Page 74 of Barging In
“Yes. This is your ancestry. Your family built this factory from the ground up, yet there’s no mention of it anywhere. If you don’t want to add something in the museum itself, I noticed a blank patch of wall in the entrance. You could hang a board there, share some information about where the wharf came from and why. Put some photographs on it. Add your family tree. It would make visitors feel like they’re supporting something meaningful. Everyone loves a family business story.” She took a breath before continuing. “I also have no idea how the factory ended up where it did today. When did it close and why? I get that Jasper has focused the museum on his work, but in doing so, he’s forgotten the most important part: the wharf, the history of the building that houses it. It’s a museum of corsetry, but why is it here, of all places?”
Victoria nodded again, slowly this time. “Yes. I see what you mean. I gave him free rein with it and rather forgot about myself.”
“Sounds like a habit.”
The speed with which Victoria’s eyes met her own indicated she’d understood Clem’s true meaning. Clem held her gaze, raising her eyebrows a little, daring her to challenge the remark. Thankfully, Victoria’s face softened.
“When did it close?” Clem asked again.
“In the 1940s. My family sold it in the early thirties when demand dwindled, but it survived until the end of the war because the new owners pivoted into medical garments, surgical supports and that sort of thing. After the war, it fell into decline.”
“The world had changed.”
Victoria hummed in agreement.
“After that, various people owned it, but ultimately they let it fall into disrepair, standing empty.”
“Until you,” Clem said softly.
“Yes,” Victoria replied with a wistful smile, gazing up at the building.
Clem let out a quiet, peaceful breath as she watched her. The connection Victoria held to the place was clear; it was wonderful to see something in her life bringing her genuine happiness.
“There’s no denying you’ve built something spectacular,” Clem said. “Apart from a few minor tweaks, I really believe the wharf could thrive. It’s just a matter of drawing more people in. I must admit, I never realised there was so much to corsetry.”
“Few do. Which is why the museum is so important — to educate people.” Victoria paused for a moment before adding, “You see now how much Jasper holds up his end of the bargain. He’s the real asset — the perfect performer — and his knowledge is endless. All the blood, sweat, and the occasional tears in that museum were his. And now it’s down to me to make it all work.”
“We’ll get there; I’m sure of it.”
"We?" Victoria arched a brow.
The slip of the tongue made Clem groan internally. She’d allowed herself to get excited, coming up with ideas and ways to implement them, but how would she manage it all with Florence? Otterford Wharf was a good cause, something she’d love to be part of. It wasn’t just any museum; it was an important lesson in women’s history.
“Let’s see, shall we?” Clem said, not wanting to raise Victoria’s hopes any further. “And I don’t think you giveyourself enough credit for your contribution. You got it this far so there could be a museum.”
“Mmm,” Victoria mused. “Well, you’ve seen the shop, the café, my office — several times.” She flashed Clem a cheeky grin, thinking of their earliest, most fraught interactions. “I’m not sure what else there is to show you.”
“What about that?” Clem asked, pointing towards the outbuilding across the courtyard.
“Oh, that. We don’t use it.”
“Exactly my point.”
“We were going to divide it into retail units, but costs overran, and it got cut from the project.”
“Is it structurally sound?” Clem asked, her curiosity rising.
“Yes, just not kitted out for retail.”
“Is it potential income if you can find someone who doesn’t need it to look pretty?”
“Yes,” Victoria sighed, “but it still needs a degree of work to make it sanitary. It’s clean and dry with good ventilation, but it’s not quite ready to move into.”
“But with the right tenant who’s willing to put in the work in exchange for a couple of months rent free,” Clem gently pushed back, “it’s a win-win. You wouldn’t lose out, and you could gain a potentially long-term tenant. Plus, their investment in your building becomes your benefit.”
Victoria’s hands fell to her hips as she eyed Clem thoughtfully. “Does your brilliance ever end?”
“I’m sure it must.” Clem chuckled. “I might even know someone who would be interested in renting it.”
