“I would jump up and down and clap my hands in the air with joy, if I weren’t such as old fogey,” Henry Malvern cried, his sudden laughter filling the air, echoing around the building site.
James Falconer laughed with him, and exclaimed, “But you’re not an old fogey, sir, if you don’t mind me saying so. And I have the same feeling.”
Malvern smiled, looked around at their surroundings, the shell of what would be shops and a central promenade, and observed, “And what a really good feeling it is to stand in the middle of this arcade and realize it will be finished in a few months. It’s a miracle on your part, James.”
“Not really, Mr. Malvern. The builders up here have been great and have kept to their timetable, better than any we’ve had down south. The architect hasn’t let one thing slide, and we mustn’t forget Miss Parkinson’s constant attention. She has an eagle eye.”
“I know. And I also am aware how hard everyone’s worked.”
The two men stood in the center of the arcade in Hull, which was indeed almost ready. They planned a winter opening. The solid outer brick walls and the roof were in place, as was the wide alleyway down the middle, already covered in flagstones.
There would be ten shops, five on each side of the arcade. Mostly they were for women’s day clothes, evening gowns, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and hats. Men were catered to with a shop for ready-made tuxedos and evening suits, another for evening dress shirts. The tenth shop was to be for James’s sister, Rossi, who had now finished a whole new collection of shawls, scarves, and capes. James was paying the rent for her and hoped it would allow her to spread her wings.
The architect who had designed the shops had made them the same size. The builders were now working on one side, had five structures that were almost finished. James had asked the construction company to put on extra men for speed, and they had obliged.
A woman’s voice called, “Cooee! Cooee! Here I am. Sorry I’m late.”
Both of them swung around to see Natalie Parkinson hurrying toward them. With a gray tailored coat over her costume, and with a feather in her neat hat, she looked smart and respectable. She had a bright smile on her face, as cheerful as usual. That was one of the many things that James liked about her. She was never in a bad mood, always ready to get to work on a project. It was obvious she enjoyed what she did and wanted to excel.
When she drew to a standstill, she shook their outstretched hands, and then addressed Mr. Malvern. “It’s coming along very well, isn’t it, sir?”
“That’s almost the understatement of the year, Miss Parkinson. You and James have worked a miracle, which I just told your colleague. I want to thank you for being so devoted to this new asset. I am very glad I came to Hull with James last night. This latest arcade is a sight for sore eyes, really cheers me up. And how lucky you have your cousin William Venables to advise you about Hull, James. He certainly found us a prize location right in the center of everything. I’m just sorry I won’t be able to come to his supper tonight.”
Natalie glanced at Henry Malvern, looking surprised. “But I thought you had accepted his invitation, sir.”
A smile touched Malvern’s eyes, and he suppressed the laughter bubbling in his throat. “It’s actually other Venableses I’m dining with tonight, Miss Parkinson. William’s parents.”
Natalie had the good grace to smile. “You have such a lot of family up here, Mr. Falconer. It must be very special for you.”
James simply nodded. He had very much enjoyed spending time with his aunt and uncle as well as his friend and cousin William. But not everything in Hull was idyllic. No one ever discussed his cousin Albert. He was the black sheep of the family.
Malvern said, “Shall we go to our office and go over a few matters? Then I would like to take you both to lunch at the Metropole Hotel.”
James nodded, and Natalie asked, “Are you definitely leaving tomorrow morning, Mr. Malvern?”
“I am, yes. Bolland brought James and me up, and he’ll drive me back to London on Saturday. I do believe my carriage is a better means of transport than these steam trains, which are so dirty and uncomfortable.” He shook his head. “Sometimes newfangled things just don’t work as well as the old.”
James and Natalie shared a knowing look but remained silent as the three of them walked down the arcade to the main entrance on the busiest shopping street in Hull.
Whenever she was in Hull, Natalie Parkinson lodged at a comfortable bed-and-breakfast which was close to their small office. The bedrooms were neat and clean, and the beds comfortable. Furthermore, Mrs. Pullman, the owner of the B&B, had plenty of good food for breakfast. Natalie was always accompanied by Lucy Charteris, a young widow, who was her assistant and ensured that her travels were viewed as respectable, or occasionally by her sister Irina.
There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Natalie turned away from the mirror and went to open it. Her sister stood there, lovely to look at in a pale lilac silk frock with a fitted bodice, square neckline, and short sleeves. The long skirt was straight at the front, with side panels and a small bustle at the back.
“You look ravishing,” Natalie said, admiring her sister. “James is really going to fancy you tonight, no question about that in my mind.”
Irina appeared puzzled when she repeated, “Fancy me? What do you mean?”
“I saw the way he looked at you the night you were at the supper Aunt Cheska gave for me. I think he’d like to pay court to you.”
Irina stood there, silent for a moment, and then she felt the heat rising in her face. She knew she was blushing.
Natalie smiled at her and drew her into the room, making no further comment about James Falconer. After glancing in the mirror once again, she said, “Just let me get my reticule, and I’m ready to go. Do you like this dress, Irina? Is it the right color for me?”
“Perfect,” Irina answered. “I’ve always liked you in purple, and we sort of blend together, don’t you think?”
Turning, staring at her younger sister once more, Natalie nodded. “We do, and certainly you’re very much in fashion. Lilac is the new favorite color these days.”
Within a few minutes the two young women were out on the main street, walking toward the Restaurant Tamara. Irina had never been there and she was looking forward to the evening. Natalie had explained that it had a special flavor, a slightly Russian feeling about it, and that some of the dishes were Russian in origin.
James and William had arrived early, were at the Tamara when the two sisters walked in. It was Natalie who spoke to the headwaiter; a moment later he was leading them through the restaurant to the best table. The two men jumped to their feet at once.
Natalie had met William before, as part of the arcade work; although James’s cousin was busy with his own role in his father’s business, he had helped them with the site. He was a fair-haired, pleasant-looking man, often eager to show them the sights of Hull. As she introduced Irina to him, she couldn’t help noticing how James was gazing at her sister, obviously unable to take his eyes off her.
Once they were all seated, William said, “I have ordered a bottle of French champagne … it’s a sort of celebration tonight. James just told me how impressed Mr. Malvern is with the arcade and the hard work you’ve both done.”
Natalie smiled at him. “We don’t often have champagne, so this is a real treat, William. Thank you.”
She then looked across at her sister. Irina was glancing at James from under her eyelashes, clearly as fascinated as he was with her.
He deserves to find someone, Natalie thought, after what he’s been through with Alexis; working closely with Mr. Malvern’s daughter, she had begun to know her well. Like everyone, Natalie was saddened by her indifference to her father’s plight.
James finally took his eyes off Irina and addressed Natalie. “He’s a good chap, you know, Mr. M. Very appreciative, and I’m glad he’s starting to get better. I just want to please him, help him get on his feet, and he really was happy today. The arcade will be a huge success. I know it in my bones.”
William said, “Here comes the waiter with the bucket of champagne, and I shall order their best caviar to go with it. What do you think?”
The two sisters smiled and nodded, showing their approval silently. After the champagne and caviar had been enjoyed, the four of them perused their menus. It was Irina who suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, they have borscht! I do enjoy beetroot soup. You told me the chicken Kiev was excellent, Natalie. Shall I try them both?”
It was William who answered first. “If you feel like enjoying a lovely supper with a Russian flavor, do have them. I am.”
“Yes, I will,” she responded.
“So will I,” Natalie said.
“And I will too,” James announced, and looked again at Irina, mesmerized by her dark eyes. She had a beauty that was very different from the English girls he was introduced to here in Hull, or down in London; her face had a watchful quality, with her dark arched brows and her high cheekbones.
Irina gazed back and slightly parted her lips, running her tongue over her bottom lip. He felt a sudden rush of longing. He also recognized at once that he hadn’t felt so titillated by a woman for years.
William and Natalie were talking about Hull, and Irina watched James, wondering why he wasn’t engaging her in conversation. He now seemed far away, as if in a dream.
Eventually she leaned in a little and said to him, “When we get back to London, I shall send you something I bought for you. A gift. It’s an icon, a very old one, James, which I found in one of those continental antique shops in Mayfair.”
“A gift,” James repeated, coming out of his reverie. “A gift for me?”
She nodded. “I know you were fascinated with them, when you saw ours at Aunt Cheska’s.”
“Yes, I was, and that is very generous of you, Irina. I am hoping to invite you and Mrs. Lorne to supper once I’m back, if you are both available.”
Irina smiled. “I’m sure she is, and I know I am. Thank you so much for this kind invitation. We will meet you whenever you wish and you can tell me where.”
James glanced at Natalie, and not wishing to be rude, or leave her out, he invited her as well. “You will be back in London early next week. I shall take you all to my uncle’s new place, which he recently opened. Uncle Harry will reserve the best table for us at the Restaurant Rendezvous.”
“Thank you, James,” Natalie replied. “It is so kind of you to invite me. I shall be there.”
They ordered their food, enjoyed every morsel, and finished the bottle of champagne. William was genuinely happy, glad that everyone had had a good time. They had laughed and chatted about many things and, as Natalie had remarked at one moment, they all got on so well together.
Suddenly, James sat up straighter and exclaimed, “Oh look, William, the musician who plays the balalaika has arrived.”
“Where?” Irina asked eagerly, glancing around.
“He’s just sitting down in the corner over there,” James answered. And as he was speaking, the man began to play his instrument, which sounded like a mandolin.
Natalie and Irina were entranced, listening attentively to the Russian song the musician had begun to play. The four of them relaxed, their attention fully taken, all of them lost in their own thoughts.
Suddenly a harsh voice said, “Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Fancy Pants himself!”
William jumped up at once. He walked around the table, aiming to silence his brother Albert, who had appeared as if from nowhere.
He spelled trouble; William knew that only too well. He must be controlled at once.
James knew this also. He immediately rose and went around the table, stood next to William, ready for any bad move Albert might make.
“Good evening, Albert,” James said politely, touching William’s arm, wanting him to stay calm.
“So here you are in Hull.” Albert glared at his cousin. The jealousy that possessed him did not seem to have diminished. “Get out, go away. This is my town, not yours,” Albert snarled. He stepped a little closer and lowered his voice. “You’re a rotten sod. You turned my own family against me. Get out of town. If you don’t, I’ll get you, Falconer.” He laughed harshly. “I’ll get you anyway, one day. Better watch your back, you stinking bastard.”
William, alarmed, not knowing what Albert might do, said in a firm voice, “Let me escort you back to your table, Albert. We don’t want a scene here. Think of the family’s good name.”
He took hold of Albert, who instantly shook him off. “You’re a bastard, no brother of mine,” he hissed, his face contorted.
He looked up at James, and sneered, “I see you’re with a juicy pair of tarts as usual, Falconer—”
“That’s enough,” William said in a low, hard voice, cutting him off. “Come along quietly, or Father will hear about this tomorrow morning.” He took hold of Albert’s arm hard, and James held the other. Together they frog-marched Albert to a table at the other side of the room, where his wife Anne sat with a well-dressed man and woman.
William nodded to his sister-in-law, who was bright red and obviously embarrassed. “Hello, William,” she murmured softly. The couple remained silent, but looked appalled.
Albert was wise enough to sit down quietly without causing any more trouble. In his fury and arrogance, he hadn’t noticed that everyone in the Tamara was staring at him, disgust on their faces.
William inclined his head to Anne and the couple. “Have a nice evening,” he said, and took hold of James’s arm, led him back to their table.
Once they were seated, Natalie said, with a frown, “I didn’t know that man was your brother, William. I’ve seen him before.”
Surprised and suddenly worried, William asked, “Where?”
“Hanging around the site … months ago, and then quite recently. About two weeks ago, I think. I didn’t pay much attention. I thought he was just a local.”
William threw a swift look at James but made no comment. Neither did James.
Irina looked at William and shook her head. “He’s not a bit like you. I would never have guessed he was your brother.”
When no one spoke, Irina blushed. “Oh I do hope I haven’t said the wrong thing.”
“No, you haven’t,” William reassured her, smiling at her, snapping back from his thoughts. “Everyone says the same thing. Now, let us relax and finish the evening on a happy note. He won’t trouble us again, I’m quite certain of that.”
“Yes, relax, Irina, and you too, Natalie. We won’t hear a murmur from him,” James said confidently, and thought, But I will.