The Secret Orphan

Chapter 6

Despite the tease of the sun, Elenor’s thin coat barely fought off the chilly breeze. It felt like late September, and had she been walking alone she would have moved faster to warm her limbs.

Her aunt leaned heavily on her stick and took her time over each step, stopping at intervals to catch her breath. Elenor’s legs ached with taking small narrow strides. She was also impatient for another reason. She was keen to see the town properly; she’d only rushed through a few streets from the station to her aunt’s the previous day. She couldn’t remember ever going into town with her parents.

Just the thought of time to browse the shops and purchase new clothes sent her mind into a spin.

One part of Elenor knew she made her aunt ashamed with her appearance, but rather than hide her niece away, she chose to help, to notice and do something about the situation.

Did her aunt understand her excitement? If she did she did not show it. She walked in silence hunched over her walking stick. It took a while for Elenor to realise the further they walked, the weaker her aunt became, and guilt overcame her for wishing the old lady would walk faster. In her haste to buy clothes for herself she’d forgotten her aunt was unwell; after all, that was the reason Elenor was called away from the farm in the first place.

‘We still have some way to go and I fear you are tired,’ Elenor said, adding a sympathetic tone to her voice. ‘Do you need a taxi-cab?’

‘Pah. Lazy legs. It is not much farther. The young today, you have no stamina.’

With a flick of her walking stick Maude Matthews took a few more paces away from her bemused niece before stopping.

‘Look around you. Get your bearings. Now I have you to run errands, my time can be best spent elsewhere.’

Elenor gave a quick glance around and by the time she had turned back to speak to her aunt, the woman had walked away and headed for the end of the road.

On the other side of the road they headed for a tall redbrick building amongst a row of grey shops and canopied stalls. A brass plaque attached to the outer wall stated it was the office of N. M. Andrews: LLB.

‘I have papers to sign. I am tired and therefore will ask Mr Andrews to assist with my transport home. Goodness knows his fee is great enough. Take this letter to Owen’s department store over there.’ Maude pointed to the corner of the opposite street. ‘Ask for Mrs Green and she will help you. No fripperies. Sensible clothing. You understand?’

Elenor took the letter and clutched it tight against the rising wind. It was too precious to lose.

‘Thank you, Aunt Maude. I am truly grateful, I …’

Her aunt tapped her walking stick with impatience and peered at her through her tortoiseshell spectacles.

‘Don’t keep me standing in the cold. I am doing this for me, not you. I cannot be seen with you in public in that outfit for too long. It is bad enough you sound like a country farmer without looking the part. Even in the Depression people were better dressed. Return home as soon as you have finished. No dallying and daydreaming.’

Elenor gave a weak smile.

‘Thank you, Aunt Maude.’

She hovered, watching her aunt enter the building, and as soon as the door closed Elenor moved to the kerb. Cars milled about and when all was clear she headed for the large department store and as Elenor approached, she could feel the excitement mounting.

With clothes to tempt, the store windows held Elenor’s attention for several minutes. A gown of emerald green silk flowing to the floor begged to be purchased as did the contrasting long cream gloves with mother-of-pearl buttons. Only the very rich would be able to afford such a garment, especially during the present economic downturn. Elenor watched people, mainly women, manoeuvre their way through the rotating front doors. She had never seen doors like it and noted the art to entering and leaving at just the right time.

You can do it, you can do it.

She chanted the words in her head and stepped to the entrance. Just as she was about to push the door open, it swung past her and she jumped backwards. Aware it was not the pavement she had stepped on, she turned slowly and faced the buttons of a blue serge uniform.

‘Begging your pardon, ma’am.’

The voice had an unfamiliar accent and Elenor looked up into the face of a mature man with a large moustache which lifted as he smiled.

‘I’m afraid it was my fault, sir. I do hope I’ve not hurt your foot.’

The words rushed from Elenor’s mouth. She was so embarrassed and uncomfortable with the situation.

With a loud laugh, the man lifted his foot and wiggled it from the ankle.

‘No harm done. There is nothing of you to have put any pressure on these boots.’

Elenor smiled back, looked down at his large black service boots, then back up to his face – still smiling down at her.

‘It was the door you see. I’ve never, I mean, I don’t …’

‘Like stepping into the lion’s mouth these things. If you don’t get it right the first time, you could be going around and around until the store closes.’

Elenor burst out laughing. Fascinated by the soft accent, she wanted to listen to the man for longer but was aware she had already held him up from entering the store.

‘Well, after you sir. I won’t detain you any longer.’

She went to walk away.

‘But weren’t you going inside miss? Or did you walk out backwards and that’s how we came to meet.’

A twinkle in his eye made Elenor like the uniformed man even more, and she felt her face flush at her foolish behaviour. Her aunt was right, she was a country bumpkin.

She shook her head.

‘I think it safer I stay out of the store. If I have caused this much havoc just trying to get inside, who knows what will happen when I get close to a counter or worse, one of those elegantly dressed statues.’

His laughter rang louder than before and the man bent his hands to his knees.

‘Miss, it has been a long day and you are the fresh air I needed. The statue if I might be so bold, is known as a mannequin in my country, and a young woman so full of grace such as yourself could not possibly cause havoc anywhere.’

He held out his hand to shake hers and she was grateful her gloves hid her calloused hands.

‘Squadron Leader, Samuel Fleming, of North Vancouver, Canada. Pleased to meet you.’

She held out her hand and took his.

‘Elenor Cardew, Miss, of Summercourt, Cornwall. Pleased to meet you.’

‘Cornwall? That’s a fair way from Coventry. I had the pleasure of visiting an air force base for NCO pilot training only last year. Pretty place.’

Elenor nodded with such enthusiasm she felt the muscles in her neck stretch. She had no idea what NCO stood for, but she was not going to set herself up for more embarrassment by asking.

‘It’s beautiful. My family has a farm there, Tre Lodhen, but I am here for a while to care for my aunt. Talking of whom, I will catch the devil’s tail if I don’t carry out her wishes. I must get inside and hand this letter over to a Mrs Green.’

The man put his hand to the rotating door.

‘Now we have been introduced, I think it is safe for us to travel onto the other side together. After you.’

When they entered the vast building, they were greeted by the smell of beautiful fragrances and leather. Elenor took a step to one side; it was everything she’d imagined.

‘Well, this is where I leave you. I must hunt down a small token to take back to my wife. I hope you complete your mission with Mrs Green in good time. Good day.’

When he saluted her Elenor felt like a princess.

‘Thank you, sir.’ She gave a giggle. ‘Thank you for helping me, I no longer fear the exit journey.’

She watched as he walked away, tall, upright and confident. A posture to mimic if she was to get through the store. She had already noticed the side glances from customers and staff alike.

With a fake air of confidence Elenor approached a member of staff and held out the envelope.

‘Excuse me, I need to hand this to Mrs Green?’

The member of staff looked her up and down and held out a gloved hand.

‘I’ll take it to her. Thank you.’

Putting her hand back down beside her hip, Elenor straightened her back.

‘I’m afraid it is for the attention of Mrs Green only. It’s from Mrs Matthews, Stephenson Road.’

With an impatient sigh the sales woman pointed to a stern looking female on the other side of the shop and walked away.

Chapter 7

‘Mrs Green?’ Elenor asked the plump middle-aged woman in a smart suit casting a watchful eye over the shop floor.

‘What can I do for you, young lady?’

Although her appearance came across as stern, her smile portrayed a softer side.

‘A letter from my aunt, Mrs Matthews.’

She handed over the envelope and hesitated about what to do next.

‘I think there is an instruction for you to help me purchase an outfit. Although, I now realise she’s not given me any money to purchase anything. Perhaps I should return later.’

Mrs Green pulled out a pair of round spectacles from her pocket and opened the letter. ‘Well, young lady, it appears you are to have two sensible outfits for the season. A pair of shoes. A stepping out ensemble – I do love her old-fashioned ways – and a warm coat. Sensible over fashion are her words.’

Elenor gave her a quizzical look.

‘But how am I to pay you? I think I need to return home and come back with my aunt another day.’ An unexpected tear dripped from the tip of Elenor’s nose.

A guiding arm went around her shoulder when Mrs Green ushered her into a small cubicle with a chair.

‘Sit there dear. I will call one of my assistants. Here, use this, it is better than the hem of your frock.’ She gave a reassuring smile as she handed over a cotton handkerchief.

Elenor sat in the comfortable chair and waited.

When the curtain pulled back, Elenor jumped to her feet.

‘This is Sally and she will take your measurements. I assume you will require undergarments?’

Still wondering how she was to pay for one item let alone the many suggested, Elenor gave a shy nod of her head.

‘Everything. But …’ she whispered.

‘Fetch me all I need, Sally. And this is to go onto Mrs Matthews’ account. Her niece is to be assisted by you personally. Miss Cardew, you are happy to have Sally help you?’

‘Yes, Mrs Green. And thank you, Sally.’

The tall girl gave Elenor a smile.

‘It will be my pleasure Miss Cardew.’

Never had Elenor felt so grand. This time she made no attempt to ask to be addressed by her first name. Miss Cardew was going to relish the attention bestowed upon her.

For over an hour, Sally rushed backwards and forwards with outfits. A bemused Elenor could not believe trying on clothes could be so tiring. At first, she was embarrassed by her own attire but soon learnt that Sally was not there to judge. Her professional behaviour was that of an actress on the stage. She must have been horrified by what Elenor hid beneath her ugly frock, but showed no sign of shock, she simply asked if they were to be placed in a bag or sent to the basement for removal. Never one for waste, Elenor was torn. She hesitated when Sally presented the question. In true form, Sally came to her rescue.

‘I’ll wrap and bag them for you Miss Cardew, and that way you can decide what to do when you are home.’

‘Thank you, Sally.’ Elenor touched her arm. ‘I know it seems odd to want to keep clothes fit for the scrap bag, but they … they were my mother’s. They are all I have left of her.’

‘I understand. Maybe you could create something from them as a keepsake. A parcel home it is then, miss.’

She gave a wan smile. ‘I bet oddball country bumpkins are a one of a kind in your store – in Coventry.’

Sally waggled her finger at Elenor.

‘Never call yourself that again. I must admit though, your accent amuses me, where are you from Miss Cardew?’

‘Cornwall. Your accent amuses me too. I’m a farmer’s daughter, hence the rough hands and unkempt clothing.’

As she folded the clothes in readiness to pack, Sally started to hum a song.

‘I know that one! It’s your name! Sally. I think it should be renamed Elenor of the Alley.’

More laughter followed.

‘Is everything all right in there, Miss Cardew?’

Mrs Green called through the curtain.

‘Come in, I’m ready.’

Approving and advising, Mrs Green made a note of the selected purchases. Elenor stroked the velvet trim of her new Sunday best outfit, reluctant to see it removed for packing.

‘I think I will wear the navy skirt with the jumper, stockings and these shoes.’

Elenor lifted a smart black lace up shoe with small thick heel from a box.

Mrs Green gave her a smile.

‘A sensible choice both in outfit and shoe. I like the wine colour of the other skirt too, both will suit you fine. Talking of the cooler weather, are you ready to try on the coats I’ve chosen? I’ve strict instructions from Mrs Matthews and I do think she is right – fashion comes and goes, but a traditional woollen coat in black will be both serviceable and smart and will last several years. We can top it off with a more modern hat, neck scarf and gloves which will bring no objection, I’m sure. I have just the items in mind.’

Elenor looked at the three coats.

‘They’re all the same.’ She said.

Sally pointed out the buttons and back pleats of one.

‘I think this is the one for you. Look how it hangs. Try it on.’

In the mirror a different person looked back at Elenor. She turned and twirled, allowing the coat to rise and fall back into place.

Mrs Green placed a green hat with a down-turned brim on Elenor’s head.

‘This is a little old-fashioned but will satisfy your aunt. To modernise it, you can pull it at an angle over one brow and trim it with grosgrain ribbon. Try the gloves. These are a size small and should fit your petite hands.’

She handed Elenor a pair of suede gloves in the same green as the hat. She clasped her hands in front of her face when she looked in the mirror again.

‘Is it really me? I can’t thank you both enough.’

‘It is Mrs Green with the keen eye, I just do the basic assisting.’

Mrs Green gave a small cough of acceptance.

‘I don’t think my aunt will object to me adding a few extras to her account. Essential ones, of course. I need a cream for my hands. They are sore and chafed.’

Mrs Green gathered a few of the items from Sally as Elenor spoke.

‘We have just the thing. Sally will fetch the cream. It is by Yardley and contains lavender and will help them heal. Your aunt uses the brand, but it will be nice for you to have your own pot. I think you will need help carrying these home – I’ll arrange for a car to take you. I will need a signature for the account before you leave. It has been a pleasure, Miss Cardew, and I do wish you well in Coventry.’

‘Thank you. You have been so kind.’

After a final twirl in the mirror, a new Elenor Cardew stepped out onto the shop floor, one with the confidence of a well-dressed young woman. At the counter she signed beneath a sum of money which would have purchased a prize bull and applied a small amount of cream to her hands before slipping on her gloves. She made her way to the front entrance where she was informed a taxi driver waited for her.

She mastered the art of the rotating door and laughed as she stepped onto the pavement.

Chapter 8

Victoria rushed down the pathway as the driver unloaded Elenor’s bags from the car.

‘Gracious me, look at all these bags. Mrs Matthews is resting but I’ve strict instructions to wake her when you return.’

‘It has been a wonderful experience. Oh dear, I …’

She watched Victoria pay the driver and when he disappeared she shared her concern.

‘The fool I am. I didn’t think of payment. Thank you, Victoria. I will pay you back when I have my allowance.’

Victoria held the door open with the heel of her shoe to allow Elenor into the hallway, both struggling with the bulging bags.

‘No need. There is always money by the door for just such an event. Your aunt insists upon it, she said your uncle used to spend so much time scrabbling around for money, it frustrated her. The dish is never empty.’

‘Well, thank you for the lesson. On my farm he would have been offered eggs.’

Victoria laughed.

‘He might well have given you a wide berth the next time you hailed him down.’

Still laughing, Elenor climbed the stairs behind Victoria. They tiptoed past her aunt’s room and deposited the bags on the bed.

‘I’ll give you ten minutes and then I’ll rouse your aunt,’ said Victoria.

With care, Elenor lifted her precious purchases from the bags and put them away.

Not wishing to keep her aunt waiting, she ventured downstairs.

‘There you are.’

Her aunt sat sipping tea, and Elenor poured herself a cup from the pot sitting on the table.

‘I must say you have chosen well. Very smart. Not too flimsy, well done. Mrs Green is a wise woman.’

Her aunt’s head bobbed up and down with approval when Elenor set down her cup and gave a twirl.

‘I don’t know how to thank you Aunt Maude. The whole experience was a little overwhelming, but Mrs Green and Sally were kind. I have the same in a wine red, and the most beautiful coat, oh, and gloves and hat in green, sensible just as you asked. I did purchase a Yardley cream for my hands, I hope you approve.’

‘Under the circumstances I do not mind. And not wanting to linger on a delicate subject, I’ll assume Mrs Green added undergarments to my account?’

Elenor thought it funny how she was happy to stand in a cubicle discussing underwear with a stranger but felt her face burn and flush when the items were mentioned by her relative.

‘Um, yes, she did, thank you.’

‘Did you enjoy browsing the store?’

Elenor giggled.

‘I became rather confused by the doors and stood on a gentleman’s foot as I made my escape backwards. He was kind enough to help me inside. He said he was from Canada? I pretended I knew where it was, but I don’t.’

Elenor picked up her cup and quenched her thirst. Across the brim she watched her aunt smile.

‘It is good to hear, Elenor. I am sorry to have not witnessed the event, or to have saved the poor gentleman from a sore foot. I will have Victoria’s husband fetch an encyclopaedia for you to read up on Canada, and anything else you may find useful.’

Elenor smiled back. ‘He was an elderly pilot. Can you imagine it, flying in the sky? I’m afraid my bravery stays firmly on the ground attempting rotating shop doors.’

‘You are not alone, young lady. I am fearful of all things mechanical and would never put my trust in a metal bird. We do have to be grateful to the brave pilots for when they gave their lives in the Great War. Bravery, such bravery.’

Aunt Maude sat back in her seat and closed her eyes. Elenor sipped her tea in silence until the gentle snoring of her aunt indicated the afternoon’s conversation had come to a close. With slight disappointment, yet with the sense a barrier had been removed between them, Elenor tiptoed from the room and went to the kitchen in search of Victoria.

A male voice and whispers from Victoria told Elenor the housekeeper was reunited with her husband. She stepped into the kitchen.

‘Ah, Mr Sherbourne, you have returned I see. It is a pleasure to meet you at last.’

Elenor moved towards the man who stood beside Victoria. He was not as tall as she had expected – although she wasn’t really sure what she’d expected – and had a mop of unruly brown hair, almost as if curls had never quite formed. He stared at her with narrow brown eyes, almost untrusting, curious or suspicious. His presence unnerved Elenor and she wasn’t sure why.

He stepped forward to shake her hand and his grip was firm. He had a large gap between his top teeth with a slight protrusion on one side. He was not a handsome man, and she was surprised at Victoria’s choice of a husband. But, one should never go by looks alone. Her brothers were not ugly on the outside.