I don’t understand. Does your mother not trust your judgement?’

  He voiced her exact thoughts and she told him that had been the case. ‘He is older than me, and she’s worried that I will end up being married to an infirm old man as time goes on.’

  Albert frowned. ‘By then you’ll probably be an inform old lady. It doesn’t make any sense.’

  It was a relief to hear him echo her thoughts. She needed to feel that she wasn’t being ridiculous when she thought to marry Jesse.

  ‘Thank you, Albert. You’re a good friend.’

  He smiled. ‘There’s no need to thank me. So, what has happened with Mr Boot now then?’

  ‘He’s travelling back to Nottingham on the first available boat. We’re allowed to communicate by letter, which is something at least. Then, if we both still feel the same way about each other next summer, Father said he will give his blessing.’

  ‘But you’re already twenty-three. Why not let you make your own choices?’

  She laughed. No wonder she and Albert got along so well, they both thought about things in the same way. ‘They’re not as modern as we are, though, Albert. They’re from an older generation, and I suppose I have to abide by their decision.’

  Someone walked up to the shop door and Albert stood up, but they peered in and then turned around and walked away.

  Florence decided it was time she went back to work before her father became annoyed. She stood as Albert tidied up after them, straightening the chairs and walking her to the door.

  ‘Try not to worry. You will probably find that this forced separation will give you both time to get to know one another. I find that writing letters can sometimes be a better way to find out more about the other person. I tend to forget my reservations and shyness in a letter.’

  ‘You, shy?’ Florence teased. ‘I’ve never met anyone less so.’

  He made a point of looking at the wall clock. ‘Oh, is that the time?’ He opened the door and stood back. ‘Go and earn your living, Miss Rowe, and leave me to earn mine,’ he said smiling. ‘Come and see me tomorrow, if you can. We can make plans to go with our friends. They’ll cheer you up. We could catch the train to Georgetown and go to the orchestral concert at the Casino de Jersey. Maybe have a meal there first. What do you think?’

  She didn’t want to ruin his idea, but said, ‘Sorry, I really don’t feel like doing anything much at the moment.’

  ‘What, you’d rather stay in your room and read your books?’

  Right now, she couldn’t think of anything she would rather do. Apart from be with Jesse, of course. ‘Yes. I’m not in the right frame of mind to go out with people. I’d only ruin the mood by being quiet all evening.’

  ‘Then you must gather yourself, put a stop to this moroseness of yours and make yourself see your friends. It’s the only way to take yourself out of this mood.’

  ‘What if I don’t want to?’ she asked. She didn’t have the energy to dress up and try to be fun and entertaining, which is what her friends would expect her to be.

  ‘Nonsense, Florence,’ he replied. ‘You’re always the life of every party. You’re the most outgoing, sociable person I know. If this is how your affection towards Mr Boot makes you react then I’m glad he’s gone home to England.’

  Florence gasped, horrified that Albert could be so unfeeling towards her and say such a mean-spirited thing. ‘Why would you say such a horrible thing, Albert? Mr Boot is a fine man and I won’t listen to you being nasty.’

  He grimaced. ‘That came out wrong. But I’ve only ever known you to be outgoing and good fun. You’re never morose and quiet. And, I’m sorry to say this, Florence, but it simply does not suit you. There, I’ve said it.’

  She was stunned by his response. ‘Albert. Stop it, this instant. You’re making me sound dreadful.’

  He shook his head. ‘No, I don’t mean to. It’s just that I don’t recognise this side of you. I want you to be the Florence I know so well. You’ve never behaved this way before and it concerns me.’

  She should have known he would be honest with her when she opened up to him. He had always been to the point but never this brutally. Then again, she mused, he had probably never seen her this down before. He was right, she thought, locking eyes with him and seeing the sadness within his. Just because she was miserable, that did not give her an excuse to behave in a way that brought those close to her down too. It was selfish of her and she hated to think of herself as being that way.

  She took a deep breath. ‘I refuse to quarrel with you. I have a lot on my mind at the moment and don’t wish to go out anywhere tonight. However, I will consider doing something later this week, if you wish to arrange an evening out for our group of friends.’

  His mouth drew back into a wide smile. It was how she was used to seeing him and it was a relief to see the concern on his
face vanish. ‘Truly?’

  ‘I said so, didn’t I?’ She smiled. ‘Now, I must hurry back to the shop before Father fires me.’

  ‘Yes, you must,’ he agreed. ‘When I see you tomorrow, I’ll tell you who’ll be joining us. I’ll try and make plans for all of us to go there one evening.’

  ‘If you insist,’ she said, intrigued.

  He tapped the side of his nose. ‘I do. You’ll thank me for making you focus on something other than this fellow of yours. Truly you will.’

  She wasn’t sure he was right, but left feeling much better than when she had arrived. Opening the shop door quietly, she winced when the brass bell alerted her father to her arrival.

  ‘Where have you been?’ he whispered as she passed the counter. ‘We’ve been busy and could have done with your assistance here.’

  ‘Sorry, Father,’ she said, spotting a customer holding up two leather bound notepads and comparing them.

  ‘May I be of assistance?’ Florence said, hurrying over to the woman.

  ‘You’re looking a little happier, I’ve noticed,’ Amy quietly remarked later. ‘You’ve been to see Albert, I suppose. He always amuses me too.’

  ‘He is funny,’ Florence said, telling her sister about the tea and how he’d insisted on her telling him what had happened to upset her. ‘He’s a good friend. He was bossier than usual today and gave me a stern talking to.’

  ‘Good for him,’ Amy giggled. ‘I’m glad you listen to someone.

  Florence concentrated on serving as many customers as she could get to before her father. She was determined to keep herself busy and this was the best way to keep her mind from slipping back to thoughts of Jesse and how she was already missing him. How she was going to last their enforced separation, she really didn’t know.

  She must have been busy, because she missed their postal delivery and it was only later when she had gone back upstairs to the living room that she saw a letter for her propped up against her father’s wooden mantel clock.

  Florence picked it up and, quickly checking the kitchen for her mother, listened briefly to hope that no one else was in the flat with her. She opened the letter and read its contents.