’I am astonished, Sir.’
’And so you might be. Remember, select your words carefully. Butter up the good gentlemen. As for the monthly reordering of stock and alcohol, I shall speak to the Tobacco Dock Company and the wine merchant. Instruct them to send their invoices to the Bank of England’s accountant for payment whilst the money you lock in the chest will safely accrue.’
‘Yes, Sir, I shall see to it.’
‘Then we are settled on all details!’ exclaimed Lucas delightedly. ‘I am very relieved to know that you have accepted my offer as paid member of staff of the establishment of Lucas Benjamin, tobacconist of Silver Street.’
Chapter 17
‘Clara must have new clothes,’ Lucas declared one hot day in early August. He had just returned from the agents with tickets for the ferry crossing. Mopping his brow with his handkerchief, he collapsed onto a chair. ‘We may be buffeted by wind or a strong sea as we sail from Dover. A warm cape will be essential. As for dresses – I must leave the choices to you. Spare no expense.’ He gave a little grin and tucked the tickets in the bureau. ‘We depart on Sunday 15th September, taking a carriage from London to Dover. After a night’s rest we board ship for Calais.’
Thus, the problem of Clara’s new clothes was left in Ettie's hands. Since she had no idea where to start, she visited a dressmaker she had seen on her way to the market. It took her only a few minutes to walk to Broad Street and, after discussions with a portly woman called Mrs Buckle, a winter braided jacket, cape and warm coat and undergarments with combinations were ordered. The dressmaker also advised at least two to three day and evening dresses and at least one walking dress.
‘How long will your employer and his wife be away?’ Mrs Buckle asked.
‘Until next year,’ Ettie explained as she sat in the sewing room studying the pretty silks, wools and cottons from which Clara’s clothes might be cut.
‘In that case, you must make a trip to the city for bonnets, muffs, gloves and other things a lady might need. I shall give you a letter to give to a milliner. The shop sells the accessories your mistress requires. Except of course, footwear. The boot mender’s shop is in the same row. Take a shoe with you so that he can measure up.’ Ettie was relieved to have found someone like Mrs Buckle to advise her.
After informing Lucas of Mrs Buckle’s suggestions, Ettie was sent by carriage to the city. They passed the stately houses and green parks she remembered on her ride through the city after she had left the orphanage. A lump lodged in her throat. Six long months had elapsed since she had said goodbye to the orphans and nuns. Longer even, since she had seen Michael. Her heart gave a little twist. Where was he now? Did he still think of her? She had prayed to Saint Jude every Sunday, begging him to look after Michael and keep him out of trouble. For if ever there was an impossible case, it was Michael. But for all that, he still held a place in her heart that would never be filled by anyone else.
Ettie’s cab arrived at the milliners of Oxford Street. She had no idea how much all the things would cost but Lucas had provided her with ample money.
‘Spend every penny if needs be,’ he had instructed her. ‘For Clara, nothing is too expensive.’
Ettie was shown bonnets decorated with frills and flowers, fruit and ribbons, muffs of the finest fur, gloves of delicate leather. But none of them appealed to her, for Clara wore understated clothes of very good quality. Instead she selected other items she knew Clara would prefer.
‘You have made an excellent choice,’ praised the female milliner, who fixed Ettie with a shrewd eye after attempting to persuade her into unsuitable designs.
‘Thank you. My mistress has an unblemished complexion and hair the colour of wheat. I am sure this bonnet and gloves will suit her very well.’
The woman gave a rueful smile. ‘I can see you are a young lady with an eye for fashion.’
Ettie blushed at this. ‘If I have, then the opportunity to develop it has not come my way.’
The milliner looked surprised. ‘I am in need of an assistant. Would you consider an apprenticeship?’
This offer came as such a surprise that Ettie wanted to giggle.
‘I don’t think my appearance would be suitable,’ she replied modestly, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
‘You have beautiful hair,’ said the woman. ‘With a little attention to facial powdering, you would model my hats perfectly. Added to your grasp of prices and demure character, you have all the qualities I require.’
Once again Ettie’s cheeks turned scarlet. ‘Thank you. But I am committed to the service of the tobacconist of Silver Street and his wife.’
‘A pity,’ said the milliner as she packed away Ettie’s purchases. ‘You would have done me very nicely.’
Ettie left the shop with light steps and a smile. The milliner, though out for herself and the filling of a position, had given Ettie great encouragement. Did she really have the qualities the woman had listed?’
It was with that same smile on her lips that she entered the boot makers not two doors along. Dressed in a brown leather apron over his working clothes, the surly-faced boot maker greeted her very differently. His gaze went to her boots which were not of high quality, unlike the many rows of expensive-looking footwear that lined his shelves.
‘Good morning,’ Ettie greeted and received a disgruntled mutter in reply.
But as he examined Clara’s pretty shoe that Ettie had brought with her, his manner improved. ‘These have silk uppers and foxing on the heel. A very nice job indeed,’ he decided.
‘I would
