Chapter 220: Mrs. Berry
Saint Denis, inside the upscale Cagres Restaurant.
Davey, Mrs. Calhoon, and Mrs. Berry were chatting pleasantly.
To ensure a more refined atmosphere, Davey had reserved the entire Cagres Restaurant. It was both a display of his financial strength and a clear sign of how much importance he placed on Mrs. Berry.
“Mrs. Berry, you’ve probably heard that I recently acquired two garment factories on the outskirts of the city and am preparing to enter the clothing business.”
“This time, I’ve purchased the most advanced equipment currently available from the developed cities in the East and hired designers who follow the latest trends. My goal is to create the most fashionable clothing possible.”
“However, due to some other factors, I’ve run into a bit of trouble and was hoping to receive your help.”
Davey held his coffee cup and smiled as he spoke.
Mrs. Berry frowned slightly. This was her first time meeting Davey, and in truth, she had little interest in interacting with him at all. If Mrs. Calhoon had not invited her repeatedly, she likely would not have come.
In her eyes, Davey seemed rather rude—asking for help at their very first meeting.
“Well then, perhaps you can explain, Mr. Land,” she said politely. “But I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to help you.”
Out of courtesy, Mrs. Berry did not refuse him outright, though she had already decided she would not involve herself in his affairs.
Seated nearby, Mrs. Calhoon cast Davey a curious glance. From her understanding, Davey was not usually so lacking in manners.
Davey naturally noticed Mrs. Berry’s reaction, but he paid it little attention and continued calmly.
“Because we’re using the most advanced machinery, with many delicate technical requirements, I declined the labor union’s request and also refused the previous owners’ condition that I retain most of the original workers.”
“As a result, my factories currently don’t have a single worker, which naturally makes it impossible to begin operations.”
“The designers from the East told me that our new clothing lines require nimble, detail-oriented workers. In that regard, women are clearly more suitable, so I’m planning to hire around two to three hundred female workers.”
“Of course, since they’ll be operating advanced machinery, at least fifty of them will need to travel to the East for training. I’ll cover all their round-trip expenses, as well as their food and lodging.”
“The problem is that I can’t recruit so many capable female workers all at once. As you know, Mrs. Berry, this isn’t an area I’m very familiar with.”
“Mrs. Calhoon mentioned that you have connections with many outstanding women here in Saint Denis, so I was hoping you might be willing to help.”
As Davey spoke, Mrs. Berry’s eyes gradually brightened, and the look she gave him began to change.
She had expected some troublesome request, but instead, this felt more like a gift being placed directly in her hands.
The struggle for women’s rights had lasted for decades across the United States, yet progress had been painfully slow.
The key issue was that men earned far more than women. Most jobs were held by men, while women had very limited employment opportunities.
Economic independence determined one’s standing within the family. Women who depended financially on others naturally had very little say.
At present, women’s rights associations in major cities across the United States were focused almost entirely on securing employment opportunities for women—especially during this period of economic depression.
Two hundred jobs might not seem like much for a city the size of Saint Denis, but to Mrs. Berry, this was an opportunity she absolutely could not afford to miss.
She had worked tirelessly in the past to create job opportunities for women, but even when others did her favors, she could usually secure only ten or so positions at most.
Two hundred factory jobs—this was something she had never encountered before.
“Of course, Mr. Land. I would be more than happy to help with this matter,” Mrs. Berry said warmly.
“I believe this will bring happiness to many people, and it will certainly be a great help to your factory as well.”
Her tone and expression had completely changed, now filled with enthusiasm.
Davey and Mrs. Berry began discussing the details of the positions and arrangements.
Without anyone quite noticing, Mrs. Berry’s seat had moved closer to Davey’s.
“May I ask, Mr. Land, when you plan to begin hiring?” she asked after some time.
“That’s not entirely certain yet,” Davey replied with a smile. “There are still some procedures being handled by the city government and the commerce authorities. It may take a little time.”
“You know how troublesome these processes can be, Madam.”
Mrs. Berry spoke up immediately. “Oh, those foolish people—always so slow. I think they simply need a bit of encouragement.”
“Once the procedures are finished, will you begin hiring right away, Mr. Land?”
“Many women are deeply worried about finding work right now. If it could happen even a day earlier, I’m sure they’d be much happier.”
Davey spread his hands.
“Of course, Madam. They need jobs, and I need the factory running as soon as possible. After all, starting one day earlier means earning one day earlier.”
“I don’t think anyone can resist the appeal of dollars. Once the paperwork is approved, I’ll begin recruitment immediately and arrange for some of them to travel east for training.”
Mrs. Berry lifted her teacup with a satisfied smile.
“I suspect, Mr. Land, that your paperwork may be completed as early as tomorrow.”
Author's Note
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