Mrs Boots
Deborah Carr
A gripping historical novel inspired by Florence Boot, the woman behind the nation’s favourite chemist! Jersey 1885 On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more… When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl. Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?
Mrs Boots
DEBORAH CARR
One More Chapter
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First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2020
Copyright © Deborah Carr 2020
Cover design by HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2020
Cover images © Richard Jenkins Photography
Deborah Carr asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
A catalogue copy of this book is available from the British Library.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
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Source ISBN: 9780008363314
Ebook Edition © February 2020 ISBN: 9780008363307
Version: 2019-11-12
Table of Contents
Cover (#u28fed2c7-627f-51f0-aa3b-0b0bb56a21f8)
Title Page (#u1fe55878-e762-5e23-b3ab-1c9eda04eff2)
Copyright (#u80ef7c65-c4e8-5ab4-bb70-066608c731f6)
About This Book
Dedication (#u2041e51e-71bf-59b5-a28a-2a2ef4e78c7a)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Author Note
Acknowledgements
Also by Deborah Carr
About the Author
About the Publisher
About This Book (#u8f6ae994-2552-5861-8865-777f4164b402)
This ebook meets all accessibility requirements and standards.
I’d like to dedicate this book to Florence Boot and to all strong women who help others to recognise the best in themselves
Chapter 1 (#u8f6ae994-2552-5861-8865-777f4164b402)
August 1885 – 27 Queen Street, St Helier, Jersey
Florence Rowe waved at Emile, the boarder from the chemist at number 29 who had raised his hat in a friendly salute. As usual at this time of day, Queen Street was bustling with shoppers and shop assistants out on their errands. She didn’t mind waiting for her good friend, Albert, to finish wrapping the packet of tea she had been sent to buy for her father’s stationer’s shop, which was situated between the chemist and the tea merchants. She loved her job in her father’s shop, on the bustling street, but it was always nice to step away for a few minutes to catch up with Albert’s news and share her own with him.
‘I had a customer in here yesterday,’ he said, tidying away the small weights he had used to calculate the correct amount of tea leaves. ‘He’s an artist from Birmingham. He came to the island last week to stay with relatives for the rest of the summer. He was telling me that it was reported in his local newspapers about a poor young woman on a roof.’
‘Sorry,’ Florence asked, confused. She was used to Albert’s catastrophising, but this story was a little odd. ‘What did you say?’
‘Someone heard screams in the middle of the night.’
‘Where, here?’
‘No, in Kidderminster.’
Florence realised she had no idea what Albert was talking about. ‘Maybe you should start again. From the beginning.’
‘The artist told me that just before he came to the island he read about a local woman, a young lady somnambulist, dressed only in her night clothes. She was still asleep when she climbed out of an upstairs window and onto the roof of her family home.’
‘How do your customers come to share such stories with you.’ She was struggling not to giggle. ‘They only come in to buy tea.’
‘Maybe they can see that I need a little drama in my life.’ A customer entered the shop just then and Albert lowered his voice and added, ‘We’ve been friends since we were children, Florence; can you remember a time when we had something worth being excited about?’
‘Apart from going to the theatre, or such like?’ she asked, not wishing him to become maudlin, which he could, if she ever let him.
‘Yes, those outings are fun, but not like the story the artist told me.’
Florence was always fascinated by Albert’s latest intrigue. Her father wouldn’t entertain the newspapers being read in their home. His only connection to them was caused by necessity when he advertised his stationer’s, W. H. Rowe. Albert was her connection to the sensational stories printed in them. He loved discovering the latest dramas occurring on the island and she loved that he took time to share them with her. She wasn’t sure though if it was the stories themselves, or his dramatised account of them.
‘Was she all right?’ she asked.
‘Yes, thankfully,’ Albert continued. ‘The girl’s father and a police constable threw a rope up to her. They managed to rescue her before she fell headlong to her death.’
Florence focused her attention on her purse so that he couldn’t see her amusement at his dramatics. ‘That’s a relief. Poor thing, waking up in such a predicament.’ She wondered how much longer he was going to spend wrapping up her tea.
‘That’s what I thought.’ He patted the neat package. ‘There you go.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, paying him and taking her tea.
‘It’s such a relief that the weather has improved, don’t you think?’
‘Yes. Father has been fretting about the stock not being delivered on time, as the ferries were cancelled due to the summer storms last week.’
Albert nodded, happy to have another drama to focus on. ‘We’ve had the same problem here,’ he said, putting her money in the till and giving her change. He folded his arms across his chest. ‘Thankfully we had a delivery brought in this morning. Now everyone is panicking that the weather will change again, so they’re all rushing to stock up on their favourite tea mixture before it does.’
‘That’s one of the downsides of living on an island, my father always says.’ Florence knew the problem well. Her own mother was always concerning herself with the boats’ arrivals at the harbour. ‘Hopefully it’ll stay nice and hot for a while now. It is supposed to be summer, after all.’
She went to say something else, but, as she glanced out the window, all thoughts of what it was disappeared as she noticed one particular lady marching up the pavement on the opposite side of the street, her lady’s maid at her side laden with various bags and boxes. Florence could not help feeling sorry for the young woman scuttling along slightly behind her mistress, who was, by the determined expression on her lined face, on her way to give some poor soul a scolding.
Florence groaned.
‘Whatever is the matter?’ Albert asked. ‘Are you unwell?’
She shook her head. ‘No, look.’ She pointed out of the window. ‘She’s paused. I think she’s about to cross over to this side.’
He stepped forward, peered out at the focus of her concern and shivered theatrically. ‘I hope she doesn’t come in here. She’s a monstrous woman. She always has something, or someone, to complain about.’
Florence doubted that Mrs Wolstenholm would be buying her own tea. She probably left that job to one of her servants. Her heart dipped as she realised that the route the woman was taking was to W.H. Rowe next door.
‘Oh, no. She’s going into Father’s shop. I’d better hurry back. Thanks, Albert,’ she shouted over her shoulder.
She ran out of the shop, following the lady’s maid in through the open shop door, the jangling of the brass alerting her father and sister Amy to their arrival. She closed the door quietly behind them, Mrs Wolstenholm oblivious to Florence coming in behind her. The lady tapped her silver-topped walking stick noisily on the wooden floorboards.
Dropping the packet of tea quickly behind the counter, Florence skirted around the woman and her servant, a smile she did not feel fixed firmly on her face.
‘Mrs Wolstenholm, how delightful to see you today.’
The woman waited for Florence to come directly in front of her before looking her slowly up and down as if she had never seen a specimen quite like her before. ‘I don’t take to modern women,’ she sniffed, glancing at Florence’s bustle. ‘All those ruffles and draping material, it’s too fanciful if you ask me. I believe unmarried women should wear plainer clothing.’
Florence had not asked her. She hid her irritation, determined not to give the woman satisfaction of knowing she had annoyed her. Florence liked wearing a larger bustle, despite the discomfort it brought to her. She loved fashion and was not going to be dictated to about her clothing by anyone else, especially not this rude woman.
‘Is there anything I can help you with today, Mrs Wolstenholm?’ Florence asked, ignoring the insults being thrown at her; she knew better than to annoy her father’s best, but rudest, customer or give her any cause to be angered further.
Mrs Wolstenholm waved her gloved hand as if swatting an annoying fly. ‘Where is your father? I wish to speak with him.’
‘Are you certain I will be unable to assist you?’ Florence asked, aware that she knew all there was to know about the workings of this shop.
Mrs Wolstenholm rested both hands on the top of her walking stick and glowered at Florence. ‘I will not be served by a girl. I have asked for your father; he always serves me.’
Frustrated by the woman’s rudeness, Florence forced a smile. ‘Would you like to take a seat while I fetch him for you?’ she asked, indicating the smart cushioned chair her father had brought into the shop for his less than sturdy customers.
‘I shall not be waiting long enough to take a seat,’ she barked. ‘Hurry now, girl. I do not have time to dawdle.’
Florence heard footsteps and turned her attention to the storeroom door, relieved to see her father’s arrival. He was wearing a similar forced smile to the one she felt sure she had on her face.
‘I’m most dreadfully sorry to have kept you waiting,’ her father said, hurrying in to join them. He glanced at Florence and tilted his head briefly indicating that she take his place unpacking the latest delivery. ‘We’ve only a moment ago been delivered of an order that was delayed.’
‘Yes, yes, man,’ she snapped. ‘I am not here to discuss your business. You sent word that you had several books you believed might suit my taste.’
Florence reached the doorway at the back of the shop leading to the small room they referred to as the storeroom, although it really was not much bigger than a large cupboard. She couldn’t help feeling angry on her father’s behalf to hear the dragon of a woman address him so rudely. She turned to watch him.
‘I do.’ He hurried over to behind the counter from where Florence saw him take a bundle of five books.
He raised his right hand to catch Florence’s attention. ‘Fetch one of the new books by Mr Thomas Hardy that I asked you to put aside for Mrs Wolstenholm.’
Wanting the grumpy customer out of their shop as soon as possible, Florence hurried to do as he asked. She leant into the trunk and took out one of the immaculate copies of The Mayor of Casterbridge that she and many of their customers had been waiting weeks to read. She could not help thinking how unfair it was that someone as horrible as this woman was always first in line for everything she wanted, simply because of her wealth.
She pictured some of the young women who entered the shop, like poor Nelly Cooper, so desperate to be able to enjoy books, but having neither the time nor the money to do so. She would appreciate the book so much more and she deserved to read it more than this woman too, thought Florence, hearing Mrs Wolstenholm’s grumbling coming from the shop. She picked up one of the pristine copies and hastily took the book to the shop and placed it onto the counter.
Leaving her father to serve the woman, Florence returned to the storeroom just as her sister Amy arrived from the family’s flat above the shop. Florence was older by just one year and enjoyed working with her sister who was also a shop assistant. Many times, she had dreamt aloud to Amy about owning her own shop one day, but they both knew that it would take many years for either of them to be able to afford to do such a thing, if indeed they could ever find a way to save up enough money to do so.
‘Did I hear Mrs Wolstenholm’s dulcet moaning?’ Amy whispered.
Florence covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. ‘You did. I can’t fathom how that poor maid of hers can stand hearing her constant insults to everyone she meets.’
‘We’re very lucky to be shop assistants for someone as dear as Father.’ Amy peered around Florence at the offensive woman. ‘I overheard our parents speaking the other evening when I passed the living room. They were saying how that woman in there is only a shopkeeper’s daughter. She’s no better than we are.’
Florence widened her eyes, stunned. ‘You’d never know it to watch the way she treats people of a lower station than her own, would you?’
‘No. She’s from the same background as we are. Her father was a shopkeeper too, so you would think she wouldn’t speak down to Father like she does.’
Florence mulled over her sister’s words. Somehow it seemed even more appalling that this woman who spoke to their father so abruptly had come from a similar background. What right did that woman think she had to talk down to decent people like her father? Somehow, this woman’s rudeness seemed worse coming from someone who, Florence assumed, must have also been on the receiving end of another’s patronising behaviour. She surely must remember how it felt to have less than others and have to silently accept their ill manners simply because she was not in a position to put them in their place.
‘Do you know, Amy,’ Florence said, having to remember to keep her voice down despite her anger, ‘when I get my own shop, I’m going to remember this particular customer and how she makes me feel when she addresses our father in the way that she does. It’s shameful the way she is putting him down. How dare she?’ Florence knew full well that the woman dared because she could afford to go elsewhere to spend her money, whereas their father could not afford to lose his best client. ‘I’ll never forget where I’m from. I’ll also never speak down to people like her. Ever!’
Chapter 2 (#u8f6ae994-2552-5861-8865-777f4164b402)
‘Florence, where are you? Mr Boot will be here at any moment.’
She could hear her mother calling but didn’t answer immediately. She only had half an hour before the end of her lunch break when she was expected back at her father’s shop below their flat. Why couldn’t her mother leave her in peace to read? Just this once.
Florence flicked through the pages of her book in frustration, forgetting momentarily that she had only borrowed the book from her father’s shop. There were only a couple of pages left until the end of the chapter. Desperate to discover what happened next, Florence read on, entranced by the new book from Mr Thomas Hardy. She couldn’t bear to wait a moment longer to absorb this book.
Biting the side of her fingernail, she read on, shocked by the unforgiveable behaviour of Michael Henchard drunkenly selling his wife and baby daughter for five guineas at a country fair.
‘Horrible man,’ she mumbled, gasping in shock and almost dropping the book when her bedroom door burst open and her sister Amy walked in.
‘I might have guessed you were hiding in here with a book,’ she said with a knowing smile on her face. ‘Didn’t you hear Mother calling for you? Father’s guest is arriving soon, and he wants us to meet him.’
Florence closed her book slowly and sighed. ‘I don’t know why he wants us to meet the man. Isn’t he a chemist? What could we possibly have to say to him?’
Amy snatched the book from Florence’s hands and read the description. ‘Actually, he’s a druggist.’
Florence was surprised her sister knew this about Mr Boot, but, determined to distract her sister from telling her off about borrowing the book, she asked, ‘That’s as maybe, but I still don’t see why we need to spend time with him. Anyway, how do you know this about him?’
Amy stared at her and Florence could see she was amused to have surprised her in this way. ‘I heard Father speaking about him to Mother earlier.’
‘What’s the difference between the two jobs then?’ she asked, intrigued.
‘Apparently a druggist manufactures and sells drugs and medicines, whereas a chemist specialises in the science behind the chemistry.’ She thought for a moment. ‘I think that’s what Father meant.’
‘I heard he owns shops,’ Florence said, trying to work out why this man was so important to their father. ‘Maybe that’s why he wants us to meet him when he arrives.’
Amy stared down at the cover of the book in her hand before glaring at Florence. ‘Father will be furious if he discovers you’ve taken this from the new stock. You know we are forbidden to read the new stock. And there’s a long waiting list for this title.’
Typical Amy not to allow her to get away with doing something she shouldn’t.
Florence couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. She hated being caught out borrowing the books. Her father didn’t mind too much if they were from old stock but insisted that she and Amy never bought the new books to read, at least until the rush from their customers had ended.
‘I’m aware of that,’ she said trying to defend herself, ‘but I’ve heard so much about The Mayor of Casterbridge and I simply couldn’t wait any longer to read it.’
Amy closed the bedroom door and leant against it, lowering her voice. ‘That’s as maybe, but we can’t spare any copies of this one. You know only half the shipment arrived and we need every spare copy for those who’ve been waiting to read it.’ She shook her head. ‘I thought I’d spotted you taking a peek at the beginning of the story earlier when you were supposed to be unpacking the delivery.’
Florence felt her face reddening. ‘I had intended returning it by tomorrow.’
‘You shouldn’t have borrowed it in the first place. It won’t be new if it’s already been read.’
‘Yes, I know,’ Florence replied, irritated. ‘Stop being so pious. We both know you’ve done the same thing, many times. Anyway, I can’t see that I’ll have the opportunity to read it by tomorrow now. I’m meeting friends to see a play at the Theatre Royal later this evening.’
Amy narrowed her eyes. ‘And will Albert be one of those friends?’
Florence hated it when her sister teased her Albert. Amy knew well enough that they were merely friends and had been since childhood. He was fun to be with and made her laugh. She knew her mother suspected they were secretly courting, or maybe she simply hoped it was the case. Florence hated deception, but on this occasion if it kept her mother happy and also from trying to persuade her to find someone to marry, then it was worth it.
And Albert was fun to be with. He treated her as an equal and she knew they both enjoyed their mini debates on current events and novels. How many of her friends’ husbands could she honestly say that about, she mused. None, she was certain of that.
She thought of the downtrodden women of her age and younger that she’d seen coming into Rowes. Initially unmarried, then excited to be courted by a man they had hopes for. Florence thought of the many of them with fake smiles, hiding their disappointment of the future they had hoped to enjoy. Or she was being cynical, as Amy had hinted she might be.
She loved her father very much, but he was definitely the head of the household, as he should be, but the older she became the harder it was to be told what she could and could not do each day. Why would she swap one man controlling her life for another? It didn’t make any sense. As far as she was concerned, marriage was not a state to which she aspired.
She realised her sister had been speaking. ‘Sorry, what did you say?’
‘Will Albert be attending the play with you at the Theatre Royal tonight?’
She suspected she had missed something else her sister had said, but didn’t say so. ‘Yes, he will be.’
Amy handed the book back to her. ‘I think you and Albert are well suited. I know Mother is secretly pleased that you’ve finally seen sense about your intention to stay a spinster.’
Florence narrowed her eyes at her sister. ‘Stop it. You know there’s nothing of the kind going on between us.’
‘I do. However, you two shouldn’t forget that his mother is one of our mother’s oldest friends,’ she said, her tone one of warning. ‘When either of them do finally discover that there’s less to your friendship than they imagine … well, you’ll probably be facing a bit of trouble.’
She didn’t like to think of her mother being upset due to something she had done, but, as her mother kept reminding her, at twenty-three she was at risk of ‘being left on the shelf’. It was somewhere that did not concern Florence; the prospect of being married and dictated to by a man horrified her far more than an unmarried status.
‘You know full well that I have no intention of ever marrying.’ She scowled. ‘The thought of being any man’s chattel is too dreadful.’ She stared at her unmarried sister only one year younger than herself. ‘Why doesn’t Mother make such a fuss about you? It’s always me she seems to worry herself about. I don’t understand it.’
‘Because I wouldn’t mind finding a beau and she knows that. She simply worries about your need for independence.’
Florence couldn’t help feeling a little guilty for the concern she gave her mother, but she had made up her mind long ago that marriage wasn’t for her. The thought of asking permission from a man in order to make decisions was too ghastly. It was bad enough having to be told what to do by her parents.
‘Come along,’ Amy said, handing the book back to her and opening the bedroom door; ‘I can hear Mother’s voice getting more irate.’
Florence knew when she was beaten. She raised the book to her nose and breathed in the familiar scent. Surely there was no smell more heavenly than that of a book? Hearing her sister mumble something under her breath, she picked up the new bookmark that she had treated herself to from her previous week’s wages and slipped it between the pages. The Mayor of Casterbridge would have to wait.
‘Florence, answer me,’ her mother shouted, sounding, Florence thought, more het up than usual. She stood up and went to check her hair in the mirror.
‘Sorry, Mother.’ Florence stood up and went to lean over the banister. She gave her mother an apologetic look. ‘Amy and I are on our way down now.’
‘This is Mr Boot,’ her father said, one hand holding the lapel of his waistcoat and the other indicating a man with a friendly smile that reached his eyes. ‘He’ll be staying in Jersey for a few weeks.’
Florence watched her parents greet the new guest. He was handsome in his own way, she mused, with his greying hair and piercing hazel eyes. She presumed him to be about ten or fifteen years older than her. There was something about him that she couldn’t help liking, which seemed odd as he hadn’t even opened his mouth to say anything yet.
He took her sister’s hand and gave a slight bow before coming to Florence.
‘This is my daughter, Florence. She and Amy assist me at Rowe’s, our stationer’s downstairs.’ He regarded his family. ‘Please, take a seat everyone. Mr Boot is also in retail,’ he explained. ‘He has several shops of his own. Mainly in Nottingham, I believe?’
Mr Boot smiled. ‘That’s correct. I ran them with my mother up until last year when she sadly passed.’
It dawned on Florence who this man was and why the name seemed familiar. ‘You’re Jane’s brother?’
He nodded, his smile widening.
Her father gave her a questioning look. ‘You know Mr Boot’s sister?’
‘Yes, Father. We met last year when she was on the island. We attended functions together. I introduced you and Mother to her.’
‘I met her, too,’ Amy said. ‘Several times. She came to the shop and bought—’ she thought for a moment ‘—an artist’s pad, some watercolours and brushes, if I remember correctly.’
Mr Boot laughed. ‘Yes, that’ll be Jane. She was most upset to have left her paints behind when she travelled. She wrote to me during her stay here recounting visits to Rowes. She insisted that if I visit Jersey, I must look up your family and introduce myself to her good friend, Miss Florence Rowe.’ He stared at Florence thoughtfully for a brief time, as if recalling his sister’s words. ‘She told me that you showed her much of the island and ensured her time here was thoroughly enjoyable.’
Florence recalled the friendly, charming woman who she’d befriended and how well they had got along. ‘She told me about your mother’s passing,’ she said, unsure whether she should be mentioning it, but aware that Mr Boot and his mother had worked closely together in their shops since his father’s death when he was only ten. ‘I was sorry to hear of your loss.’
His expression darkened and for a moment she thought she’d been too personal. Then, he cleared his throat. ‘It was. I think it was doubly difficult as we’d also worked together. Jane insisted I take time away from the business to visit Jersey for a holiday. She thought the sea air would do me good.’ He laughed. ‘I’ve only been here a couple of hours and already I feel somewhat refreshed.’
‘You haven’t been to Jersey before, Mr Boot?’ Amy asked.
‘This is my first time. I haven’t thought to take time away from my business before now.’ He smiled. ‘I’m told the weather is always sunny in Jersey, and the milk and new potatoes are the best in the world.’
Everyone laughed. She thought back to the stormy weather they had experienced for the previous few days, which had cut the island off from the mainland and France when the ferries to Southampton and St Malo had to be cancelled.
‘And you wouldn’t be wrong thinking that, most of the time,’ her father said. ‘Although, maybe not so much about the weather. I believe it’s slightly warmer than on the mainland but it can rain here just as much when it chooses to.’
‘Usually when you least wish it,’ Florence added.
Mr Boot smiled at her. It was a friendly smile; she noticed something more behind his eyes than she had expected. Then her father began discussing aspects of Mr Boot’s visit and Florence listened as their guest chatted to her parents. She liked the sound of his voice. She recalled Jane explaining that her accent was an East Midland’s one. It was gentle and different to the voices she usually heard each day. Although, she mused, a lot of those were French, or the locals speaking Jèrriais. It wasn’t surprising, therefore, that they did sound different.
If what her father was saying were true, which she assumed it was, she had never met anyone as successful as Mr Boot. She liked that he wasn’t boastful or arrogant. He seemed very matter-of-fact, and, by what Jane had said, he didn’t take much time to do anything other than work very hard. Her thoughts were interrupted hearing her father mentioning her name.
‘… day off tomorrow and I’m certain she would be delighted to show you some of the sights here on the island. Wouldn’t you, Florence?’
All thoughts of finishing The Mayor of Casterbridge vanished; however, she found that she didn’t mind nearly as much as she would have expected.
‘Yes, that would be lovely,’ she said, smiling at Mr Boot. ‘We could, um—’ she thought quickly, recalling how Jane had mentioned that her brother was sometimes troubled by an ailment, which she believed might be rheumatoid arthritis. If that was the case, then she assumed that walking far would not be something he would wish to do ‘—take the Jersey Railway to St Aubin, if you wish? Or, maybe the Jersey Eastern Railway to Gorey. Whichever you prefer.’
He rested his hands on his legs and nodded. ‘I will leave the choice to you. Maybe we could do one trip tomorrow and the other on another day?’
Florence had hoped for some time alone after such a busy early summer at the shop, but expected that time with Mr Boot could also be enjoyable. She did like showing friends who were new to the island the places that she particularly liked.
‘I would enjoy that,’ she said. It was only a slight fib, because she would rather have been alone, and she instantly felt mean for her thoughts.
The mantel clock chimed the hour and Florence and Amy stood. ‘We should return to the shop,’ Amy suggested.
Mr Boot winced slightly as he stood up. ‘I apologise. I have taken up more of your time that I intended. When would be convenient for me to call on you tomorrow, Miss Rowe?’
Hoping to make his day as relaxed as possible, Florence said. ‘If you call on me at ten o’clock, then we could make our way the short distance up the road to Snow Hill and catch the train from there to Gorey.’
The eastern terminus was so much closer than the one for the westbound train. Let the poor man rest as much as possible on his first days here, she thought; after all, it was what he had come to the island to do.
He gave a slight bow with his head. ‘I shall look forward to our adventure, Miss Rowe. Thank you.’
Florence stared at him thoughtfully. There was something different about this man, but she couldn’t work out what it might be. She was surprised to realise that she was looking forward to their outing, too. ‘As am I, Mr Boot.’
She followed Amy from the living room and down to the shop. Father rarely permitted the shop to be closed during the daytime and already Florence could see five disconcerted customers waiting anxiously by the front door.
Amy rushed over and unlocked it, turning over the closed sign to mark the place open, once again. ‘My apologies for making you wait,’ she said sweetly.
‘Anything wrong?’ one of their regular customers – a short, sour-faced elderly woman with an overly large hat – had grumbled.
‘Father has an unexpected guest,’ Amy explained, widening her eyes over the woman’s head as the lady marched past her to the display of postcards Florence had put together that morning.
‘I hope this isn’t going to be a regular occurrence; I’ve been waiting ten minutes to buy a map from you. This really won’t do.’
Florence was tempted to give the woman a snappy retort. Their father never let his clients down and would be mortified to think he had upset anyone by his actions. Without having known about Mr Boot’s arrival prior to his appearance, even Florence could tell, simply by her father’s temporary closure of the shop, that he had thought him important.
She opened her mouth to speak, and just then Amy said, ‘I doubt it will happen again any time soon.’ Her sister looked at the brown wrapping in the lady’s basket. ‘I suspect you were able to choose some nice material from the haberdashers while you waited?’
The lady beamed at Amy, her complaint forgotten. ‘I did, as a matter of interest. I spotted a fine fabric in their window display and simply had to have it.’
‘All is well then,’ Florence said, wanting to be sure the woman didn’t take her complaint to their father when he returned to the shop. She would hate for his day to be ruined by someone else’s criticism.
‘It is.’ The woman held up a copy of The Mayor of Casterbridge in her gloved hand. ‘My daughter tells me this book might be something I’d enjoy. What do you think?’
Florence’s thoughts had been consumed by the unusual man she had met earlier. Hurriedly thinking of a reply, she wondered if the daughter had yet read the book, not minding so much that she had been held back from being able to read more of it by now. ‘I’ve read a little,’ she admitted, ‘and I enjoyed it very much. I’m afraid I’ll need to check we have your name on the list of customers who have ordered the book.’
She hoped the woman was on the list; the thought that she would have something else to grumble about worried Florence. She took the lady’s name and went to check.
Movement by the store-front window caught her eye. The front door to their flat was open and she could see her father and Mr Boot speaking outside. She stepped forward into the shadows behind the counter, hoping to watch Mr Boot unobserved. There was a kindness about him that emanated from him as he chatted to her father. For someone who had come to the island to recover from the loss of his mother and overwork, he still displayed a positivity about him that made her smile.
Mr Boot turned to walk away and, spotting her, waved.
Mortified, Florence waved back, before lifting her father’s order book diverted her attention back to checking for the customer’s name.
Florence couldn’t understand why she was acting so strangely. She was usually so contained and sure of herself. There was something about him that intrigued her though. Was it because he was so successful? No, she was never impressed by that sort of thing. Or simply, she wondered, could it be that he came from a different background to any of the men she had previously come across in her social life? Most of the men she knew worked for a living, and most of them were around her age. Mr Boot had already done very well for himself and was over a decade older than her. Could it be that he was more interesting than the men she knew? Possibly. She wasn’t certain. Either way, she realised she was looking forward to her outing with him the next day, very much so.
Chapter 3 (#u8f6ae994-2552-5861-8865-777f4164b402)
They sat opposite one another on the train. Florence was relieved the weather had remained warm and sunny and she had been able to wear her new straw hat for the outing. Not that she expected Mr Boot to have any interest in the latest fashions like she did. Or, maybe the fashions were different in Nottingham; it was a city, after all and not a small island whose connections were mostly closer to France than England.
Mr Boot seemed more relaxed today, she decided happily. The train slowed to a halt at the Georgetown stop. She realised he was staring at her, and as he smiled at her she couldn’t help thinking what kind eyes he had.
He cleared his throat. ‘How long does the journey take to Gorey?’ he asked, turning his attention out of the window to the passengers waiting for others to alight before stepping onto the carriage.
‘About twenty minutes,’ Florence replied. ‘To be honest it’s a few months since I came this way.’ As she admitted this fact, she couldn’t help wondering why she hadn’t made the effort before now. ‘If I want to walk to the sea front, it’s only a couple of minutes from our flat to Havres des Pas. My father doesn’t like me walking alone by the shipyards along that way though, so I temper my outings there, too.’
‘I had never thought what it must be like to have daughters before, but I can imagine it must be worrisome for a father when they are independently minded.’
For a second she wasn’t sure if he was criticising her, then saw the gentle twinkle in his eyes and knew that he was merely thinking of something that had just occurred to him.
‘Yes, Father does worry about me and Amy sometimes. Our older sister Adelaide is married now. She’s a teacher. However, I don’t think Amy and I are probably as compliant as the daughters of some of his friends.’
He looked confused. ‘In what way, may I ask?’
‘I suppose in that—’ she considered her words, delighted with his interest ‘—we aren’t as timid as maybe most of them are. We have opinions and share them more openly than Father would like.’
He frowned. ‘Opinions about what?’
She didn’t want to offend him; he was older than her, after all, and she suspected slightly more old-fashioned than her friends. He had asked though, and she wanted to be honest with him. ‘Mrs Beeton says in her Book of Household Management that the mistress of the house should consider herself as “the commander of an army”. She believes that women running their homes should feel as important as men do going out to work.’
‘Is there anything wrong with that sentiment?’
She shook her head. ‘No. It’s just that it is not my ambition to simply run a household.’
He thought for a moment. ‘Surely, though, a well-run house is extremely important.’
She was enjoying herself immensely. It was fun being able to debate with this man in such a way. ‘Yes, it is very important, and I would love to keep my own home at some point; however, I hope to have more for myself.’
‘Such as what, may I ask?’
She spotted a twinkling in his hazel eyes but knew it wasn’t due to amusement, but she suspected that he was enjoying their conversation as much as she. ‘I would like to run my own business. I don’t believe that being in charge of a home will be enough for me.’
His eyes widened. ‘Do you know something, Miss Rowe? I believe you will find a way to achieve your ambition.’ He tilted his head. ‘What’s more, I feel certain you will be successful at it.’
She was taken aback by his confidence in her. ‘Do you really think so?’
‘I do. You have intelligence, you work hard, and you seem very determined. There is no reason why you should fail.’
She smiled at him, delighted with his reassurances. ‘People do fail though, and maybe I could be one of them.’
‘That is always a possibility. I’ve failed at some of the things I’ve attempted to do, quite a few times,’ he said, surprising her with his honesty, ‘but to me, a successful person is not someone who falls at the first hurdle, but who dusts themselves off, rethinks their strategy and tries again. And sometimes has to keep on trying until they find a way of achieving what they set out to do.’
She gazed at him in awe of his open-mindedness and frankness. ‘You make a lot of sense. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.’
‘It is my pleasure. For now, though, you assist your father at Rowe’s. He must enjoy having you and your sister working for him?’
Florence agreed. ‘He does. I think he would have preferred my brother to work for him, so that he could train him to take over from him when he retires, but Willie hasn’t never been interested in the shop.’
‘That’s a shame,’ he said, looking a little unsure. ‘Although I don’t see why you and your sister wouldn’t be any less successful at running the business. My mother took over from my father when he passed when I was ten years old. She was a good business-woman too, and I learnt everything I know from her.’
Florence liked his attitude to women and business. It gave her hope that in this world where man was king of all he possessed, that maybe Mr Boot wasn’t the only man to believe women were capable of much more than was usually expected of them.
The train moved off once again. ‘I don’t know why but I hadn’t realised there would be so many stops on such a small island,’ he said.
‘We’ll reach Pontac soon and you can see the coast from there. It’s one of my favourite stops,’ Florence explained. ‘When I do come this way, I love to look out at the rocks in the bay. I’m told it can be very dangerous for the fishermen’s boats, but the bay is very pretty for those of us looking out from a carriage window.’
‘My sister tells me that this island is blessed with many bays worthy of inspection.’ He laughed. ‘She also said that she believes you and she visited most of them during her time here.’
He had a wonderful laugh. Deep and rumbling, infectious.
‘We did visit a few.’ Florence recalled only too well those pleasant, sunny days with Jane. It wasn’t hard to imagine her and her brother getting along well; both seemed such friendly people. ‘But there are many more we didn’t explore.’
‘You’re very lucky to live on such a beautiful island,’ he said, as they passed several pretty gardens with the glistening sea in the background.
‘What’s Nottingham like? I’ve never been.’ She wanted to know more about this man and where he came from.
‘It also has its beauty, but a different one to this place. I particularly admire the red-brick buildings in the town. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the streets. I find it inspirational.’ He gazed at her for a moment. ‘There’s a lot of green open space around the city, and if I’m not working, I’ll go for a ride in my carriage to take in the air.’
‘It sounds wonderful,’ she said, trying to picture the place. The largest town she had ever experienced was St Helier and she doubted that was anything like the size of Nottingham. ‘And of course, Nottingham is where such beautiful lace mostly comes from. We have a customer who will only wear lace sourced from there.’ She recalled the last time Mrs Wolstenholm had boasted about the fine lace on the sleeves of one of her dresses.
‘It is a thriving industry,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘However, with that comes its own issues and pitfalls. On the one hand the industry provides work for many of the populous, but the hours are long, and a lot of the factories provide little in the way of benefit for their staff. We have a lot of poverty in many areas and the poorer people of Nottingham suffer as all do who have very little.’
She had witnessed the slums in St Helier a few times when her father took her and her siblings to deliver food from their church a couple of times around Christmas time. He believed it was a valuable part of their education and had wanted them to see how sheltered their lives were. She had never forgotten it and was grateful to live with her family in their little flat above their shop. She had so much compared to those with very little.
‘I feel rather ungrateful to have moaned about being a shop assistant after hearing about these poor workers in the factories.’
‘You shouldn’t. You’re ambitious, and, as I’ve said, there is nothing at all wrong with that. I don’t want you to form the wrong idea about Nottingham; it does have its slums and overcrowding and occasionally there have been riots.’ Florence gasped at the thought. ‘However, it is a vibrant place, and I do enjoy living there.’ He hurriedly added, ‘That’s not to say I think any less of your island. I only wish I had thought to visit here before now.’
‘At least you’ve discovered it now.’
A silence descended on them and, surprised to be caught without any idea what to say next, Florence stared out of the window. It was disconcerting to not feel in control for once. Wasn’t she the one who always knew what to say? The person her friends relied upon to take the lead when conversation dried up? What was wrong with her that she felt so empty-headed now?
‘It really was very kind of you to come out with me today on your day off,’ he said, breaking the silence and putting her at her ease once more. ‘I hope I didn’t disrupt any other plans you might have had.’
She shook her head. ‘No.’ She usually spent her days off going for a walk to the sea and finding somewhere peaceful to read the latest novel she had chosen from W. H. Rowe. The thought reminded her of the book she must now return to the shop display before her father discovered it was missing.
The train came to a halt and several passengers exited. Florence spotted one of congregation from their Wesleyan chapel stepping onto their carriage and suppressed a groan. She was a particularly nosy woman and Florence suspected that she would stay in their carriage just to find out more about her companion.
‘Good morning, Miss Rowe,’ she said, not looking at her, but at Mr Boot instead. ‘And you’re with a friend today, I see. Sir, I’m Mrs Bisson. We attend the same church in Grove Street.’
Mr Boot stood and doffed his hat. ‘Good morning, Mrs Bisson,’ he said, his tone friendly.
‘Do you mind if I take this seat?’
Florence quickly scanned the rows of empty seats nearby. She wasn’t surprised that the woman was so insensitive, merely disappointed to have their journey interrupted.
‘No, please,’ Mr Boot said politely, giving Florence an apologetic glance. He sat back down, his breath catching slightly as he did so, Florence noticed. ‘Let me introduce myself.’ He took Mrs Bisson’s hand. ‘My name is Mr Jesse Boot. I’m on holiday on the island and Mrs Rowe has kindly offered to show me some of the sights you’re lucky to enjoy here in Jersey.’
She seemed charmed by his friendly way. ‘We are particularly lucky, I’m told. Although I’ve never left the island. Never felt the need.’ She studied him for a few seconds. ‘Will we see you at chapel on Sunday then, Mr Boot? As a guest of Mr and Mrs Rowe?’ she added pointedly. ‘Miss Rowe’s family and mine are practising Wesleyans, which is how we are acquainted.’
His look of surprise when he stared at Florence concerned her. Did he have negative views about their faith? She hoped not.
‘My faith is important to me,’ she said. ‘I know we’re seen as non-conformists in the Protestant church, but it’s all I’ve known, and I believe it’s the right way to worship. I see no reason to change my views.’
‘I hadn’t realised, Miss Rowe,’ he said. ‘I would love to accompany your family on Sunday, if I may, for I, too, am a practising Wesleyan.’
Stunned, Florence opened her mouth to speak, but failed to produce any words. She pressed her lips together, trying to gather herself. ‘Yes, we would be delighted if you would join us,’ she said eventually.
This man was becoming more intriguing and appealing by the minute, she decided. It was confusing to feel such affinity with a man she barely knew. It unnerved her slightly.
‘That is good news,’ Mrs Bisson said. ‘How long are you planning to stay here?’
Florence could see he could not have heard the woman’s question as his eyes were still locked on hers. ‘Mr Boot?’
He blinked several times. ‘Sorry? I, um, was thinking.’
‘I asked—’ Mrs Bisson’s irritation was barely veiled ‘—how long you were planning to stay on the island?’
‘I had initially planned on a fortnight. However, I can see that there is much more to see here than I had assumed on such a small island. I may therefore delay my departure a little.’
Florence could tell Mrs Bisson’s interest had been piqued, so decided to distract her. ‘How is your daughter now?’ Florence asked, aware that by asking this question, the woman would give them chapter and verse about her daughter’s new marriage to a wealthy farmer in St Mary. Hopefully Mrs Bisson’s chatter would last the entire length of her journey, so Mr Boot and she could be left to their own thoughts.
As the woman told her things she had already heard several times, Florence watched the rolling waves as the train moved on. Her instincts told her that meeting the man sitting opposite her had been an important occurrence in her life. She wasn’t sure exactly how it would manifest itself, but something in her changed. For the first time in her life she liked the idea of spending time with someone over the thought of being alone with her books. The thought stunned her … excited her.
Florence realised Mrs Bisson was standing up and that the train had come to a halt. ‘This is my stop,’ the lady said. ‘Well, it has been very pleasant speaking with you, Mr Boot. I do hope you enjoy your time on the island.’
They waved to Miss Bisson through the window as the train moved on.
‘I’m not certain she learnt much about me at all,’ Mr Boot said, smiling.
‘I know, but she’s happy to chatter and tell us all about her family.’
‘You’re a Wesleyan too?’ he asked after a moment’s silence. ‘Jane never mentioned that to me.’
Florence smoothed down a non-existent crease in her skirt. ‘I don’t think it was something we ever discussed,’ she said, thinking it strange that if Jane had been a Methodist, she had not thought to ask Florence which chapel she might attend on Sundays. ‘We were more interested in visiting the library, taking tea at some of the hotels and taking strolls in the countryside.’
‘That sounds like Jane,’ he said thoughtfully.
They sank again into a comfortable silence. It seemed strange to Florence not to feel the need to find something to discuss, but she felt that simply being in each other’s company was pleasant enough. This really was a new experience in many ways.
The train pulled into the station at Grouville. Florence followed Mr Boot, taking his proffered hand as she stepped from the carriage onto the platform.
‘I thought we could stop for a cup of tea before taking a stroll around the area. I would like to take you on to Gorey, with its busy harbour, but the train line doesn’t extend that far. I believe there’s talk about doing so at some point. We could take a carriage if you would like to go there.’
He looked around. ‘This is very pretty. I’m happy to spend time here for now and come back for some refreshment a little later.’
Florence was happy to agree with him. They walked slowly, taking in the warm sea air, neither feeling the need to speak for several moments.
When they were a few feet onto the common, Mr Boot finally asked, ‘Do you enjoy working at Rowe’s? Or is there something else you would rather do?’
She wondered if he was referring to motherhood. Surely not. That would be far too forward a question for anyone to ask her, especially a man of Mr Boot’s standing. To be safe she said, ‘I’m happy at Father’s shop. I love books and now we’ve branched out into art supplies, there’s even more to enjoy and share with our regular customers.’
‘You are very happy there then?’
Florence smiled. ‘Yes, although I wish my father would allow me to arrange the shop a little differently. I’m sure I could make it work better than it does now.’ Embarrassed to be thought of as complaining – or even worse: being disloyal to her father – she quickly added. ‘Not that the shop doesn’t do perfectly well.’ She wondered if what she was saying could be construed as vulgar. ‘Or that Father doesn’t listen to me on occasion. Recently he agreed to let me order a couple of gold pen holders and holiday cards.’
‘Holiday cards?’
‘Yes, post cards.’ She stumbled slightly and he caught her elbow, helping her right herself. ‘Thank you. What I meant to say was that I merely wish for a little more freedom to try out a few new things.’
‘I understand. My mother tended to see me as her child despite my advance in years and experience doing the work.’
She was relieved that he understood what she was trying to convey.
‘Amy mentioned that you were a druggist,’ she said, ‘but you also have quite a few stores. Which work do you prefer?’
He thought for a moment and pausing picked a daisy from the high bank next to them, twirling it round between his right thumb and forefinger thoughtfully. ‘I enjoy the creating of new medicines.’
Her face reddened, aware she had admitted some interest in him. ‘Have you always wanted to do this work?’
He nodded. ‘I have. I inherited this need from my father. He was concerned with helping improve living conditions in the lace market area. He realised that herbal remedies were cheap and over thirty years ago he opened an establishment at Goose Gate in a poor area of the town to provide herbal remedies to those who couldn’t afford to pay for physicians. He learnt from his mother and he passed his knowledge down to me.’
She was fascinated by his story. ‘So, it’s very much a passion of yours then?’
‘It is.’
What an incredible man this was.
He handed the daisy to Florence with a friendly smile. ‘I am ambitious, but I find I am rewarded with much satisfaction by being able to help others.’
As her gloved hands took the daisy from his, the thin stem slipped through her fingers.
‘Oh, I’ve dropped it,’ she said, embarrassed by her clumsiness.
‘No matter, there are many more.’ He reached out to pick another one from the sloped bank, placing the flower in the palm of his other hand and waiting for her to take it.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I love daisies, don’t you? So pretty, yet not at all … what’s the word I’m trying to find.’
‘Ostentatious?’ Mr Boot suggested.
Florence mulled over his suggestion as she gazed at the plain white petals fanning around the egg-yellow middle. ‘Yes, that’s perfect.’
It was hotter than Florence had anticipated, and her corset was uncomfortable. One part of her longed to get back to her bedroom and remove the restrictive garment, but she was also enjoying herself much more than she had imagined.
‘This common has the best view of any I’ve seen,’ Mr Boot said, gazing at the view ahead of them. ‘I presume events are held here at times?’
‘Yes,’ Florence said. ‘There’s horse racing occasionally, and the military come here to carry out training and exercises sometimes.’
‘There’s certainly the space for it.’ They walked on a few more yards. ‘Your father has invited me to dine with your brother and his wife,’ Mr Boot said. ‘It really is very kind of your family to make me feel so welcome. I appreciate it.’
‘We enjoy meeting new people. It gives us something different to discuss in the evenings.’ She was joking, but only a little. ‘Your life seems so different to ours and it fascinates us.’
His step faltered and he widened his eyes. ‘Really? Why so?’
Florence hoped he would not think her forward or talking out of turn by saying such things. Her parents often scolded her for her forthright way of speaking to people they insisted she had no right addressing or giving her opinions to.
‘You come from the mainland and the Midlands at that,’ she said, hoping to show that she had paid attention to what he had been saying. ‘You’re a druggist; that is something unusual in itself. You also run factories and chemists. Not like the small chemist next to Rowe’s at number twenty-nine. It’s diverting for us to think about these things.’
He seemed pleased at her interest. ‘I wanted to build up my business, because I believe that, the larger my business, the more I could buy in bulk and thereby afford to lower costs. I liked the idea of providing health for a shilling, because I believe the health of the poor man or woman is just as important as the health of someone with money.’
His sentiments matched hers completely. How incredible must it feel to be able to develop then produce and sell medicines, and know that products you had made could save your customers’ lives. She struggled not to sound too in awe of him. ‘Your work is very commendable.’ She was painfully aware that she wasn’t vocalising her thoughts as well as she had intended.
‘You’re very kind to say so. Thank you.’
‘Do you produce all the medicines?’
‘No. I was lucky enough last year to be able to open shops in Lincoln and Sheffield and take on my first qualified pharmacist. He is young man, not much older than you, and a marvel who creates and dispenses new medicines to my customers.’
‘I envy him. To think he has the opportunity to work for a progressive man such as yourself.’ Thinking she might have been too forward and spoken out of turn, Florence reddened. ‘I didn’t mean to offend by what I said.’
He patted her arm. ‘No, my dear. I’m fully aware you did not. Nor have you. I am intrigued, and secretly delighted that I am considered interesting to others. It’s not something I have ever presumed to be.’
Mr Boot might be older than her, Florence decided, but, for all his success, he didn’t seem at all judgemental or priggish. She decided that if he asked her, she would agree to meet up with him again.
‘I read that the train line from St Helier to La Corbière was opened earlier this month. Do you think you might consider accompanying me to see the lighthouse there?’
Florence wondered if he had been able to read her thoughts, then shrugged off the notion as nonsense. ‘I would like that very much,’ she admitted. ‘In fact, it’s been a few years since I went there myself.’
‘Good,’ he said, looking, she thought, rather pleased with himself for making the suggestion. ‘Then we shall have to rectify that. What day do you next have time away from work?’
‘Not until Thursday afternoon when we close half-day, I’m afraid.’ She wished she didn’t have to wait so long to spend more time with this interesting man who treated her as an equal despite her younger age and being a woman. ‘However, maybe my father might make an exception as you are on holiday, and let me have time off before then.’
‘I can ask him, if you think he will be more likely to agree?’
She thought that was a splendid idea and said so, trying not to show how excited she was at the prospect, as they continued their stroll to the seafront.
Florence was used to speaking her mind up to an acceptable limit, but for some reason she felt as if she was with a kindred spirit with this man. On the face of it they had very little in common – their ages were not similar, nor were their backgrounds – but there was something about him … something she liked very much.
Chapter 4 (#u8f6ae994-2552-5861-8865-777f4164b402)
Later, as she lay back against her pillows in a quiet moment of solitude before being called for supper, Florence went over her day spent with Mr Boot. She had enjoyed herself in his company. She sighed happily, thinking of their next outing together. This time they would see the west of the island. For some reason she wanted him to love her homeland as much as she. She wasn’t sure exactly why this need was so great in her, but she felt almost panic to show him as much as possible before the time came for him to return to the mainland.
She had never expected to meet a man with whom she felt this much at ease, or who intrigued her so much. She thought about the little he had told her about his work as a druggist. It all sounded fascinating. Florence loved her job and knowing that she made the Rowes’ customers lives that much happier through the books and art supplies that they sold to them was an added bonus.
Maybe that was what connected them: their work. Hers catered for the customers’ spirits, their creative side, either by helping them escape in a novel, or providing them with books on how to make something, while Mr Boot’s business took care of their physical health. They were two sides of a coin that served the people living near them. The thought made her very happy.
Amy knocked on her door and opened it before waiting to be given permission. ‘Father has asked that you come downstairs.’
Florence glanced at her small mantel clock. It was one her grandmother had left to her and Amy, which her sister hadn’t wanted. ‘It’s earlier than usual tonight,’ she said, wishing she could be left a little while longer with her thoughts.
‘I have a feeling he and Mother wish to speak to you about something.’
Her stomach contracted slightly. On her return she had asked that she be allowed tomorrow off from work to accompany Mr Boot to La Corbière, but having already taken today away from the shop, she couldn’t imagine her father would agree. She hoped he would though. Mr Boot only had one week left on the island and she wasn’t looking forward to returning to find entertainment without his refreshing banter.
She checked her hair in the mirror and smoothed down her skirt. ‘I’ll be along directly,’ she said, wanting a moment to collect herself.
Florence entered the small living room and was taken aback to see Mr Boot standing between her parents.
‘Oh, I …’
‘I hope you don’t mind me calling on you so very soon after bidding you farewell this afternoon.’ He gave her a polite nod. ‘I was hoping to persuade Mr Rowe to allow you time away from the shop again tomorrow.’ He looked at her father, apologetically.
Her father didn’t look as cross about the prospect as Florence would have assumed. In fact, she thought, he seemed to be rather pleased.
‘No, not at all,’ she said, unable to hide her smile.
‘Mr Boot has advised me that he’s received a letter from home and must make plans to return to Nottingham a couple of days earlier than he had planned.’
Her mood plummeting, Florence had to concentrate on not showing her disappointment. ‘Nothing is wrong with Jane, I hope, Mr Boot?’
He shook her head. ‘No, Jane is well, I’m relieved to say. However, there is a business matter that needs my attention. My return has therefore had to be brought forward. Rather inconvenient, I’m afraid. It cannot, however, be helped.’
‘That is a shame,’ she said, not allowing herself to show her disappointment at hearing this news.
He cleared his throat. ‘I have come today in the hope that we might take another outing tomorrow. If, of course, it’s not too soon after our busy day out today?’
‘No, of course not,’ she said, without stopping to at least look as if she was considering his invitation. She gave her father an appealing smile. ‘Father? Would you mind me taking the day off from work?’
Her father moved next to Florence and rested his right hand on her shoulder. ‘I have given Mr Boot permission to go out with you tomorrow.’
She couldn’t hide her surprise. Her father must like Mr Boot very much to allow her another day off immediately after the one she took today. ‘Thank you, Father,’ she said, trying not to show her delight.
‘I have a fancy to see the new lighthouse at La Corbière.’
Florence only vaguely heard him. She was too stunned by her father’s permission for another day off to truly take in what Mr Boot had said.
He cleared his throat nervously when she didn’t answer straight away. ‘Only if you wish to accompany me, Miss Rowe. Please feel free to say if you’d rather not.’ He passed his leather gloves from one hand to the other.
Horrified to have given him the wrong idea, Florence shook her head. ‘Not at all, Mr Boot,’ she said, trying her best not to sound too enthusiastic. ‘I would very much like to accompany you to the lighthouse tomorrow. Thank you for asking me.’ Her mother had a particular abhorrence of women having an unladylike enthusiasm for anything, and found it extremely distasteful.
She waited in the living room as her father showed Mr Boot to the door.
Her mother didn’t appear happy at Florence agreeing to go on another outing with Mr Boot. She wasn’t sure why, so felt compelled to ask her.
‘Do you mind me accompanying Mr Boot on outings, Mother?’
Florence followed her mother as she walked into the kitchen, pulling the straps of her apron carefully over her head and tying it around her waist. She clattered about in the kitchen, not needing words to convey her feelings.
‘Mother, is something the matter?’
‘Nothing is the matter,’ her father said, joining them. ‘Your mother probably would like some help with the supper, or a little peace to continue with its preparation.’
‘Peace would be my preferred choice,’ her mother snapped without turning to address them.
Her father waved for her to follow him back to the living room. Florence shared her concerns.
‘Your mother has nothing against Mr Boot,’ he assured her as they sat opposite each other on the comfortable armchairs in front of the unlit fire. ‘How could anyone have an issue with such a pleasant man?’
Florence couldn’t say. ‘Why then does she appear upset that I am to see him again? Is it something I’ve done?’ If it was, she had no idea what it could be.
He leant forward and lowered his voice. ‘She likes Albert. I suspect your mother is anxious that your affections will gravitate from him to Mr Boot. After all, Mr Boot is quite a bit older than you and you must have noticed his occasional pain when he moved.’
She had but couldn’t understand what that had to do with anything. He was kind, entertaining and very good company. Surely that was what she needed from a man, not worrying about his age or the fact that once in a while he suffered pain in his legs.
‘Albert and I are merely friends, Father,’ she explained. ‘I only let Mother think that we might end up courting, because it stops her fretting that I’ll end up being a lonely spinster. Although, I can’t imagine ever being lonely, and I have no issue with remaining a spinster, whatever Mother says.’ As soon as the words left her lips, she wished she could recall them. She hated being rude to her parents and loved her mother, never intending to speak badly about her. ‘That is to say …’
Her father rested his hand on her shoulder. ‘Don’t concern yourself. I don’t like to think of your mother being misled. However, for the time being or until you’ve had a chance to change your mind about Albert’s prospects as a husband, maybe allowing her to believe that you have a fondness for him is the best option. .’
‘You prefer Albert over Mr Boot, Father?’
He considered her question for a moment. ‘I don’t believe it’s a case of liking one man more than the other. I am only concerned that you, as with your siblings, choose to be with someone who makes you happy, be it Albert or Mr Boot.’
Florence was relieved to hear him say as much. Although she barely knew Mr Boot, she could not deny to herself that there was something appealing about him as well as his business ethics. Her disappointment at hearing about his earlier than anticipated return to Nottingham had given her quite a jolt. It made her realise that she was enjoying his company even more than she had ever supposed she might.
Chapter 5 (#ulink_b6a7a8d8-203a-565e-afc6-217c75e83776)
Florence had spent the morning and previous evening planning how to make the best of her outing with Mr Boot. She was looking forward to spending time with him.
She walked down Mulcaster Street towards the Pomme d’Or Hotel, wishing she had thought to pack less in the picnic hamper she had brought with her. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea of hers, she mused, moving the handle from her right to her left hand. It was far heavier than she had expected when she’d packed it up earlier. She didn’t even know what foods Mr Boot liked, or if he would be happy with the idea of a picnic.
‘I’m so stupid,’ she murmured to herself. If only she wasn’t using her mother’s hamper, then she could maybe leave it with someone and ask if she could collect it later.
She wished she had a free hand to fan herself and hoped she wasn’t too hot by the time she met him. The last thing she wanted to do was arrive in a flustered state. That really wouldn’t do at all. She passed the entrance of the hotel and spotted him waiting for her outside the terminus building. He was looking up at the blue sky, and she followed his gaze, noting that there wasn’t a cloud to be seen.
Seeing her, he waved and began walking to her. As he neared, he called out to her. ‘Good day, Miss Rowe.’ He noticed the hamper and reached out to take it from her. ‘That looks rather heavy.’
Relieved he had taken the weight from her hand, she checked her hair was in place and her hat straight. ‘Thank you. I hadn’t thought about carrying it here when I was packing up our lunch.’
‘I wished you had told me,’ he said as they began walking; ‘I would have collected you in a carriage. This really is far too heavy for a lady to carry.’
‘Not at all,’ she fibbed, not wishing him to think of her as weak. ‘I’m used to lifting boxes of books, don’t forget.’
He smiled at her. ‘That’s as maybe, but there wasn’t a need for you to bring this hamper all this way, especially in this heat.’
Florence laughed. ‘I have to admit, I was thinking the same thing when I was halfway here.’
They reached the terminus entrance. ‘I’ve already purchased our tickets,’ he explained, patting his chest pocket. ‘The train is waiting for us to board.’
Once seated on the train, the hamper on the floor next to Mr Boot’s feet, Florence relaxed slightly.
‘Thank you for bringing a picnic,’ he said quietly. ‘I don’t know the last time I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy one.’
This news made her happy. It had been worthwhile trudging down across town, after all. ‘I hope you like the food I’ve packed for us.’
‘I’m certain I will.’
As the train took Florence and Mr Boot from West Park to First Tower she gazed out towards the sea, silvery from the brightness of the sun, relieved she had not suggested they get tickets to travel by charabanc. Florence had noticed Mr Boot wince as he took his seat and at least the motion of the train was gentle and level, compared to the bumps in the road that the charabanc would no doubt find as the wheels hit them.
He cleared his throat. ‘I haven’t been to the west of the island yet. I’m told by Jane that it is more rugged than the east, with a long beach and Napoleonic forts dotted along the coastline.’
‘She remembers our outing in a charabanc,’ Florence laughed, recalling the fun day out they had with her friends. ‘There were about twenty of us altogether. We travelled in two charabancs and we enjoyed a picnic on the sand dunes.’
Florence was glad that Jane had enjoyed her day enough to tell her brother all about it. They both obviously had fond memories of the day that had started out with the threat of rain. It had been so bad that there was a moment they weren’t certain they would be able to go. But the clouds had parted, and everything had turned out perfectly.
‘Is that the harbour where my boat docked?’ Mr Boot asked, peering towards the granite pier walls to the left of the bay past Elizabeth Castle.
‘Yes, that’s correct,’ she said, fanning herself with the pretty fan her sister Adelaide had bought her for her last birthday. She wondered if maybe she should suggest an outing to the castle on another day, unsure whether it would be easy enough for him to manage when the tide was low and the causeway there was exposed. Deciding not to say anything for now, she added. ‘The sea seems so still today, doesn’t it?’
‘It does.’ Removing his hat, he took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead.
They fell into a companionable silence. Florence stole several glances at Mr Boot as he gazed out of the window at the seascape to the left of them. Fine lines ran from the sides of his eyes to the top of his cheeks. He seemed more relaxed even from the previous day and she was certain his visit to the island was having the desired effect on him.
He must have sensed her looking at him and turned, smiling as he caught her eye.
Shocked slightly to be caught out, her cheeks reddened.
‘Sorry, did you ask me something?’ he asked.
She shook her head, relieved he had thought she had speaking to him. ‘Err, no. That is, yes. I was wondering if you find the island to your liking so far, Mr Boot?’
‘I do,’ he said, sitting back in his seat to face her better. ‘Very much. I don’t know if it’s the sea air or spending more time than I usually would outside in the sunshine, but I am certainly benefitting from being here.’
‘I’m glad.’ Not wishing to seem forward, she added, ‘I wouldn’t want a visitor to the island going home without feeling that he, or she, had taken with them a true sense of well-being.’
‘You can be satisfied then to know that I am feeling better than I have done for many, many months.’
She was glad to hear it. More than she expected to be. She smiled at him and they both gazed out of the window at the shimmering blue and silver view that the sea offered to them.
They passed The Tin Hut at West Park, along to the stop at First Tower where several passengers alighted, and others replaced them. Then they slowed to pass another rail car at Millbrook Station.
‘It’s a little warm today, don’t you think?’
She nodded, wishing she wasn’t wearing layers of fabric with her petticoats and cotton summer dress. ‘Maybe there’ll be more of a breeze when we reach La Corbière?’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Would it be so different? I didn’t think it was too far away from here?’
Florence realised that most people would find it strange that on an island five miles by nine in size that there would be different temperatures. ‘It’s not much of a distance. The lighthouse is on a small peninsula adjoining two bays. The one to its right is a tiny bay, but that leads on to a larger expanse of beach. St Ouen’s Bay faces west and there usually is more of a sea breeze in that part of the island. Odd, I know. My parents have friends who run a farm out that way and they never like coming into town on hot days, preferring to remain out there instead.’
‘I’m looking forward to going there,’ he said, a smile on his slightly pink face. ‘The lighthouse is only a few years old, isn’t it?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, and it’s the first concrete lighthouse in the British Isles. We’re very proud of it here in Jersey. Apparently, on a clear night, the light can be visible up to eighteen miles away.’
The reached St Aubin, and Florence told him a little about the area, with its small harbour and busy waterfront.
‘This is a new terminus building,’ she said. ‘It only opened at the beginning of this month.’
He gazed over to where the old shabby building stood.
The train took a sharp bend to the west and entered the tunnel.
‘Not too long now,’ she said, looking forward to reaching the next sea view. Florence didn’t like tunnels, and this bit always made her slightly uncomfortable. Then, once again, they were back in the daylight and she relaxed.
They passed farmland and Florence pointed out a large herd of Jersey cows. ‘They have to be the prettiest cows, don’t you think?’
‘I imagine you are right. Their faces are very pretty.’
‘We’re almost there,’ she said, excited to reach their destination. ‘I hope the journey wasn’t a disappointment.’
‘Not at all,’ he said, smiling at her. ‘I’ve enjoyed myself immensely so far. Thank you, Florence. It is very kind of you to accompany me here today.’
The train slowed, stopping at the station. Mr Boot lifted the hamper and disembarked, turning and proffering his hand, waiting for her to take it as she stepped down.
They walked away from the station and crossed over to the beach side of the road stopping at the top of the rocks and looking across the causeway to the splendid lighthouse standing proudly on the rocks at the end of the peninsular.
‘What do you think of our lighthouse, Mr Boot?’
‘Impressive, and well worth a visit.’
‘Would you like to take a walk now?’
‘Or we could find somewhere to sit and eat,’ he said, ‘and then take a stroll later when we’ve finished.’
‘And then the hamper won’t be as heavy.’ She laughed.
‘Then it’s agreed. We’ll eat first.’
Having scanned the area for a few moments, Florence pointed to a space at the top of the rocks where no one was yet sitting.
‘We could sit over there,’ she said, hoping they’d reach the area before any other visitors to the area would. She walked slowly so as not to rush Mr Boot, aware that he would be embarrassed if she made her slowness obvious.
They arrived at the spot she had chosen. He placed the hamper down next to two low boulders. ‘These would make good seats, don’t you think?’
She agreed, thinking that maybe he would find it easier to stand once more if he wasn’t seated on the grass, but on something a little higher. ‘It looks perfect.’
She lay the hamper on its side. Florence then unbuckled the soft leather straps holding the hamper closed, hoping to find the food in the same state it had been in when she had packed it. Raising the lid, she lifted the red and white picnic cloth and smiled.
‘It looks as if everything has survived the journey here.’
‘That’s a relief,’ he said, taking the cloth from her and opening it, lowering it until it was on the grass. Then, carefully lifting the open hamper he placed it on one side of the cloth.
Florence thanked him and knelt down next to the food to inspect it. She unclipped the two plates and took out her mother’s second-best condiment set, placing it down.
‘Would you like me to put some of the food on a plate for you?’
‘That would be very kind.’ He undid his jacket.
She was aware that he was watching her. ‘I’ve made the food, so please don’t expect it to be too delicate,’ she explained, not wishing his expectations to be high, and then for him to be disappointed when he saw what she had brought for their lunch.
‘I’m certain it will be delicious,’ he said smiling at her. ‘What have you brought for our lunch, if I may ask?’
She sat back and studied the tins of food. ‘I’ve made us beef sandwiches, with a touch of horseradish. There are some cucumber ones also, in case you don’t like the meat.’
‘That sounds wonderful.’
Boosted by his enthusiasm, she added, ‘I’ve also baked some scones this morning. Mother let me bring a small jar of her best strawberry jam and I bought some Jersey cream to go with it. We also have crackers with a small wheel of Brie.’
‘You have thought of everything,’ he said, breathing in deeply. ‘This air is intoxicating.’
Florence thought so too. She was pleased that he was happy with her basic picnic. She took the two glasses from the hamper and placed them on to the lid, in case the grass was too soft, and they tipped.
‘I made us lemonade,’ she said, unsure of her choice. ‘I tried some at home before leaving and I’m worried it’s a little too tart.’
‘Then it will be perfect for this weather.’
She handed him a glass, and, pulling the cork out of the top of the lemonade bottle, poured a little into the glass for him to try.
Mr Boot took a sip and blinked a few times, despite keeping a smile on his face.
Florence couldn’t help being amused by his reaction. ‘I told you it probably wasn’t very good.’
‘It’s delicious,’ he fibbed, taking another mouthful. ‘Truly.’
Unable to help herself, she laughed loudly at his attempt at saving her feelings.
‘I don’t believe you but thank you for being kind. I’m no cook, baker, or whatever you call a lemonade maker, but hopefully the food will be more palatable than the drink.’
Chapter 6 (#ulink_f1890c6a-629a-522a-a1b1-93e0be385b20)
A week later, Florence thanked the postman as he handed her the mail in the shop. She exchanged pleasantries with one of their customers and opened the door for them as they left.
‘Any interesting mail?’ Amy asked, as she finished dusting the shelves and walked over to join Florence by the counter.
‘Why?’ Florence teased. ‘Are you expecting something in particular?’
Amy scowled, peering at the letters in Florence’s hand. ‘No, but by the look of the top letter, you’ve received something?’
Florence turned her attention to the envelopes. Her sister was right; the top one was addressed to her. She didn’t recognise the writing and inspected the other side, but there was no return address on the back.
‘Who’s it from?’ Amy asked.
‘I’ve no idea.’
Amy took the rest of the mail from Florence and sorted it out, putting it into small piles for her father, which included his personal and shop mail and one for her mother. She nudged Florence. ‘Are you going to stare at it all day, or will you be reading it?’
Florence wasn’t sure, but she hoped the letter was from Mr Boot. He had asked if he could write to her, but she knew his business took up most of his time and had not expected him to do so this quickly. If her intuition was correct, then he had enjoyed their outing to the west of the island as much as she had. Even her hopeless attempt at preparing a tasty picnic hadn’t ruined their time together.
However, she wasn’t sure that she wanted to be in company when she opened this letter, just in case it was from him. She pushed the letter into her skirt pocket just as the shop door jangled and announced the arrival of another customer.
The rest of the day passed achingly slowly. Finally, Florence finished her work for the day. She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to stifle a yawn, then tidied the last of the books and locked the shop door.
Amy chatted with their father as Florence stared out of the window at the street where people hurried to shops before they closed for the day. She turned the sign to ‘closed’, so that no more customers would think to try and enter Rowe’s. She was desperate to read the letter that seemed to weigh down her pocket.
Unable to wait any longer, she said, ‘Do you mind if I go and freshen up for supper now?’
Her father frowned at her question. She could understand his reaction, as she never usually asked to leave as soon as they had closed for the day.
‘You are quite well?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Perfectly.’
‘Of course, you may go.’
She began walking to the back of the shop, catching an amused smile from her sister as she passed her. She didn’t have time for Amy’s teasing, not right now.
She reached her bedroom, closed the door and unlaced her Boot, kicking them off as she sat on the cushioned chair next to a small table by her bedroom window. Pulling the letter from her pocket she opened it and withdrew the single piece of good quality paper.
It was from Mr Boot, she noted with relief. She stared at the writing for a moment thinking how distinctive it was in a slightly untidy way. Florence was nervous, yet excited to read what he had to say.
16–20 Goose Gate
Nottingham
1 September 1885
Miss F Rowe
27 Queen Street
St Helier
Jersey
My dear Miss Rowe,
Thank you for permitting me to continue our friendship through correspondence now that I have returned home to Nottingham.
I was sorry to cut short my trip and miss further outings with you to experience more diverse parishes in Jersey. I am still taken aback by the beauty and the difference in settings on such a small island. From the pretty cobbled back streets in your town to the expanse of sand and sea from the bays of Grouville and St Ouen. I can understand more fully now the reasons why my sister Jane enjoyed her visit so very much.
I was sorry to have to say goodbye to you and your parents. You and your family were very gracious in welcoming me and ensuring that my stay on the island was such a memorable and life-affirming one.
The business that I returned to Nottingham to deal with is now well underway. We have been developing our manufacturing facilities on Island Street and have come up against a few issues. It is a little more serious than I had presumed, but that is nothing unusual. Business always has its ups and downs, and very often unexpected events happen when you least foresee, or wish, them to.
I fully intend to travel back to Jersey as soon as I am able to take time away from my business. I hope that I may enjoy the pleasure of your company when I do. I have so much yet to experience of the island, and maybe we could attend a concert or a dance, or, if you would prefer, I could ask your father’s permission to take you out to dinner.
Yours sincerely and very best wishes,
From your good friend,
Mr Boot
It had only been two days since Mr Boot had left on the ferry but already she missed his company. She had only known him a short time and hadn’t expected him to make such an impact on her life. She needed to write a reply to him but hadn’t managed to finish a letter that she was happy enough to post.
Florence had turned down a couple of invitations from Albert since Mr Boot’s departure but was beginning to feel unkind to cancel their latest pre-arranged engagement to visit the Theatre Royal to attend one of the shows.
Albert was a kind man and a good friend. She didn’t want to let him down again, so when he had popped in from the tea merchants earlier that day to deliver some tea for her mother, she had agreed to go with him and several other friends to a poetry reading.
Florence went up to the living room and offered her mother some assistance making supper.
‘No, thank you,’ her mother said. ‘That won’t be necessary. We’re only having pork chops and boiled potatoes. It won’t take a moment to prepare and will be ready shortly.’
Her mother came out of the kitchen, drying her hands and taking off her apron. ‘Amy mentioned that you received a letter in today’s post.’ She didn’t look very happy and Florence knew that her mother assumed it could be from Mr Boot.
‘Yes, that’s right,’ she said. ‘I’ll quickly go to my room and freshen up.’
Not wishing to wait a moment longer, she ran upstairs. She wasn’t sure what to write in reply but did not want to delay her letter to him in case he thought her uninterested in their correspondence. If she hurried and wrote back to him, he would probably receive it in the next day or so. She sat at her desk. Taking a piece of her favourite cream writing paper, she picked up her pen and began to write.
27 Queen Street
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands
4 September 1885
Mr J Boot
16–20 Goose Gate
Nottingham
Dear Mr Boot,
Thank you very much for your letter. I, too, enjoyed our outings and wish that you did not have to cut short your holiday on the island and go home to the mainland at such short notice.
I am happy to hear that you plan to visit us again. I will endeavour to make a list of the places you might like to see and the best places to enjoy a pleasant meal, or a dance. But there is still so much of the island that I have yet to show you.
You also haven’t been to the north of the island, which is a little more dramatic than the south, with cliff faces that are breathtaking to look at. We could probably take a horse-drawn taxi out to the splendid breakwater at St Catherine’s.
Please send my best regards to Jane; I hope that she is well.
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Your friend, Miss Florence Rowe
She heard her sister leave her bedroom next door and walk down the creaky attic stairs to the main landing for supper. Then her mother’s voice called for her to join them. She was unsure if her sister would come into her room for a quick chat before they went out for the evening. Florence quickly folded her letter and slipped it into an envelope, and wrote Mr Boot’s name and address on the front.
She met up with Albert and her friends for their evening out. It was pleasant enough, although her mind kept wandering to Mr Boot and his letter. She had posted her letter on the way out and could barely wait for his reply to reach her.
Several days later, after surreptitiously checking the post each day, Florence was delighted to spot a letter on the mantelpiece. Her father would have opened his own mail by lunchtime and her mother rarely received mail from anyone. Excitement bubbled in Florence’s stomach. This letter had to be either for either herself or Amy. She walked over to the mantelpiece and picked up the envelope. It was indeed addressed to her.
She couldn’t help feeling surprised that his letters to her had come to mean so much and so quickly.
Florence didn’t want her mother to see that he had written again. She didn’t like to keep things from her family but didn’t see the point in causing her mother any consternation if it wasn’t necessary. She and Mr Boot were merely friends after all, weren’t they? she thought.
Finally, it was her half an hour lunch break, and Florence made an excuse and raced up to her room to read her correspondence.
16–20 Goose Gate
Nottingham
7 September 1885
Miss Florence Rowe
27 Queen Street
St Helier
Jersey
My dear Miss Rowe,
How splendid of you to reply to my letter so quickly and with so much information about your beautiful jewel of an island.
I hope you won’t be offended if I ask you to consider if I may perhaps address you by your first name in future? Please do not hesitate to dismiss this request if it bothers you at all; I would fully understand. If, though, it sits comfortably with you, then please may I ask that you call me Jesse and maybe I may refer to you as Florence?
I am trying to find a time in my calendar where I might have a week or so away from the office to visit Jersey once again. As soon as I do have anything planned, I shall let you know and then maybe we can make further plans about how to spend those carefree days.
My very best wishes, to you Miss Rowe.
Yours very sincerely,
Mr Boot (Jesse)
Florence checked her old mantel clock. She didn’t have time to write her reply, so put aside his letter for consideration later. She had no qualms about them using their first names to address each other. Weren’t they good friends by now? A niggling thought crept into her mind. How would her parents take to this knowledge, especially her mother? She, Florence was sure, would not be as keen to think of her daughter being on first-name terms with a man she had not known for very long. After all, it wasn’t as if they were courting.
Going back to the shop, she approached her father with an idea that she had been brooding over for the past few days.
‘I was wondering if you would let me rearrange the back of shop display table. I thought I could move it further forward and change the way we arrange the display slightly.’
He looked askance at her. ‘Whatever for? It’s always been in the same place.’
She didn’t like to offend him by arguing but was determined to try out her plan. ‘I can’t help thinking that if we moved it further forward and pushed the one in front slightly to the right, that it would make it easier to see from the window. It would also be easier to walk around and look at the books from each side of the table.’
She braced herself for his annoyance, surprised when it didn’t come. ‘Why not? Those books have always been the one to sell the least, even when they are the more appealing to the customers. Amy can help you move the table after closing and you can then redo the display in whatever way you choose.’
Stunned, she nodded her agreement. ‘Yes, thank you,’ she said quickly, before he had a chance to change his mind. She took a deep breath to quell her rising excitement. She was determined to prove to him how well her ideas would work.
He took hold of both his jacket lapels and stared at her. ‘You have a good head for business, Florence, especially for a woman.’
His comment jarred on her. She knew he didn’t mean to be unkind but was aware he would never say such a thing to her brother Willie. However, she mused, she couldn’t help being pleased with his compliment, no matter how backhanded it might be.
‘I will allow you to leave it that way for a week and if it doesn’t make any difference to the sales then you’ll need to move it back to where it was.’
After rearranging the table and redoing the display, Florence was too tired to reply to Jesse. So, it wasn’t until the end of the following day that she was able to do so. She didn’t mind because this time she had something exciting to tell him. It would be interesting to see what he thought of her idea in the shop and the results after only one day. Would he be impressed with her acumen? She hoped so. He seemed to treat her almost like an equal already in other matters, and for him to see her as something other than a lightheaded woman would please her very much.
27 Queen Street
St Helier
Jersey
10 September 1885
Mr J Boot
16–20 Goose Gate
Nottingham
Dear Jesse,
Thank you for your most recent letter and, yes, I am happy for you to address me by my first name and I shall, as you see from the beginning of this letter, address you in the same way.
I am very much looking forward to your second holiday here. I was wondering if you would be interested in visiting some of the local shops? We have two large stores, A De Gruchy and Voisin and Company. They are probably the closest to the large stores in your area and I thought that you might find them of interest. Please do not think I shall be offended if you would rather not go to them. I understand that you will be taking time off work and probably will not be wishing to think of such things during your holiday.
There is an interesting adaptation by Mr D’Oyly Carte’s Opera Company of Patience at the Theatre Royal in Gloucester Street. I went to see the show with my sister Amy and a few friends last night. I shall look at the theatre’s programme when I know the dates of your visit and if there is something in it that I believe might interest you, I shall let you know.
The shop has been very busy over the past few days. Father has allowed me to move one of the display tables that was at the back of the shop forward to the front. He only agreed because I kept asking and assuring him that we would sell more books if I made the changes to the shop. To be honest I wasn’t entirely certain that it would work, but I thought it worth a try, and, lo and behold, it did work, and we doubled the sales for those books today. I have to admit that I was very happy that my idea was successful. So was my father, although he didn’t say as much.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Very best wishes,
Yours sincerely, your good friend,
Florence Rowe
Chapter 7 (#ulink_b8c06728-6477-5510-b557-e12aa5e50e56)
The following days passed slowly. Florence was at a loss to how different she felt about her days. Until meeting Mr Boot, or Jesse, as she still was trying to get used to calling him, she had been carefree and excited to attend concerts, go on outings and generally spend her free time with her friends. Since her days out with him and then his subsequent departure, she seemed only to work and wait for the postman to bring the mail, and then, if his delivery did not include a letter from Jesse, her day was marred and grey.
She glanced up at the wall clock above the counter in the shop for the twentieth time that morning, willing the time to pass until the postman’s arrival.
‘What is so urgent that you keep staring at that clock all the time?’ her father asked, his right index finger placed on his account book where to hold his place in his additions. ‘Is there somewhere you wish to be?’
Embarrassed to have been caught out, she shook her head. ‘Do you think the post is a little late today?’
He was about to answer when the door opened, and the brass bell announced a customer’s arrival. Forgetting his conversation with Florence, he focused his attention on serving the lady and her daughter who were looking for a birthday present for an acquaintance. Florence couldn’t help noticing that the lady appeared almost tearful and waited to see if she needed to provide the lady with a glass of water.
‘I’ve brought Mother here to distract her,’ the younger woman announced. ‘My brother and his wife left the island yesterday to emigrate to New Zealand.’ The older woman sniffed before dabbing her eyes with a corner of her handkerchief.
‘I’m sorry to hear your son has chosen to leave Jersey,’ her father said, ‘but I’ve known of quite a few people over the past few years to take advantage of the offer of free passage for a chance to own their own land and start a new life there. I feel sure his prospects are good.’
‘I’ll miss him terribly though, Mr Rowe.’
‘Yes,’ her father said sympathetically. ‘That is understandable.’
‘This is a second family member to travel to the other side of the world,’ she said, blowing her nose. ‘My uncle and his family left for Australia about thirty years ago when I was a girl. That was due to the gold rush, but we’ve lost contact with them over time.’
‘I’m certain you won’t lose contact with your son. He is a fine man. Many times he came here to find small gifts for you, as well as sourcing his own stationery items.’
Florence wondered if she could ever move from Jersey. It wasn’t something she had thought about much before, but having discovered more about Nottingham recently, it was occurring to her more and more that if she truly wanted to, she could embark on a new life away from the island. The thought excited her. She might think of herself as a modern woman, but was she brave enough to move away from here and start up a business elsewhere? She wasn’t certain, but it was something she was determined to consider.
‘He loved visiting this shop, Mr Rowe,’ the woman explained.
Florence was relieved that the lady’s attention had been diverted and immediately reverted to tidying the displays, relieved for the interruption. This letter was even more important than the others, she mused. She knew it probably shouldn’t matter, but she felt the need for his approval of her changes to her father’s shop that she had described to him in her most recent correspondence. For some reason, his reaction meant more to her than she had at first presumed.
A few minutes later the bell jangled once more and looking up, Florence saw Albert greet her father as he quickly made his way over to her.
‘I shan’t be long,’ he said, glancing over his shoulder at her father. ‘A few of us are buying tickets to attend a musical concert at the Royal Yacht Hotel. I thought you and Amy might like to join us. I think it will be a popular evening and we will need to purchase the tickets before they sell out.’ He glanced at her father once again. ‘It will be good to see you again, Florence. We’ve missed your company lately.’
Florence couldn’t help feeling guilty. She had declined several outings with her friends and even cancelled going to a recital the previous week. She hadn’t liked to let them down, but since Jesse’s departure, she hadn’t felt much like socialising. ‘Yes, I’d very much like to join you. Thank you, Albert.’
‘Will you ask Amy for me if she would also like to come along?’
‘Yes, I will, but I’m certain she will want to join us, so do please buy her a ticket when you purchase mine.’
She liked that he didn’t ask her why she had been absent recently. She needed to keep herself busy and decided that the days would pass until Jesse’s return far more quickly if she kept up her usual social activities.
Jesse Boot. How had this pleasant, hard-working man made such an impact on her life? He had only ever been friendly to her. Never made any promises, or gestures to her that gave her any hope for anything between them in the future. Hadn’t she always determined to remain unmarried and shared the intention with Amy many times? However, for all that she missed him and his conversation far more than she expected.
‘Jesse Boot,’ she whispered. ‘What have you done to make me think of you so constantly?’
She was on her way upstairs to her bedroom to freshen up before lunch when her mother stepped out in front of her from the living room into the hallway.
‘I’d like a word with you, Florence,’ she said quietly, standing back so that Florence had no option but to do as her mother requested. She walked into the room, a little disconcerted when her mother closed the door behind her.
‘Is something the matter?’ she asked, hoping her mother wasn’t going to ask about Jesse. She had seen her mother’s expression when Florence had answered a few of her father’s questions about Jesse one evening. She had hoped her mother hadn’t heard when she had accidentally referred to Jesse by his Christian name in the conversation, instead of calling him Mr Boot.
‘It is,’ her mother replied, folding her arms across her chest. ‘I have noticed letters arriving from Mr Boot every few days. I can only presume that as you are corresponding with each other that you are becoming closer.’
‘I suppose we are.’ What could her mother possibly be concerned about? She and her father knew the man well. They were both aware that he was a perfectly pleasant man and someone of a trustworthy nature.
‘I’ve also learned that you were supposed to accompany Albert to a concert the other evening but cancelled at the last minute.’ She frowned disapprovingly. ‘I don’t expect rude behaviour from you, Florence.’
Aware that Albert’s mother and her own must have been speaking about the event, she tried not to show her annoyance. ‘Albert and I were attending the concert with a group of friends. My cancellation would not have bothered him at all. In fact, he came to the shop this morning and asked me to join him and some friends at another event. He didn’t appear at all upset by my earlier lack of attendance.’
Her mother appeared slightly appeased at this news. ‘And are you going?’
‘Yes.’
‘Good. Albert is a good man and one who will, I feel certain, make a good husband to the right woman.’
Florence wished her mother give up on her hopes for Albert as a son-in-law. Yes, he knew how to run a shop, he was also a good family friend, but even if she had not met Jesse and become fascinated by him, Florence knew that she would never see Albert as a husband –whatever hopes her mother and his held for them both.
Her mother sighed heavily. This matter was obviously weighing on her mind, Florence realised. She also knew that the issue with Albert wasn’t all that was behind this enforced conversation, but her correspondence with Jesse.
‘And the letters to and from Mr Boot?’ her mother asked, proving Florence’s suspicions correct. ‘Am I to understand that there is a closeness forming between you and that gentleman?’
Florence was aware that her answer to the question would have to be considered carefully. She didn’t relish the prospect of having to deal with her mother’s disapproval on a daily basis.
‘He is a very pleasant man, as you and Father know, and I have enjoyed his company immensely.’ She tried to resist, but was unable to help adding, ‘You seem to hold issue with him for some reason. May I ask why that is?’
Her mother seeming to tire, and sat on the nearest chair. Florence thought it might be to give herself a little time to temper her words before she spoke them.
‘Mr Boot is, indeed, a pleasant man. Your father thinks very highly of him and I am aware that you are also becoming fond of him. However, Florence, it can’t have escaped your notice that not only is he older than you by at least a dozen years—’ she paused for effect ‘—but also that the man is infirm.’
Florence’s heart pounded faster as she battled to keep her temper. She loved and respected her mother, but she was twenty-three and a woman who had always held her own opinions. She could not bear to hear criticism against Jesse.
‘I believe his age is what makes him more interesting in conversation. He has coped with many difficulties, and, yes, some of those are health related. However, it hasn’t stopped him from working hard each day and building up a successful business with his mother, has it?’
‘Maybe not, but I wish you would take care not to become too involved.’
‘Whatever do you mean?’ Florence had to work hard to hide her rising anger.
Her mother narrowed her eyes at her. ‘You are not a silly girl, Florence. I believe you know perfectly well that I am referring to your future hopes for Mr Boot. And, if you are not, then I am unsure why you are writing to him with such regularity.’
Florence knew that her mother was only surmising at the speed at which she replied to Jesse’s letters. It wasn’t unreasonable for her to assume that in all probability he would only be writing in reply to a letter she had sent.
‘I write to him because he is my friend and I enjoy hearing from him. I believe he feels the same. He was entranced by Jersey and was unhappy that his visit had been cut short.’
She watched her mother consider her words and eventually her tense expression eased slightly. ‘Then I believe you need to take care not to encourage the man, Florence. Men can at times see interest in a woman where there may be none.’
‘Mother,’ Florence replied, wishing to be left with her own thoughts, ‘Mr Boot has given me no reason to suspect he has any interest in me.’
Her mother didn’t look convinced. ‘I heard you refer to him as Jesse. He must have invited you to address him as such.’
‘He did,’ she admitted. ‘He is only interested in my friendship; I can assure you of that.’
She was being honest and barely let herself wish that there was more between them. Maybe it was because he was so different to her and any other man she had ever met that her interest in him was so great. Maybe it was something else, but that wasn’t something she wished to discuss with her mother.
They heard the bell in the shop and the distant voice of their current postman.
‘You will want to go and check the mail, I shouldn’t wonder,’ her mother said sarcastically.
Florence bit back a retort. She wasn’t used to being rude to either of her parents and didn’t wish to start now. ‘If you don’t mind,’ she said, determined to ignore her mother’s comment. ‘I’m also awaiting a delivery for some new art books that I thought might be suitable for the shop.’
‘I’ll let you go then,’ her mother said, seemingly mollified by Florence’s answer.
Forgetting her lunch break, Florence hurried downstairs to the shop. Her father was wrapping a parcel for a customer, so she made the most of the opportunity and sorted through the few packets and letters that had just been delivered.
Unable to help herself, Florence smiled at the sight of the familiar writing on one of the envelopes. Hopefully now she would be able to find out what Jesse thought of her improvements to her father’s shop.
She picked up the envelope and pushed it deep into her skirt pocket. She didn’t need her father to begin asking questions; it had been bad enough having to answer her mother’s.
The customer left and her father turned his attention to the post. ‘Anything of interest this morning?’
‘Nothing very much, no,’ she said lifting one of the small trunks. ‘I’ll take these through to the back and unpack them.’
She had to resist the temptation to run into the storeroom and walked sedately as her father followed behind her. She did not wish to give him reason to suspect anything; it was unlike her to be secretive but Florence felt she had little choice.
Chapter 8 (#ulink_d81a2606-851e-526a-8f22-bf62adb77ae3)
16–20 Goose Gate
Nottingham
14 September 1885
Miss Florence Rowe
27 Queen Street
St Helier
Jersey
My dear Florence,
It was wonderful to receive your most recent letter and to be able to now address you by your first name.
I was delighted for you that your father agreed to try out your plans for the shop display and am not surprised that they were a success. You have a natural instinct for retail, it seems, and I am glad that you are able to express your ideas at Rowe’s Stationers.
It is not often that I have come into contact with a friend who holds the same interest as I when it comes to my work, and although our businesses cater for the different needs of the populous, we do, it seems, share the same wish to satisfy their needs.
I am brought to mind of a customer from some years ago. She was a young mother with a sickly child. She had already lost three of her infants to various ailments and was panic-stricken that she would also lose this child. Like a lot of people in the poorer areas of the town, she did not have the funds to pay for a doctor, but came to my Goose Gate store, desperate for help. I was lucky to have the means to help and took her to the back of the shop to my mother who gave the woman the herbs needed to assist the child.
We still took payment, because we were too concerned about setting a precedent not to, but only took what she could afford. Not having any children, I could only imagine how terrified she must have felt having to find a way to keep her child alive. I can still sometimes hear her panicked voice and can recall the fear on her face. I decided there and then to find a way to provide health to my customers for the cost of a shilling.
Enough talk of business. This is a letter to a friend and, as mentioned in my previous letter, I am planning once again to visit your beautiful island. I believe that should matters go according to plan, that I will be able to travel to Jersey at the end of September. I would therefore be grateful if you could possibly agree to accompany me on outings, so that I may explore further the bays and interests that I was unable to enjoy during my previous holiday.
Work is, as always, busy, but satisfying. Last year I took on my first pharmacist, a Mr Edwin Waring. I had the idea to do this after a change in the law at the start of this decade that allowed limited companies to sell poisons and dispense prescription medicines. Mr Waring is a young man of 27 years and his hard work and vision has helped me make the move into the dispensing business for my company. With him at Goose Gate, we have halved the cost of prescription drugs and updated the packaging.
As a retailer I am sure you can see that this has not made me very popular, but it has made medicines more affordable to the public and that, to me, is a vital necessity. My father believed that everyone deserves the best healthcare possible and it is something that I have continued to work towards since his, and now my mother’s, death. Customers should not receive preferential treatment simply because they have the means to pay more than others. My aim is that medical aid is available to all, no matter where they stand in society, or where they live in the country.
My apologies. Again, I am discussing my work. Jane is always telling me that I need to step away on occasion and to at least try to focus on a life for myself. Talking of Jane, she came to my office to see me the other day and asked that I forward her best wishes to you and your family.
Until next time,
My very best wishes,
Your friend,
Jesse Boot
Florence sighed and pressed the letter to her chest. He had been pleased for her, as she had known he would. How many other men did she know who would express any interest in her working day, let alone care that she had come up with an idea and be impressed that it had succeeded. How many people cared as much as he did about those he didn’t know? Jesse Boot was different, and very much someone with whom she wanted to keep contact.
She heard footsteps and quickly folded Jesse’s letter and stuffed it with the envelope into her skirt pocket. She had enough time to open the trunk containing a delivery of coloured inks and stationery, and was lifting out a red leather writing folder when her father entered the storeroom.
‘What is taking you so long?’ He glanced at the paper in her hand. ‘Are these from the new firm we ordered from last week?’
She nodded. ‘I think so.’
‘Good, hand that to me and get a move on unpacking the rest. I need to step out for a while after this customer has left.’ He went to walk away then changing his mind, turned to face her. ‘Amy is still out on deliveries, so I will need you to cover the shop.’
‘Yes, Father. I won’t be long now.’
Ten minutes later Florence watched her father put on his hat and walk out of the shop. It was a relief to have a moment to herself in between visits from customers to have time to absorb Jesse’s most recent letter.
She was about to retrieve it from her pocket when she heard a commotion outside. A man’s voice yelling for someone named Lily to ‘come back here’ resonated along Queen Street. Aware that her father would like her to remain inside the shop, but unable to resist from looking, Florence walked around the counter to the shop door and opened it.
She had barely peeked outside when she spotted a skinny young girl of about fourteen running as fast as her tatty shoes would allow her along the street from the direction of Snow Hill. Seeing Florence, she swerved and ducked inside the shop, stopping briefly to look around her before running breathlessly to the back of the shop and disappearing into the storeroom.
Florence was stunned for a moment. She saw the terrified girl staring back at her from around the storeroom doorway, a silent plea from her large brown eyes unmistakeable. Florence put a finger up to her lips to indicate that the girl remain silent and closed the door quickly.
‘Lily! Where is that damn girl?’ she heard a man’s voice ask someone nearby.
She stared out of the window and saw an elderly woman pointing in the direction of her shop. ‘Nasty woman,’ Florence mumbled, hearing a whimper from the storeroom. She didn’t want to alert the man who was now glowering in her direction. Carefully and without making it obvious, she didn’t look at the girl but barely moved her lips and whispered, ‘Shh, stay still.’
He marched up to the door, his fists clenched. Florence’s heart pounded, although she felt sure it wasn’t pounding nearly as heavily as the young girl in her back room.
He opened the door, glared at Florence and bellowed, ‘Lily, damn you, where are you?’
Florence stood in front of him. She was tall and her father had often said that when she took a mind to it, she could scare those less brave than herself with one look.
‘How dare you enter my shop in such a fashion?’
‘It isn’t your shop, miss,’ he snarled, saliva shooting out between the gap in his front teeth. He seemed only slightly unnerved by her stance, she realised. He stepped to the side to look past her, but Florence moved in front of him once more.
‘It is my shop while my father is not here.’
‘I want my daughter back. Now.’
She could see his fists clench and hoped it was simply to frighten her. The smell of drink hung around him, mingling with the unmistakeable stink of someone who had not washed for a long period of time.
‘Sir, I do not know your daughter, although I have to admit that I pity the poor girl. She is not here and if you do not vacate these premises immediately, I will call for the centenier.’ She knew that there would be a police constable or maybe one of the Honorary Police nearby who would soon assist her.
‘Is that right?’
Albert slipped in behind the man and went to stand next to Florence. ‘Yes, and if he doesn’t come, I shall evict you from this shop myself.’
Florence wasn’t sure how her skinny friend would manage such a thing against a drunken man twice his size.
The girl’s father glanced from one to the other before opening his mouth to speak and being overcome by a coughing fit. They waited as he collected himself, wiping his mouth on the back of his mucky sleeve.
‘If she comes this way, you tell her to get ’erself ’ome. She’s got chores to be gettin’ on with.’
‘We will tell her, if we see her.’ Florence moved to stand next to the door, waiting next to it for him to leave. After another glance around the room, no doubt to satisfy himself that his unfortunate daughter wasn’t there, he grumbled something Florence couldn’t make out and left.
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