When Midnight Comes

by Beryl Matthews

  Chrissie looked at the sixpence in her hand and gave it back. ‘I didn’t feel it was right to take your money when you came to me, and I still don’t want it. I am pleased everything has worked out for you, and thank you for taking the time to come and tell me. That is payment enough.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure, but would you mind if I gave it as a small gift for the babies in your group? Perhaps it would buy a couple of toys for them.’

  ‘I’m sure that would be appreciated.’

  The woman handed the money to Ma and then turned back to Chrissie. ‘Thank you again, and God bless you. I hope your life will be a happy one. You deserve it.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Chrissie really didn’t know what else to say, and she watched the woman walk away quite embarrassed by the praise.

  ‘That was nice of her to come and tell you,’ Ma declared. ‘Elsie said you had the gift and that proves it.’

  ‘Of course I don’t. Finding that necklace was just luck, and because it turned out well she believed I had foretold it. She made the nonsense I told her fit the situation, that’s all.’

  ‘Perhaps,’ Ma said. ‘One thing is for sure, though, you have made that woman very happy and you must tell Elsie. It will brighten her day to know someone came back to thank you.’

  ‘Come on you two, stop gassing. We need to get on the road as soon as possible while the weather holds,’ Pa told them. ‘What did that woman want?’

  ‘She came back to thank Chrissie for helping her.’

  ‘Ah, that’s good,’ was all he said as he strode away to urge everyone else to get moving.

  In less than an hour they were on their way. Chrissie was competent enough now to drive without supervision, and Elsie came to sit beside her. ‘It’s good to be on the move again, my dear.’

  She glanced at the elderly woman she had become very fond of. ‘You don’t like staying in one place, do you?’

  ‘No, I was born to this life and I love it. There is always something interesting to see, new people to meet and a beautiful view around each corner. I would hate to live in a house and not be able to hitch it to a horse and take to the road, but I know this life is not for you.’

  Chrissie nodded her head in agreement. ‘I want somewhere to put down roots.’

  ‘It’s there ready and waiting for you. You are definitely heading in the right direction.’

  ‘I’m pleased to hear that.’ She laughed. ‘And that reminds me, Ma told me to tell you something.’ She then explained about the woman who had thanked her, making a joke about the coincidence.

  ‘She must have been very pleased to take the trouble to come back, but even after that you still don’t believe, do you?’

  ‘I believe you taught me well, and as long as you don’t make anyone unhappy then it’s just a game.’

  ‘If that’s the way you like to view it, then that’s all right.’ Elsie patted her hand. ‘Next time we stop, try including the crystal ball more often in your game.’

  ‘You still haven’t told me how you made that picture appear, and I feel silly gazing into a piece of glass.’

  ‘Crystal, dear,’ Elsie reprimanded gently, ‘and it’s no trick, but I don’t think I’ll ever convince you of that.’

  ‘I doubt it. My dad was a good rag-and-bone man, laughing and joking with everyone on his round, and now I know where he got that flair for showmanship from.’

  ‘You miss him,’ Elsie remarked softly.

  ‘Yes, him and Mum and Bessie. I always will, but they are gone and I can’t live in the past. I have to make a new life for myself. I’ll admit it’s hard without them, but I’m determined to try. I don’t want to look back in a few years’ time and regret not trying to fulfil my dream of living in the country.’

  ‘Well, in that case you are doing the right thing. The journey ahead will have many ups and downs for you, but at least you are following your heart’s desire. You mentioned Bessie. Who is that?’

  ‘Our horse. I gave her and the business to a neighbour. He’ll take good care of her.’ Chrissie’s eyes clouded over for a moment as the pain of loss swamped her again, but she fought back the tears. There was a new life ahead of her, and it would be what she made of it.

  ‘Well, by summer you’ll have another horse in your life to love.’

  The pain and grief faded to be replaced by amusement, as she remembered what Elsie had told her. ‘Ah, yes, big and black with a sense of devilment.’

  ‘That’s right, and when he appears you try to let me know. You have a record of our proposed route.’

  ‘I’ll do that, but you’ll be waiting for a very long time,’ she teased.

  ‘We’ll see.’ Elsie got to her feet. ‘This is a nice smooth stretch of road so I’ll make us a cup of tea, then I’ll read your tea leaves.’

  Chapter Seven

  Spring was nearly here at last, and Chrissie wandered along a narrow country road marvelling at the sight of snowdrops and wild flowers growing along the verges. The hedgerow was bursting forth in a myriad of colours, and birds were singing in celebration, it seemed to her. She had never seen such beauty and the slow journey with the Travellers had been worth it. After her father had died she had expected to spend a lonely Christmas, but it had been just the opposite, and she’d thoroughly enjoyed herself. The frequent stops, however, had been frustrating and a couple of times they had been delayed by snow. The group seemed to take it all in their stride, but she wanted to move on, longing to get as far away from London as possible before she left them. When they reached the New Forest she hadn’t been able to believe her eyes. There were so many trees all growing wild, and how the others had laughed as she’d darted in and out of them, touching as many as she could. They had been ready to burst forth into leaf and she could only imagine what a glorious sight it would be in the summer. They had only moved on about three miles since then, and the feeling had grown inside her that this was the place to settle down. What she needed was to find a job of some sort, and she didn’t care what it was as long as it wasn’t fortune-telling!

  She laughed out loud. What a game that had been. She had quickly realised that most of the people who came to the tent were only doing it for a bit of fun, and didn’t believe a word they were told. That made it easier for her, and she was very careful what she said to anyone who showed they believed it. Elsie had soon stopped coming to the tent and that meant she didn’t have to take it seriously, but was careful not to make too much fun of it in front of the elderly woman. Elsie was so kind, and she wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.

  Something caught her attention and she climbed up a small bank to look over the hedge. ‘Hello,’ she said softly. ‘Isn’t it a lovely day?’

  A startled rabbit stared up at her for a frozen moment, and then took off as fast as it could.

  ‘Don’t run away!’ she called. ‘I won’t hurt you. Isn’t the country a wondrous place?’ But it was gone.

  She shaded her eyes to see what was on the other side of this field. Horses, and that meant there must be a house somewhere nearby.

  It took her less than half an hour to find the gates, and at the end of a long treelined road she could just see a house, and her heart soared at the sight. What a wonderful place to live, surrounded by such beauty. The gates were locked and she searched for a way in. There was a door in the wall a few feet along, and much to her delight it swung open when she turned the handle. There didn’t appear to be anyone around to stop her so she walked up the road, her head tipped back to gaze at the huge oak trees, their branches reaching across to touch those on the other side. When the house was in full view she stopped and gasped in wonder. It was enormous and breathtakingly beautiful, and she couldn’t even imagine what it must be like inside. It would be a pleasure to scrub floors here.

  The servants’ entrance was always round the back and she made her way there, only to be distracted by a paddock with four of the most magnificent horses she had ever seen. This day was full of wonders!

&nbs
p; ‘What are you doing here, miss?’

  Chrissie spun round to face the man who had come up behind her. ‘I’m looking for work, sir, and was on my way to the servants’ entrance when I saw these beautiful horses. Aren’t they big? I’ve never seen anything like them before.’

  ‘They are destriers – warhorses. We breed them for the cavalry.’

  She sighed. ‘It’s sad they have to go in to danger.’

  One of them began to come towards them and she held out her hand. ‘I wish I had a carrot for him.’

  The man caught her arm and pulled her away from the fence. ‘Careful. They aren’t pets. They are born to fight and will bite if you get too close.’

  ‘They won’t hurt me.’ She stopped suddenly, remembering she was here to apply for work as a servant. ‘I do beg your pardon, sir. I should not have spoken to you like that. I meant no disrespect.’

  ‘I was not offended.’ He smiled then. ‘Most people are afraid of them, but you are obviously not. Are you used to being around horses?’

  ‘Only workhorses, sir. I’ve never seen the likes of these, and I can’t believe they are dangerous.’ She pointed to the chestnut-coloured animal. ‘He’s very calm, and if you look closely in his eyes there is sadness there.’

  He looked surprised and studied her intently for a moment. ‘That is one of the master’s favourite destriers and I don’t think he’s sad, he’s just wondering what mischief he can get up to.’

  Without thinking she stepped forward and began speaking softly. ‘You’re a very beautiful animal and I’m sure you don’t want to hurt me. I don’t know why there is a hint of sadness in your eyes, but come closer and show me how friendly you can be.’

  The animal lowered his head and she reached up to kiss his nose. Hearing a sharp intake of breath she turned and smiled. ‘He’s happier now.’

  ‘How on earth did you do that?’ He was shaking his head in bewilderment. ‘You had better come away before you try to do that to one in a bad mood. You said you were looking for work. What kind?’

  ‘Anything, sir. I’ll do anything and I’m a hard worker.’

  ‘Come with me and I’ll take you to see if any jobs are available.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. Er … I thought you were the owner.’

  ‘I’m Carstairs, the estate manager. What’s your name?’

  ‘Christine Banner – Chrissie.’

  ‘Right, Chrissie, let’s see if we can get you a job.’

  They walked in to a huge kitchen full of the mouth-watering smell of food being prepared and it made her realise just how hungry she was.

  ‘What have you got there, Mr Carstairs?’ the cook asked, smiling at Chrissie.

  ‘I found her petting the horses,’ he replied dryly.

  ‘I saw her!’ A young boy was jumping up and down in glee. ‘She kissed Red and he didn’t bite her head off. How’d she do that, Mr Carstairs? He won’t let me near him.’

  ‘It was lucky she caught him on a good day,’ he replied with laughter in his voice.

  ‘Nah, he don’t have good days. He thinks it’s fun to push you around, but he don’t realise how big he is.’

  The estate manager chuckled under his breath at the boy’s remarks. ‘Don’t you go trying it, Sid.’

  ‘Not likely. I ain’t daft.’

  ‘Ah, here’s the housekeeper, Mrs Baxter.’ He pulled Chrissie forward. ‘This girl is looking for work.’

  ‘We have a full staff at the moment. I can’t offer you anything.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, cos it’s lovely here.’ She found it hard to mask her disappointment. When she had walked up the treelined entrance she had fallen in love with the place, feeling deep inside that this was what she had been looking for, and when she’d seen the horses had known it was more than she could have ever dreamt of. Her dad had drummed into her that she must be polite at all times, no matter how she was feeling, so she smiled. ‘Thank you for seeing me, Mrs Baxter, and you, Mr Carstairs. You’ve been very kind.’ She went to walk out of the kitchen when the estate manager caught her arm.

  ‘Don’t give up yet. I said I’ll take you to see Lord Frenshaw. He might be able to find you something as long as you don’t mind what you do.’

  Her face lit up. ‘Do you think he would? I’ll do anything.’

  ‘I’m not making any promises, but we can try. Come with me.’

  He took her through a magnificent hallway and rapped on a door, opened it and ushered her inside. The room was large and the walls were lined with shelves holding books of all shapes and sizes. The carpet under her feet was soft and matched the green leather of the chairs. She turned slowly, gazing at everything in wonder. There was a lovely smell of leather and books and the colours in the room gave it a restful atmosphere. How beautiful, she thought. It was a world apart from the dirt and grime of where she had lived.

  ‘And who is this, George?’

  The man’s voice snapped her back from her inspection of the room and she remembered her manners. The man studying her intently was elderly, but not as old as Elsie, and he was tall and upright. He still had a full head of hair but it was sprinkled with grey, as was the neat moustache. Apart from that he was clean-shaven.

  ‘This is Christine Banner, your lordship. She’s looking for work and I thought you might be interested in seeing her.’

  Chrissie curtsied as elegantly as possible, hoping this was the right thing to do. She’d never met a lord before.

  ‘And why do you think I would like to see her? Mrs Baxter does the hiring.’

  Her heart plummeted again.

  ‘The housekeeper doesn’t need new staff at the moment. I found her looking at the horses in the paddock, and not only did Red come over to her, he even allowed her to touch him and kiss his nose. She told me she is used to horses and appears to have a nice way with them – something they respond to. We could use a stable lad, your lordship, especially one who isn’t afraid of the warhorses.’

  ‘Highly irregular to have a female stable lad.’ His lordship pursed his lips. ‘What made you foolhardy enough to pet Red Sunset, young lady?’

  ‘He looked sad, sir.’

  ‘Very perceptive of you – we are all sad, but that animal doesn’t understand why he’s been abandoned by his master.’ He paused and gazed out of the window and sighed, then turned back to face her. ‘Tell me about yourself.’

  ‘I was born and bred in London.’ She then told him what had happened after her dad had died. There was no point hiding anything, including the episode at her last job, because if he contacted them they certainly wouldn’t recommend he employ her.

  ‘Hitting the master’s son was not a wise thing to do.’

  ‘He was the worse for drink and he hit me first, so I hit him back, sir—your lordship,’ she corrected.

  ‘I see.’ His mouth twitched as he tried to control a smile of amusement. ‘So you decided to leave London. How did you get here?’

  She then explained about joining up with the Romany Travellers.

  ‘You don’t want to stay with them?’

  ‘No, your lordship. Although my dad came from a Romany family my mum didn’t, and travelling all the time is not for me. I want a permanent home.’

  ‘You are part-Romany, then?’

  She nodded. ‘They treated me like one of their own, but I don’t want that kind of life.’

  ‘I assume you have had to work while you are with them. What do you do?’

  ‘Anything that’s needed: looking after the horses, cleaning, chopping wood and driving an elderly woman’s home …’ she tailed off.

  ‘And?’ he prompted.

  She took a deep breath and blurted out, ‘Fortune-telling, but it was only in fun, your lordship. They said I couldn’t travel with them unless I did that as well as the other jobs.’

  ‘Fortune …’ He glanced quickly at his estate manager who was having great difficulty controlling himself, and then asked, ‘Were you any good at it?’

 
‘They said I was, but I think they were just being kind.’ She shrugged and grinned. ‘I never could get the hang of the crystal ball, though.’

  That was too much for the men and they roared with laughter. When his lordship had controlled his mirth he turned to the estate manager. ‘Do you think she will fit in as a stable lad?’

  ‘I’m sure she would, and from what we’ve heard she is quite capable of looking after herself.’

  His lordship chuckled as he recalled her story about the trouble she’d had at the London house. ‘Quite. I don’t think I would like to get in a fight with her.’

  Chrissie listened with mounting hope. ‘I’d love to work with the horses, if you’ll give me the chance. I won’t let you down, sir—your lordship.’

  ‘Very well. I think you deserve a chance. When can you start?’

  ‘Today.’ She beamed at both men. ‘I just need to collect my things and say goodbye to everyone.’

  He nodded. ‘Go with Carstairs and he will take you to the head groom who will explain your duties. On second thoughts, I’ll come with you. I must see his face, George, when you give him a girl as a stable lad.’

  The head groom could not hide his disbelief when he was presented with a girl as a stable lad. He looked from the estate manager to the master, and blurted out, ‘But what am I going to do with her? She can’t bunk in with the other hands, and if she has a room in the house I can’t go running there in the middle of the night if help is needed.’

  The man was horrified and Chrissie knew she had to find a solution quickly. She looked up and saw a trapdoor in the roof of the barn. ‘I could sleep up there on a nice bed of straw. It would be warm and comfortable.’

  ‘She can’t sleep up there! It wouldn’t be safe for a young girl.’

  Seeing the man wasn’t going to give in easily she went over and shook the ladder. It was loose. ‘I’ll be quite safe. Once I’m up there I can pull the ladder up, and if you put a bell at the bottom you can ring it if you need me.’