One Step at a Time

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘I don’t want a pretty girl.’ He bent and whispered in her ear: ‘I want a beautiful one, and that’s you.’

  ‘Oh, you do tease.’ She laughed, pushing him away.

  ‘Why doesn’t she believe me, Howard?’ He turned to his friend who had just come up from the basement.

  ‘About what?’

  ‘I told her she’s beautiful.’

  Howard walked over to Amy, put his face close to hers, studying the curves and structure of her face. ‘Hmm, you’re right, absolutely stunning. I think I’ll have to do a bust of her.’

  ‘What?’

  Ben and Howard roared with delight at her expression of horror.

  ‘That means just your face and shoulders.’ Howard leant on Ben, doubled over with laughter. ‘Ever since Amy saw me doing a sculpture of a naked girl she’s afraid we’re going to ask her to take her clothes off.’

  Mrs Dalton glared at them. ‘You had better not.’

  ‘Don’t worry.’ Ben composed himself with difficulty. ‘She’s already said she won’t, and anyway, we’re only interested in our little sister’s face. It’s fascinating.’

  Amy placed her hands on her hips. ‘I think you both need glasses!’

  ‘Or something tasty for tea?’ Ben suggested hopefully.

  ‘Ah, I see what all the flattery is about. Come on then, let’s find out what we have in the larder.’

  She was nearly tripped up in the rush.

  The following Saturday morning Amy tipped out the old teapot to see how much money she could afford to spend. She wanted to buy a nice present for all of them and Mrs Dalton would be able to advise her. The only money she had spent over the last few weeks had been for food, and with the money now coming from Howard and Ted, she had been able to save quite a bit. Slipping four pounds into her purse she put on her coat, looking forward to the day.

  ‘Amy,’ Mrs Dalton called. ‘Are you ready?’

  Amy met her by the front door. ‘Where are we going?’

  ‘I thought we’d try Oxford Street.’

  ‘Lovely.’ Amy held open the door for her. ‘I’ve never been there.’

  ‘You’ll like it; there are lots of shops.’

  Mrs Dalton was right, and there were also crowds of people Christmas shopping.

  ‘You need a winter coat,’ Mrs Dalton declared, ushering her into a shop. ‘Let’s see what they’ve got in here.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t think—’

  ‘It’s no good you protesting. I’m buying you a coat for Christmas.’

  Knowing it was useless to argue when Mrs Dalton was in this determined mood, Amy patiently tried on coat after coat, until they finally decided on a lovely dark brown wool, as it wouldn’t clash with the red dress Mrs Dalton had bought her for her birthday. When she tried to look at the price tag it was taken out of her hands.

  ‘Don’t you worry about the cost.’ Mrs Dalton handed it to the smiling assistant. ‘We’ll have that.’

  After that the day was a blur of activity as they searched each shop for suitable presents. While they were in one large store and Mrs Dalton was busy, Amy took the opportunity discreetly to visit another counter. There she sniffed loads of scents until she found one that smelt something like the one her landlady always wore, and after paying for it wandered back to rejoin Mrs Dalton.

  ‘What shall I buy the men?’ she asked. ‘I’ve got about three pounds to spend on them.’

  ‘I think Ted would like a pullover. It gets a bit chilly in that shop of his, and the boys could do with a decent pair of gloves each. I know their sizes.’

  Much to Amy’s delight she found a lovely pullover and two pairs of leather gloves with a warm lining. The presents took every penny of the money she had, and Mrs Dalton tried to persuade her to buy cheaper gifts, but Amy wouldn’t hear of it. They were all special to her, and she wanted to give them something special.

  They had lunch in a proper restaurant. Amy could hardly eat for excitement and her generous mouth was tipped up in a permanent smile, and she was glad she’d put on her red dress. Everyone looked so smart.

  It was gone four when they arrived home, loaded with parcels, tired, but pleased with what they had bought. Even Oscar hadn’t been forgotten. Amy had found him a small brightly coloured ball, soft enough for him to pounce on and chew.

  Amy was disappointed when she heard that Ben and Howard would be going to stay with their parents over the holiday. But of course they would, and it had been selfish of her to think they would all be together. Ted would be staying though, as he didn’t have any family to go and see: he and his wife had never had children. Mrs Dalton had bought a splendid Christmas tree and would be cooking lunch for the three of them, with Amy’s help.

  Early on Christmas Eve they gave out the presents, and Amy was relieved to see that she had managed to buy Mrs Dalton’s favourite perfume, and the pullover and gloves fitted perfectly. She already had the coat, but Mrs Dalton had bought her a scarf to go with it as a surprise. Ted gave her a cream-coloured cardigan, Ben had bought her a box of three tablets of lavender soap, and Howard’s gift was a set of delicate handkerchiefs with a different coloured flower in each corner. They were all such luxuries and she was thrilled with every gift, but more importantly to Amy, they were given with obvious affection.

  ‘Right.’ Ben stood up. ‘Get your coat, Amy.’

  ‘Er… Why?’

  ‘Because I’m taking you to meet my family. I’ll bring you back this evening.’

  ‘And you’re going to meet mine on the way to Ben’s.’ Howard began to collect up the torn wrapping paper.

  She looked from one to the other of the two she loved as brothers. ‘But your families won’t want to meet me.’

  ‘Amy,’ Ben tutted, ‘you have such a low opinion of yourself. They’ve been hounding us for weeks to bring you to meet them.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Howard agreed. ‘My parents can’t wait to meet the girl who has finally helped me to make some money.’

  ‘Go on,’ Mrs Dalton urged. ‘Wear your new things.’

  Amy sat in the car not at all sure about this, but she had been pushed into getting ready. Mrs Dalton had even dabbed a bit of perfume behind her ears and fussed with Amy’s unruly mass of hair until it was in some kind of order.

  Howard’s family lived in Kensington, but she was too nervous to take much notice of the road or the house. She hung back as everyone greeted the boys, wishing she were back home.

  ‘You must be Amy. I’m Howard’s father.’ The man standing in front of her was quite youthful-looking without a sign of grey in his brown hair. There was a smile on his face, but she wasn’t sure if she could like him. From what she had heard, he had refused to help his son when he must have known he was struggling.

  ‘And I’m Howard’s mother. It’s lovely to meet you at last.’

  Ah, she could see whom the son took after; his mother had the same gentle eyes. All she could manage though was a ‘How do you do?’

  Once in the sitting room she gazed round in admiration at the decorations strung across the room, and the most enormous tree: it nearly touched the ceiling. Then she nearly giggled when she saw one of her and Howard’s cats sitting on the mantelpiece looking completely out of place in the elegant surroundings.

  Howard’s mother smiled when she noticed Amy looking at it. His father hadn’t missed her interest either.

  ‘Howard tells us they are selling well.’

  ‘Er… yes they are.’ When she glanced at Howard he gave her a sly wink.

  ‘My father’s relieved I’m no longer starving.’

  ‘Of course I am, my boy. I had hoped you would give up this crazy idea, but it’s obvious that isn’t going to happen, and nothing would please me more than to see you make a success of things.’

  ‘Ted says they are both very talented and have a good future ahead of them.’ Amy felt she should pass on that piece of information.

  ‘Ted Andrews,’ Howard explained.

  ‘L
et’s hope he’s right.’

  They stayed for only an hour and were then on their way to Ben’s family in East Sheen. She was feeling a little more relaxed by now and took notice of the area as they arrived. The house was modest compared to Mrs Dalton’s, but Amy felt immediately at ease when she walked in. It was furnished for comfort, although elegant in a homely way.

  ‘Amy’ – Ben placed a hand on her shoulder – ‘meet my parents. And the lady sitting in state by the fire is my grandmother.’

  Before she had a chance to say anything, the elderly woman beckoned her over.

  ‘Come here, girl, let me have a look at you.’

  The appraisal was thorough and Amy felt the corners of her mouth turn up in amusement. This was just the sort of thing her own grandmother used to do when she met someone for the first time.

  ‘Humph.’ The grandmother spoke at last. ‘You’ll do. You can kiss my cheek.’

  Amy did so and her smile spread. ‘I’m pleased to meet Ben’s grandmother.’

  ‘If you’ve quite finished, Mother?’ Ben’s father raised his eyebrows. ‘We’d like to greet our guest as well.’

  The father was as tall as his son. They were both big men, but the aura of strength was tempered by the amusement showing in their eyes. The mother was also quite tall and towered over Amy, but then just about everyone did, she thought wryly. Mrs Scott had a determined air about her, but when she smiled Amy was instantly reassured. She had been worried about meeting Ben and Howard’s parents but, much to her relief, they were all nice people and made her feel welcome.

  It turned out to be the happiest Christmas she could remember. After spending Christmas Eve with Ben’s family, he brought her back and she had a lovely time with Ted and Mrs Dalton.

  The boys didn’t return until the New Year, and then the three of them set about the business of selling paintings, pots and sculptures. They were all determined to make 1935 a more profitable year.

  17

  ‘Happy birthday for tomorrow, Amy.’

  She glanced up as Ben and Howard came into the workshop, and the pot she was attempting to throw collapsed in a wet mess as she shook with laughter. They were standing in the doorway each holding out a chrysanthemum, one of her favourite flowers for painting, but even more amazing was the fact that they were wearing suits and ties!

  ‘Why thank you, kind sirs.’ She stood up as they came towards her, reaching out for the flowers with hands caked in clay. They had been speeding through the year of 1935 and she hadn’t even noticed December arriving. ‘What are you all dressed up for?’

  ‘We’ve decided it’s time for us to open our own shop.’ Howard’s eyes were gleaming in anticipation.

  ‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ When it looked as if she was going to come near them with her muddy hands they stepped back in alarm.

  ‘Get cleaned up, Amy,’ Ben instructed, making sure she didn’t touch his one and only good suit. ‘The shop next to Ted’s is empty and we’re going to have a look at it.’

  ‘That should be perfect.’ She knew it well, and it was bigger than Ted’s bookshop.

  ‘Don’t just stand there.’ Howard turned her towards the sink. ‘Wash the mess off and change.’

  ‘You want me to come with you?’

  The friends looked at each other and sighed dramatically, then turned their attention back to Amy.

  It was Ben who spoke. ‘We’re going into business – the three of us: Scott, Palmer and Carter. And you and Howard have got to learn to drive.’

  Amy’s headlong flight towards the sink came to a sudden halt and she turned her head. ‘I can’t learn to drive, can I?’

  ‘Not legally until next year when you’re seventeen, but I’ll start showing you how to drive now, and then you will be ready to take your test when you’re old enough.’

  ‘I’d like to be able to drive.’ The idea excited Amy. ‘So you’re going to teach us?’

  ‘I am.’

  Howard held his hands up in horror. ‘No fear, Ben. Ted will teach us.’

  ‘Coward.’ Ben didn’t seem at all put out by the refusal. ‘You can ask Ted, but I’m teaching Amy, and it’s not the slightest bit of good you arguing about it.’

  ‘I wouldn’t dare.’ Amy grinned. ‘Perhaps I’ll end up as a racing driver.’

  Howard pulled a face. ‘That’s a possibility if Ben teaches you.’

  Continuing over to the sink she washed her hands. ‘I think it will be fun.’

  ‘That’s my girl.’ Ben shot Howard a smug glance. ‘Amy’s not so easily frightened.’

  After a quick wash and change of clothes they were on their way to see if the shop would be suitable. They had all been working very hard over the last few months and sales of everything they produced had increased markedly. Ben’s paintings were becoming quite popular. The word going round was that this was an artist who was going places, and his work would increase in value. Some people were buying as investments. Amy didn’t know how the talk had started, but she had her suspicions that Ben and Howard might have started the rumour themselves. They were a couple of very enterprising young men. It was the same with Howard’s beautiful sculptures, and the pots painted by Amy were selling as fast as she could produce them. This was the right time for them to branch out, and she was thrilled to be a part of their success.

  As soon as they arrived, Ted joined them. ‘The keys have been left with me so you can take your time looking around.’

  In fact it didn’t take them long to decide. There was good window space, and a large room upstairs just perfect for a gallery. The downstairs would be ideal for Howard and Amy’s work. The whole place would need a good clean, walls painted and shelves fitted downstairs.

  They were fired up with enthusiasm when they went to the letting agency to sign the agreement. After Ben and Howard had signed, Ben handed Amy the pen, pointing to the place where she should put her signature as well, his expression telling her plainly that they were in this together.

  She signed, very pleased that she had practised how to do this all that time ago. She wouldn’t have to embarrass herself, or them, by putting a cross for her name. Her life was very happy and full now and it was hard to remember when it had been different.

  Ben pocketed the keys, they shook hands with the agent and made their way back to Ted’s. They were surprised to see Mrs Dalton there wearing her best hat.

  ‘All settled?’

  Ben rattled the keys. ‘The shop is ours.’

  ‘Good, it’s about time you did this.’ She ushered a customer out as soon as he’d paid for his purchase and locked the door. ‘You’re closing early today, Ted, because I’m taking you all out for a double celebration: Amy’s birthday tomorrow and the new business.’

  ‘Marvellous!’ Howard rubbed his hands together. ‘Where are we going?’

  ‘To the Lyons Corner House in Marble Arch. It’s a wonderful place to have afternoon tea.’

  They couldn’t all get in Ben’s car, so Mrs Dalton went with Ted in his van.

  Amy was speechless when they arrived. The place was huge, with sparkling chandeliers, tall plants and music playing in the background. It was also crowded.

  They had a table where they could see everything clearly and Amy watched, turning this way and that way, not wanting to miss anything. There was a big plant behind her, and after examining it carefully she swivelled back to the table and caught a glint of amusement in Ben’s eyes.

  ‘What is it?’ she whispered.

  ‘A palm tree.’

  ‘Never!’

  He nodded.

  Satisfied with that bit of information she focused on the waitresses. They were really smart in their white aprons and funny little hats. Leaning towards Ben, she whispered again, ‘Don’t they move fast?’

  ‘That’s why they’re called “Nippies”.’ He spoke quietly close to her ear. ‘Why are we whispering?’

  She hit his arm. ‘Stop teasing. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.’
r />   And she had never seen so many cakes. They tried them all until they couldn’t eat another crumb. Amy sighed, eyeing the one remaining iced cake on the stand. It was a shame to leave it but she would burst if she tried to eat anything else. ‘That was lovely; thank you so much, Mrs Dalton. This has been a wonderful birthday celebration.’

  When she looked back to the centre of the table, the cake had disappeared. ‘Who had the cake?’

  Ben and Howard looked innocent, but it was a sure bet that one of them had eaten it. There wasn’t much of her to fill up, but it seemed impossible to satisfy either of the two of them. Growing boys, Mrs Dalton always declared. Amy studied them under lowered lashes, her mouth twitching at the corners. She hoped they didn’t grow any more!

  Ted stood up. ‘The celebration isn’t over yet. Come back to the shop.’

  They piled back into the cars and headed for Chelsea again, only to find that Ted had gone mad and bought a bottle of champagne.

  It was sacrilege but they drank it out of mugs, laughing and making plans for the future. Amy had never tried champagne before, but thought it was a bit like lemonade. ‘Ben said we’ve got to learn to drive,’ she told Ted, grinning as the bubbles tickled her nose.

  ‘Yes, it would be a good idea.’ Ted emptied the bottle by refilling everyone’s mugs.

  ‘I hope you’ll teach me, Ted.’ Howard smirked. ‘Ben’s a good driver, but he’s too fast for my liking.’

  ‘I don’t mind doing that.’ Ted glanced at Amy. ‘And what about you?’

  ‘I’m teaching her. She’s not afraid of me, are you?’

  ‘No, Ben,’ she said meekly, and then burst into laughter as if it was the funniest joke she’d ever heard.

  ‘Oh dear.’ Ben rested his arm on Ted’s shoulder. ‘I think the drink has gone to her head.’

  Mrs Dalton peered at Amy, looking quite flushed herself. ‘Perhaps we shouldn’t have let her have strong drink.’

  ‘It’s only like lemonade.’ Amy thought that was a huge joke as well.

  ‘I think you’d better take her home, boys.’ Ted shook his head. ‘And don’t let her behind a wheel in that state.’