One Rainy Day

by Joan Jonker

  ‘Yes, Charlotte wanted to come. She’s in there now, dancing with your brother. And she didn’t have to drag me along. I enjoyed myself last week. My only concern is that we may be imposing on you. Interfering in your life.’

  Poppy was grinning. ‘So Charlotte is in there dancing with David? She’s a little minx, she really is. Full of mischief and fun. But you can’t fall out with her – she won’t let you. Not that I want to – I’m really very fond of her. Anyway, what are you doing out here? Surely you don’t intend to stand here all night?’

  ‘Your friends Peter and Kate are here, and I really don’t think I should intrude. I’m a complete stranger to them.’

  Poppy pushed Sarah towards the door. ‘You go in, Sarah. I’ll only be a minute, then I’ll introduce you.’ When the door had closed on Sarah, Poppy looked up at Andrew. ‘Do you want to stand out here all night? Is that what you prefer to do?’

  ‘No, of course not. It’s just that I’m not as outgoing as my sister, and not as pushy. I would like to be more like her because she has a lot more fun than I do. But one can’t help the way one is made.’

  ‘You can’t help it, no, but you can at least try to change it.’ Poppy held out her hand. ‘Come on, you can dance with me until you see someone you take a fancy to.’

  Andrew would have kissed his sister, had she been there. For she had set the wheels in motion for tonight. She even had their father encouraging him to get out and enjoy himself. And he could think of nothing he would enjoy more in the whole world than to have Poppy Meadows in his arms.

  ‘You seem a lot more relaxed now, Andrew. Your dancing is smoother.’ Poppy looked up and found him staring down at her with what looked like a half-smile on his face. She caught his eyes and quickly lowered hers, while at the same time asking herself why he had this effect on her. She didn’t feel uncomfortable with any other bloke, so why? He had never said anything out of place to her; in fact he was a perfect gentleman. Then in a flash she believed she had the answer to her problem. And it was what had been bothering her since the day he’d knocked her over. He had been wearing a suit and overcoat that she could tell were handmade, while she was wearing a raincoat that had seen better days.

  ‘What are you thinking about, Poppy? You’re miles away.’ Andrew squeezed her hand. ‘I’ve been talking to you but you don’t answer.’

  Poppy pulled herself together. ‘I’m sorry. I had something on my mind and didn’t hear you. What were you saying?’

  ‘It’s too late now,’ Andrew told her. ‘Charlotte has been waving to you, trying to catch your attention, but her dance is over now, so she can tell you herself what she wanted you for.’ He hesitated. ‘Do you mind my standing with your friends? My sister has taken a liking to your brother – they both enjoy telling and playing jokes. I’m not like Charlotte, I’m not good with strangers. I never know what to say. I’ll look stupid standing on my own, so may I join you?’

  ‘Of course you can! You don’t have to ask.’ In her head she was reminding herself of what her mother once said, that money didn’t always bring happiness. ‘You know Peter and Kate, and my next-door neighbour, Sarah. Who I see is having a conversation with Jim, who you’ll remember from last week. So come on, and don’t be shy.’

  The next dance was a slow foxtrot, and Jim and Sarah were the first couple on the floor, followed by Charlotte, pulling a laughing David with her. Peter couldn’t resist, and asked Andrew if he would partner Kate, just for this dance.

  ‘That’s naughty of you, Peter,’ Poppy told him as he put his arm round her waist. ‘It’s an insult to Kate.’

  ‘No it isn’t, babe, because I’d already asked her if she’d mind me dancing with you. You said we’d always be friends, and Kate is quite happy about that. And there’s nothing wrong with friends dancing together.’

  ‘Have you and Kate made it up then, Peter? Oh, I do hope so, for anyone can see she is very much in love with you.’

  ‘We’re getting there, babe, slowly but surely. But you are still my slow foxtrot girl, and always will be. And as I said, there’s nothing wrong in dancing with a friend. And talking of friends, where does Andrew fit in? Have you known him long, or is he new on the scene?’

  ‘I’ve known him roughly as long as I’ve known you, and his sister, Charlotte. Actually, she is more my friend than he is.’

  ‘Not a very talkative bloke, is he? He hardly says a word unless someone talks to him.’

  Poppy found herself coming to Andrew’s defence. ‘He’s probably quiet with strangers, but he talks to me all right, and to David. He hadn’t danced for a long time until last week, and he’s out of practice. So I’ll be having the next slow-fox with him. I promised Charlotte I’d help him get his dancing feet back, ’cos, as she said, being his sister she can’t tell him off if he doesn’t follow her steps.’

  ‘She seems a nice kid, always laughing. I’d say they come from a wealthy family. They both speak and dress very well.’

  ‘I don’t know about that, Peter. I don’t even know where they live, though their father’s firm is in Castle Street. I know Charlotte through bumping into her one day. Now we often meet up around lunchtime, and she and Jean and I have lunch together. Apart from that I don’t know any more about Charlotte and Andrew. Except I get on with them and like them.’

  The next dance was a waltz, and Sarah and Jim were once again first on the dance floor. They certainly seemed to have hit it off together. David paired off with Charlotte, and after giving himself a good talking to Andrew plucked up the courage to ask Poppy. He started to apologize for his lack of dancing skill, and she cut him short. ‘Andrew, will you stop making apologies for your dancing? And why are you so shy around me? I’m not going to eat you. Why are you so different from your sister, who I get on fine with?’

  ‘I thought you had made it quite clear you didn’t wish to know me. Ever since that unfortunate accident, when you flatly refused to let me help, you have made it obvious I am not your favourite person. Several times I’ve met you in Castle Street and tried to strike up a conversation, and you have refused to even stop and talk to me. I’m not a shy person normally, Poppy, my job wouldn’t allow me to be. But I can’t get through to you. Even a simple invitation to my office for a cup of tea was turned down. So can you expect me to be anything but shy with you?’

  ‘I fully intend to come to your office for a cup of tea. I promised I would and I don’t break a promise. But you know I’ve been taking lessons in shorthand for nearly three months, and swotting at home for a few hours every day. Then to top everything, as I told you last Friday, I’ve packed my job in.’

  ‘Yes, I remember. What is happening now?’

  ‘Well, I leave on Friday, then I start job hunting.’ Poppy didn’t want him to think she was feeling sorry for herself, so she put some enthusiasm in her voice. ‘I finished the shorthand course with flying colours, and received a very glowing reference. I am now qualified to apply for a position as a secretary, but I’ll be lucky to find someone willing to employ a secretary without any experience.’

  Andrew was holding her hand to his chest now, and was wishing the dance would go on for ever, he felt so contented. ‘Every secretary had to start at the position you’re in now, and they all found jobs. And seeing as we are speaking to each other in a friendly way, would you object to a compliment?’

  Poppy chuckled. ‘There’s not a girl breathing who would object to a compliment.’

  ‘Then may I say you look very beautiful tonight. The dress really suits you.’

  ‘Thank you, Andrew, your compliment is very welcome.’ Poppy looked up and saw a look in his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine. She was lost for words, and was glad when the dance came to an end. They were walking off the floor, Andrew with his arm round her waist, when he asked, ‘Can we call a truce now, and be friends?’

  Oh, dear, Poppy thought, I must be going soppy all of a sudden. ‘Okay, truce called, and we are friends.’

  Charlotte ca
me to join them, pulling David behind her. ‘I haven’t had a chance to talk to you, Poppy, because your brother insists on dancing every dance with me.’

  David’s jaw dropped. ‘Aren’t you getting your facts mixed up, you little devil? I’m quite worn out, and will be glad when the interval comes.’

  ‘He has no stamina, your brother. He tires very easily.’ Charlotte, as always, was smiling and looking very happy. She was really enjoying her newfound freedom. ‘You look very nice tonight, Poppy. That is a lovely dress.’

  ‘A present from my mother and brother,’ Poppy told her. ‘A lovely surprise.’

  ‘I’ll be coming to lunch with you and Jean tomorrow,’ Charlotte said. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’

  ‘Make the most of it, then, for it might not be possible after this Friday. Not for a while, anyway.’

  ‘David has told me all about it, Poppy, and I think you are very brave, and a good friend to Jean. But you won’t be out of work for long, and then we can begin our lunch dates again.’

  Looking at his sister, Andrew wished he had her ability to talk without having to think first. And right then he decided he’d have to come out of his shell, or lose the girl he had fallen in love with at first sight. So he put his arm across Poppy’s shoulder, and told his sister, ‘Poppy has promised to come for that tea and cake she keeps putting off. And as she’ll be free next week, I think we can coax her to name a day. In fact she’ll be job seeking, so she can call in any time for a drink, and to rest her tired feet.’

  ‘I don’t know how to start job seeking, as you put it.’ Poppy felt quite comfortable with Andrew’s arm on her shoulder. In fact she found she liked it. ‘But if Charlotte is with me, we’ll call into your office. However, finding employment comes before tea and cakes. I need a job for the sake of my pride and independence. And I’m certainly not wasting what it’s taken me months to learn. So, all in all, I don’t really know what’s going to happen in the near future. But I believe we’ll all keep in touch somehow.’

  Jim came up then, holding Sarah’s hand. They both looked happy, and Poppy was glad, for she had a soft spot for Jim, and Sarah was a nice girl who wouldn’t let him down.

  ‘You’re looking good tonight, Poppy.’ Jim always had a cheerful smile on his face. ‘The dress looks nice on yer. In fact yer look so good I’m almost afraid to ask yer for a dance.’

  ‘Don’t be daft, soft lad. It’s not the dress you’d be dancing with, it’s an old mate. We’ll have the next dance together and everyone can have a change of partner.’ Poppy turned her head to where Peter and Kate were standing. They were holding hands and had smiles on their faces as they talked. And seeing them so intimate, Poppy felt happy. Any guilt she felt about Peter disappeared.

  ‘Andrew, would you partner Sarah? I think Peter and Kate would rather stay together.’

  The dance was a quickstep, and Jim was in his element. He was a good dancer with a natural rhythm, and easy to follow. ‘Sarah seems a nice girl, Poppy,’ he said. ‘We’re getting on well together. Good little dancer, too!’

  ‘She’s a lovely girl, Jim. You wouldn’t go far wrong with her. Nice family, too! You’d like her mother; she’s a born comedienne.’

  ‘D’yer think she’d mind if I asked her for a date? Sarah, I mean, not her mother.’

  ‘No harm in trying, Jim. Tell her I gave you permission to ask. That might help.’

  Jim swung her round, as happy and carefree as a bird. ‘I’ll ask her to come to the flicks one night, and keep me fingers crossed.’

  Poppy waited for the next slow foxtrot, and made sure she was near enough to Andrew to say without anyone’s hearing, ‘Shall we, Andrew?’

  He was delighted. They seemed to have made a lot of headway tonight. But there were two things he didn’t know. One was that his sister was watching every move, every sign, for she had promised to report back to her father. And second, Poppy wanted to find out whether she really did feel a shiver run down her spine, or was it her imagination? Not that she was really interested, she told herself, she was just curious.

  ‘How do you intend to set about looking for work?’ Andrew asked. ‘Will you put an advert in a newspaper?’

  Poppy gaped. ‘Oh, no, I couldn’t afford to do that. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to try and sell oneself. No, I’ve started to read the vacancy column in the Echo, and I’ll try asking the Labour Exchange if they know of any jobs going. Not that I think that will do any good, but anything is worth a try.’

  ‘Poppy, can I ask you for a favour?’

  ‘Of course you can, if it’s not too personal.’ Poppy looked him straight in the eyes, and then it came. A shiver down her spine that she felt sure he must have felt, for he was holding her close. But surely that didn’t mean what her mother had told her? She hardly knew him, and they were not suited. They came from different backgrounds. ‘What is the favour?’

  ‘Look on me as a friend. I want that very much.’

  ‘Well, I don’t consider you an enemy, Andrew, I never have.’

  ‘Then when you’re in the city, whether shopping or job hunting, promise you’ll call in and see me.’

  ‘I promise. In fact I’ll come in one day with Charlotte. I’ll make arrangements with her, and she’ll let you know which day it’ll be. Does that satisfy you?’

  ‘Not completely, Poppy, but it’s better than nothing.’

  When Andrew and Charlotte arrived home, it was to find their mother had already retired. ‘I think I’ll go straight up,’ Andrew said. ‘Are you coming?’

  ‘I’m going to the kitchen for a drink first.’ Charlotte didn’t think helping her brother could be classed as a lie, so she didn’t hesitate to go on. ‘I’ll boil myself some milk. You go up.’ She made her way to the kitchen door but didn’t go in. After hearing her brother’s footsteps on the stairs, and then the closing of his bedroom door, she did an about-turn and made for her father’s study, as arranged.

  ‘Hello, Papa.’ She avoided the cigar between his fingers and gave him a hug. Then she sat on the corner of his desk and set her legs swinging. ‘A definite improvement tonight, Papa. Andrew has come out of his shell, and he’s letting Poppy see he likes her. But I found out from Poppy’s brother tonight that she has given her notice in at work, and she’s leaving Sutherland’s on Friday.’

  George frowned. ‘Why has she given her notice in? And what difference would it make regarding the situation between her and Andrew? It is all very confusing, my dear. I wonder if you could clear the air for me.’

  ‘Well, from what David told me, Papa, Jean Slater went into John Sutherland’s office to hand her notice in, and Poppy could hear him shouting bad things at Jean about her appearance, and he was using bad language and bawling at her. And Poppy couldn’t bear to sit there and let Jean, or any woman, be spoken to in such a manner. So she went into John Sutherland’s office to defend Jean, and he screamed at her to get out. So she handed in her notice. Apparently John Sutherland was like a madman.’

  ‘He does have a reputation as a bully, I’m afraid,’ George said. ‘His father, John Senior, is a member of the club, and you wouldn’t meet a nicer person. He’s a thorough gentleman, from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.’

  ‘Then aren’t you glad you have a son like Andrew, who is gentle and caring.’ Charlotte slid off the desk. ‘Poppy looked lovely tonight, Papa. She had a nice dress on that really suited her. She’s very beautiful, and I do hope she and Andrew continue to become closer.’

  ‘I can’t comment on something I know nothing about, dear girl, and sometimes I can’t keep up with your devious methods of making things happen. But I can agree on what I have seen with my own eyes. And I agree that Miss Poppy Meadows is a beautiful young lady.’

  ‘She’s promised to come with me to Andrew’s office for tea and a cake. So would you like me to bring her to your office to say hello?’

  ‘I would like that very much, my dear. And if things continue as you hope, then, in
your devious way, you can try to arrange it so your mother can meet her.’

  ‘Oh, I can do most things, Papa, but that is one bit of magic I can’t pull off.’ She hugged her father and kissed him before walking towards the door. Then with her hand on the knob, she turned. Her eyes filled with devilment, she giggled. ‘I will try though, Papa, so listen for the big bang.’

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  When Poppy and Jean came out of the office building on Friday lunchtime, they were surprised to see Charlotte waiting for them. ‘I know you weren’t expecting me but I thought I couldn’t miss coming for lunch with you today, the last time you’ll be coming out of this building and walking to the café.’

  ‘Oh, that was thoughtful of you,’ Jean said, feeling like a free spirit for the first time in years. She’d been getting more confident each day, with Mr Hammond praising her efficiency. ‘I think that’s really sweet of you, don’t you agree, Poppy?’

  ‘Yes, it was thoughtful, and it’s always nice to see you, Charlotte.’ Poppy smiled at the young girl, who seemed to be part of her life now. How it had come about, she couldn’t really remember. But she was glad to see her today, which wasn’t really a day of rejoicing as far as she was concerned. Jean had reason to be happy as she was starting a new job on Monday. But the thought of being out of work was making Poppy nervous. She hadn’t any idea how to go about finding a job.

  After sighing inwardly, she told herself she mustn’t put a damper on the day by being miserable. It wasn’t Jean’s fault she had given her notice in, and she mustn’t be made to feel guilty. Without her help, Poppy wouldn’t be in a position now to apply for a decent job.

  Putting a bright smile on her face, Poppy linked arms with her friends. ‘Don’t let’s make it a farewell lunch, eh? We’ll meet again very soon. Once I’ve found myself a job, we can go back to our usual routine. And that is lunch every day at the café.’ She chuckled. ‘Soup and homemade bread in the winter, and salad or sandwiches in the summer.’