Christmastime 1939 by Linda Mahkovec

Author:Linda Mahkovec [Mahkovec, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bublish, Inc.
Published: 2018-09-19T17:46:35+00:00

Chapter 7

Though Lillian smiled as Mrs. Allen, a loyal customer, described her holiday plans, Lillian’s mind was on her job. She might be able to manage losing a few Saturdays, but if her work schedule were further reduced, she would have a hard time making ends meet.

“We’ll have the dresses altered just as you requested, and will deliver them to you by the weekend. And if I don’t see you before your trip, have a wonderful Christmas.”

“Thank you, my dear. I’ll see you after the holidays!”

“Goodbye, Mrs. Allen.” Lillian’s smile quickly dropped as she saw Mrs. Blackham talking to Letitia, pointing in her direction.

“There you are!” said Mrs. Blackham, approaching the counter with Letitia.

Lillian put her smile back on, and decided to get the confrontation over with. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Blackham. How have you – ”

“I’ve been here several times looking for you. This nice young girl told me where I could find you, and now here you are. I don’t want to disturb you while you’re working, but I do want to have a word with you. Could we meet briefly after work?”

“Oh, I’m afraid I have to pick up Tommy and Gabriel early today.” It was her early shift and she didn’t want to miss the opportunity of spending more time with the boys.

“Tomorrow then?”

“Well, I don’t get off until – ”

“I can cover for you if you need to leave early,” said Letitia.

“We could meet at the café across the street,” suggested Mrs. Blackham.

Lillian waited a moment, unable to think of a graceful way out. “Of course. Would you prefer the tea room upstairs?”

“Heavens, no! That’s too dear.” She drew back at the thought.

“The café, then. I’ll meet you there tomorrow at 4:30.”

“I’m so glad. Tomorrow, then.”

Lillian gave an inner shudder as Mrs. Blackham pressed her hand before leaving.

Mr. Hinkley had been closely observing them – the woman in black was not “a discerning woman of style.” He now swept down on Lillian. “Our department is not a place for social engagements, Mrs. Hapsey.”

“No,” Lillian answered. “It certainly isn’t.”

He rushed to welcome a mother and her two daughters into the department, bowing as he greeted them. Izzy’s words came to her mind: “‘You can do so much better than this.’”

Letitia overheard the reprimand, and sidled up next to Lillian. “Gosh, I didn’t know he was so strict about everything. Joe might stop by later – he might have some news for me. Now I wish he wasn’t coming. Mr. Hinkley won’t like it.”

Not fifteen minutes later, when Lillian was selecting another dress for a customer in the dressing room, she saw Joe Maguire step into the department.

Letitia’s face brightened and she bounced a few times on her toes. She crossed over to him, just as Mr. Hinkley stepped out from the back room. The color rose to his face at the appearance of the handsome young man smiling at Letitia.

A flash of fear crossed Letitia’s face, which caused Joe to become ill at ease.

Mr. Hinkley strode over to Letitia, his chin high in the air.

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