Sister's Trio Squad

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

She nodded, remaining silent while he filled her glass and handed it to her, then sat down beside her on the sofa. Elizabeth didn't behave too badly. I'd feared she would, although to wear every piece of jewellery she owns was in very bad taste, not to say downright common.'

'I'm quite relieved that she's gone, Lewis, I must be truthful. I did try to be friendly towards her but I'm afraid she will never accept m

'Does it matter so much?' 'No, not really. I'm also glad in a way that Nancy

couldn't come." "The "difficult one"?"

I'm cer She smiled. "That's an understatement. She's the worst temper of anyone I've ever met and well... tain there would have been the divil of a row between those two."

They both fell silent. She gazed into the fire. She'd told her Ma she was happy and she was. She was grateful to Lewis for he had been so generous and thoughtful, but she didn't love him and suddenly she was wondering if she could cope with that fact. She was his wife now and he had the right to expect that the marriage be consumated.

'Margaret, do you find me unattractive?' he asked,

quietly.

'No, I've told you, I'm fond of you.' "Then...?'

She looked at him, praying that her fear didn't show in

her eyes. 'If it's distasteful to you, then I will sleep in the spare bedroom?"

For an instant she breathed a sigh of relief, but then how would that look to her Ma? If she refused to sleep with her husband on their wedding night, Sarah would take that as a sign that she had only married him out of a sense of gratitude and security, or even for his money. Sarah was possessed of a curious nature, she would be sure to go poking her nose into the bedrooms before Vi had time to do them all. 'No, No! That won't be necessary at all, Lewis.' Now that she'd said it, she wished with all her heart that she hadn't.

He finished his drink and then took her hand. "Then I think it's time we retired as well.'

Margaret managed a weak smile as he gently drew her to her feet. Oh, Holy Mother, what had she let herself in for?

All the way back on the train Lisa was miserable. Oh, they all had so much more than she had and what had she to look forward to? That poky, bare, drab little flat in that awful crumbling building with its shared water taps, shared lavatory, disgusting court and stinking ash-pit. And that boring job that was ruining her eyesight. The only bright thing in her life was Andy. She had to get away from everything before it was too late. Before she sank into the mire so deeply that she would never get out. Andy would be waiting for her at the station and she'd suggest that they go somewhere and have a quiet talk and tomorrow she would cross the Victoria Bridge and find herself a decent job.

At first she thought he wasn't there. She couldn't see him anywhere and that was unusual, for he towered head and shoulders over everyone else. Then she saw him lean ing against the far wall, reading a newspaper. She waved to catch his attention and he looked up and smiled. Her spirits lifted. Her heart always beat faster when he smiled

at her like that. He held her close for a minute and kissed her. 'Did you have a good time, then?'

'Oh, wonderful! He's much older than her, but, oh, Andy, you should see the house! Polished wood floor in the hall, carpets everywhere and lovely ornaments and linen and the bathroom! I could have stayed in there for hours and hours!' She chattered non-stop as they crossed Bridge Street.

You couldn't stay in the "bathroom" that long here.

There'd be a line of people waiting that would stretch from here to Necropolis!'

It was meant as a joke but she didn't laugh. It was just a reminder of the conditions they lived in. 'Andy, go somewhere?' can we

'Where would you like to go?'

'Somewhere quiet, I want to talk to you.' 'Where is there quiet around here? Only an alley or the back court of your place or mine.'

Privacy was another luxury that people didn't have in the Gorbals and Lisa frowned. An alley would be better than the back court with its stinking ash-pits where mangy dogs and cats scavenged and rats ran brazenly over your feet. She shuddered. The alley behind Feinstein's Bakery will do. At least the air doesn't stink there!'

They walked in silence through the dark, dirty streets until they turned into a narrow alleyway behind the bakery. Then Lisa slid her arms around Andy's neck. 'Have you missed me?'

'Of course I have!'

"Then show me how much.'

He kissed her passionately and slowly and she clung to his lips. He was the only man she ever wanted and she knew she couldn't hold him off for ever. She drew away from him. 'Andy, I'm going over the bridge tomorrow in search of a better job.'

'What's wrong with the one you've got?' 'Oh, don't you see? Look around you!'

'Oh, I see, your sister's fine house has turned your head.'

'No, but it made me look at my life. I've always wanted to work somewhere like Copeland and Lye and I can get a job there, and with what you earn at Dixon's. we could move away from all this!"

He looked down into her earnest little face. 'Lisa, the likes of us don't move away from here and we don't get fancy jobs like that either. You're just dreaming, hen, you've always been a dreamer. Come here.' He pulled her to him and kissed her again. Again she pulled away, determined he wasn't going to evade the issue.

"They can and they do, Andy! Look at Rachel Lavinsky. She's working in the Mitchell Library now and she doesn't live at home anymore!' Ave, and she's worn out

with working all day and studying all night. What kind of life is that?" 'It's got to be better than this. Oh, Andy, if me, at least say we'll try? If I can get a job, will you try?' she pleaded. you love

He didn't answer. He knew what she was asking in an

indirect way. She reached up and brushed his lips with hers, pressing her small firm breasts against his chest. Will you try, for me?"

He sighed. 'Aye, all right, I'll try. But you've got to get that job first."

She kissed him fiercely. Oh, she'd known that if she tried hard enough he would see things her way! She'd get that job and then they could be married.

Lisa sat in Craig's Tea Shop a block down from Copeland and Lye's exclusive Department Store. The tears trickled down her cheeks and fell unheeded into the cup, mingling with the tea that was stone cold. How could she go back and tell him that despite all her requests and demands to see the Staff Manager, she had been politely but firmly turned away. It had been just like her excursion into Miss Drinkwater's all over again, only this time all she had to go back to was MacFarlane's and Warwick Street!

She became aware that the fierce-looking cashier sitting behind her till at the front of the shop was looking directly at her. She couldn't sit here any longer. She gulped down some of the cold tea, leaving the cup half full, gathered up her bag and rose. She'd been here an hour nearly, but she'd sooner walk the streets than go back home.

As she stepped into the aisle she collided with a wait ress and the tray the girl was carrying went clattering to the floor, spilling hot tea down the front of her coat and scalding her hand. She cried out in pain, holding her hand. The girl was scrabbling on the floor amidst the broken crockery, spilt milk and sugar, looking for a napkin.

Oh, Miss, I'm so sorry! Here, let me wipe your coat for you! Oh, I'm so sorry!'

The harridan in the black dress had left her perch behind the till and stood before her. 'Is Madam all right? Oh, would you just look at the state of your good coat! And your hand! You,' she spat at the girl, 'get this mess cleared up this instant and then get your coat, I don't want

to see you here when I come back!' 'Oh, please, don't dismiss her! It was partly my fault, I wasn't thinking!' Lisa cried.

'Nonsense! Now you come with me, Madam, and we'll see to that hand and of course we'll have your coat cleaned for you. The fools they send you from the agencies, these

days!'

Lisa was guided firmly towards the back of the shop where she was sat down and some cold fat was smoothed over the reddening patch on the back of her hand that had begun to smart, bringing tears to her eyes again. Now she'd been the cause of that poor girl losing her job! The woman was fussing over her coat. 'If I sponge it down I think most of it will come out, but we'll have it cleaned just the same.'

'Please, it's quite all right. It doesn't matter."

'It most certainly does! I have the good name of my business to think of, Madam. Now, we'll hear no more about it."

Another waitress brought in a cup of strong tea. 'You drink that, Madam, you've had a shock.'

Lisa wished she would stop calling her 'Madam', it was grating on her already shredded nerves. 'I couldn't help noticing that you were a little upset? Is

there anything I can do?"

No, but thank you just the same. I..

I'd been to get it.' Copeland and Lye for a job, but I... I didn't The small black eyes bored into her. 'You are looking

for work then?' 'Yes.'

The Manageress smiled, seeing a way out of her present

dilemma. 'Have you worked in this line before? With the

public, I mean?" Lisa nodded and drew Mrs O'Leary's letter from her bag and passed it over.

This is a very good reference, perhaps we can help each other? I now find I have a vacancy for a waitress. Would you be interested? You seem just the kind of girl

I need.'

'Me? I.' The way was open again. It wasn't what she had wanted, but Craig's was the most fashionable Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street. 'Yes! Yes, I'd be pleased to take up your offer. When would you like me to start?'