Dinner with Lisa by R. L. Prendergast

Author:R. L. Prendergast
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 1930s;historical fiction;depression;poverty;unemployment;racism;hope;courage
Publisher: R. L. Prendergast
Published: 2017-03-15T18:37:47+00:00

Chapter 21

Joseph had learned to live with the persistent rumour that the Great West Sawmill might close. The rumour, which had been circulating when he’d started work there, still persisted. With scant construction going on in and around Philibuster, lumber continued to stack up outside the mill. Joseph’s co-workers tried their best to hold on to the hope that the economy would turn around soon and that things would get back to normal; it was a hope very few really believed.

Sadly, the rumours proved to be correct. A large Ontario outfit, Canadian Sawmills Inc., bought the Great West Sawmill on February 19th, 1934. The new owners immediately reduced the workforce from 30 men to 12 and cut wages by a third. Raven and Joseph both lost their jobs. Henri was retained, although at much reduced wages.

Fortunately for Joseph, Mrs. Nye offered him the position of caretaker. He and the children at least had a place to live.

On the day they moved in, a new black 1934 Cadillac Fleetwood was parked in front of Mrs. Nye’s house. Philibuster’s mayor waited at the front door. Joseph introduced himself with a smile.

“Winfield Westmoreland,” the mayor said, shaking Joseph’s hand. It was clear from his manner that he didn’t recognize Joseph. “You’ve spoken with my assistant, so you know what I expect of you.”

Mrs. Brown had, indeed, explained Joseph’s duties and responsibilities. He was to keep the house operating well—lighting fires, shovelling walks, mowing lawns—and to perform any other regular maintenance the place might require. The main floor was for the use of Joseph and his family. The upper floor was exclusively Mrs. Nye’s. Alcohol use and coarse behavior would not be tolerated. If Joseph failed to satisfy Mr. Westmoreland’s expectations, his position would end right away.

“Let me make it very clear,” Westmoreland said. “You have been placed in a position of great trust and must, therefore, behave in an exemplary manner. Mrs. Nye has—how shall I put it?—spells.” He uttered the last word with disdain, as if his mother had a deficiency that reflected badly on him. “These spells must be treated delicately. It is your job to see that she does not embarrass herself. You will speak of nothing that goes on in this house. And you will bring any trouble to my attention immediately.”

Joseph acknowledged that he understood his responsibilities and would carry out his orders properly.

“Always remember,” Westmoreland intoned before leaving, “that you work for me.”

After Westmoreland had gone, Joseph began to explore the house. He started with the main floor. Apart from the large sitting room, which he had already seen, the level consisted of a formal dining area, a library, a washroom, a large kitchen and four bedrooms. The bedrooms and library still contained clothing and personal articles, which, Joseph guessed, had not been used in ages. There were fireplaces in the library, dining room and sitting room, and ornate pot-bellied stoves in the kitchen and bedrooms. Every room had hardwood floors and elaborately carved crown moldings. All in all, the house was as beautiful as Joseph had first thought.

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