Chapter 7
"Moray, the accounts for Ladieswear."
"Thank you, Dudley." He took the papers from his outstretched hand, barely glancing at them before turning to the window, staring at the busy street before him. His brows furrowed in concern. "Have the new goods arrived yet? We cannot let Weston see any faltering in my..."
"The delivery has just arrived this morning, Moray, on time and in immaculate condition." Dudley interrupted, struggling to keep a straight face. Moray soundlessly heaved a sigh of relief and turned away from the window only to find his friend smirking at him. "What?" he shrugged helplessly.
Dudley straightened up and put a hand on Moray's shoulder. "Oh, nothing. Just try not to be so bloody worried all the time." he nodded at him, emphasizing every word. "You can be at ease now, you know. Everything you have ever wanted, everything we have worked for " he gestured around the room "is now yours. You even have the papers to prove it."
It has been almost a week now, since Weston came in with a solicitor and they had drawn up a contract, rendering him and Moray joint owners of the Paradise. The administration was swift and comprehensive. Although seeing his name under 'owner of the Paradise' had made him weak in the knees, it was a moment of triumph. Everything he and Denise had to endure during this past year had been leading up to this. He had to hide a victorious smile from Weston who scrutinized his every move, looking far from someone who had just made a beneficial business deal. Moray had quickly signed every empty slot on the paper and then the deed was done.
"Just look at what you can accomplish, man, you have lost and fully gained back your store in a matter of years." Dudley continued to reassure him, as Moray still looked a little sceptical.
"Well, I didn't have much hand in either, honestly."
"You know, I can't understand one thing. You are more anxious now, than when we have started out all those years ago. Remember our first day? You were unwavering, steady as a rock, ready to face anything that may come in our way. So sure of yourself and of the success of the Paradise. I have always envied you for your confidence, you know. So tell me, what's the difference now?"
"Because back then it was all about you and me, Dudley, that is the difference. We were making our dream come true, you and me against the world, against all odds. We were a team, we have worked together so well..."
"And we still do."
"Of course we do, but now, I also have to put up with Weston and his..." He left the sentence trail off in an annoyed shrug.
"You can't let your dislike for the man get in your way. You own the Paradise outright now, just as much as he. You are not his employee anymore. And besides, everyone knows you are more of a part of this place than he'll ever be. But, you both want success, and that's what matters most. Now, I must go and supervise everything runs swiftly in the loading bay." Dudley moved towards the door. "You don't have to like the man to work together with him..." He added as an afterthought before he left the room.
"No, but it would make work a lot easier." Moray sighed and stared out the window, lost in thought. He noticed a blonde head emerge from a carriage then bob down the street. Denise came back from her first business meeting with Ballantine and from her demeanour, Moray guessed it had gone well. He hoped to catch her eye but she was too distracted smiling down on a piece of paper before folding it in half and putting it away in her handbag. She crossed the street with hurried steps, going in to the Paradise.
"What is it, Flora?" Weston perched up an eyebrow. "You seem more quiet than usual."
They were having breakfast in the garden by themselves as Katherine stayed inside, resting. Morning sickness had its toll on her. Flora slowly put down her fork and glanced at her father thoughtfully. She opened her mouth then just as quickly closed it back again.
"Has something upset you?" Weston asked, getting impatient. The sound of his fingers tapping on the table echoed in Flora's ears. She shook her head vigorously and resumed eating. "No, Papa." she added quietly to emphasize.
Weston watched her for a moment then turned his attention back to his morning paper. Flora glanced at him cautiously from time to time, but didn't say another word.
"How did it go, sweetheart?" he asked softly after pulling away from a tender kiss. The way her eyes lighted up at the mention of her meeting answered Moray's question before Denise could open her mouth. "Look at this!" She pulled the piece of paper out of her handbag and carefully folded out what appeared to be a layout of a room.
Moray studied it for a moment then looked up and smiled approvingly at her. "Is that...?"
"Yes, it is." she interrupted, pride and excitement mixing into one brimming emotion in her voice. "The first drawn plan of my shop."
"You can clear the plates away, Jackson, and bring round the carriage. I'll go to the Paradise at once." Weston rose from the table, pulling back his chair.
"Yes, sir."
Flora watched her father get up. "Is Mama ill, Papa?" she asked suddenly, finally working up the courage to say what's been bothering her all morning. Weston stopped mid-step and turned to look at his daughter.
"Why would she be, Flora?"
"She spends so much time resting in bed and we barely go out anymore. I heard her get sick in the bathroom." Her eyes glistened with worry. She had grown to love Katherine as if she were her real mother and now she felt sick with concern for her.
Weston hesitated for a moment then sighed hard. "Er..There is nothing wrong with Katherine, Flora." He bent down and kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to worry about her."
There was an alien softness to his tone which Flora could not place. The lack of the usual sharp edge to his words made Flora curious. She had seldom known his father to act like this. She raised her head and looked directly at him, waiting. Weston coughed uncomfortably under her gaze. "Katherine is..." he felt lost for words. This kind of conversation was clearly meant for mother and daughter. It was surely not his duty.
"Why don't we talk about it later? Perhaps you could ask Katherine about it, if she feels better." He took a glance at his pocket watch. "I have business to attend to just now." Flora watched him go and wondered what subject could be so sensitive that her father couldn't bring himself to talk about it. She jumped up from her chair and set for the house.
"When we spoke about the implementation of the shop suddenly I could see it so clearly it felt like I was standing in it. The minute you open the door, a soft, tingling sound of a wind chime marks your arrival. You go in, and all around the room, there are displays and counters here and here" she pointed to the drawing "and if you go further into the dining room – which would be a dining room no longer, but a room full of colour and scent and glamour..."
As he listened to her speak, he too felt a great rush of excitement wash over him. He was reminded of Dudley and him at the start of their business when the world was full of promise and hope. At this stage, Moray knew it well, it felt as though anything is possible and nothing can stand in one's way. He smiled knowingly to himself. It was clear now, more than ever, that she was his little champion no more.
"...And in the back, I would transform the little bedroom into a boudoir, tastefully secluded by the drawing of a curtain. The ladies could retire here and try out the products they wish to buy – I would provide samples of all sorts – they would feel as safe and sound as they were in their own bedrooms." She sighed and looked up. "It would be..."
"Perfect." Moray nodded as he finished her sentence for her and reached out, touching her face. "It would be perfect, my love." He repeated softly and placed the layout onto the desk before pulling her in his embrace. "You really think so?" she asked hopefully as she traced his cheekbone, her fingers touching him lightly. He kissed her. "Yes." he breathed before kissing her again. Denise leaned into him and crossed her arms around his neck when a sharp knock sounded on the door.
They broke apart. The door opened and Jonas stepped into the office. "I apologise, Mr Moray, sir, but Mr Weston is here to discuss the weekly report of the store." His sharp expression softened a bit upon noticing Denise. Over the years he'd known her, she had taken up a special place in his heart. He admired her for her wit and courage and swore to himself to help her along the way, as he did with Mr Moray.
"If I may, Mr Moray, sir, I could tell him to come back at a more appropriate time if you would prefer it."
"No, Jonas." Moray sighed hard. "Send him in now. Better get it over with."
"Sir." Jonas bowed and stepped out of the room.
"I have some business to attend to anyway, so see you soon." Denise said and gave him a quick kiss goodbye. "I know you still have doubts about working with Weston, but remember, you have nothing to worry about. You own the store out of right now." And with a loving smile, she was gone. Her words rang in his ears, soothing him, long after the door closed behind her with a solid thump.
Jonas withdrew from the door as he allowed Weston to step into Moray's office. Weston glared at him but instead of humbly averting his gaze, Jonas only smiled and nodded politely, causing Weston to flinch and hurry along. Jonas's betrayal stung him still and he swore he would make him pay for it. One day. No one could play games with him and get away clean.
Jonas placed his right hand on the doorknob and closed it carefully, locking himself on the outside. The only sounds that reached him from the room were the incoherent, muffled voices of people and the screeching of chairs having been moved around. It was useless, lingering around. He slowly walked back to his station, but kept an intense gaze on the door. Mr Moray might need him at any time.
