Mrs Boots

by Deborah Carr

  ‘Yes,’ Amy assured her. ‘We want you to enjoy working here at W. H. Rowe.’

  Florence could see Lily visibly relax at their words. ‘Now, if you’ll follow me, I can take you to the back of the shop. You can hang up your things, they’ll be safe in there.’

  Lily followed her and took off the shawl. Florence noticed how bedraggled the girl’s dress was and as Lily gazed at Florence’s dress and then back at her own, she realised how ashamed Lily was to be wearing such a dress to work. Florence wanted to put her out of her misery instantly, thanking Jesse silently for his suggestion that they offer her a uniform. Florence hadn’t wanted Lily to be offended by the offer. She was concerned about the girl’s father’s reaction when he was released from jail, if he insisted on knowing where the dress had come from. She and Amy had discussed which dress to offer her and decided on one from Amy’s wardrobe as she was smaller than Florence and more Lily’s size.

  She could see Lily pulling at her sleeves.

  ‘We have a dress,’ she said, smiling with as much reassurance as she could muster. ‘We thought it would be like a uniform for you working here. Do you want me to fetch it for you?’ She waited for Lily’s reaction, willing her not to be offended and to take the offer in the way it was meant.

  Lily thought for a moment. A range of emotions passed across her face and Florence’s heart pounded heavily as she became more concerned about what she had just said the longer she had to wait for Lily to reply.

  ‘Um, it will be yours, so you’d be entitled to wear it home if you’d rather.’

  Lily shook her head. ‘Oh no, I couldn’t do that,’ she said. ‘Me dad would have a fit if he saw me wearing anythin’ smart. He’d know I had been given it and he doesn’t accept charity.’

  Florence smiled. ‘It’s not charity, though, Lily; it’s your shop assistant’s uniform. But if you’d rather not wear it home then that is perfectly fine. What do you think?’

  Lily’s eyes widened. She glanced at the doorway back into the shop. ‘If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to change into the dress, but I think it would be best if I kept it here for when I’m working. Would that be all right?’

  ‘Yes, it would be perfectly fine. Wait here and I’ll fetch it for you.’

  Relieved, Florence left the shop and ran upstairs to Amy’s room where the dress was hanging on the outside of her wardrobe. It was plain and dark grey, but it was a smart dress. She hoped Lily would like it and that it would fit her well enough.

  Going back to the shop, she hurried into the storeroom, closing the door behind her.

  ‘Here it is. What do you think?’

  Lily’s mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘It’s beautiful! Are you sure I can wear it?’

  ‘Yes, it’s yours to do with as you wish. And, if you do ever change your mind about wearing it home, then that’s fine too.’ Florence hooked the hanger on a hook on the back of the door. ‘Will you need any help changing, or shall I leave you to it and see you in the shop?’

  ‘I’ll be fine, thank you, Miss Rowe.’

  Florence smiled at her and left her to it.

  She joined Amy restocking some shelves, and quietly told her of the conversation she’d just had with Lily.

  ‘I noticed you taking the dress into the storeroom. I’m glad Lily decided to wear it’

  Florence nodded. ‘I’m pleased. I want her to take more away from this job than just the wages,’ she whispered. ‘I want her to gain confidence. She needs to discover how bright she is and know that there is more out in the world just waiting for her to find it.’

  Amy stopped what she was doing and frowned thoughtfully at her.

  ‘What?’ Florence asked, unsure what she might have said for her sister to react in such a way.

  Amy shrugged. ‘I knew you wanted to help her, but I didn’t realise quite how important it was for you to do so.’

  Florence couldn’t understand why her sister was surprised. ‘If we don’t give Lily a helping hand, I can’t see that she has anyone else in her life that might be able to do it. I simply want her to experience some of what we’re lucky enough to have by birth.’

  Amy took Florence’s hand in hers, her eyes awash with unshed tears. ‘You’re right. I’m glad we’re doing this for her.’

  They heard the storeroom door opening. Amy quickly wiped her eyes as they heard the door open and saw Lily walking slowly into the shop. She looked around for them, but both of them were so taken aback by the sight of how different the girl appeared that it took a moment for one of them to move. She seemed to have grown in stature already. Her head was held high and already there was a hint of the confidence to come.

  Florence walked over to her, closely followed by Amy.

  ‘It’s a little big,’ Lily said, her voice quavering slightly. ‘But I think I’ll grow into it, don’t you?’

  ‘It suits you very well,’ Florence said, delighted and relieved at the same time. ‘I’ll take it in at the seams slightly, so that it fits you better the next time you wear it. Are you happy wearing it though, that’s the most important thing? We don’t want you to feel you have to do this.’

  Lily’s eyes watered slightly and Florence realised she was trying to hold back tears.’

  ‘I love it,’ she murmured. ‘Thank you both so much. I’ve never worn anything this beautiful before.’

  The brass bell jangled, and they turned in unison to see a customer entering the shop.

  ‘I’ll serve her,’ Amy said quietly, walking off to greet the elderly woman.

  ‘Now,’ Florence said, wanting distract Lily from her emotions before they got the better of her, ‘you’re not to worry about Father. He’s out meeting with a representative who provides us with stock for the shop, so probably won’t be back by the time you finish. He can be a little abrasive, but as long as you’re on time and not caught slacking at any time, you’ll be fine.’

  Lily chewed her lower lip.

  ‘Don’t be concerned. If he didn’t want you here, he would not have let me ask you to come and work here.’

  ‘I will do my very best, Miss Rowe.’

  ‘I’m sure you will,’ Florence said, relieved her father was out and would not be looking over Lily’s shoulder to ensure everything she did was correct. At least the girl would have a chance to learn some of the duties expected of her before having to work with him questioning her. It would make them both anxious, Florence knew.

  ‘Right,’ she said cheerily, ‘let’s begin by me showing you around the shop properly. What do you say?’

  ‘Yes, that would be lovely.’

  Later that afternoon, after closing the shop and going to her room, Florence sat at her small table by the window and wrote to Jesse about the excitement of Lily’s first day working at Rowe’s Stationers.

  27 Queen Street

  St Helier

  Jersey

  31 October 1885

  Mr J Boot

  16–20 Goose Gate

  Nottingham

  Dearest Jesse,

  I hope that you’re keeping well and not working too hard. I know how you sometimes forget to take time to relax.

  It was Lily Buttons’ first Saturday morning working at Rowe’s today and I believe it went well. She is a hard-working girl, as I presumed she would be, and conscientious. I hope that when I leave and come to live in Nottingham that Father will be happy enough and used to Lily to ask her to take over my role in the shop. If she carries on the way that she did during the morning today, then I’m almost certain he will. Although it is always an uncertainty. I think the only reason Mother agreed to Lily working part-time in the shop was because she met her that time Mr Buttons was chasing Lily and Mother took her up to the flat to feed her while she was hiding up there.

  Honestly, Jesse, it was wonderful to see how much Lily grew in stature over the morning. By the time she left just after 1 p.m., her head was held higher and I could see much more confidence in her walk. I’m so happy. She is a dear girl an
d I am only relieved that I have the means to make a tiny difference to her life. I just hope that her father doesn’t go back to their home too soon and take umbrage against us at Rowe’s and insist that she leave. It would be too cruel for Lily to see that she could have a future doing something she enjoys, only for her hopes to be dashed.

  My only other news, apart from the fact that I’m missing you terribly, but you know that already, is that it’s raining here, again. I can’t help my thoughts drifting to Lily and her family. I wish I could give her a pair of boots that Amy doesn’t use any more, but I fear that to offer them so soon after offering her a dress for the shop, would be going too far and I’m terrified of upsetting her. I also doubt they’ll be the right size, as Lily’s feet seem rather small. I’ll see how things go.

  Mother is calling, so I shall sign off now. Please, do take care of yourself in this weather. If it is icy here, then it must be far worse further north where you are.

  Until next time,

  My love,

  As always,

  Florence.

  She folded the letter and, hearing her mother call her and Amy to supper for the second time, rushed to go to the kitchen to offer any help in serving.

  Chapter 23

  16–20 Goose Gate

  Nottingham

  5 November 1885

  Miss Florence Rowe

  27 Queen Street

  St Helier

  Jersey

  Dearest Florence,

  Reading your letters always makes me smile. I enjoy the happiness you feel seeing Miss Buttons growing in pride. I believe that we gain more from being able to help others. Those of us who are fortunate to have the means to give help girls like Lily in this way are, I believe, truly lucky. While we restore their faith in others, they in turn allow us to feel our own sense of pride in witnessing their growth.

  I think you should find a way to give Miss Buttons a pair of boots. I mentioned in an earlier letter about walking for miles with my mother to collect herbs, both of us barefoot. This is because the wet grass would have ruined the leather and we needed to protect our shoes so that they were in the best condition to enable us to be presentable in the shop for serving our customers. We also did not wish to humiliate ourselves by not having decent shoes to wear at chapel on Sundays.

  I feel certain that with a pair of decent boots to go with her smart attire, you will be giving Lily a great deal. I understand that it can be difficult at times to gift something to someone without them being embarrassed by the action, but I know that you will manage this somehow.

  I am well. My joints tend to hurt more in colder weather like we are experiencing now, but I am luckier than most others, in that my home is warm and offers me much comfort. I spend many of my evenings sitting in front of the fire and imagining how perfect it will be when we are married. I picture you relaxing in the chair next to me and think of all the conversations we will have, instead of needing to put our thoughts and feelings into letters and then wait for the other’s reply. Those evenings, I know, will be worth waiting for, but still I find myself impatient for that time to come.

  I must sign off now, as I must soon leave to attend a meeting at the Town Hall. Good night, sweet Florence.

  As always,

  Your Jesse

  If Florence was concerned that Lily had found working at Rowe’s too overwhelming the previous Saturday and wouldn’t return the following week, her fears were dispelled ten minutes before opening time. She spotted Lily waiting at the shop door to be let in, this time her face was lit with a wide smile. Florence’s mood lifted immediately. It was satisfying to know that she was making a difference in Lily’s life.

  Florence hurried over and unlocked the shop door, called Lily inside and then quickly locked it again so that no customers followed her in before they were due to be open.

  ‘Ooh, it’s getting very cold out there, isn’t it?’ she said, rubbing her arms.

  ‘It is,’ Lily said, her teeth chattering as she spoke. She took off her green shawl and smoothed down her hair.

  ‘How are you, Lily?’ Florence asked, delighted to see that she carried a look of confidence that hadn’t been there prior to the previous Saturday morning.

  ‘I’m well, thank you, Miss Rowe. I thought I’d come a little early so that I have time to change into my uniform before the shop opens. I hope that’s acceptable.’

  ‘Of course, it is. In fact, it’s a good idea,’ Florence said, before adding, ‘How did you find your first day here?’

  Lily beamed at her. ‘Oh, it was everything I expected and much more,’ she said, clapping her hands together. ‘I told my ma all about it and she said she knew I’d be happy working here with you.’

  Florence was delighted to hear such praise. ‘I’ve taken your dress in slightly at the sides for you and shortened the sleeves so that you don’t have to fold them at the wrists. I think you’ll find it fits better.’

  ‘Thanks very much. That’s very kind of you.’

  ‘Not at all,’ she said, ‘Amy is due down in a moment and when she gets here, I’ll pop upstairs and make us all a cup of tea. Would you like one?’

  ‘Yes please,’ Lily said, disappearing into the storeroom, oblivious to the fact that drinking tea wasn’t usually something they did before opening the shop.

  Amy arrived shortly after, and Florence told her what she was about to do.

  ‘I’d love one, too,’ Amy said. ‘I had a bad night’s sleep last night and didn’t have time for a cup of tea before coming downstairs. ‘You go and I’ll get Lily started on what we need her to do today. Remember Father will be watching everything Lily does; you know what he’s like only trusting family working here.’

  ‘I know,’ Florence said, wishing Amy would keep her voice down. The last thing she wanted was for Lily to overhear and get a fright. ‘She did well on Saturday; I was pleased for her that she seemed to take to working here so easily.’

  ‘I was too. I was relieved for you also. Anyway, don’t fret. We’ll both keep an eye on your little protégé.’

  Florence pursed her lips at her sister’s teasing and ran upstairs to make the tea. She was relieved they had been able to spend Lily’s first day at work without their father worrying over every little thing that she did. Florence wanted him to be pleased with Lily and, although she had confidence in the girl’s abilities, she was going to try and remove any chance of him being upset or anxious about her being there. She couldn’t bear to think of letting him have any reason to fire her. The thought of giving Lily hope to then have it dashed worried Florence immensely. She would have to make this work, for all of them.

  If Lily did well at Rowe’s, it would give her new prospects. Florence knew that she would then being able to leave her job at the shop after her marriage to Jesse without having any qualms about letting her father down. It also might help persuade her mother that everything didn’t have to change too much when she and Jesse did marry and go to live in Nottingham. Especially as far as the running of Rowe’s was concerned.

  This idea of hers that she and Amy had put underway was working so far. Now they simply had to ensure that it continued to do so until their father became as comfortable with Lily working at Rowe’s as they already were. Florence hoped it didn’t take too long. Jesse was due to come back to Jersey at the beginning of summer, so that only gave her six months to make this project a successful one.

  She made the tea and took three cups and saucers downstairs on a tray, together with a small plate of biscuits. She suspected that Lily might not have had much breakfast before walking here in the cold, if indeed she had eaten anything. She reached the shop, happy to see Lily chatting to Amy and looking anything but the timid skinny girl she’d spoken to last week. She was still skinny, of course, but her thin arms were hidden by the dark grey sleeves. She also appeared older and more relaxed.

  ‘Here we are,’ Florence said, placing the tray on the counter. ‘I’ve bought a few biscuits, too. Help your
self Lily, don’t be shy,’ she said, noticing how Lily was staring at the butter shortbread circles her mother had baked the previous day. ‘Help yourself. We need to be quick before Father gets here in five minutes.’

  As soon as they had all finished their drinks and the biscuits were gone, Florence returned the tray of crockery quickly upstairs and washed everything up. Their parents were out visiting Adelaide, whose health was improving, but their mother wanted to see her for herself and take her a batch of biscuits. Their father hadn’t wanted her to go out on the icy pavements alone, so had begrudgingly accompanied her when she had insisted going early rather than waiting until the end of the working day.

  They had been working for several hours. The shop was busier than Florence and Amy had expected on such a miserable day, and their father had just gone upstairs to eat his lunch.

  As soon as he had left, Florence turned her attention to Lily; she was reading one of the new books that had arrived that morning.

  ‘What do you think?’

  Lily gasped and slammed the book closed. ‘I’m so sorry, Miss Rowe,’ she said, looking terrified.

  Florence was shocked that she had frightened Lily. She hadn’t meant to. She would have to be a little more careful with her, she decided. It was no good treating her like Amy when Lily didn’t know her well enough yet to understand that Florence only had the best intentions and would never wish her harm or be intentionally cruel to her.

  ‘I’m sorry I gave you a shock.’ She rested a hand on Lily’s forearm. ‘I hadn’t meant to. I only wanted to know what you thought of the book you’ve just been reading.’

  ‘Reading?’ Lily stared down at the floor. ‘I wasn’t reading, Miss Rowe.’ She lowered her voice as if confiding a dreadful secret. ‘I’m ashamed to admit that I cannot read.’

  ‘You have nothing to be ashamed about,’ Florence insisted, stunned to discover this information about her assistant. ‘I don’t understand, though; haven’t I seen you noting things down?’