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- Herausgeber: Allison & Busby
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
1856. Christine Banner is alone after her father's death, penniless but armed with an iron will. Determined to put London behind her and find a place to call home, her search takes her to the New Forest where she stumbles upon Lord Frenshaw's estate. Her skill at handling some of the large and difficult war horses bred there, shines through and captures his attention. However, when his son Harry returns from the Crimea, battle-scarred and short-tempered, Christine's future looks uncertain, and Harry may find that home is not the safe haven to which he hoped to return. In the face of grief, sadness and disappointment, Christine's intelligence and strength will be tested until she finds the place she can truly belong.
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Seitenzahl: 488
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
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When Midnight Comes
BERYL MATTHEWS
Contents
Chapter One
Camden, London 1856
‘But my dad’s funeral isn’t until Friday.’ Chrissie Banner looked at the rent collector in dismay. ‘Can’t I stay until that’s over?’
Jack Porter’s heart ached for the young girl in front of him. What he had been told to do was cruel, but he was lucky to have a job. There were plenty more waiting and willing to take over from him. He needed this job. ‘I’m sorry, but the landlord has tenants waiting to move in and he wants you out by tomorrow.’
‘Has he got a heart?’ she asked with a grim smile on her tired face. ‘Dad never once got behind with the rent and I’ve kept the place clean and free from bugs. That ain’t easy in this slum.’
‘You’re a good girl.’ Jack’s mind was working quickly, trying to find a way to help this girl he had come to like and respect. Whenever he came to collect the rent it was always handed over with a smile. Her mum had died some years ago and then a couple of months ago her dad became ill and couldn’t work. He knew it had been a struggle for her, but she had never complained.
‘Could I stay if I paid for the next four days?’
He knew the landlord was only interested in money, so he nodded. ‘That would be all right, but can you afford it? I know you haven’t been able to do the rounds with your dad so ill.’
She shrugged. Poverty was a way of life to her, but it was no good crumbling under the strain. Her dad always said she was a survivor and she hoped he was right. ‘How much would that old skinflint of a landlord want?’
Jack studied his book. ‘Sixpence.’
Hiding her distress she drew out some coins from her pocket, reluctant to part with her last few pence, but there wasn’t any choice. She had been hoping the landlord would let her stay for a few extra days as they had been good tenants, but that was too much to ask. She handed over the coins and replaced the last remaining one back in her pocket.
‘How are you going to manage?’ he asked as he reluctantly took the money from her.
‘I’ll have to sell the horse and cart.’ Her eyes misted with tears at the thought. Dear old Bessie had been with them for a long time and it would be hard to part with the faithful horse. ‘Bob, down the street, is interested in taking over the round, and I know he’ll treat Bessie kindly.’
‘But you and your dad are well known in this area, and you’re a strong girl so I thought you would carry on with the rag-and-bone business.’ Jack was dismayed.
‘How can I? What do I do – leave Bessie in the street and sleep in the cart?’ She shook her head. ‘The dear animal deserves better than that.’
‘So do you,’ he said gently. How he hated this job, but it was all he could get, and he was lucky to have it. At least he could feed his family, which was more than some of the poor devils round here could do. ‘What are you planning to do?’
‘I need a roof over my head and food in my stomach, so I’ll have to go into service, I suppose.’ She gazed along the street of slum houses and her mouth set in a determined line. ‘I’ve got the chance of a new start so I ain’t staying in this disgusting place. If I have to scrub floors, then I’ll do that to earn some money, and then I’m gonna find somewhere in the country where there are trees and open spaces round me.’
‘I wish you luck with that, but you be careful.’
Her smile lit up her weary face, and her dark eyes flickered with amusement. ‘Don’t you worry about me. I’m taller and stronger than a lot of men. I can take care of myself.’
He nodded. ‘I’ll be at your dad’s funeral.’
‘Thanks. I’d like him to have a good send-off.’ Her mind went back to the man she had loved so much. He had come from Romany Travellers stock, but after marrying a girl outside of the group, he had settled down in one place and started the rag-and-bone round. He had been a good man, and she was going to miss him so much.
She went to the yard and gave Bessie the last of the feed she had left. After paying for the extra days’ rent there wasn’t anything left to buy more, and it was no good putting things off, she thought sadly. She would have to go and see Bob. Of course, she wasn’t going to get much for Bessie and the round because he didn’t have any money. Jobs were hard to come by for the likes of them, but at least he would be able to feed his family if he took over her dad’s business. They’d always managed until he had become too ill to work. She took Bessie and the cart out now and again, but never seemed to do well. Not like her dad. He had a voice that could be heard several streets away, and he was well liked. She gave the animal a pat on the rump and headed for Bob’s house just three doors down.
He’d seen her coming and was waiting, worry etched on his face. ‘Saw the rent man at your place. Are they turning you out, lass?’
‘Yes. They wanted me out before the funeral, but I couldn’t have that, so I had to pay for a few days extra.’
‘Our landlord is a bloody disgrace!’ he declared angrily. ‘You’ve got your dad in his coffin there, so what the hell did he think you was gonna do with him until the funeral?’
She shrugged. ‘He’s an unfeeling sod, but Jack was kind. You could see he didn’t like doing it, but it’s his job and he has to do as he’s told.’
‘Of course, and he can’t risk being sacked.’ He looked hopefully at the tall girl in front of him. ‘You made up your mind, Chrissie?’
‘Yes, you can take over from Dad. Come and get the horse and cart whenever you like. I’ve just given her a feed. I know you ain’t got much, but can you give me anything?’ When she saw the worry on his face, she said quickly, ‘If you ain’t got nothing then that’s all right. I understand.’
‘All I can rake together is sixpence, but once I get going I’ll give you a bit more.’
‘No, you keep that to feed the kids. I don’t want nothing, and Dad wanted you to have the round. Just take good care of Bessie and I’ll be happy.’
‘I’ll do that, lass, and thanks. What are you going to do? Have you got family you can go to?’
‘No, I’m on my own now.’ She gave a strained smile. ‘I’ll be all right, though. I’m gonna get away from here and make a new life for myself. I’ve got to earn some money first, but then I’m heading for the country. There’s bound to be posh houses there where I can get a job.’
‘I hope it works out for you. Will you write and let us know how you’re getting on?’
‘I’ll do that.’
‘We’ll all be at the funeral. I’ll come and get Bessie and the cart right now, if that’s all right. Her shed’s all ready and nice and comfy. I’ll go out today and see if I can pick up anything.’
‘Good idea. She’ll enjoy an outing.’
Chrissie kept away from the yard, but knew the animal had gone when she heard Bob shouting, ‘Rag an’ bone!’ With tears streaming down her face she went and cleared out the shed and swept the yard, telling herself off for being a sentimental fool. Handing her over to Bob had been necessary for the animal’s sake. He was a kind man and would take good care of the horse. After all, his livelihood depended on her now.
Friday dawned a dull overcast day with a fine drizzle soaking everything. It was a depressing September day and Chrissie hoped it wouldn’t keep people away. She wanted to do right for the dad she had loved, and it would be upsetting if only a few attended. She had been able to pawn a couple of things to buy bread and put on a modest spread for after the funeral, and there were a few bottles of beer for the men.
The undertaker arrived to collect the coffin and she walked behind the horse-drawn cart to the church. People began to fall in behind her and by the time they reached the church there was such a large crowd that every pew was taken, with many standing at the back. This gave her some comfort and showed just how much her dad had been liked and respected.
The service went well and Chrissie was glad she had been able to scrape enough money together for what she considered to be a proper send-off for him. He’d had the penny insurance everyone took out no matter how poor they were, but it hadn’t been enough to cover everything. It had left her broke, but as she looked round she felt it had been worth it. All the neighbours were there, so were his friends from the pub, as well as many who had known him from his rag-and-bone rounds.
Just about everyone came back and crowded into the small house and she worried that there wouldn’t be enough food and drink for them all. While she was in the scullery boiling water to make the tea, the back door opened and she watched in amazement as one woman after another came in carrying a plate of something; when two men arrived from the pub with a barrel of beer, she couldn’t help brushing away a tear. If her dad was watching from on high he would approve of this, and she could almost hear his amused chuckle.
It turned out to be quite a wake, with a real knees-up going on and spilling out in the street. The party didn’t break up until midnight, and after the last person had left she collapsed in a chair, exhausted. It was only then the realisation hit her that she was now alone and tomorrow she would be homeless. All the money she had left was tuppence and that wasn’t going to get her far. The furniture belonged to the landlord so that couldn’t be sold. Everything her dad had collected on his last round had been sold to help with the funeral costs, and they didn’t have anything of value she could use to raise money. She wandered round the squalid house but there were only a few battered pots and pans, and Bob could have those. They might bring him in a few coppers.
She sat on the edge of the bed frightened about the future. What was she going to do?
When Chrissie opened her eyes she shot straight up in bed. It was light! What was she doing sleeping so late; there was such a lot to do. The first thing was to see to Bessie. Her hand was on the bedroom door when she stopped suddenly and looked down at herself. She was fully clothed. Then the memories flooded back and she gasped in pain. Her father was gone, Bessie was gone, and she had to get out of the house today. For a moment she nearly crumpled where she stood, but that couldn’t be allowed to happen. Still holding on to the door for support, she took a deep breath to try and clear her mind. Be strong, she told herself. If you keep calm and think clearly you will get through this. Think of those open spaces and green fields you have always longed for. Keep that as your goal and you’ll fight for it knowing your Romany heritage is calling you to a new life – grasp it. You’re a survivor, remember.
In control of her emotions again she opened the door and made her way down the narrow staircase. There was work to be done this day, and as painful as that would be it had to be faced. Her first concern was money and she gathered together anything she could sell or pawn, but there wasn’t much for they had never been ones for possessions. The only thing she had of value was his silver pocket watch and chain that had come down through the family, and that was something she hoped she would never have to part with, no matter how bad things became. The bedlinen could be pawned and she might get a few coppers for that. It was clean and in good condition, but that was about it. Her dad had been buried in his only good suit and Bob could have the rest of his old clothes.
After having a quick wash she packed her few belongings in a bag, then gathered up the other bits and pieces and headed along the road.
Bob’s wife, Gladys, opened the door and reached out to help her with the things about to topple out of her arms. ‘Thanks, Glad. I thought Bob might be able to use this lot.’
‘I’m sure he could. He’s getting the horse and cart ready to do a round this morning. Come in, ducky, and have a bit of breakfast with us. I don’t suppose you’ve had anything to eat.’
‘I haven’t had time as I slept late,’ she admitted. ‘But I can’t take your food.’
‘Of course you can. Letting us have the round has given us hope for the future, and Bob’s a different man already now he has a way to provide for his family.’
‘That’s right.’ He strode in to the scullery, followed by all six of his excited children.
‘We’ve been feeding Bessie and making her coat shine,’ the eldest told her proudly, ‘and I’m going with Dad so I can help.’
‘My goodness, she’ll love all that fuss,’ Chrissie replied, hiding her grief at losing the animal by giving the boy a bright smile. As she looked at the happy smiling faces around her she knew she had done the right thing. ‘I’ve brought you this. They ain’t worth much, but you might make use of them.’
The children swooped on them. ‘Can we put them on the cart, Dad?’
He smiled and nodded, and when they all disappeared, laughing and running down the yard, Bob turned to Chrissie. ‘I’ve made a little bit already, so I’ll give you sixpence for the lot.’
‘No.’ She held up her hands in horror. ‘Come on, I know what things are worth and it ain’t that much. I’ve got a few things to pawn, so I’ll be all right.’
‘You sure?’ He studied her carefully. ‘You ain’t lying to me, are you?’
‘Course not, I’ve got plans. I come from a line of Travellers, as you know, and I’m gonna live in the country as soon as I can. As soon as I’ve saved enough money I’m leaving all this behind.’
He still looked doubtful. ‘I don’t like the idea of you out there all on your own. If you can’t get a roof over your head by tonight you come back here. You can stay with us until you’re settled in a job.’
‘Thanks, but I’ll be all right.’ She gazed around this already overcrowded hovel and knew she couldn’t burden them like that.
‘Promise you’ll come back here,’ he told her sternly, guessing her thoughts. ‘We’ll manage.’
She reached out and grasped his hand in gratitude and made the promise, knowing she wouldn’t keep it. When she saw the concern leave his face she excused herself the lie.
‘Do you want to see Bessie before you go?’
‘Better not. She’s settled in with you and the kids making a fuss of her, and it might disturb her. I said my goodbyes to her yesterday, now I’d better go. Jack will be coming for the keys and to inspect the house.’
‘Keep in touch and let us know how you’re getting on,’ Bob called as she hurried away.
She turned and waved, and then ran to do a final tidy-up of the house before leaving it for the last time.
Chapter Two
The pawnbroker hadn’t given her much for the things, but she hadn’t expected him to be overgenerous. Still, she had a few pennies in her pocket now and that was enough to get her to the posh part of London.
After visiting six large houses she was losing hope. It was late afternoon and she was getting desperate. Someone must need a servant, she thought as she made her way around the back of another house. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the servants’ door, and when a young girl answered it Chrissie smiled. ‘I’m looking for work.’
‘I’ll ask if they want anyone,’ she said.
‘Thanks.’ She waited, praying they had a vacancy. At least she hadn’t been turned away immediately this time, and when a footman came to the door and told her to come in, her hopes rose.
The footman gave her a saucy wink and opened the housekeeper’s door for her. A severe woman was sitting behind a desk and didn’t look up for a while, her attention on the ledger in front of her. Finally she glanced up and studied the girl in front of her.
‘What is your name?’
‘Christine Banner, ma’am.’
‘And why are you looking for work?’
It didn’t enter her head to gloss over what had happened and she told the housekeeper exactly what the situation was. ‘So you see, ma’am, I need a job desperately. I can’t burden my neighbours, willing though they are, cos they have problems enough without me dumping myself on them.’
‘Wouldn’t the landlord have let you stay in the house if you paid the rent?’
‘No, ma’am. He’s a tight old sod, pardon my language, and he had a family willing to pay more. I kept it nice, you see, and free from bugs, which wasn’t easy in that dump.’ She gave a hopeful smile. ‘I’m really good at scrubbing, and you won’t be disappointed if you take me on.’
‘Don’t you have any family who can help you?’
‘Not that I know of, ma’am. It was just me and my dad.’
‘Not that you know of? Explain.’
Chrissie sighed inwardly. This woman wanted to know a lot, but if there was a job at the end of it she would answer her questions politely. She explained about her dad and the situation she now found herself in by his death.
‘You’re part-Romany?’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ Chrissie tilted her head at a proud angle. She wasn’t ashamed of her heritage and wasn’t going to let anyone belittle her because of it. Her dad had been a decent and hard-working man.
‘We have need of a scullery maid,’ she said briskly. ‘You will get a half-day a week off, and be expected to work late when there are guests in the house.’
‘Hard work don’t worry me, ma’am,’ Chrissie told her, relieved to be offered a job. ‘I’d be happy to take the job.’
The housekeeper’s expression softened, and she almost smiled. ‘You address me as Mrs Conway; only the lady of the house is ma’am. When can you start?’
‘Immediately, Mrs Conway. I ain’t got nowhere else to go.’
The housekeeper stood up and swept out of the room calling for Pat, and a young girl who couldn’t be more than fourteen rushed up, still holding a scrubbing brush. ‘Take Christine upstairs to the room next to yours.’
‘Yes, Mrs Conway.’ The girl hastily dried her hands on her apron and gave Chrissie a shy smile as she reached out for her bag.
‘I can manage that,’ she told her. ‘You lead the way.’
They walked up the winding servants’ stairway to the attic rooms and Pat opened a door for her to enter. ‘This is yours, and I’m right next door. There’s a pot in the cupboard by the bed in case you need it in the night. I’ll bring up hot water in the morning for you to wash with.’
Chrissie studied the room, turned back the blanket and examined the bed. It was spotlessly clean and she smiled at Pat. ‘Much nicer than sleeping in the street, and that is where I could have ended up if I hadn’t got this job. What’s it like here?’
‘Hard work, but we get good grub and the rest of the staff are nice.’
‘What about the family?’
The girl hesitated and then shrugged. ‘The Hamlins are all right, I suppose, but we don’t see much of them.’
‘You don’t sound too sure.’
She shrugged again. ‘Well. The son has just come home after travelling a lot and he’s always staring at me. He frightens me a bit, but I expect it’s my imagination.’
‘Maybe, but if he gives you any trouble let me know and I’ll sort him out.’
‘Oh, no! If we cause any trouble we’ll lose our jobs.’
Pat looked so horrified that Chrissie was sorry she had said anything. She laughed. ‘Don’t worry; I’ll behave myself as long as I’m not pushed too far. I’m not used to being a servant so I’ll be relying on you to show me what I should do.’
Pat relaxed then and looked much happier. ‘Do you want to unpack now?’
‘No, I’ll leave it until tonight. I haven’t got much.’
‘We’d better get back, then. Mrs Conway will have jobs for us to do.’
As they made their way downstairs Chrissie knew this wasn’t going to be easy for her. She had always spoken her mind when she came across things she didn’t agree with, and was going to have a struggle to stop herself from answering back. She needed this job, though, so perhaps that would keep her in order.
Chrissie soon found out just how hard the domestic servants worked, but that didn’t worry her. She had a roof over her head and plenty of good food from a cook who was proud of her talent. The long days filled with constant activity also helped her to come to terms with the loss of her dad. He had brought her up from the age of ten by himself when her mum had died, and she had loved him dearly. Her mum had died far too early, but she could remember them together, and it had been a happy marriage. Now that was all gone and it hurt her so much to think of her parents, Bessie and the business. They’d had such fun and laughed a lot.
She was scrubbing the entrance hall with determination when the front door opened and she was looking at a pair of wet, muddy riding boots as they left dirty prints all over her clean floor. She glared up at the man. He hadn’t even wiped his feet on the mat on the step! It was an effort not to tell him off, but she remembered just in time that she was a lowly servant. This was the first time she had seen the master’s son, and she took an instant dislike to him. Sitting back on her heels she held his gaze, her dark eyes showing her annoyance, and when he laughed and began to make even more mess she could have hit him. She studied his retreating figure as he walked away, still laughing. There was no doubt that this was the man Pat was afraid of and she could understand the timid girl’s worry about him.
‘What a mess!’ Mrs Conway exclaimed. ‘How did this happen?’
‘The son marched in with muddy boots and made as much mess as he could. He thought it was funny.’
The housekeeper looked furious. ‘Visitors are expected within the next hour so clean it up as quickly as possible.’
‘Yes, Mrs Conway.’ It took three buckets of clean water to remove the mud and by the time she had finished she was fuming. That spoilt brat had better stay out of her way or she might give him the thrashing he deserved. She was tall and strong, and from what she had seen of him he was a weakling. Bullies always were, and coming from the slums she had dealt with a few in her time.
In less than an hour the hallway was spotless and the tiles gleaming brightly.
‘That’s an excellent job,’ the housekeeper said as she inspected Chrissie’s work. ‘Take a break now, you have earned it, and Cook has just taken a lovely fruit cake out of the oven.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Conway. I’ll empty the bucket first.’ She stood up and took a critical look at the floor, nodding in satisfaction. Then she hurried back to the scullery anticipating a lovely slice of hot fruit cake.
The rest of the staff had heard about the incident and showed their disapproval. ‘That young man needs his backside walloped,’ the cook declared, handing round the cake.
‘He nearly got a hiding from me,’ Chrissie admitted, ‘but I remembered just in time that I was a servant and he the master’s son.’
‘And you could have done it.’ John the footman studied Chrissie with admiration. ‘I reckon you’re ten times stronger than him, and taller.’
The young bootboy danced up to her in a boxer’s pose with a huge grin on his face. ‘Let’s see how tough you are. Come on, show us your muscles.’
With one quick movement she swept the lad off his feet and tossed him over her shoulder, making him squeal with laughter. ‘All right, I believe you. Put me down!’
The room was full of laughter as she put him back on his feet. This was the first time she had laughed since her dad took ill, and it felt good.
The family were entertaining that evening and it was eleven o’clock before they were able to go to bed. It had been a long day and Chrissie was asleep almost before her head touched the pillow.
What was that? She sat up in bed and listened, instantly awake. There was a muffled cry coming from Pat’s room, and Chrissie’s first thought was that she was having a bad nightmare. She hastily lit a candle, grabbed her robe and hurried to the girl’s room. What she saw enraged her. The son was there and holding his hand over her mouth as he tried to subdue her. He half-turned as the candle lit the room and rocked back as Chrissie hit him and dragged him off the bed.
‘Take your hands off her, you dirty beast!’ She hoisted him up and slammed him against the wall. ‘She’s only a child!’
The moment Pat had been released she started to scream in terror. John, the footman, was the first one to reach the room, quickly followed by the butler and the rest of the staff.
‘What’s going on here?’ Andrews, the butler, demanded, turning to Chrissie who now had a firm hold on the son.
‘This beast was trying to rape Pat,’ she told him.
‘What are you doing in the servants’ quarters in the middle of the night, sir?’ the butler asked angrily while trying to comfort Pat.
‘It’s my bloody house and I can go where I like.’
‘But you can’t do what you like to us.’ Chrissie gave him a shake to emphasise her point.
‘Yes, I can. You’re all just dirt.’ He got one hand free and caught her a stinging blow across the face. ‘Get off me, you bitch! You’ll pay for this.’
When he went to hit her again she ducked and then retaliated, splitting his lip and making him groan from the blow.
The men stepped in quickly to stop the fight, took hold of the son and dragged him out of the room.
‘Let’s have a look at your face,’ Mrs Conway said as soon as the men had gone. ‘You’re going to have a black eye, and are you hurt anywhere else?’
‘No, I’m all right, it’s Pat I’m worried about.’ She sat on the bed by the frightened girl who was silent now, but shaking, with tears running down her cheeks.
Pat wrapped her arms around Chrissie and said over and over again, ‘Thank you.’
‘Shush. It’s all over now. I doubt he will bother you again. But if he so much as looks at you, let me know and I won’t hold back on my punches again.’
There was an amused chuckle from the footman as he came back with the butler. ‘If you held back on that punch then remind me never to upset you.’
‘That wouldn’t be a good idea.’ She grinned, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. ‘Where I come from you learn early in life to stick up for yourself. What have you done with that nasty man?’
‘We’ve escorted him back to his own part of the house,’ the butler replied and sat on the bed by Pat. ‘You all right, lass? He didn’t hurt you, did he?’
Pat held out her thin arms and showed him the livid marks. ‘He … frightened me, Uncle.’
‘Well, he won’t do that again. I’ll see to that!’
‘I think what we all need now is a nice strong cup of tea,’ Cook declared. ‘We won’t be able to sleep now, so everyone down to the kitchen.’
They all sat around the large table, and while Mrs Conway was applying a salve to Pat’s arms, the butler spoke quietly to Chrissie. ‘You know there will be consequences from this night?’
She nodded. ‘I’ll take all the blame. The rest of you only arrived after it was all over.’
‘Oh no you don’t. We’ll stand together on this, so you tell it like it is when you are questioned.’
‘Let’s see what happens in the morning. Perhaps he’ll slink away in shame and not say anything to his family.’
‘There isn’t much hope of that.’ He squeezed her arm. ‘Thank you for saving the child from being hurt too much.’
Chapter Three
The breakfast had only just been cleared away when the butler came for Chrissie. ‘We’ve been ordered to the master’s study.’
She threw the cloth in the bucket and got to her feet. ‘We?’
‘You, me and Pat.’
‘Can’t they leave her out of it?’ she declared angrily. ‘The poor girl is still in a state after that attack on her.’
‘We’ll be with her, so she’ll be all right.’ His expression was grim. ‘This won’t be pleasant. I don’t think the old man and his son have a decent bone in their bodies.’
‘If they are looking for a fight then they’ll get one!’ After drying her hands on her apron she said, ‘Where’s Pat?’
‘She’s waiting for us in the hall.’ He caught hold of her arm as she made to walk away. ‘Remember what I said. Don’t try to gloss over this in an effort to save our jobs. The one in the wrong here is the boy; we did nothing wrong.’
‘Perhaps he just wants to apologise,’ she joked.
The butler gave a grim smile and shook his head.
Pat was so frightened she was shaking and Chrissie had to support her. ‘What … what does the master want? … I don’t wanna go in there.’ A tear trickled down her cheek.
‘You are not to worry about them,’ Chrissie assured her. ‘We’ll be with you, but it’s really me they want to see.’
‘Come on, my girl, dry your eyes and don’t let them see they can frighten you.’ The butler smiled to reassure his young niece. ‘There isn’t anything for you to be frightened about. Chrissie will deal with them,’ he joked.
‘You can be sure of that!’ Chrissie guided Pat towards the study door.
The footman opened the door for them and whispered softly, ‘We’re all with you.’
Chrissie nodded and rolled up her sleeves, ready for the confrontation. She could take care of herself and was determined to see that the rest of the staff didn’t suffer if she could help it. She was certain she had lost this job, but she didn’t want any of the others to be dismissed as well.
The master was standing by the fireplace, with a thunderous expression on his florid face. His wife was seated by the window and the son was standing a few paces away from his father and looked smug. That told Chrissie all she wanted to know. The father was going to support his son, no matter what he had done the night before. But it gave her some satisfaction to note the son’s swollen lip and livid bruise where she had hit him.
The master turned to Chrissie immediately and pointed to his son. ‘I want an explanation for this unwarranted attack on my son!’
So this was how it was going to be: the son had denied any wrongdoing and the father believed him. She showed no emotion when she spoke. ‘Your son was about to rape a fourteen-year-old girl so I pulled him off her. He hit me and I hit him back.’
‘How dare you accuse my son of such a thing!’ he bellowed. ‘He’d had a little too much to drink and wandered in to the servants’ quarters.’
Chrissie couldn’t help herself, she laughed. ‘Is that what he told you?’
‘He wouldn’t lie to me. I believe him above the likes of you.’ He almost spat in contempt.
‘What Miss Banner has told you is the truth,’ the butler told him. ‘The rest of the staff were also witnesses to the attack and are prepared to sign statements, if necessary.’
The master turned his fury back to Chrissie. ‘You’re lying and have convinced everyone else that it is the truth. My son wouldn’t touch dirty tarts like you and the girl!’
That was too much, and furious, she took a step forward. ‘Be careful who you are calling names, sir. I come from the slums, but let me tell you something. We look after each other, and if your son had been caught by us he would never have been able to attempt such a thing again.’
He snorted in contempt. ‘Violence is rife where you come from. You don’t know anything about civilised behaviour.’
‘Don’t be so quick to condemn.’ She spoke firmly and clearly. ‘You are the one who doesn’t have anything to be proud of. You have a son who doesn’t know the first thing about civilised behaviour. He believes that because of his privileged position he can do what he likes and he knows you will support him. I think this attempted rape should be reported to the police; let them deal with him.’
‘I have it all written out for the police, should we decide it necessary to report this.’ The butler pulled an envelope out of his pocket and showed it to them.
‘Father, don’t let them get away with that!’ The son sounded alarmed now.
Chrissie ignored the son and the father’s stunned expression and, knowing she was certainly going to be dismissed, continued. ‘Your son needs to be taught discipline and respect for others, whatever their station in life. If you put him in the army they might be able to make a gentleman out of him, but I doubt they will even take him. He will certainly end up in prison if he isn’t dealt with and taught the difference between right and wrong.’
‘Enough! Get out of this house at once, and take that other piece of dirt with you.’ He pointed at Pat, who grabbed Chrissie’s hand and looked at the butler in alarm. ‘Uncle …’ she wailed.
‘It’s all right, lass. I will also be leaving today.’ He put his arm around the terrified child’s shoulder, and then addressed the master. ‘Pat is my youngest sister’s child, sir, and is in my care after her mother died. I would not allow her to stay in a household where she is in danger of being molested.’
By now the master was apoplectic with rage. To have the butler accuse his son in this way was too much. ‘Get out! You will all leave this house with no pay or references. I’ll see that you can never get another job. No one will employ you after I spread the word about your unforgivable actions.’
‘You do that, sir, and we will have to defend ourselves by explaining about your son’s attack on a fourteen-year-old child. Society will react badly to such news.’
‘They won’t believe you!’ he roared at the butler, and then stormed out of the room.
Chrissie turned her attention to the son and noted that he was now drained of all colour. When they had entered the room he’d had a smirk on his face, confident his father would deal with the situation. Now it was a different story. He was clearly shocked that servants should dare to defend themselves. They hadn’t remained mute and subservient, and the butler leaving as well hadn’t been expected. Three people out there who knew the truth could rip his reputation to pieces.
‘Come on, my dears, let’s get out of this house.’ The butler took hold of Pat’s arm and Chrissie followed them to the door.
‘Wait.’
They turned to face the mistress, who had spoken for the first time. ‘Andrews, you and the child do not need to leave. My husband will calm down and I will see that nothing like this happens again. You are an excellent butler and I do not wish to lose you.’ She gave Chrissie a sad smile. ‘I am afraid I cannot do anything about your dismissal, as much as I would like to.’
‘I understand, but the rest of your staff are blameless and I would not like to see them suffer because of my actions.’
‘I will see they do not. Andrews and Pat may stay and—’
‘I’m sorry, madam,’ he interrupted. ‘We will be leaving with Chrissie. I am responsible for Pat and will not put her at risk by staying, and she would never be happy here again. Thank you for your kindness, though.’
They left the room then, and before the door was completely closed behind them they heard the mistress turn on her son. ‘You ought to be ashamed of yourself, and your father is no better. You are a disgrace to this family, and when word gets out, as it certainly will, we shall be shunned by society.’
As the footman closed the door they heard a sound and Chrissie gasped. ‘Did she just hit her son?’
‘Sounded like it, and about time too. Cook’s got a feast laid out for us, so let’s go and enjoy it.’ The footman grinned at Chrissie. ‘I listened to what was said and it did my heart good to hear you both standing up to that bully. They’ve got another shock coming because I’ve been offered another job and will also be leaving.’
Cook went into a flurry of despair when she heard the news, and it took a while to calm her down. ‘What are we going to do?’ she cried. ‘There is a dinner party for twelve this evening. How can I manage without the help of the girls and you, Mr Andrews?’
‘It will be cancelled,’ the housekeeper informed them as she swept in to the kitchen. ‘Madam is leaving for her house in Bath today and I am to go with her.’
‘But there won’t be anyone to manage the house,’ Cook gasped. ‘Those two men won’t have any idea what to do.’
The footman grinned. ‘It will be chaos, unless they are going to Bath as well.’
‘That house belongs to Madam, and they won’t be joining her. They will have to spend most of their time at their club until they have engaged more staff.’ Mrs Conway turned to Andrews. ‘Madam has insisted that you all be paid in full before leaving.’ She handed the three of them a packet each.
The butler tipped out the coins and frowned. ‘This can’t be right, Mrs Conway.’
‘I was told to include the extra by way of an apology for the way you have been treated.’
‘Would you please thank Madam for us?’ Chrissie asked. She hadn’t been here long enough to receive much, but she was grateful for the money and relieved that Andrews and Pat were being given this extra. At least it showed that someone believed they had told the truth.
It didn’t take long for them to pack their belongings and leave the house. ‘Do you have anywhere to go?’ Andrews asked Chrissie as they walked along the road.
She shook her head and grimaced. ‘No, but I’ll find somewhere. I’m getting used to being thrown out.’
‘Then you must come with us. My eldest sister will find you a bed for the night, then tomorrow you can decide what you are going to do.’
‘That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t dump an extra person on her. It wouldn’t be right.’
Andrews stopped walking and faced her. ‘Now you look here, my girl, we owe you for saving Pat from that boy and I won’t have you wandering the streets looking for somewhere to sleep.’
‘Please come,’ Pat pleaded. ‘Auntie Helen will be happy for you to stay with us.’
‘Well … just for one night, then.’
‘Good, that’s settled.’ Andrews started walking again. ‘We’ll do a bit of shopping so we don’t turn up empty-handed.’
After buying a joint of mutton and plenty of vegetables they made their way to the house. It was small but in a much better area than the one Chrissie had come from. There was a green space across the road, and although too small and unkempt to be called a park, it gave a feeling of space when you looked out of the front window. Auntie Helen obviously took pride in keeping her home nice, and although she made them very welcome, Chrissie knew her first task the next day would be to find somewhere else to stay. She had intended to remain in London until the spring and then make her way to the countryside, but now she had lost her job it might be better to move out of London sooner than she had planned. There was no doubt that the father and son would lose no time in blackening her name and make finding another job here impossible.
There was a little money in her pocket now and she would have to see how far that would get her.
Chapter Four
When Chrissie looked out of the front window the next morning the piece of ground was filled with people, horses and caravans. ‘What’s all this?’ she asked Pat, who had come to stand beside her.
‘It’s the Travellers. They come almost every year as they start their journey south for the winter. They set up stalls for a couple of days and then move on. Do you want to go and have a look? They make some nice things.’
‘I’d love to.’ She grabbed her coat, an idea already forming in her mind. This might be the answer to her problem.
It was a lively scene, with a lot of shouting and laughter as the locals bartered for the goods on display. None of this interested her, though, as she headed for a man selling baskets.
‘Take your pick,’ he told her, smiling broadly. ‘I’ll do you a good deal.’
She had listened to her father talking about life as a Traveller and knew who to ask for. ‘I’m not here to buy,’ she told him. ‘Would it be possible to speak to the headman of your group?’
‘And why would you want to do that?’ he asked, frowning.
‘I need to ask if I could travel with you for a while. I understand you are heading south, and that’s where I want to go.’
He was now studying her intently. ‘That’s an unusual request. Most young women are afraid of us. They think we can’t be trusted.’
She laughed. ‘You don’t scare me. I come from travelling stock.’
‘Do you now. What’s your name?’
‘Banner.’
He nodded. ‘You’d better come with me.’
When he began to walk away she glanced round and found Pat right behind her. ‘I’m going to see someone, and will come back to the house later.’
Pat nodded, looking slightly worried. ‘Be careful, Chrissie.’
‘I will, don’t you worry about me.’ She had to run to catch the man up.
He looked at her and said, ‘My name’s Sandy, by the way.’
‘Good to meet you. What are my chances of being able to travel with you?’
He just shrugged and kept on walking towards a group of horse-drawn homes. They were elaborately decorated in bright colours and a group of horses were grazing nearby. The sight of them tugged at Chrissie’s heart and she hoped Bessie was happy with her new owners.
‘Pa!’ he called when they stopped by one of the homes. ‘Someone here wants to see you.’
A man appeared at the door and jumped down the steps, extremely spritely for his advanced age. He fixed his gaze on Chrissie. ‘And what might you be wanting to know?’
‘I would like your permission to travel with you as you make your way south. I’m a hard worker and good with horses. I’ll earn my keep.’
His bright blue eyes roamed over her. ‘Why would a young, strong girl like you want to travel with us? What kind of trouble you in? If the law is after you then I’ll tell you straight that we don’t take in troublemakers.’
‘The coppers ain’t after me,’ she told him indignantly. ‘I’m homeless and need a job. I thought I could find a nice big country house needing a servant, but you’re not as friendly as my dad always told me Travellers were.’
‘Your dad knows all about us, does he?’
‘Did. He died a while back.’ She didn’t like this man with the cold eyes and turned to walk away.
‘Wait!’
She glanced over her shoulder and said sarcastically, ‘Don’t you worry; I’ll make it on my own.’
‘Stand still, girl. What’s your name?’
‘Christine Banner.’ She called back as she started walking again. Suddenly he was right in front of her, hands on hips and blocking her path.
Furious now, she turned to Sandy who was watching with interest. ‘Tell your pa to get out of my way or I’ll make him move. He’s too old and rude to be the head of this group. It’s time you put him out to grass.’
The man in front of her burst out laughing; in fact the two men were doubled over with mirth, which made her even more indignant.
Pa straightened up and nodded to his son, then called out, ‘Ma, brew up some tea. We’ve got a guest.’
Chrissie turned and saw an elderly woman standing next to her son, her face wreathed in smiles.
‘You’d better move, Pa,’ she told her husband. ‘She’s big and strong enough to make you.’
He stepped aside, still grinning, and the transformation was so marked he looked like a different man. ‘Wipe that scowl off your face, girl, and stay to talk with us. I was just testing to see what you were like. Banner isn’t an uncommon name amongst Travellers and they have a reputation for being feisty. Let’s see if we can help you.’
With a nod she turned and walked up the wooden steps in to the home. It would be daft to walk away without hearing what they had to say.
‘Right,’ Pa said the moment they were settled, ‘tell us about yourself and your family.’
She gave them a brief account of her life so far, why she was looking for a way to travel to the country, and the reason she had left her last job.
‘Sounds like you don’t stand no nonsense,’ Ma remarked. ‘Reckon we can help her, Pa. What do you think, son?’
‘We can’t turn someone away who comes from Traveller stock when they ask for help.’
‘I agree that wouldn’t be right,’ Pa told them. ‘You’ll have to earn your keep, girl. Everyone in this group has to contribute in any way they can.’
‘I’m not afraid of hard work – and the name is Chrissie. I know I’m a girl and don’t have to be reminded.’
A deep chuckle came from Pa as he glanced at his wife. ‘What can we give Chrissie to do?’
‘We need a fortune-teller. Elsie is too frail to do it now.’
Chrissie studied their faces, certain they must be joking.
‘Good idea,’ Pa agreed.
They weren’t joking! ‘I can’t tell fortunes,’ she protested. ‘It would be taking money under false pretences. I don’t have a gift like that.’
‘Have a talk with Elsie,’ Sandy suggested. ‘She’ll show you how to read people to tell if they are happy, worried or even desperate when they come to the tent. You’ll tell them things to make them feel better and give them encouragement to deal with whatever problems they have. If you feel they’ve just come to you for a bit of fun – which many do – then tell them something good is coming their way.’
She pulled a face in disgust. ‘Like a tall dark stranger?’
‘If you think it’s appropriate,’ Sandy said, amused at her expression.
‘I couldn’t do that; it’s dishonest. I’m good with horses,’ she added hopefully.
‘You can help look after them as well.’ Pa’s gaze held hers. ‘You work as a fortune-teller when we stop, and care for the animals when we are on the move. Those are our conditions, Chrissie.’
‘Before you refuse’ – Ma placed her hand on Chrissie’s arm when it looked as if she was going to leave – ‘have a talk with Elsie first.’
‘All right,’ she agreed, reluctant to give up this chance to travel with them.
Although very advanced in years and frail, Elsie’s eyes were bright and alert. When Ma explained that they were trying to get Chrissie to take over from her, she nodded and studied the girl in front of her for some moments before breaking into a huge smile. ‘A good choice. Sit down, my dear, and show me your hands.’
Chrissie sighed inwardly. This was a mistake and she would have to find another way to get out of London. Not wanting to offend the older woman she smiled and started to stand up. ‘I’m sorry to have wasted your time. I’ll be on my way.’
‘Are you too proud to hear what an old lady has to say?’
‘I’m not the right person for this. I couldn’t take money from people and tell them lies.’
‘Indulge me, Chrissie. What harm can it do? This will just be a bit of fun between friends.’
‘Come on,’ Sandy urged, holding the chair for her to sit down again. ‘Don’t throw away this chance without finding out all you can first.’
He was right, of course, she recognised, as she sat at the table and held out her hands.
Elsie took hold of them, frowning, and studied them for a moment. ‘Hmm. These are hard-working hands, and very interesting. You will eventually get what you want from life, and perhaps more than you could have dreamt of. Someone very powerful is coming to you. He will adore you and you will feel the same about him. He will have a devilish sense of humour and be hard to deal with, but his affection for you will have him bowing in submission.’
Chrissie shook her head. This was a load of nonsense! ‘I suppose he will be tall, dark and handsome and we will marry.’ It was hard to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
‘He is indeed tall, dark and handsome.’ Elsie looked at Chrissie with a faraway look in her eyes. ‘But you can’t possibly marry him. You see, he is a horse.’
‘A horse!’ She stared at the fortune-teller in astonishment, and then dissolved into helpless laughter. It had been some time since she had relaxed and as she wiped away the tears of amusement a strange thing happened. The trauma of the last few weeks dropped away from her like a heavy cloak falling to the ground.
Elsie was watching her intently. ‘You’ve had a tough time, so do you feel better now, my dear?’
‘Yes, I do,’ she admitted. ‘That is the first time I’ve laughed like that in weeks.’
‘If you had given me a coin would you have felt cheated?’
She thought about that for a moment and then shook her head. ‘I’d have been amused – even entertained by the story you have just made up.’
‘You think I made it up?’
‘Of course, but it was very good. However, you haven’t convinced me I could do this.’
‘Then I shall have to try harder.’ The fortune-teller then removed a cloth to reveal a crystal ball. ‘Look into that and tell me what you see.’
She pulled the crystal ball towards her, prepared to play the game now and gazed at the object, scepticism apparent on her face. After a while she looked up and grinned. ‘It’s very pretty but it is just a piece of stone.’
‘It’s quartz crystal, my dear,’ Elsie replied calmly. ‘It’s a very special kind of stone. Relax, clear your mind of all those doubts and try again.’
‘This is just a waste of time,’ she protested.
‘Give it one more try,’ the elderly woman urged. ‘I’m sure you have the talent, but your disbelief is blocking it. Concentrate on looking to the middle of the crystal.’
With a shrug, believing this was a complete waste of time, she tried to look in to the depths of the crystal. ‘What a shame; it’s all cloudy inside, and I didn’t notice that the first time,’ she exclaimed, not taking her eyes from the ball.
‘What is in the mist?’
‘Nothing … Oh, there’s a big house there,’ she laughed. ‘That’s clever.’
‘Look again.’
She did as asked and shook her head. ‘I can’t see it now. How did you do that?’
‘I didn’t do anything. That was your future you saw.’
‘Well, I’ll certainly be kept busy scrubbing all those floors,’ she joked. ‘This has been fun, but if you will excuse me, I have to find another job.’
Elsie put her hand on her arm to stop her leaving. ‘Tonight we will be moving on and won’t make camp again for another three days, so give me that time to show you the art of telling fortunes. Then do one session with the public, and if you still feel the same after that you needn’t do it again. I am sure Pa can keep you busy with other things while we are travelling.’
Chrissie glanced across at Pa and then back to Elsie. ‘I was told I couldn’t travel with you unless I took on the fortune-telling.’
‘Don’t take any notice of Pa,’ she waved a dismissive hand. ‘This is between you and me. No one will force you to do anything you don’t want to. All I’m asking is that you try it once at our next stop. What do you say?’
‘I’d be willing to do that.’ She looked hopefully at Pa again and was relieved when he nodded. This was her chance to get out of London and she had to take it.
‘Good.’ Elsie was clearly delighted. ‘Go and get your things. You can share my home. I’ll be glad of the company.’
Chapter Five
After saying goodbye to Pat and her family and wishing them well, she went back to the field just in time to help them pack up. There was a lot to do so they would be ready to move off first thing the next day.
She slept well in Elsie’s cosy home and in the morning enjoyed helping to hitch up the horses. Sandy was driving the caravan as Elsie was no longer able to do this for herself, and Chrissie was excited as they started their journey. She was going to get out of London now, and in a way she would never have imagined. A slight smile appeared on her face as she wondered what her dad would think about this. He would be laughing, she was sure.
‘I used to drive the horse and cart for my dad sometimes,’ she told Sandy. ‘If you would show me how to manage the caravan it would save you doing it.’
He immediately handed the reins over to her and began giving instructions. They had been on the road for two hours when they stopped on a spare piece of ground.
‘Time to water the horses and ourselves. Put the kettle on, Elsie,’ he called as he jumped down. He held out a hand for Chrissie and grinned. ‘It’s always the animals before us. Without them we would be stuck in one place.’
