After she began her training at the hat shop, Farley's, Josie rarely saw Mr. Grove. It was to be expected, she realized. Shop girls slept in the rooms above the shop, took meals in the employee canteen, had no holidays to speak of, and only went out on Sunday mornings. There was no time to see anyone, ever.
Josie had no trouble meeting the demands of Mr. Farley. The training was as difficult as Mr. Grove had let on, but she did learn quickly. Her superior shop girls were stunned by how swiftly she picked up the skills needed to make sales. Her talent was noticed by Mr. Farley and, after having worked there for a mere three months, he promoted her. It was unheard of in those days, to promote someone so inexperienced, but Mr. Farley could see Josie exceeded the other girls in every possible way.
This decision, however, was met with disapproval from the other members of staff. Shop girls who had been there more than two years were outraged that their loyalty was overlooked simply because Miss Mardle happened to make a few more sales then they.
Almost five months into the job, as she was finishing attending to a customer, Josie was called by Mr. Farley.
"You have a gentleman to see you miss," Mr. Farley stated, showing her into his private office.
Josie was shocked to find Roger Grove standing by the window, patiently gazing down at the busy street.
"Miss. Mardle!" he exclaimed when he turned and saw her.
She smiled warmly, "Mr. Grove, what a lovely surprise."
Silence filled the office as the two stared at each other.
Mr. Farley sighed exasperatedly from the doorway, "Keep it brief, Miss. Mardle," he warned as he turned to leave, " I want you back on duty as soon as possible."
"Yes, of course, sir," she answered, not looking away from Roger.
Mr. Farley glanced between the pair and raised an eyebrow before closing the door.
"It is so good to see you," Roger said, offering her a chair, "It's been too long."
"Indeed," Josie remarked, still pleasantly stunned by Roger's presence.
Another long silence fell between them and Josie began to feel extremely uncomfortable. Roger's lingering eye and cryptic body language were rather confusing.
After many moments, Josie stood to her feet.
"Mr. Grove," she began, finally breaking the silence, "If you have something to say, please say it, otherwise I must return to my post -"
"Don't go!" He begged, taking her hand, "Please...I must speak with you."
Josie withdrew her hand from his grip, but returned to her seat and folded her hands in her lap, "Then say what you have to say. But be quick, I have work to do."
Roger took a deep breath cleared his throat, "Miss. Mardle...I, er...I would be most honored if you would continue meeting with me."
Josie blinked.
"In the park...well, not the same park...any park really," he stammered, losing his train of thought, " It doesn't have to be a park either, any ol' place will do..." a large grin faded as he went on to correct himself, "But not any old place, because you deserve to go to nice places, oh!" he suddenly slammed his hands on his knees and stood, "The point is I fancy you and I want to spend time with you."
Josie blinked again.
"Do you understand?" Roger asked, resuming his seat across from her and taking her hand.
Josie's eyes fell to their clutched hands and she smiled.
Roger had been an unfeeling flirt before, but now there he was, professing his interest - an interest Josie hoped would turn into love.
This was her chance. Her chance for love, marriage, a family.
"Well, Mr. Grove," she looked up and was met with hopeful eyes, "Since you asked nicely...I accept."
At first they feared their meetings would be impossible, but thanks to Josie's high position, there was little difficulty convincing Mr. Farley to give her regular afternoons off. She did not tell him her reasons, however. Only heaven knew how Mr. Farley would react if he knew she used her free hours to walk in parks and visit museums with a man seeking her affection. Such meetings would put Mr. Farley at risk of losing his best employee to the only union loathed by business owners everywhere - marriage.
Josie wouldn't have minded if the world knew, but Roger was more cautious.
"I can't bear the thought of people making judgments about us," he admitted as they strolled arm-in-arm through the city. They'd been meeting for nearly six months but he always feared other people's opinions.
"Why should we worry?" Josie asked, " There's nothing inappropriate about our meetings - "
"Of course not, but we must be careful, do you understand?" Roger whispered.
Josie sighed, "Yes, Roger."
"And remember, always call me Mr. Grove when we are in public," he insisted sternly.
Josie nodded.
She remained silent even as he continued to discuss the technicalities of their relationship. She mustn't recognize him should they see each other someplace. She should never tell any friends who she steps out with on her days off. She can never call him Roger when they are out together. She must not seek him out if he fails to meet her one day.
"It is of the utmost importance, my dear," he whispered as they turned down a quiet lane, "My job would be compromised should word get out that I was seeing a lowly shop-girl."
Josie looked at him, hurt and shock filling her heart, "A lowly shop-girl? Is that what I am to you?"
"Of course not, darling. I adore you," Roger said, patting her hand to comfort her, "But it will take time for my father and Mr. Samson to understand what you mean to me. I will tell them one day, but it may take time."
"How much time?" Josie asked, though she feared his answer.
Roger inhaled sharply and, ignoring her question, checked his pocket watch in a panic.
"Oh God!" he exclaimed, suddenly dropping Josie's arm, "I must go. I am so sorry!"
"Whatever is the matter?" Josie asked as she watched him start off down the road, "Roger?"
He continued on, leaving her alone in the empty street.
Tears coming to her eyes, Josie turned and began her long trek back to Farley's.
When she returned from her walk with Roger, she instantly resumed her work. However, her emotions got the better of her and she was forced to retreat to the back storage room. Her crying was interrupted, however, when Mr. Farley opened the door and insisted she return to her station.
"Really, Miss. Mardle, do not test me," he groaned, approaching her when she did not immediately obey.
She tucked her handkerchief into her sleeve and turned to face him, "Yes, sir...of course sir..."
Noticing her teary eyes, his forceful attitude shifted, "Dear girl, are you quite alright?"
"I...I..." she tried to speak, but she could not.
Mr. Farley turned and, seeing no other staff members around, gently took Josie's arm and helped her to a chair.
"Please, you are terribly unwell, Miss. Mardle," he said after she began sniffling into her handkerchief again.
"I am quite well, please, leave me be!" she stated, suddenly angry.
Mr. Farley was quiet and she felt ashamed.
"I am so sorry, sir," she took a deep breath, "That was rude of me."
Mr. Farley took her hand, "Miss. Mardle, I have never seen you in such a state. Will you tell me what is the matter?"
Josie smiled at him but, remembering Roger's cautionary words, shook her head, "No, sir. I would hate to trouble you with my little problems."
He nodded, unconvinced, "Well, if it is nothing..."
"It is, sir," Josie replied weakly as she stood to her feet.
Mr. Farley smiled warmly and patted her shoulder, "Don't worry about your work for the rest of the day. Go to your room and rest."
"Thank you, Mr. Farley," Josie whispered and quickly left him.
She passing another employee as she darted up the stairs to the staff apartment.
"Are you quite alright, Josephine?" the girl asked.
"I'm fine," she murmured, continuing down the hall.
Another girl stopped her by her room, stating, "Josie, you're upset. What's wrong?"
"Will everyone please just leave me alone!" Josie yelled, dashing into her room and slamming the door.
Finally alone in her room, Josie burst into tears. She leaned against the door and slid down to sit on the floor, bringing her knees to her chest as she wept.
She hated it, sneaking around with Roger only for him to leave her at a moment's notice. She hated the questions and prying from her work friends. She hated not being able to confide in anyone when she felt let down.
She loved Roger, truly she did. But she could not bear the complications of their relationship. It was too much for her to handle.
"No..." she whispered.
I must be strong...,she thought, closing her eyes,...for Roger's sake. I can get through this. He was right, we must wait. I must wait for him.
And wait she did.
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