Angelique (25 page)

Surprise. Surprise. As we land at New Brighton pier prepared to walk the short distance to the hotel a very smart automobile draws up as we are about to cross the road and head up Victoria Road. The door opens and who appears? It is none other than Luigi.

The delight on Mothers face is a sight to behold. With a huge grin on his face he nods to me takes her arm and says. “Your Carriage awaits My Lady.” Mother takes a seat in the rear of the car Luigi invites me to join them. I decline with the excuse. “You go ahead Luigi. I have to pay a visit to the bank and I need the exercise anyway. I just want a word with Mother before you go.”

Who am I to be a gooseberry?

Luigi stands clear I lean into the car kiss Mothers smiling face and whisper.

“Now you behave yourself Angelique. I’ll see you back at the hotel later don’t forget we are booked for the theatre at eight o’clock?”

It is wonderful to see her blushing but happy face as they pull away.

I conduct my business in the bank ten minutes before closing time. When I arrive at the hotel the desk clerk informs me Mother has not returned. I take afternoon tea alone in the lounge there is no sign of Emily or Pamela. I would like to spend some time with my Son but to be honest I am too embarrassed to go to the suite.

I feel oddly left out. There are three members of my family in New Brighton and I sit alone and bored. Well there is someone I know in the hotel that will glad of my company I retire to the bar have a drink and a chat with the bartender. We have become good friends since I have been a guest in the hotel. Six o’clock there is still no sign of any of my family. I head up to my room and have a bath and change into what I consider is the appropriate clothes for a visit to the theatre. Seven o’clock finds me in the bar keeping an eye on the grand staircase.

First to appear are Emily and Pamela dressed in fabulous evening dresses. Gasps of appreciation are heard from the males in the proximity. The Ladies join me in the bar for cocktails. Mother appears looking equally fabulous. When I have the opportunity I enquire in a stern Fatherly manner. “So Angelique, where may I ask, did you get to this afternoon?”

She smiles and replies. “I’ll reveal all later. But this has been the most wonderful day for me.”

Emily enquires. “What’s all this then? What’s been going on? What am I missing?” Mother replies with a girlish giggle. “Secrets Darling, your Sister has a secret.” When Emily looks disappointed Angelique informs her. “All will be revealed shortly.”

It is nearly time to leave for the theatre I go to settle with my friend the bar tender he whispers. “If you will pardon me for saying so Sir, you are a lucky bugger. I wouldn’t mind being seen out with any one of the Ladies and you have all three.” He mutters as he turns away to the till. “Some guys have all the luck.”

I feel quite proud as Norman enters and informs me. “The Taxis are waiting.” We head for the door I rebuke Norman. “What are you doing here I told you to have the day off? How is your little girl anyway?”

He replies. “I know you did Adam but Joan is a lot better thanks. My misses thinks it’s something she ate. I came here because I was just in the way at home her Mother and Sister are round at our place.”

He grimaces and adds. “Know what I mean?” When we are out of earshot he whispers.

“Bloody hell Adam you are only going to the Tivoli, why are you all dressed up like royalty?”

His question startles me I enquire. “Why Norman I’ve never been there before what’s it like?” He laughs and informs me. “Well put it this way. I don’t think they will have seen so many posh people dressed up to the nines since they opened, but never mind.” He reassures me when he sees my face. “I’m sure you will enjoy it. I’ve heard it’s a great show. Now who is going in what cab?”

Mother and I travel together of course Pamela and Emily take the other one. When we arrive at the theatre it doesn’t look so bad from the outside. The front is dazzling illuminated with the electric lights. I pay the cabbies and order them back for show ending. We enter the foyer to be greeted by Luigi in evening attire, standing alongside him is a stranger equally dressed in full evening suit.

I introduce Luigi as Mothers friend to the astonished Emily. He in turn introduces the other man as the theatre manager a very good friend of his. Each Lady is presented with an orchid and a box of chocolates.

The manager informs us on Luigi’s instructions he has reserved the Royal Box for our exclusive use during this evening performance.

Luigi escorts Mother, I offer my arms to Emily and Pamela. We climb the grand stairway to the Royal box. The theatre appears slightly run down. I would best describe it as tired but the box is perfect. As soon as we are settled in our seats the show begins. I don’t know what Emily is expecting but the sight of her laughing and enjoying herself at the antics of the cast is worth its weight in gold. We have a great evening Luigi is a hit with not only Mother and me but also Emily and Pamela. At the interval drinks are served to us without leaving the box, all very posh. The taxis are already waiting when we leave the theatre they return us to the hotel. Pamela leaves after thanking Luigi and I for a splendid evening. She goes to the suite to relieve the maid, have supper alone and pack their belongings for the journey south tomorrow. Luigi joins us for a late supper and entertains us with some great stories about his life as a restaurateur.

About eleven thirty Luigi bids us goodnight, Mother escorts him to the door leaving Emily and I alone. As soon as Mother is out of sight Emily pumps me with questions about Luigi. “Where did they meet? What are Angelique’s intentions? Has she been with him all day why didn’t you tell me she has a beau?” I enlighten her to where they met but dodge the other questions as best as I am able. “Look I am as wise as you.

Wait until Mother returns and you may ask her yourself. I would like to know where she has been all afternoon myself.”

After about five minutes Mother joins us. Emily questions her as soon as she sits down. Mother acts coyly but does reveal where she went this afternoon after she left me at the pier. They visited Luigi’s beautiful house in Warren drive New Brighton overlooking the sea and golf course. Later they had tea in his restaurant located on the banks of the River Dee in Park Gate.”

Emily looks shocked as she rebukes her Sister. “Angelique I can’t believe you visited his house alone. Good Lord you only met him a few hours before. I am surprised at you my dear? You! Angelique! Of all people flouting convention?” I detect a twinkle in her eye as she chastises her Sister.

Angelique snaps back. “Don’t be silly Emily, his Mother, the house keeper and staff were all present.” Emily laughs. “I was only joshing you Angelique. He is a lovely man, if I was that way inclined myself I would be competing with you for his affection.” She reaches over takes Mothers hands looks directly into her eyes and says. “I am so happy for you my dear Sister. Don’t let this one get away because of me will you?” Mother doesn’t reply. Emily urges her. “Angelique you don’t have to protect me anymore. I have found my true love. I promise no more silliness from your Sister. I have grown up in the last few days.”

With excitement in Mother’s voice I have not witnessed before she replies. “Oh! My dear Emily! I have longed for this day so long. You have found a soul mate. I have my Son back and we have a beautiful child in our family now, as for Luigi? I have only known him for less than twenty four hours I have feelings for him I have never had for any man before. I have no idea where it will go. But I am so pleased you have given me your blessing. I know Father would rest easy if he knew you have settled down.”

There is a pause in the conversation I remark jokingly. “Well you lucky Ladies, it appears your love lives are settled. I am the only one left out here.” I add hastily. “But in two days I will be with my true love if she forgives me for my indiscretion. We have to be ready to leave at nine thirty tomorrow I suggest we retire.”

Emily questions. “What indiscretion is this dear Nephew, what have you been up to?” I reply with a yawn. “My dear Aunt I will leave your dear Sister to fill you in on my past sins. I am off to bed. “Good night Mother.” I kiss her cheek. “Goodnight Aunt Emily.”

On this occasion Emily stands hugs me, accepts my kiss and whispers. “Welcome back into our family my Dear Nephew.”

As I pass the reception desk I arrange to be awakened at seven o’clock and request my final bill to be ready by nine o’clock in the morning.

Young Colin taps on my door at precisely seven o’clock. I have already been up and about for nearly an hour sorting out my baggage and bathing. I thank him and enquire “Now young Colin we are leaving today I hope you achieve your ambition to be a sea Captain. Are you sure that is what you want to do that, they tell me it’s a hard life at sea? Wouldn’t you be better staying in the hotel business and train to be a manager like Mr Gillon?”

He pulls a face and replies. “Not on yer life Sir, I wanna be a sailor, a Master mariner is wot I wanna be, not a bloomin ‘and rag to the rich spoilt gentry I begs your pardon Sir present company excepted.”

I have to smile and ask him. “How does your Mother feel about you going away to sea and leaving her and the kids without a man to look after them?” He answers convincingly. “My Mum has always known from me bein a little kid that I will be wantin to be a sailor when I grows up Sir. It won’t be no surprise when I goes away on my ship. Beside I will be sendin money ‘ome and Mr Gillon has said ‘e will give the other kids jobs ‘ere as them come old enough. Me little Brother will be fourteen next year an able to work hisself. By the way did you enjoy the show last night Sir?”

“Yes thank you Colin we had a wonderful night thanks to you.”

“You are the talk of New Brighton you know sir. My mate Harry he does the scene shiftin and things in the old Tivoli. He reckoned they had royalty there last night cos they was usin the posh box for the first time in years. He told me the Ladies was glitterin with jewels and as crowns on their ‘eds. Ha, ha. I knowed all along it was you Sir with your lovely Ladies, but I didn’t let on. Harry’s telling big whoppers of ‘ow the King and Queen spoke to ‘im. Bloomin big fibber he is but a good mate and we as lots of laughs together. Gotta go now Sir. I ‘av to make sure your Ladies are up an about or they will be late for the train.”

He’s a great lad Colin. I could listen to his chatter all day. I will make sure we give him a chance to be a master Mariner if Captain Hawkins approves.

We all take breakfast together, the bags are packed rooms vacated and we assemble in the lounge ready to leave. Young Mathew is wide awake and appears to be enjoying all the attention he is receiving from the family and hotel staff. Leaving them in the lounge I send two more telegrams and join Mr Gillon in the office at his invitation.

He presents me with the itemised bill including the train tickets car hire theatre tickets telegrams etc, etc. If I hadn’t been as wealthy as I am it would have been quite a shock but without hesitation I sign the cheque covering the entire amount. He thanks me and says. “It has been a pleasure accommodating you and your family Sir.”

I reply “Now Mr Gillon there a couple of favours I require if I can impose on your good self.”

He replies “Anything in my power Sir.” I hand him a sealed envelope and explain. “Young Colin tells me you have a Christmas party for the staff and their families at your personal expense, this should help towards the cost?” “I am astounded Sir you needn’t.” I wave his objection aside and inform him. “This is to reward the excellent staff for looking after us so well during our visit.” He blushes and thanks me profusely. “There is something else I require. Young Colin has informed me of his ambition is to pursue a career in the merchant navy and eventually rise to the rank of Captain as his Father intended to do before he was unfortunately killed doing his duty. Well Mr Gillon I have interests in shipping.

I would like to give him the opportunity to achieve his ambition.

Have you any objection to my marine manager contacting his Mother and offering him a position on one of our ships?”

Mr Gillon replies. “I know it is his ambition and I wish him well, by all means contact his Mother. To be honest I don’t believe young Colin would be content in the hotel industry on a permanent basis Sir.”

While he writes Colin’s address on a slip of paper he informs me. “His Mother is a lovely hard working woman I will make sure his family is well looked after. I have already spoken to her regarding the employment of her other children when they are of age. There are excellent career opportunities in the hotel business I’ll make sure they are steered the right way Sir. I can assure you of that. Oh! It looks like your Taxis are here.”

Not only is there a taxi waiting outside but Luigi is also there. Luigi informs us he has paid the other taxi off and will be taking Mother and I to New Brighton station. I expected Norman to be the driver but it is a stranger that drives Emily’s cab.

I enquire. “Where’s Norman?” He replies. “He was scheduled to do this run but he didn’t turn up for work this morning. I was substituted at the last minute.” I hope his little girl hasn’t taken a turn for the worst. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it now.

At the station I assume Luigi will bid us farewell from there but no. He informs us he is accompanying us to Liverpool Lime Street to see us safely aboard the London train, much to Mothers delight.

To be honest I don’t know how we would have managed without him, what with the pram the baby and luggage. Despite my request for Emily to bring only essentials her personal baggage outweighs all the others put together. We finally manage with the assistance of three porters.

We have taken our seats in a first class carriage the only other occupant is an elderly clergyman. Luigi is about to leave five minutes before the train departs he kisses Emily’s and Pamela’s hands shakes my hand and kisses Mother on the cheek the last words before he departs to Mother is in Italian.