Read Online The Blue Seal of Trinity Cove by Linda Maree Malcolm - Free Book Online Page B

store, hiding behind boxes and racks. She found a frilly, lacy, blue dress that had been left hanging in a change room and slipped it on. She stayed out of sight and listened very carefully to all of the conversations of the customers and the shopkeeper, hoping to learn some of the language.
    â€œGood day, Mrs McClarrin,”
    â€œGood day, Mrs Parkins,”
    â€œFine weather, we’re having today.”
    â€œYes, indeed. A drop of rain wouldn’t hurt though.”
    â€œI agree, it shouldn’t be long now. How are you today?”
    â€œWell, I shouldn’t complain because there are a lot of people worse off than me, but the bunions on my feet are playing up something dreadful lately. And I said to my Alfie last night, I said, he’s not goin’ and spending all his wages this week at the pub because I need some new shoes …”
    â€œSorry Mrs McClarrin, excuse me, but I’ll have to attend to another customer and then I’ll be right back.”
    â€œOh, all right then,” but then under her breath, to herself, she said, “I’ve never known anyone to be so rude.” And with a click of her tongue she turned away.
    â€œWhat can I do for you today, Mrs Morley?”
    â€œI’ll have two loaves of bread, a packet of sugar, a bag of the tea leaves and three yards of that Chantilly lace and I’ll pay for it all with cash ,” said Mrs Morley with her nose up in the air and putting extra emphasis on the word “cash.” Wanda wondered what it meant when, as she peaked out from her hiding place, she saw Mrs Morley looking sideways at Mrs McClarrin as if she was somehow a better person than her. Mrs McClarrin leaned all of her weight (of which there was quite a bit) on one foot and then the other and every now and then would wince with pain.
    â€œNow Mrs McClarrin, what can I do for you?” said Mrs Parkins after some time.
    â€œWell, I was hopin’ to get some bread and tea leaves too but you know,” and she leaned in close, across the counter, and whispered to the shop-keeper, “I can’t be payin’ you ‘til the weekend when Alfie gets paid, so can I put it on the account?”
    â€œThat will be fine, Mrs McClarrin, that will be just fine.” But Wanda noticed at that moment, a flash of a look pass between Mrs Parkins and Mrs Morley that seemed to say, “I told you so!”
    Wanda also noticed the way the women were dressed and how their hair was done. She looked behind herself in a mirror for the first time in her life and was shocked. Her blonde hair was tangled and matted and her skin was smudged with dirt all over. Her nails were chewed and dirty and she was very skinny compared to the women in the shop. Next to the women she looked like a savage child.
    Wanda didn’t notice that there was a pile of boxes that were balanced precariously one on top of the other right behind her and as she turned back around after gazing at herself in the mirror, she accidently bumped them and they toppled onto the floor with a loud, resounding, banging sound.
    â€œWhat on earth …” muttered Mrs Parkins and before Wanda knew it all of the women were standing right in front of her and staring at her with utter shock and amazement on their faces.
    â€œWell, I never,” Mrs McClarrin was the first to break the silence.
    â€œExcuse me, but you seem to be wearing one of my dresses and if I remember correctly, it hasn’t been paid for,” said Mrs Parkins in a shrill voice, coming to her senses at last.
    â€œIndeed,” said Mrs Morley, still with her nose in the air. “There’s only one thing that can be done in these instances, Mrs Parkins,” she said with an air of authority. “This feral little girl has to be taken to the police station. They’ll know how to deal with her.”
    â€œWell, yes, I suppose you’re right, Mrs Morley. So come along, dear, you’ll have to