The Sea Shell Girl (24 page)

‘I would like to propose a toast,' Carey said, breaking into her thoughts as he raised his glass. ‘Here's to your honesty, Merryn, and to a lovely lunch in elegant company.' He chinked his glass against hers.

‘I do believe that is two toasts,' she replied, to cover her awkwardness.

‘Then we shall have to chink again,' he grinned. ‘And partake of another glass of bubbly, I think.'

‘Oh, no, this will be enough for me,' she replied, quickly covering the glass with her hand.

Their hors d'oeuvres arrived and as he carefully spread the pâté, she watched and followed suit.

‘This is delicious,' she said, trying not to shower crumbs on the snowy cloth.

‘So tell me, if you were happy at home what made you leave?' he enquired.

She hesitated, but the way he had of looking at her as though what she had to say mattered, encouraged her to open up.

‘I've always had this desire to forge my own way in life, see something outside Porthsallos. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely place, but all my friends think the be-all and end-all to life is marrying and having children.'

‘And you don't want that?' he enquired.

‘Not for years, if ever. It seems like a life sentence of drudgery to me,' she said with feeling. ‘I have been given this opportunity to fulfil my dream and I intend to work hard and make the most of it.'

‘Goodness, you sound like Queen Victoria. She believes women should have the chance to fulfil themselves,' he quipped, his lips curling into a smile.

‘Then it's up to us to make sure we do.' Her reply came out more sharply than she'd intended for it was important he understood.

There was silence for a moment and Merry wondered if she'd overstepped the mark, but then their fish course arrived and Carey turned his attention to eating. Again she watched which cutlery he selected, then followed suit. Prunella had been right when she said to work from the outside in, she thought.

As they ate their way steadily through the meal, Carey turned the conversation to lighter subjects, which enabled Merry to relax and enjoy the delicious food. She ate far more than she would ever have imagined possible and hoped the seams on her skirt would hold.

‘Shall we have our coffee in the lounge?' he suggested, placing his napkin on the table.

He waited until she'd settled herself once more in the comfy chair and then asked about her job in the store.

‘I'm sure a man like you wouldn't be the slightest bit interested in the day-to-day running of a high-street draper's,' she exclaimed.

‘A man like me?' he asked, quirking his brow in the way she'd come to recognize.

‘Yes, a lieutenant in the navy. You must be a very clever man to have a job like that.'

To her surprise, he threw back his head and laughed.

‘It's not as glamorous as you imagine, I'm afraid,' he
said, waving his hand dismissively. ‘Actually, Merryn, we have quite a lot in common, if you think about it.'

‘We do?' she frowned. ‘I don't see how.'

‘We both have to wear uniform, obey instructions, deal with the day-to-day minutiae of the running of things, albeit you in a store and me on a ship,' he explained, looking so earnest it was her turn to laugh.

‘But I'm only a trainee assistant. I don't run the store.'

‘Nor I my ship. So you see, Miss Dyer, we do have quite a lot of things in common. And talking of obeying orders,' he said, taking out his pocket watch and grimacing, ‘I promised Mr Fairbright to have you back at the store by five o'clock so we'd better be making tracks.' He signalled to the
maître d'hôtel
.

Outside, the carriage was pulled up alongside the steps and once again, as he helped her inside, Merry's skin tingled from his touch. To cover her confusion, she stared out of the window. It was already beginning to grow dark and candles and gaslamps shone out from windows as they passed. Suddenly she became aware of his gaze upon her.

‘I still can't get over the likeness between you and Saphira. Although, if I may be so bold, I feel bound to say you are far prettier,' he murmured.

‘Oh, hardly,' she demurred, certain he must be mocking.

‘I mean it, Merryn. Fond as I am of Saphira, she can be something of a minx and I find your company more stimulating.'

‘Oh?' she asked, staring at him for any sign he was teasing. ‘You will miss her when she embarks on her travels, I am sure.'

‘I shall indeed. However, it would be more than my life's worth to let her know that,' he grinned.

‘It must be nice to have a sister,' she said, as they made their way ever closer to the store.

‘Yes, but Saphira can be quite a handful.' She was about to ask him about his parents and if he had any other siblings when the carriage drew to a halt.

‘Goodness, we're back at the store already,' she said, staring out of the window in surprise.

‘I have enjoyed this afternoon enormously, Merryn, and do hope we may meet again,' he said.

‘I'd like that,' she replied, her heart flipping. ‘Thank you so much for the delicious meal.'

‘My pleasure.' He helped her down from the carriage. It didn't move away, though, and as she made her way round to the staff entrance she could feel his eyes burning into her back.

Her heart still fizzing, she opened the door and made for the stairs. All she wanted was to steal up to her room and reflect on the wonderful time she'd had.

‘So there you are,' Mrs Smale called from the hallway.

It was as if she'd been lying in wait, Merry thought, her heart flopping. However, she pinned a smile on her face.

‘Yes, here I am, Mrs Smale,' she called brightly. ‘Lieutenant Meredith ensured he got me back on time.'

‘Pah, I don't know why you're looking like so pleased with yourself. He merely used getting his precious family necklace back as an excuse, an opening, if you like. Men like that only take the likes of you shop girls out for one reason,' she spat. Then her eyes narrowed. ‘You look extremely flushed, Miss Dyer. Have you been imbibing alcohol?'

‘I had only one small glass of elderflower champagne,' Merry replied.

‘And that is one glass too many. It is strictly against the rules of your indenture, Miss Dyer.'

‘Whatever are you doing here on a Sunday afternoon, Mrs Smale?' Mr Fairbright said, peering over the banister.

‘I had things to attend to, Mr Fairbright,' she replied. ‘Have you seen that shop display?'

‘Indeed I have. A great improvement, if I might be so bold as to say, and the window is looking much more in keeping with the changing season. It is already feeling much colder, don't you think?'

‘Oh …' the manageress stuttered. ‘Well, I'm pleased you like it. Of course, I do pride myself on my displays,' she gushed. As she stood there preening like a puffed-up peacock, Merry wanted to point out that it was Mrs Winter who was responsible for the change; then she saw the twinkle in Mr Fairbright's eye and realized he knew all along.

‘Did you have a nice afternoon, my dear?' he asked.

‘Yes, thank you, Mr Fairbright,' she answered.

Mrs Smale opened her mouth to speak but Mr Fairbright beat her to it.

‘Good. I see Meredith kept his word and brought you back on the dot of five o'clock. It is most conscientious of you to see your staff return safely home, Mrs Smale,' he added.

‘Oh, yes, well, of course that is another thing I pride myself on,' the manageress gushed.

‘Good, good. Well, you get off home now for I am sure
Mrs Rose will be waiting for you. How is she getting on in her new position?' he enquired.

‘She is much happier as companion to Mrs Crawford, thank you, and most grateful for your recommendation.'

Mr Fairbright beamed. ‘Well, it seems everything worked out then. I did feel Mrs Rose's caring nature would be more suited there. Now I really must insist you go home, Mrs Smale, and I'm sure Miss Dyer has things to attend to before the store reopens tomorrow. Good evening, ladies.'

As the manageress stood gaping after him, Merry stifled a grin and took the opportunity to run up the back stairs to the little room in the attic. For once she was relieved the others were out, for she wanted to think back over her wonderful afternoon with Carey. Despite the early hour, she undressed quickly, clambered into bed and closed her eyes.

Immediately she saw his aquamarine eyes staring into hers and, recalling the heat of his touch as he'd helped her on with her mantle, she sighed contentedly. The way he'd gazed at her as if she was the only woman in the room, listened attentively to all she said, responding with his dry sense of humour and self-deprecation – why, he'd made her feel as if she was someone important. She couldn't help comparing that to Nicco's high-handed manner and the way he dismissed her opinions as being of little worth. There was no doubt about it: Carey Meredith, with his quiet intelligence and easy good manners, had drawn her in. Then she remembered what Mrs Smale had said and her heart plummeted. He probably had just been kind, taking her out as a reward for finding the necklace, and it was hardly likely she'd hear from him again.

She must have fallen asleep for the next thing she knew, Freckles was tugging at her bedclothes.

‘Come on, Merry, it's time to get up. We are dying to hear all about your assignation with the dashing lieutenant.'

‘Hmm,' she murmured, the thought of him immediately conjuring up his easy smile …

‘Merry Dyer, stop smirking and get out of bed this instant,' Freckles ordered.

‘You are mean,' she moaned, pulling the covers back over her head.

‘And you'll be late if you don't get a move on. Why, you didn't even come down for supper. Chester was right put out. He wanted to tell you about the new plan he's hatched. By the way, Joanie has been told to put a sprig of parsley on all our plates and two on Smelly's,' she hooted.

Obviously Mr Fairbright had seen fit to take action, Merry thought, remembering their recent conversation.

‘Do hurry,' Freckles urged as Merry stretched lazily. ‘Look at you. Anyone would think you were Lady Muck.'

‘All right, all right,' she muttered, quickly stepping into her uniform, then covering it with the voluminous apron.

‘Did you have a good time?' Prunella asked, as they hurried down the stairs.

‘Yes, I did and thank you again for lending me your bonnet and mantle. It made such … What was that?' she asked.

‘It sounded like old Smelly,' Freckles said, quickening her step.

‘Oh, the smell, it's revolting,' the manageress screamed. She was standing in the entrance to ladieswear, an expression of sheer disgust on her face.

‘What's the matter, Mrs Smale?' Freckles asked.

‘Look,' the woman wailed, pointing to something brown just inside the door. ‘Oh, heavens above, there's more over there and there and …'

‘What is it?' Prunella asked.

‘Looks like dog muck,' Freckles said.

‘Oh, the smell is getting stronger. It's quite overpowering. Get that mess cleaned up at once,' the manageress ordered, covering her nose with her hand.

‘Something wrong, Mrs Smell? I mean, Mrs Smale?' Chester asked, appearing behind them.

‘A dog,' the manageress spluttered.

‘There is a dog in the store?' Chester asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

‘I sincerely hope not,' she replied. ‘But look at all that mess. It's everywhere and the smell is indescribable.'

Chester sniffed and then sniffed again. ‘Cripes, it is quite vile,' he agreed.

‘I can't smell anything,' Freckles muttered to Merry.

Chester turned and winked, then went over to the manageress.

‘Stand back, Mrs Smale. I will check if there's a dog in the room and then clean up the mess,' he said, but the trainees could see he was trying to keep a straight face.

‘Thank you, Mr Hall,' the manageress said, putting her hand to her heart.

‘Here doggy-woggy,' Chester called. ‘Come to Chessy-Wessy.'

As he made a great show of searching behind the counter, Merry turned to Freckles. ‘He's behind this, isn't he?' she whispered.

‘Probably,' Freckles shrugged. ‘I told you he'd come up with another ruse. Look at old Smelly's face: if she puts her nose any higher she'll be able to wipe the ceiling with it.'

‘Can't see any sign of a dog, Mrs Smale,' Chester was saying, ‘but I've cleaned up all the mess.'

‘Thank you, young man,' she gasped, quite oblivious to the fact he had no brush or cloth in his hands. ‘I can still smell it, though, so I think you'd better open the windows whilst you're here. Ladies, go and have your breakfast. You can prepare the shop later when the air has refreshed.'

They were making their way back along the corridor when Chester, Teddy and Nicholas caught up with them.

‘Mrs Smale has ordered both the shop floors be scrubbed so we've been told to join you in the staff-room,' Teddy said, grinning at Chester.

‘I suppose you boys were behind that prank,' Freckles giggled as she took her seat. ‘What a performance. Can't say I smelled anything, though.'

‘Well, you wouldn't have because these don't smell,' Chester said, carefully taking half a dozen brown shapes from his pocket. ‘Thought old Smelly needed taking down a peg or two after the way she's treated Merry.' As he sat beaming at her proudly across the table, Merry couldn't help thinking that he suddenly seemed very immature. She was saved from answering by Joanie coming though the door, carefully balancing a tray.

‘I hear you've been up to your tricks again, Master Hall,' she said.

‘A good wheeze, don't you think, Joanie?' he chortled, taking his dish of porridge from her.

‘You'll cop it one of these days, young man, you mark my words,' she warned.

A hush descended as they tucked into their breakfast. Merry, still full from the previous day, stared across the table at Freckles and Chester pretending to hold their noses as they ate. Teddy was grinning at them whilst Nicholas and Prunella were quietly eating their meal.

It suddenly struck her how ladylike Prunella was, from the erect manner in which she sat to the way she delicately held her spoon and took tiny mouthfuls. Merry decided that was how she would behave in the future. In the meantime, she was going to look through the patterns and materials in the store and see if there was something simple yet stylish she could make. Whilst she was good at knitting, her sewing skills left much to be desired.