Page 120 of Merrily Ever After
Merry blinked at them both in surprise. ‘But it wasn’t your fault, either of you.’
‘This isn’t about blame,’ said Tina briskly. ‘This is about a little girl growing up alone without anyone to call her own.’
‘You’ve got us now. Whether you like it or not,’ remarked Emily, handing round more tissues.
‘Absolutely,’ Tina agreed. ‘Family should be your safety net, especially when you’re still growing up. This family failed you and I’m going to do everything I can to put it right. Starting with this.’ She reached for her handbag, pulled out a small box and handed it to Merry. ‘For your something borrowed.’
Emily peered over Merry’s shoulder as she opened the lid to reveal a pair of pearl and gold earrings.
‘Oh my goodness!’ Merry’s eyes widened.
‘Mum, they’re gorgeous!’ Emily gasped, amazed that she hadn’t seen them before.
‘They belonged to my grandmother and then to my mother and eventually they’ll belong to you, love,’ said Tina, smiling at her daughter. ‘I didn’t think you’d mind Merry wearing them in between.’
‘I love them.’ Merry gave Tina a hug. ‘And I’d be honoured to wear them.’
‘OK, I think we’re done,’ noted Emily, replacing the lid on her pin tin.
‘Why don’t you go back upstairs and take off the dress,’ said Tina to Merry. ‘Emily can help you get out of it. Then I can get straight to work on unpicking the seams.’
‘Work, don’t remind me,’ said Emily with a shudder as they left the room. ‘Oh, I’ve just remembered, I’m on holiday, no work for two whole weeks! Yippee!’
Upstairs, Merry stood completely still with her arms out to the side so as not to catch herself on the pins, while Emily carefully unbuttoned her dress.
‘That sounded like a bad case of the blues,’ said Merry. ‘Don’t you like working at the school?’
‘It’s fine,’ Emily sighed. ‘It’s a nice place to work, I’ve got a good boss and it’s been the perfect job while I’ve had to juggle caring for Dad.’
‘But?’ Merry prompted.
‘I’d like to do something more creative like you. But I haven’t had the headspace to give it any thought. Dad has needed all of that.’
‘You’ve got me to help with him now,’ Merry reminded her. ‘Besides, it’s not selfish to put yourself on the agenda occasionally. Self-care means youas well, not youinstead. What are you laughing at?’
Emily grinned. ‘You. Giving me big-sister advice. I love it.’
‘I am, aren’t I!’ Merry laughed. Her eyes lit up. ‘Ooh, I’ve just had a brilliant idea. I need someone full-time to work with me at Merry and Bright. We could make it a family business. Imagine how cool that would be!’
‘You’re offering me a job?’ Emily stared at her in surprise. ‘That is really kind of you. But Merry and Bright is your dream and it’s about time I started thinking about doing something for myself. Besides, you’ve got the ideal candidate right under your nose.’
Merry frowned. ‘Have I?’
‘Yes, Nell!’ Emily said, laughing. ‘I’ve never seen someone drop so many hints! Last night she was telling me how much she was looking forward to taking over the business while you’re on honeymoon. I’m not sure I should tell you this, but she’s got some great ideas on marketing and sales and even how to use the flat upstairs as part of the candle business.’
Merry looked bewildered. ‘But … Nell has run her own show for years, I thought she’d be insulted if I offered her a job.’
Emily just smiled smugly and said nothing.
‘Well. Thanks for the tip, I’m flabbergasted.’ Merry gave herself a shake in surprise. ‘But back to you, what’s your dream job?’
Emily laughed. ‘Will asked me that yesterday and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Something to do with vintage clothes, I think. It’s just a hobby now, but that’s my passion.’
‘Merry and Bright started out as a hobby, remember,’ said Merry, holding her hands. ‘There’s a saying about finding a job you love and then never having to work a day in your life.’
‘That was Mark Twain,’ said Emily absently. ‘But I’m not sure if I could make a profit.’
‘You definitely won’t make a profit if you don’t try. Do it,’ urged Merry firmly. ‘I mean it, just do it. What’s the worst that can happen?’
