Free Sing as We Go by Margaret Dickinson Page B

nervously and shook her head. She’d never been asked such a question in the whole of her life. Choice had never been an option at home. She’d always had to eat whatever was put in front of her.
    When the waiter had taken their order and moved away, she blurted out, ‘I had to tell Miss Robinson a lie. I said I was going to the cinema with Stella.’
    Tony leaned his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers. He smiled at her. ‘Well, don’t worry about a little white lie. Besides, is Miss Robinson your jailer? Do you have to tell her everywhere you go?’
    ‘She – she’s been very good to me. Taking me in and getting me the job . . .’
    ‘You got the job on your own account. I admit I interviewed you initially on her recommendation, but once I saw you – ’ his smile broadened – ‘I couldn’t resist you.’ He reached across the table and took her hand. ‘Now, tell me about yourself. I want to know all about you.’
    ‘There’s nothing much to tell. I’m just a country mouse come to town and it – it’s all very strange in the city.’
    ‘Are you enjoying your job?’
    ‘Oh yes,’ she said at once. ‘I still make mistakes and Miss Curtis is very strict . . .’
    Tony released her hand suddenly and sat back in his chair.
    Thinking she had made a serious mistake in criticizing her senior, she said hurriedly. ‘She’s very good at her job, isn’t she? I wish I could be like her one day. She’s very smart and beautifully – oh, what’s the word – groomed. That’s it.’
    When he still said nothing, she fell silent. She was babbling, but instead of covering her nervousness it only made her feel more foolish. She should have had the strength – and the sense – to refuse his invitation. She was out of her depth in such surroundings, ignorant of even the simplest rules of etiquette.
    Tony cleared his throat and said stiffly, ‘Miss Curtis is an excellent employee. She has been with us since leaving school.’ His tone was expressionless and he was using words that he might have done in a letter of reference. There was no warmth, no . . .
    He leant forward again and smiled, ‘But let’s not talk about work. I want to talk about you.’
    The starter arrived and Kathy waited until she saw which knife, fork or spoon he picked up before she started to eat. And then she suddenly found she wasn’t hungry. Butterflies in her stomach made eating impossible, and though she managed a few mouthfuls, her plate was removed with half the food left on it. She felt embarrassed. What would her father have said if he had seen such waste?
    The main course arrived and Kathy’s heart sank as she saw what seemed to her like a mountain of food placed before her.
    ‘Are you looking for a place of your own?’ Tony asked.
    ‘Well, yes, but only looking. I really need to save some money first . . .’ She stopped, unsure whether she should be saying such things to him. She really would have to curb her tongue. She was far too outspoken for her own good sometimes.
    ‘I might be able to help you there. I know one or two people who might have a bed-sitting room, or even a flat. It’d be tiny though, but at least you’d be able to come and go as you pleased and not be subjected to the third degree every time you wanted to go out. Leave it with me. I’ll ask around and—’
    The head waiter approached the table. ‘Excuse me, Mr Kendall.’
    So, Kathy thought at once, Tony was well known. The thought crossed her mind – I wonder how many other young women he’s brought here? But the waiter was continuing, ‘There is a telephone message for you, sir. Would you like to follow me?’
    Tony sighed, threw his napkin on to the table and, without a word, rose and followed the man.
    Kathy wasn’t sure what she should do and besides, she was still having difficulty forcing the food down her throat. So, thankful for the respite, she laid her knife and fork down and waited until he came back.
    After a few moments,