The Sea Shell Girl (13 page)

‘Miss Brice, you will please address me if you have any questions,' Mrs Smale said. ‘Now, can either of you enlighten your colleague?' she asked, turning to first Merry and then Prunella.

‘I believe you are referring to protocol, Mrs Smale,' Prunella replied.

The manageress beamed. ‘Indeed I am, Miss Prim. On the shop floor it is I who oversees everything, Mrs Rose is my number two, and although you may ask her any questions, it is to me she defers. We will attend the clients and you will stand ready and waiting to assist when requested. There is to be no talking whilst on duty, unless you need to ask a pertinent question about a client's
requirement. If you accede to these simple rules then the shop floor will run smoothly.'

She was interrupted by two sharp raps on the door.

‘Do come in, Jenkins,' she called.

A man of middle years, wearing a black suit and white-collared shirt, marched stiffly into the room. He was followed closely by a slightly younger man in dark grey and three nervous-looking youths dressed in jackets and trousers of the same lighter grey as the girls wore. Clearly this was to denote their status, Merry thought, jumping as Freckles jabbed her side.

‘Hey, things are looking up. That one with the sandy hair looks all right.'

As Merry looked at the young men, two of them grinned whilst the third bespectacled one stared down at the ground.

‘This is Mr Jenkins and he is in charge of menswear, assisted ably by Mr Perkins,' Mrs Smale said graciously as she stood aside.

‘Thank you, Mrs Smale.' Mr Jenkins's lips curved into a smile although his eyes remained serious. Then he turned to face them. ‘These young gentlemen are here to serve Didcot and Fairbright in the same capacity as yourselves, only in the menswear side, of course. Although the store is one, for propriety reasons it is separated from ladieswear by a corridor. Whilst it is hoped all members of staff will work well together, there are certain house rules. I am sure it goes without saying that males and females are never to venture into the upstairs rooms of the opposite sex.'

There was a guffaw from the boys, which was quickly stifled at a glare from Mr Jenkins.

‘This could be fun,' Freckles whispered, grinning at the sandy-haired one.

‘Wish they'd hurry up and finish this drilling, though,' Merry whispered back.

‘Now where was I?' the man continued. ‘Ah, yes. The store will close for one hour at noon. Mrs Smale's staff will take the first sitting at luncheon. Then in order to engender good feeling you will all partake of supper together.'

At this the boys locked eyes with them and Freckles gave a quiet cheer. Mrs Smale frowned and Mr Jenkins held up his hand.

‘It seems appropriate here, to remind you that you are all on six months' probation. Any member of staff found flouting the rules will be severely reprimanded, if not dismissed on the spot. However, I am sure you are only too aware that you have been offered a wonderful opportunity and would not wish to jeopardize your futures by inappropriate behaviour.' He gave a nod to Mr Perkins, who led the boys from the room.

Mrs Smale turned to face the three girls.

‘Right, ladies, Mr Jenkins and myself have the final arrangements for the store's opening to discuss so Mrs Rose will take you through to the store and show you how the purchases are to be wrapped.'

The rest of the afternoon was spent in a flurry of brown paper and string as they mastered the perfectly packaged parcel. It was second nature to Merry, who was used to packing knit frocks, but Prunella's efforts were
cumbersome and she couldn't get the hang of the required slip knots. Freckles giggled when yet another of her parcels was rejected by Mrs Rose.

‘I'm just used to the servants carrying out such tasks,' she sighed.

‘You have servants? Blimey oh rimey. What are you doing here then?' Freckles asked, her green eyes wide.

‘Father's business suffered a setback and we had to let them go,' Prunella said, looking so upset Merry's heart went out to her.

‘That must have been difficult for you. Here, let me show you the best way to hold the package whilst you tie it up,' she offered. It took a few attempts but finally Prunella managed to satisfy the supervisor. ‘Don't worry, it'll get easier,' Merry whispered.

‘So where do we put the money we take?' Freckles asked Mrs Rose.

The woman's eyes widened in horror and she clutched the counter so tightly, Merry thought she was about to fall into a faint.

‘This is not a market stall, Miss Brice,' Mrs Smale cried, appearing behind them. ‘Here at Didcot and Fairbright we do not mention the word “money”,' she went on, whispering the last word. ‘Purchases will be on approbation, with accounts being sent to the clients' homes every six months.

‘You mean they walk away without paying? Blimey oh rimey, what happens if they do a runner?'

Merry was thinking the self-same thing, but before she could say anything, Prunella said, ‘That is the difference in our classes. My father would always settle his invoices promptly. It is a matter of honour.'

‘Indeed it is, Miss Prim. I'm pleased you at least understand. I've a feeling you will go far.'

‘And we won't,' Freckles muttered, turning to Merry.

‘Want to bet?' she answered, for she was determined to do well in her job. ‘Mrs Smale,' she began, but the woman was looking at the longcase clock that was situated behind the counter.

‘Right, ladies, it is the store's policy to dress the window each morning and clear it after the store has closed. Today, we set out an array of our accessories in order to attract clients' attention ready for our opening tomorrow. Now, everything needs to be put away and the windows thoroughly cleaned before the shutters are pulled down.'

When everything was put away to the woman's satisfaction, and the counters covered with dust sheets, the trainees were dismissed.

‘Tomorrow is a big day, ladies, with the store opening to the public. I will see you here promptly at six fifteen, smartly dressed, with your white smocks covering your dresses. Miss Dyer, do try to do something with those red hands, and all of you, make sure your hair is suitably groomed. Good evening, ladies.'

‘Makes us sound like blooming horses,' Freckles muttered as they made their way to the staff-room.

Merry grimaced at her reddened hands. How was she to get them smooth-looking by the morning?

‘I have some hand cream in my night valise,' Prunella said. ‘If you put some on before bed and then again in the morning it will help.'

‘Thank you, Prunella, that's really kind,' Merry said, looking at her in surprise.

‘It's the least I can do when you were so good as to show me how to wrap the packages neatly. I just hope I can remember,' she sighed.

‘You will,' Merry reassured her. ‘It's exciting to think we will be attending to clients tomorrow, isn't it?' she beamed.

‘I'm used to being attended to,' Prunella said sadly. ‘Still, I suppose I'll get used to it. Needs must, and all that.'

‘Welcome to the real world, girl,' Freckles said.

They'd no sooner taken their places at the dining table than they were joined by the boys.

‘Hello there, ladies, I'm Chester Hall,' the sandy-haired
lad with the cheeky grin announced. ‘This here is Edward Bear, known as Teddy.' The one with dark hair groaned.

Merry smiled at him, immediately taken by his unassuming manner.

‘And this is Nicholas Smith.'

The young man flushed and fiddled with his spectacles.

‘Well, I'm Frankie, known as Freckles, although I can't think why,' she laughed. ‘And this is Merry, and Pru, who prefers to be called Prunella.' As Freckles raised her eyebrows Nicholas turned to Pru.

‘I like to be called by my full name too.'

‘Well, you two will get on like a house on fire, then,' Freckles laughed.

‘You're a right dolly dazzler with that mane of white hair, aren't you?' Chester said, staring at Merry admiringly. She tucked the escaping tendrils back in her braid but was saved from answering by the appearance of Joanie.

‘Here we are, dearies,' she said, balancing a tray piled high with plates of buttered bread as she pushed open the door. Merry jumped up to help but Ted beat her to it.

‘Thanks, dearie, this lot's heavy and no mistake, but I reckoned you'd be hungry after your first day. How did it go?' she asked, staring round the table at them.

They gave a collective groan.

‘We're to flit around like shadows and never mention the word “drawers”, begging your pardon, gentlemen,' Freckles hooted.

‘I think Mrs Smale was merely pointing out that we should behave with decorum,' Prunella said.

‘You'll soon settle in, dearies,' Joanie assured them.

‘Something smelled delicious when we passed by the scullery, Joanie,' Freckles said.

The woman winked. ‘Get that bread and butter down you and I'll see if the spotted dick is cooked yet.'

They didn't need telling twice and tucked in hungrily. Merry looked around her fellow trainee assistants and felt excitement bubbling. It was akin to having brothers and sisters, just like when she used to share supper with Jenna and her family. As ever, thoughts of her friend sent a pang through her, hardening her resolve never to marry and have a child. Knowing her sister in blood was at peace gave her comfort and she would have been pleased that Merry had fulfilled her ambition to leave Porthsallos and make a new life for herself.

The next morning, Merry stood behind the counter alongside Freckles and Prunella, her insides fizzing with anticipation. They'd spent the hours since breakfast ensuring everything was ready for the opening and, having passed a rigorous inspection, were now awaiting the arrival of Messrs Didcot and Fairbright.

‘Remember, ladies, smile sweetly, say nothing,' Mrs Smale reminded them for the third time just as the men walked into the store.

‘Good morning, ladies,' they said in unison.

‘Is everything ready, Mrs Smale?' Mr Didcot asked.

‘Indeed it is, sir,' she assured him.

‘This is a momentous occasion, is it not, Fairbright?'

‘Indeed it is, Didcot, and as Mrs Smale obviously has everything under control here, I think we should go through to menswear and check all is well with Jenkins before we open the doors to the public.'

‘Of course, sir,' Mrs Smale beamed, stepping forward.

Mr Fairbright held up his hand. ‘Please do not trouble yourself, Mrs Smale. I am sure you have enough to do,' and with that the men began to walk away leaving the manageress gaping like a guppy.

Freckles nudged Merry. ‘That told her,' she whispered.

‘All seems to be in order, Mrs Smale,' Mr Didcot said. He consulted his pocket watch and nodded to Mrs Smale. ‘If you are ready, I think we may open for business.'

As he crossed the floor and threw open the doors with a flourish, Mrs Smale turned to face them.

‘Remember, ladies, you are to shadow, smile but never speak unless addressed,' she reminded them yet again. Freckles raised her eyebrows in such a comical manner Merry had to bite her tongue to stop herself from giggling.

If they were expecting a surge of people they were disappointed. It was some two hours before the first client entered the premises, closely followed by her servant. She was a young woman in a sprigged cotton dress, glossy auburn hair just peeking beneath her summer bonnet. Merry watched in awe as her gaze swept over them to the drawers beyond.

‘May I help you, modam,' Mrs Smale enquired, hurrying towards her.

‘Blimey oh rimey, what's happened to her voice?' Freckles whispered.

‘Perhaps if modam would care to say what it is she is looking for, I may assist?' Mrs Smale simpered.

‘I am seeking leather gloves in an exact match,' the woman said, holding up her reticule.

Mrs Smale nodded. ‘Of course, modam. If you would care to be seated, modam,' she replied, indicating the chair placed before the counter. ‘Mrs Rose, pass me the required item.'

Mrs Rose nodded and opened a drawer.

As she'd been instructed, Merry moved obediently to one side of the supervisor, then watched in growing consternation as the woman's fingers hovered over first one pair and then another.

‘Quickly, Mrs Rose. We do not wish to keep modam waiting,' Mrs Smale hissed. Still the woman dithered between the tan and the ox blood. With a glance at the client's bag, Merry handed the tan ones to the supervisor, who snatched them up and passed them over.

The woman tried them on, nodded acceptance and Merry was ordered to wrap the purchase. Then she gave the parcel to Mrs Rose, who passed it to Mrs Smale, who handed it to the client with a flourish. What a performance, Merry thought. How would they cope with a shop full of clients?

‘Miss Brice and Miss Dyer, please go to the stockroom and bring back another pair of gloves to replenish the stock,' the manageress ordered.

‘What was all that about with Mrs Rose?' Freckles whispered.

‘Probably nerves,' Merry replied.

‘Well, modam was not amused,' Freckles said, impersonating the woman's posh voice.

Merry began searching through a shelf piled high with gloves and nearly sent them toppling when the other girl let out a loud whistle.

‘Look at all this stuff. Imagine wearing this down the dance hall of a Saturday night,' she said, winding a length of sable material around her shoulders and parading up and down. ‘That Chester would think me a right dolly dazzle, an' all.'

‘Like him, do you?' Merry asked.

‘Well, I wouldn't say no,' she grinned, hugging the soft material closer.

‘Better put that back before you get caught,' Merry urged, not wishing to be dismissed on their first day. ‘Ah, found them,' she said, locating the correct size. ‘Come on, let's get back.'

‘I'll shadow you, Miss Dyer,' the irrepressible Freckles chortled, following after her.

They returned to find another client seated in front of the counter. Mrs Smale was passing muslin to Prunella for packaging while Mrs Rose measured a length of ribbon along the rule affixed to the counter. As Merry replaced the gloves, she couldn't resist running her fingers over the supple skin. One day she would wear a pair like these, she vowed. Already her hands were looking better. The cream Prunella had loaned her was like a balm it was so rich, and the smell was divine. How lovely to own such luxurious things, she mused, but Mrs Rose was clicking her tongue and she emerged from her daydream and hurried over to assist.

After their luncheon, they assembled in the closed store ready for their next lesson.

‘Here at Didcot and Fairbright we pride ourselves on customizing everything to requirement,' Mrs Smale
enthused. As the smell of her cabbagy breath wafted towards them, Merry and Freckles turned their heads.

‘Do you think we should say something?' Merry whispered. ‘I mean, it could be very unpleasant for the clients.'

‘Miss Dyer, if I have to reprimand you one more time for talking, you will find yourself in serious trouble,' the manageress hissed.

‘There's your answer, girl,' Freckles whispered.

‘It is up to us to show clients the full range of our stock, advising what to put with what, although, of course, it will be me who will be actually attending, unless I am busy, in which case that honour falls to Mrs Rose. You will observe closely and learn. Perhaps, Mrs Rose, you will demonstrate what colour ribbon would best adorn this bonnet,' she said, indicating a straw example on the nearby block.

‘Um, well …' the woman dithered as her hand ran over the reels.

‘Really, Mrs Rose, we don't have all day. In fact, we have precisely fifteen minutes before the store is due to reopen,' Mrs Smale said, consulting the clock.

‘Miss Prim, perhaps you could give us the benefit of your opinion.'

Prunella smiled, plumping for the yellow. Mrs Smale smiled too. ‘Perfect, Miss Prim.' Merry frowned. ‘You do not agree, Miss Dyer?'

‘Well, it is the safe option but it reminds me of an Easter bonnet. Surely with the sun being higher in the sky now, a stronger colour would be more exciting.'

‘Exciting, Miss Dyer?' Mrs Smale enunciated, shaking her head. ‘May I remind you we are here to advise the ladies of the environs, not the … the …'

‘Is everything all right, Mrs Smale?' Mr Fairbright asked, appearing by their side.

Immediately the woman broke into a smile. ‘Yes, thank you, sir. I'm just giving our trainees their first lesson in advising our clients on their purchases.'

‘Excellent. Let us hope the store will be busier this afternoon.'

‘I'm sure it will be when word gets round,' Mrs Smale assured him.

‘But surely …' Merry began, only to receive a glare from the manageress.

‘You were saying, Miss Dyer?' Mr Fairbright asked.

‘I'm sure you are too busy to worry about the thoughts of an inexperienced trainee,' Mrs Smale jumped in.

‘Indeed I am not,' the man said. ‘If we are to succeed then input from everyone is invaluable, especially in these early days. Miss Dyer?'

The genuine interest in his eyes gave Merry the confidence to continue.

‘It was just that you said about us being busy when word got round – well, shouldn't our opening have already been broadcast?'