The AuctionThe banker, Mr. Myriad, and Mr. Tops arrived at nine the next morning. Mary and Amelia got them tea. “I’ll let you know when Mrs. Pike arrives.”
“If I’d have known a woman would be doing this, I’d have brought my own accountant,” the banker grumbled.
I paced and peered out for an hour, watching for her. I didn’t dare hire his accountant — I’d promised to pay too much already.
Doyle Pike arrived with Gertie as the auction began. To everyone’s surprise, her baby was with them.
“I had no one to watch her, mum.” Gertie and Mr. Pike carried her pram up the steps. Her manner seemed strained, and she made no further attempts to greet us.
“I’ll have no more excuses,” Mr. Pike snapped. He turned to me. “My apologies, Mrs. Spadros. Best of luck today.” As he opened the door, Mr. Tops
