Nobody’s Girl

by Tania Crosse

  ‘Mrs C said to bring you in the front door,’ Ralph had explained as he rang the bell and then went to unload Meg’s luggage.

  The door had been opened by a little mouse of a girl, Meg thought, who beckoned her into a relatively small hall with what Meg assumed was the original brick floor. The girl shyly motioned for Meg to take off her coat and then knocked on a door to the right. She poked her head around it, mumbled some words Meg didn’t catch, and then scuttled away, leaving Meg standing there like a lemon while Ralph stowed her possessions in a neat pile next to her.

  But now that Clarissa was here, Meg gathered her thoughts together. ‘Mrs C,’ she began firmly, remembering the way she’d been encouraged to address her, ‘this is all so very kind of you, but I don’t see myself as a guest. I’m not one to sit around idly doing nothing. I wish to earn my keep.’

  She watched, heart in her mouth, as surprise did no more than flicker across Clarrie’s features. ‘Come into the sitting room,’ she invited, beckoning Meg to follow her. ‘Jane is bringing us morning coffee.’

  Meg hesitated in the doorway. Her eager eyes swiftly took in the charming, cosy room with an inglenook fireplace in which coal burnt merrily. The delightful brickwork was exposed along the wall with the chimney breast, and also on the outer wall with its leaded windows looking down the long driveway. The other two walls were covered in wood panelling, and a deep, oriental-looking rug covered most of the quarry tiled floor. Meg was enchanted.

  ‘Is it all right to bring Mercury in here?’ she asked, a little overawed. ‘He’s all right with cats,’ she added, seeing two large marmalade cats stretching themselves before the fire.

  To her relief, Mrs C nodded with a broad smile. ‘Our own dogs wander in and out of the house, so there’s no reason why Mercury shouldn’t, too. And he seemed very well behaved when he stayed with us that night. Better than our own rascals which do exasperate me sometimes. Just let him off the lead and I’m sure he’ll find his way around. In fact, when Jane comes back, she can take him to find our own dogs. They’re usually romping around in the gardens somewhere. So, do sit down.’ Clarrie gestured to an armchair on one side of the fire, and then sat down herself in another facing it, clasping her hands in her lap. ‘I’m sorry my husband isn’t here to greet you, too. He sends his apologies, but he’s at the factory all this week. Now, Meg, you’re welcome as our guest for as long as you wish to stay. But do tell me what you have in mind.’

  Meg drew in a breath to calm the pulse that rattled at her temples. At least the woman seemed prepared to listen, which was a good start.

  ‘I simply don’t want to be a charity case,’ she began cautiously, gauging the reaction on Mrs C’s face. ‘I know I have the small inheritance from my parents’ effects, and as you know, Mr Chillcott is supposed to hand over a weekly amount of the insurance settlement, which will last until I’m twenty-one. But then it’ll all be gone. So what’s supposed to happen so miraculously when I come of age that I’m suddenly able to support myself? It just doesn’t make sense. So I don’t want to touch any of that money. I want Mr Chillcott to invest it in something that’ll earn interest. Then, when I’m twenty-one, there’ll be a good sum for me to do something special with to secure my future. Set up a business, perhaps.’ She wasn’t going to say what sort of business, mind. Only she knew that. So she paused, tilting her chin as she waited for the reply.

  She didn’t have to wait long. ‘And in the meantime, you want to work for your living.’

  It was a statement rather than a question, and Clarissa had somehow managed to speak in a straightforward tone when her insides had leapt with excitement. Did this mean the girl was planning on staying long-term?

  Meg nodded in response. ‘Yes. You’re offering me a safe home and I’m very grateful. But I don’t want to be a burden. I want to work for you.’

  ‘Well, I find that most commendable.’ Meg was relieved when Mrs C smiled at her again. ‘You’re a proud, independent young woman, and you’ve obviously thought it all through. Now let me think what you could do for us. Oh, I know. Our dogs are in dire need of a bit of training. And when my brother-in-law comes with his family, well, the boys are quite unruly. They’ve been brought up in a bohemian sort of way. Don’t get me wrong. Lovely, good-natured boys, they are, but they do need someone to direct their energies a little. So,’ the older woman asked tentatively, ‘how does that sound?’

  Meg met Mrs C’s gaze steadily. Oh dear. That wasn’t what she meant at all. ‘It still sounds rather like being a guest,’ she said honestly. ‘I’m happy to help with all of those things, but I was thinking rather of being a proper servant.’

  ‘A servant?’ Clarrie said, trying to disguise her surprise. This really wasn’t what she’d envisaged at all! But if it was what would make Meg stay… ‘In what capacity?’

  ‘I’m willing to do anything,’ Meg answered eagerly. ‘I can work in the kitchen, I can clean, do laundry, light fires. And I can sew. My mother taught me everything.’

  ‘Well, then, we’ll have to decide. In the old days, there was always a strict hierarchy below-stairs, as they used to call it, but we’re somewhat more liberal nowadays. We’ll see what can be done. Ah, Jane.’ Mrs C looked up as the young girl who had shown Meg in now struggled into the room with a tray. ‘Put that down here, and then take Miss Chandler’s dog and introduce him to the others, wherever they are. They’ve met before so they should get on. And then find Nana May and ask her to join us. I know she’s dying to meet you, Meg, dear, but I thought it’d be best if we had a little chat first.’

  Meg nodded, but just then saw that the girl called Jane was placing the tray so precariously near the edge of the low table that it was in danger of tipping off. Meg just beat Mrs C in leaning forward to rescue it.

  ‘Lovely dog, miss,’ the girl grinned, totally oblivious and far more interested in Mercury than not spilling the tray of coffee all over her mistress’s rug!

  ‘Off you go, then,’ Mrs C encouraged her, and gave Meg a knowing look once Jane had shut the door behind her. ‘Poor Jane, she’s not quite all there. Not her fault. She’s really meant to be our scullery maid, but we do try to give her the odd chance to prove herself. Do hope you didn’t mind us letting her practise on you?’

  ‘Not at all. If I’m to be a servant, I’m sure I’ll have a lot to learn, too.’

  Clarrie raised an enigmatic eyebrow. ‘But I’m sure you’ll learn very quickly. Now, before you become a servant, let’s enjoy a nice cup of coffee together. How do you take it?’

  ‘Oh, well, I’ve never had coffee before,’ Meg admitted. ‘We only ever had tea. But this smells lovely.’

  ‘You’ll find it bitter compared to tea, so may I suggest a little cream and sugar?’

  ‘If you think so, thank you.’

  Clarrie relished in preparing Meg’s coffee in one of two beautiful bone-china cups and then handed it to her on its matching saucer. Meg was just about to take a sip – wondering what on earth she should do if she really disliked it – when the door opened and in walked an elderly lady dressed in a box-pleated tweed skirt and sensible brogue shoes. Meg judged her to be in her mid-seventies and warmed to her at once. She stood up politely, as her parents had taught her.

  ‘Ah, Nana May, thank you for coming.’

  ‘You must be Miss Chandler. I’m delighted to meet you. My sincerest condolences over your parents, you poor soul. And I hear you’re coming to stay with us for a while?’

  Meg recognised the voice that had answered the phone to her a few days previously. This Nana May had been both kind and efficient then, and those were two qualities Meg admired.

  ‘Meg would prefer to earn her keep here, which is why I need your advice, Nana, dear. I thought perhaps she could try training the dogs for us. Heaven knows they need it. And perhaps entertaining Peregrine’s boys when they come to visit. But she wishes to do more than that.’

  ‘And you thought her position’s a little like mine.’

  ‘
Exactly.’

  Meg looked from one to the other, utterly bewildered. She hadn’t thought her proposal would cause so much discussion. She only wanted to be a housemaid of some sort!

  ‘Meg, my dear, you look perplexed,’ Clarrie smiled. ‘Let me explain. Nana May was nanny to my husband and his brother, and then she became my late mother-in-law’s lady’s maid. She was with her almost all her life and became more of a companion. A dear friend, in fact. And now she’s taken on the same role with myself. She’s absolutely part of the family, and we couldn’t do without her.’

  Meg saw the affectionate glance that passed between Mrs C and Nana May. Despite the obvious age difference, they clearly were devoted to each other. It was an indication that this was a happy household, which Meg found encouraging. If she couldn’t be in her own home, she could have done a lot worse than this one!

  ‘So you wondered what else I thought Miss Chandler could do? Well, she could serve refreshments about the house rather than young Jane, if you value your china, Clarrie! When it doesn’t require Mr Yard to do so, I mean.’

  Mrs C must have noticed Meg’s confused look as she broke in, ‘Our butler. When we have more official guests, that’s mainly his role.’

  ‘And can you sew?’ Nana May went on almost breathlessly. ‘And press garments? I could train you up to be Clarissa’s lady’s maid. I’m getting on, and won’t be around forever. Now, no protesting!’ She held up her hand to silence Clarrie’s open mouth. ‘But probably what might interest Miss Chandler most would be looking after the livestock. Ralph makes a pretty good fist of it, but he has his own gardening work as well. And I’ve noticed that Gabriel’s slowing up quite a bit, and Ralph’s having to help him out more and more in the kitchen garden. Can’t expect the poor lad to do everything. So what would you think, Clarrie, dear, about Miss Chandler taking over the animals?’

  ‘More importantly, what does Meg think about it?’

  Meg looked from one to the other. Goodness, it couldn’t have been better! ‘That sounds wonderful,’ she replied, quite delighted. ‘But you don’t seem to have that much livestock. It isn’t going to occupy all my time.’

  ‘Then Nana May will take you under her wing, as well,’ Clarrie smiled. ‘Better to have as many strings to your bow as possible, I always think. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have the weekly accounts to go through. So, Nana May, if you wouldn’t mind, could you show Meg around the house and grounds, please, and introduce her to the servants? And then I’ll see you both in the dining room for luncheon.’

  ‘Forgive me, Mrs C,’ Meg ventured to speak, ‘but shouldn’t I eat with the servants?’

  Clarrie paused to reflect. None of this was what she’d really had in mind. Meg was intelligent, polite and had strength of character beyond her years. Clarrie had hoped they could become good friends. More than that. Perhaps Meg might even become like… a daughter to her? She knew Wig disapproved of the idea, but only because he didn’t want to see her hurt. So perhaps Nana May’s idea of training Meg up as a lady’s maid could be a stepping stone, and they could see how it went? Surely Wig wouldn’t object to that.

  ‘If you so wish, my dear,’ she answered reluctantly. But it was all still a step in the right direction.

  ‘Thank you. And just one other thing,’ Meg answered, her courage strengthening. ‘I’d rather no one else knew about my money. If any of the servants knew about it, they might treat me differently, and I don’t want that.’

  Clarrie tipped her head. My, this girl was astute. Sixteen years old, and yet she had such a wise head on her shoulders.

  ‘Of course. All the staff have been told is that you’re the young lady who was orphaned in the terrible accident we were involved in. So we’ll explain that it’s now been decided you’re coming to work here in a special position. Anything else they learn about you will be from your own lips. But talking about money, I’m afraid I won’t be able to pay you very much. Despite appearances, we’re obliged to run a very tight ship.’

  ‘Oh, I’m not expecting any wages. I’ll just be earning my keep.’

  ‘Don’t you think it’ll look strange if you’re the only one not to receive a pay packet each week? I admit you’ll be getting board and lodging, but I insist on paying you a small weekly wage, and I won’t take no for an answer.’

  Mrs C’s bright, penetrating blue eyes silenced the protest on Meg’s lips. Meg blinked back at her, the previous bitterness in her heart slipping away and a frothing excitement beginning to take its place. She’d played her part to perfection and it had paid off. It was all part of her master plan, but really it couldn’t have worked out better. The next few years were going to be a new way of life for her, and she might as well make the most of it. She had to admit that her new mistress couldn’t have been kinder.

  ‘Thank you very much, Mrs C. I promise you I’ll earn it.’

  Mrs C nodded regally. ‘I believe you will,’ she replied, and a kind smile broke over her pretty face yet again.

  Sixteen

  ‘Presumably you have a coat,’ Nana May surmised as they went back out into the hall. ‘You’ll need it if I’m to show you around the grounds.’

  ‘Oh, yes. The maid – Jane, I think you said – took it when I arrived.’

  ‘Well, heaven knows what the poor child will’ve done with it. We’ll have to find her. She’s probably in the kitchen. And is this your luggage?’ the kindly woman asked, pointing to the pile in the hall. ‘Ah, look, that’s where Jane put your coat, on top of some wellington boots in that bag, if I’m not mistaken.’

  ‘No, that’s the coat I wear for work around the farm. I wore my best one to come here.’

  Much as she had warmed to Nana May, Meg didn’t want her thinking that the screwed-up duffel coat was the only outdoor attire she possessed – even if it was. There was no need for the woman to know that the smart affair she’d arrived in had actually been her mother’s Sunday best.

  ‘Well, this one will do for now. Bring the bag and you can change into your boots as we go outside. And when we get back, we’ll take your things upstairs. Clarissa had one of the guest rooms made up for you, but I suppose if you wish to go under the guise of a servant, you’d better share Esme’s room up in the attic. It’s the only one with a spare bed at the moment. Would that suit you?’

  ‘Perfectly, thank you,’ Meg smiled back, liking Nana May’s practical approach. She wasn’t altogether sure, though, about sharing a room with some stranger. She’d always realised that the one compensation for not having the blessing of any brothers or sisters was having a room to herself. But if she truly wanted to be a servant, there were certain things she’d have to put up with. And if it was all going to help her achieve her goal in the long run, it’d be worth it.

  ‘And as a servant, will I need a uniform?’ she asked, picking up the bag.

  ‘Oh, no,’ Nana May chuckled. ‘That sort of thing went out long ago. It’s really only in the houses of the upper aristocracy that you’ll find servants in uniform nowadays. Mr Yard, our butler, he’s more old-school, though. Always wears a black suit with a waistcoat. We might just ask you to wear a black skirt and white blouse if we had any really important guests. Maybe a business dinner or the like. But day-to-day, we just wear ordinary clothes.’

  ‘Oh, right. That makes it easier. Thank you.’

  ‘Not at all. Now, follow me,’ Nana May went on. ‘It’s a bit of a rambling old house, but you’ll soon find your way around. It’ll be easier if I explain its history. This middle section is the original farmhouse,’ she explained. ‘We were in the sitting room just now, and on the opposite side of the hall is what’s now the study, but was the kitchen of the original house. Now these are the original stairs to the bedrooms above,’ she said, indicating a narrow stairway, ‘but now they serve as the servants’ staircase. Then the two wings were added in Victorian times, one on either end, and they project out into the grounds at the back. They form a lovely sheltered courtyard. You see, through the Fr
ench doors? So, the extension to the right contains the main staircase and drawing room, with the main bedroom suite above, and stairs leading up to the female servants’ quarters above that. That’s where you’ll be sleeping. And then the dining room, kitchen and servants’ hall are in the extension to the left. I’ll take you there first.’

  Meg followed Nana May along the connecting corridor into one of the Victorian wings. Nana May opened what Meg recognised as a green baized door. She’d read about such things in novels and knew they were meant to keep cooking smells from the rest of the house. To see one in reality, knowing it was going to be the unofficial barrier between servants and masters, set butterflies fluttering nervously in Meg’s belly. Her plans had been all well and good, but now she was actually here, she did feel a little bit nervous.

  What struck her first as they entered the kitchen was the heat emanating from a gigantic range against the opposite wall. Meg had never seen such a mammoth contraption. It must eat up coal, so it was no wonder Mrs C had implied there was no money to waste. It must all go on feeding this monster! But Meg supposed that if the house needed so many people to run it, they all had to eat.