by Linda Finlay
‘No, course not. Thinks yer better than us and can use yer slim figure and long hair to—’
‘Molly Baker, you’re paid to deliver victuals, not slander, so take your gossiping tongue off my premises before I set the goose on you.’ Mrs Bodney might have been half the size of the rotund Molly but, as she stood there, hands on hips, eyes icy as a morning frost, it would have been a formidable person who dared argue with her.
As Molly slunk away muttering curses under her breath, Lily shivered. Two years older than she, Molly had been at the charity school with Tom and had taken offence to what she saw as his rejection, when he’d started walking out with Lily. Knowing Molly would do anything to make her look bad in his eyes, she sighed.
Looking up, she saw her employer eyeing her speculatively before ringing her bell to signal the end of their break.
‘I never knew Mrs Bodney had a goose,’ whispered Nell as they rinsed their hands together at the pump.
‘She hasn’t, silly, you’re the goose,’ answered Mary, and as they dissolved into giggles Lily felt her spirits lift.
Back in the workroom, they resumed their lace making, working as quickly as their fingers would allow. Once again, the room fell silent apart from the rhythmic clicking of bobbins, for they had no time to waste on idle chatter, and the afternoon passed in a haze of concentration. None of them could afford to be dismissed for not meeting their quota.
Although Lily was working diligently, she couldn’t help glancing up when a shadow clouded the window. A tall, dapper gentleman with a shock of dark hair, wearing a fine black coat, was alighting from a carriage that had pulled up outside. When he saw her, he gave a broad smile. Mortified she’d been caught staring, she quickly bent her head back over her pillow, but as she weaved the threads back and forth she couldn’t help speculating about the handsome stranger. Who was he and why was he visiting Mrs Bodney?
Her musing was interrupted by a plaintive wail. Looking up, she saw Mary shaking her head from side to side, tears coursing down her cheeks.
‘Whatever’s the matter, Mary?’ Lily asked, fearing the older woman was ill.
‘I’ve gone wrong and I can’t see where. I tried to work faster and now I’ve made a mess. Dear God in heaven, what can I do? Mrs Bodney will dismiss me, I know she will,’ she cried.
‘Hush now,’ Lily soothed, jumping to her feet. ‘Here, let me take a look.’
‘Oh, would you?’ Mary asked, looking at her hopefully. ‘What about your own work? You can’t afford to get behind too.’
‘Don’t worry, Mary,’ she said, bending over the other woman’s pillow and immediately spotting where she’d gone wrong. ‘Look, here’s the problem.’ She pointed to the twist some rows back. ‘You’ve put the pin up in the wrong place, there see?’
Mary groaned. ‘That’ll take me ages to put right. I gets in a right muddle working the bobbins back again.’ Lily sympathized, knowing the older woman had struggled to get to grips with the intricate pattern in the first place.
‘You carry on working my pillow and I’ll sort things out here.’
‘You’d let me work your pillow?’ Mary gasped in disbelief.
‘Quick; swap places,’ Lily whispered. ‘The sooner we start, the sooner it’ll be done.’
Ignoring the curious looks from the others, Mary went and sat on the stool Lily had vacated.
‘Blimey, you’re taking a chance,’ Nell gasped, shaking her head so vigorously that her cap fell sideways and her copper curls cascaded onto her shoulders.
‘I know,’ Lily whispered. ‘But I really must help Mary. I’m sure it won’t take long.’
‘Rather you than me,’ Nell muttered, impatiently scooping her hair back under her cap and picking up her bobbins again.
‘Don’t expect us to support you if you get found out,’ snorted Cora.
‘Oh, don’t be so mean, Cora. We’ll be working together for the next few months so it makes sense to help each other if we can,’ Anna said, smiling at Lily.
Lily smiled back gratefully then settled to her task. It took her longer to correct the work than she’d thought it would and, whilst outwardly she appeared calm, her insides were churning like butter in the dairy. She just hoped Mrs Bodney’s visitor would keep her entertained until she was back in her own place, for her hawk-like eyes missed nothing and to swap pillows was an unforgivable sin. She also prayed Mary wasn’t making a mess of her sprig otherwise they’d both be sent packing.
‘There, Mary, that’s fine now,’ she whispered, a while later.
‘Oh, Lily, I can’t thank you enough.’ The older woman’s eyes shone with gratitude as they swapped back to their own pillows, but Lily barely had time to check her own work was in order before Mrs Bodney swept into the room, the full skirts of her long black dress swishing around her ankles.
‘Right, ladies, time to call it a day,’ she announced and there was a collective sigh of relief and much scraping of stools as they reached for the sheeting to cover their work. As Lily hurried to the door with the others, Mrs Bodney called her back.
‘Lily, I’d like a word before you go, please.’ Although her employer spoke mildly, Lily’s heart flopped.
‘She’s found you out,’ Cora smirked, her eyes sparkling, as she strutted outside.
Slowly, Lily retraced her steps and Mary, looking worried, came to stand by her.
However, Mrs Bodney waved her away, saying, ‘No, you can go home, Mary. It’s Lily I wish to see.’
Mary glanced at Lily. ‘Better do as she says,’ she whispered, but as the woman scuttled away, Lily’s heart was beating furiously. Cora was right. Somehow her employer must have found out she’d swapped pillows with Mary.
‘Right, Lily,’ Mrs Bodney said, firmly shutting the door. ‘Tell me how this afternoon’s lace making has progressed, if you please.’
‘Everyone worked hard, Mrs Bodney,’ she said, striving to keep the tremor from her voice.
‘There have been no problems then?’ The other woman shot her a penetrating look. Lily shook her head and Mrs Bodney arched an eyebrow.
‘Well, in that case, let’s see what has been achieved,’ she said, walking over to the first pillow and lifting the cloth. As she went around the room inspecting all their work, Lily held her breath. By the time she reached Mary’s pillow, Lily’s heart was thumping so loudly she was sure her employer must hear it.
‘Hmm,’ Mrs Bodney said, before moving on to Lily’s pillow. A few moments later, she turned to Lily, frowning. ‘Whilst you were having your noon break I checked your lace and was impressed with the progress you’d made. I have to confess, I’m surprised you haven’t produced more this afternoon.’ Mrs Bodney’s eyes bored into hers and Lily almost wilted under the woman’s scrutiny. ‘Of course, had you been helping somebody else, that would explain why your own work has suffered,’ she said, looking at Lily knowingly.
‘I might have done,’ she stammered.
‘Well, whoever corrected Mary’s mistake has done a fine job. It’s not discernible, even to my expert eye.’
Lily’s eyes widened; was the woman a witch?
As if guessing her thoughts, Mrs Bodney smiled. ‘No, I’m not clairvoyant, Lily, merely observant. I spotted Mary’s mistake at lunchtime.’
‘Well, if you did, why …?’ her voice trailed off. She didn’t wish to appear impertinent.
‘Why didn’t I point it out? I wanted to see how long it was before she noticed and what would happen when she did. I must confess to keeping my ear to the wall, so to speak. I suppose Mary panicked and thought I’d send her packing? No, don’t answer,’ she said holding up her hand as Lily opened her mouth to protest. ‘I can see you’re trying to be loyal to your friend and I respect that.’
Lily really couldn’t see where this conversation was leading. If Mrs Bodney was going to dismiss her why was she smiling?
‘Sit down, Lily, and I’ll come to the point,’ her employer said.
Thankfully, Lily sank onto her stool for
the suspense was making her feel quite sick.
‘I’ve been watching you closely these past few days and have been impressed with what I’ve seen. You are a highly skilled lace maker and conscientious too. If this afternoon is anything to go by, you are also proficient at correcting mistakes, which regrettably can and do occur. Now, if you remember, I mentioned earlier that output needs to increase?’ She paused and Lily nodded.
‘I have realized that if we are to meet the deadline, I will need someone to watch over the lace makers here whilst I attend to my other team.’
Lily frowned. ‘I didn’t know there was another one.’
‘Let me explain, Lily. Not only is this commission highly confidential, the Queen has specifically requested that nobody except me should have knowledge of the design detail. For this reason, I have kept the various lace patterns separate, with a different set of lace makers working on each. Time is of the essence, and in order to minimize any mistakes I now need to ensure both teams are supervised, as I no longer have the time to do that. Therefore, I propose working up at High House and want you to see to the ladies here.’
Lily shook her head, trying to take in what she’d been told. Bemused, she stared at her employer.
‘High House?’
‘I have rented High House at the top of the village and that is where the other team are working. You do realize I’m offering you the job of overseer here?’ Mrs Bodney said impatiently.
‘Me? But I’m the youngest,’ Lily said, shaking her head in surprise.
Mrs Bodney waved her hand dismissively, in the way Lily had come to recognize. ‘You might be the youngest, Lily, but you are also the most capable and the loyalty you’ve already shown is commendable. Now, the job entails extra work but will merit a substantial increase in your wage.’ Then, as she went on to mention a figure that made Lily gasp, there was a knock and Tilda put her head around the door.
‘Sorry to interrupt, ma’am, but Mr Mountsford would like a word before he leaves.’
‘Tell him I’ll be with him directly,’ Mrs Bodney said, but a man with dark hair was already entering the room. Lily’s eyes widened in surprise, for it was the stranger she’d seen earlier and he was so tall he had to stoop low to avoid banging his head on the lintel above the door.
‘Forgive the intrusion, Mrs Bodney. I can see you are busy but I merely wish to bid you farewell and give you this,’ he said, holding up a small package. Then to Lily’s surprise, his piercing blue gaze was aimed in her direction.
‘That’s quite all right, Mr Mountsford, and thank you,’ her employer said, taking the package and quickly pocketing it. ‘Before you go, I’d like to introduce you to Lily Rose, my new overseer.’
Lily jumped to her feet.
‘Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Rose; Rupert Mountsford at your service,’ he said, smiling at her warmly. She bobbed a curtsy, which for some reason seemed to amuse him.
‘Mr Mountsford is one of my best merchants, Lily, and pays us regular visits,’ Mrs Bodney said, by way of explanation.
‘Then, you being Mrs Bodney’s new overseer, we shall surely be seeing more of each other, Miss Rose?’
Lily glanced at Mrs Bodney.
‘Indeed, you will, Mr Mountsford, and I can see from your expression that it won’t pose any hardship to you,’ her employer said smiling.
‘It will be my pleasure,’ he answered, turning the full force of his smile on Lily. Then, bowing briefly, he left the room. She stared after him, wondering why her insides were fluttering like a butterfly.
‘Well, young Lily, I think you’ve made quite an impression there,’ Mrs Bodney said, breaking into her thoughts.
Immediately, she felt heat flushing her cheeks and cursed that, despite having recently attained her seventeenth birthday, she still had the childish tendency to blush.
‘Right, run along now. I’ve kept you long enough. First thing tomorrow, I shall explain your new position to the others and then be away to High House. Now I’ll bid you good evening and pleasant dreams,’ she said, her eyes twinkling.
Letting herself out into the lane, Lily saw the sun was already setting, the pink sky turning to deep mauve. There was no sign of Tom and her heart sank. Obviously he’d got tired of waiting. For some reason, her need to see him was greater than usual. Fighting down her disappointment, she made her way to the stables. At least Doris was there this evening. As she hitched up the cart and climbed in, she couldn’t help wondering if her suspicions about the donkey’s disappearance the previous day were founded.
As usual, thoughts of the squire unsettled her. Determinedly, she brushed them aside, then spent the rest of the journey plucking up the courage to confront her aunt. First, she’d make it clear she was no liar and point out that she felt hurt her aunt should think she was. Then she was going to tell her she would be continuing her job with Mrs Bodney, and that she’d now been promoted to overseer. This was too good an opportunity to turn down, and for once she intended putting her own future first.
As excitement bubbled up inside her, Lily couldn’t help smiling. With the extra money she’d be earning, they’d be able to afford to rent somewhere in Bransbeer.
CHAPTER 7
However, when Lily reached the cottage, her good mood vanished for it was neither her aunt nor her brother who came out to greet her, but the bulky figure of Parson Peddicombe. He was looking so grave she was immediately anxious as she jumped down from the cart.
‘Lily, my dear, you need to be brave for I’m afraid I have very sad news.’
Lily felt her stomach churn.
‘What is it?’ she asked.
‘I’m sorry to have to tell you your mother passed away earlier this afternoon,’ he said, patting her shoulder. She stared at the parson for a long moment, trying to take in what he’d said. Then she gave a cry of dismay and rushed into the cottage.
‘Tell me it isn’t true, Aunt Elizabeth?’ she cried, dashing at the tears that were coursing down her cheeks.
Her aunt put her arm around her shoulders and sighed. ‘I’m afraid it is, my dear,’ she said, wretchedly. ‘I took her in the beef tea I’d made specially and there she was, gone in her sleep, just like that.’ She snapped her fingers. ‘She looked just like a little doll lying there so peaceful.’
‘But, she wasn’t even ill. Not really,’ Lily cried, shaking her head in bewilderment.
‘Not in the true sense, perhaps. But, since your father died, she was only existing, wasn’t she?’
Lily nodded, realizing that what her aunt said was true.
‘Now, mop those tears and I’ll take you in to see her.’
Lily shuddered, then wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘She’s all laid out. It looks just like she’s sleeping so come and say goodbye to her,’ her aunt said, gently taking Lily’s arm and leading her into the room she shared with her mother.
Lily looked down at the figure on the bed. It was her mother lying there and yet somehow it wasn’t. Aunt Elizabeth was right, though, she did look at peace. In fact, she looked more like the woman she remembered her mother being before the accident.
‘Goodbye, Mother,’ she whispered. ‘Sleep in peace.’ At least she could say farewell this time. It had been different when her father had died for his body had been flattened by the falling building and nobody had been allowed to see him.
‘Now then, Lily,’ Aunt Elizabeth said gently, breaking into her thoughts as she handed her two shiny pennies, ‘you place these over her eyes.’
Blankly, Lily stared at her aunt. ‘Why, will they open otherwise?’ she asked.
‘No, silly, it’s to pay for her safe passage to the afterlife. Now, while you do that I’ll open the window to let her soul fly free.’ With trembling hands, Lily did as her aunt directed. Then, as the tears began to flow again, her aunt put her arm around her shoulders and led her from the room.
‘You’ve had a nasty shock, Lily. I’ve banked up the grate, so you have a warm wh
ile I make us a hot drink,’ Aunt Elizabeth said, nudging her towards the chair by the fireplace. Feeling her legs giving way, she sank thankfully into it then leaned towards the crackling logs, trying to coax some warmth back into her ice-filled body. She’d only just stopped shivering when Robert burst into the room.
‘I hate you, Lily Rose. It’s your fault Mother’s dead,’ he spat.
Eyes wide, she stared at him in horror.
‘Now then, Robert, enough of talk like that,’ Aunt Elizabeth rebuked, coming into the room, a steaming mug in each hand.
‘Well, it’s true. Miss High-and-Mighty here refused to work for the squire and Mother knew we’d be out on the street. It was the shock that killed her. I wish it was you that was dead, Lily Rose,’ he shouted.
‘I said that’s enough, young man. Pull yourself together and show some respect for your poor mother lying in the next room.’
Robert glared at them and then hobbled from the room, banging the door behind him. Lily rose to go after him but her aunt stopped her. ‘Let him be. It’s the shock talking. He didn’t mean it and will see reason when he’s calmed down. You sup your drink, dear, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost, not that I meant …’
‘But it is my fault Mother’s dead,’ Lily muttered, oblivious to her aunt’s blunder.
‘Of course, it’s not. It’s nobody’s fault, she just lost the will to live. Besides, she never knew you weren’t taking the position the squire offered. It was the shock of having to leave the home she’d shared with your father that was too much for her. You said yourself, she never recovered from his death so you’ve nothing to blame yourself for, my dear,’ her aunt said, cuddling her close. ‘It’s you that’s kept the family going these past couple of months. If anything, you should be proud of yourself.’
Remembering her aunt’s accusations from the previous day, Lily opened her mouth to say something, then realized this was not the time.
‘Where’s Beth?’ she asked instead. She hadn’t seen her little sister since she’d come in.