Winners and Losers

by Catrin Collier

  Chapter Twenty-six

  ‘You’re early, Mrs Evans.’ Mr Richards glanced up from his cup of tea and roast beef sandwich when his clerk showed Sali into his office at one o’clock.

  ‘I am sorry, Mr Richards, but after studying the minutes of the meetings you gave me yesterday, I thought we had a great deal to discuss.’

  ‘Can I get you anything?’

  ‘I’ve just eaten a substantial lunch at Ynysangharad House, Mr Richards, but please, don’t let me stop you from eating.’ Sali took the plate and cup he had set aside and placed them back in front of him. ‘Joey and I have just moved into Ynysangharad House.’

  The solicitor sat stunned, as Sali outlined the changes she’d put into motion in the house in the course of one short morning. ‘You approve, Mr Richards?’

  ‘The trustees have been trying to get you to move in for months -’

  ‘And now I have. Now, about these minutes.’ Sali removed her gloves, opened her handbag and took out the papers. ‘It says here that the solicitors have found a property in Tonypandy they consider suitable for a Gwilym James store and you intend training staff with the intention of opening it within two months.’

  ‘That is correct. However, two months may be a little optimistic. In my experience carpenters can be slower than their estimates, especially when it comes to fitting out a store.’

  ‘And you think that you’ll need approximately twenty new staff to begin with, and probably more long-term.’

  ‘We will.’

  ‘You know my husband’s younger brother, Joey?’

  ‘A collier.’

  ‘He was a repairman, but until we moved out of Tonypandy this morning he was working for Rodney’s.’

  ‘So he has experience of working with customers.’ Mr Richards brightened a little.

  ‘He has. He also knows everyone in Tonypandy, and, because he wasn’t exactly at his best yesterday, you might not have noticed that he can be very charming. What I would like to suggest is that he start training in the Pontypridd store as an assistant manager. Mr Horton will soon find out whether he is suitable for a position in Gwilym James. If he is, he could be transferred to Tonypandy when it opens.’

  ‘As manager.’

  ‘He wouldn’t be experienced enough after only two months’ training, Mr Richards.’

  ‘Then as a full assistant manager under Mr Watkin Jones.’

  ‘No, Mr Richards, as a full assistant manager under Mr Alfred Horton.’

  ‘You know something, Mrs Evans, I believe that for Master Harry’s sake, you should take a more active part, both in the businesses he owns, and on the board of trustees.’

  ‘Thank you for your confidence in me, Mr Richards. Do you think that I can count on the support of the trustees from this firm when I put these suggestions to the board this afternoon?’

  ‘I most certainly do, Mrs Evans.’ He smiled and rang the bell on his desk to summon his clerk. ‘I most certainly do.’

  Mr Horton positively bristled with pride as he looked around his fellow trustees. Like Mr Richards he had listened in muted silence when Sali had proposed bringing down men from Tonypandy to train as assistants for the new store, but his entire attitude to her idea had changed to enthusiastic endorsement when she suggested that when the store opened, his son manage it.

  ‘It will cost Gwilym James a ridiculous amount in extra wages with no return until the Tonypandy store opens, Sali,’ Geraint commented disparagingly. ‘This store will have assistants positively tripping over one another in their eagerness to please customers. It will create havoc and put people off from shopping here.’

  ‘Do you agree, Mr Horton?’ Sali addressed the manager.

  ‘Not at all, Mrs Evans. In fact I can think of several projects that I have been meaning to undertake for some time that could be facilitated by the addition of extra staff. Reorganization of the stockroom and displays, a thorough stock take, and if I might be so bold as to suggest that we hold a pre-Christmas sale. With extra staff, albeit trainees available, we wouldn’t need to hire any temporary assistants ...’

  Realizing that Mr Horton would regale them all afternoon with ways of utilizing the extra staff if he allowed him to monopolize the meeting, Mr Jenkins interrupted. ‘Shall we take a vote on Mrs Evans’ proposal that we actively recruit staff for the Tonypandy store in Tonypandy. And secondly that we train them in this store? All in favour?’

  Sali looked at her brother, but Geraint was the only trustee who failed to raise his hand, at either motion.

  ‘Carried with one abstention.’ Mr Jenkins made a note on the sheet of paper in front of him.

  ‘I would like to raise another matter,’ George Owens, the director from the Capital and Counties said after the motion had been noted. ‘Some of you may be aware that Mr Hardy is putting the Mason and Hardy department store in Cardiff on the market next year. I have met with Mr Hardy. He informed me that he intends to retire in June when the present lease on the premises expires, and as neither his, nor the late Mr Mason’s sons are interested in running the business, he feels that both the staff and customers will be best served by a change of management. The store is operational, profitable and fully fitted. I put it to the committee that we should consider purchasing both the lease and the store.’

  ‘Could we afford to finance the opening of a new store in Tonypandy as well as take over Mason and Hardy’s in Cardiff, Mr Owens?’ Mr Jenkins enquired.

  ‘It would reduce the trust’s cash holdings to below two thousand pounds, Mr Jenkins, which in my opinion would be a far more satisfactory situation. Money should be used to make money and I believe both of these ventures to be as sound as any I have seen. And don’t forget, Mason and Hardy’s is already a profitable store.’

  ‘Would we change the name from Mason and Hardy to Gwilym James, Mr Owens?’ Mr Horton asked.

  ‘That is for the trustees to determine, Mr Horton. However,’ Mr Owens gazed intently at the men gathered around the table, ‘I believe these things are best done slowly. Do we all agree that at present, Mason and Hardy’s is not run to the same,’ Mr Owens paused, ‘shall we say, high standards as Gwilym James?’

  The nods around the table precluded a vote.

  ‘But it is fully staffed and stocked, and we would be taking it over as a going concern. What I suggest is, that we invest the profits in the modernization of the store. When, and only when, we are satisfied that Mason and Hardy is of comparable quality to Gwilym James, will we change the name. I think now is the time to take a vote on whether I initiate further enquiries along those lines, Mr Jenkins.’

  Mr Jenkins rested his elbows on the table and pressed his fingertips together. ‘All in favour?’

  For once Geraint was the first to raise his hand, and Sali realized that he was hoping to be made manager of the Cardiff store.

  Mr Jenkins again noted the proposal and the vote. ‘Carried unanimously.’ He removed his pocket watch from his waistcoat and opened it. ‘Lady and gentlemen, it is almost four o’clock. Does anyone wish to raise any other pressing business?’

  ‘I do, Mr Jenkins.’ Sali looked down the table and wondered how she had ever found the board of trustees intimidating. After all, they were being paid to administer her son’s estate. ‘I will try to be brief, gentlemen. I don’t doubt that you are all aware that my husband, his brother and father have been imprisoned.’

  Geraint tilted his chair back and stared at the ceiling. She ignored him.

  ‘I do not propose to go into the rights or wrongs of the case or make excuses for what I consider to be a severe miscarriage of justice. Suffice to say their legal advisers are working on an appeal. However, to get to the point, this morning, my children, myself and my brother-in-law moved into Ynysangharad House.’

  Geraint sat upright, slamming his chair down on all four legs.

  ‘I am certain that I speak for all the committee, Mrs Evans, when I say that we are pleased to hear that you have done so.’ Mr Jenkins smiled at her
before looking to Geraint, who was staring at his sister.

  ‘I have asked Mr Richards to find a tutor for Harry, hopefully one who can start immediately, meanwhile I will supervise his education. I do not want Harry to be tutored as an only child, so I have decided to look for half a dozen children or so around Harry’s age who can be taught alongside him in Ynysangharad House.’

  ‘Very commendable.’ Mr Jenkins nodded. ‘Do you have any children in mind, Mrs Evans?’

  ‘No, Mr Jenkins, I had hoped that yourself and the committee could assist me. If any of you know of children Harry’s age who live within easy distance of the house and who would like to be educated alongside my son I would be grateful if you could ask their parents to contact me. It is my intention to turn the library into a schoolroom.’

  ‘The library!’

  ‘Yes, Geraint, the library.’ Sali looked her brother in the eye. ‘Do you have any objections to my son using his library as a schoolroom?’

  ‘None at all.’ He looked down at his hands.

  ‘I also wish to inform you that I met with Mr Horton prior to this meeting and he has agreed to take my brother-in-law, Mr Joseph Evans, as one of the trainee assistant managers destined to be employed at the Tonypandy store. The last thing Mr Evans would want is any favouritism to be shown to him because of his relationship to me. Should he prove unsuitable, he will be dismissed. I discussed some ideas of my own with Mr Horton.’ She looked at the manager. ‘In the future I hope to take a more active role in Gwilym James and possibly the Market Company as my Great-Aunt Edyth did. Mr Horton has agreed that I should supervise the buying of stock for the Tonypandy store. As I have been living there for the past few years I am acquainted with the goods the colliers and their wives need. Mr Horton is arranging for me to have an office here, on the top floor. Should any of you wish to contact me, I will be working here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from two o’clock until five in the afternoon. The remainder of the week I will work in the study in Ynysangharad House so I can be close to my children.’

  ‘I am sure that the entire committee welcomes your news, Mrs Evans.’ Mr Jenkins looked around the table. ‘Any other business? No? Lady, gentlemen, I declare this meeting closed.’

  ‘May I speak to you alone for a few moments, Geraint?’

  ‘If Mr Horton will excuse me,’ Geraint replied sullenly.

  ‘Of course, Mr Watkin Jones.’ Mr Horton left the room.

  Sali touched Mr Richards’ arm. ‘I hope you will come back to the house with me for tea. I’d like to discuss investments with you?’

  ‘I will wait in the carriage, Mrs Evans.’ The last to leave the conference room, Mr Richards closed the door behind him.

  ‘Investments?’ Geraint sat back in his chair.

  ‘Mr Richards sold some jewellery for me. I intend to invest the money.’

  ‘You’ve sold Aunt Edyth’s jewellery! Her will clearly states that it is yours for use only in your lifetime and is to be left to Harry.’

  ‘I am aware of the terms of Aunt Edyth’s will. Her jewellery is in the bank. I sold the engagement ring Mansel gave me, which I think you’ll concede is mine.’

  ‘And you’ve moved yourself and your brother-in-law into Ynysangharad House and arranged a job for him here?’

  ‘That is what I wanted to talk to you about, Geraint.’

  ‘Have you realized what you’ve done, Sali?’ he railed. ‘You have put Mr Horton and me in an impossible position. You have asked him to try to turn a filthy collier into a competent sales assistant, who will have to deal with ladies and gentlemen. And you’re asking me to live with the man ...’

  ‘No, I am not.’

  ‘Pardon?’

  ‘Let’s deal with the position I have put Mr Horton in first, shall we? I asked him to consider Joey, not as an assistant but as a potential assistant manager for the Tonypandy store. But then, that is no more than I would do for any member of my family, Geraint. Even you.’

  Taking her barbed remark as she’d intended, Geraint remained silent.

  ‘About our living arrangements,’ she continued. ‘I have spoken to Mari and the housekeeper and organized you and Mother’s move into the annexe. Joey, the children and I will be occupying the house and given the tension between us -’

  ‘Which is of your making. Marrying a common criminal -’

  ‘I am not arguing with you, Geraint, I am informing you of the arrangements I have made. I am not prepared to allow Harry to be brought up in a strained atmosphere, or witness any bickering between you and me, or you and Joey, and given your attitude towards Lloyd and his family there will be some.’

  ‘You think I would be impolite -’

  ‘I think there would be sharp words and arguments. Harry is not used to either. I have ordered Mari to run the annexe as an entirely separate household, although you will have your meals supplied from the kitchen of the main house. I don’t believe it’s fair to expect the estate to go to the expense of hiring any extra staff, so Mari will assume housekeeping duties in the main house; Aunt Edyth’s housekeeper, one maid and the nurse will assume duties in the annexe.’

  ‘And Mr Jenkins?’

  ‘Mr Jenkins and Robert will continue to work in the main house. If you want any extra staff you will have to pay for them out of your wages.’

  ‘You know what I earn here. I can’t afford -’

  ‘Your finances are your own affair, Geraint. For Mother’s sake I will continue to allow you both to live in the house, rent and expense free. But I expect you to remain in the annexe unless you are given a specific invitation to visit the main house. If you want to use any of the carriages, you will have to clear it with me first.’

  Geraint pursed his lips sullenly.

  ‘You have nothing to say?’

  ‘What about Gareth and Llinos?’

  ‘When they come home from school they will live in the annexe with you and mother.’

  ‘You humiliate us by forcing us to live in the cramped annexe, while you and a common collier lord it in the main house, and when your husband comes out of prison -’

  ‘That common collier is my brother-in-law and soon to be your colleague. As to Lloyd moving in, I haven’t dared think that far ahead, Geraint. The annexe has four bedrooms, a bathroom, dining room, drawing room and kitchen, in my opinion, hardly cramped quarters. I think you are forgetting that Mansel and I decorated and prepared the annexe to be our home only six years ago. As for humiliating you, you haven’t paid a single penny towards your own or mother’s keep since you moved into Ynysangharad House on a “temporary basis” that has lasted over a year. Joey, however, has already offered to pay his keep from his wages.’

  ‘He wouldn’t earn enough to pay his keep in a place like Ynysangharad House,’ Geraint sneered.

  ‘Ten shillings a week is the going rate in the Rhondda for lodgings and that is what he will be paying. It will cover the cost of his food. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to keep Mr Richards waiting.’

  ‘If you two boys can tear yourself away from killing your men,’ Mari shook her head at the lead soldiers scattered around the nursery fort, ‘I’ll show you your bedrooms.’

  ‘Later, Mari.’ Harry made a booming noise and knocked over another of Joey’s officers.

  ‘Come on, Tiger, it is not polite to keep a lady waiting, or not do as she asks.’ Joey picked him up and swung him on to his back.

  Mari smiled, as Harry wrapped his small arms around Joey’s neck. ‘You two are close.’

  ‘We’re in the same gang,’ Harry informed her seriously.

  ‘This will be your room until you decide whether or not you want to move into the nursery, Master Harry. It’s next door to your mother’s and there’s a door between the rooms, so if you need her in the night you don’t have to go out on the landing.’

  Joey looked around the dressing room, then opened the connecting door and gazed at the master bedroom. He whistled appreciatively at the sight of the mahogany fou
r-poster, matching wardrobes, dressing table, washstand and desk. Two upholstered chairs stood either side of a sofa table in front of a huge window that overlooked the gardens. A Persian rug covered most of the floor and white silk drapes on the bed and windows and a white silk bedcover lightened the impact of the furniture. ‘So this is how the other half live.’

  ‘It is a nice room,’ Mari concurred, ‘and it’s been crying out to be used since Mrs James’ death. I’m glad that Miss Sali has decided to move in here. You’re in the blue room.’ She led the way along the landing and opened another door. ‘I hope it will do you.’

  ‘Do me?’ Joey untangled Harry’s arms from around his neck and dropped him on the bed. ‘It’s bigger than the whole of the upstairs in my father’s house in Tonypandy.’

  ‘I’m going to set the soldiers up for another game, Uncle Joey.’ Harry jumped down from the bed and ran back down the landing.

  ‘Thank you.’ Joey gave Mari one of his most charming smiles. ‘I’ll feel like a prince sleeping in here.’ The drapes at the window were blue, the bed wasn’t a four-poster but the rest of the furniture was the same standard as that in the master bedroom, and there was a desk, table and chairs at the window. The toilet ware on the washstand was Doulton –he recognized it because his mother had loved good china and had frequently taken him around the china departments of big stores before he’d been old enough to protest.

  ‘The maid’s unpacked your things and put them in the wardrobe. Your case has been taken to the box room.’

  ‘I could have done that,’ Joey protested. ‘I’m not used to being waited on hand and foot.’

  ‘Get used to it,’ Mari warned. ‘Because the last thing my staff, especially the younger maids, need is an over familiar member of the family when he’s as young as you, and,’ she gave him a stern look, ‘who can turn on the charm whenever he wants to.’

  ‘Sali’s been talking to you.’

  ‘Miss Sali didn’t have to say a word. Mrs Williams -’

  ‘Llan House, I forgot. You’re sisters, aren’t you?’

  ‘She said you were good-looking and personable, and she was right on both counts. She also said that you couldn’t be trusted around pretty girls. Well, don’t try any of your antics on any of my staff or Mr Horton’s in the store. The first hint of any trouble and you’ll be out and not even Miss Sali will be able to save you. You want to play with anyone,’ she paused, as Harry called him again from the nursery, ‘I suggest you restrict yourself to playing soldiers with your nephew.’