Page 116 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
‘Ello, Mr T!’
‘Sarah! Hello. I thought you’d forgotten me.’
‘Forgottenyou? Don’t be silly. I’ve just been helpin’ MrsMercer scrub the little ’uns in her bath, and making them some new clothes. She let me cut up all ’er expensive dresses. Can you believe that?!’
‘She sounds like a very good woman,’ I replied.
‘She is, Mr T. Just like you’re a good bloke. I’m lucky to ’ave met you both, I really am.’
‘On the contrary, Sarah. I’m lucky to have met you,’ I said, speaking truthfully.
She gave me a wink. ‘Actually, Mr T, I reckon you might be right on that one. I’ve spoken to Mrs Mercer about yer and she wants to meet.’
My heart skipped a beat. ‘You’vespokento her about me?’
‘Calm yerself, Mr T. I ain’t said nothin’ about that Kreeg, or that big rock you keep on your person. I just said you was a good bloke who was down on his luck and needed a bit of a helpin’ hand.’
I felt uneasy about the situation. ‘I don’t wish to be a burden to anyone.’
Sarah rolled her eyes. ‘Mr T, someone’s only a burden when they don’t need no ’elp but ask for it anyway. Seems to me you’re due a bit of assistance. She’s very well connected in Australia. And what do we ’ave? Nothin’! So, the way I sees it, if she’s willing to give us a bit of an ’ead start, who are we to turn ’er down?’
I couldn’t find fault with Sarah’s reasoning. ‘You’re right about her connections in Oz,’ I conceded. ‘It would be nice to have somewhere to start.’
She clapped her hands together. ‘Good. I’ll see yer in her cabin at seven tomorrow evening. Just go to first class and ask for Mrs Mercer. I doubt the purser will look at you with as much venom as ’e does me and the orphans when we’re up to visit.’
The next evening, I made my way along the thickly carpetedcorridor to first class, and was directed by the purser to Kitty Mercer’s door. After knocking, it was opened by a man in what appeared to be a dinner suit.
‘Good evening, sir. My name is McDowell, I’m Mrs Mercer’s butler. Do come in.’ I followed him into the elegantly decorated cabin.
‘Goodness me. What a wonderful room,’ I remarked. The chandelier, silk-covered sofas and picture window gave the impression of the finest land-based hotel. ‘But, if I might be so bold, where does one sleep?’
‘This is the drawing room, sir. The bedroom is next door,’ McDowell replied. ‘Mrs Mercer will be out in just a moment. Might I offer you something to drink?’
‘An English breakfast tea, please.’
‘A good choice,’ came a well-spoken Scottish voice from behind the bedroom door. When it opened, Kitty Mercer emerged in a distinguished purple evening gown, complete, as one might expect given her family business, with an impressive string of pearls. ‘But, Mr Tanit, will you not join me in something slightly stronger? James here makes an excellent gin and tonic.’
‘Good evening, Mrs Mercer,’ I replied. Considering her offer, I could find no harm in sharing a drink with my kind host. ‘If that is your recommendation, I shall be happy to join you.’
‘Wonderful. Thank you, James.’ McDowell nodded, and walked over to a drinks cabinet that appeared better stocked than most bars I had been to. ‘Please, take a seat, Mr Tanit,’ Kitty said with a soft Scottish lilt. I perched on the end of one of the grey silk sofas, and Kitty placed herself on its matching counterpart opposite.
‘It’s so wonderful what you’ve been able to do for the children downstairs, Mrs Mercer. Thank you for looking after them,’ I said.
Kitty smiled. ‘I merely do what anyone in my position ought to. I know you’ve bonded with Sarah. She’s a very special young woman.’
I quickly agreed. ‘I’ve enjoyed my conversations with her very much.’ I tried to phrase my next question tactfully. ‘Might I ask what she’s told you about my... situation?’
‘Merely, Mr Tanit, that you are a good man who has treated her with dignity, kindness and respect, when most others in the higher classes would do no such thing. When I asked her what you did for a living, she said that due to a personal tragedy, you were seeking a new start in Australia. Would that be an accurate summary?’
I gave a small chortle. ‘I suppose it would be, yes.’ James placed the gin and tonics on the glass table that separated the sofas.
‘Cheers,’ Kitty said, picking up her glass.
‘Cheers,’ I replied, and took a healthy sip. The drink was bitter, but very refreshing. ‘Goodness, you weren’t lying. James, that is a triumph.’
The butler nodded. ‘Thank you, sir. I’ll leave you to it. Please ring the bell if you need anything, Mrs Mercer.’ He made his way to the door.
‘Your pearls are incredibly beautiful, Mrs Mercer. I hope you do not find it too alarming that I am aware of your family business in Australia. TheFinancial Timesin London has often reported its successes.’ I raised my glass to toast her.
