Orphans and Angels

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Which was discussed at your interview, Miss O’Reilly,’ Sarah pointed out, disconcerted at the way the two teachers appeared to be ganging up against her.

  ‘I understand that, Miss Sullivan. However, I hadn’t realized then that the girls were as unskilled as they are and would be struggling with their outfits. Now, if they had more time to …’

  ‘You are seeking to be paid for extra hours perhaps?’ Sarah interrupted. ‘I’m afraid we don’t have the funding for that. With a charitable institution like Red Cliffs, we have to look at the wider picture.’

  ‘That’s it! Miss Sullivan, you’re a genius,’ the mistress cried. ‘A picture would make a real difference to the girls.’

  ‘What, of Red Cliffs?’ Sarah frowned. ‘I don’t see …’

  ‘No, Miss Sullivan. Of their outfits,’ Sheena interrupted. ‘They have no pattern to work to, and with the exception of Edith, can’t visualize what the end result should be. I’ll draw a sketch of each one and bring it with me to the next lesson,’ she cried happily.

  ‘At what charge to the school?’ Sarah asked.

  ‘I wouldn’t want paying anything. It will be a pleasure, Miss Sullivan.’

  ‘Oh, well, thank you,’ Sarah replied, feeling she’d been wrong-footed. Judging from the way Harry was staring at her, he was thinking the same and she was overcome by shame. What was it about the mistress that brought out the worst in her? She’d never thought of herself as a jealous person, and yet … Before she could dwell on the matter Harry was speaking.

  ‘So will you be accompanying the girls to the farm on Wednesday then, Miss Sullivan?’ he asked.

  ‘I would love to have done, had I not been asked to attend an interview to assess my suitability for a place on the School Board,’ she replied.

  ‘Well, I can’t supervise all of them. They’re excited at going to the farm at the best of times, but with Jim saying we can bring the layers back with us, they’ll be beside themselves.’

  ‘Well then, I’ll come along, if it’s all right with you, Miss Sullivan,’ Sheena replied.

  ‘That’s sorted then,’ Sarah said then quickly. ‘I will pop into the classroom on Friday afternoon and see how the needlework is progressing, Miss O’Reilly. Meantime, Master Higgins, I have things I wish to discuss with you.’

  ‘To be sure, I thought I was in trouble with Miss Sullivan the other day,’ Sheena told Harry. It was Wednesday afternoon and they were escorting the children up the muddy lane to the farm.

  ‘She was just worried about the girls’ outfits not being ready in time for the concert,’ Harry assured her. ‘It was kind of you to offer to draw pictures of them for the girls to work to.’

  ‘I love sketching so it was fun. I’m hoping that once they see what their dresses should look like, it will spur them on. Nanna said, as they are not used to having clothes made for them, albeit with used material, it’s not surprising they are finding it daunting. Apart from young Edith, of course. You know, I think she has the makings of a fine seamstress and the fitted dress she is attempting, although more detailed than the others, is already taking shape. I can see her using those skills when she leaves Red Cliffs.’

  ‘I can’t deny it will be good to see at least one of them get paid employment,’ he replied, then frowned. ‘Hey, Black, get back into line at once,’ he called as the boy took a jump at an overhanging branch. ‘Come on, Solomon, keep up,’ he sighed, as the boy hung back again.

  ‘He’s still not joining in with the others?’ Sheena asked.

  ‘No, still living in his own little world. I’d hoped that once he had somewhere to grieve for his father, he might come out of his shell but he hasn’t. I tell you, this lot will be the death of me.’

  Sheena giggled. ‘Talking of shells, Master Higgins. You make out you’re so stern but underneath that tough exterior lies a soft heart.’

  Harry stared at her in surprise, but they’d arrived at the farm gates and he was saved from answering.

  ‘Afternoon, ’Arry, miss,’ Farmer Jim said, hobbling slowly towards them. Today, he was leaning heavily on two sticks and his faithful collie was at his side, as if safeguarding his master. ‘Didn’t say ye were bringing the ’ole flippin’ school with yer,’ he added brusquely.

  ‘Good afternoon, Jim. I do hope you don’t mind but the girls are sorely in need of some extra exercise. I was wondering if Bess could find the odd job for them to do?’ Harry replied lightly.

  The farmer treated Harry to one of his old-fashioned looks. ‘’Appen she could,’ he grunted, looking around. ‘Don’t see young Kitty, or Luke, for that matter?’

  ‘Their mother was waiting for them when we returned on Saturday. Apparently, she’s got a new man and home and …’ Harry shrugged.

  ‘That’s a right shame,’ the farmer sighed. ‘She had the makings of a good farm girl, and were so excited about the layers, too. Well, let’s get moving afore that lazy wind goes right through us. What about you, missy?’ he said, turning to Sheena. ‘Reckon you could ’elp Bess with that little lot in the dairy?’

  Sheena grinned. ‘Try and stop me. There’s nothing I enjoy more than churning,’ she cried.

  The farmer’s laugh came out as a wheeze and Harry could see he was struggling to catch his breath.

  ‘You go on in and put the kettle on to heat while we supervise the children. What jobs would you like the boys to do?’

  ‘Well, the pig sty needs mucking out now Patsy’s used to her weans. And the troughs need cleaning and refilling,’ Jim rasped.

  ‘Right, indoors with you,’ Harry urged. ‘Tell Bess, Miss O’Reilly will take the girls to the dairy while I set the boys to work.’

  For the rest of the afternoon Sheena and the girls helped Bess churn the butter, then patted it into neat slabs with the paddles, ready to be sold at the market. After which they collected the eggs before shutting the hens safely in their coops.

  ‘Is this not the greatest fun?’ Sheena asked the girls as they chased after an errant chicken.

  ‘Well, blow me, if you don’t get the jobs done in a quarter of the time I do these days,’ Bess chuckled. ‘Jim’s put the layers in the barn,’ she added.

  ‘Must be hard on you, with Farmer Jim ailing,’ Sheena said quietly.

  The woman looked serious. ‘I keeps tellin’ him to give up. Don’t know how we’d manage without young Harry regularly popping by with the children. He thinks we don’t know his visits are planned but of course we do and we’re grateful, I can tell you.’ The woman put her hand to her back and winced as she straightened up. ‘Time for a cuppa, I’m thinking. ’Tis a good job you just happened by, girls, as I made oaty cakes this morning.’

  As they all trooped happily towards the farmhouse, Harry was running to meet them. Sheena could see by his pained expression something bad had happened.

  ‘It’s Jim, I think he’s had a stroke,’ he gasped.

  15

  ‘Jim needs the doctor quickly,’ Harry told Sheena as Bess hurried inside.

  ‘I’ll go and get him,’ Solomon offered. ‘I know where his place is and I can run like the wind,’ he added as Harry stared at him doubtfully.

  ‘Let him do it,’ Sheena urged, putting her hand on Harry’s arm.

  ‘Very well then, Solomon, quick as you can. Tell Dr Hawkins to come here, but you go straight back to Red Cliffs before it gets dark.’

  ‘Like an owl’s, me sight is,’ Solomon scoffed before haring off down the track.

  ‘I don’t know how bad Jim is, but they shouldn’t be here when Dr Hawkins arrives,’ Harry said, glancing at the group of pupils who were staring anxiously at the farmhouse.

  ‘You take them back before it gets dark, Harry. I’ll stay here with Bess.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ he asked.

  Sheena nodded. ‘We don’t know how long the doctor will be and Bess needs someone with her. Go on.’

  ‘Very well, but as soon as they’re safely indoors, I’ll be back. Oh, and don’t move Jim, will
you?’

  Sheena made shooing motions with her hands, then, leaving him to assemble the children, hurried inside.

  Jim was lying on the rag rug where he’d collapsed, his faithful collie whining beside him. Bess was on her knees covering him with a blanket and Sheena could see by the rise and fall of his chest that he was still alive.

  ‘Come on, you old fool, wake up,’ Bess wailed. Knowing it was better to leave her, Sheena bent and patted the woman’s shoulder comfortingly. She felt icy cold so, quickly taking off her muffler, Sheena wrapped it around her.

  ‘Solomon’s gone for the doctor and I’m here if you need anything, Bess,’ she murmured but the old woman, lost in her grief, didn’t reply. Sheena tossed wood into the range, stoking it into a fiery blaze. Then she looked around for the things she needed to make tea. Everywhere was neat and tidy, a plate of oaty cakes and beakers set out on the dresser for the children. The tea caddy and sugar bowl were set on a tray, along with a huge jug of milk. When the kettle had whistled to a boil, Sheena poured the water into the old brown pot and left the leaves steeping. But when she took a cup over to Bess, the woman shook her head.

  ‘I couldn’t,’ she murmured.

  ‘I do understand, but you need a hot drink to keep you going. You’ve got to stay strong for Jim. Come along,’ Sheena added, holding out her arm and helping the woman to her feet. ‘We’ll sit by the range until Dr Hawkins arrives.’

  Bess managed a few sips, then handed the cup back to Sheena. Then with a final look at Jim, she closed her eyes, her lips moving in silent prayer. Seeing the woman’s pallor, Sheena let her be.

  Taking a sip of her own tea, she glanced around. It was a homely room, the hams and flitches of bacon hanging from hooks above the fireplace, scenting the air with a sweet smokiness. The brasses were polished, the floor swept and, apart from the things set out on the dresser, everything was tidied away. The rhythmic ticking of the long-case clock in the corner of the room sounded the passing of the minutes as they waited for the doctor to come. As the shadows lengthened, Sheena got up and lit the lamps, setting one in the window to show the man the way. She checked Jim’s pulse. It was weak but at least the man was still with them.

  Even before Sheena heard the sound of a cart on the tracks, the dog’s ears pricked and he gave an urgent bark. Sheena hurried to the door but before she’d reached it, the latch had clicked and it swung open. As Dr Hawkins came into the room followed by Harry, Bess opened her eyes and sprang to her feet.

  ‘We thinks he had a stroke, Doctor,’ she said.

  ‘Just sit there, while I check your husband over, Bess,’ he said, pushing her gently down again. As he crouched down beside the farmer, the dog whined. ‘I know, old chap,’ the doctor crooned, feeling for the man’s pulse.

  ‘The doctor passed me as I was walking up the lane,’ Harry explained to Sheena, taking the proffered tea gratefully. ‘I see there’s no change,’ he added, lowering his voice.

  ‘No,’ Sheena murmured, pouring tea for Doctor Hawkins.

  ‘You’re right, Bess, I think he has had a stroke. I’ll take him to the hospital and get him checked out so we can assess the damage.’

  ‘He’s not going without me,’ she vowed.

  ‘Might be better if you stayed here until we’ve carried out a full examination,’ Dr Hawkins told her, taking his tea from Sheena with a grateful smile.

  ‘Never. In sickness and in health, I promised, and that’s what I meant,’ she replied, handing the muffler back to Sheena. Then, pulling her hat off the stand, she placed it firmly on her greying hair.

  ‘We’ll come with you,’ Harry said but Bess shook her head.

  ‘I’d be obliged if you could stay and look after the animals.’

  ‘To be sure, Bess,’ Sheena assured her. ‘One of us will wait here until you return.’

  ‘Poor Jim,’ Harry murmured, coming back into the kitchen after helping the doctor load the man onto his cart. The collie whined and followed him in, sad at not being allowed to go with his master. ‘And poor you, old chap,’ Harry added, bending and fondling the dog’s ears.

  ‘Solomon got back safely?’ Sheena asked.

  ‘Yes, he certainly rose to the occasion and arrived just after we did. I was thinking on my way back here, if we gave him some responsibility around the school it might lend him a sense of purpose.’

  ‘That would be good. And were the other children all right?’ Sheena asked, as she finished washing up their tea cups.

  ‘A bit glum until Mrs Daws produced one of her special cakes.’

  ‘That woman is a treasure,’ Sheena declared, slumping down in a chair beside the range. ‘And had Miss Sullivan returned from her meeting?’

  ‘Yes, she was pleased they thought her a suitable candidate although they couldn’t tell her when the next election would be. Then, of course, we had to tell her the news about Jim.’

  ‘Poor Farmer Jim. I do hope he’ll recover.’

  Harry nodded but didn’t respond.

  ‘She’s a clever lady, that Miss Sullivan. I wish I was smart like her,’ Sheena added.

  ‘She is,’ he agreed. ‘But it was you who showed compassion and understanding this afternoon, Miss O’Reilly.’ He stared at her for a long moment, the air crackling between them until her cheeks grew hot and she had to look away.

  ‘I really must be getting home. My grandmother is going to think I’ve sprouted wings and flown back to Ireland.’

  ‘Or perhaps she’ll think Shanksy has galloped you away,’ he chuckled. Then he looked serious. ‘I don’t like the idea of you walking down the country lanes in the dark by yourself. The animals have all been seen to so I’ll lock up here and escort you home.’

  ‘There’s really no need,’ Sheena replied. ‘It’s darker than this back home.’

  ‘All the same, I’d prefer to see you safely to your door. Anyway, I need to tell Mother I’m staying here tonight and collect my things. And what do you say to a walk?’ The collie, who’d been lying in front of the warmth, pricked up his ears then lurched to his feet.

  Harry watched as Sheena pulled on her cherry-red hat and wound her muffler around her neck, then opened the door. It was dark as treacle, the moon obscured by heavy cloud from which drizzle was falling. Sheena lifted up her face, welcoming the soft dewiness after the heat of the kitchen.

  ‘You don’t mind getting wet?’ he asked in surprise.

  ‘Am I not used to walking in the downpours of Ireland, Master Higgins?’ she chuckled.

  ‘You must be the original pluviophile, then,’ he laughed.

  ‘I might just well be, if I knew what one was,’ Sheena retorted.

  ‘A lover of rain,’ he explained.

  ‘Well, I am that, and I love to learn as many words as possible, Master Higgins. But now it looks like I need a whole new English dictionary.’

  ‘I’ve got a spare one at home, if you would like me to bring it in for you?’ he offered.

  ‘You’ll be keeping me in detention next,’ she chuckled, glancing sideways at him. And the way he grinned back made her insides fizz like her mammie’s home-made lemonade.

  ‘Have you heard how Farmer Jim is?’ Mrs Daws asked as Harry walked into the kitchen later than usual the next morning.

  He shook his head. ‘I was told not to enquire at the hospital before noon, although Dr Hawkins said he’d let me know if there were any developments before then.’

  ‘Ah well, no news is good news, as they say. I’ll go and see Bess when she’s home, take her some baking so she doesn’t have to bother,’ the housekeeper said. ‘Now I bet you’ve had nothing to eat so sit yourself down and have some porridge. I told April and Pip you had to feed the animals before you came here so they’re supervising breakfast.’

  ‘Is Miss Sullivan in the dining room?’

  The housekeeper shook her head. ‘She’s in a right old tizzy. The roof sprung yet another leak during the night. Said she’s going to see the bank manager about a loan.’

>   ‘I thought she tried that before,’ Harry replied, his spoon poised halfway to his mouth.

  ‘I know, but she’s at her wits’ end She’s drawing up a list of money-making ideas to show that Mr Collings. Of course, she’s still blaming herself for letting that con man Tyler have a look around unaccompanied. Me poor blinkin’ gong,’ she lamented, staring at the empty space where it had stood.

  ‘I’ll buy you a gold one, Mrs Daws, just as soon as my boat comes in,’ Harry laughed.

  ‘I thought I heard your voice, Master Higgins. Any news of Farmer Jim?’ Sarah asked, hurrying into the room.

  ‘Not yet, Miss Sullivan. I see you’re wearing your best bib and tucker,’ he said, pointing to her smart outfit.

  ‘I thought I’d have one last try at persuading Mr Collings to lend us the money to get the roof repaired, just until I meet with Lady Chorlton, that is.’

  ‘You seem to be setting great store by this meeting,’ he remarked.

  ‘What do you mean?’ she asked, giving him a quizzical look.

  ‘Well, you’ve never met Lady Chorlton …’

  ‘But you said yourself, she was my godfather’s good friend. Surely she’ll want to continue helping his beloved school? Do you realize it is only three months until the next inspection? We have to have the roof repaired by then or …’

  ‘We close,’ he finished for her. ‘Yes, I was explaining that to Miss O’Reilly when I walked her home last night and she said …’

  ‘What, that the little people would wave their magic wands and everything would be fine? If that woman spent as much time teaching as she did telling the girls stories, their needlework might get finished,’ she cried.

  Harry opened his mouth to reply but she’d already stormed from the room.

  ‘Well, that was uncalled for, wasn’t it, Mrs Daws?’ Harry exclaimed.

  ‘I think we have a touch of the green eyes there, Master Higgins,’ she said sagely.

  Sarah stomped down the road, the early morning air cooling her temper. For some reason she couldn’t fathom, that new schoolmistress really got under her skin. And Harry jumping to her defence didn’t help. You’d think he’d be more concerned about the roof than Miss O’Reilly.