Sequel to Christmas Below Stairs
In Regency London, former servants Eli and Joseph are now established shopkeepers, running their business with the help of Tilly, previously a kitchen maid in the grand town house where they used to work.
Eli, the former valet, is looking forward to enjoying Christmas and splashing out on gifts for their small, unconventional family, unaware Joseph has other ideas.
Rather than being satisfied with the hard-won success of their current premises, Joseph’s ambitions come to the fore, together with his resentment about being treated unfairly as a person of colour and his upbringing as a lowly foundling.
Could Joseph be letting his frustration take control, leading him to make a rash decision that might plunge them into penury? And can Eli intervene without jeopardising their relationship?
Business was brisk the next morning.
If this keeps up until Christmas, we’ll be plump in the pocket, Eli thought. He tried not to wince at how much of that profit would be squandered in Joseph’s expensive schemes.
He anticipated that Joseph would return later than usual from the house clearance, after perusing the Swallow Street property.
He’s not one to dawdle, my Joseph.
Eli clung onto the hope that by taking a positive step towards fulfilling his ambition, Joseph, usually so level-headed, would start to see the wider view.
Maybe he’ll realise we’re better off staying here.
Eli’s misplaced optimism faded when Joseph appeared from the back of the shop in his shirt sleeves, his face wreathed in smiles.
“Did you get some decent moveables?” he asked mildly. “We need a few baubles to replace what I’ve sold so far.”
“That’s good news. Yes, I picked up some saleable trinkets. At least they will be once Tilly’s cleaned them up and you’ve placed them to your satisfaction.”
Joseph’s grin was so infectious that Eli’s lips curved, despite his rising trepidation.
“I dropped by that place off Swallow Street as we agreed,” Joseph continued blithely. “The landlord happened to be there and was very amenable to my enquiries. He’s even hinted at making a deal on the rent.”
“You didn’t agree to any terms?” Eli asked sharply.
“’Course not. I said I had to consult with my business partner and then we’d visit the premises together to make a final decision. He was most agreeable.”
I bet he was, Eli thought grimly. The whole affair felt off to him. Surely if the shop was in a prime position, it would have been snapped up already?
Unlike Joseph, Eli didn’t interpret the landlord’s eagerness favourably.
“Once you see the place I know you’ll grasp the potential. We could even go before the week is out.”
This was moving far too fast for comfort. Before I know it we’ll be dished up and stuck with somewhere we can’t afford.
“Go and see what?”
Tilly appeared in the doorway, holding a duster.
She might sleep like a baby, unaware of the regular night time activity on the floor below her attic chamber. During the day, there was no such thing as a private conversation. Tilly’s step was light and her ears were sharp.
Eli might have felt relief at the interruption to gather his thoughts if he hadn’t sensed looming disaster.
“We’re thinking of getting another shop,” Joseph said incautiously. “We’ll soon be moving to the West End where the guineas are more plentiful.”
“Move?” Tilly was stricken.
She looked from one man to the other, seeking assurance that they were joking.
Belatedly, realisation crossed Joseph’s face that he had spoken too soon.
“Nothing’s decided, Tilly,” Eli said soothingly. “It’s only a consideration.”
“But if you leave, where would I go?”
Tilly clutched the duster to her thin chest like a prized possession.
“As if we’d venture anywhere without you, Tilly,” Joseph said with unnatural heartiness. “Wherever we go, you’d come with us.”
Tilly would not be comforted. She was close to tears.
“But what about my friends? I can’t abandon Hester, she’ll be distraught. Why do we have to leave at all? This is our home.”
She burst into tears and fled. Joseph took a step to follow her.
“Leave her be,” Eli said gently. “Let her cry herself out. We’ll talk to her when she’s calmed down and is in a fit state to pay attention.”
Joseph appeared thunderstruck by Tilly’s outburst.
“I thought she’d be excited by the news.”
Oh, Joseph, Eli pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.
The rumble of a cart sounded from the back lane. Eli grasped the opportunity for distraction.
“That will be the delivery from the house sale. Why don’t you get set to unload the goods and shift them in the store room. Then we can have them ready to sell all the sooner.”
Joseph stood stock still, his expression puzzled as though he barely understood Eli’s instructions. Only the entrance of two ladies made him hasten away, not wanted to be caught improperly attired by potential customers.
“As I was telling you, Addie,” one of the ladies said chattily. “They have some lovely pieces here, perfect for Christmas gifts.”
Eli smiled benignly, allowing the ladies to browse and persuade each other to make a purchase without his interference.
Let’s deal with one problem at a time, he thought, unnerved by the sudden disharmony in their small household.
