‘But she took such a chance telling you to go. How did she know you wouldn’t tell Mr Dexter the truth?‘
‘She was confident she would be believed. D’you know, Lucy, that woman is two different people: the brazen, tarty creature I first met, and the demure, butter-wouldn’t-melt Mrs George Dexter. If you had seen the way she was dressed when I first saw her, red lipstick and heavy eye make-up, wild hair and awful clothes including a startlingly short skirt and high-heeled red shoes, and then compare that with the vision of shy, simpering loveliness she displays for her husband, well, you wouldn’t believe it and neither would he. How could he look at her and not laugh at what I told him? He’s daft on her. She knew she was safe. But whatever she does, she isn’t going to drive me away from Cwm Derw.’
*
Walter Evans knew something was wrong and over the past weekend, as they had sat together, shared anecdotes and laughed at each other’s experiences, he had waited patiently for Meriel to tell him. News always got around, through the various firms in the same line of business as himself, and he knew Meriel had been asked to leave. There was much speculation about her sudden dismissal. What he had heard he had ignored or had flared in her defence. He knew how easily supposition became rumour, and how quickly rumour became accepted as the truth. No, he wanted to be told by Meriel before he believed any of the stories he’d heard. Whatever he was told he knew that George Dexter’s long-standing dislike of him was the real reason for his adored daughter being hounded and disgraced. But he could do nothing until Meriel told him exactly what had happened.
*
Leo Hopkins was late one morning and explained that his mother had been unwell during the night. Later, Walter called him into his office and asked him to make an excuse to call on Meriel. ‘Will you go there, see what you can find out? I don’t want her to know, so can you just be in the area on business and look her up?’
It was arranged that Leo would call at Badgers Brook on the pretence of visiting a distant cousin living a few miles further west. But his mother’s illness and extra work delayed him and several days passed before the opportunity arose. They were days in which Walter continued to worry and to wonder why his daughter, with whom he had always shared complete honesty, wouldn’t tell him the truth.
Leo eventually walked into Badgers Brook as Meriel was returning home at six o’clock. Lucy was already there, having planned an evening listening to music played on a gramophone given to Meriel by Betty Connors. The music met him at the door, ‘Tico Tico’, played by Ethel Smith on her electric organ, and he laughed as Lucy opened the door swinging to the lively beat.
He was invited to stay for a meal and although he tried to persuade them to talk they were as tight-mouthed as the proverbial clam. He left about eight o’clock and instead of driving back to Barry he called into the Ship and Compass. A young man was drinking alone, whom he heard being called by name when ordering a drink. George Dexter’s son, he thought.
‘Teifion? Can I join you?’ he asked.
It was soon apparent that Teifion had been drinking for a while. He was maudlin and his voice was slurring over some words. Leo encouraged him to talk, playing the role of sympathetic listener.
‘My father has never understood me,’ Teifion said. ‘All my life I’ve tried to please him but I’ve let him down.’
‘He expects too much of you,’ Leo said soothingly. ‘Too much of everybody, not just you.’ He listened some more and when he thought the moment was right he said, ‘Telling Meriel to go must have been hard for you too. I bet you couldn’t understand what she’d done wrong.’
‘She didn’t do anything wrong,’ Teifion said, struggling with the words. ‘She shouldn’t have been sacked. She didn’t do anything bad. She’s a lovely, lovely woman. Truth is, the real villain is—’
‘Teifion!’ George came into the bar and called to his son before marching across pulling him out of his seat.
As he was led out, Teifion called back. ‘See? I’m always letting him down. I’m useless, aren’t I, Dad?’
Leo smiled, he already knew the name Teifion had been about to utter. He went back to Walter and told him the truth – albeit distorted – that Teifion had almost blurted out what had happened, but not quite.
*
On three separate occasions Meriel was asked to advise on buying a house. Geoff’s niece, Joyce, was getting married and, while they intended to rent two rooms to start, Joyce had discussed the possibility of buying a place of their own with Geoff and Connie. They sent her to Badgers Brook to talk to Meriel. Kitty and Bob also sent someone to her for guidance before going to Dexter’s to see what houses were available to rent or buy. Meriel was able to show them their various choices, work out general costs and promised further help if they needed it. She also valued the properties they had seen and recommended a price on which to begin their negotiations. A third person called to explain that he wanted to sell his mother’s house and buy something larger. Business seemed to be coming to her and she wondered idly how she could benefit.
There were few evenings when there were no knocks on the door; people continued to call for the most feeble excuses and stay for a while. A stranger called one day, having heard of her reputation, and said they wanted to sell their house as they were moving to London. Meriel loved the business of property deals and she offered to help but couldn’t bring herself to suggest they went to George Dexter. ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll see what I can arrange,’ she said, without an idea of what she was going to do.
She was still making notes on all property for sale or to rent in the area, mainly out of habit, and the following morning she was surprised to notice a house with a shop front that she hadn’t seen before. It was sadly neglected and had obviously been empty for some time. She went to the butcher next door to ask who owned it and walked around the outside. There was a small front garden, and its overgrown privet – once a neat edge to the property – had recently been cut back to reveal the property of which she had not previously been aware.
A feeling of excitement filled her as she began to see possibilities. Lucy’s words, about it being a pity they couldn’t be their own boss, burst out from the back of her mind. She discovered the name of the owner and went at once to see him. That evening she and Lucy went to have a look.
The dampness hit them like a blow as they opened the door and stepped inside. Oddments of linoleum covered the wooden floor and wallpaper was slowly leaving the walls. The woodwork was all dark brown and the windows were streaked with dirt, reducing the light to an eerie gloom.
An examination of the floor suggested that once the floor covers had been discarded the place might dry out satisfactorily. She thought the place suffered mainly from the lack of fresh air blowing through. It had probably been closed up for years. She climbed into the loft and examined the beams and slates with a torch she had brought. It all appeared to be remarkably sound. They struggled to look outside where the garden was seriously overgrown.
‘What d’you think, Lucy?’ she asked, her blue eyes glowing with excitement in her dirt-smudged face.
‘You mean take it? Live here?’
‘No, I mean you and I could open our own business here, be our own boss. What d’you think?’
Lucy laughed, convinced her friend was joking.
‘I’m serious, Lucy. I think we could make a success of it, and it’s very cheap because it’s been empty for so long.’
‘But I don’t know anything about business, I’ve done nothing except work in the hairdresser’s shop. And Jennie doesn’t even let me deal with the books. How can you even consider me as your partner?’
‘We get on well together and you’re very bright, quick to understand, interested in anything I say. Most importantly you’re very good with people. I know we can make a success of things.’
‘What would I do?’
‘Everything I do. We’ll deal with clients, value property, plan advertising, do everything together. I don’t just
want you as a drudge to do the boring bits. I know we’d make a good team. Come on, what do you say?’
‘It’s very exciting. But I’d be afraid of letting you down.’
‘Impossible.’
They discussed the idea for a while and Lucy became more and more excited. ‘Something is telling me this is right for us,’ she said. ‘The shop appearing when we need it, the people coming to you for advice, my restlessness—’
‘That’s how I feel, that this was meant for us.’
‘I was saving up for when Gerald and I were married, I’ll willingly offer all I have.’ They discussed finances for a while, each honest in their commitment. ‘But isn’t there a lot of work to do before we can make plans?’ Lucy asked. ‘We don’t just open the shop and sit there smiling, hoping someone will come in.’
‘In the last half an hour my plans have been made! In fact I can find us several clients straight away. It’s up to you whether you want to take a chance on me.’
‘The mess? The damp? The forest that was once a garden?’
‘It looks awful but the work is superficial. A builder and a decorator could make it liveable in a few weeks. Lighting fires will help dry it out. All it needs is a bit of love. We could lease the rest of the house eventually, that will provide a small income to help us while we get established.’
Lucy hugged her, aware that the moment was an important one.
‘Well?’ Meriel urged.
‘Well, a week’s notice should suffice, so I’ll say nothing until it’s ours! Oh Meriel, it sounds wonderful. Are you sure I’m the one to help you?’
‘Absolutely sure.’ She hesitated then added, ‘There is one thing I’d like to do, ask my father to come and look at it. He won’t change my mind,’ she added hurriedly. ‘But he’d help us decide on the work that’s needed. He might have a few ideas about how we arrange the office, that sort of thing.’
‘I agree. You’ll have to tell him you lost your job though.’
‘I suppose I should. We’ll see. Could I just suggest that I sacked them rather than they sacked me?’
‘Tell him the truth, it’s always best,’ Lucy advised.
They spent several hours in the telephone box on the lane, arranging an appointment to view, making an appointment with the bank manager, and a brief call to tell Meriel’s parents what they were planning.
‘Write everything down,’ Walter told her. ‘I want to look at your ideas and assessments before I see the place. From what you’ve told me I already believe you two can make a success of this, so don’t worry that I’m going to look at it and try to discourage you.’
He laughed then as Lucy, who was also listening, whispered, ‘Fat chance.’
‘All right, I know you too well to believe I could stop you. You’re too much your father’s daughter for me even to try and change your mind once it’s made up.’
Meriel and Lucy went back to Badgers Brook filled with excitement to write down their plans. Meriel wrote to her father, Lucy helping to compose the letter. Two days later his reply arrived, promising to come and inspect the property, which was at 43 Forge Street. He dealt with the purchase and managed to get a small reduction and he also arranged for quotes from builders and decorators. He promised them a typewriter, some office files, a desk and a couple of chairs.
Lucy was thrilled. It became impossible to keep the news to herself and, just before the deal was complete, it burst out of her when her ex-friend, Jennie, now her boss, came in to collect the day book with its appointments and money.
‘You’re leaving us?’ Jennie said, in surprise. ‘But why? I thought you were happy here?’
‘I’m going in to business, a partnership with someone called Meriel Evans, isn’t it amazing?’
‘Meriel Evans, isn’t she a customer?’
‘Yes, it’s how we met and became friends.’
Jennie frowned. ‘I remember now, she was sacked for dishonesty wasn’t she?’
‘No she wasn’t! That woman told lies and I know why but I can’t tell you!’
‘What d’you mean, Lucy? I’m your friend, you can tell me anything,’ Jennie coaxed.
‘Not this, I can’t. Just remember that Meriel isn’t dishonest but Mrs George Dexter is!’ She refused to say any more, being careful not to tell her the full story or explain exactly what they were planning. She suspected that George Dexter would try to prevent it if he heard rumours. ‘So I’ll be leaving towards the end of February. That will give you plenty of time to find my replacement.’
‘Oh no. I can’t have that. I’ll make up your wages and you can leave right now!’
‘What?’ Lucy was aghast.
‘I’ll get your cards and money, if you’ll just wait here.’
‘Jennie! You can’t do this.’
‘Watch me! And don’t think I won’t be glad to find someone else. Mediocre you are, Lucy Calloway. You never had any flair.’
Ten minutes later Lucy was holding back tears as she hurried home through the drizzle of the early February evening, clutching a wage packet and her employment card. When she had thought of leaving she’d imagined it would be with a gift and a thank you, as she was showered with good wishes; not this, sent away with Jennie saying she was glad to be rid of her. She knew even more clearly how Meriel must have felt.
She told something of her new venture to her parents but declined to tell them any details. Again she was careful to avoid any hint of what they were planning getting to George Dexter. If she had tried to explain the reason for their secrecy they would have accused her of everything from paranoia to watching too many mystery films.
When Meriel finally told her father exactly what had happened to her at Dexter’s, he was very angry. ‘I can understand the woman’s alarm, but to say you were dishonest. That’s criminal! In our business, going into people’s homes, being trusted with their private finances, such lies could mean the end of a career! How could George Dexter had believed such a thing?’
‘He probably didn’t. He’s just daft about his baby-doll wife,’ Meriel said glumly. ‘She’s much younger than him and such a pretty thing to carry around like a badge of success, how could he risk losing her? Far better to let me go.’
‘What d’you want me to do?’
‘Nothing, Dadda. I’ll build a business to rival his, that’s the best way of getting revenge.’
‘I’ll go and see him.’
‘No, please don’t. No one will believe him anyway and already people are coming to me for advice, even though I’m not yet in business. You’ll see, I’ll beat him with my business prowess.’
Walter nodded, but he knew he couldn’t let it rest. His daughter hadn’t deserved George’s treatment of her, whatever his reasons. George’s hatred of him should be left in the past where it belonged, not be used to harm his daughter. How could the man hold on to his anger and resentment for so long?
When they had first looked at the property on Forge Street together he had instantly agreed with the purchase, even though it would leave Meriel with very little money. He recommended a small mortgage or taking a third partner. ‘Then you’ll have plenty to pay for the repairs and modernization,’ he had explained.
‘No, Dadda,’ Meriel had insisted. ‘It has to be just Lucy and me.’
‘I can help in small ways, can’t I?’ he said as they peered through the white-washed windows. ‘Print leaflets and pay for some advertising to get you started,’ he said. Glancing at her he quickly added, ‘That’s all I mean to do, just a few small things to start you off. You two will soon be on the way. Just remember I’m always available if you have any problems.’
Leo came and helped them to clear the place of abandoned rubbish and help pull the wallpaper off the walls ready for decoration. He even used some of his time off to paint and paper the office enabling them to open at least a week sooner than planned.
They hadn’t taken out a mortgage. Instead, Walter had lent them the money, assuring them it was strictly a loan
and he looked forward to repayment when they could afford it. He also promised to only visit when invited.
‘I feel sure they’ll succeed,’ he told Lynne. ‘Our Meriel is a business woman through and through. I think she made a good choice taking on Lucy, too, even though I doubted it at first. She’s reliable and very determined to do her best. I just hope they’ll tell us if they have any problems.‘
‘I’m sure they will, darling. You and Meriel are as close as father and daughter can be.’
Now, as Meriel held the keys of the property in her hand, he hugged his daughter and Lucy, saying, ‘Good luck, you two. I know this will be a success.’
*
Meriel and Lucy celebrated their acquisition by going to Gwennie Flint’s and buying a fish and chip supper, rushing back to Badgers Brook with the hot, steaming packages like excited children.
‘You know we’ll be seriously broke, don’t you?’ Lucy said. ‘Are you sure you wouldn’t consider leaving here and living behind the shop?’
‘No, this is where I live and where I’m happy. There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t run the last steps to get inside. I love this place and it’s my haven when things go wrong.’
‘Then I think one of us should work to bring in survival money. And,’ she added before Meriel could disagree, ‘I think it should be me, as you’re the one with the knowledge.’
‘Go on?’
‘First of all, I would like to learn to drive, then I can be more use generally, but if I learned now, couldn’t I do what you’ve been doing? Deliver flowers and groceries and all that?’
‘It costs money and time. We don’t have enough of either at present, but I do agree with you. Being able to drive is essential.’
*
George watched the progress with increasing anger. Of all people. Walter’s daughter hadn’t the right to muscle in on his town and challenge him on a business level. A part of him secretly wished he’d ignored Frieda’s complaints and kept her on. She was good at what she did and her ideas for his office had already been implemented. But to please his adored wife he had sent her away and now she had the audacity to open up in opposition. Somehow she had to be stopped.
The Heart of the Home Page 4
