A Promise Between Friends (9 page)

Kath rolled her eyes. ‘And that will take a while.’

They both ended up giggling as they finished the last of the wine.

When Ruby lay in bed, she snuggled under the covers and let her thoughts turn to Nick Brandon. Before leaving her, he’d asked to see her again. In reply she’d said she would be at
the Manor on the 19th. To her surprise, he had told her he would be there too.

Ruby smiled as she closed her eyes hoping to dream of what the future might hold.

It was the morning of the 19th and Ruby couldn’t wait to leave work. Just ten minutes more and it would be midday. Then she would close the parlour and catch the bus to
the West End, arriving at Anna’s for the lunch that Anna had invited her to.

Ruby could hardly believe everything was smoothly going her way. Kath was staying overnight with Penny Webber, so no explanations had been necessary, or even the smallest fib about where Ruby
herself was going. And Debbie had been whisked off by Rog after her last customer had left. Ruby had stowed her suitcase containing a change of clothes under the counter so she was ready for a
swift departure. But, just as Ruby was about to leave, a small white van drew up outside the shop. Emblazoned on its side was
J. Henry & Sons, Florists of Distinction, Bayswater Road
.
The driver, a middle-aged, moustached man clad in a green overall, opened the back doors and took out a spray of flowers. He made his way into the parlour. ‘I’m looking for
“Ruby”,’ he told her with a cheerful smile. ‘Sorry, but I haven’t a surname. However, the gent said there would be only one Ruby here.’

Ruby blushed. ‘That’s me.’

‘Pleased to meet you, m’dear,’ the man said with a flourish. ‘One dozen red roses and note attached.’

‘Who sent them?’

‘It should say in the note.’ He indicated a small white envelope slipped between the tiny red buds and green fern.

‘Could you hold them for me while I read it?’

He grinned, opening his arms. ‘Service with a smile, m’dear.’

Ruby passed back the bouquet and opened the note. Inside was a single sheet of paper. It read,
Two weeks have been two weeks too long. Nick.

Ruby’s face felt on fire as she looked at the driver and folded the note into her pocket. ‘They’re from a – friend,’ she said, feeling she owed an explanation.

‘Perfect choice, I would say.’ He gave Ruby the roses. ‘Cut the stems before you put them in water.’

‘I’m just closing. And I can’t leave them here. But I can’t take them with me either as I have my suitcase to carry.’

‘Where are you going?’ the man asked.

‘To Dower Street. Off the Edgware Road. And my bus is due any moment.’

‘I can drop you at Portman Square,’ he suggested. ‘I’ve two deliveries on the way, mind. But we can put the flowers and your case in the back.’

‘Is Portman Square near the Edgware Road?’

‘Ten minutes’ walk at a guess.’

At the sight of a red bus through the window, gliding slowly along, Ruby’s mind was made up. ‘There goes my bus, anyway.’

‘Then we’d better be on our way. Here, I’ll give you a hand with the case.’ He picked it up and hurried out.

Ruby clutched the flowers to her as she locked up and slipped the keys in her pocket. By the time she was seated in the florist’s van and heading towards the city centre, Ruby was smiling
at the thought of the red roses and note from Nick. He was letting her know he intended to be at the Manor.

‘This dress is beautiful, Anna. But I ain’t—’ Ruby corrected herself. ‘I’ve never worn anything like it before.’ The gown was so
glamorous it had taken her breath away. The floor-length pastel-blue silk-chiffon evening gown had a waterfall of soft pleats at the waist almost too small to see. Encased in firm intricate
drapery, her full breasts were discreetly covered under a fitted bodice. Together with the elbow-length white satin gloves, Ruby could hardly recognize herself.

‘I’ve seen to it that your wardrobe will be well stocked with an outfit for every occasion,’ Anna was saying as they stood in the upper rooms that were to be Ruby’s.
‘Although very often the stores will want you to model their own stock.’

‘But what if I’m not the right size?’ Ruby asked worriedly.

‘You’re a favourable size twelve, you’ll do,’ Anna assured her.

‘I always thought models had to be tall and thin.’

‘Some are, of course,’ Anna agreed as she worked at the waist of Ruby’s dress, sliding a pin from the bracelet pincushion on her wrist. ‘But there is a demand for all
sizes. Hold still. Your small waist needs another tack. There! I shall have Janet make the alteration before we go out tonight.’

‘Is Janet your housekeeper?’ Ruby had seen a tiny, middle-aged woman working in the kitchen downstairs. She had cooked their omelette and prepared salad, which had been
delicious.

‘I couldn’t do without her,’ Anna replied, then frowning at Ruby she asked, ‘What did your mother have to say about your new job?’

‘I haven’t told her yet,’ Ruby said evasively.

‘Are you having second thoughts?’

‘No, not really.’

‘I was hoping you would come here today without doubts.’ Anna narrowed her eyes. ‘Would this change of heart be connected to those roses?’

Ruby blushed. On arrival, she hadn’t told Anna the flowers were from Nick. Instead she’d said they were from a friend. Anna hadn’t asked who the friend was but had taken them
to the kitchen for Janet to find a vase. ‘Could your roses be from Nick Brandon?’ Anna asked.

‘How do you know that?’

‘They are rather his style.’ Anna just shrugged. ‘Now, you’re all finished. So why don’t you change into something more comfortable? There are plenty of outfits in
the wardrobe. And when you’re ready, join me for coffee downstairs. I think it’s time for us to have a chat. Perhaps there are questions you’d like to ask?’ She hesitated,
her warm smile making Ruby feel very welcome.

‘Thank you,’ Ruby said, beginning to peel off her gloves.

‘Paula is staying with us, too,’ Anna explained. ‘She’s in the room at the end of the hall. So if you feel lonely, just tap on her door.’

When Anna was gone, Ruby looked around her. What a sumptuous room! Furnished with a big sofa and contemporary furniture, it was twice as large as the bedsit she shared with
Kath. The second room contained a double bed covered by a delicate silk throw. Resting against the maple-wood headboard was a tasselled bolster of the same pale lilac shade. Just off the bedroom
was her very own bathroom.

But it was the wall-length built-in wardrobe, with its contents of silk-satins, taffetas, chiffons, velvets, wools and tweeds, that really took Ruby’s eye. Blouses, skirts, dresses, coats
and hats together with slide-out drawers full of accessories of every colour. There were also three generous drawers of underwear, corsetry, slips and lingerie.

Ruby gazed into the long mirror sitting squarely on four bronzed feet as she examined her reflection.

Her fingertips brushed the soft folds of the gown and a ripple of excitement went through her. Anna had said she could be a model. And, at this very moment, she felt like one.

Janet served coffee and although Ruby was pleased to find she was Anna’s only guest, she was told Gwen and Paula would be joining them later.

‘Charles is driving us,’ Anna told her as they sat on one of the sofas.

‘Will Taylor be coming too?’ Ruby asked as she enjoyed the soft silk comfort of the Japanese wrap-over she had found in the wardrobe. Anna was dressed in a dark suit and fawn blouse,
her lustrous hair drawn up into a pleat behind her head. As usual she wore the eye-catching jewellery she favoured.

‘That client had to return to the States,’ Anna explained. ‘We only see Taylor when he travels to England on business. But Charles Fowler is based in London and something of a
name. And, I have to admit, a favourite of Gwen’s.’

‘Oh,’ Ruby said shyly. ‘I didn’t realize they were clients.’

Anna smiled. ‘The agency strives for an intimate atmosphere. We are more like a family, you see. Once you begin to work here, you’ll understand what I mean. But first, let’s
talk about Nick. What, exactly, does he mean to you?’

Ruby put down her cup, aware that Janet had arranged Nick’s roses in a discreet glass vase and positioned them over the hearth. ‘I don’t really know much about him.’

‘If you work for me, your private life is still your own. I should have made that clear.’

‘He does seem very nice.’

Anna trapped her bottom lip with clean white teeth. ‘He’s an older man and experienced with women. Have you ever had a steady boyfriend?’

Ruby looked away from Anna’s perceptive gaze. She was afraid her dark secret would show in her eyes. She’d never told anyone, not even Kath, about what she and Bernie had done in the
alley.

‘Forgive me, I don’t mean to pry,’ Anna continued before Ruby could answer her question. ‘But you are very young.’

‘Yes, and I want to concentrate on my career.’

‘In that case, I can see you’re a sensible girl and will keep a level head when dealing with men. In this industry you’ll find many challenges. In my view, it’s better to
develop your independence first before getting into a relationship.’

‘I’d like that too.’

‘Good. I think we understand one another.’ Anna opened the cigarette box and took out a filter-tip. Lighting it, she inhaled, her red-varnished fingernails curling around the
cigarette. ‘I shall always be here if you need me. As for Nick, you must be the judge of his character. Only time will tell.’ Anna tilted her elegant head to one side. ‘Is there
anything else you would like to discuss?’

‘No.’ Ruby smiled quickly. ‘I would like to join your agency.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘But for meeting you, I would never have had the chance.’

Anna smiled. ‘Then it’s settled. I have your contract and terms in the other room, so after you’ve signed them we can look forward to an evening full of fun.’ Anna stood
up. ‘May I say you looked divine in the pale blue. You are going to turn every male head at the Manor by wearing it.’

Ruby was brimming with happiness. She had no doubt now and accompanied Anna to the polished oak desk where the papers were spread out. Her fingers were trembling as she took the pen from Anna
and signed on the dotted line.

The Manor was decked throughout with red, white and green Christmas lights. The ceilings and walls were strung with tinsel and garlands of holly. A tall spruce stood by the
wide staircase, every green branch entwined with glitter and colourful glass baubles. A grinning elf with tiny golden horns leered down from the pinnacle, giving the tree a distinctly mischievous
air.

Ruby stood by the hearth enjoying the warmth of the roaring log fire, as Anna, Charles and Gwen paused at the bar.

Ruby felt confident, but a little anxious in the powder-blue gown. What would Nick think of her appearance? He’d first seen her at Fortuno’s, wearing the polka-dot skirt she had
thought looked so classy. She’d never worn it since. Now all her old clothes seemed cheap and vulgar.

‘Let’s take our seats,’ Anna said demurely, touching the slim shoulder straps of her black evening gown. ‘The waiter will show us to our table.’

Ruby found herself being escorted by Charles. He was tall and dark and gave her an intimate smile, sliding his hand around her waist. During dinner, he made easy conversation as they ate.
‘Good wine is like a beautiful woman, Ruby. To be savoured,’ he whispered flirtatiously in her ear.

She was relieved when the meal ended and the women went upstairs to the Powder Room.

‘How are you getting on with Charles?’ Gwen asked as she studied her appearance in the mirror.

‘He’s very polite,’ Ruby said diplomatically.

At this, Gwen frowned. ‘Yes, he can be.’

‘Come now, Gwen,’ Anna reproved, turning from the mirror and frowning, ‘Charles is a dear.’

Gwen shrugged. ‘If you say so.’

Quickly Anna took Ruby’s arm. ‘Charles is a superb dancer. As you’ll soon find out.’

Back at the table again Ruby tried to enjoy the music. But Anna and Gwen had met some other people and left her with Charles. He was drinking heavily and making suggestive remarks.

She moved away from him several times, but his hand kept touching her thigh.

‘Come along. I need a bit of exercise,’ he said, pulling her up.

Ruby looked for Anna and Gwen. They were nowhere to be seen. And where was Nick? Why hadn’t he come to her rescue?

On the dance floor Charles roughly pulled her against him. ‘You’re a strange one,’ he said sulkily. ‘Are you playing hard to get?’

‘No, of course not.’

‘You know, I quite like this. You make a change from types like Gwen, always ready to give it up.’

‘Charles, I want to sit down now,’ she said, trying to break out of his hold.

‘A breath of fresh air will do us both good.’

She pulled away. ‘No thank you.’

‘You lazy bitch. You’ll do as you’re told and come with me.’

Ruby gasped as he increased the pressure of his fingers on her wrist. Now she was truly frightened. What had he in mind? Anna couldn’t know what kind of a drunk he really was. Is this why
Gwen had left him?

‘You’ve put on your little show, but now that’s the end of it,’ he told her. ‘I’m not a patient man, girlie, as you’ll find out.’

Ruby winced as he breathed into her face. ‘My name is Ruby, not girlie,’ she told him.

Charles just laughed.

‘Put a smile on your face as if you’re enjoying yourself,’ Charles said under his breath as he took her upper arm and thrust her through the couples. His grip
was very firm.

‘Let me go,’ she protested as they left the dance floor. ‘Where are you taking me?’

‘If you make a fuss I’ll tell the staff you’re a whore and touting for custom,’ he said in her ear as he forced her through reception.

Ruby tried not to panic. Who would believe her against Charles?

She looked for help. But the doormen were greeting new arrivals and the other staff were busy waiting at tables. There was no one she knew. There were no friendly faces she could call on.