Clifton,' he began as he placed the cigarette on the ashtray, 'you cannot have failed to notice that I have recently become a regular customer at Tilly's.' Maisie nodded. 'I have to confess that my only reason for visiting the cafe was you.' Maisie had her well-prepared 'amorous suitor' line ready for just as soon as he stopped talking. 'In all the years I've been in the hotel trade,' he continued, 'I've never seen anyone do their job more efficiently than you. I only wish that every waitress in this hotel was of your calibre.'
'I've been well trained,' said Maisie.
'So have the other four waitresses in that tea shop, but none of them has your flair.'
'I'm flattered, Mr Frampton. But why are you telling - '
'I am the general manager of this hotel,' he said, 'and I'd like you to take charge of our coffee room, which is known as the Palm Court. As you can see - ' he waved a hand expansively - 'we have about a hundred covers, but less than a third of the places are regularly occupied. That's not exactly a worthwhile return on the company's investment. No doubt that would change if you were to take over. I believe I can make it worth your while.'
Maisie didn't interrupt him.
'I can't see why your hours should differ greatly from those of your current employment. I'd be willing to pay you five pounds a week, and all the tips earned by the waitresses in the Palm Court would be split fifty-fifty with you. If you were able to build up the clientele, that could prove very remunerative. And then I - '
'But I couldn't think of leaving Miss Tilly,' interrupted Maisie. 'She's been so good to me over the past six years.'
'I fully appreciate your feelings, Mrs Clifton. Indeed, I would have been disappointed if that had not been your immediate response. Loyalty is a trait I greatly admire. However, you must not only consider your own future, but also your son's, should he take up the offer of a choral scholarship to St Bede's.'
Maisie was speechless.
When Maisie finished work that evening, she found Eddie sitting in his car outside the tea shop waiting for her. She noticed that he didn't jump out to open the passenger door this time.
'So, where are you taking me?' she asked as she climbed in beside him.
'It's a surprise,' said Eddie as he pressed the starter, 'but I don't think you'll be disappointed.'
He pushed the gear lever into first, and headed towards a part of the city that Maisie hadn't visited before. A few minutes later, he drove into a side alley and came to a halt outside a large oak door below a neon sign that announced in glowing red letters, EDDIE'S NIGHTCLUB.
'This is yours?' asked Maisie.
'Every square inch,' said Eddie proudly. 'Come inside and see for yourself.' He leapt out of the car, opened the front door and led Maisie inside. 'This used to be a granary,' he explained as he took her down a narrow wooden staircase. 'But now that ships can no longer sail this far up the river, the company's had to move, so I was able to pick up their lease for a very reasonable price.'
Maisie entered a large, dimly lit room. It was some time before her eyes had adjusted well enough to take it all in. There were half a dozen men sitting on high leather stools drinking at the bar, and almost as many waitresses fluttering around them. The wall behind the bar consisted of a vast mirror, giving the impression the room was far larger than it actually was. At the centre was a dance floor, surrounded by plush velvet banquettes that would just about seat two people. At the far end was a small stage with a piano, double bass, a set of drums and several music stands.
Eddie took a seat at the bar. Looking around the room he said, 'This is why I've been spending so much time in America. Speakeasies like this are springing up all over New York and Chicago, and they're making a fortune.' He lit a cigar. 'And I promise you, there won't be anything else like this in Bristol, that's for sure.'
'That's for sure,' Maisie repeated as she joined him at the bar, but didn't attempt to climb up on to one of the high stools.
'What's your poison, doll?' said Eddie, in what he imagined to be an American accent.
'I don't drink,' Maisie