‘NOT BAD. NOT bad at all.’
The dark grey woollen dress, long-sleeved, buttoned down the middle and finishing just above her ankles, sat snug against Pip’s small hips – she ran her hands over them with a smile.
‘Fits you like a glove, it does,’ continued Tabby with a nod of approval. ‘Tha did well, Cook.’
‘I’ve a keen eye, lass.’ Cook preened. ‘Got the sizes spot on, I did, aye.’
Like Simon and Mack’s new clothing, the material was plain and serviceable but better than anything any of them had worn before, ever. The same could be said for their sturdy boots. By, but they felt like the gentry themselves in these rig-outs.
Petticoats, too! Amazement filled Pip again, with thoughts of her snowy undergarments. And the lads had new caps, properly fitting ones, in the same shade as her dress. Sudden tears pricked her eyes. ‘The master’s the kindest man God ever created, I’m certain,’ she whispered, smoothing down her new apron over her skirt.
Albert had given Cook instructions that morning to see that new clothing, everything that was required from head to toe, was to be purchased for the children, insisting that as they were part of his workforce it was only right he provided them with adequate attire. She’d headed into Manchester to fulfil his request before the children stirred from her bed. Their surprised delight upon wakening and being presented with the new things had been worth the pain to her corns caused by the walk, she’d told them.
Watching on from her seat at the table now, Cook smiled. ‘I’m happy to agree with you there, lass. Only it weren’t the master’s brass what paid for your things; Miss Josephine insisted she buy them for you. The handkerchiefs, too. And this.’ She reached into the wicker basket by her feet and pulled out another brown-paper-wrapped parcel. ‘Go on, open it.’
Pip gasped at what was revealed: a beautiful shawl in emerald green adorned with black tassels. When, finally, she brought her gaze back to Cook, tears glistened on her lashes. ‘It’s the bonniest thing I ever did see.’
‘Befitting for a bonny lass, I’d say.’
‘But Miss Josephine didn’t have to … I mean, I agreed to what she asked because I want to help, not for what I could get.’
‘Nay, now don’t be daft. She knows that, as do I. This ’ere, it’s just her way, a show of gratitude, like, for agreeing to her proposal. Anyroad, the master were for fitting you out in new like the lads, weren’t he, regardless? Don’t matter much as to who finished up paying for what.’
Her new uniform, for her new position … Pip’s shoulders straightened involuntarily. The quietly firm resolution she’d awakened with filled her again. She breathed deeply. Today marked a new chapter in her life. Would her determination to succeed at it be enough? a small voice in her head asked, but she pushed it away. She’d do her very best to see that she did – time would soon tell, she told herself again, as she had last night.
Throughout the discourse, the housemaid had looked on in silence, arms folded. Now, glancing to the lads sitting with proud faces as they admired again the cut of each other’s new waistcoats and jackets, her mouth tightened further. Then her eyes flicked towards Pip, running the length of her, and she slapped the tabletop. ‘This ain’t right, you know! Three days, they’ve been here. Three rotten days and she’s gone from smelly, gutter-dwelling orphan to bleedin’ lady’s maid?’ fumed Hardman, nostrils flaring. ‘She’s bagged herself a better standing in this house than me, what’s slaved here nigh on three years. Nay! Nay! I’m not having it, I’m not!’
Cook simply rolled her eyes, indicating that Pip should ignore the tirade, but she felt compelled to apologise anyway: ‘I’m sorry, Hardman, I am. This ain’t my doing; I never meant to upset anyone, truly. It’s more a companion I’ll be, really. Miss Josephine asked, you see, and—’
‘It’s all right, Pip. She’ll get over it.’ Tabby, kind as ever, and this time without a shred of bitterness towards the newcomer who had indeed ‘leapt straight to the top of the tree’ in less than a week, patted her shoulder. ‘It aggrieves folk like Jess, is all, to see someone furthering theirselfs. Ignore her and anyone else what wags you a vicious tongue. I, for one, wish you nowt but luck.’
‘’Ear ’ear!’ chimed in Cook, raising her mug of tea.
After shooting them all a fury-filled look, Hardman swung from her chair and out of the kitchen.
Cook rolled her eyes once again. Then she too rose from the table. ‘Right, love. Best foot forward. Miss Josephine’s awaiting thee.’
A host of emotions had become Pip’s companions since the cook voiced the proposition last night: excitement, anticipation, uncertainty and, if she was honest with herself, more than a little dread. Now, a new feeling struck: a sense of loss. She gazed upon the lads almost in panic. She’d been absent from their company for barely any length of time since they found one another on those unforgiving streets out there; the thought of doing so now made her want to cry like a baby.
Miss Josephine would want her by her side as much as possible. She’d even had a bed made up for her on the dressing-room floor should she require her during the night. When would she find time to visit the kitchen? She wouldn’t miss the housemaid, that much was true, but this room … How often would she get to see it after today? And its occupants, who spent the majority of their waking lives here? Only Hardman’s position gave her free run of the house – the other servants, Simon and Mack now included, had neither cause nor permission to stray beyond that baize door. Aye, Cook and Tabby, she’d miss them sorely. But these lads of hers … She’d come to rely on them, their company. She’d grieve their presence on a whole other level entirely.
‘Tha leaving us, now, Pip?’
Taking Mack’s hands and lowering her burning eyes, she nodded.
‘But why must the lady have you? We want you, an’ all.’
‘Oh, lad. I’ll slip down to see youse whenever I’m able …’ She broke off when his bottom lip wobbled and her own followed suit.
Simon didn’t say anything as she followed Cook to the door, peering back over her shoulder several times, but his eyes wished her luck and his slight nod told her to be brave and that she could bear this, that he believed in her. She gave them both a last, lingering look. Then she dragged her head back to the front and walked from the room and people she’d come to regard as home and family.
‘Pip! Oh, thank goodness.’ Miss Josephine’s words came out on a gentle breath. Her face was wreathed in smiles. However, her eyes failed to match. Even when pleased, the young woman carried a sad expression. Also, she looked tired, likely found sleep difficult due to the worry. Glancing around for evidence of relaxants, Pip spotted two bottles on the mantel: the plainer one containing laudanum, the other a decorative vinaigrette of smelling salts. ‘Please, dear girl,’ the lady added, ‘come in, come in.’
‘Ta, thanks, Miss Josephine.’ After bidding a whispered goodbye to Cook, who delivered her at the door and returned to her duties, Pip crossed the blush-coloured carpet. Then she raised her head, and for the first time scrutinised the lady seated in the fireside chair before her properly.
She’d been so focused yesterday on making her better, she’d barely taken in Josephine’s appearance at all. Dressed in a simple day dress in duck-egg blue, small slippered feet peeping out from under her domed skirt, she cut a beautifully girl-like figure. She wore a delicate lace and ribbon frill on the back of her head, beneath which shiny hair the colour of marmalade and parted down the middle sat softly over her ears, secured in a thick roll at her nape. No finer features had the sun ever shone on, Pip was sure. And yet from what she’d witnessed, inside she appeared just as lovely. Like her father, she addressed the cook by her Christian name, seemed to have inherited, and held on to, his goodness and respect for all people, whatever their station. Unlike her brother.
‘You look much better, Pip, I must say. They fit all right, the clothes?’
‘Aye, Miss Josephine. Ta ever so.’
Smiling, she inclined her head. ‘Please, do sit down.’
Pip perched on the edge of the chair facing her new mistress and folded her hands in her lap. An abandoned tray on a table beside her showed Josephine had barely touched her food. Plagued with digestive issues and a nervous bowel, Mam too had often had no appetite. Also, if this lady’s tiny waist was anything to go by, her corsets were likely laced too tightly, which wouldn’t help matters.
She felt the difference in temperature in here keenly. The room was chilly – a glance at the fire showed it hadn’t yet been lit. After the heat of the kitchen, she had to fight the urge to shiver. She turned her head to the empty grate. ‘Did Hardman forget your room today, Miss Josephine? Have I to see to the fire for you instead?’
‘You’re cold, Pip?’ Josephine removed the fine wool shawl draped loosely around her shoulders. ‘Here. Wear this.’
‘Nay, nay, I couldn’t.’ She shook her head, aghast. ‘I’m all right, Miss Josephine, ’onest. I were thinking of you, is all.’
‘If you’re sure …?’ At Pip’s nod, she laid the creamy material over the arm of her chair. She picked it back up, plucked at it for a moment, then placed it down again. She was as restless and fidgety as an infant. ‘I can’t bear the heat. I feel hot almost all the time. It makes breathing even more difficult and—’ She broke off, cheeks pinkening.
‘That’ll be the blood pumping extra fast inside you, like, when your illness starts and sets your heart all of a gallop. It’s the same when you exert yourself too much, you know? It’s just like that. Nowt to fret over, Miss Josephine.’
Silence filled the air between them, then: ‘Pip?’ Josephine’s voice had dropped to a whisper. ‘What’s wrong with me?’
Pity churned in her guts at the quiet desperation in the eyes, a soft brown specked with gold, gazing back at her. ‘I don’t rightly know,’ she responded frankly. ‘Mind, this I’m sure of.’ Hesitantly, head dipping in shyness, she held out her hands to the woman, who gripped them. ‘You’re not in peril, Miss Josephine, though it likely feels that way oftentimes. And I … I …’ She knew that once the next words were given life, she’d have to honour them. There would be no going back on it. She took a deep breath. ‘I vow to thee, I shall try my hardest from this day to see you get better. For I believe it’s possible, aye; surely it has to be? Surely this … condition can be cured?’ Just … you mustn’t let it into your mind, you must try, for it’ll blacken it beyond return like it did with my mam, she added to herself with a pain in her heart. But you’ll not, I know it. And I’m going to help thee, Miss Josephine, for I’ve learned, learned from her.
Pip had spoken gently, soothingly; nonetheless, Josephine’s breathing had begun to quicken. Her long fingers tightened around Pip’s shorter ones. ‘You really believe I can be well again? Doctor Lawley is not so certain. He believes my blood has stagnated and is poisoning my heart. His attempts at letting it regularly and leech therapy hasn’t worked—’
‘Nor will it, Miss Josephine, I don’t reckon, for your blood’s just fine and well,’ Pip cut in quietly. ‘From what I’ve witnessed …’ She sighed thoughtfully, trying hard to find the right words. ‘It’s like … summat in here, inside,’ she continued, tapping her forehead, ‘has … fell out of balance. Summat’s telling thee you’re at risk when you ain’t, that summat bad’s about to occur when it’s not. The fear breeds panic. That warning, that sense, is working when it shouldn’t. You see? It’s gone skewwhiff. We just need to find a way to straighten it out all nice again, like.’
‘You seem so certain … How do you know all this, young as you are?’ The woman’s brow creased in curiosity. ‘Who are you? Whence have you sprung? I mean to say, Cook did fill me in on your circumstances during our discussion last night, but …’ Her frown deepened. ‘This knowledge you possess … How do you know?’
‘My mam, Miss Josephine, suffered as you yourself are.’
‘She did?’ A glimmer of hope touched the woman’s features. ‘I often feel I’m the only soul in the world with this – this thing. And your mother? She escaped this dreadful curse? She knew peace again?’
‘Aye. Aye, Miss Josephine.’ It wasn’t a mistruth. Through death, Mam had. Pip swallowed down the lump that rose to her throat.
‘I’m so very pleased – relieved, too – to hear you say that. Although how utterly dreadful that she later passed away; and her deserving of enjoying that freedom of mind, having beaten her illness. I’m so very sorry, for both of you. What was it …?’
‘A sickness took her,’ Pip was now forced to lie after a long moment. How in heaven could she speak the truth, that the very demon she’d promised to banish from Miss Josephine had brought about the melancholy darkness that had claimed her dear mam? It would set the fraught woman into a frenzy of terror – no, she couldn’t know. Not yet, at least. Happen one day, when she was better, stronger, the lady’s nerves would be able to bear the telling.
‘You must miss her. I miss my own dearly.’ Josephine rose suddenly and crossed to a small desk. From one of its drawers, she brought out a sheet of paper. She resumed her seat, smiled and handed it to Pip.
It was a likeness of a lady in her middle years. But for the dark hair, it could have been a depiction of the selfsame one facing her.
‘My brother possesses quite a talent, does he not?’
‘Mr Philip drew this?’
The woman nodded. ‘It’s a hobby he’s enjoyed since being a small boy.’
‘Your mam was reet bonny, Miss Josephine. You’re her image.’ A sudden thought struck Pip; she frowned. ‘Cook has a picture up in her room, drawn in what looks like the same style as this—’
‘Lydia.’ Sadness coated the word, and Pip regretted mentioning it. Of course, she must miss her old friend. ‘You’re quite right. Philip drew that, yes. He presented it to Mabel as a birthday gift when we were young.’
Before any ill feeling …? Knowing Cook’s dislike for the artist, it perhaps stuck in her craw that he’d drawn it. However, clearly her need to see her beloved child’s face every day outweighed her animosity.
Josephine’s eyes took on a far-off look. ‘We, my brother and Lydia and I, were quite, quite close as children.’ She cleared her throat.
‘Sorry, Miss Josephine. Is tha all right? I didn’t mean to upset thee—’
‘You didn’t. I’m fine, really. All that you’ve spoken, particularly about your mother … Pip, hearing you talk of her, of her struggles and success …’ She leaned forward in her seat and the softest, most beautiful smile appeared to caress her lips. ‘She’s bred within me a tiny seed of something I feared never to feel again: hope. Belief, also. That I may be the woman I was again. For I want to be me, oh I do.’ A sudden laugh, sweet and girlish, escaped her. She blushed gently. ‘My good friend, Mr Sutton-Shaw, he … He’s so very understanding towards me, and kind and … I believe he may marry me, you know,’ she whispered.
Despite Miss Lucy’s remarks and her opinion of him, Pip said: ‘He sounds a very nice gentleman, Miss Josephine.’
‘He is. If only I were well again, I’m certain he’d …’ She broke off to sigh. ‘My brother does his best to encourage me to leave this room more, to meet with people, with Mr Sutton-Shaw – he does so want to see a union between his friend and me. However, this affliction draws me into making shameful spectacles of myself. Christmas evening, fleeing from the drawing room and jollifications as I did …’ She closed her eyes and shook her head, her chin drooping to her chest. ‘It frustrates and angers Philip. Caroline also. I’m afraid that Alexander – Mr Sutton-Shaw – will soon lose patience with me altogether, too.’
‘Then we must make this – you – right, eh, Miss Josephine? Work to fix it, together. Time’s what it’ll take, how much I can’t say, but we’ll not weaken, will we?’
‘To heap half the burden such as this on to the shoulders of one so young … Forgive me, I’m sorry, it’s just there’s no one else at all who understands as you seem to.’ The lady bit her lip, nodded, bit her lip again. Then she straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. ‘Together.’
The next moment, they turned their heads simultaneously as the door swung open and in breezed Miss Lucy. The girl gasped to see Pip and clapped her hands in delight. ‘Oh, hello! Papa said that Grandy had given his permission for you and the boys to stay! Papa’s a dreadful grump; he was not best pleased,’ she added with a lift of her eyebrow, ‘but I am, Pip. Indeed, very much so! Oh, but I did so want to visit the kitchen to see you all. Alas, Finch refuses to take her beady eyes off me for a moment. Humph! I shall get my own back on her, you see if I don’t! Anyway, how are you?’
Pip couldn’t contain her pleasure. She grinned shyly. ‘Very well, ta, Miss Lucy. By, but it’s gradely to see thee.’
‘Why are you up here? Oh!’ she continued without taking a breath before Pip could explain, ‘I’ll fetch my dolls, as I promised, for you to play with. Pip is my friend – we met in the kitchen on Christmas Eve,’ she added to her aunt, before swinging her grin back to Pip. ‘What do you say? Though you must be very careful not to break their delicate china faces, for Mama would be terribly upset with me. Should I, Pip? Shall I get them? Would you like that?’
‘And pray what about our appointed embroidery lesson?’ Miss Josephine’s question held a note of amusement. ‘Finch, and indeed your mama, have entrusted you to me in good faith. What if either of them should happen into here and—?’
‘They shan’t, Aunt Jo. Finch was already dozing by the nursery fire when I left, and Mama shan’t summon me to visit her and Papa in the drawing room for hours yet.’
Summon …? Visit? The young miss needed permission to see her own parents? Pip thought, hiding a sad frown. There was an allotted hour during the day when she could spend time with them, when they could spare the measly minutes? By, but these nobs were a queer bunch, all right. No warmth, most of them. Unfeeling, aye. She felt sorry for this girl here, she did. Brass aplenty or no, she’d rather not have had Lucy’s life. She and her mam had spent every spare second they could together. Pip wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, nay, wouldn’t have traded places with this poor lass for a gold watch.
Now, Miss Lucy adopted her most persuasive pout. ‘Pip’s my new friend. And I promise to concentrate extra hard at tomorrow’s lesson. Please, Aunt Jo?’
‘All right, child, you win.’ Smiling, the woman flapped a hand to the door.
However much Pip’s excitement at the thought of spending some time playing make-believe with Lucy, she remembered the main reason she was here. Unlike the young miss, she was an employee beneath this roof, not a resident or guest. She wouldn’t want her mistress thinking she was taking advantage, so she had to ask: ‘Miss Josephine, are you sure?’
‘I am, Pip. Besides, how can I say no to that pretty face?’
Pip understood this; she couldn’t imagine ever being able to deny lovely Lucy anything.
Her niece skittered, laughing, from the room – and slowly, Josephine’s smile melted. She twiddled her fingers together in her lap in an anxious motion.
Pip moved to her side. ‘Cook said as how the embroidery is good for you; mebbe the lesson should go ahead.’
‘Cook speaks truth. The lessons occupy my mind, thus calming my frayed nerves. However, you are children. And children should, I believe, find fun where they can. I shall busy myself with my needlework regardless. I know you’re here should I need you.’
The lady’s last words had been tinged with embarrassment; also guilt – it was more an apology than an observation. Pip smiled softly in understanding. That this full-grown adult was forced to depend on a mere girl to feel safe, reassured, must be a difficult truth to swallow. Then another thought struck. Now, it was she who wore the uneasy expression. ‘Miss Josephine?’
‘Yes?’
‘Mrs Goldthorpe, Miss Lucy’s mam … I don’t believe she likes us much, me and the lads downstairs. Happen she’d be angry were she to discover me in her daughter’s company?’
The woman shook her head in reassurance. ‘Oh, I’m sure—’ She broke off at the sound of approaching footsteps and smiled. ‘Too late to speculate on such matters, now. Here’s Lucy back.’
Yet it wasn’t the young miss who appeared in the doorway but the very woman herself. Caroline paused at the threshold. To say she looked surprised was putting it mildly. ‘What on earth is she doing up here?’ Josephine’s brief explanation brought an angry hue to her cheeks. She cast Pip a waspish look before turning a withering stare on to her sister-in-law. ‘For goodness sake, Josephine. Scraping to this … girl – of the lower class at that – for guidance? Have you no shame at all?’
Josephine blushed to the roots of her hair. Her embarrassment was tangible. She opened her mouth but Caroline continued scathingly before she could speak:
‘Besides which, I’m astonished at your naivety. She’s playing you, is likely laughing up her sleeve that she’s managed to worm her way up here. Doctor Lawley has explained quite clearly on numerous occasions what ails you. It’s your blood, which you know only too well he’s striving to cleanse. I think you ought to be grateful, not cast aspersions on his medical capabilities.’
‘I have much respect for Doctor Lawley. But Caroline, his efforts thus far have been in vain. The bloodletting, cold baths, castor oil and goodness knows what else.’ Her sister-in-law glanced away, and Josephine nodded empathetically. ‘See, you agree. I’m right, am I not? His intentions are good but his methods are proving useless—’
‘You must give it time, that’s all. Doctor Lawley knows what he’s doing.’
‘No, he doesn’t. I shan’t be requiring his assistance any longer.’
‘What?’
‘My blood is just as it should be. Pip says—’
‘Pip? Pip? This one?’ Caroline thrust out an arm to point a finger at Pip, who shrank back at the sudden movement, believing she was about to strike her. ‘She’s preying on your desperation to be well.’
‘Caroline, please. You’re scaring the young mite—’
‘And you’re enabling yourself to be hoodwinked. She’s using you for her own ends.’
‘She’s going to help me restore my health.’ Josephine spoke quietly, calmly, though her tone carried sadness. ‘I have made my decision and would be grateful if you will respect it.’
Caroline looked as if she’d say more. Instead, she breathed deeply. A definite smirk appeared to play at her thin mouth. ‘My, my,’ she murmured. ‘She’s got you right where she wants you, hasn’t she? No doubt you have Cook’s backing on this? Your father’s?’ She gave a mirthless snort when Josephine’s eyes affirmed it. ‘You’ll regret your foolhardiness, you mark my words. This waif is a trickster and a fraud. Your ailment will worsen, oh it will, and you shall have no one to blame but yourself.’ She straightened and looked down her nose. ‘Heed my advice or ignore it. The choice is yours to make. I have said all I wish to on the matter. Your brother, however, shall have plenty to add, you can be certain of that. As a matter of fact, speaking of Philip …’ Her eyes held a sly glint. ‘The reason for my being here is that he sent me to inform you that Mr Sutton-Shaw requests the pleasure of your company this evening. However, I’ll be sure to tell him that you’ll be otherwise engaged with your … friend, here.’
‘No, no. Please. I should like to see Alexander very much.’
Caroline was silent, then: ‘Hm. I dare say Alexander shares your sentiments. Whether he’ll be of the same mind when he discovers you’ve cast aside the doctor and risk putting your mental well-being in jeopardy remains to be seen. I grant you, he’s a fair and decent man. He’s weathered your illness with neither action nor word of complaint. But remember, one’s patience can only be tested so far, Josephine.’
The pale face creased. With a shaky hand, Josephine dabbed her nose with her handkerchief, and Pip sidled to her chair hoping her presence would offer comfort and wishing she had an ounce of Simon or Cook’s gumption to tell this nasty woman to leave her mistress be. But she was afraid, both of Caroline and of making matters worse; she could only stare at her feet and pray she’d leave. A moment later, her heart sank to her boots.
‘Mama!’
As Caroline glanced from her daughter, who had appeared at her side clutching her dolls, then to Pip, Josephine half rose from her seat. ‘Forgive me, I gave consent … Lucy said they had already made one another’s acquaintance. They’re just children, sister-in-law.’ Her voice was soft. ‘What harm can it do?’
‘Quite.’
‘You’re in agreement?’ Josephine’s eyes expressed the surprise that had filled Pip.
‘Thank you, Mama!’ squealed Lucy. ‘Oh, Pip,’ she added, hopping from one foot to the other, ‘we’re going to have such fun!’
However, confusion had struck Pip into silence. Caroline was giving consent to this, after everything she’d just spewed out, the clear hatred of her that she harboured? Deep suspicion was turning her cold and when Caroline turned slowly to look at her, a trickle of dread touched her spine. The lady wore the queerest expression. One of almost … was that excitement? But why? What …?
‘Half an hour, Lucy. Then you must return to the nursery and Finch, who will take you for your walk in the Green. Remember, fresh air is good for your constitution. Agreed?’
‘Yes, Mama.’
With neither another look nor a word to anyone, Caroline nodded once, turned and left the room.
‘Well.’ Plucking at her lip, Josephine stared at the closed door. Then she caught Pip watching her and brought a small smile to her face. ‘Take a seat on the chaise longue with Lucy. Go ahead, Pip. Enjoy yourself awhile.’
‘You’re all right, Miss Josephine?’
‘Yes, yes. A little breathless, perhaps … My embroidery will calm my nerves.’ She reached for the sewing basket atop the table to her right. However, her slight frown remained and again she uttered, this time to herself, ‘Well.’
Aye, well indeed. Pip too shot a last look at the door. Then Lucy was beckoning her across and despite her unease, she couldn’t help but feel happy. Pushing her concerns and the memory of Caroline’s sly eyes from her thoughts, she allowed herself to be a youngster for once.
Oh, but Lucy’s company, her laughter and sunny smiles were a tonic; Pip failed to recall the last time she’d known such pleasure. Throughout, she’d half expected the door to burst open and Mr Philip to storm in upon them, demanding an explanation from his sister regarding her recent decision concerning her health, but it never came. Eventually, she’d allowed herself to relax. Yet all too soon, Josephine was calling time on their games apologetically, and the reluctant children parted company.
Minutes later, when passing the window, Pip caught a glimpse of the young miss strolling by the lakelet beyond the park gate, Finch looking on from a bench. She sighed softly. She wished she could run down there and continue the fun with the girl. Of course, that wasn’t possible for numerous reasons. However much she and Lucy got along, how she liked to pretend they were not so dissimilar when they were together, the truth was a very different matter. They were oceans apart, none more so in their social positions. Lucy was a somebody. Pip was, in the grand scheme of things, a no one. They themselves, and children to boot, worried not about such a triviality. Adults could learn a lot from them if only they cared to, she thought.
A little later, her despondency was quelled when, returning her embroidery to its basket, Josephine announced that she must change for lunch and that Pip might take herself to the kitchen as she would have her meal in the dining room today with the family. Cook had revealed yesterday that more often than not, Josephine ate here in her room where she felt most comfortable for fear of bringing on one of her episodes, and so Pip was delighted with this announcement. Not only did it mean she could spend time with the kitchen’s occupants but it seemed a good sign that Josephine was pushing herself towards if not overcoming, at least managing, her ailment.
Did the need to impress a certain gentleman have anything to do with this? She was sure it must. Mind, whatever it was that drove her to want to be well mattered not so long as it worked, did it? Josephine was testing the waters with lunch; if she got through it well enough, she’d feel able to receive Mr Sutton-Shaw this evening, that was likely her thinking. Oh, but Pip hoped she would. This gentleman seemed good for her.
She paused at the door and turned to face the lady. That ever sad and slightly worried look was on her face, and Pip felt an odd sense of pride in her. ‘It’s good, Miss Josephine, that you’re for taking your meal downstairs the day. If you don’t mind me saying so … I’m reet proud of thee.’
‘Oh, Pip.’ Blinking rapidly, the woman seemed to light up from the inside. ‘That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever …’ She smiled through tears that had sprung to her eyes. ‘I feel … it’s difficult to explain … somewhat stronger now I’ve found you. Does that sound silly?’
‘Nay, not a bit. It’s just …’
‘Just what?’
‘It’s a shame you’ve been unable to see that you had this strength in you, long afore I came, allus have had it. I see it in you, Miss Josephine. You’ll pull yourself from this dark time, and you’ll wed that Sutton-Shaw one of yourn, and you’ll live a happy life. I just know it.’
Happen you’d have come through this sooner, too, if you’d had a body to tell you this before now, Pip added in her mind, thinking of what she’d seen and heard, of the way in which Miss Josephine’s brother and his wife were wont to treat her. Support and a kind word here and there went a long way.
She surely missed her mother so, but Albert was here still and Pip would bet his daughter had his affection, him being the good man he was. And she had Cook. Still, they didn’t really understand her troubles, did they? She appeared so very lonely; it hurt Pip to see. Mind, she’s got me, now, too, her inner voice added, and she was surprised to realise she felt protective of this lady almost as much as she had her mam.
‘Oh, Pip,’ repeated Josephine in a broken whisper. She smiled and Pip returned it then slipped from the room.
‘Lads are away outside taking stock of the garden,’ Cook hastened to mention the moment Pip entered the kitchen, eyes widening in worry to see them absent. She swallowed her relief. The fear of abandonment was with her always. ‘They’ll not get far with it, mind,’ the cook continued, ‘for the ground’s frozen solid. Anyroad, it’ll do them good to get from this room awhile. They’re growing restless, I reckon, and that’s never a good thing for young boys. Better they find summat to occupy them.’
Pip understood this. When you were used to being on the go constantly as they were, trawling the streets seeking a safe place to lay your head the night or finding a scrap to eat, it was strange not having to worry about a thing now. It must be especially so for Simon, who had been the one to look after them. He’d never seemed to stop when they were destitute, was always trying to come up with ways to see they survived another day, hour. He’d worked hard to protect them, his quick mind always busy, thinking up the next scheme. She just hoped he’d soon adapt to this easier life of theirs without too much bother.
‘Tabby? Hardman?’
‘Hard-faced one’s busy with her duties in the house somewhere. Tabby— oh, here she is.’
Pip smiled at the girl emerging from the scullery, who flashed one back then took a seat between them at the table.
‘How’s it going, lovey?’ Cook placed a cup of tea in front of Pip and poured another for Tabby. ‘You settling down to it, like?’
‘Good, aye. Miss Josephine’s decided to eat her lunch in the dining room.’ She nodded, pleasure running through her, when Cook raised her eyebrows.
‘Well! A genuine miracle-performer you’ve proven yourself to be. She well then now, like?’
Pip blinked in astonishment. Earlier she’d ruminated on how, despite some folks’ good minds and intentions, they really didn’t have the foggiest idea what this ailment was like, did they? She shook her head slowly. ‘Nay, Cook. This … it can’t be mended in a day. It mightn’t ever be, and that’s the truth. I can but try, is all. Mind, she looks to be determined and that’s half the battle won already, for you must want to help yourself to get better, you know?’
‘Oh. Aye.’ Cook appeared a little disappointed, then her face creased in a smile. ‘Anyroad, you’ll see her through all right. If anyone can, it’s thee, for I don’t mind saying no one else has the answers nor the knowledge that you seem to have.’ Her smile grew. ‘Aye, yes. Will do the poor love good to dine with the rest for once. There’s fresh flowers on t’ table, an’ all; they’ll cheer her mood no end.’
Pip nodded agreement, but her own mood had dipped somewhat. She just prayed Mr Philip and that wife of his didn’t upset her. Knowing them, they would be on her the minute she entered, demanding she rethink her decision, and what would that do for her?
I don’t lie. I do know what I’m about with this illness, have endured it all before, she said to herself, wishing she could speak it out loud to the naysayers who seemed to hate her, that she could make them believe. She’d never think of conning anyone, she wouldn’t, let alone Miss Josephine. She just wanted to help. Why couldn’t their vicious minds allow them to see that?
Should she tell Cook her concerns, tell her what had transpired? After a moment’s deliberation, she shook her head. The woman had standing in this household and she knew it – whether upstairs or down, she didn’t seem to care who you were. Outspoken as she was, she’d likely give Caroline a tongue-lashing as she had with Hardman, or complain about her behaviour to the master, and that would surely make matters worse for Pip. No, better she rode this out as long as she could.
Happen the waspish lady would come around, she tried to tell herself hopefully. She’d raised no objections to her and Lucy sharing company, had she? Just maybe …? But deep down, Pip knew it was unlikely. She’d probably only agreed to the play time to please her daughter, was perhaps already busy concocting something to ensure the opportunity never arose again. Sadness brought an ache to Pip’s chest. Why, just as things were looking up, must something or someone always have to come along and spoil it? It just wasn’t fair, it wasn’t.
A sudden deafening crash behind her chased all thoughts from her mind and she jumped several inches from her seat. She whirled around – and her mouth ran dry to see Mr Philip storming through the door and making straight towards her, face as dark as thunder. Dear God! What in the world—?
‘You! You callous young gutter-monkey!’
‘’Ere, now! What’s all this, what’s all this?’ Cook was on her feet in a flash but he pointed a quivering finger in her face.
‘Oh no. No, you don’t. Not this time shall you call the shots, not with this. My father is furious with this scheming chancer, too. You shan’t twirl him around your finger this time.’ He turned blazing eyes back to Pip, who shrank away, terrified and confused in equal measure. What was wrong with the gentleman – his father, too? What had she done?
‘Sir, please! I don’t know what—’
‘Save your lies. Now, up. Move yourself!’ he bellowed, sending Tabby skittering back to the scullery in fear and Cook shouting out in anger. He ignored them both. Lips twisting, he took a firm grip of Pip’s shoulder.
She whimpered as he hauled her to her feet. Philip made to manhandle her to the door and she scrambled for the woman’s arm, crying, ‘Cook! Help me, please! I’ve done nowt, nowt!’
Belying her bulky frame, the servant rushed forward and blocked his path before he knew what she was about. Fists on hips, breathing heavily, she thrust out her chin. ‘Now I’m for asking you again, lad, and this time, you’ll give me an answer. What’s all this? You taken leave of your senses altogether? What’s the young love here meant to have done?’
‘This has nothing to do with you, nothing at all. I’ll thank you to remember your place and mind your own—’
‘Mind my eye! She and the lads along with her are under my watch. I’ve every right. Yon master will attest to that, an’ all.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Aye!’
Philip leaned in close to the cook, eyes spitting steel. ‘Yon master, as you call him,’ he ground out mockingly, ‘wants this devilish piece from this house as much as I – forthwith.’
Heavy silence filled the air between them. Finally, Cook shook her head. ‘You lie.’
‘What have I done?’ Pip twisted her body, still held vice-like in Philip’s grip, to stare up at him. Her voice was thick with terror and tears. ‘Please, sir, tell me, for I know not what! Oh,’ she blurted suddenly as a possible reason occurred to her. ‘Is it about Miss Josephine’s decision to stop the doctor’s visits, ’cause sir, that were her choice entirely and—!’
‘What? What’s this?’ he cut in angrily; her heart and stomach dropped.
That wasn’t it …? Then what? her jumbled mind screamed. What?
He threw her a contemptuous look then turned it on Cook. ‘I’ll tell you what she’s done, shall I? Earlier, against her better judgement and out of the goodness of her heart, my wife allowed this one, here,’ he shook Pip like a dog with a rat between its teeth, ‘to play with Lucy. And how did she repay Caroline’s kindness? She assaulted my daughter. Pulled her hair, nipped her young skin and struck her on the arm, while Josephine had her back turned, with threats of further violence to come should Lucy tell.’
A whooshing noise had filled Pip’s ears. Mouth gaping, she could only gaze in sheer horror at this man spouting these incredible words. This wasn’t real. She was dreaming. She had to be!
Cook swivelled her eyes towards her slowly. Her fleshy face was a sickly shade of grey. ‘Lass?’ Her voice was a rasp. ‘What says you to this?’
‘It’s lies. Lies! I’d never harm Miss Lucy, never never ever! Ask her, the young miss herself. She’ll tell you I’m innocent of this. I love her, I do, would never …’ With a cry, Pip burst into noisy tears; she couldn’t contain them, for she hadn’t a single clue why this was happening. She felt sick with horror. That they could think this!
Caroline. She was behind this vicious witch hunt. Hadn’t she sworn to be rid of them by the week’s end? Hadn’t she said that Cook wasn’t the only one who could wrap the master around her finger? This was her doing. Her allowing them to play together earlier … Caroline had planned this! Oh, but what was she to do? And the master believed his daughter-in-law’s lies, wanted her gone from here. She couldn’t bear this, she couldn’t bear this!
‘Come with me.’
He pulled her to the door; craning her neck, she gazed desperately to the back one. ‘Simon! Simon!’ she cried, but of course he couldn’t hear her and the next moment, she was half dragged up the staircase in a tiptoed trot.
Philip threw open the door to the master’s room and pushed her inside ahead of him. She stumbled to a halt in the centre with a whimper. Then Cook, huffing and puffing, was at her side. Philip swung the door shut, sending the noise rattling through the house.
Pip lifted her head. The first person she saw was Caroline, stiff-faced by the window, Finch hovering nearby. Her heart thumped painfully. You’ve done this, you! she wanted to scream to the lady. She glanced to the bed and the stern expression on the old man’s face brought fresh tears to her eyes and pain to her guts. Burying the fingertips of both hands in her mouth, she bit down on them, shaking uncontrollably. He was looking at her in deep disappointment, maybe slight disgust. It’s all lies, sir! she implored him silently. Then someone else caught her attention, seated at the foot of the bed, and her breath caught noisily in her throat. Slowly her arms fell to her sides. ‘Oh, Miss Lucy …’
The girl, her back to her, dipped her dark head further to her chest with a muffled sob. Her upset was tangible and despite her own devastation and fear, Pip longed to comfort her. Lucy must surely be as confused as she, for both knew Pip hadn’t done any of the nasty things they were saying she had, wouldn’t dream of it. ‘Miss Lucy … I don’t understand—’
‘Silence.’ Despite his obvious anger, Albert cut her off quietly. ‘Now, Pip. I trust you know why you’re here?’
‘Sir, I—’
‘What has been brought to my attention …’ His voice dropped. ‘How dare you.’
‘Nay, sir, please—!’
‘I put my trust in you and you’ve stamped it into the dirt beneath your heel. What you have done today to my dear granddaughter seated there is wicked beyond words.’ He shook his head almost sadly. ‘I provided a roof, food, clothing … I put my trust in you. You’ve let me down. More so, you’ve let Mabel, here, down.’
‘All right, lass.’ Cook held Pip back from further protest with a hand on her shoulder. She stepped forward. ‘From what tongue has this accusation sprung, Albert?’
‘Now, Mabel. I know you’ve grown fond of the girl—’
‘Aye, the lads also.’
‘But the fact remains you’ve been poor in your judgement. That girl has molested my granddaughter and is fortunate I’m not bringing an assault charge upon her head. She leaves, today.’
Cook delivered her response calmly. ‘I asked who’s said these things.’
Pip’s eyes immediately swivelled to Caroline. However, the name that fell from Albert’s lips brought shock so acute, she staggered. Had she really heard right? She shook her head slowly.
‘That’s right. It was Lucy herself,’ he repeated. ‘I for one know that my granddaughter would not invent such lies. Every person here present knows it, too. Including you, Mabel. Am I right?’
Cook stood rigid, face bone-white. Then: ‘Miss Lucy?’ She addressed the back of the girl’s head. ‘Is this true? Pip did these things to thee?’
‘Yes.’
The answer swirled like smoke on the air to clog Pip’s lungs; she couldn’t breathe. ‘Nay. Why, Miss Lucy? Why!’
‘This has gone on long enough.’ Philip strode forward and took hold of her arm. ‘Come along with you. Out.’
‘Sir, please listen to me.’ Where Pip found her courage, she didn’t know; yanking herself free, she dropped to her knees by Albert’s bedside and clasped her hands to her chest. ‘I love Miss Lucy as a sister. As God is my witness, I’d never harm a hair on her head, not for nowt on this earth. You must believe me. Please.’
‘The child has just confirmed your crime from her own lips!’
‘And I’ve norra single clue why, honest I ain’t, for I’m innocent!’ Swinging her head, Pip beseeched the girl’s back. ‘Please, Miss Lucy. Tell them I’m guilty of no wrongdoing. We played nice, is all. We had fun, and we laughed and enjoyed ourselfs. I did nowt, never would. I’d never harm thee! Please!’ Lucy’s only response was muffled weeping. Pip turned desperate eyes to the servant, still standing statue-like in shock beside her. ‘Cook, you believe me. Don’t you?’
‘I …’ Her doubt was clear to all.
Pip experienced a pain deep in her breast the like of which she’d never known before. She gasped as though winded. ‘Nay, not thee …’
‘Miss Lucy, she said herself …’ Cook’s creased eyes were bright. ‘Why did you hurt the young angel so?’
Pip rose on jerky limbs. Then she flew across the room and out of the door.
Tears blinded her as she careered down the stairs and through the hall. Her mind was numb, heart frozen. When a hand touched her shoulder, she barely registered it.
‘I warned thee. Didn’t I say she were a vicious bitch?’
Pip turned blank eyes to Hardman. She nodded.
‘She’s the one put Miss Lucy up to this, I’ll be bound.’
The truth left her cold. Again, Pip nodded.
‘Caroline Goldthorpe needs getting rid of. For good and proper.’
Of its own accord, her head moved in agreement once more.
‘Then you’d be free to return. We’d all be free.’ The housemaid’s tone dropped to a hard murmur. ‘You want that, aye?’
‘Aye.’
Hardman’s mouth curved in a mirthless smile. ‘Meet me the morrow. Three o’clock by London Road Station.’ She turned and walked away.
Empty of thought and reason, Pip did likewise, disappearing from Bracken House through the front door and running full pelt down the street.