Harpers Heroes by Rosie Clarke

Author:Rosie Clarke [Clarke, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

‘I hope you didn’t mind my popping into your office,’ Marlene said later that morning. ‘I know how busy you are – I haven’t disturbed you?’

Sally shook her head. ‘I had a new representative to see this morning. He comes from Norfolk and had several lines in the footwear department to show me. I gave him a big order and I’m not sure who was more pleased – him or me.’

‘I expect they need the orders to keep going in these difficult times.’

‘Yes, but all the stores are looking for supplies – however, Mr Rowley says he wants to secure a market for his goods with Harpers. Until now he’s sold most of his stock through local outlets and he’s right that I might not have seen him in normal times. These boots and shoes are more for work and hard-wearing than fashion, but men need them to be that way these days and so do women when they can’t replace their shoes as often as usual. I think the working girl will appreciate them, but some of our smarter customers will think them too plain.’

‘Some of my girls would be glad of them. My waitress, Lily, was complaining she couldn’t find a comfortable working shoe the other day, they were all too expensive for her.’

‘Well, our new stock will be in next week and they sell from twelve shillings a pair for button shoes with a small heel.’

‘That’s still quite a lot, but she should be able to afford it. I’ll tell her about them,’ Marlene said and smiled. ‘And now, I’ll tell you why I’ve come.’ Her smile grew broader. ‘Captain Maclean is back in the same London hospital as before and he wants to see you.’

‘How is he?’ Sally looked at her in surprise.

‘He’s had several treatments on his face and, well, perhaps I should let you see the improvement for yourself,’ Marlene said. ‘It is really quite remarkable. Apparently, he has to return for further treatment in about six months, but they think he’s had enough for now and want to let him rest a while.’

‘Then I shall pop in and see him this afternoon when I visit the hospital,’ Sally said. ‘That is wonderful news, Marlene. Thank you so much for coming to tell me…’

‘I thought you would wish to know, because you went out of your way to help him,’ Marlene replied. ‘You didn’t know who he was and you had no connection – and that makes it all the more remarkable.’

‘He was in desperate need of help, Marlene, and something about him, about his sad story, touched a nerve and made me determined to help him.’ She gave a little shake of her head. ‘When I was in the orphanage as a little girl, I used to see some of the other kids in floods of tears, because they’d been caned or put in a corner. I always wanted to do something to help, but if I spoke out, I was thrust in the coal cellar and left to reflect on my wickedness and my hands were caned.

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