The Sea Shell Girl (16 page)

‘She is looking after me perfectly well, thank you. As I was saying, Miss Dyer, the weather will be changing soon and I am seeking material for my dressmaker to run up a more suitable outfit for the autumn. Perhaps you could advise something appropriate?'

‘Please allow me, modam,' Mrs Smale simpered. ‘I am, Mrs Smale, the manageress here.'

‘Really?' Lady Sutherland replied, her lips twitching in amusement. ‘Then perhaps you could give me the benefit of your expert opinion.'

‘Of course, modam. I feel the sea green would be perfect. Miss Dyer, please hand me the sea-green wool crepe.'

Merry looked at the woman and frowned. Surely with those hazel eyes and dark hair that colour would be too cool against her skin.

‘But …' she began.

‘Now, Miss Dyer, I'm sure our esteemed client doesn't have all day.'

‘Indeed I do not, which is why it will be such a help having the benefit of your expert advice,' the woman said.

‘Thank you, modam. Now, Miss Dyer, perhaps you could display the material as I demonstrated.'

Merry held the material up against her dress and turned this way and that so the woman could get the full effect.

‘It is indeed a wonderful colour but would you think it right for me, my dear?'

As Lady Sutherland turned the full force of her amused glance on Merry, she felt obliged to shake her head.

‘Then perhaps you would be so kind as to show me what you consider would be suitable, my dear?' Feeling the manageress bristle, Merry turned towards her.

‘Do as the client requests, Miss Dyer,' she ordered in a tight voice.

Merry nodded and, turning back to the materials, selected a heavier fabric in a darker pine green. As she held it up against her, Lady Sutherland nodded.

‘That would indeed make a beautiful skirt. And can you recommend material for a blouse to go with it?' Ignoring the manageress's sharp intake of breath, Merry turned and selected a bolt of cream silk then displayed it against herself. ‘Perfect. Now, buttons, I think.'

‘Whilst Miss Dyer is selecting some in pearl, may I take this opportunity to advise you that we have our own dressmaker on the premises. I would be happy to take you upstairs to meet her and discuss your requirements,' Mrs Smale gushed.

‘Surely you weren't about to suggest pearl buttons, Miss Dyer?' Lady Sutherland asked, putting her hand to her mouth in horror.

Merry had to stifle a giggle for the woman was clearly enjoying herself. ‘Well, actually no, I wasn't,' she replied.

‘Thank heavens, for I cannot abide them; they remind me of my grandmother's blouses. I will leave the choice to
you, Miss Dyer; you obviously have good taste.' Lady Sutherland smiled at Merry before turning to Mrs Smale. ‘One cannot beat the enthusiasm of youth. They see things with such a fresh eye, don't they?'

‘Indeed, modam,' Mrs Smale said stiffly. ‘Although personally speaking I feel experience counts for more. Now I was telling you about our new dressmaker and you will be delighted to hear about our new service. We are proud to be the first store in the area to offer part-made items of clothing. They require only one fitting, which I'm sure you will agree will prove invaluable in the saving of your time.'

Lady Sutherland glanced at the clock then shook her head. ‘Talking of time, I'm afraid I am running late for my next appointment. However, I will call in another day and ask Miss Dyer to show me what you have to offer. In the meantime, if you could have everything packaged, I will send my driver round to collect them. Thank you for your advice, my dear. You have a very good eye for colour. Good morning to you both.'

The woman had hardly left the store before Mrs Smale rounded on Merry.

‘Miss Dyer, may I remind you that I am the manageress of ladieswear and you, as a lowly trainee assistant, are here to do my bidding. In future you will wait until I ask you to assist with a client.'

‘But you were serving someone else and …'

‘It is not your place to argue with me, Miss Dyer. I would also point out that you failed in your duty to mention our new part-made service. That is a serious omission after Mr Didcot's instruction, and one that will be noted
on your records. Now get those items packaged ready for collection,' she ordered.

Merry swallowed hard as the woman strode away across the store. She'd only been trying to help.

‘Blimey, she's really got it in for you, girl,' Freckles whispered as she passed by on her way to the stockroom. ‘I'd keep my head down if I were you.'

Merry spread out brown paper on the counter, then forcefully cut a length of string, knowing what she'd really like to tie it round. Why shouldn't she help a client if she was asked? And that Lady Sutherland had seemed really nice. Still, Freckles was right: she'd better not give the manageress any further cause for complaint.

‘But I expressly asked for crimson ribbon and this is scarlet.'

Merry was brought back to the present by the indignant voice of a client. Mrs Rose was standing beside her looking mortified.

‘I do apologize, madam,' the supervisor simpered. Then, seeing Merry watching, she gestured her over. ‘Please bring the client the roll of crimson ribbon, Miss Dyer,' she instructed.

‘Of course, Mrs Rose,' Merry said, turning and selecting the correct red. This wasn't the first time the woman had picked out something in the wrong colour and Merry couldn't understand how anybody could make such an elementary mistake.

‘Yes, that's the one,' the client nodded as Merry held out the roll for her to inspect. ‘I would like a yard, please.' As she carefully measured the ribbon against the rule, the client scanned the rolls of ribbon before turning back to
Mrs Rose. ‘I will also take a yard of the emerald, I think.' Mrs Rose gaped at the various rolls of green. ‘Today, if you please. I don't have time to waste,' the client snapped, making the supervisor jump so that the roll she'd just selected clattered to the floor.

‘Oh, no,' the supervisor gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.

‘That was the wrong green anyway,' the client rebuked, clicking her tongue.

Swiftly Merry selected the emerald and handed it to Mrs Rose. She was about to retrieve the roll when Mrs Smale appeared at her side.

‘It is unforgivable to drop the merchandise on the floor, Miss Dyer. You will remain behind when the store closes for luncheon and explain yourself. Now get this tidied up immediately. I do apologize, modam,' she said, turning to the client, who was shaking her head.

‘Yes, that was most careless of you, Miss Dyer, get this tidied up immediately,' Mrs Rose echoed. Merry stared at the woman in disbelief until she flushed a dull red and turned away. With great difficulty Merry fought down a retort, then bent and retrieved the ribbon. If that was how she wanted to play it, so be it. Merry wouldn't be helping her again.

‘Blimey, that weren't fair. It's just not your day, is it?' Freckles said, crouching down beside her.

‘I know,' Merry sighed.

‘Miss Brice, return to your station at once,' Mrs Smale snapped.

‘I'm only helping Merry to roll up the ribbon,' Freckles began but the manageress's eyes narrowed. ‘Since you are
so keen to help your friend, you may remain behind with her at noon. Miss Prim,' she called to the girl, who was returning from the stockroom. ‘Please assist Mrs Rose by wrapping her client's purchases.'

Merry duly tidied away the ribbon, then noticed an elderly lady hovering by the drawers containing hanks of wool. She glanced around but Prunella was still assisting Mrs Rose, and of Mrs Smale there was no sign.

‘Can I help you, madam?' she asked, hurrying over.

‘I do hope so, dear. Mother asked me to buy her some wool. She doesn't get out much and knitting keeps her occupied.'

‘What is it she wants to make?' Merry asked politely, taking in the woman's stooped figure and speculating how old her mother must be.

‘She wishes to make a scarf,' the woman explained. Merry glanced at the woman, who despite the warm day, was dressed in elegant cashmere, and frowned.

‘I can show you the wool we have, but I'm not sure any will really be suitable,' she began, placing a drawer on the counter.

‘Oh, I think this will be perfect,' the woman enthused, picking up a hank of the navy blue.

Merry frowned down at the rough yarn. ‘This is worsted wool. It has quite a rough texture due to the tight twist.'

‘She makes scarves and mittens for the Missions to Seamen,' the woman said with a smile.

‘Then this will be perfect …' Merry began.

‘Good morning, modam, may I be of assistance?' Mrs Smale interrupted, appearing by their side.

‘No, thank you. This young lady has already been of
great help. I will take six hanks of this yarn you recommend,' she said, turning back to Merry.

‘Of course, madam,' Merry answered as she began counting them out.

‘I will issue your receipt, modam,' Mrs Smale simpered.

The woman wrinkled her nose and turned back to Merry. ‘I'm sure this young lady is perfectly capable.' As the manageress stood gaping in her guppy-like manner, Merry had to fight down the urge to laugh.

‘Remember you are to see me at noon,' Mrs Smale hissed, before marching over to Mrs Rose.

As soon as the shop bell sounded Mrs Smale turned to Prunella.

‘Miss Prim, you have done a good morning's work and may take yourself to the staff-room for some well-deserved luncheon. As for you two –' she glared at Merry and Freckles – ‘well, I've never seen such an outrageous performance in all my years.'

‘And that's some long time,' Freckles muttered.

‘I beg your pardon, Miss Brice,' the manageress gasped.

‘I said you are still in your prime, Mrs Smale,' she smiled.

‘Hmm,' the woman murmured, eyeing Freckles suspiciously.

‘Let's be fair about this, Mrs Smale, it wasn't Merry's fault that ribbon fell on the floor.'

‘Oh? Then whose fault was it, pray?'

The girls turned to face the supervisor, who was hovering behind the opposite counter.

‘Mrs Rose, can you shed some light on this?' the manageress asked.

‘No, I most certainly can not,' she answered piously. ‘If you don't need me for anything else, Mrs Smale, I too shall go for my meal.'

‘Very well, Mrs Rose,' the manageress sighed. As the woman hurried out of the room, Merry and Freckles exchanged looks of disbelief.

‘So you lie as well as drop the store's goods on the floor, Miss Dyer,' the manageress continued, eyes glinting like a cat's.

‘I am certainly not a liar, Mrs Smale …'

‘Please do not compound the issue, Miss Dyer. You will spend the rest of the break tidying up the drawers of wool. The state you left them in earlier was quite unacceptable.'

Merry opened her mouth to protest but Mrs Smale was already addressing Freckles.

‘As for you, Miss Brice, in future you will obey orders and remain at your station until you are called upon to assist. Now I will escort you to the staff-room before we are accused of keeping the assistants from menswear waiting for their meal.'

‘Oh, I'm not hungry. I'll stay and help Merry …' Freckles began.

‘You most certainly will not, Miss Brice. Come with me.'

Merry watched as the manageress ushered Freckles through the shop, then walked over to the drawers that held the hanks of wool. It was so unfair for she'd been in the middle of tidying them when Mrs Smale had insisted she stop and wrap a client's purchase. As for Mrs Rose, why had she lied like that? Her pulse raced with the unfairness of it all. However, as she began sorting the hanks into their various dye lots, the familiar feel of the
yarn was soothing to the touch, and before long her low mood lifted.

‘Whatever are you doing, Miss Dyer?' Merry looked up to find Mr Didcot staring at her from the doorway.

‘Just tidying the wool away after attending to a client, sir.'

‘And did this client purchase any?' he asked politely.

‘Six hanks, sir.'

‘That's very good. No doubt your knitting expertise helped. I have already heard agreeable things about your service to our clients, young lady. Ah, Mrs Smale,' he said, looking up as the woman bustled into the room, ‘I was just commending this young lady on her sales this morning. Her dedication to her job is admirable. However, I do not feel we should impose upon staff during their luncheon break. In future please see that all your assistants repair to the staff-room for their meal. Miss Dyer, you must be hungry so please go down and get yourself something to eat.'

‘But I …' Mrs Smale began.

‘Thank you, Mrs Smale, that will be all,' he cut in. ‘Good afternoon, ladies.' He nodded, then walked smartly on down the corridor, his cane tapping on the flags in his wake.

‘I see you have been currying favour yet again, Miss Dyer. Well, don't think it will do you any good for I shall be making a full report of this morning's poor performance on your records,' Mrs Smale spat, her eyes glittering. ‘You have ten minutes to eat your meal and then be ready for your briefing. When you return to the shop floor, your behaviour had better be impeccable for you can be sure I shall be watching your every move.'

‘Blimey oh rimey, don't tell me you talked old Smelly round?' Freckles remarked as Merry joined her at the table.

‘No, Mr Didcot insisted I come and have something to eat. Smelly looked about to explode when he told her that she was to ensure we all had our luncheon break.'

‘He's a good sausage, is Mr Didcot,' Joanie said, bustling in with a plate of coddled eggs and bread. ‘Here, get that down you, dearie; you look as white as my tablecloth.'

‘Thank you, Joanie, but I'm not sure I can eat a thing. It seems I've blotted my record good and proper this morning. I don't know what I've done to upset Mrs Smale but she's really got it in for me.'

‘Doesn't take a genius to work out why, dearie,' Joanie said. Merry looked at her in surprise. ‘She had your job lined up for her niece.'

‘Her niece?' Freckles said.

‘Yes, Miss Brown, she's called. Works for Mr Fairbright in his wool place. Thought she'd have a better future here and asked her aunt to put in a good word for her. Mrs Smale was hopping mad when Mr Fairbright told her they'd offered the position to you.'