Beggars and Choosers by Catrin Collier

would make an eminently suitable hostess for the wedding, but we really do need to send out the invitations next week.’
    â€˜You have talked this over with Mr Richards?’
    â€˜I would never make plans without consulting and gaining the approval of the family solicitor. Come along, Sali, we don’t want to keep Miss Collins waiting. Good morning to you, Morgan.’
    â€˜That’s put Uncle Morgan in a foul mood for the rest of the day,’ Sali observed, settling herself in her aunt’s carriage.
    Edyth lifted her cane and rapped on the roof. ‘Then it’s just as well you won’t be returning home until bedtime. Now, I suggest we forget Morgan and concentrate on the task in hand.’ Her smile broadened. ‘Serious shopping.’
    â€˜Is my dress ready?’
    â€˜As ready as any dress before a final fitting.’
    â€˜Then you’ve seen it?’ Sali’s face shone with excitement.
    â€˜Yesterday afternoon, and before you ask, Miss Collins has been careful to keep it out of Mansel’s sight.’
    â€˜And?’ Sali pleaded.
    â€˜I don’t want to spoil your surprise.’
    Mansel stepped in front of the doorman as his aunt’s carriage drew up outside the Market Street entrance to Gwilym James. It would have been a sizeable store in Cardiff; in Pontypridd, it had revolutionised the shopping habits of those who could afford to patronise its well-stocked clothing and household departments. An electric lift carried shoppers and stock between the four shopping floors and attic stockroom. An automated cash system whizzed capsules containing money around the store and over the heads of its patrons, to the delight of children. And the staff, trained, disciplined and closely supervised by Mr Horton, who had managed the store during the years between Gwilym James’s death and Mansel’s coming of age, and stayed on to assist Mansel, were the epitome of courteous deference.
    â€˜Aunt Edyth.’ Mansel opened the carriage door, folded down the steps and offered her his hand as he helped her to the pavement. ‘Miss Watkin Jones.’ A wink belied his formal greeting.
    â€˜Mr James, how are you?’ Sali made an effort to forget her mother and uncle’s fault-finding and the loss of her father’s colliery, and smiled at him.
    â€˜All the better for seeing you, Miss Watkin Jones. Miss Collins and her staff are waiting for you in the fitting room. After you have finished your morning’s shopping I hope you’ll both join me in the upstairs rooms for lunch.’
    â€˜You’ve finished refurbishing them?’ Edyth asked.
    â€˜The decorators left yesterday so I can move in any time. I don’t know why I didn’t think of renovating them before. We could have saved the cost of a nightwatchman if a member of staff had lived in.’ Mansel held open the door.
    Edyth nodded acknowledgements to the floorwalkers as she entered the store. ‘What time do you intend lunching?’
    â€˜I thought about half past twelve, but as the meal is cold apart from the soup, it really doesn’t matter.’
    â€˜Half past twelve sounds fine, however, Sali and I are dependent on Miss Collins.’ Edyth headed for the lift.
    â€˜Good morning, Mrs James, Miss Watkin Jones.’ Mr Horton stationed himself next to the lift cage.
    â€˜And good morning to you, Mr Horton,’ Edyth greeted him warmly. ‘How is Mrs Horton?’
    â€˜Sadly ailing, Mrs James, but thank you for asking.’ He held out an envelope. ‘Your butler redirected a letter from your house.’
    Edyth took it and pushed it into her handbag. ‘Thank you, Mr Horton.’
    â€˜I’ve arranged for a china and silverware showing for you and Miss Watkin Jones in one of our private rooms, Mrs James.’
    â€˜That was thoughtful, Mr Horton, but Sali and I can manage on the shop floor.’ Edyth took Sali’s arm as they