by Kitty Neale
‘Sorry, Constance,’ Mary said, smiling over her shoulder. ‘Old habits die hard.’
‘What time are you leaving in the morning?’
‘We want to be up and out of here by six-thirty. Will you be able to arrange a taxi?’
‘It won’t be a problem, but why so early?’
‘I should think the new cook will arrive soon after and will want to put her stuff in the flat. It’s best that we’re out of her way. The letting agent is going to meet us at our flat with the keys at eight o’clock so we’re going to a nearby café for a spot of breakfast before we meet him.’
‘Oh, Ethel …’
‘Now don’t start blubbering again or you’ll set me off. You can come to see us as often as you like. In fact, why don’t you pop in tomorrow afternoon? We’d love to show you our flat.’
‘I … I’d like that,’ Constance croaked, and managed to smile as she blinked away her tears. Ethel might be leaving, but she would go to see her, and that was something to look forward to.
‘Constance!’ a voice thundered. ‘Where the dickens are you?’
‘That’s your father. You’d best go, love.’
Constance nodded and hurried upstairs. ‘I’m here, Daddy,’ she said, finding him in the hall.
‘What were you doing down there?’ he asked.
‘I was talking to Ethel.’
‘If you become over-familiar with staff, they take advantage of you. In future, when the new cook and cleaner arrive, I want you to keep your distance. When you have to talk to them, do not discuss anything other than their duties and the menus. Is that clear?’
With only a few weeks to go before her marriage, Constance knew there would be little chance of getting to know them and nodded in acquiescence, saying, ‘Yes, Father.’
‘Good, and I have something else to tell you. Once I have arranged care for her, your mother is coming home, probably by Wednesday.’
‘Oh, that’s wonderful,’ Constance said, but then frowned. ‘What do you mean by care? Isn’t she better?’
‘No, and she may never make a full recovery. When she comes home I will allow you to see her, but if there is any sign that she finds your visit upsetting, I will ban you from her room.’
Constance knew it was useless to argue and once again she just nodded. She still felt to blame for her mother’s stroke, and the thought that she might never recover was more than she could bear.
Daisy sat next to Eric, feeling so happy that she couldn’t stop smiling. Eric’s friend Jamie had returned from Spain on Saturday, but as it had been a late flight he’d turned up to see them on the Sunday morning. She listened, enthralled when he spoke about his trip. Apparently, though it had been out of season, with many bars closed, he’d found some open. In one of them the owner told him that many places made enough profit during the summer season to close from November to March. Eric liked the sound of that, though agreed with Jamie that if they had enough custom, they too would remain open.
Jamie had brought back the details of six bars, all in a popular tourist area called Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, and after looking at the pros and cons, they settled on a freehold property. ‘I know it sounds cheaper to take on a leasehold,’ said Jamie, ‘but there’d be rent to pay every month which would bite into our profits.’
‘Yeah, I agree that a freehold would be better,’ Eric agreed.
‘Before we commit to it, I’d like you to see it.’
‘All right, we’ll book flights for next week. Do you mind if I bring Daisy along?’
‘It’s fine by me, and if you two are planning to stay together, I’ve got another suggestion.’
‘Yeah, we’re an item,’ Eric told him.
‘Right then, if we both agree on the property and decide to buy it, instead of coming back, why don’t we just stay in Spain?’
‘I like the sound of that. What about you, Daisy?’
‘I’d love to, but where will we stay?’
‘As it’s out of season there are lots of cheap places to rent, and even staying in a hotel won’t cost the earth,’ Jamie told them.
‘Right then, a hotel will be fine until we can sort something else out,’ Eric said. ‘There’s one fly in the ointment though. I wanted to marry Daisy before we go, but if we’re leaving here next week, there won’t be time.’
‘I’m not sure if you can get married in Spain, but we can find out. If not, you can always pop back and tie the knot here.’
‘I don’t mind waiting,’ Daisy said. ‘It’s more important to get the business sorted out first.’
‘I’m a lucky man,’ Eric said, his smile fond.
‘Yeah, you are,’ Jamie agreed.
Daisy smiled at him, finding that she liked Eric’s friend. She guessed he was around thirty-five years old, and he wasn’t much to look at, with light brown hair and eyes. His saving grace was his grin, which revealed lovely white teeth and dimples in his cheeks. She felt they could get on well, becoming friends too.
Spain beckoned now for all of them and she couldn’t wait to leave England behind.
‘You don’t seem to be making much of an effort to find a job,’ Dora said to her son as she decorated a small Christmas tree.
‘With two grand soon coming my way, there’s no hurry.’
‘The baby will need stuff, a pram, a cot, clothes and other things. Not only that, you’ll need to put money in the household pot. I ain’t prepared to keep the pair of you.’
‘All right, don’t nag. I’ll see you don’t go short.’
‘Good, and, Albie, you really should see more of Constance. If you don’t, it’ll be like marrying a stranger.’
‘That doesn’t bother me. There’ll be lots of time to get to know each other once we’ve tied the knot.’
‘You might be happy with that, but I doubt Constance is, and nor am I,’ Dora said to her son. ‘I’d like to meet her and get to know her a bit before she moves in. Not only that, if you don’t make more of an effort she might change her mind about marrying you.’
‘Nah, that won’t happen. She’s having my kid so she hasn’t got any choice.’
‘I wouldn’t be too sure. You can only push some women so far.’
Albie pursed his lips. His mother had a point and he didn’t want to lose his golden goose. ‘All right, I’ll go and see her tomorrow.’
‘Bring her here to meet me.’
‘Yeah, all right.’
‘You’ll have to think about getting a double bed too.’
‘What for? There’s two singles in my room and they’ll do.’
‘But surely you’ll want to share a bed with her?’ Dora protested.
‘Nah, I’m happy with two singles. She ain’t much to look at and I can’t say I fancy her.’
‘Albie, you fancied her enough to get her up the duff and now you’re not being fair. She deserves a bit of attention and affection.’
‘All right, don’t go on about it, Mum. I’ll give her a bit of a cuddle now and then, but I ain’t crossing the room to her bed unless I’m desperate.’
‘There are times when I’m really ashamed of you, Albie, and this is one of them.’
‘I can’t help it if I haven’t got any feelings for her. She just isn’t my sort and when you meet her you’ll see why.’
‘From what I heard when she turned up here, and if her father is anything to go by, she’s proper posh.’
‘Yeah, she is, and I can’t see her fitting in around here,’ Albie mused.
‘She hasn’t got any choice and the least we can do is try to make it a bit easier for her.’
‘If you say so, Mum, but I’m off to bed now.’
‘All right. Night, son,’ she said, sighing when he left the room. It wasn’t going to be easy to share her house with another woman, and the fact that Constance wasn’t of their class would make it more difficult. She just hoped the girl wasn’t uppity and expected to be waited on, ’cos there was no way on earth she’d put up with that.
Chapter 16
When the taxi arrived on Monday morning, Ethel was grateful that Constance insisted on carrying her cases. She had worked in this house for so many years and it seemed strange to be leaving, nevertheless she put on a brave face. Constance looked close to tears so she said, ‘Don’t forget, you said you’ll come to see us this afternoon.’
‘I’d love to, Ethel.’
Mary lifted her case into the taxi and said, ‘Bloomin’ ’eck, it’s gonna be a job to take our stuff into the café and then lug it to the flat.’
‘Oh dear, I hadn’t thought of that.’
‘Ethel, leave that box and your other case behind. I’ll bring them with me when I come to see you this afternoon,’ Constance offered.
‘That’s good of you, love, and will make things a lot easier for us.’
‘Come on, missus,’ the taxi driver urged, ‘the clock’s ticking so your fare’s going up.’
Mary climbed into the cab, and after giving Constance a swift hug, Ethel got in too. She took a seat and then through the window she looked at the large, imposing house that she was leaving. There was no sign of Mr Burton Blake, and with his wife still in hospital, Constance was the only one who had come to say goodbye. She waved at the girl as the taxi drew away, still finding it strange that when Albie married Constance, the Burton Blakes would be his in-laws. Not that it would do the lad any good. They were mean with their wages and expected their staff to work very long hours with no extra pay, so if Albie hoped more money would come his way, he’d be out of luck.
‘Ethel, I’m so excited,’ Mary said. ‘We’re moving into my first proper home.’
Mary’s enthusiasm was infectious and Ethel at last smiled. ‘Yes,’ she agreed, ‘and we’ll turn it into a proper little palace.’
‘I love my new pink candlewick bedspread and it’ll look lovely with the pink curtains.’
Remembering how animated Mary had been when she chose them, clapping her hands with delight, Ethel smiled again. Mary was an enigma, sometimes sounding sensible, but at other times her behaviour was childlike. She’d have to guide her when it came to finding a new job. Mary had been taken advantage of by the Burton Blakes, working ridiculously long hours, and Ethel was determined to ensure that it didn’t happen again.
At last they arrived at the café, and climbing out Ethel paid the fare while Mary carried their cases inside. When she walked in behind her, the smell of bacon frying made her mouth water, and she was ready for a cup of tea.
They walked up to the counter, where a jolly-looking man who was balding but had twinkling green eyes said, ‘Good morning, ladies. What can I get you?’
‘I’ll have egg and bacon and a cup of tea, please,’ Ethel told him.
‘Bread and butter?’ he asked.
‘Yes, please.’
‘I’ll have the same,’ Mary said.
‘Right, sit yourselves down and when it’s ready I’ll bring it over to your table.’
‘Thank you,’ they chorused and then grinned at each other. They chose a window table and looked out to see that many costermongers had nearly set up their stalls, with others close behind them.
‘I see you’ve got suitcases with you,’ the man said as he placed their tea on the table. ‘Are you off on your holidays?’
‘No,’ Ethel told him. ‘It’s hardly holiday weather. We’re moving into a house close to here but can’t get the keys until eight.’
‘You’re not in a hurry for your breakfast then, which is handy. Neither of my waitresses has turned up yet, and until they do I’ve got to man the counter and the kitchen. This isn’t the first time for one of them, and to be honest I think I’m gonna have to let her go.’
‘If you need a replacement, keep my friend here in mind. She’s worked in a big house serving their meals, and though it isn’t the same, she’s got some experience.’
‘I haven’t waited on lots of tables though,’ Mary protested.
If her legs had reached, Ethel would have kicked Mary under the table, but instead she limited the damage by saying, ‘I know, but you’re a quick learner.’
‘I tell you what,’ the man said to Mary. ‘Leave me your name and address, and if I need to hire a new waitress, I’ll get in touch. Now, though, I’d best get your food cooked. Once the market traders have set up, they’ll be in here in droves for their breakfasts.’
When the man was out of earshot, Mary whispered, ‘Ethel, I haven’t got a clue how to be a waitress.’
‘It can’t be that hard, love. I should think you just take the customers’ orders and pass them to the kitchen.’
Mary looked doubtful and then the café door opened and a slim young woman with auburn hair dashed in. When the owner appeared in the kitchen doorway, frowning, she said, ‘Sorry I’m late, Percy. I’ll be honest and admit I overslept.’
‘At least you’re here now and it ain’t like you to be tardy. Do you know if Pat’s on her way?’
‘I haven’t seen her.’
‘Well, Helen, if she doesn’t turn up again she’ll have to go,’ he said, walking back into the kitchen.
The girl he’d called Helen put on an apron, then took orders for two more customers before a bell rang signalling her to the kitchen. She returned carrying two plates which she placed in front of Mary and Ethel. ‘There you go, ladies. I’ll just get your bread and butter.’
When the girl walked away, Ethel whispered, ‘Stop sniffing and use your hanky. Just in case you’re offered a job, when she comes back let’s see what we can find out about Percy.’
‘I thought we agreed I’m not in any hurry to find work.’
‘Yeah, I know, but if the opportunity arises I think you should go for it. It’ll be better than cleaning.’
‘Here you are,’ the waitress said, returning with the bread and butter.
‘Your boss seems like a nice man,’ Ethel mused. ‘He didn’t do his nut that you were late.’
‘He’s lovely, a proper joker, and he rarely gets angry,’ she said, but then the door opened to admit several more customers, so she hurried off.
‘Watch the waitress while you’re eating and it’ll give you an idea of what you’d have to do if Percy offers you a job.’
Mary nodded, and took Ethel’s advice. There was a smile on her face when they paid for their meal and left. ‘It didn’t look too hard and I think I could pick it up.’
‘Let’s hope you get the chance,’ Ethel said, pleased to see when they arrived that the agent was outside the flat.
The man opened the door, and kindly took Ethel’s case to carry it inside. He put it down in the front room and then said, ‘Welcome to your new home. If you have any problems, let me know. Here are your keys, and please see that your rent is paid on time.’
Ethel nodded an affirmative and took the keys, grinning at Mary when the man left. ‘Right, girl, this is it,’ she said, ‘a fresh start for both of us.’
Mary grinned back and as Ethel looked around the cosy front room she settled on a fireside chair. There was a gas fire in the hearth which meant there’d be no lugging wood and coal into the house. She lit it, and settled back, sighing happily. They had to get some shopping in, but for now she relaxed, deciding to unpack later as she enjoyed the sensation of being in their own home.
Constance wasn’t happy. Miss Pearson arrived, but she had none of Ethel’s warmth. The woman was respectful, but cold and distant. There was no offer to call her by her first name, and her voice was clipped. Shortly after, the first cleaner arrived. She was an attractive dark-haired woman who looked to be around forty, and went by the name of Janet Green. Constance showed her the dumbwaiter, then said, ‘After my father and I have had our breakfast, I’ll show you around the house.’
‘Yes, Miss, thank you, Miss,’ the woman said, her smile warm.
Constance liked her, but couldn’t feel the same about Rita Pearson. She just hoped her attitude would soften once she’d settled in. ‘Miss Pearson,’ she said, ‘my father
has asked me to talk to you about the menus so I’ll come down to see you again after breakfast.’
‘Very well,’ the woman said. ‘Breakfast will be ready at eight.’
‘Thank you,’ Constance said, equally curtly. She then returned upstairs to find that her father was up.
‘I take it the new staff have arrived?’ he asked.
‘Yes, and breakfast will be served shortly.’
‘I’ll be in my study until then,’ he said coldly.
Constance felt as if all the warmth of the house had left with Ethel and Mary, and for the first time she found that she wasn’t so unhappy at the thought of leaving it too. She just wished it wasn’t to marry Albie Jones.
At noon, Albie got off his scooter and stood outside the Burton Blakes’ house, admiring the grandeur and architecture. He looked forward to the day when it would be his, but for now plastered a smile on his face as he rang the doorbell.
‘Albie, what are you doing here?’ Constance asked with no return smile of welcome.
‘I’ve come to take you out.’
‘The last time you were here you made it perfectly clear that we wouldn’t be seeing each other again until our wedding day.’
‘Yes, well, sorry about that. I wasn’t in the best of moods.’
‘I suppose you had better come in,’ Constance said.
Albie noted that her voice lacked enthusiasm and worried that his mother was right. There could be the possibility that Constance was bucking against marrying him, but now that he’d decided she was his golden goose, he didn’t want that. ‘Thanks,’ he said, throwing in a compliment. ‘You look nice.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes, you,’ he said, with his best smile. ‘Being pregnant suits you. You’re blooming.’
‘Thank you,’ Constance said, flushing as she led him into the drawing room. ‘Can I get you anything?’
‘No, I’m fine, thanks.’
‘Err … you said you want to take me out, but I’m afraid I have other plans for this afternoon.’
‘Can’t you cancel them? I was going to take you to meet my mother.’
‘I’m afraid not. Perhaps you could take me to meet her tomorrow.’
