The Christmas Card

by Dilly Court

Alice and Viola returned to Hertford Street, leaving Flora in the care of Mrs Abbott and Hawkins. Flora had protested, but had had eventually accepted her mother’s decision with the promise that it was only a temporary measure, and she would be allowed to travel up to London in time for her birthday party.

  Alice was delighted with the room that Viola had allocated her. The hand-painted wallpaper depicted dainty birds perching on the stems of climbing roses, and the colours were picked out in the curtains and thick-piled Aubusson rugs. Everything had been done with good taste and regardless of expense, but she was rarely there long enough during waking hours to fully appreciate her luxurious surroundings. Her days were filled with appointments of one sort or another. Viola’s dressmaker came to the house to measure her for new gowns suitable for a woman in commerce. She also had meetings with Philip Hart and Viola to discuss the business side of starting a printing works. She accompanied her aunt to the premises in Wheat Sheaf Yard, which had been owned by a printer of catalogues for auction houses and political pamphlets. He had died suddenly, and his widow needed the cash from the sale. Then there were trips to the various warehouses to order the supplies they would need to begin production.

  Alice had little chance to brood over her personal life, although in the odd moments when she had time to reflect she tried hard to put Rory out of her mind. His pride had been hurt by her rejection of his advances, but she convinced herself that he would soon recover. He was, she decided, both selfish and shallow, and had only pursued her due to a fit of pique because his charm and good looks had failed to make a conquest. As far as she could see the only genuine affection he felt was for young Flora, and for that reason alone she sent him an invitation to Flora’s birthday party.

  Having done her utmost to banish him from her heart and mind Alice put all her efforts into her work. High on her list of things to do was to visit Dearborns’ offices, simply as a courtesy call. Wearing her new grey worsted gown with a white lace collar and cuffs, and a blue velvet mantle and matching bonnet, Alice knew that she was looking her best, although inside she was quaking at the thought of having to face Rory. It had to happen sooner or later as their paths were bound to cross, and she had rather it was on her own terms than his.

  The cab set her down outside the office in Farringdon Street. Having paid the cabby she took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and marched into the building. She walked up to the desk, greeting Beasley with a smile. ‘Good morning, Mr Beasley.’

  He jumped to his feet, beaming at her with genuine pleasure. ‘It’s so nice to see you again, Miss Radcliffe. Dare I hope that you are returning to us?’

  ‘I’m afraid not. I’ve come in the hope of seeing Mr Frederick.’

  ‘I’m sorry, miss. Both Mr Frederick and Mr Rory are at the printing works today, and not expected to return until late this afternoon.’

  ‘Might I have a pen and some paper, Mr Beasley? I’d like to write a note for Mr Frederick.’

  ‘Of course, miss. If you’d care to go into the office you could use your old desk. I’m sure that your former colleagues would be pleased to see you.’

  Alice had her doubts, but it seemed churlish to refuse, and in any case she wanted to have a few words with George.

  ‘Of course,’ she said, nodding. ‘That would be splendid.’ She followed Beasley along the familiar corridor and he ushered her in as if she were an honoured guest.

  ‘Miss Radcliffe has come to see you, gents.’

  Rawlins popped out from behind his partition like a jack-in-a-box. His face was a study in surprise. ‘Miss Radcliffe? You haven’t …’

  ‘No, Mr Wall, I’m not coming back to work here. Mr Beasley said I could use my desk to write a note to Mr Frederick.’

  Martin looked up and grinned. ‘You can’t keep away, can you, Alice? You miss me after all.’

  She acknowledged him with a frosty smile as she crossed the floor. ‘I miss you as much as you miss me, Martin. You were glad to see the back of me, I’m sure.’

  ‘Harsh words, both uncalled for and unkind.’ He held his hand to his heart with a pained expression. ‘George, old man, look who has graced us with her presence.’

  George had just entered the room, staggering beneath the weight of a large cardboard box, which he hastily dumped on his desk. ‘Alice, this is a surprise.’ His voice shook with emotion and spots of colour appeared on his cheeks.

  ‘Did she turn you down, old chap?’ Martin said in a mocking tone. ‘Poor George. You broke his heart, Alice.’

  ‘That’s enough, Mr Collis,’ Rawlins said sharply. ‘Leave the boy alone and get on with your work. Mr Frederick wants that design finished by the time he returns.’ Glaring at them, he returned to his desk.

  Alice ignored Martin, who continued to aim sly remarks at George, and took her seat. Her note to Frederick was brief, assuring him that Flora was safe and well and happily reunited with her real mother. It would have been better to see him in person, but at least she could set his mind at rest as far as Flora was concerned. She stood up and, ignoring Martin’s attempts to attract her attention, beckoned to George. ‘Might I have a word in private?’

  He flushed scarlet, glancing nervously at Rawlins, but he was seated at his desk, apparently engrossed in his work. ‘Of course,’ George said in a low voice. ‘I’ll follow you out.’ He sent a meaningful glance in Martin’s direction.

  ‘I’ll say goodbye then,’ Alice said loudly. ‘I doubt if we’ll meet again, Martin, so I wish you well.’ She walked past him with her head held high. He was one person she would not miss, and Rawlins was another.

  George caught her up as she reached the vestibule. ‘You look very fine, Alice,’ he said shyly. ‘What is it you wanted to say?’

  ‘I’ll get straight to the point, George. I’m starting up a business with my cousin, Mrs Considine.’ Alice spoke softly just in case Rawlins had his ear to the keyhole. ‘We’re going to print greetings cards and Christmas cards. I’m offering you a job.’

  His mouth opened and shut soundlessly. He gulped and swallowed. ‘Is this a joke? It’s not very funny if it is.’

  She laid her hand on his sleeve. ‘It’s not a joke. I’m in deadly earnest. We’ll need a man with your experience, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have to manage the office. You’re not appreciated here, I know that. Martin and Rawlins don’t give you credit for what you do, but without you they’ll be struggling.’

  ‘I – I don’t know what to say,’ he stammered. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind about …’

  ‘No, George, but I do value you as a dear friend. I owe you and your family a huge debt of gratitude for taking me in when I had no home, and quite apart from that I think you will be an asset to our company. What do you say?’

  ‘I say yes.’ He clutched her hands, grinning boyishly. ‘How could I refuse such an offer? I’ll give in my notice now, this minute.’ He glanced over his shoulder, following Alice’s startled gaze. ‘He’s back early. Come with me, Alice; we can tell Mr Rory my good news.’

  Alice hesitated, wondering if she could somehow slip past Rory, but it was too late. He had spotted them and he came striding along the corridor, a broad smile on his face. ‘Alice, this is a nice surprise. Don’t tell me you’re looking for a job.’

  ‘No, that’s not my reason for being here.’ She tucked her hand in the crook of George’s arm. ‘As a matter of fact I came to see Frederick to tell him that Flora is well and happy, but you’ve probably told him that already.’

  He regarded her with a puzzled frown. ‘Yes, of course I did. Freddie was beside himself with worry about the child.’

  ‘I realise that and I hope that he and your sister-in-law will accompany Mary to Flora’s birthday party in a fortnight’s time. You should receive your invitation in the next post.’

  ‘Really? I thought I was last person you wanted to see.’

  George cleared his throat and made as if to move away but Alice tightened her hold on his sleeve. ‘Th
ere’s no reason why we can’t be friends, if only for Flora’s sake. She’s very fond of you and she misses you.’

  ‘I’m glad that someone has fond feelings for me.’

  George gave an embarrassed cough. ‘I really should return to the office, Alice.’

  ‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘This is as good a time as any to tell Mr Dearborn that I’m poaching his staff.’

  ‘What’s this?’ Rory looked from one to the other, eyebrows raised.

  Alice nudged George in the ribs. ‘Go on, George. Tell Mr Dearborn what we’ve agreed.’

  ‘I – I have to give notice that I’ll be leaving at the end of the week, sir. Alice – I mean Miss Radcliffe – has offered me a position in her office.’

  ‘Now I know this must be a poorly timed jest. What are you up to, Alice?’

  ‘I really need to get back to work,’ George said urgently.

  Alice released her hold on his arm. ‘Of course you must. I’ll call in to see you on Sunday and we can discuss matters then.’

  He nodded, casting a wary look in Rory’s direction before hurrying off. Alice folded her hands in front of her. ‘I suppose you’re wondering what this is all about.’

  ‘You could say that.’ He proffered his arm. ‘Shall we go to the coffee house across the street and you can tell me all about it?’

  She hesitated, trying desperately to control the familiar tug of attraction that had always drawn her to him. ‘I’m rather busy, as it happens.’

  ‘Not too busy to take a little refreshment, surely?’ His smile would have melted an iceberg and her instinct to flee was overtaken by the desire to spend some time with him.

  ‘All right,’ she said reluctantly. ‘But I have a meeting to attend in Wheat Sheaf Yard.’

  His smile broadened. ‘Then it’s fortunate that the coffee house is on the corner of that street. I’m eager to hear your plans, Alice. You won’t deny me that pleasure, will you?’

  ‘You might not be so pleased when you find out what they are.’ She took his arm, steeling herself to remain aloof. It was all a game to him, she told herself as they left the building and crossed the street, but it was impossible to ignore the envious glances of the female passers-by. Women of all ages seemed to fall under Rory’s spell. He had only to look their way and smile and they fluttered their eyelashes, blushing rosily as they went on their way.

  Safely installed in the dark confines of the coffee house, Alice concentrated on stirring her cup as she outlined the plans for her business venture with Viola. Rory sipped his drink and listened in silence until she came to an end. She looked up and met his intense gaze. For a moment she thought he was going to upbraid her, but to her surprise he threw back his head and laughed, causing some of the patrons to turn their heads and stare.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ she demanded angrily. ‘Do you think it’s ridiculous for two women to enter the business world?’

  He shook his head, his biting back a chuckle. ‘Of course not.’

  ‘Then why are you laughing?’

  ‘What does amuse me is the image of you and your aunt setting out to conquer a world that has been dominated by men for centuries, and the funny thing is that I know you can do it. I’ve seen that determined glint in your beautiful eyes before, and I know what it means.’

  Alice stiffened, trying hard to ignore the compliment. ‘But you still think it hilarious.’

  ‘No, I don’t.’ He was suddenly serious and he reached across the table to cover her hand with his. ‘I wish it were otherwise because I’ve seen your designs and I know what you can do. I also know that Mrs Considine is an excellent businesswoman, and hard-headed as any man, but what happens when her husband is released from prison? Have you thought of that?’

  Alice choked on a mouthful of hot coffee. ‘I understood that he had a few years to serve as yet, and anyway, what difference would that make?’

  ‘As a married woman your cousin’s assets belong to her husband. Aiden Considine was well-known in the City, but his reputation was tarnished by sharp practice, which is what landed him in jail in the first instance. Should he secure an early release he might decide that printing greetings cards is not profitable enough and withdraw the funds that his wife had invested.’

  ‘I understand what you’re saying, but Viola wouldn’t allow him to do such a thing.’

  ‘There’s the rub, Alice. The law in that case is on his side. He can do what he likes with his wife’s money.’

  Alice bowed her head. ‘That seems as good a reason as any for a woman to remain a spinster.’

  ‘In your case that would be a terrible waste.’ He leaned forward, lowering his voice. ‘Did I ever tell you that your eyes are like moonstones? They change colour with your mood.’ He withdrew his hand. ‘And at the moment they’re flashing fiery warning signs, so I’ll say no more. If it were up to me I’d invest every last penny I had in your talent, and for what it’s worth, I think Christmas cards are the coming thing. Do you still have the copy of Horsley’s card that your father gave you?’

  Still reeling from his suggestion that Aidan could put an end to her hopes and dreams, Alice nodded dully. ‘I keep it in a safe place.’ She downed the remainder of the coffee. ‘My pa wouldn’t want me to give up now. You’re right to remind me of his gift. He wasn’t a practical man but he stuck to his beliefs and he was true to himself.’ She rose from the table. ‘But I appreciate your candour, Rory. I know you mean well.’

  He stood up. ‘But you’re still going ahead.’

  ‘Of course I am. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have a meeting with Viola and Philip Hart in Wheat Sheaf Yard.’ She swept out of the coffee shop with her pride intact and her heart in ribbons.

  The printing shop was fully operational and Philip had invited the former staff to attend an interview together with two experienced lithographers. The formalities were over by the time Alice joined them and she was just in time to meet the men in question. She had no fault to find with any of them and after a brief discussion with Viola and Philip it was agreed to take them on for a trial period. Philip was left to make the offers, which were accepted without question. It remained for Alice to explain why she had taken it on herself to offer George the job of managing the office, and neither Viola nor Philip put forward any objection.

  When everyone had gone their separate ways, Alice and Viola were left alone in the somewhat dingy rooms with the smell of printer’s ink and turpentine still lingering in the stale air. Rory’s warning about Aiden Considine’s reaction on finding that his wife had used some of his money to start up another business had been buzzing around in Alice’s head like a swarm of angry wasps. She repeated what he had said in detail.

  Viola took a small silver case from her reticule and selected a cigarillo. She struck a match on the bare brick wall, and lit the cigarillo, exhaling a thin plume of smoke into the beamed ceiling. A spider hanging in the middle of its web took exception to the tobacco smoke and disappeared into a crack in the wooden beam.

  ‘I wouldn’t worry about that, darling,’ Viola said casually. ‘It’s not something you should worry about.’

  ‘But it’s true, isn’t it? A woman’s property falls into her husband’s hands when they marry.’

  ‘It’s absolutely true and the law should be changed,’ Viola held up her left hand, which unusually for her was bare of rings. ‘We never made it official, Alice.’

  ‘But you said that you and Aiden were married.’

  ‘I say a lot of things, sweetheart, and some of them are true, but if it suits me to lie I will do so without a qualm.’

  ‘Oh.’ Alice stared at her in surprise. ‘I see.’

  Viola raised the cigarillo to her lips and drew on it. ‘I’ve lived by my wits since Eddie died,’ she said, allowing the smoke to trickle from her pursed lips. ‘It pleases me to allow the world in general to view me as a matron. Aiden did propose marriage, but I refused and he accepted it with good grace. I think he enjoys the fact that we’re not sha
ckled to each other like prisoners being transported to the colonies. He is a free spirit, as am I. Does that shock you, Alice?’

  ‘No, as a matter of fact I’m beginning to think that we’re more alike than I would have thought possible for mere cousins.’

  ‘Half-cousins, darling. Don’t forget I’m a child of your grandpa’s second marriage, not that it made any difference to dear Clement, but Robert hated his stepmother and I think it gave him pleasure to treat me like a whore.’

  ‘You told me that before,’ Alice said, shuddering. ‘But it still shocks me.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s all past history, but the future is what matters now. You and I are going to make a fortune with this business.’

  ‘I agree, but perhaps we ought to call ourselves Radcliffe and Radcliffe, or simply Radcliffes’ – keeping it in the family, so to speak.’

  Viola nodded enthusiastically. ‘I like Radcliffes’ because one day Flora will inherit my business interests, and as Eddie and I were unmarried her birth certificate is registered in my name.’

  ‘It’s probably best if Molly doesn’t find that out. I hope I did the right thing by inviting her to Flora’s birthday party.’

  ‘It’s going to be quite a gathering,’ Viola said with a wry smile. ‘I’ve decided to hire Gunter’s for the whole afternoon. Flora seems to have taken a fancy to the place.’

  ‘Gunter’s ice cream and snowmen,’ Alice said thoughtfully. ‘I think that will always mean Christmas to Flora.’ The memory of tea at Gunter’s with Rory and Flora came flooding back, tugging at Alice’s heartstrings. She might not have realised it then but she had been halfway to falling in love with him that day, and when he had taken Flora into the snowy square and helped her to make a snowman her heart had gone out to him. It had belonged to him ever since, even though she was loath to admit it to herself.

  Viola dropped the butt end of her cigarillo onto the floor and ground it in with the heel of her boot. ‘Come along, Alice. We’ve finished here for the day. We’ve hired professionals to do the work for us, and now it’s up to you to provide the brilliant designs that will sell by the thousand. I’m not in this to peddle a few hundred cards or just enough to break even – we’re going to make a fortune in our own right.’