by Jonker, Joan
Pretending to be naive, she asked, ‘What do you mean, Philip? You’re not suggesting I should become your mistress, are you?’
He chuckled. ‘You say that as though you couldn’t bear to be near me! Surely I am not so ugly?’
‘You are not a bit ugly, Philip, you are a very attractive man. And I’m sure if I let myself I could fall head over heels for you.’
‘After that compliment, my dear, I am determined to help you. And you needn’t feel under any obligation to me, as I will explain if you will give me the chance.’
‘May we order our meal first? I do feel a little peckish.’
When Evelyn smiled shyly, Philip wasn’t to know it was contrived. He felt his heart would surely burst. ‘Your wish is my command, my love.’ He raised a hand and within a couple of seconds Alfonso arrived with large menu cards. ‘Give my companion and me ten minutes to make our choice, my good man, then we will order.’
Evelyn’s eyes ran down the menu. She could almost hear her tummy’s reaction. It was over eight years since she’d set eyes on such a fine selection of food. But she didn’t want to appear too eager as she passed her menu across to Philip. ‘I’ll have the consommé, and then the fillet of salmon.’
Philip decided he’d have the same, plus another bottle of champagne, and chuckled when Evelyn asked him if he was trying to get her drunk. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it, my love, but if by some unforeseen circumstance you did become slightly merry, my bachelor flat is just two minutes’ walk away.’
‘Oh, that’s interesting.’ Things seemed to be going her way, and Evelyn was prepared to help them along. ‘Do you use it often to entertain your lady friends?’
‘Not an awful lot, I prefer the comfort of my parents’ house. Plus the fact they have a wonderful cook whose pastry melts in the mouth.’ Philip sat back in his chair, glass in hand. ‘Why do you ask? Do you think that’s where I keep my harem?’ He was teasing her and also trying to find out more about her. ‘Do you object to a man having a mistress?’
‘I have never really thought about it,’ she told him. ‘I imagine there are situations where it would suit a wife for her husband to have a mistress, and in those circumstances I imagine I too would have no objection.’
Philip was digging for her opinion on such subjects, and as he swirled the wine around in his glass, asked, ‘What about a young bachelor with no ties? And a young widow who also has no ties? What are your views in these circumstances?
‘Really, Philip, I do believe you are teasing me! You are making me blush, and that’s something I haven’t done publicly for a long time.’
‘It suits you, my dear, you look quite enchanting. And it is so refreshing.’ Philip saw two waiters approaching with their first course. ‘Ah, we will have to continue our very interesting discussion later.’
‘Perhaps, when we resume our conversation, we can keep it less personal? Don’t you agree, Philip?’
‘I disagree, I’m afraid,’ he said with a charming smile. ‘Things were just getting interesting. I told you I was intrigued by you, and I am determined to get to know the real you, not the small part of yourself you allow strangers to see.’
It was impossible to talk while the waiters were there, dedicated to seeing the thick, white linen napkins were covering their laps at just the right angle before the consommé was served. And having been told by Alfonso that Mr Astbury and his companion must be given the very closest attention, they would have stayed by if Philip hadn’t dismissed them, saying he would signal when they were ready for the next course.
‘Do they always make such a fuss of you, Philip?’ Evelyn had taken a spoonful of the delicious soup and was finding it hard to keep a look of bliss from her face. Oh, what she wouldn’t give for a life like this again. ‘I think you are spoilt.’
‘Alfonso knows he will be handsomely tipped, my dear, and also knows I like the best service in return.’ Philip laid down his spoon and patted his lips with the napkin. ‘I’ll let you into a secret which of course you must not relate to my good friend Alfonso, who would be deeply wounded. I would much prefer being spoilt by you than by him.’
Two glasses of champagne and her plan seemingly on course had the effect of loosening Evelyn’s tongue. ‘Ah, but I cannot make such delicious consommé, or pastry that melts in the mouth, nor do I have the money to tip you handsomely.’
‘All things I could live without, my dear Evelyn.’ Philip hadn’t failed to notice how relaxed she had become, and wondered if he was making headway. There were so many things he would like to know, but if he rushed her he could scare her off. For instance, she must have parents of her own somewhere, and what about the family of the man she’d married? Why was she so alone in the world? Was there a simple explanation? ‘Another glass of bubbly, while we are waiting for the next course?’
Evelyn nodded. Why not make the most of tonight and enjoy herself? ‘Thank you, Philip, I think I’m safe with one more glass.’
But an hour later, after the most delicious meal she’d had in years, Evelyn threw caution to the wind when he refilled her glass. ‘If I start to giggle or lisp, Philip, then please don’t offer me any more drink. I am not used to it these days, and wouldn’t like you to see me tipsy and making a fool of myself. Not that I ever have, but I’m relying on you to see I remain sober enough to make my way home.’
‘I would not allow you to go home on your own in an inebriated state, my lovely Evelyn, especially in the dark. Have no fear, I will take care of you.’
‘I don’t want this evening to end, Philip, I’m really enjoying myself. You are very good company. But I want you to promise that you will see me into a taxi when the evening draws to a close?’
‘I have another suggestion to make but I don’t want to offend you. So listen carefully before you answer. First, would you like to do something to please me?’
Evelyn’s brain wasn’t too fuddled to know that this could be make or break time. She didn’t know what Philip was going to ask, but she had to be prepared. Did she want to stay in her two-up-two-down house for the rest of her days, or would she take whatever terms he offered if it got her out of the rut? ‘Why would I not want to please you when you have been so kind to me? Anything within reason, Philip, I will happily agree to.’
‘Then let us leave here after our coffee. Come back with me to my bachelor flat. I promise I have no ulterior motive, I will be the perfect gentleman.’ He leaned across the table and caught her hand. ‘I would like you to see it, and then if you are agreeable, and as eager to see me as I am to see you, we can use it to meet whenever we like. On Monday I take over my uncle’s office and you will be my full-time secretary. It will be difficult for us to talk privately there for I would not like there to be a whiff of gossip that would embarrass you. So please come with me now to my flat where we can finish our discussion on how I can help you improve your life. But always remember you are a free agent and can do as you wish. So it’s for you to decide, my dear, do you come back to my flat or shall I call you a taxi from here to take you home?’
‘I would love to see your flat, Philip. As long as you promise to call a taxi for me when it’s time for me to go home.’ Evelyn lowered her eyes to hide her look of triumph. ‘Even if it’s the middle of the night when we finish talking and getting to know each other, you must call a taxi to take me home.’
Philip also felt a sensation of triumph, but warned himself to tread carefully for the time being, he didn’t want to frighten her off. ‘You have my solemn promise, my dear. I intend to take good care of you.’
Chapter Eleven
‘Well, yer did us proud, girl, I’ll give yer that.’ Aggie Gordon ran the back of one chubby hand over her mouth as she looked across the table to where Bessie sat next to Amelie. ‘A feast fit for a king, that was.’
‘Aggie’s right,’ Rita Wells said, her head nodding in agreement. ‘And yer made those pies yerself, did yer say?’
‘Yeah, I made them last night and put them betwe
en plates in the larder,’ Bessie said, looking pleased with herself and the world in general. ‘I knew it would be too late to make them when I got home from work today, what with shopping and all, so I thought I’d get stuck in last night and get them off me mind.’ She chuckled, ‘I knew Aggie would have something to say if there wasn’t a good spread and she went home hungry, I’d never have heard the last of it.’
Amelia, sitting next to Bessie, couldn’t keep still for excitement. This had been the best day of her life and she’d never forget it. ‘The pies were lovely, Auntie Bessie, and so were the sandwiches and cakes. I’ve never had a birthday party before, but I bet this was the bestest anyone ever had.’
‘But yer must have been to a party sometime, sunshine, surely a friend’s or a relative’s?’ Rita asked. ‘Even if yer’ve never had one yerself.’
‘No, I haven’t, Auntie Rita.’ It wasn’t just the food and the fact it was her birthday that was making Amelia feel so happy. It was being spoken to by adults, and being able to answer them without having to think before speaking. And she had never laughed so much in her life, for Mrs Wells and Mrs Gordon were so funny the way they pretended to be mad with each other and then ended up laughing so much the tears rolled down their cheeks. ‘No, I haven’t, honest! I haven’t got any relatives, you see.’ A cheeky grin came to her face as she added, ‘Well, I never used to have, but I have now, I’ve got an Auntie Bessie, Auntie Rita and an Auntie Aggie.’ She rocked on her chair with laughter that brought smiles to the faces of the three women. ‘There’s not many girls get presents like that for their birthday.’
‘And the day’s not over yet, sweetheart.’ Bessie winked knowingly at her two mates who were listening with interest. ‘After the table’s been cleared and the dishes washed and out of the way, we’re going to have a few party games.’
Amelia’s eyes nearly popped out of her head and she clapped her hands with glee. ‘Ooh, what sort of games, Auntie Bessie?’
‘You’ll soon find out, sweetheart, after yer’ve helped me clear the table.’
‘I’ll help yer with the dishes, Bessie,’ Rita said, pushing her chair back. ‘Amelia can keep Aggie company.’
It was while the two women were at the sink washing and drying the plates, that they heard Aggie say, ‘How come yer always get yer full title, queen?’
Bessie took her hands out of the soapy suds and cocked an ear. ‘Oh, God, I hope she doesn’t say something she shouldn’t. I wouldn’t like anything to get back to the queer one in case she stops the girl from coming here.’
‘Aggie’s not soft, sunshine, she wouldn’t do that. Just listen.’
‘What do you mean by my full title, Auntie Aggie?’
‘Well, queen, I know a lot of women what were christened Amelia, but they always get Milly ’cos it’s easier and more friendly. And that’s whether they like it or not. It’s a case of like it or lump it.’
The girl pulled on a lock of her black hair while giving the matter some thought. ‘There’s two girls in my class at school called Amelia, and they get Milly. But my mother has told me I must never answer to anything but my proper name, which is Amelia.’
In the kitchen, Bessie tugged on Rita’s arm. ‘Oh, my God, I hope Aggie doesn’t put her foot in it, yer know how outspoken she can be.’
Rita put a finger to her lips. ‘Don’t look for trouble before it hits yer in the face, sunshine. So far Aggie has been on her best behaviour, only one swear word all afternoon and that’s a record for her. But she’s taken a fancy to the girl, and I’m positive she’ll not say anything that would upset her.’
Bessie’s fears were unfounded, for it wasn’t Aggie who spoke next but Amelia. ‘You know, Auntie Aggie, I would really like to be called Milly, I think it’s a nice name. It’s just that I don’t want to upset Mother, she’s very strict. But I could be Milly in Auntie Bessie’s house couldn’t I, and Amelia everywhere else?’
‘That’s good thinking, that is, queen, it could be our little secret. And me and me mates wouldn’t snitch on yer and get yer into trouble.’ Then Aggie said something that sent Bessie and Rita into fits of laughter. ‘We’ll be the soul of discretion, queen, you’ll see.’
Rita poked her head around the door. ‘Ye’re going up in the world, aren’t yer, Aggie? Soul of discretion, where did yer dig that one up from?’
Aggie’s laughter was so loud her whole body shook. Her bosom bounced up and down, her tummy pushed the table back, and her chins parted company to go in opposite directions. ‘The bloke in the pawnshop said it to me one day when I took Sam’s suit in. I was short of a few bob and told him I’d be taking it out again on Saturday before my feller knew it was missing. And ’cos he knows Sam by sight to say hello to, I warned him if he breathed a word to my feller I’d break his bleeding neck. And that’s when he said that in his business it paid to be the soul of discretion.’ The chair creaked and the table was lifted from the floor as the memory of that day came back to her. ‘I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to use it, and this is the first time it fitted in.’ She winked at Amelia. ‘I’m sorry about the swear word, queen, but it slipped out, like, before I had a chance to stop it. I don’t suppose yer hear swear words in your house, do yer?’
The girl’s eyes were alive with devilment. ‘No, Auntie Aggie, my mother doesn’t swear, she says it’s very unladylike. But some of the girls in school do, they get it off their mothers, so I know some bad words.’
The dishes put away now, Bessie and Rita came into the room. ‘It doesn’t mean because some of yer school friends swear that it’s all right, sweetheart,’ Bessie said. ‘Because while it’s bad for older people to use swear words, it’s even worse for children. So we’ll have to make sure Mrs Gordon doesn’t lead yer astray, or yer’ll get into trouble with yer mother.’
‘I’ll not lead her astray, no fear of that!’ Aggie was on her high horse now. ‘But the girl needs to know a bit more about what life is really like, otherwise when it comes to her leaving school and finding herself a job, she won’t have a clue how to mix with other people. And she’s bound to hear plenty of very ripe swear words ’cos not everyone she meets will speak as though they’ve got a ruddy mouthful of plums.’
Amelia’s face was glowing and her childish laughter, so seldom heard, was loud. ‘Oh, you are funny, Auntie Aggie.’
But Bessie wasn’t so sure. ‘It’s up to her mother to say how she’s brought up, not us,’ she said, taking a seat on the couch. ‘We all have different ideas and think we know what’s best for other people, but when it comes down to it, it isn’t really any of our business and we have no right to interfere.’
Amelia ran to sit beside Bessie and slipped an arm through hers. ‘It doesn’t matter how I speak, Auntie Bessie, or what sort of a job I get. Even when I’m grown up, and a young lady, I will always come and see you ’cos you’re my very best friend.’
Rita thought it was a sad scene and turned her head away, silently cursing the woman whose child only asked for the one thing that didn’t cost anything, and was so easy to give. And that was someone to love her.
‘I hope you do, sweetheart.’ Bessie squeezed the girl’s shoulder. ‘I’d be really sad if I ever lost touch with yer. I’m hoping yer live here long enough to grow into a lovely young lady and find the man of your dreams. That would make me very happy.’
Aggie banged a closed fist on the table. ‘Before the front of me bleeding dress becomes sodden wet with tears, can we start on these games yer were talking about, queen?’
Bessie shook herself. She knew she shouldn’t become too attached to her neighbour’s daughter for she could be letting herself in for a lot of hurt and heartache. But she couldn’t help herself, no matter what her head told her. For what had started off as liking had turned to fondness and now to love. There wasn’t a thing she could do about it. Love wasn’t something you could turn off as easily as a tap. ‘Right, what about a game of “I spy with my little eye”? Only we’ll have to stick to easy words f
or them what can’t spell.’
Aggie took umbrage at that. ‘Are you hinsinuating that I can’t spell, Bessie Maudsley? I’ll have yer know that when I went to school I was always top of the class for spelling.’
Rita chuckled. ‘Oh, aye, Aggie, yer’ve never mentioned that before, yer’ve been hiding yer light under a bushel. Go on, tell us what the longest word is that yer can spell?’
Without a hesitation, she answered, ‘Bleeding,’ and she was laughing so much her next words was just about audible. ‘And bugger.’
Although Bessie didn’t approve, Aggie’s laughter was so contagious she couldn’t keep a smile at bay. ‘Neither of those words will be acceptable in our game, Aggie Gordon, so stick to words with three letters.’
Aggie spread out one of her chubby hands and started ticking the fingers off. ‘That’s all right then. So I’ll be the first one to go, and yer can try and guess my first word which starts with the letter S.’
‘It’s got to be something in this room, Aggie,’ Rita said. ‘And it’s got to be something we can all see.’
‘I know what I’m doing, queen, I’m not thick.’ Aggie leaned her chubby elbows on the table. ‘Go on, get yer brains working.’
Ten minutes later, and flummoxed, Bessie said, ‘We’ll have to give in. We’ve said everything beginning with S in the room, but I’m blowed if there’s anything with only three letters in. So shall we give in, Rita and Amelia? Otherwise none of us will get a turn.’
‘I give in, Auntie Bessie, ’cos all I can see is the shovel and the sideboard,’ Amelia said. ‘But they’ve got more letters in.’