The Button Box, page 26
‘Would you, Nathaniel?’ Jane sat down again, beaming at him. ‘That would be so lovely.’
‘Yes, it would be wonderful,’ Clara added enthusiastically. ‘If you could spare the time, although I can’t afford to pay you very much.’
He held up his hand. ‘I wouldn’t think of accept-ing payment. I’ll play such merry tunes that the customers will flock in.’
Jane clapped her hands. ‘I wish I could dance to them, but I’m afraid I’ll never go to a ball.’
‘When I come into my inheritance I’ll give a ball just for you, Jane,’ Nathaniel said seriously. ‘You will have a beautiful gown and I will claim the first dance.’
Colour flooded Jane’s cheeks and her eyes shone. ‘Will you really? But my calipers will clank and everyone will hear the noise.’
‘No one will notice because they will be lost in admiration, and I will instruct the orchestra to play loudly.’
Clara shook her head. ‘That sounds wonderful, but if we can return to the present, I have work to do. Where are you staying, Nat?’
‘I booked into a hotel last night, but I can’t afford their prices, so I’ll have to find somewhere else soon. I gave up my room in the lodging house before I went to Paris, which was a bit stupid.’
‘Then you must stay here,’ Clara said firmly. ‘That is, until you find suitable accommodation elsewhere. Lizzie has moved in with us but Gertie’s room isn’t being used at the moment.’
‘Is there still no news of her?’
‘None at all. I’m hoping that Lady Quinn might be able to help, even though she and Gertie don’t get along. Ambrose is going to ask her to open the store, so I’ll try to get her on her own, and hope she’s in a good mood.’
‘I’ll do whatever I can to help, but in any event I’d be grateful for the use of her room, and I’ll start looking for work and lodgings right away.’
‘You must stay and have something to eat,’ Jane said eagerly. ‘I want to hear about your adventures in Paris, Nathaniel. Please don’t go just yet.’
‘Betsy and Lizzie will be back soon,’ Clara added. ‘Jane has made some vegetable soup and I’ll go to the bakery and get some fresh rolls. It will be like old times.’ She was about to leave the room but Nathaniel reached the door first.
‘I’ll go and get the bread. It’s the least I can do, and I want to help you, Clara. You’ve worked wonders with this place, and you deserve to be a success.’ He followed her through the shop. ‘I’ve been selfish and I want to make amends.’
Clara came to a halt, turning to face him. ‘You did what you had to do, Nat. You don’t owe us anything. You could have challenged your aunt’s will and taken the shop in Drury Lane from me, but you didn’t. If it weren’t for your generosity none of this would have been possible.’
He looked away. ‘I don’t deserve such praise. I had my heart set on my own goals and I wasn’t thinking of you.’
‘And there’s no reason why you should. I’m happy to pretend to be your fiancée until you claim your inheritance. I owe you that at least.’
‘It isn’t that simple, Clara.’ He took her hands in his, meeting her startled gaze with a beseeching look. ‘The fact is that I have to be a married man before I come into what is rightfully mine.’
‘That wasn’t what we agreed, Nat.’ Clara attempted to pull her hands free, but he tightened his grip.
‘I know it’s a lot to ask, but I have sincere feelings for you, Clara.’
‘I don’t think you should say any more, Nat. What you want is impossible.’
‘No, it isn’t. I know you like me and we’re like-minded in many ways. It could work out well for both of us, Clara. I’d be happy for you to continue with your ambitions for the store, and I’d have the funds to help you.’
‘Stop there, Nathaniel. This is all wrong.’
‘No, I can’t. I’ve gone too far to give up now. I left my job in Paris and I’ve returned to London for one purpose only and that is to ask you, very humbly, to be my wife. Will you marry me, Clara?’
Chapter Nineteen
Clara wrenched free from his grasp. ‘No, I’m sorry, but what you’re asking is impossible.’
‘Why, Clara? You like me, don’t you?’
‘Of course I do. I’m very fond of you, but not in that way. A sham engagement is one thing, and anyway, I gave you back your ring. Marriage is another matter altogether.’
‘I know I could have put it better, but time is running out and my uncle is no fool. I care about you, Clara, and I respect you for what you’re trying to achieve. Help me and I’ll look after you. You and your family will never want for anything again.’
She shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, Nat. I’ve given you my answer.’
He took off his spectacles and polished them on a grubby hanky. ‘Perhaps if I give you time to think it over you might have second thoughts?’ His myopic blue eyes pleaded with her, and without his glasses he looked young and vulnerable. Clara was tempted to comfort him as she might a small child, but she knew that would be fatal and she kept her distance.
‘My mind is made up, Nat. I’d do almost anything for you, but marriage is out of the question.’
‘Is there someone else?’ he asked suspiciously. ‘Are you still in love with Luke?’
‘Of course not. I don’t know what gave you that idea.’ She opened the shop door. ‘One of us has to go to the bakery or we’ll all go hungry.’
He bowed his head. ‘I’ll go. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.’
‘I’m all right, Nat. Let’s not mention this again. You’re still welcome here as long as you understand that I won’t change my mind.’
He nodded wordlessly and stepped outside into the warm spring sunshine. Clara watched him walk away with his shoulders hunched as if he were carrying a heavy weight, and she felt a moment of regret. Nathaniel Silver was a gentleman in all senses of the word and she was certain that he would do his best to make her happy. They might live amicably but she knew now that would not be enough for her. Until recently her life had been spent caring for others, giving her little time to think about her own wants and needs, but she had come to realise that a life without love was only half lived, and that most basic of human emotions had a habit of catching a person unawares. She closed the door and locked it while she waited for Nat to return.
The rest of the day passed in a frenzy of activity with everyone working hard to complete the preparations for the grand opening. Jane and Betsy wrote advertisements for The Button Box on paste boards, and Nathaniel found two out-of-work musicians who were delighted to earn a day’s pay as sandwich men, walking up and down Oxford Street to promote the new department store. One of them, Danny Williams, a tow-haired youth of seventeen, had often accompanied Nathaniel in his busking days, and after supper that evening he entertained them by playing lively tunes on his flute. Nat picked up his violin and joined in and the music was so toe-tappingly irresistible that Betsy and Lizzie jumped to their feet and began to dance. Clara was quick to note Jane’s wistful expression and she crossed the floor, holding out her hands.
‘Come on, Janie, let’s show them how it’s done.’
Jane shook her head. ‘No, I can’t. You know I can’t.’
‘Nonsense. You’re among family and friends.’ Clara pulled her gently to her feet and, holding her sister’s hands, she guided her across the floor, swaying in time to the rhythm.
Jane moved slowly at first, casting anxious glances in Danny’s direction, but he was intent on his music, and gradually she began to move faster and with growing confidence. Soon they were all cavorting around the kitchen with Betsy and staid Lizzie kicking up their heels, and Jane doing her best to emulate them. When the music stopped Jane was pink cheeked and laughing, and her blushes deepened when she realised that Danny was smiling at her. She was about to back away but Clara gave her a gentle push in his direction.
‘Talk to him,’ Clara whispered.
‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘Just tell him you like his music. He won’t bite.’ Clara put her arm around her youngest sister’s shoulders, giving her an encouraging squeeze. ‘Jane loves your music, Danny,’ Clara said firmly. ‘You will play for us at the grand opening, won’t you?’
‘I will, if Nat agrees.’ Danny turned to Nathaniel. ‘We used to be popular when we entertained the crowds, didn’t we?’
Nathaniel nodded, smiling. ‘We did, and we can do it again, if Clara permits.’
‘I most certainly do.’ Clara pulled up a chair for Jane, who had paled suddenly and was swaying on her feet. ‘Sit down and catch your breath, dear. Perhaps Nat and Danny will play something soothing.’ She shot a warning glance at Betsy, who opened her mouth as if to protest.
Lizzie threw herself down on the nearest chair. ‘I’m fagged and need to catch my breath. Play us something sweet and romantic, please.’
Nathaniel struck up again and Danny followed, picking up the tune with ease.
‘Do you think he noticed my limp?’ Jane whispered.
Clara shook her head. ‘He just saw a pretty young girl dancing.’
‘Pretty? I’m not pretty.’
‘You will eclipse us all in a year or so. Now enjoy the music and if you feel like dancing again, I’ll stand up with you.’ Clara went to sit at the table next to Betsy, leaving Jane where she was in a position to talk to Danny.
‘Are you matchmaking?’ Betsy said in a low voice. ‘She’s just a child.’
‘She’s nearly fifteen, and she needs friends of her own age. He seems like a nice young fellow and he’s very talented.’
Betsy cocked her head on one side, giving Clara a calculating look. ‘Have you upset Nat? He seems different somehow.’
‘We had a slight difference of opinion,’ Clara said, trying to sound casual. ‘But we’re still friends.’
‘Did you turn him down?’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Clara was about to rise when Betsy caught her by the sleeve.
‘Yes, you do. You told me about the fake engagement,’ she insisted in a low voice. ‘Did he propose?’
‘Hush, he’ll hear you. I’m going to make some tea, and then I’m going to bed. It’s getting late and I’m tired.’ Clara stood up but Lizzie barred her way.
‘What were you two whispering about?’ she de-manded.
‘It’s just Betsy being nosy as usual,’ Clara said casually. ‘Would you like tea or cocoa?’
‘Tea, please.’ Lizzie took the seat that Clara had just vacated. ‘I will find out. Betsy will tell me.’
Clara leaned towards her. ‘Keep your voice down. I’ll tell you both when we’re on our own.’ She straightened up as the music came to an end, and she clapped. ‘Thank you, Nat and Danny, that was delightful. I’m going to put the kettle on, so who would like tea and who would like cocoa?’
Later, when Danny had left to return home and Nathaniel had gone to his room, Clara was about to follow Jane upstairs when Lizzie stepped in her way, standing arms akimbo.
‘Now then, miss, tell us what’s going on between you and Nat.’
‘Yes,’ Betsy agreed. ‘You can’t fool us, Clara. We know something is amiss.’
Clara could see that they were not going to be easily satisfied. ‘All right, I’ll tell you, but I don’t want the whole world to know.’
Betsy drew her back into the kitchen. ‘Why did you turn him down?’
‘He’s a good match,’ Lizzie said, frowning. ‘You’re not pining for Joss, are you?’
‘Certainly not.’ Clara sank down on a chair at the table. ‘If you’ll both just sit down and be quiet I’ll explain.’
She told them as briefly and succinctly as possible. Fatigue was making her feel light-headed, but she answered their questions as fully as she could.
Lizzie’s eyes were alive with interest. ‘And you say he’s worth a fortune?’
‘That’s what she’s been telling us,’ Betsy said im-patiently. ‘Haven’t you been listening?’
‘I have, but I wanted to get it straight in my mind.’ Lizzie leaned her elbows on the table, fixing Clara with an intense gaze. ‘And he owns a town house and a country mansion?’
‘That’s right. I haven’t seen the country house, but the one in London is very impressive.’
‘And you rejected him?’ Betsy rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. ‘What were you thinking of, Clara? Are you insane?’
‘Not at all. I like Nat and I’m fond of him, but I don’t love him.’
‘I could bring myself to love a man who could offer me a lifetime of luxury,’ Lizzie said with feeling. ‘Betsy’s right. You’re quite mad.’
Clara rose to her feet. ‘Think what you like, but I’m going to bed. If either of you wants to make a play for Nat, feel free to do so. I’ll be happy for you.’ She headed for the stairs. There was too much to think about with the opening of the store to worry what her sisters might or might not do. She would be genuinely pleased to think that Nathaniel would be part of their family, but he would have trouble on his hands if he took on ambitious Lizzie or flighty Betsy. She walked slowly up the stairs, her mind filled with niggling worries about opening day. If only Sabine were here to give her the advantage of her experience in retail management; she would even welcome Mademoiselle Boucher, who knew exactly where items should be placed to attract the eye of the customer. She went to bed but sleep evaded her. If the oriental theme of her store did not go down well with the public she would be facing ruin, and The Button Box would close. She drifted off to sleep and was plagued by nightmares in which a figure she knew to be Dagobert Duclos took on the persona of the evil Abanazar from the pantomime Aladdin, and Gertie was his unfortunate victim locked in the cave filled with treasure. Clara was helpless to save her friend and Lady Quinn refused to say the magic spell that would open the door and free her errant sister.
Clara awakened in a cold sweat with the bedclothes knotted and entwined around her body. It was not yet light but she rose from her bed and lit a candle. Having washed in cold water she put on her newest gown, a plain grey merino with a white collar and cuffs. It was more suitable for a governess than the owner of a thriving emporium, but the rest of her clothes were patched and darned, and too shabby to wear for such an occasion. She remembered the bolt of cloth that Luke had chosen, insisting that she should have a new dress. Perhaps she ought to have listened to him and taken more pride in her appearance, but it was too late now. In a few hours Plumley would arrive, accompanied by the redoubtable Lady Quinn, who would be decked out like a peacock, and no one would notice the drab little sparrow standing in the shadow of her radiance. Clara put up her hair and went downstairs to the kitchen to stoke the fire. Today was the big day.
Everyone was waiting. Betsy and Lizzie were visibly nervous, but Jane was bubbling with excitement. Danny had arrived early and was standing by with Nathaniel, ready to strike up a tune when the doors opened, but Lady Quinn had not yet arrived. Clara could see a crowd gathering outside and she was beginning to worry. They had decided that ten o’clock was a good time to open up, and there were only seconds to go before she must allow the public into the shop.
Then, just as Clara was beginning to fear that her ladyship had decided not to officiate at the opening ceremony, a carriage drew to a halt at the kerb and a liveried footman leaped down to open the door. He put down the steps and assisted Lady Quinn to alight, closely followed by Plumley. As they processed across the pavement it was difficult to decide which of them was the most garishly dressed. Plumley, resplendent in a blue velvet frock coat, scarlet waistcoat trimmed with gold braid and black-and-white check trousers, tucked his top hat under his arm and fell into step with Lady Quinn. But she outshone him quite literally in a silver satin gown embellished with waterfalls of lace, bugle beads and sequins. Her hair was piled into a coronet, and she wore a diamond tiara with a matching necklace and earrings. The stones turned to white fire in the sunlight and there was an audible gasp from the onlookers. If Queen Victoria herself had come amongst them it could hardly have created a bigger stir.
Clara held the door open, bobbing a curtsey as her ladyship sailed into the shop with Plumley at her heels, panting like a pet pug.
‘So this is it?’ Lady Quinn came to a halt, raising her lorgnette to peer at the contents of the shelves and stands. ‘It’s certainly different.’ She turned to Plumley. ‘What am I supposed to do now?’
‘A few words, my lady,’ Plumley said silkily. ‘I’m sure the public will be gratified by your presence.’
‘There’s no need to toady, my man. I am well aware that my presence gives an air of respectability to this venture.’ She glanced round, shaking her head. ‘But it looks like a souk. I can’t think that all this clutter will sell.’
Clara bit back a sharp retort. ‘Just a few words, please, my lady.’
‘Very well. Let’s get it over and done with. I’m only doing this to further my sister’s interests, although considering the way she’s behaved I think it’s very magnanimous of me. Open the door, miss.’
Clara was about to unlock the door when a hansom cab drew to a halt behind Lady Quinn’s equipage and a large woman enveloped in a black cloak clambered to the ground.
Clara’s hand flew to cover her mouth. ‘It can’t be,’ she gasped.
‘Who is she?’ Lizzie whispered.
‘Whoever it is, she’s coming this way.’ Betsy took a step backwards as the woman marched towards the door, swinging her arms as she cut a swathe through the crowd.
Clara had a feeling that it would take more than a mere lock to keep Patches Bragg out and she opened the door. Patches barged past her without saying a word and came to a halt in front of Lady Quinn.
‘All right, Garland Batt, what has your slut of a sister done to my Bertie?’
There was a moment of complete silence. Clara could neither move nor speak, and the crowd outside had advanced like a tidal wave and were hammering on the door, demanding admittance.
‘Who is this person?’ Lady Quinn demanded coolly. ‘Take her away, Plumley. I don’t speak to fat trolls who deck themselves out like scarecrows.’
