by Joan Jonker
‘No, I’ll make the tea,’ Eva said. ‘David’s been out since half seven this morning. He must be worn out.’
David was out of his chair like a shot. ‘I’m not tired, Mam, honest. When the equipment was delivered, all I had to do was tell the men where to put it. It was more boring than tiring. So let me wait on you. I’ll make the tea while you put your weary feet up. Then we can sit for half an hour, talk about life in general, and Poppy’s shopping in particular. I can’t wait to see what’s in the bags.’ David hesitated at the kitchen door, then turned to face his sister. ‘And I want to know what she got up to last night. What with the promotion, and coming home in posh cars, well, I’m having trouble keeping up with my sister.’
‘I’m not the only one on the ladder of success, dear brother. I was saying to Mam this morning that the Meadows family are on the way up. So, on the bus going into town, we decided that we should start to enjoy our first taste of luxury. Beginning, perhaps, with a television, then following on with having a telephone installed so we can keep in touch with our friends.’
David looked blank. ‘But we don’t have any friends who have a telephone.’
‘Oh, but we will have. When your office is up and running, I can ring you. And we can both ring home to ask Mam what we’re having for dinner.’
‘Don’t mind me,’ Eva said, ‘pretend I’m not here. I won’t be here to answer the phone when you ring up to ask what’s for dinner. Because like you two, I’ll be at work. I’m not packing my job in just to answer a blinking phone! I’ve made up my mind I want to keep my job on because I enjoy it, and I’d miss the women I work with. And also because I want to have some money of my own. I’m determined to have a holiday this year, come what may. I’ve never had a holiday in me life, and neither have you. There was never any money for such a luxury.’
Poppy met David’s eyes, and they silently agreed what the answer to that should be. ‘Now that is the best idea you’ve had yet, Mam,’ Poppy said. ‘Better than a television or a telephone. Let’s have a family holiday, eh? You say where you’d like to go, Mam, and me and David will go along with wherever you fancy.’
‘I wouldn’t know where to start, sweetheart, since Liverpool is the only place I’ve ever known. The women in work talk about going to Wales, or Blackpool.’ Eva shrugged her shoulders. ‘You choose, and I’ll fit in with you. But don’t forget, it might be difficult for us to get the same weeks off. The big factories close every year for the last week in July and the first week in August, but I can take a week any time, as long as I give plenty of notice.’
‘I don’t think working for Mr Sutherland Senior will make any difference to the holidays,’ Poppy said. ‘The office doesn’t close down, as you know, and the staff stagger their holidays. I suppose being solicitors they can’t shut down completely. So that only leaves you, David, but I’m sure you can fix it so we can all go away together.’
‘I’ll work something out, don’t worry,’ David said. ‘And now, before I finally make that much talked of pot of tea, can I make a little suggestion?’
‘We are all equal in this house, brother, and we all have a say. So out with it, what is this little suggestion?’
‘Why don’t we have a weekend away next week? There’s nothing to stop us, and it would be a nice break. We have never been outside Liverpool, and now we can afford to spread our wings a little, let’s go mad and have a weekend in Blackpool. We could get the train there on Friday night straight from work, and come home on the Sunday night. We could go to the Tower, where there is the best dance floor in the country, and Reginald Dixon plays the organ.’
‘But where would we stay for the two nights?’ Eva asked.
‘Mam, the Echo is full of adverts every night for bed and breakfast houses,’ David told her. ‘And there’s always a phone number for them, so I could ring from work and make enquiries. Anyway, I’ll see to the tea while you two make up your minds. I’d be delighted to go away for a break, but it’s up to you.’
‘I’d be happy with Blackpool, Mam,’ Poppy said. ‘I believe there’s plenty to do there, with the Tower and the fun fair. And the sea air will do us good, blow all the cobwebs away.’
Eva nodded. ‘Yeah, let’s go mad and let our hair down, eh? As you say, it will do the three of us good to have a change.’
David had a huge grin on his face as he carried the tray in. ‘I can’t wait to get on that dance floor and trip the light fantastic.’
‘I believe they’ve got a zoo in there, as well,’ Poppy said. ‘That should be interesting. We won’t be short of something to do to pass the time.’
David handed the cups round, then sat down at the table. ‘Last but not least, Poppy, what have you got in those bags? I presume it’s clothes, and I’m surprised you’ve let them stay in the bags for so long. Aren’t you pleased with your purchases?’
Poppy jumped to her feet. ‘D’you know, I’d forgotten about them.’ She took two blouses out of one of the bags, and opened them up for her mother and brother to see. One was in white cotton, with pearl buttons down the front and two on each sleeve. It was tailored, ideal for a secretary. The other was in a light beige, with a winged collar, pearl buttons and three-quarter-length sleeves: also ideal for a secretary. Then came the skirts, one in black, the other in navy. Straight, calf length, and held against the blouses they matched up well.
‘I know I’m a male, and supposed to be stupid where women’s clothes are concerned,’ David said, ‘but I can see they are going to look very smart, Poppy. Your new boss will think himself very lucky.’
Eva nodded, her heart filled with pride. How lucky she was with her children. Her beloved husband had left her a wonderful legacy. ‘Are yer going out tonight, sweetheart?’
‘No, I’m having a night in, Mam. I’m going to brush up on my shorthand, ready for Monday.’ Poppy tilted her head as she smiled at her brother. ‘I’m hoping you’re not going out, David, because I’d like you to give me some dictation. Just a paragraph out of the paper would do, then see if I can read it back without making a mistake. It wouldn’t take very long, and you could still go out if you’ve made arrangements.’
‘I’ve nothing planned, so I don’t mind helping you. Then we could have a game of cards to pass the time.’ His handsome face lit up. ‘I know, why don’t we start living the high life tonight? I’ll go to the shops when we’ve had our dinner, and get a bottle of sherry and a big slab of Cadbury’s chocolate. How does that sound?’
‘Sounds like the best thing you’ve said today,’ Poppy told him as she laid the new skirts and blouses over her arm. ‘I’ll hang these up, then give you a hand with the dinner, Mam.’
‘When are you seeing Charlotte and Andrew again?’ David asked.
From the bottom stair, Poppy told him, ‘I’m seeing Charlotte on Monday for lunch. She’ll want to find out how my first morning has gone. Then I suppose she and Andrew will be at the Grafton on Tuesday.’
‘Just out of interest,’ Eva said, ‘will Peter be there?’
‘I don’t know that, Mam.’ Poppy stepped down off the bottom stair and came back in the room. ‘I can’t hold a conversation from out there. But as for Peter, I imagine he and Kate will be there. And I’ve got a feeling Sarah will, as well. I can see a romance blossoming between her and Jim. I hope so, because they seem good for each other.’ She looked from her mother to David. ‘Now have either of you got any more questions before I go upstairs to hang these clothes up?’
‘I can’t think of anything, our kid,’ David said. ‘If I do, I’ll write it down.’
‘Do I look all right, Mam?’ Poppy was wearing the new black skirt and white blouse. ‘Is the skirt too tight, d’you think?’
‘You look a treat, sweetheart, so don’t be worrying.’
‘My nerves are shattered. I can’t stop my hands from shaking.’
‘You’ll be fine,’ Eva told her. ‘David said to tell you to walk into your office as though you haven’t a care in the world.
And he told me to give you this.’ Eva stretched her neck to plant a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. ‘He was sorry he couldn’t wait to see you, but he’s in a new job himself and he didn’t want to be late.’
‘I bet he’s not as nervous as me.’ Poppy had a habit of pulling one of her golden curls and watching it spring back. She was doing it now, until her mother slapped her hand. ‘I can’t help it, Mam, but I will give myself a good talking to on the bus going into town. Or I’ll hum a happy tune. Anything to keep my mind occupied.’
Eva tutted. ‘I’ve never seen you so nervous since the first day I took you to school when you were five. I had hold of your hand and had to push you through the gates. You had me so worried, I went back to the school halfway through the morning, only to find it was playtime, and you were running and skipping with all the other children, as happy as could be. You were having the time of your life. And today will be like that day. After an hour, you’ll be asking yourself what you were worried for.’
Poppy managed to put a smile on her face. ‘I’ll go to work like a little lamb, if you’ll come with me and hold my hand.’
‘You’re a young lady now, with a very important position, so just remember that. And yer can also remember how yer felt about learning shorthand. You never thought you’d get your head round it, but you did. And I’ll bet you any money you’ll come in tonight from work with a smile on your face as wide as the River Mersey.’
‘Oh, I’ll do that, Mam, even if I’m a nervous wreck inside. I’ll be smiling because I’ve got through the first day all in one piece.’
‘Come on, put yer coat on and we’ll walk up the street together.’ Eva patted her daughter’s cheek. ‘You’ll be fine, sweetheart.’
Mother and daughter linked arms and walked to the top of the street, where they parted company to go their separate ways. Poppy reached the stop just as the bus ground to a halt, and she hopped on board. At least she wouldn’t be late on her first day.
The conductor was on the platform, chatting to the driver, and Poppy paid her fare before walking down the aisle seeking an empty seat, so she could sit by a window. She thought if she gazed out on the passing scenery, it would take her mind off the day ahead. However, she had her mind taken off the scenery, and the ordeal ahead, when a woman came and sat down beside her, complaining loudly about the lazy, ill-mannered conductor. Groaning inside, Poppy forced a smile in reply. And this was her undoing, for the woman didn’t stop at the conductor. In fact she didn’t stop talking at all, not even to take a breath. Her neighbours were so noisy she couldn’t hear herself think. They had the radio on so loud, it was affecting her hearing. The rowdy family had no consideration for anyone.
By this time everyone on the bus was listening, and Poppy could see them cocking their ears in case they missed anything, then putting hands over their mouths to silence their titters. The woman’s next target was her landlord. He should be made to paint all the houses in the street which he owned, because they were a disgrace. He was quick enough to take the rent money every week, oh, yes, but too mean to spend a penny keeping the houses looking neat and tidy.
When Poppy looked out of the window, she saw the next stop was hers, and she stood up. ‘Excuse me, please,’ she said. But the woman took no notice, still rambling on. The target of her complaints this time was the manager of the local shop. While Poppy sympathized with the poor man, she had no intention of allowing the woman to make her late for work. Not on this day of all days. ‘Would you let me pass, please?’ Poppy could see her office building looming up and squeezed past the woman, who still hadn’t once stopped for breath.
The conductor was just about to ring the bell to tell the driver it was clear to move on, when Poppy caught his eye. ‘Yer nearly left it too late, love.’
On the pavement, Poppy let out a sigh of relief. Another couple of seconds and she’d have been on her way down to the bus depot at the Pier Head. She happened to glance up at the bus as it was moving away, and a smile came to her face when she saw the woman moving to sit by another lady, her mouth still working. She pitied the poor unfortunate victim, but one good thing had come out of the episode for Poppy. She wasn’t nervous any more. And surprisingly, she didn’t have an earache, either.
Poppy mounted the steps, and the only time she felt her tummy turn over was when she was passing her old office. In her mind’s eye, she could see Mr John’s face, and he was sneering. But she rubbed the image from her mind as she climbed the steps. She wasn’t going to let him spoil the day for her. He wasn’t worth it.
When Poppy opened the door of the room that was to be her office, she was met by a smiling Mr Hammond, and she could feel a difference in the atmosphere. There was no tension, just a smiling welcome. And she knew then she was going to enjoy working there.
‘Good morning, Miss Meadows.’ Cecil thought that just the sight of the new secretary’s face was enough to brighten any day. ‘I think we should take things slowly today, at an easy pace. Just until you get used to the routine running of the office. I know you are used to the filing system, so we won’t touch on that today. You can hang your coat in the room next door, which will be your office. There is a typist in there who will share the office with you, and I will introduce her to you when we’ve had a little chat.’
Poppy lifted the arm she’d draped her coat over. ‘Hang coat first, Mr Hammond, or little chat first?’
Cecil Hammond smiled. ‘Good question, Miss Meadows. I think coat first, and I can then introduce you to your colleague, Miss Simpson.’ He came from behind the desk. ‘Come with me.’
There was interest in Lorna Simpson’s eyes when the door opened, for she was eager to know whom she’d be working with. She left her desk to take Poppy’s coat. ‘Let me hang it up for you.’ Then she held out her hand. ‘Lorna Simpson, and I believe we’ll be working together.’
Poppy shook her hand. ‘Poppy Meadows.’ She instinctively knew she would get on with her new colleague. She seemed friendly, was smartly dressed, and at a guess was about ten years Poppy’s senior. ‘I’ll be looking to you for help in the first few weeks, but I’ll try not to be a nuisance.’
Lorna smiled. ‘I’m always here if you need assistance.’
Cecil Hammond turned towards his office. ‘I’m going through the morning routine with Miss Meadows. Would you collect the morning post, Miss Simpsom, and bring it to my office? Then, if you have time, a cup of tea would be much appreciated.’
Lorna nodded. ‘Do you take sugar, Miss Meadows?’
‘One spoonful, please.’
The next hour passed over smoothly, with Mr Hammond explaining that each morning Miss Simpsom would bring the post into Mr Sutherland’s office, and it would be opened by himself, or Poppy when she’d had time to settle in. The letters would then be left on the desk in a neat pile, until Mr Sutherland arrived. He would read the letters through before dictating the replies. Then he would read the typed replies before signing them and handing them over to be put into envelopes and taken downstairs to the post room.
It was turned ten o’clock when Mr Sutherland came in, and Cecil vacated the chair to allow his friend and boss to sit behind his desk, with the correspondence laid out ready for him to read. ‘I’ll leave you with Miss Meadows, John, and I’ll be next door in the filing room.’ Cecil added, ‘Give me a call if you need me.’
Mr S. sat back in his chair with a letter in his hand which he’d taken off the top of the pile. As his eyes were scanning the lines, he asked, ‘Do you think you’ll enjoy working here, Miss Meadows?’
‘If I didn’t, I’d be a very hard person to please, Mr S., for Mr Hammond and Miss Simpson have been very kind, friendly and helpful.’
He picked up a second letter and read it through. ‘These two letters need an immediate reply, so are you ready to take dictation?’
Poppy lifted the pad that had been on her knee for ages, and from her mass of curls she produced a pencil from behind her ear. ‘Ready, willing and able.’ She chuc
kled. ‘Well, I’m ready and willing. But the big question is, am I able?’
Both Cecil Hammond and Lorna Simpson heard the hearty laugh. And because they were both very fond of the older Mr Sutherland, they smiled.
Poppy might have sounded light-hearted and confident on the outside, but inside she wasn’t so sure of herself. She was praying she could keep up with him, and wouldn’t have to keep asking him to repeat himself, or slow down. But her fears were groundless, for Mr S. spoke slowly and clearly, and her confidence was soon restored. In fact she was doing so well, she dared to say, ‘You don’t have to make allowances for me being new, Mr S. I’m having no problem keeping up with you.’
The lined face broke into a smile. ‘I’m always slow at the start of the day, my dear. And at my age I’m allowed that. The only time you will hear me growl is if a letter from a client annoys me. Then you will see me come to life, and my dictation will be somewhat faster.’
‘I’ll still keep up with you.’ Then Poppy had a thought. And because he seemed to have a sense of humour, she decided to share the thought with him. ‘However, it has just crossed my mind that if one letter can make you angry enough to dictate at speed, then what about when you have two such letters? I must remember to have an extra pencil within easy reach, sharpened and at the ready.’
‘That will not be necessary, Miss Meadows, for I have mellowed a lot over the last few years, and I rarely lose my temper.’
Poppy settled into the routine easily, and several times she thought how lucky she was to have been given this job. Mr Sutherland was easy to work for, and a perfect gentleman. A far cry from his son. There were no orders snapped at her, no leering eyes, no touching of hands. In this office there was peace, perfect peace. And it was run like clockwork. Poppy finished taking dictation, typed out the replies to the letters, and gave them to Mr S. to read and sign. Then they were passed over to Lorna Simpson, who addressed the envelopes and made sure the letters caught the lunchtime post. And it was all done in a pleasant atmosphere, without a voice raised in anger.
