them. ‘Before I begin what I have come to tell you, I would just like to say that I appreciate how hard you have all been working. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, I assure you!’
He stared out at the sea of upturned faces; many of those there had worked for him for years. Then on a more solemn note he continued, ‘As you will all be aware, Mrs Barradell here has recently been unwell with back pains. It is a recurring problem that has troubled her for many years, and I must say it is to her credit that she has never let me down.’ His eyes were kindly as he looked down on his loyal employee’s scarlet face.
‘Yesterday I visited Mrs Barradell at her home and we both agreed that it is time she retired. She will be a great loss to us all, as I am sure you will agree, which is why I asked her to come here today to say goodbye to you all.’ He paused and then went on softly, ‘I have searched my mind for an appropriate leaving gift for this dear lady. A gift that would befit someone who over the years has become my right hand.’
He was now making his way down the staircase, and when he stopped before Mrs Barradell’s chair he withdrew a long sealed brown envelope from his inside jacket pocket and placed it into her trembling hands.
‘Please accept this,’ he said humbly, ‘with my heartfelt thanks for all your years of loyal service, and know that you will be sadly missed.’
Necks craned as Meg Barradell fumbled with the seal. When at last it was broken she tore her eyes from her master’s and withdrew a stiff parchment. Then, as her eyes scanned the paper, her mouth suddenly gaped and tears sprang from her eyes.
‘Why – it’s the deeds to me cottage, and made out in my name.’ Her voice was incredulous but Samuel Forrester only smiled.
‘It’s no more than you deserve,’ he assured her, and pleased at her reaction, he again turned to his workers.
‘Now to my next issue.’ His voice was businesslike again. ‘Obviously yesterday when Mrs Barradell and I met to discuss her retirement we were also obliged to discuss appointing her replacement. As we all know, the design department is the very heart of our business. No matter how well the hats are made, if the design is unpopular then we lose trade. On this decision I must admit I was happy to be governed by Mrs Barradell’s opinion. Lately, as you all know by the hours of overtime you have been forced to work, to meet our orders, we have been doing extremely well. In fact, I am already in the process of setting on more workers to meet the demands. Much of this success is due to a young lady whose new ideas and designs have been like a breath of fresh air. I am referring of course to Miss Amy Ernshaw.’
Amy’s eyes almost started from their sockets.
‘Therefore,’ Samuel grinned, ‘I am delighted to say that I am following Mrs Barradell’s sound advice and appointing Miss Ernshaw as the new Head of Design.’
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd and the next moment they were applauding and all smiling her way.
Amy wanted to pinch herself to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming, but as the workers streamed across to shake her hand and clap her on the back, it slowly sank in. It was true; she was the new head of the design department. Her dream had come true.
Before Samuel Forrester left to take Mrs Barradell home he made his way across to Amy and shook her hand warmly.
‘Congratulations, my dear.’ He smiled at her. ‘You deserve it, and may I tell you that my mother is delighted too. She has taken quite a shine to you, if you did but know it. Anyway, I would much appreciate your calling at The Folly tomorrow at two o’clock prompt. There are a few things that my mother and I need to discuss with you. And furthermore, I think I may have some more good news for you. At least, I hope you’ll think it is. But then, I’m sure it can wait until tomorrow. I think you’ve had quite enough of a shock for one day.’
Amy nodded dumbly into his smiling face and turning about, Samuel Forrester hurried away.
She was bursting to share her good news by the time she got home