It was decided that the other girls would work on the three classic designs while I simply painted my fairies on top for the special deluxe range. Mrs Roberts suggested my wages needed revising and paid me an astonishing twenty-one shillings a week. ‘Don’t you dare tell any of the other ladies in design, though.’ ‘My lips are sealed,’ I declared. ‘And try to be extremely meek and tactful with poor Miss Lily.’ I did my level best, but no matter how I behaved, it was clear that Miss Lily could hardly bear the sight of me now. She actually shuddered when she caught glimpses of my fairies. After a month or so she handed in her notice. I felt terrible. ‘It’s because of me, isn’t it?’ I said to Mrs Roberts. ‘Well, you haven’t helped, certainly. But Miss Lily is well past retirement age. She would have needed to stop work soon anyway. We’re giving her a very good pension in recognition of her long time here. There’s no need to look so stricken, Opal.’ I felt very guilty all the same and worried about poor Miss Lily, but I’m afraid I was not downcast for long.
