Читать книгу Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls - Rosie Clarke - Страница 11

‘When will you get the keys for the new property?’ Sally asked her husband as they were dressing for work that morning in early April.

‘I expect today,’ Ben said, grinning at her like a small boy with a huge ice cream cornet. His eyes were sparkling, the excitement barely hidden. ‘I’ve made an appointment with a builder at four this afternoon and I hope to get the ball rolling.’

‘At last it’s ours,’ Sally nodded her approval. ‘Lawyers always seem to drag their feet – I can’t wait to see it…’ Her hand went surreptitiously to the small of her back.

‘Impatient one,’ Ben said and moved towards her, concern replacing the glee. ‘Does your back hurt again?’

‘A bit,’ she admitted, ‘but I’m all right, so don’t fuss…’

‘I know you won’t stop working until the last minute,’ Ben said, ‘but don’t neglect yourself, Sally. You’re very important to me – and to Harpers…’

‘I know.’ She smiled up at him. ‘I’m not an invalid, Ben. I’m just having a baby.’ And it wasn’t that long to go now, only a month to six weeks according to her doctor’s opinion.

‘But it’s my baby and you’re my wife,’ he murmured as he took a tie from the selection hanging on the back of his wardrobe door. ‘Is this one right with this suit?’ He held it against him.

‘It’s all right – but this is better,’ she said and took one slightly darker from the selection. ‘This tones well…’

‘See, I can’t even dress myself without you,’ he said and laughed as she shook her head and disappeared through the bedroom door, across the wide hall to their kitchen.

Sally hadn’t been able to eat much first thing in the early weeks of her pregnancy but now she was hungry all the time and she started on her favourite iced biscuits as she waited for the toast to brown.

Mr Marco was waiting for Sally when she arrived at her office. He looked as if he was about to burst with news, so she put a finger to her lips, because the new window displays were a secret. Once inside and the door firmly shut, she said, ‘Well, did you get her?’

‘Yes, she has agreed to do it,’ he said, his eyes lighting with triumph. ‘I told her we were both in love with Eliza Doolittle and adored her performance and that we’re devoting a whole window to her and the show – and she said she didn’t normally agree to do publicity for stores, but she would for us.’

‘That’s wonderful,’ Sally said. ‘I’m thrilled. I loved Pygmalion when Ben took me to see it on the opening night at His Majesty’s Theatre and Mrs Patrick Campbell was brilliant as Eliza. I’m so pleased she agreed.’

‘She is coming into Harpers the morning we unveil the window and she will sign autographs if anyone wants – and they will. I wouldn’t mind betting we’ll be swamped.’

‘Yes, I’m sure we shall,’ Sally agreed. ‘Congratulations, Mr Marco. You’ve pulled off a coup by persuading her to come – how did you manage it?’

‘Well, I’ve met her at theatrical parties with a friend, who just happens to be a friend of a friend of hers…’

Sally nodded. She knew that Mr Marco was moving in artistic circles these days. He had – at least on the surface – got over the tragic loss of his lover and seemed to be out most evenings, either at the theatre or a party given by someone in that world.

Sally’s secretary brought in coffee after he’d departed, together with a plate of pink-iced biscuits. Sally ate them all while she drank a cup of coffee. When her appointment arrived, she ordered more coffee for him and invited the representative to sit down.

‘I hope you’ve brought something nice for me to see, Mr Charles?’

‘I think you will like our new lines,’ he said and placed a smart jeweller’s case on the desk. It was made of maroon Morocco leather with brass clasps and when opened revealed three layers lined with sheepskin. On each layer were several pieces of jewellery. The top two layers had silver jewellery, much of it similar to stock she’d bought before, but when he showed her the bottom layer, a little gasp of pleasure left her lips.

‘Beautiful…’

‘It’s lapis lazuli, Mrs Harper. I thought you would appreciate it…’

‘I do, very much – but what sort of price can you give me?’

The representative smiled confidently as she picked up the beautiful pieces one by one to admire them, her fingers moving over the deep shine of the stone with reverence.

‘You know I always give you a special price, Mrs Harper – and as this line is very new, I can do quite a good deal for you…’

When the representative left nearly an hour later, he had an order for three hundred pounds and Sally had six beautiful pieces of lapis lazuli jewellery on her desk. She’d ordered quite a few of the silver pieces, some of which she’d bought before, and several more pieces of lapis lazuli, some set in silver and some in 9 carat gold. Mr Charles had allowed her to pick six pieces from his stock and the rest would be delivered the next week.

It was more expensive jewellery than they’d stocked before, perhaps too expensive for the ordinary woman to purchase for herself as a treat, because it started at two guineas for a simple brooch and went up to five for a more elaborate piece. However, husbands, brothers and doting grandfathers often spent as much or more on gifts for loved ones and they would be the buyers of these wonderful Art Nouveau pieces.

Ben had actually bought Sally a wonderful lapis lazuli pendent set in 18 carat gold and given it to her over dinner the evening he’d secured the purchase of the shop. It had taken her breath away and she’d scolded him for spending so much money on her.

‘I wanted you to have it,’ he’d told her with a smile. ‘You’re worth it – and one day it will be diamonds from head to foot, Sally.’

‘You spoil me,’ she’d said. ‘I love it – and no diamonds could ever be as good…’

Lapis lazuli was a special stone, not just because of its wonderful deep blue colour but because it was mystical and Sally knew there were myths and stories surrounding such stones. It was said to be the stone of royalty, honour, gods and power and to help its wearer to wisdom and truth. As she priced up the items she had, Sally decided she would visit the library and research it more. If Beth and the girls knew the stories and could tell the customers, it would help to sell the jewellery and they would need to push them because these pieces were so expensive.

Mr Marco would feature them in the window when she had more stock, make a display around these special pieces in some way. If she could find a suitable myth, he might design a window about the story and make it as magical as she felt the stones deserved. He was such a talented designer that she knew he would do it justice.

Leaving the office, Sally went down to her favourite department. Beth was serving a customer with jewellery; Marion Kaye was wrapping silk scarves for a customer, while Maggie served another with leather gloves. Janice Browning was putting two of the new spring hats into the fancy boxes.

Sally felt pleased to see the store so busy. The free gifts and special window display, together with the champagne and chocolates offered to customers on the ground floor, had brought the crowds for their anniversary back in March. However, the profit margins had been small that week and she was uncertain whether her gamble had paid off. The trick was to sell more at the right price so that they made a healthy mark-up and turned over the stock at a good rate. Fortunately, Mr Marco’s windows seemed to attract crowds every week. It was because they kept the blinds up until they were finished and he was so clever that people often stood and stared for ages, taking in all the little things he’d done to amuse and titillate the senses.

Janice Browning came up to her when her customer had gone and Sally congratulated her on her sale.

‘Oh, I like to serve my customers, Mrs Harper,’ she gushed. ‘I think it’s because I give them such good advice that they buy more…’

‘Well, done, Miss Browning,’ Sally said with a crisp nod. Something about the girl grated on her nerves, though she was an excellent salesgirl. ‘Excuse me now; I must speak to Mrs Burrows…’

Beth had finished serving her customer and Sally went up to her, showing her the lovely pieces of lapis lazuli jewellery.

‘It looks expensive,’ Beth said as she touched it reverently. ‘Is it just these few pieces?’

‘For now, but I’ve ordered more. Mr Charles let me have these from his stock. He only does that for special customers… at least that’s what he said,’ Sally said, smiling, because she knew the little tricks the representatives used to flatter her and persuade her to buy. It didn’t always work, because Sally knew exactly what she wanted the minute she saw it but always held out for the best price.

‘Well, they are expensive, but I’ve sold three bracelets at thirty-five shillings this morning, all as birthday presents, so they should sell as gifts…’

‘Yes, that is what I’m hoping for,’ Sally said. ‘We’ve done well with that particular representative’s stock before, so fingers crossed…’ She frowned, placing a hand to her back and giving a little sigh. ‘Do you know, I think I shall have to…?’ She was going to say sit down, but before she could finish, her head went fuzzy and she started to sway.

Beth rushed to catch her before she could fall and Marion brought a chair. Together, they lowered her on to it and Beth supported her as Maggie brought a glass of water.

In another moment, Sally’s head had cleared. She sat up straighter and apologised. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘That was foolish of me…’

‘You need to rest,’ Beth said. ‘Shall I help you to the office – or order you a taxi?’

‘No, I’ll be fine,’ Sally said firmly. ‘It was just a little faintness. I dare say I need my lunch. Ben will be here soon.’ She looked round at the girls. ‘You will oblige me by not mentioning this to anyone.’

‘Of course, Mrs Harper,’ Marion, Maggie and Beth said instantly.

Janice Browning went to serve a customer who had just entered the department.

‘Do you want me to come up with you?’ Beth asked.

‘No, I’ll be fine now,’ Sally said, smiled and walked out of the department. Her head had cleared and she was annoyed. What a nuisance that she’d turned faint like that. She hoped none of the customers had noticed, because if they had, Ben would learn about it very soon and then he would probably insist that she stopped coming into work, and she really wasn’t ready to that just yet.

Ben arrived with flowers and the keys to the building next door. Sally had ordered sandwiches and a salad for them, which they ate together in the office. Ben drank a glass of wine to celebrate, but Sally had orange juice. She was feeling fine again and looking forward to viewing the new premises.

‘We can have a walk round before your builder turns up,’ she suggested. ‘I’d like to see what I think before you two get to work on it.’

‘Of course, you would,’ Ben laughed. ‘No doubt you will turn all my plans upside down – but it will be for the better…’

Sally smiled. She’d already had her say, but she was too excited to delay her visit until four and couldn’t wait to grab her jacket and follow Ben into the street and then into the empty property.

It smelled of tobacco and something she thought was aniseed but the shop was spacious and there was a huge storeroom behind it which could be opened out for better use. It had stairs up to the flat above and Ben had previously mentioned putting in a lift to make it easier for their customers.

Upstairs, it was divided into living rooms, a kitchen, hall and, on the top floor, four bedrooms and a bathroom, but all the internal walls could come down to open up for the various departments they had in mind. It would take steel lintels and special beams in the ceilings, Ben explained, to make it safe, but the potential was there.

‘It’s wonderful,’ Sally said and hugged him excitedly. ‘I’m so glad you managed to finance it. I think the extra departments are just what we need.’

‘Yes, I know. My uncle always had his eye on this building, but the owner wouldn’t sell to him then.’

‘Well, you did what he couldn’t.’ Sally leaned in to kiss him. ‘I’m so happy, Ben…’ she murmured and then her head started to spin. She fell against him and Ben caught her and held her to him, his strong arms saving her from a fall. ‘Oh dear… I feel a bit odd…’

‘You fainted,’ he said and bent to sweep her up in his arms, holding her safe against his chest. ‘I’m putting you in a taxi and taking you home, Mrs Harper – and then I’m calling the doctor. If my information is right, that is the second time you’ve swooned today.’

‘Traitors…’ Sally muttered, but she was feeling too weak to argue and it was rather nice having Ben look after her. She would let him call the doctor, but she had no intention of retiring to her bed until the birth…

News of Sally’s illness, brought a visit from Mick, bearing a huge bunch of spring flowers and a large box of special cakes that his chef had made specially for her. He came on the following Sunday and Ben welcomed him in, inviting him to stay for lunch.

‘I’m cooking steak, jacket potatoes and salad, but you’re welcome to stay.’

‘Thank you, I should have enjoyed that, but I have a business lunch…’

‘Don’t you ever sit still?’ Sally challenged and he grinned at her.

‘Pot calling the kettle black?’ he said. ‘Sure, I might go back to Ireland for a few days in the summer to visit me cousins, but ask Ben – business comes first…’

Ben laughed and shook his head. ‘I’m keeping out of it,’ he said.

However, the two had sat and talked business. Sally made coffee and they all ate Mick’s delicious offerings and it was nearly twelve before he decided he had to dash.

‘Now, don’t you be overdoing it, Sally Harper,’ he warned before he left. ‘We don’t want to lose you…’

Sally frowned and looked at Ben. ‘He’s nearly as bad as you…’

Ben smiled oddly. ‘Mick thinks a lot of you – but I know he’s just a friend and I’m not jealous, but he is right. You should take notice of your friends, Sally. We all need you and you’ve got to rest more.’

Sally made a rude face at him. Ben laughed and went off to prepare their lunch, leaving her to browse the latest fashion catalogues that Ben had brought home. She could see several lines for the autumn she rather liked and she pulled her pad towards her, beginning to make notes about the new sleeves and necklines that had caught her eye. A little dizziness wasn’t going to stop Sally doing her job if she could help it…