Chapter Thirty-One
CHAPTER
THIRTY - ONE
The next morning, from her basement at the bookshop, Violet listened out for Sylvia to arrive. The moment she did, Violet ran up the stairs to see her. She had to give her notice in quickly, before she lost her nerve. She did bring a cup of tea with her into Sylvia’s office though, and a buttered bun from the sandwich shop on the corner. They were advertised as ‘double butter, triple fruit’ and, diet or not, Sylvia loved them.
‘Oh,’ said Sylvia, taking the bag with the bun in it and then having a sip of tea. ‘You’re leaving.’
‘Is it that obvious?’
‘You’re bringing me tea and a bun. You faked a dentist appointment so as to miss Henry’s goodbye yesterday. It is fairly obvious. But the tea and the bun were a nice touch.’
‘You probably think I’m mad giving up a good job—’
‘You don’t need to explain, dear. I know exactly why you’re leaving.’ She took a bite of bun and chewed it slowly. ‘You’re not the first to leave because of Henry. Not because he’s not a perfect gentleman, but because he is.’ She sighed. ‘I decided to stick it out as I love my job.’
Violet felt weak with relief that she didn’t have to explain herself. ‘I don’t think I can.’
Sylvia nodded. ‘And just so you know, when he asked me for your address, I said you hadn’t filled in an application form as you’d been given the job without an interview.’
‘That is so kind!’ Henry had given her a lift to her door but with luck he wouldn’t remember exactly which house on Cheyne Walk she’d let herself in to. And while he could just ask her father for her address, she could ask him not to give it and ask Jenny to tell him why not. Quite how that would look she didn’t at that moment care.
‘I should tell you that Henry was really disappointed not to see you,’ said Sylvia.
‘I’m sure he’ll get over it.’
Sylvia sighed. ‘He probably will. He’ll have the lovely Dr Saunders at his side, to assist him.’
An unexpected giggle emerged from Violet. ‘I’m sure she’ll be really helpful.’
‘Extremely,’ Sylvia agreed, also laughing. ‘She’ll probably have special clothes and make-up to make her extra useful.’
‘Definitely.’
Sylvia put the last of the bun in her mouth. ‘I’ve given up the diet. It turns out I don’t like grapefruit or salami.’
‘You’ve got a lovely figure,’ said Violet. ‘I don’t know why you worry.’
‘Just stay till the end of the day. No need to work out your notice. I’ll make up your pay packet as if you have.’
‘I don’t want to do anything – illegal.’
Sylvia laughed. ‘It’s hardly that and I think Henry owes you something. In my opinion, he led you on.’
Violet was silent for a moment. Had he led her on? Did wanting to take someone out for a drink constitute leading them on? Violet sighed. ‘Well, that would be nice. The lady I’m going to be working for wants me to start as soon as possible.’