The chain of ragamuffin boys employed by Ezra Morton were stationed on every street corner from The Crown Saloon to the brewery site.
Each was promised a tanner, six whole pennies, when they reported in relay that Poppy Charlton had left the gin palace for any reason.
Stepping out into the street, Poppy had no idea that she was being watched. With a basket over her arm she strolled down the street towards the market. Normally it would be Nancy who did the shopping, but she was up to her armpits in pastry and so Poppy had volunteered to go.
The message was passed from boy to boy and then on to Ezra – Poppy was headed for the market, judging by the basket.
‘Her’s just left The Crown, Mr Morton, sir!’ the boy said as he wiped a dirty hand beneath his nose.
‘Good lad. Which way?’ Ezra questioned.
‘Down Gin Barrel Lane, towards the market ’all,’ he said, trying to catch his breath. He had run all the way from his post on the corner of Ryder Street.
‘Here, make sure the others get theirs, mind,’ Ezra said as he gave the boy the money to be shared with the others in the chain. Grabbing his hat and cane he strode out of the office.
Stepping out, Ezra’s excitement mounted at the prospect of meeting the girl again. He knew he would have to be careful not to frighten her away by being too forward. It must seem as though they had met by chance and he would have to ensure he was as charming as he could be.
Then he spotted her, blonde curls bouncing among a sea of dark haired people. Increasing his pace, he walked behind her, admiring the sway of her hips. He knew he must have her for he was sure it would strike directly at the heart of Nellie Larkin.
The news of that woman paying off her loan had travelled like wildfire. Everyone knew each other’s business in this town – nothing was kept secret for long. He guessed Nellie had broadcast her news far and wide, letting others beholden to him know what she had achieved. He was still unaware of how she had come by the money and he’d bet no-one else knew that either. Somehow Larkin managed to keep her business to herself and only trumpeted what she wanted known. How did she manage to do that?
Deliberately bumping into Poppy, he turned as she looked around. ‘Miss Charlton? It is you, is it not?’ Ezra asked as he doffed his hat.
Poppy stared at the man addressing her.
‘It is, Mr Morton,’ Poppy said, flushing to the roots of her hair.
‘I see you are off to the market,’ he said, pointing to her basket with his cane.
‘Yes, I needed to get some air; it’s so stuffy in the saloon at times,’ she answered before turning to walk on.
‘I can imagine. If you don’t mind my saying, it’s no place for a lady such as yourself.’
Poppy blushed at his compliment and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. ‘Forgive me, Mr Morton, but I really must get on with my shopping.’
‘Allow me to assist you, Miss Charlton,’ Ezra said, moving to take the basket from her arm.
Poppy gasped and looked around at the faces staring at them. It was unheard of for a man to carry a basket or help with the shopping. ‘I can manage, thank you.’ Poppy moved the carrier to her other arm.
Ezra smiled and touched his hat with the silver topped cane to the people now muttering quietly.
‘Mr Morton, people are talking,’ Poppy said, taking a step forward.
‘Let them, Miss Charlton, I’m not worried by a little gossip.’
Poppy sighed and continued to glance around as she walked through the throng of people.
Seeing her discomfort, Ezra smiled in an effort to comfort her. ‘My apologies, Miss Charlton. It was not my intention to subject you to tittle-tattle.’ Cupping her elbow, he moved them further into the market.
‘Mr Morton, I’m not sure it’s such a good idea to be seen with you,’ Poppy began.
‘Why ever not?’ Ezra feigned a hurt look.
‘Well, I’ve heard – there are stories…’ Poppy was trying to dissuade him from accompanying her although her efforts were half-hearted. In truth, she was enjoying being with him, and the jealous looks of the women they passed. She felt important walking by this man’s side and loved the way the crowd parted to allow them through.
‘Ah yes, I’ve heard them too,’ Ezra said with a beaming smile. ‘It’s all a tissue of lies, Miss Charlton.’
‘What about poor Mr Pickles?’ She was unable to hold her tongue and her question was out before she realised what she’d said.
‘Let me tell you about that dear old man. Mr Pickles’ daughter was due to wed so he borrowed some money from me. After the wedding I learned the old fellow had become ill so I went to call on him.’ Ezra was looking Poppy directly in the eye and he saw she was hanging onto his every word.
‘So I heard! And that’s not all – it’s said you cut…’ She raised her hand and her fingers and thumb moved in a pincer movement.
‘I did, Poppy,’ Ezra said, daring to use her first name. ‘I did cut – his debt in half.’
‘Oh!’ Poppy’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.
‘All these tales about me are not true. However, I cannot deny it helps when collecting debts, but make no mistake – my men are courteous and helpful, I absolutely insist upon it.’
Poppy felt relieved and was now more inclined to believe that the stories she’d heard about this handsome man were indeed all lies.
The conversation halted while Poppy bought some vegetables and then she moved on, Ezra close by her side.
‘Miss Charlton…’ Ezra began.
With a gentle blush, she turned to face him.
‘Miss Charlton, would you do me the honour of having dinner with me sometime soon? We could visit the theatre and dine at our leisure.’
‘I’m afraid I don’t have much time off from my work, Mr Morton,’ she replied, trying to recover quickly from the shock of his inviting her out.
‘I’m sure Nellie would give you an evening off if you asked her,’ he pursued.
‘I doubt it. The saloon is extremely busy just now,’ Poppy said with a sad look.
‘I understand, but I have to say I’m very disappointed. I was hoping to have the pleasure of your company, but I see I will have to eat alone – again.’ Ezra was pushing harder now for he desperately wanted her accept his invitation.
‘I suppose I could ask – but I can’t promise anything,’ Poppy relented.
‘Excellent! You can get word to me at the brewery. There’s always an urchin ready to earn a copper, which I will pay for of course. Thank you, Miss Charlton, you’ve made me a very happy man.’ Ezra silently congratulated himself as he bundled Poppy and her full basket into a cab. Kissing her hand, he then paid the driver to take the lady home.
Ezra Morton had a spring in his step as he walked back to the brewery. The smile stretched across his face as he thought about the evening he felt sure he would be soon spending with Poppy Charlton.
Nellie would be furious about Poppy agreeing to step out with him which pleased him immensely. It would most likely cause an enormous row between the two women and could possibly lead to Poppy quitting her job and walking out. In turn it would mean Nellie would lose a good barmaid and he would be held responsible. Then, when he’d had his fun with the girl, he would send her packing. Would Nellie take her back? A young girl used and tossed aside, one who would be unable to find a husband after he had finished with her. Could he do that to Poppy? Ezra grinned, knowing full well he could.
Poppy alighted from the cab outside the saloon and thanked the driver before stepping inside. She was excited at the prospect of having dinner with a notorious man like Ezra, but she was also worried about what Nellie would say. She was certain Nancy and Nellie would warn her off the man yet again, but Poppy felt it was time now to make her own decisions. She was eighteen years old after all and a lot of girls her age were already married with children of their own.
Unpacking the shopping in the kitchen, Poppy didn’t hear the banter between Jack and Dolly – her mind was on Ezra Morton and what he could do for her. He could take her from the back-breaking work at the saloon; maybe he would set her up in her own little house somewhere. He might even propose marriage and then she wouldn’t want for anything if she became Mrs Morton.
Making tea without thought for what she was doing, Poppy then considered the other side of the coin. Nellie Larkin had taken her in off the street when she was starving. She had been given a job and a place to live and drawn into the small family unit without question. Could she go against Nellie’s advice which would surely hurt the woman who was like a mother to her? Could she risk the possibility she would be alienated by the others just to have an evening out with Ezra?
Then again, it would just be the theatre and dinner.
All she could do was ask Nellie for the night off. She didn’t have to say why, or where she was going, or who with. Poppy made her decision – she would make her request at the end of the night when the saloon had closed up.
At midnight, everyone sat around the kitchen table supping tea. Matthew and Noah Dempster joined them before taking up their night guard work.
‘Nellie, I’d like an evening off,’ Poppy said in a rush before her confidence left her. She had deliberately asked in front of everyone in the hope they would support her request and so make it more difficult for Nellie to refuse.
‘What for?’ Nellie asked with a tired sigh.
‘I want to get out of that bar for a few hours. I’m sick of seeing the same gin-sodden faces and hearing the same old drunken songs – I need a break,’ Poppy answered, ignoring everyone watching the exchange.
‘Poppy, I understand, but we’re so busy right now, I ain’t sure I can spare you—’ Nellie began.
‘I’m entitled to a night off – even if it’s only once a year!’
Nellie stared at the young woman, wondering what had sparked the outburst.
Poppy raged on. ‘I never go anywhere – like the music hall or theatre! As much as I love your cooking, Nancy, it would be nice to eat out on occasion!’
Suddenly Nellie knew – Poppy had been invited out by a young man. With a smile she asked, ‘Do we know him?’
‘Who?’ Poppy asked.
‘The young fella who’s asked you out,’ Nellie qualified.
‘Bloody hell! It’s like the Spanish Inquisition here! It’s my business, Nellie, and I shouldn’t have to share it with all and sundry!’
Nellie’s face fell. ‘Oh, Poppy – please tell me it ain’t who I think it is.’
‘I can go out with whoever I want, Nellie, I’m old enough now.’ Poppy stood her ground.
‘Yes, you are, Poppy, but – Ezra Morton? For God’s sake have you forgotten what we told you?!’ Nellie was exasperated.
‘It’s all lies, Nellie, he told me so!’ Poppy’s bravado began to crumble as she spoke.
‘When did you speak to him?’ Nellie demanded to know.
‘In the market today,’ Poppy answered.
Nellie dragged her hands down her face and sighed audibly. ‘I can see you’re determined so I’ll say this. Go out with him if you must, but be careful. Just know, if it goes wrong, we’ll all be here for you.’
‘Oh, thank you, Nellie!’ Poppy said, giving the woman a hug. Then she said her goodnights and skipped off to her bed.
‘Nell, I’m worried for her,’ Nancy said.
‘So am I, Nance,’ Nellie concurred.
‘Nellie, can I make a suggestion?’ Noah Dempster asked, his blue eyes twinkling in the gas light.
‘Yes, lad, go ahead,’ Nellie said.
‘One of us,’ he jerked his thumb between himself and his brother, ‘could follow Poppy – discreetly of course.’
‘I could do that!’ Fred said sharply, feeling a little pushed out.
‘No disrespect, big man, but with your size you’d be spotted right away,’ Noah replied.
‘Besides, Ezra knows you,’ Nancy said, laying a hand on his arm.
‘Oh, yeah,’ Fred said with a little grin.
‘I don’t know…’ Nellie began.
‘Have a think about it and let us know,’ Noah said, ‘for now we have a job to do. Come on, brother – time to check doors and windows.’
They left Nellie pondering the suggestion as they ensured the building was locked up tight.