The Orphan Twins by Lesley Eames

Author:Lesley Eames [Eames, Lesley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781788545747
Publisher: Head of Zeus

NINETEEN

Mr Bax expressed himself delighted by the fudge Lily gave him as a gift from Hastings. She was equally delighted by the box of toffees he gave her as a gift from Brighton and decided to share them with Elsie and Phyllis who never received gifts from anyone except each other.

Lily had no intention of trying to talk to Mr Bax during the busy working day so was happy to chat about their holidays as they prepared the shop for opening. It was closed for only one week each year but Mr Bax still fretted about whether his regular customers would transfer their loyalties elsewhere.

He looked out from the kitchen several times during the course of the morning and Lily was able to reassure him that business was brisk.

‘Evans’s Bakery on Mountley Street is all very well but their bread doesn’t compare to Bax’s,’ one customer said.

‘My husband missed having Bax’s apple cake last week,’ said another.

Lily even saw a compliment in the accusing words of one working gentleman who bought a roll to eat at a table. ‘I had to eat out in the rain last week,’ he glowered.

Towards midday another customer had something different to say. ‘I hope it wasn’t bad news for them next door.’

‘Sorry?’ Lily didn’t understand.

‘I saw a telegram being delivered.’

Oh, dear. Mr and Mrs Solliford who ran the haberdashery shop next door were quiet and private so Lily didn’t know them well. But they looked to be of an age to have a son in the forces. Of course, telegrams could bring good news instead of bad, but soon afterwards another customer reported that Mrs Solliford wasn’t serving in the shop today because her son had been killed.

A little later still another customer reported that she’d been buying buttons when Mr Solliford had begun to cry. She’d come away and he’d locked the shop door behind her.

Lily waited until the end of the afternoon then, with Mr Bax’s permission, took soup and bread to their neighbours, managing to catch a friend of theirs as he was letting himself into their shop. ‘So kind,’ he said, taking the tray.

‘Please pass on our condolences and let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help,’ Lily said.

She didn’t know how she’d cope if she ever received news of Artie’s death. The thought of it made her shudder but she tried to follow her own advice about keeping her imagination and her worries apart.

Mr Bax was waiting for her, his expression particularly doleful. ‘Have you decided to leave?’ he asked. ‘You’ve been serious behind your smiles today. And I don’t think it’s because of our neighbours’ sad news because you were serious before then.’

Lily sat at a shop table and invited Mr Bax to join her. ‘You know I have ambitions.’

‘You’re a clever girl. It’s natural.’

‘They’re not grand ambitions but I’d like to feel challenged.’

‘I understand, Lily. I’ll be sorry to lose you but, as I’ve said before, it wouldn’t be fair to hold you back.

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