Victorian Dream by Gini Rifkin

Author:Gini Rifkin [Rifkin, Gini]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Victorian, C429, Extratorrents, Kat
Amazon: B00AE7K4PK
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2012-11-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

The morning arrived swiftly on the heels of a restless night.

As their coach made its way down Little Tower Hill, Trelayne’s sparse breakfast fought for a foothold in her stomach. Face it, she was scared.

What had seemed easily attainable last evening in the muted comfort of her home, felt less certain by the glaring light of day. Much hinged upon the outcome of this transaction—proper and equitable pay for her employees, her credibility at running the partnership, even her pride. More importantly, it would either bolster her confidence or lay low her capacity to face the responsibilities piling up against her day by day.

The warehouses came into view, the sight anything but encouraging. High walls kept the sunlight at bay, the bricks and mortar cutting off the view to the south. Today, St. Katherine’s Dock was a dismal place, the oppressive atmosphere cluttered with dirt and debris. It even smelled unhealthy.

She clasped her hands in prayer, but it was too late now for petitioning God, they had reached Irongate Wharf.

“You’ll do just fine,” Merrick reassured, handing her down from the carriage. “Just keep your head, and don’t allow ’em to bully you into anything your gut tells you ain’t right.”

As Merrick’s words struck home, she realized how many of life’s situations offered only two choices—fight or flight. Since she couldn’t leave, she would fight her fear, and if necessary, the men awaiting her arrival. As determination flared, it lit an ember of courage in her heart. Her hackles rose, and the physical reaction transformed foreboding into eagerness. Unlike the overwhelming situation surrounding the destitute children, today’s challenge was something over which she had control. Something she could sink her teeth into, on her terms, in her territory.

As they boarded the Romney Maiden, the grand vessel rocked gently in her berth. Up ahead, men of varying social status assembled on the main deck and crowds formed along the loading area. It was almost as if today’s event had been publicized.

Reaching the foredeck, she assumed her “entering a ballroom” demeanor, and while doing her best to avoid coils of rope and other seafaring equipment, she moved along as regally as possible. If they wanted a show, she would bloody well give them one. A murmur passed through the crowd, and she glanced toward the docks. To her surprise, several faces appeared sullen, her gracious smile returned with angry jeers.

“Send us a man to do a man’s job,” a voice rang out.

Her steps faltered, and she searched the faces in the crowd. The message had been loud and clear, but the person responsible remained anonymous, and the statement acted as a catalyst, touching off a round of heckling comments. Merrick’s stern continence appeared to be the only thing preventing the crowd from turning completely ugly. Thank goodness the men in her father’s employ remained steadfast.

After locating the Commissioner of Trade Unions, Merrick escorted her to the bargaining tables. At her approach, the pudgy red-faced man appeared flustered and confused by the negative peer pressure issuing around him.

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