In the Lion's Den Read online

  Finally, Tilda spoke. ‘You have put on weight,’ she agreed. ‘Mrs Bellamy makes delicious meals and you have to stop eating them. We will devise a special diet for you.’

  ‘She’ll be offended,’ Alexis exclaimed.

  ‘Not if I explain that you have to eat much less for your health and in order to wear your best dresses.’

  ‘They’re not too tight,’ Alexis protested.

  ‘I’m sorry to disagree with you, Miss Alexis, but they are. Anyway, you haven’t worn them for ages. You live in your silk blouses and long skirts.’

  Alexis was about to contradict her and instantly changed her mind. ‘A diet, facials, massages. And the grey streaks? What do you use to get rid of those, Tilda?’

  ‘Henna mostly. Special shampoos to enhance the auburn, and perhaps a few new hairstyles. Work with me, Miss Alexis, and I can bring back your beauty and your glamour.’

  When Alexis was silent, Tilda continued, ‘The biggest problem is your weight, I think. You will have to walk in the garden a lot, do certain exercises, and perhaps go riding every day. That will also get you into better shape.’

  ‘It does sound like a lot of work.’

  ‘A big effort indeed. But once you become your old self, and are reborn, in a sense, I can then get your frocks and outfits altered. Then they will fit you perfectly.’

  ‘I understand.’ Alexis hesitated, then continued slowly. ‘Claudia says I must go back to London, go back to work. But I do become very anxious when I think about that.’

  ‘You mustn’t be. And you have to live in London, part of the time at least. I know I have to as well.’

  Alexis stared at her maid. Reluctantly she said, ‘Then we must try to get me reasonably attractive, I suppose. How long will it take?’

  ‘I don’t know, Miss Alexis. That is up to you.’ As she spoke, Tilda was well aware that her mistress was genuinely overweight. These pounds would take months to come off.

  ‘You can’t give me a date, can you?’

  Tilda nodded. ‘No. But let’s get going today and put all our energy into making you look ten years younger.’

  Alexis looked around her, at the beautiful gardens and the farmhouse. This place had been her refuge. But was Claudia right? Perhaps it was time to leave it behind.

  TWENTY-THREE

  It was a beautiful sunny day in the middle of August. As Natalie Parkinson walked through the cobbled streets of Hull, she smiled to herself, glancing around, feeling a sense of happiness inside.

  By nature a true optimist, Natalie’s cup was always half full, never half empty. And tomorrow would always be a better day.

  Looking up at the perfect blue sky without a single cloud, she nodded. Hull wasn’t a permanently rainy city as so many people said. Today the weather was temperate, and she stepped out confidently.

  Aside from the lovely sunshine, the brightness of the sky, Natalie was happy because James Falconer was arriving this afternoon. She couldn’t wait for him to see the progress the builders had made on the arcade, and the first totally finished shop.

  Also, she had met with two potential renters. One was a woman who sold shoes for men and women, the other a man who dealt in estate and antique jewellery.

  They were excited about the new arcade in the middle of Hull and were anxious to meet James.

  She was also glad he was bringing Peter Keller with him, because she wanted to find out how he really felt about her. They had gone out together a few times, but he was still an enigma to her.

  But then she wasn’t certain how she felt about him. He was a nice man, kind, and certainly well-informed, but shy. His reserve bothered her, although she did not know why.

  Turning off the side street, she walked into the busiest part of the city, and her thoughts turned to her sister Irina for a moment or two. She had left at the end of the month, with the group. Her mouth twitched with hidden laughter.

  It had become exactly that – a family group. Aunt Cheska had been accompanied not only by Irina but their parents, Maurice and Ekaterina, who had now moved back to Europe.

  Even Sandro had been invited and thought of going. But her brother had changed his mind. His deal to design the sets for a new play in the West End had finally come through.

  Well, they were in St Petersburg and Aunt Olga had been delighted to welcome them. How long Irina would stay on had not been mentioned.

  Natalie felt sorry for Irina and James because they hadn’t been able to spend any time alone together before Irina left. On the other hand, James had his work to keep him busy and Natalie wasn’t sure her sister really understood his commitment to it. He had spent the last week in London, working with Mr Malvern on the sale of some warehouses in the East End.

  When she arrived at their small office near the arcade, she was greeted by her assistant, Lucy Charteris.

  Luckily, they got on well, and Lucy was a dedicated worker. She had energy, enthusiasm, and a pleasant personality.

  Once Natalie was seated at her desk, Lucy said, ‘There was a man here, looking for Mr Falconer. He said his name was Joe. He asked if it would be all right to wait at the building site for him. I told him to do that. I thought you might want to pop over there to see what it’s about.’

  Natalie frowned. ‘What sort of man?’

  ‘I think possibly a builder. He was shaved, nicely dressed, and wore a tie and suit. Pleasant in his demeanour.’

  Standing up, Natalie answered, ‘I’d better go and see what this is all about. In the meantime, don’t forget that Mr Falconer is coming up by carriage, and the carriage will be taking you back to London. I won’t return until next Friday.’

  ‘I remember everything, Miss Parkinson. I also know I have to cover both of the Malvern arcades in London.’

  Moving swiftly across the floor, Natalie said, ‘I won’t be long.’

  ‘I’ll be here,’ Lucy Charteris answered with a cheery smile.

  When Natalie arrived at the building site, a few of the crew were on ladders, diligently doing their work. They were well advanced now on the first row of five shops.

  ‘Good morning, gentlemen,’ she called out in a warm voice. ‘You’re all doing well! Thank you.’

  The men shouted, ‘Morning, miss’, almost in unison, grinning, and some of them waved a greeting at her.

  There was a manager on duty, Bill Jameson, and he hurried over to her.

  ‘Hello, Mr Jameson,’ she said, as always greeting him politely. ‘I understand there is a man here. He’s looking for Mr Falconer.’

  ‘Morning, Miss Parkinson. I spoke with him when he first arrived. I told him I wasn’t sure when Mr Falconer would be here. He asked to wait.’ Jameson glanced to his right. ‘He’s over there, sitting at the end of the wall.’

  Natalie followed the direction of his gaze and observed, ‘He looks mild enough.’ With a smile, she excused herself and walked across the site.

  The man jumped up when he saw her coming towards him. He threw his cigarette on the ground and stamped his foot on it hard.

  ‘Hello,’ she said. ‘I’m Natalie Parkinson. I work with Mr Falconer.’

  ‘Mornin’, miss,’ the man replied. ‘Me name is Joe Turner. I answer to Joe most of the time, miss.’

  Natalie half smiled. ‘How can I help you, Joe?’

  ‘I need ter ’ave a word with Mr Falconer. I worked with ’im at Venables. Foreman, I were, on the ware’ouse crew.’

  ‘Oh, now I know who you are, Joe. He’s mentioned you and the other men in that particular crew. He was always touched by your devotion to him.’

  Joe Turner beamed. ‘So the boss does remember us …’ The beam turned into an even bigger grin. ‘There in’t nobody like Mr James. They threw t’mold away when they made ’im. I’m looking for a job, miss. Any chance, do yer think?’

  ‘Perhaps. I’m not sure, Joe,’ she answered. She liked this man, and now she knew exactly who he was. She realized he was the salt of the earth. That was the way James had described him to her.


  She now said, ‘Mr William Venables told me that Mr Falconer saved you and your entire crew from certain death, when he noticed that old warehouse shifting. In the nick of time, Mr William said. It was about to collapse.’

  ‘Aye, that’s so. If Mr James ’adn’t run in ter ger us out, we’d be goners.’

  ‘Since I don’t know exactly when Mr Falconer will arrive, I think it would be best if you came back around two o’clock this afternoon. Can you do that, Joe?’

  The beaming smile flashed again, ‘I can, miss. Thanks ever so much. See yer later then?’

  ‘Yes, you will, Joe. I’ll be here working with Mr James for the rest of the day. Once he gets here, that is.’

  Joe nodded, his smile intact.

  Natalie returned to their office nearby and explained to Lucy Charteris who Joe was. She then started to do her paperwork and wrote a short memorandum to James. It was in regard to the two possible renters who were interested in shops in the arcade.

  Much to her surprise, James arrived at exactly noon. He came into the office, a smile on his face. ‘I’m early,’ he announced, and walked over to Lucy and shook her hand.

  Natalie and Lucy laughed, and Natalie said, ‘We know how much you miss us and couldn’t wait to get here.’

  ‘How right you are,’ he answered and looked at Lucy. ‘Your carriage awaits, my lady.’

  Lucy giggled and stood up, walked over to the cupboard. She took out a light summer coat and a small travel bag. ‘So I can go now?’ she asked, looking from James to Natalie.

  ‘Of course,’ James said. ‘The carriage is down on the main road, just a few steps from the arcade.’

  ‘I’ll be off then,’ Lucy said, and waved as she went outside. ‘See you in a week,’ she added.

  ‘That’s right,’ Natalie answered. When they were alone, she looked at James, who was now sitting at his desk. ‘Did you drop Peter Keller at the bed and breakfast? I booked a room for him.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Natalie, but he didn’t come.’

  ‘Oh,’ she said in a lower voice, looking both surprised and a bit let down.

  ‘He did have a proper reason, Natalie. Don’t look so disappointed. His only relative, an aunt, suddenly died. He had to go to the funeral today.’

  He noticed the disbelief on her expressive face, and said swiftly, ‘There was an obituary in The Times the other day. He showed it to me. She was his father’s sister and quite a well-known painter. Her name was Angelica Keller. I have it for you in my bag, which I dropped off on my way here.’

  Natalie couldn’t help laughing. ‘I suppose I look like Doubting Thomas, don’t I?’

  ‘Not really – let down, maybe. Anyway, he’s certainly not avoiding you. He sent many apologies.’

  She nodded, then remembered Joe, and told James about his arrival at the office and that she had spoken to him at the site. He was returning at two o’clock to speak to James.

  ‘It’ll be nice to see him. I can’t imagine why he wants a job, though. I thought he still worked at Venables.’

  ‘Obviously not,’ Natalie remarked, and gave him the memo.

  After reading the memo James exclaimed, ‘How marvellous! To have people coming so soon, before the arcade is finished. This is great news.’

  Natalie, standing up, smiled at him and agreed. ‘Shall we go and have a quick sandwich at the café on the corner? Before we go to the arcade?’

  ‘What a grand idea! I’m a bit hungry, to tell you the truth.’ James rose, went over to Natalie and put an arm out for her to tuck her hand into.

  She stood up. ‘I’m not really Doubting Thomas. I think I am a bit disappointed. Though I do know that Peter wouldn’t use a silly excuse to avoid seeing me. He would tell me the truth.’

  ‘Yes, he would. Come, let’s lock up the office and go and have a bite. I can’t wait to see the arcade.’

  At one forty-five, when James and Natalie arrived at the site, James spotted Joe sitting on the wall.

  The minute he saw them walking over to him, Joe jumped up, a wide grin on his face.

  Once they stood together, Joe inclined his head and said, ‘Afternoon, miss.’

  ‘Hello, Joe,’ she answered.

  James Falconer stretched out his hand, smiling, and Joe took it eagerly. ‘Mr Falconer, what a nice welcome. I’ve missed working with yer.’

  ‘It’s so good to see you, Joe. I must admit, I feel the same about you. I hear you’re looking for a job. What happened? Why did you leave Venables? You’re a great foreman; the men liked you, took your orders well.’

  ‘Me wife were ill, sir, and I ’ad ter stop work ter look after Annie. I were off ever so long, and they let me go.’

  ‘I’m so sorry to hear about Annie’s illness, Joe. I do hope she’s feeling better now.’

  ‘Much better, Mr James, thank you.’

  ‘I don’t understand Venables letting you go, though,’ James ventured. ‘Mr William always spoke well of you.’ He frowned, was puzzled.

  ‘I were off months, sir. I ain’t givin’ blame. Anyways, I been watching yer arcade risin’ up and up. Proud of yer, I am that, sir.’ Joe gave James a hard stare. ‘If yer don’t mind me sayin’ so, yer need more protection, Mr James. Mostly Saturday an’ Sunday. Yer do, sir, believe me. The place is … an easy target.’

  James Falconer liked and trusted Joe Turner and knew he was speaking truthfully. He would not manufacture something to get a job. He asked, ‘What are you getting at, Joe? Can you explain?’

  ‘I can. Two watchmen, one at each end of t’arcade yer ’ave. Ain’t nowt, I been thinkin’. I been watchin’ yon place, off and on, and there’s lots of folk gazing at it, and walkin’ through. Yer need one good guard ter be alert all night, patrollin’ it, sir.’

  Natalie exclaimed, ‘Listen to Joe, I think he’s right, James. People are nosy; they look in, and I’ve seen them trying to walk through after the builders have left.’

  James nodded, looked at her, and asked, ‘So are the watchmen asleep in their huts? Or what?’

  ‘Perhaps, perhaps not,’ Natalie replied. ‘But the world is full of clever devils, who could do anything.’

  ‘There’s not much they could do here,’ James shot back.

  Joe cut in, ‘They could steal stuff, Mr James. Pinch a tool left behind, a coil of wire, a plank. Folks lookin’ for money, they sell stuff.’

  ‘I think you’re right, Joe,’ James agreed. ‘So when can you start?’

  ‘Yer givin’ me a job, Mr Falconer?’

  James stretched out his hand, gripped Joe’s. ‘You bet I am, and this shake seals our deal.’

  ‘I’ll start ternight, sir, if yer’ll tell the boss that’s on now.’

  ‘I will speak to him immediately.’ James put a hand on Joe’s arm and steered him across the arcade, heading for Jameson.

  Natalie followed slowly. She felt a sudden sense of relief. She had often thought the arcade was too exposed. When it was finally finished, it would have an iron gate with a lock at each end – full security.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  William Venables was the first to arrive at the Tamara, at exactly nine o’clock. He was the host this evening, reciprocating James’s supper of last week.

  Once the waiter had led him to his favourite table, William asked for the wine list and ordered a glass of water.

  It was a lovely evening, a reflection of the sunny August day. William enjoyed having James in Hull so much at the moment. He and his father, Clarence Venables, believed James’s idea for an arcade in their fine city had been a stroke of genius. There was no doubt in their minds that it would be a resounding success. They admired James’s vision, and knew that he was quite brilliant when it came to business.

  William’s life had changed quite a lot since his cousin James had arrived. His only disappointment had been that James wouldn’t stay with them. He had declined gracefully, explaining that the B&B was closer to the arcade and more convenient.

  Nonetheless, William and J
ames did spend a great deal of time together, going out at the end of the working week. Hull was called the City of Gaiety for a reason; they enjoyed the variety shows, the music halls, and eating out. Of course, the Tamara was their favourite. Saturdays and Sundays were fun.

  When Natalie was working in Hull, William enjoyed himself more than ever. He genuinely admired her drive and ambition, and how she handled her independence. And he thought she was beautiful, with her luxuriant chestnut hair and soft brown eyes. In fact, he had quite a yen for her.

  The problem was Peter Keller, whom he had only recently met. Natalie seemed to have some sort of understanding with him. On the other hand, from what he had observed, Keller seemed reserved, even withdrawn at times. And William had no insight into him. He did not quite understand the situation between Natalie and Keller, but hoped to find out from James today or tomorrow, when they spent time together.

  Natalie attracted him more than any other woman since his fiancée, who had died suddenly some years ago. She was very much his type, and they seemed to see eye-to-eye on many subjects. Given a chance, he believed he could easily fall in love with her.

  He longed to have a wife now, start a family, and be grounded.

  A small sigh escaped, as he thought of his loneliness. James had become his best friend over the past few years and they had spent some good times together. He wished his cousin was here in Hull more.

  ‘My goodness, you look very beautiful tonight, Miss Parkinson!’ James exclaimed, staring at Natalie in admiration. He was always careful to address her correctly in public.

  He had been waiting for her for several minutes in the foyer of the B&B, and now that she had arrived he was captivated.

  Natalie was wearing a fashionable summer frock which suited her admirably. Its background was a light cream, covered in colourful small flowers. It was cut full in the skirt, had short sleeves, and a V-shaped neckline. The fabric was light and the frock billowed around her as she walked.

  ‘Thank you kindly, sir,’ she said and kissed him on the cheek. ‘I think we’d better get going if you want to stop at the arcade to see Joe.’