A Lesson in Secrets_ A Maisie Dobbs Novel - Jacqueline Winspear [39]
Her thoughts came back to Billy and Sandra. Her first order of business, she thought, was to broach the subject of the house with Billy. Then there was Sandra, who had settled into Maisie’s flat and was a good and quiet guest. In time she would need to find other accommodations, but not before Maisie considered her strong enough; she had suffered a severe emotional blow, and it was important to give her the time she needed to get back on her feet. And there was something else—Maisie had seen a spark in Sandra, and it had burned brighter since her husband’s death. It was as if there was a determination to do something more with herself; in her work she took on more than was asked, and Maisie had noticed that she made several visits to the lending library each week. If she could help her get on in life, she would.
Good afternoon, Miss. How was your drive from Cambridge?” Sandra stood up when Maisie came into the room, closing the notebook she had been writing in as she welcomed her employer back to the office.
“Hello, Sandra. Where’s Billy today?”
Sandra blushed. “He is out seeing a Mrs. Clark—we received an inquiry letter from her yesterday, something to do with her son having left home and she didn’t know where he’d gone. Mr. Beale went along to see her—Belgrave Square—and he said he had a couple of other appointments and might not be back here today.”
“Oh dear, I wanted to see him—this is my only opportunity to speak to him before I go away again on Sunday evening.”
Sandra collected the teapot and cups from their place on top of the cabinet next to Billy’s desk. “He seemed a bit tired again, Miss, to tell you the truth.”
“I might drive over to Shoreditch this evening. I do hate to just drop in on the family, but I’m a bit concerned.”
“Right you are, Miss. I’ll get a cup of tea and we can look at what I’ve done this week, just so you know. And I’m in no rush to go to Mr. Partridge, as he’s out on an appointment with his publisher today.”
Maisie removed her gloves and hat, and took a seat at her desk. She opened the large drawer to her right and took out the papers she had been sent from the building firms regarding new properties for sale under what they described as “terms.” She picked up the telephone and dialed the number on a letter she had already made notes upon, checking the time on the mantelpiece clock as she did so. Three minutes later, she replaced the receiver, having made an appointment to see one of the finished houses on a street within “reasonable” walking distance of Eltham railway station—according to the Mr. Walsh she spoke to about the properties. The appointment was for eleven o’clock the following morning, an hour that would give Billy and Doreen plenty of time to catch the train out to Eltham, and for Billy in particular to gauge the journey, as well as the cost of the train fare. Now all she had to do was get them to agree to view the house, which she knew would be a difficult first step.
Sandra went over the business of the past four days, pulling out a ledger so Maisie could see the bills sent out and remittances received. Business was not bad at all. New clients, along with several commercial customers who paid a retainer for their services, had made the year a good one, thus far.
“I think it’s time to call it a day,” said Maisie.
“Right you are, Miss.” Sandra pulled the cover across the typewriter.
“I can give you a lift home, Sandra, unless you’ve other plans.”
“That’s all right. I’ve some shopping to do, so I’ll come home on the bus.”
Maisie smiled. “I’ll see you later, then, Sandra.”
She did not leave Fitzroy Square immediately, much as she wanted to go straight