Hold on to your Dreams (20 page)

It was pouring with rain the next morning but Alex didn’t seem to notice it. The sky was grey, the buildings were grey, and the streets were grey, and David wondered if there was any colour left in the world. This was more than April showers; it was like winter again. He shouldn’t have had that other brandy last night because his head was throbbing.

‘Don’t look so gloomy,’ Alex told him. ‘It’s only a drop of rain. The sun will be out by afternoon.’

‘It’s coming down in a solid lump,’ David groaned, ‘and I’m not sure I want the sun to come out. I won’t be able to see if it does. You drank as much as I did last night, so how come you’re so cheerful?’

‘I spent ten years in the army.’

‘Ah, drink a lot, do they?’

The only answer was an amused grin. ‘Come on, we’ve got a project to get under way.’

‘Where to first?’ David tried to ignore the headache. There was a very busy day ahead of them.

‘The Melrose workshop to see how many carpenters he can let us have.’

Sutton saw them as soon as they walked in, and so did Fred, who waved frantically at them, smiling happily as usual.

‘This is a pleasant surprise.’ Sutton shook hands with them. ‘What can I do for you?’

David had wondered if Gertie would tell her father about the project, but it was clear he was surprised to see them.

‘We’re going to renovate an old sailing vessel, and we need to hire from you as many of your best carpenters as you can spare,’ Alex told him. ‘We’ll pay you top rates for any with the right skills.’

‘Wait a moment, the men must hear this.’ Sutton faced the workshop. ‘Stop working men, and gather around to hear what Mr Glendale has to say.’

David watched the faces as they listened to the plans for the ship. Fred’s eyes were growing wider and wider, and he began to shift from one foot to the other.

‘Sir,’ one of the men caught Alex’s attention when he’d finished talking. ‘I used to sail on the
Ocean Sprite
as ship’s carpenter. I know her inside out. She’s a fine vessel and rides well in rough weather. I’d like to work on her again.’

‘There’s one for you. Anyone else interested?’ Sutton smiled at the men. ‘If any of you would like to do this work, then please say so.’

Three more men came forward, and Fred was practically
jumping up and down. ‘Me too! Can I? Please, sir?’

‘We’d be pleased to have you, Fred.’ Alex placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder to keep him still. ‘That’s if Mr Melrose can spare you. The job will take at least a year, and we can’t take all his good workers away from him.’

‘Of course you can work on the ship,’ Sutton told him, making the boy yelp in delight. ‘How many are you going to need?’

‘David’s the only one who can answer that.’

‘Five or six who know what they’re doing, and then we can employ less skilled men to work under them. The ship’s a wreck, and we’ll need a large workforce if we’re going to get her seaworthy within a year. Which is your aim, Alex.’

‘I’ve got a mate,’ one of the men said, ‘and he’s a good carpenter. He’s out of work and would jump at a chance for a job.’

‘Ask him to see Mr Gardener. Do you know where his office is?’

‘Yes, sir, everyone around the docks knows the Gardeners. It’s a highly respected firm. I’ll bring my mate along, and you won’t have any trouble getting the workers you need. They’ll be queuing outside his office as soon as word gets around.’

‘Make it this evening some time,’ David told him. ‘I’ll be there until late.’

‘We’ll be there, sir, and thanks.’

Fred tugged at David’s sleeve. ‘Plenty of men down our street are out of work. They ain’t skilled carpenters but you’re gonna need men to do heavy work, ain’t you?’

‘We’ve already thought of that, and Tanner Street is our next stop. We want to give them first chance, and then we’ll ask around the area.’

‘Thanks, most of them are desperate for jobs.’

‘We know, and we’re going to help as many men as we can.’ David then turned to the man who had sailed on the
Ocean Sprite
. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Harry Green, sir.’

‘I’m going to put you in charge of the carpenters.’

‘Thank you, sir. When do we start?’

‘We’ve worked out that carpenters can begin their work two weeks on Monday, but we’ll have to confirm that later. It all depends on how quickly the ship can be cleared,’ Alex informed them. ‘You’ll receive your wages from Mr Melrose as usual, but while you’re on this job you will all be given an increase, and a bonus when the work is finished.’ He glanced round at the men. ‘It’s going to be hard work, and you’ll earn every penny of it.’

There were smiles all round.

‘I see that doesn’t worry you. We’re going to have an exciting time seeing this elegant lady come back to life. Mr Gardener will answer any questions you might have.’ Then he turned to Sutton. ‘Let’s discuss terms.’

They went into the office while the men who were going to work with them gathered around David.

‘I hope I’m not taking too many of your workers away from you?’ Alex settled in a chair and took a notebook out of his pocket; it was already filled with facts and figures he’d spent the night working on.

‘No, I can manage. Those staying are too old for the kind of work you need, and they’ve long years of experience with the firm.’

‘Good.’ He then set about outlining the deal. The terms were more than generous, and an agreement was soon reached.

‘Did my daughter know about this last night?’ Sutton asked.

‘Yes, but I gather she didn’t mention it.’

‘No.’ He smiled broadly. ‘You just wait until I see her this evening.’

‘And speaking of Gertie, I would like your permission to take her to my farm in Kent for a couple of days.’

‘Oh?’ Sutton frowned. ‘She didn’t mention that either. Explain, please.’

Sutton listened while the plan for the riding school was outlined. ‘It was your daughter’s idea,’ Alex said. ‘I’ll need her advice about accommodation and care of the children. David’s coming and bringing Millie as companion to Gertie.’

‘Ah, well, that’s all right then. It sounds like a worthwhile scheme, and I’m sure my daughter will be delighted to help.’

‘Thank you.’ Business concluded, he stood up, eager to get on to the next stage of the project. ‘Now we must find more workers.’

‘You’re not wasting any time.’

‘No, I’ve bought the ship and want the work carried out as soon as possible. I’ve set David a deadline of one year to complete the renovation, and every moment counts.’

‘If anyone can do it, he can. He knows what he’s doing.’

Alex nodded. ‘That’s why I want him as a partner.’

The rest of the day was hectic as they moved from place to place, hiring shipbuilders, riggers and an army of labourers. By the evening everything was in place and work was going to start immediately on clearing the ship of accumulated rubbish and debris. David had seen the joy on the men’s faces as they were offered work. Fred and May’s fathers were two of them, and the majority of the workforce had been found in the slum areas where there was the most need. He still had to go back to his office and see others who had been recommended and were coming to him there. But he could snatch a couple of hours to relax first.

‘Where do you get your energy from?’ David asked, collapsing into a comfortable leather armchair in Alex’s library.

‘I haven’t been wandering around all day suffering from last night’s indulgencies. Would you like a drink?’

‘Tea?’

‘If you wish.’ When it was ordered, Alex also sat down, stretching his long legs out and sipping a whisky. ‘That was a successful day.’

David nodded, relieved to discover the headache had gone at last. ‘I suspect there’s more to your enthusiasm to restore an old ship than merely a business venture.’

‘There is. As a boy I used to dream about sailing the seas in a ship like this, the wind filling her sails as she surged through the waves. And when I saw her I thought
she could be put to good use, and fulfil my childhood fantasy.’

‘And yet you went into the army.’

‘Family tradition.’ Alex nodded to the maid as she brought in the tea. ‘Thank you Daisy, we’ll look after ourselves. Tell Cook Mr Gardener will be staying for dinner, and could she make it an hour earlier, please.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Can Gertie ride?’ Alex wanted to know.

‘We all learnt, but I don’t think she’s been on a horse for some time. She rode astride, as it was the only way she could keep up with us. She was never taught to ride like a lady.’

‘What did she wear?’

‘Trousers under her skirt.’ He grinned. ‘She borrowed a pair of Edward’s.’

‘Tell her to bring clothes to ride in, and Millie if she’s got anything. If not, I expect there will be something suitable at the farm.’

‘All right,’ David agreed. ‘You breed warhorses, don’t you? Have you got any ordinary riding animals?’

‘Don’t think so, but there’s a pony for Millie.’

Unable to believe what he was hearing, David’s eyes opened wide. ‘You’re not thinking of putting us on a destrier, are you?’

‘They’re exquisite animals. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy the challenge.’

‘They’re bred for fighting!’

‘Hmm.’ Alex’s grin spread. ‘I’m looking forward to going there.’

‘I think I’ve just gone off the idea.’

‘Dinner is served, sir,’ the butler announced.

‘Thank you, Hunt.’ Alex slapped David on the back. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.’

‘Amen to that!’

Waiting for her father to come home was agony for Gertrude. She was bursting to know what had happened today, and would he have given his permission for her to go to the farm?

Florence closed the book she had been reading and smiled at her daughter. ‘As soon as we have sufficient funds we must have a lovely gown made for you, in case Alexander needs your help again. You cannot be seen in the same one again.’

‘I’m quite happy with the gowns I have,’ Gertrude said gently. ‘Two have hardly been worn.’

‘Perhaps, but you must have at least one new gown. I’ll see to it as soon as I can. Now, what is Miriam Chester like, and what was she wearing?’

‘She’s a pleasant young girl and she was wearing a pale lemon gown. The colour went well with her blonde hair and light blue eyes. Her hair was beautifully arranged, and swept up with a diamond comb to hold it in place. She looked lovely.’

‘I’ve never met her, you know.’ Florence looked thoughtful. ‘But I expect I shall quite soon.’

‘Ah, Father has just arrived.’ Gertrude was glad to change the subject because her mother still seemed to have marriage on her mind. She understood it, of course, as
most girls were either married or engaged by the age of twenty. She waited anxiously for her father, wanting to know what had happened.

‘How have you been today, my dear?’ he asked, walking straight over to his wife.

‘Very well, Sutton. I’m a little stronger each day.’ He kissed his wife’s cheek, and then turned to his daughter. ‘And who has been keeping secrets from me?’

‘They came then!’ There had been a spring in his step when he’d walked across the room, and years had dropped away from him, revealing the man he’d been before this disaster had hit them. ‘What have they offered?’

‘What is she talking about?’ Florence asked, looking from one to the other.

‘Our daughter had news last night and didn’t tell me. When Alex and David came to the workshop this morning I was in for a surprise.’ He smiled at his wife. ‘I have good news, my dear.’

He then proceeded to tell her about the scheme.

‘And what will that mean to us?’ Florence was as excited as her daughter now.

‘The renovation of the ship will take about a year, and four of our workers, including Fred, have offered to take on the task. I have agreed terms with Alex, and they are very generous. The rewards to both the men and us will be substantial.’

Gertrude jumped to her feet, unable to sit still any longer. ‘David’s going to benefit as well. Alex has given him an equal share in the ship in return for his expertise
and knowledge. Isn’t it wonderful! And I’m so pleased Fred will be involved. He’ll be thrilled.’

‘Oh,’ her mother’s hands trembled. ‘I had given up hope of us ever recovering from this disaster.’

‘You mustn’t,’ Gertrude said firmly. ‘Fred and Millie told me to hold on to my dreams when things are hard. Everything’s going to be all right, Mother, you’ll see. I do believe the worst is behind us now.’

‘We still have a way to go.’ Sutton sounded a note of caution.

‘Yes, but there’s now hope for the future. One moment we were a happy, complete family, and the next we were torn apart. Everything went from bad to worse for us, and there seemed no way we could ever recover from the disaster, but things are turning in our favour, at last. And I am going to rejoice in this moment.’

‘We owe Alexander a debt of gratitude,’ Florence said.

‘So many people are going to benefit from this crazy venture.’ Hanna swept into the room. ‘I do declare that boy is as unpredictable as ever.’

‘Hello, Hanna.’ Sutton greeted his sister. ‘You’ve heard all about it, then.’

‘Impossible not to. Alex and David have caused a lot of excitement. They’ve been sweeping round London recruiting workers, and have been besieged by men desperate for jobs. Those two men work well together, and have a mutual respect for each other. I must say they’re taking a risk with this project, but if they can make it work it will be marvellous.’

‘They’ll make it work,’ Gertrude stated, with complete confidence.

‘I’m sure they’ll do their best.’ Sutton handed his sister a drink. ‘Are you staying for dinner?’

‘Please.’

‘Father, did Alex mention anything else?’

‘Ah, yes, I almost forgot,’ he teased. ‘I have given my permission for you to go with them at the end of the week, after being assured David and Millie will be accompanying you.’

‘Thank you!’ She was overjoyed.

‘What’s this all about?’ Florence and Hanna demanded at the same time.

Gertrude explained the plan, and by the end, Hanna was nodding her head in approval.