Back on Track, page 34
Once more the air around her was filled with gasps.
“Is he all right?” Lacey asked.
“Luckily something disrupted his fall but he did break some bones. That was what all those sirens were about today.”
A voice came over the intercom thanking everyone for their patience and letting them know dinner service would begin soon.
“What will happen to him?” Lacey asked.
Judith shook her head. “I really don’t know.”
“We should get ready for dinner.” Ketty rose to her feet. “Will you be all right, Judith?”
“Yes. It’s all been a bit of a shock. I’ve never had to make a police statement before. I felt a little as if I was telling on a friend.”
Ning put a gentle hand on Judith’s shoulder. “You were only telling the truth.”
“Poor Erik,” Ketty said. “He truly was a little out of his mind to think up such a plan.”
“I told you,” Tien said emphatically.
“We’re moving again.” Birgit’s legs were stretched out in front of her and her hands were pressed to the floor.
“With one less passenger,” Ketty said sadly.
“I wish I’d realised what he was planning,” Judith said. “Perhaps I could have dissuaded him and these terrible events wouldn’t have happened.”
“And it may not have made any difference. Some people can’t or won’t change the choices they make.” Ketty opened the door. “See you at dinner.”
Judith gathered her things, Ketty’s words ringing in her ears.
forty-one
Night Three – Travelling South
Ketty was seated in the lounge car between Val and Warren on one side and Virginia and Beau on the other. Carlos had arrived before her, having got himself ready while she’d been in the other cabin with Judith. Erik Visser was the hot topic in the lounge car, of course, and if Ketty hadn’t heard his story from Judith she might have been swayed by the kingpin-of-a-drug-trade version or her personal favourite, that he was an overseas spy reporting on the viability of our rail network. Warren had told her he’d heard that story at the bar earlier and she’d found it rather amusing.
Ketty had filled them all in with a short version of the truth.
“He was a thief after all. Just not in the way we imagined,” Carlos said.
“Just as well we’re all normal.” Virginia waved her glass around. “Some people have rather fucked-up lives, don’t they!”
Beau shook his head and Val pursed her lips but Warren let out a loud guffaw. “I’ll drink to that.”
“Cheers.” Virginia leaned past Ketty and tapped her glass against his.
Personally, Ketty thought Virginia and Warren had probably had quite a few drinks already but she wasn’t one to judge. She took a sip of the gin and tonic Carlos had ordered for her. He’d drawn up a seat beside Beau and they were chatting. She studied Carlos, trying to imagine what someone who didn’t know him would see. A tall, handsome man; educated, well-mannered, charming. What are you hiding behind that debonair facade, Carlos? He glanced her way, perhaps aware she’d been staring, and shifted his chair a little closer.
“I know you said you wanted dinner with me but I’ll let you have dinner with your staff tonight without me cluttering up your table,” he said. “I’m going to join Virginia and Beau.”
She opened her mouth to protest but he put up a hand. “You can all talk business without me tonight, but I have a stipulation. I’ve booked us for breakfast tomorrow morning, just the two of us. So we can talk alone.”
Small needles of apprehension prickled inside her. It would soon enough be just the two of them again and while she’d previously been looking forward to it, she felt uneasy now. “I’ve been rethinking our Adelaide stay.” They’d not had a chance to talk since she’d checked her booking online at Coober Pedy. “I hadn’t thought about how expensive it would be to change our flights so—”
“I’m glad you brought it up. It was one of the things I wanted to mention in the morning. Let’s stick to our original plan and…” The smallest flicker of doubt crossed his face. “Perhaps we can visit South Australia again another time.”
“It’s my shout for drinks,” Beau said. “Can I get anyone anything?”
“Another champagne,” Virginia said and Beau was soon swamped with orders.
“I’ll help.” Carlos followed him to the bar and Ketty felt a little sad. She’d expected him to object, to say he’d organise their stay in South Australia, but he’d given in and it seemed he’d been going to suggest it anyway.
“That’s a glum face, Ketty,” Warren said. “You’re usually the life of the party.”
Ketty lifted her shoulders and put on a smile. “I’m a little sorry it’s our last night, that’s all. I feel as if we’re only just getting to know each other.” And that I know Carlos less and less.
“We should swap emails,” Val said.
“Now that I know where you are, we’ll have to call on one another.” Virginia’s glass wavered in the air again. “My apartment’s at Coogee. It’s not that far from Paddington. We can see the ocean from the balcony and we’re walking distance from some great eateries.” Virginia’s face soured and she tapped the stick that lay on the floor with her foot. “Were in walking distance.”
“You’ve been doing very well these last few days,” Ketty said.
Warren raised his glass. “You’ll be running around the block in no time.”
“Oh, look, here come the rest of your crew,” Val said.
Ketty smiled as the ladies from Ketty Clift Couture entered the lounge car. They all looked so happy. Tien had barely stopped smiling since she’d been to the wildlife centre and Ketty wasn’t sure if it was the bright lipstick she was wearing but even Judith had an extra lift in her step. All five had changed for dinner, each dressed in their own distinctive style. They waved as they went on to the bar.
“You’ve all done so well dressing up each night, haven’t they, Warren? I like that dress Ning is wearing. I’d have loved something like that for the wedding we’ve got coming up but I’m getting too old to wear that kind of thing.”
“In the words of a very wise woman, what’s age got to do with it?” Virginia huffed and turned her attention to Beau and Carlos.
“The girls wanted to take you shopping,” Warren said.
“I’ve got that outfit I wore to last night’s dinner. That’ll do.”
Ketty smiled at Val. “My whole life has been about making women feel good about what they wear. You looked lovely in that last night.”
“That’s kind of you.”
“But if you’d like to wear a dress for a change, why not wear one? I cannot bear to hear a woman say she’ll ignore a great outfit because she thinks she’s too old to wear the style or the colour. If you like it and you’re comfortable, go for it, I say.”
“Ketty knows what she’s talking about, pet. I’ll be wearing my suit. We might be old but we’re not dead.”
Ketty pursed her lips and glanced around. No-one else was part of their conversation. “You can tell me to mind my business but I wondered if you’d discussed the problem with your son.”
Val glanced from Warren to her hands clasped in her lap.
He blew out a breath. “We’re going to think on it more, tackle it together.”
Val smiled and took his hand in hers. “We’ll sort it out.”
“Might I suggest something?”
Warren grinned. “You’re a trick, Ketty, you know that. Sure, suggest away.”
“You might like to think about your language. Your son could be picking his cues from what you’re saying.”
“Warren never swears,” Val said indignantly.
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean that – it’s other things,” Ketty said quickly. “The other day you said you were getting too old to look after your grandchildren, Warren, but is that what you really meant?”
“I suppose it was more that I’d rather be on the golf course.” Warren screwed up his face. “But I can’t exactly tell them that.”
“You could say you’re already booked for that time. It has nothing to do with your age, really, does it? And perhaps you could only accept a gang of little ones when you’re free as well, Val. Do it together.”
“We do.”
Warren raised his eyebrows and Val gave a tight guilty smile.
“And when you forget something, why is that having a seniors moment?” Ketty thought she may as well continue. “People of any age forget or make mistakes. Just admit it and move on.”
Warren and Val looked at each other then both shifted in their seats.
“I know I’m making it sound as if it’s all easy and in black and white,” Ketty said. “It’s not that simple, but after a few bad experiences where someone’s comments have diminished my self-esteem I’ve given it a lot of thought. Our age shouldn’t determine what we do and how we live.”
“I don’t think we do that, do we, Warren? We both get out and about and do all sorts.”
“It’s more what you say than what you do or don’t do. If you say you’re too old to do something, or wear something,” Ketty looked pointedly at Val, “that puts the idea into other people’s heads that perhaps you are.”
Warren frowned. “It’s certainly food for thought, isn’t it, pet?”
“It is.”
“And speaking about age.” Warren lowered his voice and leaned closer. “See that chap that’s just come in.”
Ketty glanced over at the man who’d just entered. “I’ve seen him a few times but I haven’t spoken to him. He doesn’t change for dinner but he puts on a very nice tie each evening.”
“I had a chat to him during the tour today. He’s ninety-five.” Warren paused, his eyes wide, his mouth open in an exaggerated gape. “I couldn’t believe he was that old. He looks amazing for that age.”
Val met Ketty’s gaze and smiled. “It’s our time for dinner, Warren,” she said.
Virginia, who’d tuned back into their conversation, leaned closer. “You win some, you lose some.”
Ketty was pleased their final dinner on the train was turning out rather well. They’d been seated at the two very end tables so there was no-one behind them and, apart from the staff coming past with food, they could almost be one table. After entree they’d rotated seats and now it was Ketty and Ning who sat at the second table on the aisle.
At the other table Tien was explaining about her trip to visit the kangaroos in great detail.
“I’m glad we’ve got a minute together,” Ning said. “I have something to tell you.”
Ketty adjusted her water glass and waited, hopeful for good news.
“Henry rang me today while we were in Coober Pedy. I nearly didn’t answer.” She sighed. “But I couldn’t ignore his call.”
“Has something happened at home?”
“Yes.” Ning’s eyes sparkled. “He has been offered a postgraduate position and he’s very pleased. We all are.”
“Your sons are both very talented.”
“They study hard but that’s only part of the good news.” Ning leaned in. “It’s at Melbourne University. He’s going to move out.”
“Oh.”
“Well, that’s not good news. I will miss him but I am very happy he has this opportunity. The good news is there will be an extra room for the baby.”
“I’m glad you won’t have to give up your sewing room, Ning.”
“Henry was too.” Ning nodded emphatically. “I don’t think he was as set on the idea as Peter was. So…after I finished talking with Henry I rang Peter. And I told him I wasn’t ready to retire and that when I came home we would discuss how I could help them with childcare and still continue to work.” Ning grimaced. “Then I ended the call and turned off my phone.”
She clapped a hand over her mouth and Ketty laughed. “Well done.”
“What’s happening over there?” Birgit asked and Ketty let Ning explain.
“I still plan to look for an extra seamstress,” Ketty said once everyone had shown relief that Ning wasn’t leaving. “If we continue with our ready-made collections we’ll need at least one more person, if not two.” Ketty looked from Judith to Lacey, seated side by side opposite her. “I know we said we’d talk about it once I got back but perhaps we could tell everyone what we’ve discussed so far.”
Their mains arrived. Between mouthfuls, the plan for the new collection was discussed and as soon as Lacey finished eating she dashed back to her cabin to retrieve her sketchbook. They all swapped places again and this time Ketty was seated with her back to the wall, facing the length of the dining car. Carlos was several tables in front of her and Virginia was the life of the party at that table. Ketty swallowed the sour taste of jealousy. She had no rights over Carlos – they were simply friends who lived their own lives, but she’d grown used to his more regular visits in her life over the past five months. Now there was a shadow over their easy relationship and it bothered her.
In truth she was pleased he wasn’t at her table tonight. He’d been right when he’d said it would be easier for the women to talk, not just business but about their day and more personal things that had included a long rant from Birgit about swearing off men. To herself, Ketty gave it a week, maybe two. Birgit was far too social and fond of the male sex to be alone for long. Ketty hoped that wouldn’t put a strain on Lacey and Birgit moving in together.
Lacey returned with her sketchbook and shared her ideas.
“Judith and I took lots of photos today. The colours at The Breakaways were very inspiring.”
“Why does the model in this one have a walking stick?” Tien tapped one of Lacey’s sketches.
“I don’t know, really,” Lacey said. “But I think I may have been imagining Virginia when I designed that coat. And I was trying to make it inclusive.”
Judith’s head snapped up and she eyed Lacey closely. Ketty wondered what that was about but Lacey’s sketch had sparked another idea for her too.
“We’ve never made coats before,” Ning said.
“I’m imagining a lightweight shower-proof fabric for this.” Lacey glanced up, a new determination on her face. “I still need to talk it over with Ketty and Judith. These are just ideas.”
“We haven’t started sewing the new spring/summer collection yet,” Tien complained.
“But you know how far ahead we plan,” Ketty said. “Which brings me to something else I’d like to discuss.” They all looked at her expectantly.
“Oh no, Miss Clift.” Tien shook her head frantically. “You’re not re—”
“No.” Ketty cut her off a little sharply. “Once and for all I want to say I am not retiring, I’m not selling.” She looked at each of her ladies in turn then her gaze rested on Judith. “Although I’ve realised that I haven’t been as involved with the business in recent months as I should have been and for that I apologise.”
“You need to slow down some, Miss Clift,” Tien placated. “You’re getting ol—”
“Tien,” Ketty snapped. “If you mention me getting older one more time, I’m dismissing you on the spot!”
A chorus of gasps surrounded her.
Tien pressed her fingers to her lips.
“Look at your faces.” Ketty laughed. “Tien, you know I’d never let you go but please stop worrying about me.” She drew each word out to emphasise her point. “Each one of us is getting older.”
“Amen to that.” Birgit raised her glass in the air.
“We all have ups and downs but that’s life,” Ketty said. “Your concern has made me ponder though. And then the other day Warren mentioned a succession plan and it made me think I should have one. So that you can all feel safe in your employment and,” she looked at Tien, “if I suddenly fall off the perch there’s a strategy in place.”
Tien gasped.
“In short it’s about creating proper job descriptions for each of your roles. We’ve all managed in the past. I know you all know what you’re doing but our business has grown and changed. I think it would work better if you had a written plan of the part you play in making sure Ketty Clift Couture continues to flourish. And I want to make you a promise that I will go back to our regular individual meetings. I most certainly liked the opportunity to discuss how things were going and I feel you did too.”
There were murmurs of agreement.
“Good.” Ketty nodded. “That means next week I plan to go over the bookwork, crunch some figures, make some schedules and proposals and come back to you all with more detail.”
“You’re not staying on in Adelaide?” Judith asked.
“That didn’t work out and this is more important.”
“You’re not missing your friends’ wedding?” Ning said.
“No. Carlos and I will still go to Celia and Jim’s celebration. That’s been long planned but we had thought we’d stay on some extra days after that. I’ve…we’ve postponed that for now.”
“I think I speak for everyone here when I say how lucky we are to be part of Ketty Clift Couture.” Birgit glanced around and everyone nodded. “So I think it’s time for more champagne.”
Simon appeared as swiftly as a genie from a bottle and soon everyone’s drink orders were filled. Ketty proposed a toast to their future with resounding cheers that drew looks from the remaining diners.
Belinda delivered their desserts and they talked on, drank some more toasts and eventually left the dining car when every other table had been stripped and Simon had asked ever so politely if they’d move on to the lounge car. They had another drink there, then made their way to their cabins. The sleeping arrangements from the previous night were maintained, and after many whispered goodnights finally Ketty slipped into her cabin. She leaned against the door holding on to the excitement that fizzed inside her. It wasn’t just the champagne – although she’d had a few, she’d swapped to water several glasses ago. It was the resurgence of joy she felt that perhaps this train journey had worked and that her ladies and Ketty Clift Couture were back on track.
