I WAITED as Miss Acaster’s gaze flicked up and down my worn winter coat, then back to my written reference.
“Mr Jepson let you go owing to his retirement?”
“Yes, he closed the chemist’s on Wilson Street. Otherwise, he’d have kept me on.”
| bit my lip as Miss Acaster, head of staff at Pencarney’s, scrutinised me once more.
“Nails,” she barked.
| held them out, shivering.
In the corridor outside, three other girls sat waiting to be interviewed for the one seasonal job at Pencarney Confectioners.
“You live at home, Miss Bryce?”
“Y-yes up Hunter’s Lane. My dad works ata bottling factory, my mam cleans for the big houses on
“No need for your life story. You’re single?”
| nodded.
“Good. You’d be surprised at the married women who come in here with their ring removed, trying to get work.
“I’m wise to that ruse, Miss Bryce!”
| swallowed my fear, recalling Mam’s words before I'd set off this morning.
“You’re a hard worker and a good girl. Sit up straight, point your chin to the stars and let the rest take care of itself.”
Now tried to do exactly that, taking the initiative to Miss Acaster.
“I never took a day off sick at Jepson’s, and only need to be shown a thing once.”
Miss Acaster treated me to a particularly piercing gaze.
Mam knew her by sight in our town by the Severn. They said Miss Acaster had survived the Spanish
flu that claimed her betrothed.
She had an aversion to “malingering”, having braved so much herself.
It’s only for the Christmas season at first,” she said finally. But should you suit the position, it may become permanent.
Denne historien er fra December 17, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.
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Denne historien er fra December 17, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
It captured everyone's imagination
A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.
The UK has amazing marine life
Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.
It's About Time
Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!
A Breath Of Country Air
Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.
A Test Of Courage
Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?
We Work Together
Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...
The Art Of Laughter
Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.
Life After Linda
It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...
Lovely Glen Lochay
Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.