Chapter 11

January 1894

‘Another year, another day and no change,’ Mary whispered and looked out at the wet, dreary streets of Leeds and wished, not for the first time that morning, for more in her life. She should have left this job that was too easy a long time ago, that or find a man to look after her. But the thought of being married and children around the bottom of her skirts did not appeal to her. Christmas had come and gone yet again and, like the previous year, she had worked all hours that God had sent just to give herself something to do. Nancy was now wittering on about marrying Jake but letting it be known that neither of them could afford anything more than where they were already living, making Mary feel unwanted because Nancy hinted constantly that she wished Jake could move in with them.

She was almost crying with boredom as she looked around her at the affluent diners and Nancy flirting with Jake as he waited for the drinks to be poured, when a young lad ran into the bar and looked up at her. His face was filthy but in his hand he held a pristine white envelope.

‘Here, missus, are you Mary Reynolds? I’ve been told to deliver this note to you by that man standing over the other side of the street and wait for an answer.’

Mary looked down at the street urchin and took the note from his hand, glancing out of the window at the man who stood on the street corner, watching her and the boy. She realised at once that it was the young and handsome William Winfield who was the sender of the note and quickly opened the envelope to read what was inside.

‘The fella says just to give me an answer of yes or no – he doesn’t want to cause bother for you.’ The young lad wiped his snotty nose and grinned, assuming that it was a love letter that he had been instructed to carry.

Mary looked down at the note.

Dear Miss Reynolds,

Forgive the hastily written note. My father and I wondered if you would be interested in gaining employment with us at the Palace Hotel? We would like to talk to you at ten thirty this evening on the premises. We think it would be in all our interests for you to attend.

Yours sincerely,

William Winfield

‘Tell him yes.’ Mary said as she quickly put the note in her pocket before anyone else saw it and looked out across the street to where William stood. She felt her cheeks flush as she watched him smiling as the young lad ran to tell him her reply.

How could she say anything other than yes to the offer that had been sent to her? It was perhaps the answer to her prayers, a new place of work – and for one of the wealthiest property developers in Leeds. Besides, it would get her away from the small group of lovely but nosy workers that she was with now. Giving the glasses an extra clean with her glass cloth, she started to hum a tune.

‘Mary, stop that humming!’ John Whitelock exclaimed as he came in and informed her of a change in the menu.

Mary stopped instantly. ‘Sorry, I just felt a need to cheer myself up.’

‘You can cheer yourself up by doing some work! Now shut up and get on with your job.’ John scowled as he spoke but Mary grinned as soon as he turned his back on her and pulled faces at him behind his back. Ten thirty could not come soon enough.

‘Are you not walking home with me? It’s not like you to go somewhere at this time of the night.’ Nancy unlinked her arms from Mary’s and looked at her when she said she would leave her at the entrance to Whitelock’s.

‘There’s something on at the library that I wouldn’t mind seeing. I won’t be long, it closes at eleven, so I’ve got to hurry if I want to catch them,’ Mary said quickly, not wanting Nancy to know the truth.

‘I would have thought that you’ve enough on, what with working, dressmaking, reading and the like, and now you are trailing off to the library. No wonder you can’t get a man: you are too well-educated and men don’t like clever women.’ Nancy looked Mary up and down. She was grateful for her help in getting her a leg up in the world, but now she believed that Mary thought herself better than anyone else, even though she’d come from nothing.

‘It’s something and nothing, a new exhibition that they are thinking of putting on. I’ll not be long,’ Mary lied yet again, hoping that Nancy hadn’t noticed that the supposed new exhibition had been worthy of her hair being tidied, her skirts smoothed and her cheeks plumped.

‘You wouldn’t get me going there – it’s full of snobs. You want nothing to do with learning!’ Nancy yelled after her as Mary set off with urgency down the gaslit streets to the Palace Hotel to meet the Winfields.

Catching her breath, Mary stood outside the now fully-built Palace Hotel. Even in the gaslight, it looked grand and the copper dome on the top of the buttress shone as the light of the moon glinted down upon it. However, it was the light from inside that caught her eye. The sight was magnificent: sparkling crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lit not by candles or gas but by electricity, a luxury only the wealthiest could dream of. The Palace Hotel outshone any other building on the row and Mary felt her stomach churn as she climbed the steps to the entrance and put her hand on the rotating brass door that led into the lobby of the grand hotel. She felt herself underdressed and insignificant as she stood and gazed at the opulence that surrounded her. Never had she been in such a building.

‘Ah, Mary, we were expecting you.’ Thomas Winfield smiled and greeted her as she stood in front of him, William, and the most elegantly dressed woman that she had ever seen. ‘I was so glad that you accepted our invitation to join us this evening. I’m sorry it was given in such an under-cover way, but I did not want to risk your position with John Whitelock and I have no idea where you live.’ Thomas smiled, watching Mary tremble in front of him with nerves and with anticipation of what was to be asked of her. ‘Don’t worry, my dear, we are not about to eat you. As William hinted in the note, we are looking to employ you, if you are willing to join us.’

Mary looked at Thomas and then at William, noting that the woman next to him was gazing at her up and down and trying to show an interest in the person standing in front of her but obviously noting that she was of much lower status than herself. ‘Thank you, sir, I feel privileged that you have taken me into consideration for whichever position you think me fit for. I, of course, am loyal to my employer, Mr Whitelock, at present and would not, as you say, like to jeopardise my position with him.’

‘Then it will remain our secret until you have made your decision on what William and I have to offer you. However, I am being rude; William, you already know, but let me introduce you to his fiancée, Miss Faith Robinson, soon to become Mrs William Winfield.’ Thomas turned and looked at Faith as Mary made a slight curtsy to her. He urged Faith to say something but she just smiled coldly, making Mary feel embarrassed that she had thought so little of herself in front of the elegant woman that she had felt the urge to curtsy. ‘No, no need to stand on ceremony, Mary; you will, hopefully, soon be one of our members of staff and therefore part of the Winfield family. That is how we hope to run this glorious Palace Hotel, making it full of laughter and enjoyment – and if the staff aren’t happy, the customers aren’t happy, and that would never do.’

Thomas stretched out his arms. ‘What do you think of it so far? We’ve got marble floors, the finest crystal and the largest mirrors in Leeds – we’ve not skimped on anything. Come, follow me out of this lobby into the main bar because that’s what I really want you to see – hopefully to tempt you away from John Whitelock. Although he will give me a run for my money when it comes to delivering good meals, this is what we are about.’ Thomas opened the huge wide doors at the side of the lobby and showed Mary the crown jewel in his Palace Hotel.

‘Lord, I’ve never seen anything like this!’ Mary gasped. ‘Everything glitters! Just look at the chandeliers and the grand piano. The bar itself must be nearly twenty yards long and the bottles of drinks behind it – I could never remember them all. Just look at how many different bottles of gin alone you have on the shelves, there must be at least twenty.’ Mary stood enraptured and looked around her; never had she seen such luxury. There were tables and chairs covered in the richest velvet for customers to sit in and relax, while on the walls were pictures depicting exotic, scantily clad ladies with flowers around their bodies and in their hair. Tall palms grew in large brass planters but the pièce de résistance was the bar, long and slim with bottles and glasses stacked up behind it ready for the many customers who would soon be flocking through the doors. ‘It’s wonderful!’ she exclaimed.

‘I’m glad that you like it. It’s cost me a pretty penny. There are thirty bedrooms, as well as the staff bedrooms for those who want one, a laundry room and a kitchen that wants for nothing. All I ask is that it becomes a success because this is to be my gift to my son and Faith on their wedding day.’

‘For which we are truly thankful, Father. Not only have you provided us with the business but a home as well. Our rooms are just below the copper dome – they’re beautiful, aren’t they, Faith?’ William turned and smiled at his bride-to-be and waited for her answer.

‘Yes, a little small and I would have preferred to be away from your work, but they will suffice for now, until we have a family …’ Faith looked at William with a straight face and then glared at Mary. ‘You seem to have taken my fiancé and his father’s eye, for them to have given you this sneak preview of our world. Can I ask why?’

Mary sensed the hostility in Faith’s question and blushed.

‘I don’t know why; I’ve only spoken briefly to both of them and served Mr Winfield on his visits to Whitelock’s,’ Mary answered truthfully.

‘I’ll tell you why she’s here, Faith. It’s because she owned the position that John Whitelock gave her from the moment she was behind his bar and she’s loyal, as she’s proved once again this evening. That is why I want to offer Mary the position of overseeing the three girls and the waiters who are to run this bar for me. She’s ideal for the job, as well as being pleasing to the eye,’ Thomas said sharply to his future daughter-in-law, then looked at Mary.

‘What do you say to that, Mary? We will pay you better than John Whitelock and there is accommodation if you want it. I don’t know your personal situation, but I do know that you’ve no wedding ring on your finger, so you are not beholden to anyone at home, I hope,’ he said and looked sombre. ‘It’ll be different from Whitelock’s here and I’d expect you to dress accordingly and to act the part, but I have faith in your ability and so has William. He was the one who convinced me that you were right, the day you looked at the plans together.’ Thomas looked at the surprise on Mary’s face.

‘Me in charge of three girls and some waiters! Well, I must confess I was beginning to find it a bit monotonous at Whitelock’s and could do with a challenge.’ Mary looked across at William, who smiled and winked at her in encouragement.

‘We’d see to your dress; we have employed Sharp and Wright, the best outfitters in town, to see to our needs. Your rent in the room that we would give you would be taken out of your wages and, of course, any meals that you need would come from the kitchen. However, we would expect you to take a firm hand with the girls I employ. Oh, perhaps you would like to take part in the interviews? You seem to have a good sense of people’s character,’ Thomas said and couldn’t help but see the look of disdain on Faith’s face.

‘Oh, no, if I take the position, I would leave that to you. I’d be lost with what to ask them.’ Mary looked at both men. She had instantly liked them – and her new surroundings, which were so much grander than Whitelock’s. As a bonus, she would have a new home, away from Nancy and the filth of the railway line. However, she couldn’t help but feel that Faith had no time for her and that there had been an instant hostility as soon as they met. She paused and thought about her life and how much better it could be if she took the chance that was being offered her. ‘What time would I be given away from work? It’s just that I enjoy going to the music hall and I’d appreciate a little time to myself to do as I please.’

‘We’d work around that, I can assure you.’ William was quick to intervene with an answer.

‘Then yes, I would love to join you here at the Palace. I can’t believe that you have chosen me to be part of your scheme, although I really don’t deserve the position! And yes, I will take the opportunity of a room here. I rent a small cottage with Nancy, who works with me at Whitelock’s and, to be honest, it hasn’t been working well of late. We’re not really compatible, it would seem.’

‘Then welcome on board, Mary Reynolds. We will expect you to work hard but in return we will treat you fairly. We have decided that our grand opening will be in the first week of March, so you have plenty of time to make things right with your lodger and John Whitelock – I’m sure both will miss you.’ William and Thomas shook Mary’s hand but Faith turned and went to sit down in one of the chairs and sat watching the three of them as they laughed and congratulated themselves.

‘Let me walk you to the door – or perhaps you’d like a wee drink to celebrate?’ William made to walk around to the back of the bar to lift down a bottle of gin.

‘No, no, please, I don’t drink myself. And I aim never to do so!’ Mary said quickly.

Faith laughed out loud and exclaimed, ‘A woman in charge of the bar who doesn’t drink? Now that is laughable!’

‘It’s the best way to be, I think – at least we know who’s not drinking the profits,’ Thomas said and glared at Faith.

William quickly stepped alongside Mary. ‘Let me show you to the door and thank you for your time. We’ll be in touch regarding a starting date and to show you your room and the rest of the hotel. You’ll fit in like a glove, Mary, of that I’m sure.’ He placed his hand in the small of her back, urging her to join him on the walk to the doorway.

‘Thank you once again! I can’t believe that I’ve been so lucky as to be given the chance to work in such a place. It truly is beautiful.’

Mary took a final look around the bar and the lobby as she followed William to the revolving doors out onto the street. It was beautiful! Her world had changed once again for the better, and what made it more beautiful was the look that she saw in William Winfield’s eyes as he wished her goodnight. What a pity he was engaged to be married! He was the first man she actually thought that she could feel something for. It wasn’t about the money, the way she thought about him, she just felt as if he genuinely liked her and that she could connect with him, even though he was way above her society. But now, she thought, she was daydreaming. Was it not enough that she had landed on her feet with the best job she could possibly have, let alone wish for the perfect man to go with it? She was lucky enough for now and should be thankful for what she had got, she thought, as she walked back to the reality of her present life at Riley’s Court and the interrogation that she knew would be waiting for her from Nancy about her so-called visit to the library.

A good six weeks had passed when Nancy thought fit to tackle Mary over her frequent absences from home of an evening. ‘I think that you’ve got a fella and that you’re not letting on,’ Nancy accused over the breakfast table.

‘What are you on about?’ Mary said sharply in reply and watched as Nancy spooned the last mouthful of her porridge into her mouth.

‘Well, nearly every night last week you went to the library, or so you said, and now you’re telling me that you’re going again tonight. Well, I know for a fact that it’s closed on a Monday evening – and that it doesn’t stay open after eight, so you couldn’t have gone there that first night. I know because the old grey-haired fella that looks like he’s got no home and who works there always comes in for a drink of a Monday evening because he’s not at work. You’ve got a man in your life, and you don’t want me to know!’ Nancy sat back in her chair and stared at Mary, saw the colour come to her cheeks. ‘I knew it! You needn’t deny it, your face tells me everything.’ She tipped her chair back, gloating at her knowledge.

‘Well, you’re wrong, but seeing you’ve brought the subject up, I’ll tell you what I’ve been up to – and I suppose it is time that I told you because it’s going to affect you when I leave here.’ Mary looked across at Nancy and noticed her announcement of leaving had taken the wind out of her sails, good and proper.

‘Leave, what do you mean, leave? Where are you going? You can’t leave me here on my own!’ Nancy exclaimed.

‘Right, but you can’t say anything to anybody at work. Not, at least, before I get to speak to John Whitelock. You’ll promise?’ Mary gave Nancy a hard stare and watched as she nodded her head in agreement but at the same time gave her one of her well-known scowls.

‘I’ve been going to the Palace Hotel, Nancy, because the Winfields have given me a job there when it officially opens in another two weeks. I’ve been learning the ropes and making sure I know how everything works before the rest of the staff are taken on, as I am to be in charge of the bar.’ Mary stopped talking for a moment and looked at Nancy.

‘You bloody dark horse! I thought it was a fella, for sure. Instead it’s employment in the swankiest hotel in Leeds. Is it true that they have electricity and a bath in nearly every bedroom? All of Leeds is on about it. How did you wheedle yourself in there?’ Nancy looked excited and gasped, hearing Mary’s description of her new place of work and how Thomas Winfield had chased her for the job.

Mary sighed and left the worst news for Nancy last; she had been dreading telling her but she had to, to be right with her. ‘Trouble is, Nancy, I’m going to be living there, so that leaves you living on your own here. Now, I’ll tell Mr Whitelock that you are up to taking over my job behind the bar because that will help you financially. However, at the end of the day, it will be his decision and I feel bad that I might be leaving you unable to pay the rent.’ No matter how tired of Nancy’s relentless chatter she was, she still felt beholden to the lass that she had taken under her wing.

‘What are you worrying about that for? Don’t be daft! You go and better yourself, Mary Reynolds – you deserve it; you’re always thinking of others and you run that bar like clockwork. Besides, I know you’ve been bored of late – and it’ll be an excuse for Jake to move in with me. I’m not afraid of living over the brush, because there’s no way I’m going to be married; I’ve seen what it does to a woman after watching how my father was with my mam. Though at the same time we’re only human – we have our needs.’ Nancy winked and grinned.

‘Nancy Hudson! Have you no shame, What will Tess think of you? She’ll tear you apart with her gossip,’ Mary said and grinned, delighted that Nancy had taken her news so well.

‘She can say all she wants, but she’s no better herself. I’ve seen old George Summerfield coming away from her house in the early hours, his breeches just about round his ankles, so I know what they get up to.’ Nancy grinned. ‘You wish me luck and I’ll do you the same. We’ve both got what we want, then, and well-deserved of it we are.’ Nancy, for once in her life, smiled broadly and started thinking about life with her lover Jake under the same roof.

‘That’s put my mind at rest, then. Things are working out well – new job, new home, a new beginning for us both,’ Mary said as she cleared the table and reached for her shawl. ‘Still, I’m not looking forward to telling John Whitelock that I’m leaving his employment. He’s been good to me.’

‘He’s been good to you because you’ve been good for him. The place has never been so busy, thanks to you, and I only hope that I can follow in your footsteps if I’m allowed, but I don’t attract the men like you do, although you seem oblivious to your charms.’

‘Don’t be silly, Nancy. I don’t attract the men and, if I do, I’m not aware of it. I’ve too much to do with my life before I get weighed down with a man to look after and a home and family to care for. I learned my lesson from Nell; she gave up her independence for Robert Jones only to be used and replaced as soon as she died. I aim to make my own way in society and that’s just the chance my new position will give me. Now, come on and move yourself else we’ll be late for work.’

‘There, you see? That’s the difference between you and me. You’re determined and not swayed by anything, whereas I just live for the day, especially since all the trouble with my father. You’ll go far in life, Mary, but you just don’t realise the gifts that you have yet.’ Nancy followed her friend out of the house, knowing that she was going to miss her, but also knowing her leaving would hopefully lead to a better life for her.

‘Well, I thought you’d be here until a fella came along and swept you off your feet. And for you to go and work for Thomas Winfield! I’m disappointed in you, Mary. I thought at least you’d be loyal to me – after all, I did give you a leg up in the world when you needed it.’ John Whitelock sat back in his chair and looked at Mary, who sat with her head bowed in front of him. ‘Still, I can’t hold you and I suppose you’ll do what your heart tells you. We’re obviously not enough for you.’

‘It’s not that at all, sir,’ Mary protested. ‘I’ve enjoyed my time working here and I truly appreciate all that you’ve taught me while I’ve worked behind the bar here. You and the staff will always be remembered fondly by me, but I feel it is time to move on and the Palace gives me that opportunity.’ She looked at John Whitelock with gratitude, knowing that if she had not been spotted behind his bar, she would never have been considered by the Winfields.

‘Aye, well, I can’t say I blame you. I hear that he’s got a right fancy place there and that he’s given Leeds Corporation a few headaches with putting electricity into his hotel. It’ll happen make them realise that not only the posh folk need it, but that it would benefit the whole of Leeds.’ He looked at her. ‘I’ll wish you well, Mary Reynolds. I don’t blame you for leaving us and I will put Nancy in your place as you suggest – she’s a different lass since you took her under your wing.’

‘Thank you, Mr Whitelock, I truly appreciate all that you’ve done for me and I hope that Whitelock’s goes from strength to strength. The Palace will not touch your clientele – they really are more of a hotel and bar and they haven’t got the skills of Mrs Trotter to hand!’ Mary smiled.

‘Aye, an old-fashioned gin palace, who would have thought it?’ He shook his head. ‘Stuff always comes back around and always will. Good luck, lass, I appreciate you giving me some time to organise myself here before you go, I just wish you were staying.’

Mary hugged Nancy close to her and wished her the best. It was moving-out day and she couldn’t help but feel a little sad about it; after all, she had been independent in Riley’s Court and now she was putting all her eggs into one basket with tied living accommodation going with her job. ‘You’ll keep in touch, won’t you? And don’t be too hard on Tess, she’ll need you as a friend, never mind her gossip.’ Mary held Nancy at arm’s length.

‘I will, don’t worry about me, Mary. Jake and I will be fine, he’ll be coming along with his stuff shortly. I just can’t believe that you are taking so little of your own.’ Nancy wiped away a tear and tried to smile.

‘I don’t need it, but if you ever decide to leave, let me know and I’ll collect the one or two bits that happen do mean a little more to me. I’ve taken my personal belongings – pictures, letters and the odd ornament or two – but my new room is already furnished and I want for nothing. I’m leaving you that material – I haven’t time to make myself a dress now and besides, the colour will suit you. There’s everything you need and there’s a choice of pattern. It can be my leaving present to you.’ Mary picked up her large carpetbag and looked around the small cottage. ‘Toby never did like this place, he said we would not be here long and he’s been proven right.’ She smiled and walked out into the yard, leaving Nancy watching her as she left for her new way in life.