One Rainy Day (24 page)

‘Ooh, I’m getting nervous and excited at the same time. It’s a while since I bought a new coat, and I’m like a child
with a penny for sweets. Nose pressed against the shop window, wondering if the man behind the counter will mix a few of me favourites in the one bag.’

The assistant smiled. No matter what coat this young lady bought, it would never outshine her beautiful face. ‘Come with me, my dear. You can try them on and see what you think.’

When her daughter disappeared through the curtains which covered the opening, Eva crossed her fingers for luck. She would be so disappointed if Poppy didn’t get a coat she liked. The conversation behind the curtains was indistinct, leaving Eva with fingers crossed and a prayer on her lips.

‘Are you ready for the mannequin parade, Mam?’ Poppy called. ‘Sit up straight now, for exhibit number one.’

‘Oh, sweetheart, that looks nice on yer.’ Eva eyed the deep maroon coat, which buttoned up to the neck. It had a mandarin collar, and there were deep cuffs to the sleeves. ‘It suits yer, sweetheart, and the colour is nice and warm.’

‘Don’t reach your verdict until you’ve seen the other one, Mam. I like this one myself, but I’m waiting to see what else this kind lady has to offer before I get excited about it.’ Poppy gave a twirl, then disappeared once again through the curtains. But seconds later Eva heard her daughter cry out, ‘Jean was right! Oh, wait until my mam sees this.’

Eva called, ‘I can’t wait, sweetheart. Hurry up!’

The curtains parted and Poppy stepped into the shop. And her mother thought she had never looked so lovely. The coat was a deep turquoise, in a velour material, with a nipped-in waist, flared skirt and round collar. The assistant didn’t say as much, but she was thinking the young lady looked like a film star.

‘Do you like it, Mam?’ Poppy didn’t wait for an answer. ‘Ooh, I do. I’m delighted and I love it.’ She rubbed a hand lightly down the velvet-like velour. ‘You’ll have to pay the bus fare home, Mam, ’cos the coat is ten bob more than I bargained for. But I’ll pay you back.’

‘You look a treat, sweetheart, and I’m wondering what the neighbours will say when they see us both dolled up. Not that I care, mind. Why should we worry what people say?’

Three happy women stood in that shop feeling very proud of themselves. Two of them had bought coats they liked, and were over the moon. The third was happy because she was the one who had put those smiles on their faces.

When Peter saw Poppy coming across the road towards him, he let out a low whistle. She looked absolutely gorgeous. ‘Wow, babe, what a sight you are.’ He couldn’t resist a quick peck on her cheek. ‘You always look lovely, but tonight you look adorable. I’ll be the envy of every red-blooded man in Liverpool.’

Poppy was delighted with his reaction. Now she knew she looked as good as she felt. But there was a little niggle in her head. She almost hadn’t put her new coat on, for as they were going to the Grafton it meant she would have to hang it in the cloakroom, and she didn’t fancy that at all. It wasn’t a big cloakroom, not for the number of people they got in. Especially on a Saturday night, you could hardly move, the place was heaving, and it would be easy for anyone to walk off with a coat that didn’t belong to them. The man on the door wouldn’t know what was happening; he couldn’t be expected to keep tabs on everyone. Poppy had passed her fears on to her mother, who said surely there must be a cloakroom attendant. Well, there was, but she disappeared once the hall was full, and only came back to give the coats out when the last waltz was playing.

Peter glanced sideways as they walked towards the bus stop. ‘You’re very quiet, babe, and that’s not like you. Have you got something on your mind?’

‘Yeah, I have as a matter of fact. If I tell you, you’ll say I’m crazy, but I’m going to tell you anyway.’ So Poppy started the tale about how she’d only bought the coat that day, and how delighted she was with it. When the bus came she kept on talking, and Peter was told about her fear of leaving it in the cloakroom. He thought it was hilarious, but he kept his laughter at bay until the bus stopped near the dance hall. He helped Poppy down off the platform, cupped her elbow as they neared the door, and steered her towards one of the two men standing at the entrance. ‘Bill, would you do me a big favour?’

‘Of course I will, Peter. You know I’ll always oblige. What’s the favour?’

‘Well, it’s like this.’ Peter put his arm round Poppy’s waist. ‘This young lady is a good friend of mine, and this afternoon she bought this coat. Naturally she’s afraid of anything happening to it. So would you ease her mind by putting it in the office until the dance is over?’

‘No problem, Peter.’ Bill called across to the other doorman. ‘Hey, Mike, keep an eye out for a minute. I’m just nipping to the office. Two minutes, tops.’

‘You better make it snappy,’ Mike called back. ‘I’ve only got one pair of eyes.’

Poppy was looking from one to the other. She couldn’t believe what was happening. It was like something from an American gangster film, and she was the gangster’s moll. Peter took her coat from her, folded it carefully over Bill’s arm, and watched the man carry it through to an office. ‘Come on, babe. Your coat will be perfectly safe, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.’

‘What’s going on, Peter?’ Poppy asked. ‘How come you know this man, and why would he be so eager to do what you ask? It’s all very mysterious.’

‘Oh, what a vivid imagination you have, babe,’ Peter said. ‘There’s nothing mysterious about me wanting to stop you from worrying about your new coat. Which, incidentally, suits you beautifully. And Bill is no stranger to me, for he works for my father. He’s a rent collector by day, and a doorman by night. He’s married with three children, so the extra money comes in handy. And now, if I have answered all your questions to your satisfaction, can we go into the dance hall and trip the light fantastic?’

‘I’ll change my shoes first. I can’t dance in these. But I’ll do it in the hall and leave these under a chair.’

‘I can ask Bill to put them with your coat if you like?’

‘Don’t you dare, Peter Broadhurst. I don’t want any more favours. Besides, I wouldn’t really worry about these shoes being pinched. I’ve had my wear out of them.’

They danced every dance together, except for one ‘excuse me’ quickstep when Jim tapped Peter on the shoulder and claimed Poppy. It has to be said that it was with great reluctance that Peter allowed himself to be parted from her. But Poppy liked Jim and thought he’d been shabbily treated by her ex-friend Julie. ‘How is life treating you, Jim?’ she asked. ‘Any girlfriend on the horizon?’

He grinned. ‘Could be. I’ve been out a few times with a girl from where I work. We get on well, but she can’t dance. Not yet, anyway, but she’s going to a dancing class twice a week, so it won’t be long before she feels good enough for here.’

‘Oh, that’s good, Jim. I’m glad for you. I’d like to meet her when she’s ready, so I can tell her she’s got a good one in you.’

The music came to an end, and as Jim was leading her back to where Peter was standing he said, ‘I see you’re courting strong, Poppy?’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. Not yet, anyway. It’s still early days. But Peter’s a nice bloke and we get on well together.’

‘Don’t make a habit of that, Jim.’ Peter put on a straight face. ‘This girl is spoken for.’

‘Hey, Peter Broadhurst, I’m not a puppy in a shop window,’ Poppy said. ‘I can speak for myself. And as Jim is a friend of mine, he’s welcome to ask me for a dance.’

Peter added a low growl to his straight face. ‘Only once in a while, though. If you make him too welcome, he’ll make a habit of it.’

Jim chortled. ‘Scouts honour, I’ll stick to just once in a while. And I won’t forget, ’cos that’s my favourite song. I’m always singing it.’

‘Just as long as you’re not singing it in my girl’s ear, that’s all. And as they’re playing a slow foxtrot now, do I have your permission to take part?’

Poppy let herself be led on to the dance floor, saying over her shoulder, ‘Take no notice of him, Jim. He has these moods now and again.’

His arms round her, and his lips close to her ear, Peter said, ‘Don’t encourage him, babe, or every other bloke here will be doing it. The only way I can think of stopping that is to put a placard on your back saying “Off Limits” in big letters.’

‘Peter Broadhurst, for a feller, you don’t half talk a lot. Could you close your mouth and let your feet do the talking? It’s my favourite dance and I’d like to enjoy it.’

Dancing was in Peter’s blood, and he enjoyed the feeling of freedom as he covered the floor with long strides and easy body movements. And Poppy followed his steps so perfectly, anyone would think they’d been dancing together for years, rather than weeks. ‘This is heaven,’ he said, his cheek brushing hers. ‘In fact I’m holding heaven in my arms.’

‘You are a very poetic and romantic man, Peter.’ Poppy moved back to look him in the face. ‘Can I ask how old you are? I know so little about you.’

‘I’m twenty-five, babe, and if you have any questions, just fire away.’

‘I don’t want to sound rude or nosy, but I’m a little surprised you are not courting seriously at your age. Or even married. Have you never had a steady girlfriend?’

‘I’ve had a few casual girlfriends, and there was one girl I became attached to, but for one reason or another it didn’t last.’

‘Did you really like this girl?’ Poppy was curious. ‘I mean, not just like, but did you have feelings for her?’

‘Can we change the subject, babe, because I really don’t want to talk about it.’

‘The wounds are still raw, are they? I’ve never had a steady boyfriend, so I don’t know much about courting or being in love.’

‘Being in love can be very painful, because it leaves you open to the whims of other people. But when two people truly love each other, then there is no greater happiness.’

‘This conversation is getting too deep for me, Peter, so do you mind if we change it?’

‘You were the one who started it, babe, not me!’

‘I know I did! But how was I to know I was digging up old wounds? I’m more used to a girlfriend than a boyfriend, and I’m beginning to think it’s less trouble.’

They were walking off the floor when Peter said, ‘It’s very unusual for two people to meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after.’

‘My mam and dad fell in love when they first met. And they loved each other until the day my dad died. I was only a
kid, but I could see they were crazy about each other. And while I was growing up, it was always in my mind that I wanted a man I could love as much as my mam loved my dad.’

‘I’m open to offers, babe, and I’m not a bad catch. All you have to do is say the word.’

‘I’m not even considering any romantic entanglements right now.’ Poppy nodded for emphasis. ‘Career first, then romance.’

‘How long are you going to keep me waiting? Some careers take a long time, Poppy.’

‘The course I’m on is a three-month one. That’s not very long, is it? Then hard slog for a month to get my speed up, before I can apply for a private secretary’s position with any hope of success.’

‘I can help you there,’ Peter said. ‘I have connections in the business world.’

Poppy raised her brows. ‘There’s a lot I don’t know about you, isn’t there, Peter? You’re a man of mystery.’

‘There’s nothing mysterious about my feelings for you, babe. I’ve been very open about them.’ Peter cocked an ear. ‘This is the last waltz. Do you want to dance, or pick up your coat before the mad scramble?’

Poppy chuckled. ‘I know you think I’m crazy worrying about the coat, but I waited a long time for it, and it’ll be treated like the crown jewels until I’ve had my wear out of it.’

‘Wait until you’ve got this career job you’re so keen on,’ Peter said, ‘then you’ll be able to afford a whole new wardrobe. Just as long as you never change in your heart, Poppy, that’s all I ask.’

‘Come on.’ She linked his arm. ‘Let’s get my coat before your friend Bill takes a fancy to it for his wife.’

‘His wife is twice the size of you. And as I did you a favour in having the much talked of coat guarded, I think you owe me a favour in return.’

‘Such as?’

‘Introducing me to your mother.’

Poppy slipped her arms into the coat Bill was holding up for her. And after smiling her thanks, she turned to Peter. ‘A favour you said, so that means one. I’ll let you choose what you would prefer. To meet my mother, which would be a privilege, or a goodnight kiss from me?’

Peter thanked Bill before steering Poppy towards the door. ‘You drive a hard bargain. But it’s rather late to disturb your mother, so I’ll be considerate and settle for a kiss.’

At two o’clock on Sunday afternoon, the son of Michael and Jessica Parker-Brown was to be christened. Thirty guests had been invited, including family members and friends. They stood in groups talking as they awaited the arrival of Michael, Jessica and the baby. George and Harriet Wilkie-Brook had been first to arrive at the church, taking their role as godparents very seriously, and they’d been closely followed by Andrew and Charlotte. And to say everyone in the congregation was well groomed would be a huge understatement. The ladies were dressed in the height of fashion, with dresses and hats costing a small fortune, while the men sported handmade suits and silk cravats. They represented the cream of Liverpool society.

‘Jessica is cutting it fine, my love.’ George spoke softly, as one usually does in a church. ‘Or perhaps we were early?’

‘It’s a big day in their lives. Everything needs to be perfect,’ Harriet said. ‘I’m sure they’ll be here any minute.’

George gazed around the groups of guests, and his eyes
lighted on Andrew and Charlotte, who were chatting with three of his daughter’s friends. The three girls were making a fuss of Andrew, each one attempting to outdo the other. Any one of them would be over the moon if he showed a preference for her. They hung on to his every word, and although George would be delighted to see his son settle down, he could understand his reluctance to get involved with any of the females in their circle. Oh, they were nice enough girls, but too empty-headed for Andrew. If you asked any one of them who the Prime Minister was, the look on their faces would be blank. His own daughter had been the same until recently, when, thank goodness, she had started to show some down-to-earth sense. And that was down to Andrew, who preferred not to be a member of the idle rich.