The Mistletoe Seller

by Dilly Court

  ‘I have to go soon,’ Angel said firmly. ‘It’s very kind of Sir Adolphus to invite me in, but the boys will have gone now, and I need to get back to the lodging house. My friend Dolly’s life depends on me bringing home the money to pay Mother Jolly. You must understand that, Mr Baines.’

  ‘Sergeant Baines to you, girl.’ Baines filled a bowl with soup thickened with lentils and floury dumplings. ‘Here, get that down you. I seen healthier-looking corpses than you.’

  Angel did not argue. She spooned the herb-flavoured potage into her mouth, burning her tongue in the process, but it tasted good and she felt the warmth of it seeping through her veins, bringing life back to her chilled body.

  Baines resumed his position by the back door, sitting on a stool as he finished plucking the chicken. ‘There’s more in the pot, if you’re still hungry,’ he said grinning. ‘You polished that off quicker than old Thor, and he’s a fast eater.’

  ‘It was very tasty. Thank you.’

  He wiped his nose on the back of his hand. ‘How has a well-spoken little miss like you landed up in such a fix?’

  ‘It’s a long story,’ Angel said wearily. ‘I’m very grateful for the food and the chance to get warm, but please let me go, Sergeant Baines.’ She fingered the ring hanging round her neck on Aunt Cordelia’s gold chain. Until now she had resisted the temptation to pawn it, knowing that she would never be able to redeem the only thing that connected her to her mother, but Dolly’s life hung in the balance, and there was no choice.

  ‘Why the hurry? The master won’t let you go unless he thinks you’ll be safe. He’s like that.’

  ‘I have to get to the pawnshop before it closes. If I can’t pay Mother Jolly we’ll be thrown out on the street, and I’m in desperate need of a pair of boots.’

  Baines tossed the last of the feathers out onto the snow and closed the door. ‘Come with me, nipper. You’ll have to tell that to the Colonel. He’s a good man.’

  Sir Adolphus was standing with his back to the fire in the book-lined study. ‘I thought I told you to keep her in the kitchen, Baines.’

  ‘She needs to get to a pawnshop, Colonel. I’d be inclined to ask her where she got a valuable ring from. The police might be interested in this young lady.’

  ‘Leave us, Baines. Bring me coffee and some hot milk for our fallen angel.’

  Baines shuffled from the room with a grunt, closing the door behind him.

  ‘I didn’t steal it,’ Angel said angrily. She hooked her finger round the chain and showed him the ruby ring. ‘This is mine. It was left with me when I was abandoned as a baby. Aunt Cordelia gave me the chain, and I wouldn’t part with it unless I was desperate, which I am. Please let me go, sir. I fear for my friend’s life if she doesn’t get some food inside her and some medicine.’

  He sat down in a leather wing-back chair by the fire. ‘Are you expecting me to believe such a cock-and-bull tale?’

  ‘I swear it’s the truth.’ Angel tucked the ring back inside her torn blouse. ‘It’s all I have of my mother’s, Colonel. I’ve never stolen anything in my life.’

  He was silent for a moment, staring at her with an unreadable expression. ‘For some reason I believe you, girl.’ He held out his hand. ‘Let me see the ring, if you please.’

  Reluctantly Angel unhooked the chain and laid the ring on his palm. He examined it, holding it up to the firelight with a critical eye. ‘I’m no expert, but I’d say these are fine stones – worth quite a lot of money, I should imagine. Fetch me the magnifying glass off my desk. I’d like to take a closer look.’

  Angel did as he asked and he studied the ring, turning it round in his fingers until Angel could have screamed with frustration.

  He looked up. ‘Did you know there are initials engraved on the inner edge of the ring?’

  ‘No, sir.’

  ‘And you don’t know who your parents were?’

  ‘No, sir. I was found in Angel Court, Whitechapel on Christmas Eve twelve years ago. I was just a few weeks old. They named me Angel Winter.’

  ‘An apt name, indeed. I was going to send you back to the lodging house with enough money to keep you and your sick friend for a week or two, but I’ve changed my mind. You obviously came from a good family, Angel Winter. I’m intrigued, and that doesn’t happen very often.’

  ‘What are the markings, sir?’ Angel asked eagerly. Any link with her real mother would be wonderful.

  ‘J E M,’ he said, peering through the magnifying glass. ‘Does that mean anything to you?’

  ‘No, sir. I know nothing of my true identity.’

  ‘A mystery, indeed. However, I can’t allow you to pawn the only thing that connects you to your real mother, and a pawnbroker would give you just a fraction of its worth.’

  ‘But, sir, I’ve already—’

  He held up his hand. ‘You’ve told me several times of your desperate need to pay this blood-sucking woman her dues.’ Sir Adolphus leaned back in his chair, eyeing Angel with a speculative gaze. ‘What am I going to do with you, Angel Winter?’

  ‘Nothing, sir. Please let me go. I don’t want to cause you any bother, and the soup was delicious. I feel better already.’

  ‘Just look at you, child. Those rags won’t protect you from the cold and you certainly can’t go barefoot in this weather.’ He was silent for a moment, as if considering what course of action to take. ‘Are you literate, Angel?’

  ‘Yes, sir. Aunt Cordelia was very particular about my education. I had a governess until I was eleven.’

  ‘And where is this aunt of yours now?’

  ‘I don’t know, sir. Mr Galloway, her solicitor, arranged for her to stay with his sister, a Mrs Adams who lives in Maddox Street. I went there because I wanted to tell Aunt Cordelia that Mr Galloway had gone back on his word, but she had left for the country with Mrs Adams, and the maid wouldn’t tell me where. I’ve been back several times since then, but there was no one at home, not even a servant.’

  ‘And where is this man Galloway now?’

  Angel shuddered. ‘I don’t know, sir. He left me in the Bear Street workhouse, but I escaped and ran away. He’s a bad man.’

  ‘I see. Perhaps I ought to pay a visit to this Mr Galloway.’

  ‘I couldn’t ask you to do that, sir.’

  ‘You are not asking me, Angel. I dislike cheats and liars, and you have been badly done by.’ He leaned over to tug at a bell pull. ‘We will visit this Mother Jolly, and rescue your young friend. After that I think I might have a solution that would benefit us all.’ He looked up as the door opened to admit Baines.

  ‘Take Angel to Miss Susannah’s room. I think she might find some more suitable clothing there, and something to put on her feet.’ He fixed Angel with a piercing stare. ‘My niece stays here sometimes, although she lives in my country house. Find yourself something to wear and be quick about it. We’ll go to your lodging house directly.’

  Angel was too stunned and surprised to argue. She followed Baines, who led her across the entrance hall and up the wide staircase to the upper floor. The light was fading fast despite the reflection of the snow outside, and the dark wood panelling and yellowed ceilings added to the sombre atmosphere. Susannah’s room was at the far end of the landing. Baines opened the door and stood aside. ‘There you are, miss. I dunno if you’ll find anything to suit, but take what you want. Miss Susannah won’t be needing any of the things you’ll find in the clothes press.’

  ‘Why not?’ Angel demanded anxiously. ‘Is she dead?’

  ‘Not that I know of. She doesn’t come here often these days and I doubt if any of the duds you’ll find would fit her now. Can you find your own way back to the master’s study?’

  ‘I think so.’

  ‘If not I’ll send the dogs to find you.’ Baines grinned and saluted as he closed the door, leaving Angel alone in the room that was dominated by a large four-poster bed. Heavy mahogany furniture slumbered in the shadows like sleeping giants and, to Angel’s imaginative mind, the
re was a lingering feeling of sadness in the still air. Dust lay like fuzzy blankets on all the surfaces and a faint waft of lavender seemed to float past her like a spirit of a long-departed lady of the house. Angel suppressed a shiver and concentrated on the task in hand.

  The clothes press was packed with garments ranging in size from those that were suitable for a five-year-old to others that were on the large side for Angel, but were infinitely better than the rags she was wearing. She found a plain grey merino dress with a slightly yellow white collar and cuffs, a cotton shift and some woollen stockings. In a cupboard she discovered a selection of shoes, again in all sizes, and several pairs of boots that were hardly worn. Miss Susannah must have led a very sheltered existence and had never had to walk far. Angel discarded her rags and dressed herself in the new garments. The smell of camphor clung to them, but at least it had prevented the moths from feasting on the expensive cloth. She pulled on the stockings, revelling in their warmth, and slipped her feet into the boots, which fitted as if they had been made for her. Despite her hurry, she scraped a layer of dust off the cheval mirror and examined her reflection with a satisfied smile. A feeling of optimism surged through her as she tidied everything away and went downstairs to find Sir Adolphus. Why he had decided to help her was a mystery, but even if he changed his mind, as adults often did, she was warmly dressed, even if the cherry-red velvet cape she had selected made her feel like Little Red Riding Hood.

  ‘Good grief!’ Sir Adolphus stared at Angel, his dark eyes twinkling. ‘What a transformation from crushed rose petal to young lady.’

  ‘I’m glad you find my appearance amusing, sir.’

  He rose to his feet. ‘I’m not laughing at you, silly girl. My instincts were correct, it seems. Underneath those rags there lurked a presentable young person. I think Susannah might warm to you, Angel Winter. You might very well be the answer to my prayers.’

  ‘I don’t understand, sir.’

  ‘No, of course you don’t, but you will.’ Once again he tugged at the bell pull and Baines appeared so quickly that Angel suspected he had been loitering outside the door.

  ‘What can I do for you, Colonel?’

  ‘Find me a cab, Baines. We’re going out.’

  Chapter Six

  Dolly was put to bed in the four-poster with a stone hot-water bottle wrapped in a towel at her feet, and another placed at her side. Baines had lit the fire and left a brass scuttle filled with enough coal to keep the room warm all night. The damp feeling and musty smell were already fading into a distant memory, and the shadows seemed less dense and frightening.

  A doctor was sent for and after examining Dolly he drew Sir Adolphus aside. Angel strained her ears to hear what he was saying.

  ‘The child is severely malnourished, but I don’t think she is consumptive. A few days in bed, and an invalid diet should work wonders. I’ve seen it before in some of the less fortunate children. They’re born tough in order to survive the rigours of life on the streets.’ The doctor shot a glance in Angel’s direction and she hastily averted her eyes.

  ‘What about the other child?’ Sir Adolphus did not bother to lower his voice. ‘She has also led a harsh existence.’

  ‘But not for long, I think.’ The doctor nodded his head. ‘She has obviously been well cared for as an infant and it shows in her general physique. They are an interesting example of two very different social classes.’

  ‘Thank you, Doctor. Come downstairs and share a glass of buttered rum punch with me before you go out into the night.’ Sir Adolphus glanced over his shoulder as he ushered the doctor from the room. ‘I’m sure you heard all that, Angel. Baines will see to your needs. I’ll see you in the morning.’

  Dolly raised her head from the pillows as the door closed. ‘Am I dreaming, Angel? This don’t seem real.’

  ‘Don’t ask me how it came about,’ Angel said, smiling. ‘I feel it too. One minute I was in fear of my life and freezing to death, and now look at me. Look at both of us, with a bed several times the size of the one we’ve had to share, and a fire blazing up the chimney just for our benefit. It’s like it used to be when I lived with my aunt and uncle, but I’m afraid that at any moment I might wake up and find myself back on the streets.’

  Dolly’s thin frame was racked with a bout of coughing and she fell back onto the feather pillows. Angel moved to the bedside and pulled the coverlet up over Dolly’s shoulders. ‘Try to sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning, and I’ll be here at your side if you need anything.’

  ‘Ta, Angel.’ Dolly closed her eyes and curled up with the hot-water bottle clutched in her arms. ‘I never had so much fuss made of me afore in me whole life.’

  Next morning, leaving Dolly still sound asleep, Angel made her way downstairs to the kitchen. Baines looked up from stoking the fire. ‘You’re bright and early.’

  ‘I’m used to going to the market. You have to be quick or the others will have snatched the best blooms and there’ll be nothing but broken stems and leaves trodden underfoot.’

  ‘The master said you’re to have breakfast with him in the dining room.’

  ‘Can I do anything to help, Mr Baines? It seems we’re putting you to a lot of trouble.’

  He straightened up, staring at her in surprise. ‘Well now, you are a proper young lady, ain’t you? You ain’t no street urchin.’

  ‘I was brought up to be polite, if that’s what you mean.’ Angel eyed him curiously. ‘This is all very strange. Do you know what the colonel has in mind for me and Dolly, Mr Baines?’

  ‘It’s just Baines, miss. As to the master, we’ve been on many a campaign together, but I don’t presume to question his actions. Anyway, he likes to have breakfast early and he don’t like to be kept waiting. The dining room is on the left of the entrance hall. D’you need me to show you the way?’

  ‘I’ll be all right on my own, thank you, Baines.’

  The atmosphere in the old house seemed friendlier somehow as Angel made her way through the maze of passages, or maybe she was just getting used to the drabness of the wooden panelling and the low ceilings. One thing was certain: the house lacked a woman’s touch, and although she had never been in a barracks, this was exactly how she imagined it might be.

  Angel entered the dining room to find Sir Adolphus already in his chair at the head of a table that would have seated twenty, with room to spare. The furniture was heavily carved and a mahogany buffet was groaning beneath the weight of salvers filled with devilled kidneys, buttered eggs and a silver breakfast dish containing sausages and bacon.

  ‘Help yourself, Angel,’ Sir Adolphus said casually. ‘I believe a good breakfast is the only way to start the day.’

  Angel’s mouth was watering. She had not seen food like this since she left the house in Spital Square, and she was very hungry. She took a little of everything, apart from the kidneys, which she had never liked, and went to sit at the table.

  ‘I’m very grateful to you for taking us in,’ she said in between mouthfuls, ‘but I don’t understand why you’re being so kind to strangers.’

  He sat back in his chair. ‘I don’t like injustice, Angel Winter. I could tell, despite your rags, that you weren’t a common street girl, and I’m curious. The tale you told me is a mystery that intrigues me somewhat, and I intend to visit your Mr Galloway.’

  Alarmed, Angel paused with the fork halfway to her mouth. ‘Why, sir? He’s not a good man. He promised Aunt Cordelia that he would look after me, but he broke his word.’

  ‘Exactly. That’s why I intend to meet the gentleman. It occurred to me last night that I must first seek your aunt’s permission if I am to take you to Grantley Park.’

  ‘Grantley Park, sir?’

  ‘We’ll talk about that later, after I’ve had words with Galloway.’

  Angel spent the morning attending to Dolly’s needs. Baines kept the scuttle filled with coal and Angel dusted and swept the bedroom, opening the casement windows just enough to allow the air to circulate. Out
side the snow was still falling and she was glad that she and Dolly were somewhere warm and safe. The dogs now recognised her as a friend and they followed her upstairs. Thor took up residence in front of the fire while Juno settled for the bed, and curled up beside Dolly, and soon all three were sound asleep, leaving Angel free to take a closer look at her surroundings.

  She opened a cupboard and came across a shelf packed with children’s books. The pages were dog-eared and someone, maybe the mysterious Miss Susannah, had obviously been a keen reader. On a higher shelf sat a wooden doll with a painted face and jet-black hair, its jointed arms outstretched as if begging a small girl to take it to her heart. Next to the doll was a wooden Noah’s ark with chipped paintwork and, on closer examination, Angel realised that most of the animals were missing. She found a giraffe and an elephant tossed carelessly in a box containing wooden building blocks, and a monkey head-down in an empty inkwell. She put everything back in its place before moving on to the dressing table. The drawers were filled with lace-trimmed handkerchiefs, kid gloves, odd stockings and lengths of satin ribbon. A jewellery box contained glass beads and jewelled hair combs, knotted silver chains and odd buttons. Angel was getting a clearer picture of Miss Susannah in her head, and she decided that she must be a very spoiled and over-indulged young lady.

  At midday Dolly managed to take mouthfuls of chicken broth, and she nibbled some bread and butter. Having eaten reasonably well, she went back to sleep, and Angel took the tray downstairs accompanied by Thor, although Juno chose to remain on the bed, guarding her new friend. Angel left the dishes in the kitchen, Baines having refused her offer to wash up, and she was on her way upstairs when Thor left her and raced to the front door. A gust of icy air preceded Sir Adolphus as he strode into the house. He looked up and saw Angel, who was about to ascend the stairs.