The Shopkeeper's Daughter

by Dilly Court

  ‘Yes, I believe he did. He would have been a good husband and father, but he didn’t have the chance to prove himself.’ He looked up as the door flew open and Mildred bustled in carrying a tray of tea.

  ‘Here you are. You can’t work on an empty stomach, Steven. I’ve opened a packet of squashed fly biscuits in your honour.’

  ‘You’re very kind, Mrs Travis.’

  ‘Call me Mildred, my dear. Mrs Travis makes me feel like a seaside landlady or a schoolteacher. You’re practically one of the family now, Steven.’ With a wink and an arch smile, Mildred left them with the best tea set and a plate of Garibaldi biscuits.

  Ginnie smiled, shaking her head. ‘My mother means well but she’s not the soul of tact.’

  ‘That’s all right. I’m flattered that she considers me a good catch.’

  ‘Let’s get this done.’ Ginnie picked up her pen and unscrewed the cap. ‘Where do I sign?’

  They had just completed the forms when Shirley breezed into the room with Toni in her arms and Colin toddling along at her side. ‘Steven, how lovely to see you.’

  ‘So this is the latest addition to the family.’ He rose to his feet, holding out his arms. ‘May I take her for a moment? I like babies.’

  ‘You might not be so fond of her at two in the morning,’ Shirley said, with a comical downturn of her lips.

  ‘She’s beautiful, just like her mother.’ Steven bent down to ruffle Colin’s blond baby curls with his free hand. ‘And you’re a fine young man. Your daddy would have been so proud of you.’

  ‘He would indeed,’ Shirley said with a Madonna-like smile. ‘But I made a terrible mistake when I named my boy.’

  Ginnie held her breath, wondering if her sister was about to admit that she did not really know who had fathered Colin. ‘Really?’ she said faintly.

  ‘Yes. It was stupid of me to name my little boy after that horrible man. From now on we’re going to call him by his second name.’

  Steven took a seat on the sofa, cradling Toni in his arms. ‘His second name?’

  ‘Travis,’ Shirley said, staring at Ginnie as if daring her to argue. ‘It’s on his birth certificate;’ she added defiantly.

  Ginnie took her cue. ‘Well, Travis is a good name. I’m sure that Dad would have been pleased if he’d known.’

  ‘So how long are you staying, Steven?’ Shirley sat down next to him.

  ‘Just tonight and I’ll leave in the morning.’

  ‘A flying visit then,’ Shirley said, pouting. ‘We haven’t seen much of you recently.’

  ‘I’ve been trying to establish myself in the practice,’ he said equably. ‘And I’m mixing business with pleasure.’ He turned to Ginnie. ‘Are we still on for dinner this evening?’

  Shirley looked from one to the other. ‘Oh, how lovely. Where are you taking us, Steven?’

  Chapter Nineteen

  It was an uncomfortable meal for Ginnie. The restaurant was crowded and the menu was limited, but Shirley was in her element. She had managed to squeeze herself into one of her old dresses, showing an embarrassing amount of décolletage above a cinched-in waist. Her long blonde hair hung loose about her shoulders and she had found the stub of a Tangee lipstick in her dressing-table drawer, which she had applied with a more subtle touch than in the old days when she went out with Charlie.

  Ginnie watched her sister’s confident performance with a mixture of impatience and amusement. Judging by the covert glances Shirley was receiving from the men who were dining out with their wives and girlfriends, she had not lost her ability to attract the opposite sex. Ginnie was content to remain in her shadow and Steven did not seem at all perturbed to be escorting two young women to dinner. Shirley was openly flirting with him, but that, as Ginnie knew only too well, was what Shirley did best. She might have lost the love of her life in a tragic accident and been married and widowed leaving her with two young children, but she would never change. Ginnie sat back and watched. It was good to see her sister smiling again, even if she was behaving like Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind. Shirley was Scarlett O’Hara minus the crinoline and southern accent. Ginnie had seen the film three times and read the book.

  She applied herself to the menu, glancing up as someone approached the table. Thinking that it was the waiter who had come to take their order, she found herself looking into the angry face of Colin Mallory. ‘This is a private party,’ she said coldly.

  He ignored her, directing his anger at Steven. ‘What the bloody hell d’you think you’re doing with these trollops, Carter?’

  Steven rose to his feet. ‘I beg your pardon?’

  ‘You were my son’s best man and yet you’re here with this whore and her swindling cheat of a sister.’

  ‘I’d be careful what I said if I were you, sir.’ Steven towered over him and for the first time Ginnie realised that Mallory was a small man whose bombastic attitude made him appear larger than life.

  ‘You should keep better company, son,’ Mallory said, curling his lip.

  ‘With all due respect, sir, what you’ve said could be construed as slanderous.’

  ‘Are you threatening me, Carter?’

  ‘I’m representing Miss Travis,’ Steven said calmly. ‘If you have any business with her in future, you will conduct it through me.’ He took a wallet from his inside pocket and produced a card, which he handed to Mallory. ‘You can contact me through my office, Mr Mallory, but I’d be grateful if you would return to your own table and allow us to enjoy our meal in peace.’ He glanced around at the curious faces of the other diners, who instantly looked away, pretending to concentrate on their meal. ‘Unless, of course, you wish to create a scene.’

  ‘Don’t threaten me, Carter. I was practising law when you were in kindergarten.’ Mallory glared at him. ‘I throught you were my son’s friend, but I can see now that I was wrong.’ He turned on his heel and walked away.

  Shirley dabbed her eyes with her hanky. ‘The brute. How could he speak to me like that in front of all these people?’

  ‘Ignore him,’ Ginnie said angrily. ‘He’s a pig and he just shows himself up.’

  Steven sat down and picked up the menu. ‘Ginnie’s right. It was dashed bad luck that he happened to be here this evening. I’d have given this restaurant a wide berth if I’d known that the Mallorys frequented the place.’

  ‘He’s gone to sit down with his wife, and Livvie’s with them,’ Ginnie said, craning her neck to get a better view. ‘She started all this and I’ll bet she’s enjoying every minute of it. I feel like going over there and tipping a bowl of brown Windsor soup over her head.’

  ‘That’s something I’d love to see.’ Recovering her composure, Shirley leaned across Steven to peer at his menu. ‘Sorry, they’ve only given us two. You don’t mind, do you?’ She flashed him a diamond-bright smile that would have left most men speechless, but he shrugged and handed it to her.

  ‘You have it, Shirley. I know what I want.’

  The appeal was lodged and now there was nothing to be done other than to wait, but Ginnie did not imagine for a moment that Mallory would give up without a fight. Steven had warned her that he might demand an inquiry, which would lead to a hearing, and they must be prepared for such an event. What she had not expected was a visit from an inspector from the department of public health. He strode into the shop one morning stating that a complaint had been made about a reported infestation of rodents.

  Ida flew to Ginnie’s defence. ‘What a load of rubbish,’ she said angrily. ‘Do you really think that Miss Travis and I would work here if there were rats or mice in the building? My flat’s above this shop, mister, and I’d have forty fits if I saw a mouse, let alone a great ugly rat.’

  ‘I’m just doing my job, missis. I’ve got the authority to do a thorough investigation, starting in the yard at the back of the premises.’

  ‘It’s all right,’ Ginnie said calmly. ‘Go ahead. You won’t find anything though. I think the report was made maliciously.’


  He tipped his cap. ‘I’m just carrying out orders, miss.’

  Ida made a move towards him but Ginnie held her back. ‘I know who’s at the bottom of this, and he’s just trying to make life difficult for us. Why don’t you slip next door and warn Fred that he might get a visit too.’ She turned to a woman who was going through a swatch of curtain fabrics, which was a new line that Ginnie had decided to try. ‘It’s nothing to worry about, madam. May I be of assistance?’

  The next visitation occurred two days later when someone had apparently reported that the drains at the back of the shop were blocked and had caused an overflow of sewage into the service lane. The drains were duly inspected and found to be clear but Ginnie was beginning to lose patience. She was even angrier when a gas board official appeared in response to a telephone call complaining about a smell of escaping gas in the back yard. There was none and luckily it was disproved without the need for digging up the concrete, but Ginnie wondered where it was all going to end.

  She telephoned Steven to ask him what she should do and he advised her to make a note of the dates and times of the inspections, but to keep away from Mallory. She was convinced that he was behind the bogus reports but she had no evidence to prove her suspicions. She was angry and frustrated, but determined not to let Mallory win. Fred Chinashop was on her side, as was Fred Woollies. Bert the tobacconist promised his support and all the shopkeepers in the parade from the chemist on the other side of the china shop to the cobbler, who had premises next to the public library, were ready to stand by her. She could, if she so wished, raise a small army of businessmen to fight her cause and this gave her confidence, but Colin Mallory seemed intent on ruining her and blackening her name. It was not going to be easy.

  The inquiry proved to be inconclusive and Steven put in for a full hearing, but that entailed a wait of several weeks. Fred was anxious to sell up and retire, but the matter of the lease was out of his hands, as the council owned the freehold. Ginnie suspected that Mallory had used his money and influence to have the original decision revoked, but once again it would be almost impossible to prove. Steven kept her notified of their progress, but it was painfully slow.

  Then the worst happened. It was a beautiful morning and Ginnie had walked through a snowstorm of cherry blossom on her way to work. The sun was warm on her back and the air was filled with the scent of spring flowers. Despite her difficulties she felt ridiculously optimistic as she unlocked the shop and went inside. She had managed to get a supply of utility furniture from the manufacturers and had spent a whole evening setting up the window display. It looked good, even if she said so herself, and the china stand was sparkling with blue and white Cornishware. She had placed an open cookery book on a table set with a spanking white cloth and starched napkins folded into the shape of water lilies; these alone had taken over an hour to complete. She had laid out place settings complete with a water jug and glasses and she had filled a vase with real tulips as a centrepiece. Their subtle perfume mingled with the linseed oil smell of the linoleum and the aroma of beeswax polish.

  The once dingy and old-fashioned furniture shop had taken on a new lease of life under her influence, and she felt a satisfying sense of achievement. She had always lived in the shadow of Shirley’s meteoric temperament and she had not particularly shone at school, but the shop was hers and its success mattered more than she cared to admit. Since parting with Nick she had flung herself into her work, but the pain in her heart remained, and she doubted if it would ever go away completely.

  Taking a last look round, she went to the office to check the delivery book and make sure that the instructions for Jimmy were written out clearly so that he knew exactly where he was going that day. She was about to unlock the safe to get the float for the till when the door bell clanged. An early customer, she thought, hurrying into the shop, but it was a man in a black suit. At first glance he looked like a businessman calling in to do a spot of shopping on his way to work, but when he came closer she could see that there were shiny patches at the knees and elbows of his suit, as if it had had a great deal of wear, and his dusty bowler hat also had seen better days. He did not look as though he had come to buy a new carpet. ‘Good morning,’ she said in her best welcoming voice. ‘Please feel free to look round, and if you need help, I’ll be happy to oblige.’ She was about to retreat to the office when he called her back.

  ‘Just a moment,’ he said gruffly. ‘Are you Miss Virginia Travis?’

  ‘Yes, I am. What can I do for you?’

  He took an envelope from his pocket and placed it in her hand. ‘I’m serving you notice to quit this premises within twenty-eight days. You are here illegally, Miss Travis.’

  She stared at the manila envelope in horror. ‘No. There must be some mistake. Who are you?’

  ‘I’m a council employee, miss. I’m just here to serve notice, not to answer questions. You’ll have to take that up with the department concerned.’ He tipped his hat and walked out of the shop, disappearing into the crowd of people hurrying on their way to work.

  Ginnie’s hand shook as she ripped the envelope and examined its contents. The typewritten words seemed to dance about on the headed paper, but the gist was plain. She had four weeks to pack up and leave the premises. She brushed past Ida who had come in through the back door. ‘What’s up, Ginnie?’ she asked anxiously. ‘You’re white as a sheet.’

  Ginnie shook her head. ‘There has to be some mistake. I’m going to telephone the council. They can’t do this to me.’

  Ida followed her into the office. ‘For Gawd’s sake, what does it say that’s got you so upset?’

  Ginnie picked up the receiver and dialled the number on the letter heading. ‘Read it for yourself, Ida. It can’t be right. It’s got to be a mistake.’

  Eventually, after what seemed like a lifetime, she was put through to someone who understood what she was saying. ‘It’s quite simple, Miss Travis.’ The male voice on the other end of the line was irritatingly patronising, and she could imagine him smirking as he informed her that she was trading illegally. ‘The lease is in your late father’s name. You have had plenty of time to apply to take it over but you have failed to do so.’

  ‘But the lease had twenty years or more to run. I’ve been paying the ground rent. You can’t turn me out. This is my shop now.’

  ‘On the contrary, Miss Travis. The lease reverts to the freeholder on the death of the lessee, unless an application is made within the stated time.’

  ‘But I didn’t know that. No one told me.’

  ‘Did you make enquiries, miss?’

  ‘Well, no, because I didn’t realise it was necessary.’

  ‘Then I’m very sorry, but the notice to quit stands. You have twenty-eight days to comply or the bailiffs will be sent in and your stock seized to pay for the expense incurred.’

  ‘This is so unfair. Can’t I apply to buy the lease?’

  ‘You could put in an application, but I can’t guarantee that you would be accepted and there might be other applicants.’

  She could sense Colin Mallory’s evil influence. ‘I will apply.’

  ‘I have to warn you that your premises is in a highly desirable location, and the take-up is expected to be instant.’

  ‘You’re telling me that you’ve got someone in mind? It wouldn’t be Mr Colin Mallory, would it?’

  ‘I’ve given you all the information I can, Miss Travis. If you have any complaints I suggest you put them in writing. Good day.’ The line went dead.

  Ginnie replaced the receiver and sat staring at it, unable to move.

  ‘Are you all right, ducks?’ Ida leaned over her, peering short-sightedly into her face. ‘Shall I put the kettle on?’

  A bubble of hysteria threatened to choke her and Ginnie nodded wordlessly.

  ‘Right you are.’ Ida scuttled out of the office calling to Jimmy. ‘Keep an eye on the shop, love. Ginnie’s had bad news. It looks like we’ll all be out of a job soon.’

  G
innie snatched up the receiver and dialled the operator. ‘I’d like to make a trunk call to Southampton, please.’

  Moments later she was speaking to Esther. ‘Good morning, Miss Golightly. May I speak to Mr Carter?’

  ‘Who’s calling?’

  ‘Miss Travis. I visited the office some time ago. You took your cat to the vet because he had a fish bone stuck in his throat, poor thing. I hope he’s fully recovered from his ordeal.’

  ‘Ah, yes. I remember, and thank you, Tarquin is quite well now. I’ll put you through.’

  There was a pause and a click and then Steven’s familiar voice. ‘Hello, Ginnie. This is a nice surprise.’

  ‘I’m desperate, Steven. I need your help.’

  She had just finished the conversation and replaced the receiver when Ida rushed into the office, spilling tea as she slapped the cup and saucer down on the desk. ‘Never mind the tea,’ she said urgently. ‘Look who’s swanned into the shop.’ She moved aside as Ginnie leapt to her feet. She stood in the doorway, staring in disbelief as Livvie strolled amongst the furniture, picking up price tags and examining them.

  Ida laid a restraining hand on her arm but Ginnie shook it off. ‘I might feel like throttling her,’ she said in a low voice, ‘but she’s not worth swinging for. Don’t worry, Ida. I can handle this.’ Forcing herself to keep calm she marched up to Livvie. ‘I suppose you think you’ve won.’

  Livvie met her angry gaze with a mocking smile. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’

  ‘You can stop pretending. You know very well that I’ve been served with notice to quit.’

  ‘No!’ Livvie raised her eyebrows. ‘Really? But then I’m not surprised. You’ve been having all sorts of problems lately.’

  ‘And I know exactly who to blame for them.’

  ‘You’re becoming paranoid, Ginnie. You make a hash of everything and blame it on my father. Just the same as when you sacked me after I’d held the fort for you to go gallivanting off to the States after that American GI.’

  Ginnie gasped as her breath hitched in her throat. ‘Leave Nick out of this. He’s a war hero and he was a medical officer, not a GI.’