Page 104 of The Wedding Dress Repair Shop
‘You’ve been here forhours!’
‘I’ve enjoyed it and it was all interesting,’ she said. ‘I only hope you can make out my writing.’
‘After reading Rosa-May’s journal, I think I can decipher anything,’ I said.
Viv declined my offer of coffee in the cottage, saying she must get back – possibly because Golightly had struck up an unearthly solo performance.
‘But I’d love to meet Golightly another time,’ she added, tactfully.
*
Next morning, I had a good catch-up session on the computer, adding the new notes and then writing the information cards to send over to Pearl and her handy laminating machine.
After that, I went into the museum and opened the outerdoors, because the first three mannequins – mine, Honey’s and Amy Weston’s – were to arrive between half past eight and half past nine.
I left the inner glass doors locked till they arrived, but it was a beautiful morning out there, the sky a pale celestial blue with a few fluffy snow-white clouds. The light streamed into the foyer through the glass doors and the window next to it, making it look light and airy, despite the dark wooden floor and furnishings.
There was no blind on that window – but then, there would be no costumes on display there to be damaged by direct sunlight … though actually, it would be enticing if you could see a wedding dress displayed inside, when you looked in.
Not one from the collection, of course, or of any value – sentimental or otherwise – but perhaps something suitable could be found in a charity shop?
I decided to put the idea to Honey. I was sure she would agree, and if we couldn’t find anything suitable, I could always run one up myself.
It was still quite early and no sign of Honey yet, not surprising when she usually worked late.
The three mannequins duly arrived in their allotted time slot and I put them in my storeroom, till needed … which, at the rate everything was moving, wouldn’t be all that far off!
*
I went back to work for a while, until I heard the others arriving in the staff room for the meeting.
Derek, who was armed with a clipboard, grinned at me as I entered.
Honey introduced me to Ella, who was a wiry woman with short, sleek, grey hair and the face of an eager greyhound, andher sister, Kay, who was larger, plumper and had her silver-streaked dark hair done up in a French plait.
‘I think I told you that Ella was the librarian here, so she’s had lots of experience dealing with the public and also knows all about tills and computer records,’ Honey said. ‘And so does Kay, having actually been the custodian of a small folk museum in Devon, so you see how lucky we are that they’re prepared to take on all the day-to-day running of The Wedding House.’
‘It’ll be fun,’ said Kay. ‘I’ve just moved back here and I’m living with Ella while I look around for a cottage to buy, but we both need something interesting to fill in our time.’
‘AndI’llenjoy being caretaker and general museum dogsbody, because I can fit it round my other work for Honey and a bit of extra income is always welcome,’ Derek said. ‘Baz and I are saving up to get married and we want it to bemega.’
‘I really do feel I ought to be paying you and Kay, too, Ella,’ Honey said.
‘We’ve already had all that out and we’re happy to volunteer – plus perks,’ Ella said briskly.
‘Yes, the perks areveryimportant,’ agreed Kay, nodding. Dimples appearing when she smiled.
‘What perks?’ I asked curiously.
‘The main one is that Honey’s going to make an arrangement with the Pink Elephant tearoom, so after we finish work here every day, we can go straight there and have lunch or tea – whatever we want.’
‘And the other stipulation is that a supply of orange pekoe tea is provided for us here in the staff room … and dark chocolate finger biscuits,’ Ella said.
‘I love those too,’ I said, ‘but I promise not to touch yours!’
‘Some chairs in here would be nice, too,’ Ella said slightly acerbically, since we were all standing about.
‘Already on the list,’ Derek assured her. ‘Plus a table large enough to pack orders on, ready for when we start selling gifts online. Then you’ll need a desk, chair and a computer in here too, but not a safe, because I’ll be coming in at closing time to transfer the takings to the one in the house, leaving only the float for next day in the till.’
