Back on Track, page 15
With the other two occupied she took the opportunity to speak to Lacey. “I’d like to continue our earlier conversation.”
Lacey reached for her glass, almost knocking it over in her haste.
“Not here and now, of course, but perhaps later this evening.” Ketty kept her voice low. “Carlos would give us some time alone if you came to my cabin.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Yes, you should, and a long time ago, I suspect. I’m sorry to think you’ve been unhappy.”
“Oh, but I haven’t.” Lacey’s emphatic tone drew Carlos’s and Tien’s attention.
“What haven’t you?” Tien asked.
“Travelled on a train before.” Ketty gave Lacey a reassuring smile.
“None of us have,” Tien said.
“Except Carlos, who has travelled in Europe via train.”
“It was nothing like the Ghan,” Carlos said. “Although many years ago I did travel from Paris to Barcelona on a sleeper train.”
“I can’t imagine how I’ll get any sleep,” Tien groaned. “The train rumbles so much.”
“I think we’ll all be so tired we’ll soon be asleep.” Ketty reassured her as much for her own benefit as Tien’s. The younger woman had been quite lively tonight and Ketty didn’t want to see a return of the angst she’d displayed earlier.
The waitstaff arrived with their desserts and Tien groaned. “Chocolate pudding seemed a good idea when I ordered it.”
“Luckily they’re not big serves.” Lacey lifted a spoon of ice cream to her mouth.
“And ice cream slips down easily,” Carlos said as he dipped a spoon into his.
Ketty had ordered the cheese platter and was glad she had as more wine arrived.
“My goodness,” Tien said. “What’s this?”
“I ordered you and me a late-harvest riesling for our desserts,” Carlos said. “And another white for you, Ketty, and champagne for Lacey.”
“I don’t usually drink very much,” Lacey said, her eyes wide.
“That was kind of you, Carlos,” Ketty said.
“And you don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to,” he said but Ketty noticed both women taking sips between mouthfuls of dessert.
They were still chatting when Birgit got up from her table. “I’m meeting the double Rs in the lounge for a nightcap.”
“We might see you there,” Ketty said.
“Not us.” Ning stifled a yawn. “Judith and I are off to test out the beds.”
“Sleep well.” Ketty waved her fingers. Judith avoided eye contact.
“I’ll go too,” Tien said.
Lacey took her barely touched champagne glass from the table. “I’ll sit in the lounge for a while, give you a head start.”
When Ketty entered the lounge car there were groups of people enjoying a nightcap and a chat but no sign of Birgit or the Irish cousins. Lacey sat on a couch by herself.
“I’d like to have a little chat with Lacey before bed,” Ketty murmured in Carlos’s ear.
He nodded. “I’ll go back to the cabin. That meal and the wine were magnificent but I’m very fatigued now.”
Ketty sat beside Lacey. “I’m giving Carlos some time to prepare for bed. He’s been travelling on and off for three days, poor man is very tired.”
The carriage door opened and Lacey glanced that way expectantly. A man entered, smiled and joined a group near the bar.
“Perhaps Birgit’s having an early night,” Ketty said.
“Maybe.” Lacey looked to the door again as if waiting for it to save her.
“While we’re passing the time I was hoping you and I could have another talk…if you feel up to it?”
Ketty was relieved when Lacey gave an almost imperceptible nod.
nineteen
Night One – Travelling South
Lacey perched on the edge of the seat and took another sip of her champagne. They sat either side of a small table, their club chairs turned so that their backs were angled towards the carriage behind them. It gave the illusion of privacy. Now that she’d come this far she was resolved that she would tell Ketty about her experience with Judith. The third glass of champagne had given her courage but she wasn’t sure how or where to begin.
“When we were interrupted earlier you were telling me how Judith omitted you when sharing the cake,” Ketty said. “Does that happen often?”
“Not exactly that. She’s only ever done that once. It’s just that she’s always…” Lacey paused – ‘always’ wasn’t quite true. “Sometimes she says unkind things.”
“I see.” Ketty frowned. “It must make work unhappy for you.”
“Oh, no, I love my work and you, Miss Ketty. You’re…inspirational.” Lacey paused, trying to think. “I’ve never found Judith easy to be with, not like Ning and Tien and Birgit but…perhaps in the last year or so she’s been quick to find fault with my work, especially if you’ve praised me for it, and it’s more recent that her…unkindness has escalated. Judith is your friend and I know it sounds like I’m making it up—”
Ketty pressed a hand to hers. “I want to assure you that I believe you, Lacey.”
Lacey took another sip of champagne.
“I know it’s not easy for you to tell me,” Ketty said. “And you’re right, Judith and I are friends, but that doesn’t mean I can’t put that aside and wear my non-prejudicial employer’s hat. We’re speaking in confidence, of course.”
Lacey tipped the champagne glass and drained the last mouthful. “Judith told me I was putting too much pressure on your business.”
A puzzled look crossed Ketty’s face. “In what way?”
“She said some of my ideas, like the online shop, were good for your business but that my other suggestions were crazes and that you…indulged me. She said most of my suggestions were fanciful and would ruin your reputation for fine couture garments.”
“Oh dear.” Ketty tutted and then they both fell silent. The chatter of the other travellers was muffled by the rumble of the train, which vibrated under their feet.
Lacey pushed back against the seat. She wished it could open up and swallow her. Now that she’d aired her concerns about Judith there could be no going back. She wondered what Ketty would do. Would this be the end of Lacey’s dream job? The job she’d taken straight from school while she’d studied dressmaking and design part-time. The job where Ketty had encouraged her creativity and given her the space to flourish, but had that all been pretence?
“You must miss your gran. How is everything at home…your father?”
Lacey blinked. Ketty’s question was not what she’d been expecting.
“He’s fine.”
“It can’t be easy now without your grandmother. Forgive me if I’m wrong but I got the impression she was the glue for your family.”
Lacey felt a fresh stab of the loss that had been blunted a little with time. Her gran had died over a year ago. “She was.”
“And your sister moved away, didn’t she?”
“To New Zealand.” It was as far away as Freya’s job would take her. “She loves it there and she and Dad weren’t getting on so well.”
“Oh, that’s a shame. You must miss her.”
Lacey thought about the last phone call she’d had with her sister. It had ended in an argument about the house again but Freya meant well. “I do.”
“So it must be quiet with just you and your dad? Does he get on with Dean?”
Lacey sucked in a breath. Their difficult talk about Judith had morphed into something else entirely. “I haven’t seen Dean for a while.” She pressed her fingers to her trembling lips.
Ketty’s face fell. “I’m sorry, Lacey. Your personal life is none of my business. I don’t mean to pry.” She reached out a hand. “Unless you’d like someone to talk to. You know I’m a good listener.”
Lacey swiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m on my own…at home, I mean…Dad left.”
Ketty didn’t speak but squeezed her hand gently and waited.
“He told me he was going one morning after we’d done our weekly shopping. He was acting a bit jittery, more than usual.” Lacey pictured her father in the driver’s seat, the keys jiggling up and down in his hand. “He said he wished he’d taught me to drive and when I asked why he said it was a good life skill to have if he wasn’t there.” Lacey sniffed. “As if I could afford a car let alone the cost of running one. Anyway, that’s when he told me he had a new job, that he was going back to what he loved.”
She paused and looked at Ketty, who was studying her with nothing but kindness in her eyes. Once more Lacey bit her lip to hold back the tears.
“His friend Watto had heard about a farm worker job in the country not far from where we used to live.”
“That would be very different to what he’d been doing – factory work, wasn’t it?”
Lacey nodded. “He never liked it. He only moved to the city because Gran offered us a place to live and to help with Freya and me after Mum died. He and Gran never really got on and then when she left me the house…”
“My goodness, I didn’t realise she’d done that.”
“It was a surprise to us all. My sister got her life insurance and savings. Dad wasn’t happy – he drank more and gambled his spare cash. The work was patchy. He was going downhill fast. He was excited about this job but he’d been excited about other jobs and nothing had come of them. This time was different. Two days after he told me about it he was gone. He sent a text to say he’d arrived then called to say he was definitely taking the job. He sounded so excited. He said he’d come back in a few weeks to visit and collect the rest of his things. Dean and I were still seeing each other then so I suppose I didn’t miss Dad so much to begin with but…”
“You’re living all alone.” Ketty let go of her hand and sat back.
Lacey nodded. “I’m not bothered by that so much as…before Dad left he borrowed money from me to service his car. He promised to pay me back when he got his first pay. I know he got there safely but this last two weeks he’s not been in touch, or replied to my messages…” Lacey dashed another tear from her cheek. She was determined not to cry there in the middle of the lounge car.
“Oh, Lacey, what a torrid time you’ve had. This discord with Judith, things not working out with Dean, worrying about your father and now you’re dealing with the house and the bills…on your own, I assume?”
“Yes.” Lacey took a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m pretty good at budgeting. Dad’s not…well, he hasn’t given much towards the household expenses since he found out the house was mine.” Lacey heard Ketty’s sharp intake of breath but she didn’t look up. “I manage but there were a couple of big bills and Dad borrowed that money and now…it’s all…overwhelming.”
“Of course it is.” Lacey sensed Ketty lean in closer. “I can give you a loan or an advance on your pay if—”
Lacey gasped. “Oh, no, Miss Ketty. I didn’t tell you so that you would offer money…I…I just…”
“You needed someone to talk to. I understand. I’m so sorry, Lacey – I feel as if I’ve failed you.”
“None of it’s your fault.”
“But I can see I’ve lost touch, not only with you but with the other women as well.” Ketty put a hand to her forehead. “I’m just realising how much.”
“Miss Ketty, you are the best employer.”
“Technically I’m probably your only employer.”
Her smile eased Lacey’s distress just a little.
“I pride myself on open communication with my staff but I’ve realised since the pandemic I haven’t got back into the routine of meeting with each of you regularly to discuss your goals and any highs and lows. I had that awful chest infection and I was just getting over that when Carlos came and it was Christmas and then in February I broke my wrist and…I knew things have been going a little awry but I hadn’t realised how bad they were, at least in your case. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologise for something someone else has done.”
“You’re a mature young woman, Lacey. I can’t change your home life but I want to reassure you that I do not think your suggestions at work are fanciful. We’ve discussed many changes over the years. And if you remember I’ve asked you to implement some and not others for reasons I stated at the time, so I want you to be clear that I am certainly not indulging you.”
“Thank you, Miss Ketty.” Lacey drew in a breath, wondering how far she could push this conversation. “I know you’re definite that you’re not retiring but I’ve noticed there are a few things you don’t do any more and I wondered…”
Ketty studied her expectantly.
“I wondered why you don’t write the notes for the eboutique sales any more. I know you couldn’t when you broke your wrist but…”
“I hadn’t given it a thought. Judith took it on and…” Ketty’s expression was puzzled. “I suppose I’ve not bothered to take it up again.”
“You’ve always said how it’s important to make the customer feel special and we worked out ways to embrace that in our online business.”
“It was your idea to include the handwritten note with each purchase and you were right. Customers appreciate it.”
Lacey scratched at her cheek. “Your notes were written so beautifully with the purchaser’s name and you always added the little sketch of the outfit.”
“I know Judith’s writing is a bolder style.”
“And she doesn’t include the buyer’s name or any little embellishments like you did.”
Ketty frowned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of her notes.”
“It’s my job to wrap the parcels so I see each one. I don’t mean to be unkind to Judith but her notes lack the extra personal touch. It’s such a little thing but…”
“It’s important.”
Lacey blew out a breath. “Yes.”
“And from what you’ve told me you’d be in no position to mention it to her.”
“No.”
“I see.”
“And,” Lacey continued, “I think the important thing is that customers get a handwritten note from you, the owner of the business.”
Ketty tapped a finger on her glass. “Thank you for being so frank, Lacey. I’m glad you’ve been brave enough to confide in me. Not just about work but your personal life as well. You’ve given me some things to think about.”
“I hope you don’t think I’m complaining. I love my job.”
“I know you do. It shows in the many things you accomplish and I appreciate them all but a trouble shared is a trouble halved.”
Lacey smiled. “Gran used to say that.”
The carriage door burst open and Birgit strode in and made a beeline for Lacey, followed by Rory and Rhys.
“We’ve been busy gasbagging,” Birgit said. “I’ve been hearing all about the boyos’ helicopter flight. You’d have loved it, Lacey. Looks like you need another drink.” Birgit waved at Lacey’s empty glass. “Can I get you something, Ketty?”
“No, thanks. I’m heading off to bed.”
“On my way to the bar.” Birgit strode off after the two men.
Lacey dabbed at her eyes again.
“Your make-up is fine,” Ketty said. “Maybe reapply your lipstick and no-one will notice you’ve been teary.”
“I’ll probably be a bit of a wet blanket if I stay.”
“Nonsense! I’m glad we got to chat but you should stay a bit longer. Try to forget about your troubles tonight and have some fun.” Ketty stood. “Nothing will be gained by worrying about something you can’t fix for the moment. Enjoy yourself.” Ketty patted her shoulder and moved off down the carriage.
Lacey wasn’t so sure that she wanted to stay on to party with Birgit and the fellas but Ketty had been right. The weight of her worries didn’t feel quite so heavy now that she’d shared it.
Ketty paused in the empty passage. She’d had her head buried firmly in the sand and it was time to pull it out. She’d always known Judith and Lacey had their differences but she hadn’t realised it had grown to dislike. Judith had hinted at it once or twice, but Ketty had always changed the subject, not wanting to encourage tattling.
It broke her heart to have two women working for her who didn’t get on. Both were talented in their own way. She knew that and had hoped they’d work it out and she’d be able to let it slide. But if Lacey was to be believed, and Ketty had no reason to doubt her, instead of building bridges it sounded as if they were being blown up. It was hard to imagine the sensible, kind Judith that Ketty knew would purposefully omit Lacey from sharing cake. Such a spiteful and foolish thing to do. And yet she had all those hurtful things to say about Carlos.
And then there was Lacey’s home life falling apart as well. The poor girl had more than enough to deal with. Ketty was sure there was something she could do to help but she would have to work out what. Lacey would not accept charity.
The door Ketty had just come through opened and a man stepped in behind her juggling a full cup and saucer in each hand.
“You’re loaded up. Are you going far?” She smiled then realised he was the man who’d been with the stick-wielding woman she’d noticed earlier. She hadn’t seen either of them since before lunch. Up close she realised he was a lot younger than she’d first thought.
“Next carriage,” he said, concentrating on his delicate cargo.
The train wobbled and a few drops of tea slopped from the cups.
“I’m going that way. Let me get the doors for you.”
He nodded, and each time she glanced back his gaze was firmly on the cups, concentrating on not spilling more, no doubt. Once they were into the next carriage he indicated the first door. Ketty opened it for him and stepped out of the way.
“You’ve taken your time.” The woman’s plaintive voice carried.
