The Royal Lacemaker

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Now if that were true, I’d be delighted,’ Lady Clinsden cut in, giving Lily a knowing look. ‘However, Jean Bodney confided in me only yesterday that her ladies are all working every daylight hour to get her commission completed by the November deadline. I will be most surprised, therefore, if Lily will have any spare time available.’

  At the mention of her employer’s name, Lily’s heart skipped a beat. Seizing the opportunity to escape, she muttered, ‘Forgive me, Lady Clinsden, but I really must be getting back.’

  ‘Of course, my dear, but before you do, might I suggest you clean yourself up a bit?’ she said, pointing to Lily’s dress.

  Looking down, Lily saw it was dishevelled and spattered with mud and weed, while her feet were streaked with salt and slime. Seeing sympathy and understanding in the other woman’s eyes, she couldn’t help wondering again why this refined lady was saddled with such a despicable man.

  ‘Come with me, Lily. You can use the room I’ve hired at the hostelry and tell me what’s been going on.’

  ‘You’ve hired a room here? But why?’ the squire asked, visibly paling, but Lady Clinsden just smiled sweetly. ‘There’s no need for you to concern yourself, my dear,’ the squire blustered, looking decidedly uncomfortable. ‘I’m sure young Lily can take care of herself.’

  Ignoring him, his wife took Lily’s arm and led her back through the alley and into the safety of the hostelry. As they entered, Lady Clinsden called to the landlord for refreshment to be sent upstairs, and moments later Lily found herself being shown into a large airy room. She stared around, taking in the comfortable chairs, embroidered antimacassars draped over their backs, the highly polished table and dresser.

  ‘I didn’t know you had accommodation here, Lady Clinsden,’ she said, surprised.

  ‘I hire it to use on the days I visit the almshouses. I rather think it will have come as quite a shock to my husband, though,’ she said, laughing. ‘Especially as he uses this place for entertaining his … well, I was going to say lady friends, but that would be a misnomer if ever there was one.’

  ‘Pardon me, Lady Clinsden, but I don’t know how you put up with him,’ Lily burst out, then covered her mouth with her hand. ‘Sorry, that was dreadfully rude,’ she whispered, sure the other woman would be cross.

  Instead Lady Clinsden smiled sadly. ‘He wasn’t so bad before consumption took our eldest son. Charles was his favourite, you see. After that he began visiting the grave each day, which led him on to the alehouse.’ She sighed. ‘He said it was the shock of losing an heir that turned him to drowning his sorrows in drink.’

  ‘Oh, Lady Clinsden, that’s terrible,’ Lily said sadly.

  ‘Yes. Now, you go and get freshened up,’ she said briskly, gesturing to the washstand discreetly placed in the far corner of the room.

  As Lily was rinsing her face, Lady Clinsden said, ‘I was pleased to hear the fishing fleet returned safely. You must be relieved to have your Tom back on dry land.’

  Remembering the cold look in her beloved’s eyes and the harsh words he’d used, Lily felt her heart sink. However, she was saved from answering by a sharp rap on the door.

  A buxom woman entered the room bearing a laden tray. Lady Clinsden smiled her thanks and then turned to Lily.

  ‘You finish tidying up, whilst I pour our tea.’

  ‘But I should get back; Mrs Bodney will be wondering why I haven’t appeared this morning.’

  ‘Remember it’s the Sabbath, Lily, so surely you don’t have to hurry. Besides, you are in no state to go anywhere until you’ve had some hot tea and toast. You look terribly fatigued, if you don’t mind my saying so.’ As she settled herself on the chair and began pouring tea into dainty china tea cups, Lily did as she’d been told.

  She then did her best to clean up her mud-spattered clothes. Finally, she used the cloth to wipe over her boots, and as she bent down to put them on, she couldn’t help thinking how fortunate it was she had not put on her new ones by mistake in her haste to get down to the beach. Having smoothed down her dress and apron, she straightened her cap and went over to where Lady Clinsden was waiting.

  ‘That’s better, Lily. Now sit down and partake of some breakfast,’ the other woman said, passing her a plate of buttered toast.

  Remembering to eat in a ladylike manner, Lily ignored her rumbling stomach and nibbled daintily. They sat in companionable silence until they’d finished and then Lily jumped to her feet.

  ‘That was delicious, thank you, Lady Clinsden, but I really must be getting back to the workroom. I have to prepare all the materials ready for tomorrow. We are working against the clock, as Mrs Bodney says, and if we don’t get this commission finished for Queen Vic …’ Her voice petered out as she put her hand to her mouth in horror.

  ‘Queen Victoria,’ Lady Clinsden finished for her.

  Lily stared aghast. ‘You know who the lace is for?’ she asked in amazement.

  ‘Indeed I do. Jean is a dear friend. She often confides in me, knowing I’m discreet.’ Realizing that she hadn’t given away the secret, Lily breathed a sigh of relief. ‘I have to confess to sharing things with her too,’ Lady Clinsden added, smiling conspiratorially.

  ‘She often gives me advice as well, especially about dressing correctly,’ Lily said, looking down wryly at her crumpled clothes. ‘It’s so depressing having to wear black all the time.’

  Lady Clinsden nodded, then peered into the looking-glass. ‘Now, that I can empathize with,’ she said, sighing at her reflection. Lily remembered Mrs Bodney telling her the squire insisted Lady Clinsden always had her dresses made to the same pattern. She had been so kind, Lily wanted to help her now.

  ‘I had a thought, Lady Clinsden, if you won’t think me too disrespectful mentioning it.’ Emboldened by the other woman’s encouraging look, she went on, ‘Were I to make you some lace collars and cuffs in various designs you could attach them to the dresses to change and enhance their appearance.’

  Lady Clinsden pondered for a moment and then smiled. ‘That’s a splendid idea, Lily, and when you have finished working for Mrs Bodney, I shall commission you to do just that. Now, if you’re sure you’ve had enough to eat, I shall walk you back.’

  ‘You don’t need to come with me, Lady Clinsden,’ Lily said quickly.

  ‘I think it would be better if I did. You still look dreadfully pale, and besides, I need to speak with Jean,’ Lady Clinsden replied.

  Tiredness was indeed threatening to overwhelm Lily but she managed to stifle a yawn.

  No sooner had they entered Picky Pike’s than Mrs Bodney came bustling out, all concern.

  ‘Lily, dear, I hear you were out all night waiting for the boats to come in. You look exhausted. I suggest you go to your room and rest,’ she said firmly.

  Gratefully, Lily nodded and went up the stairs.

  Sinking onto the edge of the bed, she wearily kicked off her boots then lay back on the covers. She closed her eyes and sank into oblivion.

  Then arms were holding her, shaking her. ‘Leave me alone, you brute,’ she screamed, trying to struggle free.

  CHAPTER 28

  ‘Hush, Lily dear.’ As the softly spoken words penetrated her fuddled brain, she opened her eyes to find herself staring into the face of her employer.

  ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Bodney. I thought you were someone else,’ she muttered, embarrassed.

  ‘Evidently, my dear, and after my discussion with Lady Clinsden yesterday I think I know whom.’

  ‘Oh,’ she whispered. Then, realizing what Mrs Bodney had said, her eyes widened in alarm and she struggled to sit up. ‘Yesterday?’ she repeated.

  ‘Yes, it’s Monday morning, Lily. I sent Tilda up earlier with some broth, but she couldn’t rouse you. The silly girl thought you were dead and came crying to me. Clearly, thank heavens, you are not. However, since you didn’t wake to eat your broth, your body must be in need of nourishment. I suggest you change your dress and then come down to the parlour.’

  ‘But my work
…’ Lily tried to protest, but she was feeling light-headed, almost as if she was floating.

  ‘No buts. Tilda has laid out a clean dress, and your new work boots are ready,’ she said, gesturing to the shiny black hobnailed boots by the chest. ‘And not a moment too soon,’ she added, shaking her head at the salt-encrusted pair beside the bed. Even Lily could see they could no longer be worn.

  When Mrs Bodney had left, Lily gingerly clambered out of bed. She stared down at her crumpled dress and groaned. Not only had she not woken in time for work, she’d gone to bed without undressing. Mrs Bodney would never put up with an overseer who had such slovenly ways. She sank back onto the mattress, covering her face with her hands. If she lost her job, she’d have no home. Tom; she’d go to Tom. Then she remembered his bitter outburst, and the tears fell.

  Peasants aren’t pessimists, Lily. They don’t give up; they get on.

  She heard her father’s voice in her ear and warmth crept through her body like a burst of sunlight. He hadn’t deserted her, after all.

  ‘You are right, Father, and I will,’ she whispered, getting determinedly to her feet. Stepping into her new black leather boots, she smiled. They fitted perfectly, and although they were sturdy and not a bit like the dainty ones with cherry-red stitching she felt a bubble of excitement inside that they were brand new and she could wear them every day.

  Minutes later she was in the parlour, dressed and tidied. Mrs Bodney nodded down at her feet. ‘At last you look worthy of the post of overseer.’

  ‘You must tell me what I owe, Mrs Bodney, for I do have some savings put by.’

  ‘We will talk about that some other time, Lily. Now we have business to attend to.’

  ‘I’m very sorry for not waking at dawn, especially with the deadline …’ She stuttered to a halt as the other lady held up her hand, then pointed to the steaming bowl and chunk of bread on the table beside her.

  ‘First you must eat. I shall go and check that the ladies are all present, and when I return we will talk.’ As her employer bustled from the room, the fragrant aroma of vegetable broth wafted in Lily’s direction. She picked up the spoon and ate ravenously. By the time Mrs Bodney returned, her bowl was drained.

  ‘Feeling better?’

  ‘Yes, thank you, Mrs Bodney. I’m ready to work like ten men, well, women. That is, if I still have a job?’ she asked, hardly daring to look up.

  ‘Yes, you do for I understand you needed to ensure Tom had returned safely. Now, we must discuss our schedule. I’ve been informed that the silk for Her Majesty’s dress is nearing completion and that she will require all the lace not only made but to be sewn up and ready by the 25th of November.’

  ‘St Catherine’s Day,’ Lily said.

  Mrs Bodney smiled ruefully. ‘I can’t deny it’s appropriate, what with her being the patron saint of lace makers. However, whilst we’ve finished making the lace for the flounce, we still have the veil and other adornments to finish, plus the Bertha collar, of course. Then it will all require sewing up and attaching to the netting. Being positive, the designs of tulips, leaves and scrolls left to make will be the same only smaller and, as Cora has seen fit to return, we have an extra pair of hands.’

  ‘You’ve taken her back?’ Lily asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

  ‘I had little choice. We mustn’t look a gift pony in the mouth, as they say. Now before you resume your duties, tell me how Tom is.’

  ‘He … well, I … that is, I really need to speak to him.’

  ‘Hmm,’ her employer said, giving her a penetrating look. ‘What about the squire? Have you ever complained about his behaviour towards you?’ Mrs Bodney asked. Lily stared at the other woman in surprise.

  ‘The likes of me are hardly in a position to complain about the squire, Mrs Bodney. He would make my life a misery …’ Her voice tailed off. Surely her employer knew that peasants were in no position to complain.

  ‘Well,’ Mrs Bodney said, pursing her lips, ‘as Lady Clinsden is fond of saying, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.’ Blimey, there was that cat again, Lily thought.

  ‘Right, Lily, it’s time you got back to the workroom. I want you to encourage the ladies to work as fast as they can without compromising the quality of their work. You also need to make up for the time you’ve lost on your own work so I’m sure I can trust you will not leave here until it is back on schedule.’

  Relieved she still had her job, Lily nodded. But as her employer left the parlour, she couldn’t help wondering when she’d be able to see Tom. For see him she must, and very soon.

  As Lily entered the workroom, the ladies looked up from their pillows, hardly able to contain their curiosity. As ever, though, it was Mary who spoke.

  ‘Morning, Lily; here, I’ll move and let you have your rightful place.’ But as the woman struggled to get to her feet, Lily noticed she had a large bandage covering the lower part of her leg.

  ‘What’s the matter with your ankle, Mary?’ she asked.

  ‘Oh, ’tis nothing,’ the other woman answered, shrugging.

  ‘She tripped going after you in that murk,’ Nell burst out, ‘and you didn’t even stop to see if she was all right.’

  ‘Hush now, Nell,’ Mary admonished.

  ‘Well, I think it was right selfish of her leaving you like that,’ spluttered the normally mild Nora.

  ‘But I didn’t know …’ Lily began, shaking her head.

  ‘Course you didn’t, Lily, don’t worry yourself. You was in a hurry to make sure your Tom and the fleet came home safe. And they all did, thank the Lord,’ Mary said, making the sign of the cross in front of her.

  Hearing Tom’s name, Lily felt a pang and was torn between duty and desire. However, desperate as she was to see him, she knew she had to produce some work before she could even think of leaving the workroom or she’d be out on the street, sure as sprats were sprats. Mrs Bodney would only tolerate so much.

  ‘Thanks, Mary. I really am sorry about your ankle, though, and I hope it’s not too painful.’

  ‘I’ve suffered worse.’ But as the woman sat there smiling ruefully, Lily remembered that in her desperation to get to the harbour she had pushed past Mary on the front steps.

  ‘Oh, Mary, tell me it wasn’t because of me you fell?’ she asked, taking the woman’s hand.

  ‘Dearie me, no, Lily,’ Mary answered, looking quickly away.

  Not convinced the other woman was telling the truth, but at a loss to know what to do, Lily shrugged, saying, ‘Well, I’m sorry if it was because of me. I feel dreadful that I didn’t know you’d fallen. Has everything else been all right?’ she asked, looking anxiously at the woman.

  ‘Yes, I think so. We’ve been working that hard since Mrs Bodney poked her head in this morning,’ she said, then pointed to the sprigs heaped on the dresser. ‘At least we are onto the smaller pieces now.’

  ‘That’s as may be,’ Emma piped up, ‘but do you know how many we need?’

  ‘Mrs Bodney is very pleased with your work but we are under even more pressure as the Queen now wants her lace delivered earlier than originally planned,’ Lily told them.

  A groan went round the workroom but they knew they were being paid well and bent their heads over their pillows.

  ‘I’m sure it will be worth it when we see the Queen in all her finery,’ Lily said, smiling.

  ‘As if that’s likely to happen,’ Cora snorted.

  ‘It’ll only be Mrs Bodney who’ll get to see her on her wedding day,’ Nell said, shaking her head. The others murmured in agreement. Realizing she’d inadvertently distracted them from their work Lily bowed her head over her pillow and hoped they’d follow her example. Luckily they did, and silence descended on the room.

  As her movements gained pace, so did her thoughts. When would she see Tom? Would he forgive her for the terrible things she’d said? Maybe it was exhaustion that made him speak to her so harshly yesterday. In her heart, though, she knew she’d wronged him terribly, for hadn’t he
always told her that trust was at the heart of a relationship?

  ‘Ooh, me stomach thinks me throat’s cut.’

  Jolted from her musing, she looked up to see Cora running her hand across her throat, clearly intent on letting Lily know it was time for their break. Despite her worries, she couldn’t help but be amused at the girl’s theatrics; obviously she was back to normal, Lily thought, feeling strangely relieved. Quickly, she got up and rang the little bell.

  As the ladies eagerly hurried out into the sun-filled courtyard, Lily let out a sigh. The urgent need to see Tom was gnawing away at her like a terrier tormenting a rat. Did she dare risk leaving the workroom now, whilst the ladies were having their nuncheon? Before she could decide, Mrs Bodney appeared.

  ‘Lily, I’d like you, as overseer, to take responsibility for making the Bertha collar. You will see from this pattern that it has the design of crowns and needs to be worked to a depth of 5½ inches. I suggest you make a start on pricking out the pattern now whilst it’s quiet.’ Then, before she could answer, her employer swept from the room. Lily groaned under her breath. There was no way she could leave the workroom now. It was almost as if Mrs Bodney had known what she’d been contemplating, she thought as she duly began pricking out the new pattern.

  All afternoon she worked without stopping. Aware that time was racing by and Mrs Bodney was keeping an eye on them, the ladies hardly lifted their heads and the workroom was unusually quiet. However, as soon as Lily rang the bell at the end of the day, they jumped up, covered their work and all but ran out of the door. The long hours were taking their toll and they were eager to get back to their families.

  As soon as the last lady had left, Lily hurriedly covered her own pillow and made her way outside, bolting the workroom door behind her. Although her conscience was pricking, she just had to see Tom.

  Pulling her shawl tighter round her, for the air was cooler now the nights were drawing in, she ran down to the beach. Her heart leaped when she saw him bent over his lugger.