Page 81 of A Much Maligned Miss

Gervaise nodded. “And the small bar in the billiard room and the one upstairs would be staffed by men.”

“Agreed,” Ralph said promptly.

“We should probably set Effie to gathering some likely candidates.”

“Ah yes, none so capable as Effie.”

“She could interview them too, after all, she knows more about bar work than the two of us put together.”

Ralph cleared his throat. “Good point,” he agreed. “Let’s do that. Shall we head back to The Citadel and let Effie know the plan?”

“Let’s,” Gervaise agreed. “We’ll tell her she can take up her duties as bar manageress immediately.”

At this point they were hailed by a mutual friend, Charles Horsham, who had heard about their new enterprise. Gervaise allowed Ralph to talk at length about The Citadel but when he started to talk of the club upstairs, he interrupted.

“Come along to the grand opening by all means, Charles,” Gervaise drawled. “But it’s doubtful there will be room at one of the gaming tables upstairs. The list for admittance there is small and very select.”

Horsham’s interest was piqued. He asked to be added to the reserve list at least. Gervaise said he would see what he could do. “You see how it is done?” he asked Ralph as they sauntered away.

His friend looked dazed. “Er, yes. Not really sure I could deliver it in the same grand manner, truth be told.”

“Just tell them I hold the list.”

“Ah yes,” Ralph brightened. “I could do that alright!”

32

“You ’eard the news?” Effie asked, plunking herself down in a seat next to Caroline. “I’m to be made manageress and be in charge of all the barmaids,” she said proudly. “I’m recruiting now as a matter of fact. Making myself a list of candidates.” She held up a piece of paper.

“That’s wonderful news,” Caroline enthused, leaning forward in her seat. She ignored both Mr. Bailey’s tut of annoyance and Romulus’s rumble of displeasure. “Did they mention—?”

Effie nodded her head, eyes shining. “The attic dormitory’s to be made over for us girls’ exclusive use. I know it’s all down to you, Caroline, and I want you to know I’m ever so grateful.”

“It is not all down to me,” Caroline said firmly. “But to your own good work ethic and reputation. Besides, you deserve some good fortune.”

“Don’t I ever!” Effie agreed fervently. They both turned their heads, hearing voices approaching. It was Gervaise and Ralph. “Hold hard, here they come now.” Romulus jumped down off Caroline’s chair and ran over to greet the newcomers. Remus emerged from under the chair and jumped up to settle on Caroline’s lap.

Mr. Bailey’s frowning face appeared over the top of the canvas. “Am I never to get a moment’s peace?” he grumbled before disappearing again.

“Ah, Bailey!” Ralph hailed him heartily. “How’s the image of The Citadel personified coming along?” He halted behind the canvas and peered at it dubiously. “Oh! Um…”

“Mr. Bailey thought I would make a very poor Themis I’m afraid,” Caroline said apologetically. “So instead, he is painting me as a maenad.”

Ralph blinked at the painting. “Oh, er… V-very nice,” he stammered. “I suppose there is a link of sorts.” He screwed up his eyes in the effort of making it. “Maenads being the followers of the god of wine and vineyards, don’t you know…” He trailed off. “You—er—happy with this going up on the wall, old man?” he asked Gervaise doubtfully.

“Oh, I think so,” Gervaise said, his eyes on the canvas. “So long as I get first refusal on it when this place goes to the wall. Many years from now, of course,” he added, seeing Ralph’s horrified reaction to his words.

“I should certainly hope it will be!” his friend said fervently. He dropped into a chair next to Effie and mopped his brow. “How’s your shortlist coming along?”

“Oh, pretty well. I’m going to ask my friend Moira if she’s interested. She worked at Thomas and Pherson’s in Holbourn so she’s plenty of experience. Last time I saw her she was pretty down on her luck, so she’d be attracted to the idea of room and board being included.”

“That’s capital,” Ralph said absently. His eyes strayed back to the canvas before he hurriedly diverted them again. He coughed. “It’s a very large picture, isn’t it?” He didn’t say this like it was a good thing.

Gracie, the cleaning woman, sidled up with her broom and stood with her hands on her hips as she looked the painting up and down.

“You said you wanted it to fill that large space on the back wall between the two columns,” Mr. Bailey said belligerently. “I trust that is still the case?”

“Oh, certainly, certainly,” Ralph said, withering under the artist’s glare.