As I am sure you all realise, I could not have anticipated leaving the company under such circumstances and your kindness is very much appreciated. From Monday, my place will be taken by Miss Wilma Jackson, who is joining the office staff from the Education Department at Edinburgh Corporation. I think she will be a little better prepared than I was when I started to work here. Specifically, I have ensured that there is no point in sending her to the warehouse for ‘a long stand’, and while you may have caught me with ‘tartan ink’, I’m sorry to say that won’t work either.

Ursula smiled at the memory of her embarrassment. She had learned that these pranks were only played on people who were liked; the more officious members of the team were left well alone.

It’s a little early, but since this is my last day, and I won’t be here in the office to speak to each of you in person when you collect your wages, I want to wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas season and good health for 1911.

With very best wishes,

Ursula Smith

*

Ursula climbed the stairs to her top-floor tenement flat in Comiston. As she walked past the door of the flat below, she heard a key turn in the lock. There wasn’t time to escape. She pasted a smile onto her face and turned to greet her downstairs neighbour.

‘I hear you are leaving us, Miss Smith?’ The woman’s tone was somehow accusatory. ‘There have been quite a few people marching up and down these stairs, for a viewing.’

‘I am indeed. I hope they haven’t caused too much noise.’

Miss Gibb sniffed, determined to get as much information out of Ursula as possible. ‘Where is it that you are off to, then? I saw the intimation in The Scotsman last week. Quite a step upwards, I think.’

Why is it, Ursula wondered, that some people simply cannot be happy about the good fortune of others? Not a word of congratulation or good wishes was being offered, even though a little warmth would cost Miss Gibb nothing. ‘Thank you. As I’m sure you will remember from the newspaper, our wedding is next month, so I will only be here for a few more weeks.’ She deftly avoided giving any information about her new address. ‘The landlord has asked me to find someone suitable to take over the tenancy for my flat and I have met their request.’

‘Who will we be getting above us, then?’ Miss Gibb was clearly unhappy. ‘I hope they will be quiet and respectable. As you know, we cannot abide disturbance.’

Ursula smiled. ‘A respectable married couple will be moving in. I believe they have a young daughter and there is a new baby expected early next year.’

‘A baby?’ Horror was written all over Miss Gibb’s face.