A Winter Baby for Gin Barrel Lane Read online

  ‘Buggered if I know. I’ve done all I can, it’s up to them now,’ Bess said with a sad shake of her head.

  20

  While Bess was reading Dolly the riot act, Jack stamped down the street, taking his temper out on the cobbles. If that Wilton Burton is still there when I get back, I’m gonna punch him on the nose!

  A group of men were standing chatting outside the vinegary brewery on Westley Street and Jack approached them.

  ‘Anybody looking for work?’ he asked.

  ‘All of us,’ one spoke up.

  ‘I’m the manager of the new gin palace on Watery Lane – Jack Larkin’s the name. I’m looking for two cellar-men, two floor-walkers, two doormen and a couple of barmen.’

  The clamour almost knocked him over.

  ‘Blokes with families to feed?’ He watched six hands go up and he nodded. Seeing two big burly men he pointed to them, they would be excellent on the door. ‘That’s all I can employ for now,’ he said as he saw the disappointed looks from those not chosen, ‘but I’ll bear you in mind if I need extra help.’

  Turning to his eight new workers, he said, ‘Eight o’clock sharp in the morning.’

  ‘Yes, boss!’ they chorused and Jack left them being congratulated by their pals.

  Back at the Emporium, he was glad to see Wilton had left, but sorry Dolly had gone too.

  ‘Joey and Frank are filling bottles in the cellar,’ Bess informed him.

  ‘Hmm.’

  ‘Bull’s balls and snake belly for dinner?’

  ‘Hmm.’

  Gwen burst out laughing, breaking Jack’s thoughts.

  ‘Why don’t you tell her?’ Bess asked.

  ‘Tell who what?’

  ‘Dolly – how you feel about her.’

  ‘It’s that obvious, is it? Well, the truth is, I ain’t sure how she’d take it.’

  ‘At least she would know.’

  ‘Hmm.’

  Gwen tittered as Bess shook her head.

  ‘Did you find any workers?’

  ‘Hmm.’

  ‘Bloody hell! It’s like pulling teeth!’

  ‘What is?’ Jack asked.

  ‘Getting a word out of you!’

  ‘Sorry. Yes, eight blokes coming in the morning.’

  ‘Thank you. Eight more to feed then, Gwen,’ Bess said with a grin.

  ‘I hope they’re young and handsome,’ Gwen said dreamily.

  ‘Oh, blimey! I’m glad I’m too old for all this nonsense,’ Bess laughed.

  Jack wandered away to the cellar without another word, and Bess sighed. ‘Poor bugger,’ she muttered.

  Dolly had rushed away with Bess’s words still ringing in her ears. Now she sat at the kitchen table, mulling over what had been said. She couldn’t help how Jack was feeling about her any more than she could help how she felt about Wilton. Of course, she had no idea whether Wilton returned those feelings, but he certainly appeared happy in her company. There was also the fact that he visited more often than was strictly necessary, to her way of thinking, anyway.

  Turning her mind from thoughts that would surely give her a headache, Dolly instead concentrated on the grand opening of the Emporium of Dreams.

  Scratching out an advert on a slip of paper, she asked one of her staff to run it down to the newspaper office along with a handful of coins. All that was left to do now was wait for the time when the doors could be opened officially.

  The following morning, after breakfast, Jack looked over the furniture which had been in the bar and was now stacked in the other room. Tables, chairs and stools, and all were in pretty good condition as far as he could see.

  Calling Bess and Gwen, he asked, ‘How would you turn this into a fashionable eating place?’

  ‘Nice table linen for a start,’ Gwen said.

  ‘I agree, it would cover a multitude of sins. Good cutlery and glassware as well,’ Bess added.

  ‘It’s dark and dingy in here, how can we remedy that?’

  ‘Do as you’ve done in the bar, lots of lights and mirrors,’ Bess suggested.

  Jack nodded. ‘Good idea! That would brighten it up a lot. We need to set out these tables and chairs to the best effect.’

  ‘Why don’t you have a word with Eli Hodges about décor and leave this lot to us?’ Bess asked.

  ‘It wouldn’t hurt to see how much it would cost to get it done, I suppose.’

  ‘Won’t you have to ask Dolly first?’ Gwen asked tentatively.

  ‘No. Like she said, I’m the manager so I’ll make the decisions.’

  Gwen and Bess exchanged a glance as Jack walked from the room.

  Enlisting the help of Joey and Frank, Bess got them organised shifting furniture and before long the room looked more like a nice place to eat.

  At eight o’clock on the dot, the men hired from the breadline arrived and were given breakfast in the large kitchen. While they ate, Jack instructed them in their duties.

  ‘The doors will open at nine in the mornings so you need to be here an hour earlier. We’ll all eat together, then you take up your allotted tasks. Respect, gentlemen, to each other in this family and to our customers. You be nice until it’s time to not be nice.’

  A chuckle sounded and Jack went on. ‘Any trouble-makers are to be escorted off the property – nicely. You treat Bess like you would your mum and Gwen like your sister and any problems you bring to me. Any questions?’

  ‘Will we have to work a week in hand, boss?’

  ‘No, you’ll get your wages on Friday, same as Joey and Frank.’

  ‘Any chance of a sub, boss? Only I have kids to feed.’

  ‘For all of you?’

  Nods affirmed it to be a good idea.

  ‘Right. Two quid today, the rest on Friday, how does that sound?’

  ‘Bostin’!’ came the reply.

  Jack left the room and returned not long after with the money which he handed out to each man. ‘I’m trusting you, don’t let me down.’

  ‘We won’t, will we fellas?’ another said.

  ‘God’s honour, boss.’

  ‘Right, I’ll see you all in the morning. It’s the grand opening so tidy yourselves up as best you can. Thank you, gentlemen.’

  Jack watched them leave, each one thanking Bess and Gwen for their breakfasts. He prayed he’d done the right thing in giving out the money before they had even started work. He didn’t think they would take his coin and run, but one could never be sure.

  ‘I’m away to pester Eli Hodges if anyone should want me,’ Jack said, grabbing his jacket.

  ‘Dolly, you mean?’ Bess asked.

  ‘Tell her whatever you like!’ Jack snapped and walked out.

  ‘There’ll be trouble there before long, you see if I ain’t right,’ the cook mumbled as she sent Gwen to the linen cupboard in search of tablecloths.

  21

  Saturday morning saw crowds of people waiting for the Emporium’s doors to open. The newspaper had sent a reporter to write an article, and Ezra Moreton was sat in a cab watching the gathering customers. He wanted to see what had been done with the old place, and certainly from the outside it looked quite impressive, which caused him to scowl.

  The church bell began to toll the hour and Dolly and Jack appeared, having walked from the back of the building.

  ‘Welcome to the Emporium of Dreams!’ Dolly called out.

  So over dramatic! Ezra thought.

  ‘Get your money ready and come inside to sample our new range of gins!’ With that, Dolly and Jack flung open the double doors and were almost crushed in the rush.

  Aggie was one of the first in and Dolly smiled. The old girl wasn’t about to miss out on the grand opening.

  Ezra alighted from his carriage and donned his top hat. Stepping inside, he used his silver-topped cane to move people out of his way. He glanced around and to his dismay he was impressed. Gas lamps and chandeliers were lit bouncing the light against huge mirrors behind the counter, which then reflected back into the room. The wa
lls had been whitewashed and the counter polished so you could see your face in it. The casks along the back wall had the names of the different gins burnt into the wood.

  ‘Come to see how we’ve transformed the Bricky?’ Dolly asked.

  Ezra turned to face the girl who was standing behind him.

  ‘Hmm. A little gaudy for my taste but I can see the necessity of such decoration. It is a gin palace, after all.’

  ‘Indeed, and judging by this crowd, a popular one.’

  ‘Ah, but this is the opening day. I wonder how busy it will be in – say – six months’ time.’

  ‘You’ll have to stop by again then and see for yourself, you’d be most welcome,’ Dolly said with a smile.

  ‘Quite, but for now I have business to attend to. Good day, Dolly.’

  ‘Good day to you too, Ezra.’

  Climbing back into the cab, Ezra fumed. Dolly could well be on the way to making herself a fortune from that place, a fortune he’d missed out on.

  As the cab rolled away, he wondered how long this gin craze would last. Men would always want ale after a hard day’s work, but gin?

  Daydream Palace had been doing a roaring trade these past seven years and the Crown Saloon a lot longer than that, but it would all come to a halt eventually, he was sure. Then Dolly Perkins would have two properties on her hands which were doing little or no trade. What would she do then? Would she sell up? Might he have the opportunity to buy from her at a vastly reduced rate?

  The thought cheered him a little as the cab entered the open gates of the brewery. He smiled. All this belonged to him. He also had money coming from the public houses that were ‘tied’ to him. In return for his loaning them money to refurbish their buildings, they were only allowed to sell his beer.

  Paying the cabbie, Ezra stood a while staring up at the huge building, the smell of hops pungent on the air. He was proud of what he’d achieved, and humming a little tune, he walked inside to his office.

  Back at the Emporium, Jack watched Dolly chatting with customers, thinking bitterly that she was playing the lady bountiful. He could not have been more wrong. Dolly was in fact singing his praises, saying it was all down to the manager Jack Larkin that the place was open so quickly.

  His mood darkened further when Wilton arrived to offer his congratulations, and Dolly took her visitor to the kitchen for tea.

  The long counter accommodated three barmen easily, and they were all working flat out, and Jack and one of his new men went to the cellar to bring up more bottles to replenish the shelves.

  Satisfied all was running smoothly, Jack then retired to the kitchen for his well-earned cuppa.

  ‘Congratulations on your huge success, Jack!’ Wilton said.

  ‘Thanks,’ Jack mumbled over the rim of his cup.

  Dolly didn’t appear to notice his black mood and continued to chat happily with Wilton for a while. Then, saying farewell, Wilton left them all to their work.

  Dolly returned to the Palace and Jack heaved a sigh of relief. He was finding it harder and harder to see his best friend in the company of another man.

  Called to the bar, Jack helped out serving the gin-starved public. The time fled past and he was surprised when Bess shouted him for his lunch. After a quick bite, Jack went back to the bar, knowing it was going to be a long time yet before he saw his bed.

  An older man was entertaining the customers with a tune on a battered trumpet and then the singing began. Drunken women hitched up their skirt hems and danced as songs, one after another, filled the air. There was laughter and gin-induced happiness as more of the throat-searing spirit was bought and consumed.

  By midnight, when the last customer was persuaded to go home with a smile and a shove, the staff were almost dead on their feet. Before saying goodnight, Jack said, ‘Thank you one and all, you’ve done a marvellous job. I’m thinking, however, that we need more workers so we can use a rota system, otherwise we’ll be burned out before the week’s end.’

  His staff muttered their agreement before they left to trudge home on very tired feet.

  Bess and Gwen had long since sought their beds, and Jack, Joey and Frank lingered over tea in the warm kitchen.

  ‘What a bloody day!’ Frank said.

  ‘It was never that busy when it was the Bricky,’ Joey concurred.

  ‘It’s hard work and no mistake, but like I said, I’ll get some more help tomorrow.’

  Frank and Joey said goodnight and dragged themselves to bed, leaving Jack to ponder whatever was on his mind.

  True to his word, first thing the next day, Jack employed a further eight men from the breadline on Westley Street, and over breakfast he drew up a rota. Half the men would work nine to five, the rest would then take over until midnight. This would be for a month, then they would swap hours to ensure everyone worked the evening shift. All were happy enough with the new arrangements and Bess drew up a chart which she pinned to the kitchen door so there would be no arguments about who was on duty and who was off.

  The front doors were opened and people flooded in.

  The new day had begun.

  22

  The next couple of weeks saw a marked change in the weather. The chill wind in the mornings had mufflers tied about necks, jackets donned and shawls wrapped tightly around cold shoulders. The sun, when it appeared, shed its weak rays onto the populace as they hurried about their business. Fires were lit and the smoke from hundreds of chimneys lay low over the town. Kitchens everywhere were busy as stews and broths were cooked, ensuring a hot meal for those families who could afford one. The temperature at night dropped rapidly, promising ice, and the doormen at the Emporium did their duty inside the closed doors.

  Everyone had plenty of work to do and the gin was selling fast. Each Saturday morning the draymen delivered full barrels and took away the empty ones. Business was booming and the money rolled in.

  Jack was happy enough being the manager, but always at the back of his mind was what he saw as the blossoming relationship between Dolly and Wilton. Whenever he saw them together, his mood fell flat.

  There were no outward signs to say they were sweethearts, and Jack often wondered if he was imagining things that were not there. Then he would see them laughing and having fun and his heart ached.

  One morning, while he was over at the Crown visiting his mother, Wilton arrived. Dolly was enjoying tea with Nellie and Nancy too.

  ‘I wondered if you would like to visit the distillery, Dolly, then you can see how your gin is produced.’

  ‘I’d love to!’ Dolly replied excitedly.

  Grabbing her hat and coat and her cane, she said cheerio and was helped up onto the cart which had delivered Nellie’s new stock.

  ‘I’m surprised Wilton didn’t ask you to go an’ all,’ Nellie said.

  ‘I ain’t,’ Jack muttered.

  ‘Why’s that, then?’ Nancy asked, although she suspected she knew the answer.

  ‘Two’s company, three’s a crowd.’

  Nancy and Nellie exchanged a concerned look. Quickly changing the subject, Nellie asked, ‘How are you liking being your own boss?’

  ‘I like it well enough.’

  ‘You’re a miserable little bleeder today!’ Nellie snapped.

  ‘Mum, don’t start!’

  Nancy was startled by his outburst, which was most unlike Jack, and so she asked gently, ‘What’s up lad?’

  ‘Nothing. I’d better get back and make sure they ain’t wrecked the place.’ Giving the two women a quick peck on the cheek, Jack left.

  ‘What’s all that about, do you think?’ Nellie asked.

  ‘Dolly,’ Nancy answered.

  Nellie frowned and Nancy sighed.

  ‘Bloody hell, Nell, I’m sure you walk round with yer eyes closed!’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Jack is in love with Dolly! A blind man could see that!’ Nancy explained.

  ‘Oh, blimey,’ Nellie mumbled.

  ‘Precisely.’

  Jack
walked back to the Emporium briskly but in truth he didn’t notice the cold air nipping his nose. He had other things on his mind, like Dolly going off with Wilton without a second thought.

  Arriving home, he pushed his way through the crowd and glared when a man yelled, ‘Hey, who are you shoving?’ Seeing Jack’s sour look, the man added, ‘Sorry guv, I d’aint know it was you.’

  Jack moved on and made for the kitchen.

  ‘Ah, you’re back. Cup of tea? How’s your mother?’ Bess’s questions were fired at him as he sat at the table.

  Bess glanced at Gwen, who shrugged. Something had obviously happened because Jack was in a foul mood – yet again.

  Pushing a cup of hot tea towards him, Bess said, ‘I have a good ear if you need to talk.’ Then she went back to preparing the vegetables for a lunchtime stew.

  Jack said nothing and sipped his tea. When he had finished, he went to take his turn behind the bar.

  Gwen opened her mouth to speak but seeing Bess raise a finger, she thought better of it.

  In contrast to Jack’s black mood, Dolly was thoroughly enjoying the ride on the cart despite the cold weather. Coming into Darlaston, the cart rolled up Church Street. Dolly recalled how Nellie had made this same journey so many years before when she’d had to seek out a new distiller.

  The large gates stood open and Wilton expertly guided the horse between them. Dolly gazed up at the red brick buildings and sniffed the aroma of hops which pervaded the air. Helped from the cart she followed Wilton inside to the office.

  ‘Dad, this is Dolly Perkins. Dolly, meet Ned Burton.’

  ‘We meet at last. Welcome, my dear, take a seat.’

  ‘It’s nice to meet you, Mr Burton.’

  ‘You too. How is Nellie? I hope she is well.’

  ‘She is, thank you for asking.’

  Tea was brought by the secretary and all three chatted about the Emporium and how well it was doing.

  Eventually Dolly said she really should be going home. Wilton offered to escort her but Dolly said she would be fine if he would be kind enough to fetch a cab. Wilton wouldn’t hear of her travelling alone, and bidding Ned goodbye they went to the distillery part of the works for a swift tour before Dolly headed back.