Suddenly, he laughed out loud. ‘I like her, Bob. You leave her with me, and I’ll make a hairdresser out of her.’
Vicki seethed. She thought she already was.
‘Would you like me to come and collect you?’ Bob asked, a broad smile on his face.
‘No, thank you. I can find my own way home.’
When he’d gone, the salon owner said, ‘Stop scowling, Victoria. You don’t have to like me – just do as I say.’
‘Yes, sir! What would you like me to do?’
‘Try smiling for a start, then stay by my side and watch. I’ll explain what I’m doing. You may ask intelligent questions, but apart from that I don’t want a word out of you.’
Oh, this was going to be a long day.
‘Jennifer!’ He called to a young girl. ‘Get a gown for Victoria. Everyone to your places – it’s now time to open the salon.’
The girl hurried over to Vicki with a gown, and she was relieved to see it was cream and not pink. When she looked around, it was clear that only the stylists wore pink; everyone else was in cream. The clients began to arrive. The salon was soon filled with talk, and all the staff had permanent smiles on their faces.
As ordered, Vicki stayed close to Mr James and watched carefully to see if he was as good as everyone said. It didn’t take her long to realize that he was, and she became fascinated.
Without being asked, she began handing him the tools he needed. He took them without comment, devoting his whole attention to his client.
The day flew by, and she was the last one of the staff left when the shop closed. She was putting on her coat when Mr James walked into the staff room.
‘Make me a strong cup of tea before you leave, Victoria.’
‘Yes, sir.’ She was talking to his back as he left the room.
The tea was made by the time he returned, and she just stared at him in surprise. He was wearing a very smart navy blue suit and a white shirt. He looked like a different man!
‘Ah, lovely.’ He sat down giving a huge sigh, and waited while she poured him a cup. ‘Thanks. You did well today, Victoria.’
‘Thank you, sir. I found it interesting. Many of the procedures you used I had never seen before.’ She studied him, confused. Was this the same man she had been working with all day? There wasn’t a sign of the flamboyant stylist with his exaggerated gestures.
He looked at her puzzled expression and held out his cup for a refill, an amused glint in his eyes. It was then it dawned on her, and she laughed. ‘It’s all an act, isn’t it?’
‘I wondered how long it would take you to work it out. Showmanship is what the clients expect. Must give them value for their money.’ He sat back, sipping his tea. ‘Are you going to come again?’
She pursed her lips, giving it some thought. ‘I’ll give you another chance.’
He tipped his head back and laughed. ‘Oh, Bob was right about you. I’ll try not to disappoint you.’
Thirty
By Sunday, Vicki couldn’t wait to get on the train. She was anxious to know how Bill was and looking forward to seeing the boys again. The last time she had been at the school, Jack had started to talk to her about his past, so she must see him on his own if possible.
John Steadman met her at the station and had brought Dave and Alfie with him. They had so much to tell her that she hardly managed to get a word in during the ride to the school.
‘Where’s Harry?’ she asked Pearl when she came out to meet her.
‘The men are off somewhere with Charles. I’ve just made a fresh pot of tea. Would you like to join us, John?’
‘No, thank you, Pearl. I’ve promised to take some of the boys riding.’
‘Ah.’ Pearl smiled at Dave and Alfie. ‘So you don’t want tea either?’
They shook their heads and followed John to the stables.
‘It’s just us, then, Vicki.’
‘How’s Bill?’ she asked the moment she sat down in the kitchen.
‘He’s been spending quite a few evenings with Harry. They’ve been talking late into the night – and drinking whisky. Don’t ask me what they’ve been discussing because Harry hasn’t said anything. What Bill is telling him he considers confidential.’
‘I understand. Is he with Harry now?’
‘No, he went riding with Peter early this morning, and now they’ve gone to lunch with Peter’s parents.’
‘Oh,’ exclaimed Vicki. ‘That sounds good. Did he recognize Peter when they met?’
‘I’m afraid not. His mind still appears to be blank, but Peter is spending as much time with him as he can, so Bill can get to know him again. It’s hard for both of them, but they are getting on well.’
‘I can’t imagine what it would be like to meet people who have known you all your life and not be able to recognize them. Has Harry done anything about Bill’s parents?’
‘Yes, they are here and staying with Charles. They are going to meet Bill at the Harmonds’. It could be a difficult meeting.’
‘Isn’t Harry going to be there? He ought to be there!’ Vicki was alarmed.
‘Don’t worry, Harry will be taking Bill’s parents to see him at the Harmonds’. Charles is going as well.’
‘Thank goodness!’ Vicki breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Does Bill know?’
‘Of course he does, my dear. Harry wouldn’t have arranged this without Bill’s permission. Now, what are you going to do while the boys are out riding?’
‘I want to find Jack. The last time I was here, he began to tell me what had happened to him, and I promised to see him when I came again. Would he have gone riding as well?’
‘Unlikely. He’d rather play football or roam the countryside.’
Vicki stood up. ‘I’ll see if I can find him.’
Jack was alone on the playing field, kicking a ball about. As she walked towards him, he looked up, ignored her and carried on playing. ‘Hello, Jack.’
‘You didn’t come last week.’ He looked up then.
‘I couldn’t make it, but I’m here now. Didn’t you want to go riding with the others?’
‘Don’t like horses.’
‘That’s a good enough reason not to go, then. I’m not too keen on them either. Would you like to go for a walk?’
He shrugged. ‘Why not.’
It was obvious she was going to have to work hard to gain his trust again. He was quite upset she hadn’t come last Sunday.
They strolled along, and she told him about her first two days at the posh hairdresser’s. By the time she had finished, he was grinning.
‘I’m surprised he didn’t throw you out.’ He burst into laughter. ‘Are you gonna keep going there?’
‘Oh, yes. He’s very good and I’ll be able to learn a lot from him. I’ll just ignore his funny ways.’ She studied Jack carefully. He was relaxed and smiling now. ‘So, what have you been learning this week?’
‘How to write properly and do sums.’
‘Do you enjoy the lessons?’
‘I do.’ He sounded surprised to hear himself say that. ‘I like Mr Bill the best. He don’t shout or tell you off if you don’t get something right. He goes through it with you until you understand. Do you know what he did the other day?’
‘No, tell me.’
‘Well, one kid kept hitting the boy next to him and calling him names. Mr Bill stopped the lesson and propped himself on the desk, all casual like. Instead of giving the bully a thump, he asked him why he was acting like that. Was it because it made him feel big to pick on someone smaller than himself? Well, the kid didn’t know what to say, so Mr Bill kept talking to him – quietly like. He didn’t tell him off or anything, just talked, and soon the kid was crying and saying he was sorry. He’s been much nicer since then.’
‘It sounds as if it was a good lesson for everyone.’
Jack nodded. ‘Made us all think, I can tell you. After the class, I asked him if I could talk to him. He took me to the dining room and we had a cup of tea. I told him abo
ut my sister and how she died because she had tried to protect me.’ Jack looked up at Vicki. ‘I always blamed myself, you see. We talked for a long time, and Mr Bill made me see it wasn’t my fault. He was right, and the same thing would have happened to me if Mr Harry hadn’t got me away from there.’
‘I’m so pleased you went to him. He’s a very understanding and clever man. If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.’
‘Dave told me about that. Mr Bill’s good at helping people. He took me to see Mr Harry, and, do you know, it was easier to talk about it again. It’s like a weight has gone off me. I wanted to tell you, but you didn’t come.’
‘I’m sorry, Jack.’
‘That’s all right. You explained and I understand.’ He grinned. ‘Race you to the trees!’
They sprang into action, laughing, both happy to be running free in the open countryside.
By the time they arrived back at the school, the other children had finished their ride, and Jack happily joined them for a game on the sports field.
Harry and Charles appeared and came to greet Vicki. ‘I thought you were at your place, Charles?’
‘We came back to see you,’ Harry told her. ‘I saw you with Jack.’
‘He was telling me how he talked to you and Bill.’
‘That was a big step forward for him, and he knows now he can come to us any time and we’ll listen to him.’ Harry looked at his watch. ‘We had better get going, Charles.’
‘Pearl said you were going to the Harmonds’. Could I come with you, please?’
‘Are you sure you want to?’ Charles asked. ‘This could be a distressing and difficult meeting for Manton and his parents.’
‘That’s exactly why I would like to be there. Mr and Mrs Manton have met me, and I might be of some help.’
‘You could be right.’ Harry nodded. ‘But Bill has asked that he meet his parents in private, and that’s the way they want it as well. Mr and Mrs Manton have been very good by agreeing to wait until their son asked to see them.’
‘That must have been hard for them.’
‘Very, but they understood it was for the best.’
They drove first to collect Mr and Mrs Manton, who were delighted to see Vicki.
Mrs Manton kissed Vicki’s cheek. ‘We must thank you, my dear, for giving us back our son. If it hadn’t been for your determination, we might never have known he was alive.’
Vicki didn’t know what to say. The Mantons were obviously very emotional about seeing their son again.
‘Don’t look so concerned,’ Mr Manton told her when she remained silent. ‘Harry has explained that our son is unlikely to recognize us, but the fact is he is alive and well, and that is enough for us.’
‘Is everyone ready?’ Charles glanced at the clock. ‘The car is waiting outside.’
When they arrived at the Harmonds’, Vicki held back, allowing the Mantons to enter the house first with Harry.
After quick greetings, Harry took Bill’s parents to the study, and five minutes later he came back with Peter. Vicki took the chance to ask Peter how Bill was.
‘He’s doing fine.’ Peter smiled at her. ‘He might not remember us, but I’ve spent a lot of time with him, and he is the same person I grew up with.’
‘That’s good to hear.’ Vicki relaxed a little then, and for the next hour joined in the general conversation.
When Mr and Mrs Manton came into the drawing room, they were smiling. Mrs Manton had been crying, but they had been tears of joy by the look of her happy face.
‘Everything all right?’ Harry asked.
‘Yes, thank you, Harry.’ Mr Manton took the drink being offered to him. ‘He didn’t know us, but that is our son. He hasn’t changed in any other way.’
‘Where is he?’ Peter wanted to know.
‘He’s gone out the back for a walk. I think he wants some time on his own.’
‘I’ll go and see if he’s all right.’ Peter stood up and began to make for the door, but Harry stopped him.
‘Peter, if you don’t mind, I think Vicki ought to go to him. They do share an experience that isn’t from his past.’
‘All right. If you think that’s best.’
‘I do.’ Harry guided Vicki out of the room. ‘What I want you to do is just go and stand beside him. Talk if he wants to, or come back if he needs to be alone. Will you do that?’
‘Yes.’ Vicki went to the study and out of the doors leading to the garden. She saw Bill’s tall figure immediately. He was leaning on a fence, watching horses graze, head bowed.
He didn’t hear her approaching, and, without a word, she rested her arms on the fence beside him. He looked at her. The strain on his face tore at her heart, but she managed a gentle smile. ‘Tell me to go if you don’t want company.’
Draping an arm across her shoulders, he said, ‘Walk with me.’
They strolled in silence for some time, and when they came to a large open area, Bill stopped and swept out his hand. ‘That’s what it’s like inside my head. Empty. It’s a terrible thing to be told by two distressed people that you are their son, and you don’t even remember seeing them before.’
Vicki reached up and clasped the hand resting on her shoulder. ‘I can’t imagine how painful that must be; no one could who hasn’t experienced it. But they are overjoyed to know you are alive, and by seeing them today you have given them the greatest gift possible – the son they thought lost to them for ever.’
‘A son who doesn’t remember them!’
‘You will.’
‘I wish I could believe that.’
‘Take another look at the view, Bill. You said it was empty space, but that isn’t what I see. It is full of wild flowers, birds, insects, rabbits and many other small animals. That space is teeming with life. I don’t believe your mind is an empty space. For some reason, it has shut down until you are ready to deal with whatever is locked in there.’
Bill gazed at her. ‘Do you know, Vicki, what you’ve just said has made me feel better. I’m so glad you came today, and I’m wondering how someone so young came to have so much wisdom.’
Seeing the tension leave his face and a slow smile appear, she said jokingly, ‘I’ve grown a bit since we first met. I’m seventeen now.’
‘Really? I don’t know how old I am.’
‘Twenty-nine or thirty.’
‘I’ll take the twenty-nine,’ he laughed. ‘We had better get back now.’
As they walked towards the house, he kept his arm across her shoulders, but now she could feel that he was relaxed. In a small way, she had been able to help him today, and that was good to know.
Thirty-One
The weeks from summer to autumn had flown by, and there was a hint of the coming winter in the weather. Working with Mr James was now interesting and enjoyable. She was a quick learner, and he was even allowing her to assist him instead of just watching. There were two girls he used as models and he let her practise on them. Her skills were growing and it was exciting.
‘You are an excellent pupil,’ he told her as they shut up the shop.
‘Thank you, sir.’ Wrapping a scarf around her neck to protect her from the cold wind, she hurried to the station, pleased with the compliment. He didn’t hand them out lightly.
When she arrived home, Charles was there. ‘Oh, it’s lovely to see you. How is everyone?’
‘They are fine.’ He kissed her cheek.
‘Had a good day?’ Bob asked her.
‘Very, and I’ve learnt a few more things we can try out on our customers. As long as they will let me, of course.’
‘Jeannie Baxter is coming in tomorrow and she’s quite happy to try new hairstyles.’ Flo put a cup of tea in front of her.
Vicki smiled her thanks, and then turned her attention to Charles. ‘Are the Mantons still with you?’
‘Yes, I’ve told them they can stay for as long as they like. They are all coping well, and Bill is spending time with them and Peter. I
’ve arranged a big firework display for this Sunday, Guy Fawkes Night. The boys have been helping to build a huge bonfire, and we will be disappointed if you don’t all come and enjoy the fun.’
‘We’ll be there.’ Bob told him. ‘Wouldn’t miss it for anything, and we can stay the night because we have decided not to open on Mondays in future.’
‘Perfect. Come on Saturday evening if you can.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I mustn’t miss my train. Sorry I can’t stay for one of your excellent meals, Flo.’
When Charles had left, Vicki asked, ‘Why did you decide not to open on a Monday? Is it because it’s a slow day?’
‘That’s one reason; the other is that it will give us a longer break, and when we go to see everyone at the school, we won’t have to rush away. We can stay longer with the boys. They are like family to us now.’
‘Yes, they are.’ Vicki smiled, pleased about spending more time at the school.
They did as Charles had suggested and caught the train on Saturday evening. They hadn’t stopped for a meal, but had sandwiches with them to eat on the way. Vicki couldn’t wait to get down there. The school was turning out to be a huge success and it was always so lovely to see everyone.
There was great excitement when they arrived, and Dave and Alfie were allowed to stay up a little later for once so they could see them. ‘My goodness, how you’ve grown in the short time you’ve been down here,’ Flo said as she hugged them.
‘That’s plenty of good food, love and exercise,’ Pearl told her, ruffling Alfie’s hair affectionately.
He giggled, a broad grin on his face. ‘We’re going to have a bonfire and lots of fireworks tomorrow when it gets dark.’
‘So we’ve been told. That’s why we’ve come early,’ Vicki told him, ‘and we won’t be leaving until Monday afternoon.’
This news was greeted with howls of delight.
‘Mr Harry said we can have Monday as a holiday,’ Dave declared. ‘So we’ll have lots of time together.’
‘And now it’s time you were in bed, boys.’ Edward held out his hand to Alfie. ‘You need your rest before the excitement of the bonfire party.’
Two Strangers Page 24
