‘Watch where you’re going!’
‘Oh, I’m so sorry.’ Ruth looked into the face of a furious maid. She had seen her a few times, but hadn’t spoken to her yet. ‘Betty, isn’t it? I’m Ruth.’
‘I know who you are! You’re that common bitch the master found in the slums.’
Ruth was stunned by the girl’s rudeness.
‘I’ve worked here for five years,’ the maid continued, ‘and I should have been given the job you’ve got.’
‘Perhaps the Russells didn’t consider you suitable.’ Ruth had never been spoken to like this before, and she wasn’t going to ignore it.
‘And you think you bloody well are?’
‘Well, at least my language is better.’ Ruth wanted to keep walking, but the girl had blocked the way.
‘Think you’re so clever, don’t you?’ Betty sneered. ‘But you won’t last long.’
‘We shall see. Now, will you move out of my way, and I’m sure you have work to do.’
The maid stepped aside and as Ruth walked away she heard her mutter, ‘Bloody slum bitch!’
That hurt. There had been a nasty tone to the girl’s voice, and Ruth was under no illusion that the maid hated her for taking the job she wanted. She had only been here for three weeks and had begun to think that she might get over her doubts about living away from her family, but after that nasty incident she was sorry she had taken the job. Whenever she’d had problems in the past she’d only had to go to Bob, and he had always put things right for her. But she would have to deal with this on her own, and the best thing she could do was to keep out of the maid’s way.
When she reached the door of the elderly Mrs Russell’s rooms, Ruth stopped for a moment, took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself, then knocked on the door.
‘Come.’
Putting on a bright smile she went in. ‘Good afternoon, madam. How are you feeling today?’
‘Reasonable. I’ll sit up and read today, so help me off with my shoes and pile up the pillows for me.’
Bending down, Ruth began to remove the shoes. Madam didn’t seem quite so sharp today, and that was a blessing after the encounter she had just had.
‘How are your riding lessons going?’
‘Not very well, madam. Cherry is a docile animal, but I’m not happy in the saddle.’ Ruth had difficulty keeping the disappointment out of her voice.
‘Not everyone likes riding, so don’t do it if you’d rather not.’
‘I’ll give it a bit longer. I might get used to it.’
‘Hmm.’ Madam cupped Ruth’s chin and made her look up. ‘You are not your usual bright self today. Has someone upset you?’
‘No, it’s just that I’ve had a letter today and it’s made me a bit homesick.’ There was no way she was going to tell anyone about what the maid had said – it would probably get her dismissed, and Ruth wouldn’t want to do that, even if the girl had been nasty to her. They were only words and couldn’t hurt her unless she allowed them to.
Fifteen
Over the next three weeks Ruth settled into the routine of the household, and was content. She hadn’t seen the maid often, and much to her relief there hadn’t been any further unpleasantness. Pete had called a halt to her riding lessons, saying that it wasn’t right to force someone to ride when they obviously didn’t enjoy it. Lilly had accepted this and she was grateful for their understanding. Now, when Lilly wanted to go somewhere on the estate, one of the stable lads took them in the buggy. So apart from still missing her family, she was happy enough, and had decided to stay. It was such a beautiful place; she loved the open fields and the sound of birds singing in the morning. After the noise and grime of London, this really was wonderful.
She had just received a message that she was needed in Mrs Russell’s private rooms, and she walked there humming softly to herself. She knocked on the door and looked in. Mrs Russell was there with her mother-in-law. ‘You sent for me, madam?’
‘Come in, Ruth.’ Emma looked distracted as she turned to her mother-in-law and pointed to the pile of gowns strewn across the bed. ‘But there isn’t time to get a new gown made. What am I going to do? Everything is too tight around the bodice and waist.’
Waiting patiently to be told what she was to do, Ruth studied the beautiful creations, and one in particular caught her attention. It was made of silk in a glorious shade of sapphire blue. Mrs Russell would look stunning in that, she thought, as it was almost the same colour as her eyes. She itched to reach out and touch it, but didn’t dare.
‘The regimental dinner is tomorrow evening, and I cannot understand why we have been given such short notice. I shall have to go in one of the pregnancy dresses and will feel very dowdy!’
‘The navy one is presentable, and people will understand.’
Mrs Russell’s expression was so crestfallen Ruth couldn’t keep quiet any longer. ‘I am quite good at sewing. Perhaps one of the dresses could be altered.’
Both ladies turned and studied her, as if they had forgotten she was there, and then the elderly lady said, ‘It might be worth a try, Emma.’
‘Do you really think you could do the alterations, Ruth?’
‘As long as there is enough material in the dress.’ She reached out and picked up the sapphire one, quickly looking inside to inspect the seams. ‘I might be able to do something with this.’
‘Oh, would you try? That is my husband’s favourite and I would so like to wear it.’
Ruth held it out. ‘Would you try it on for me, please? Do you have a workbox?’
‘Yes, there is one over by the window. It should hold everything you need.’
By the time Ruth had found a tape measure, marking chalk and pins, Mrs Russell had the dress on, but was unable to fasten it. She set about measuring and marking. Finally she stood back. ‘It only needs letting out a little, and there is plenty of material, so I’m sure I can make the necessary alterations.’
‘I would be most obliged if you could. You are relieved of all other duties today, and you may work in my sitting room.’
‘I’ll start at once.’ Ruth picked up the workbox and waited while Mrs Russell removed the gown, then she carried everything she would need into the other room and shut the door.
The elderly lady glanced at the clock. ‘The child has been in there for over three hours. Have you sent in refreshments, Emma?’
‘Yes, Mother, but I cannot believe she is capable of the skilled work necessary to make the gown wearable. I had to let her try because she seemed so positive.’
After nearly another hour there was a light knock on their door, and Ruth came in with the dress. ‘I’m sorry it took me so long, but the material is very fine and I had to be careful not to damage it. I have already pressed it, so would you try it on for me, please?’
Emma went into the dressing room and almost at once called for her mother-in-law to help with the fastenings. She gasped when she looked at her reflection in the long mirror, turning round and round to inspect the gown from every angle. ‘Remarkable!’
When the two ladies came out of the dressing room, Ruth’s face lit up with pleasure. ‘You look beautiful. I knew that was the one you should wear.’
‘It’s a perfect fit, Ruth, and any professional would be proud of the stitching. Where did you learn to do such fine work?’
‘My mum worked for a dressmaker before she was married and she taught me. Keeping a little sister and two lively brothers in clothes has given me plenty of practice. Of course, I’ve never worked on expensive material before, so I had to be extra careful.’
‘You’ve done an excellent job, and I thank you very much, Ruth.’
‘Glad I could help, madam. I’ve left the sitting room and workbox tidy. Do you need me for anything else, as I promised to go with Lilly to say goodnight to the horses?’
Both women laughed, and Emma shook her head. ‘My daughter is mad about animals. Of course you must go.’
Ruth grinned, then turned and le
ft the room, happy she had been able to help.
Emma kept the gown on and went to the library where her husband was working. ‘Look at this, darling! I won’t have to attend your regimental dinner in one of my dowdy dresses. Ruth has altered this one for me, and it fits perfectly. Her stitching is so fine it is impossible to see where she has made the alteration. Who would have thought she had such talent?’
‘Indeed, she is a surprising girl.’ He came over and kissed her cheek. ‘You look beautiful, my dear.’
‘I do believe I shall even enjoy your stuffy old gathering now.’
Ben laughed. ‘And I shall be proud to have such a lovely woman on my arm. We must also think of a way to reward Ruth. I’ll give it some thought while I’m away on business next week.’
There was a strange air about the house. Ruth had been out in the buggy with Lilly all afternoon and was curious to know what was going on, but every time she asked someone they just shook their heads and turned away.
The butler saw her and came up to her at once. ‘Ah, there you are. The mistress wants to see you in the library, Ruth.’
‘Oh, right.’ Her concern faded as she made her way to the library. There was probably a last-minute function being arranged for when the captain returned, and there might be another dress to alter. The last one had been a challenge, but she had really enjoyed doing it, and would love to work on such beautiful materials again.
She knocked on the door and went in when told to. Mrs Russell was sitting behind the captain’s desk and her mother-in-law next to her. They both looked very serious and the older lady was clearly furious about something.
‘You sent for me, madam?’
‘Something very unpleasant has happened and we would like an explanation.’
Ruth frowned at her tone. ‘About what, madam?’
The senior Mrs Russell stood up and moved towards Ruth. ‘When you were working in the private sitting room did you notice one of my brooches on the table by the fireplace?’
‘I didn’t see it. I went straight to the window where the light was better and stayed there.’ Ruth was now very concerned. She didn’t like the sound of this at all. ‘Have you misplaced the brooch?’
‘No, we’ve found it.’
‘Oh, that’s good.’ Ruth smiled. ‘Where was it?’
‘In your room, hidden under your pillow.’
The two women in front of Ruth went out of focus as her head swam in disbelief. ‘But how did it get there?’
‘Enough of this!’ The captain’s mother turned to her daughter-in-law. ‘This child doesn’t even have the decency to own up!’ She faced Ruth again. ‘It was there because you put it there.’
The accusation hit her with tremendous force and she staggered towards the desk so she could grip on to it and steady herself. ‘No! No! Someone must have put it in my room.’
‘Who would do such a thing – and why? You’ll have to come up with a better story than that before I believe you! You saw the brooch and couldn’t resist it. That’s the truth, isn’t it?’
By now Ruth could hardly stand upright, and when she tried to speak, the words wouldn’t come, so she just shook her head.
‘You need to convince us that you are innocent of this crime,’ the captain’s wife said. ‘If you didn’t take it, then tell us who you believe might have put it in your room.’
This was a nightmare and Ruth fought back the tears. How could this be happening to her? She had never stolen anything in her life, and never would. She couldn’t tell them about the maid, Betty, because she had no proof the girl hated her enough to do this terrible thing to her.
‘Speak,’ the captain’s mother demanded. ‘Your silence only confirms your guilt.’
‘I’m not a thief,’ Ruth managed to whisper.
‘All the evidence says otherwise.’ She sat next to her daughter-in-law again. ‘Emma, we don’t need to pursue this any further. We should call in the police.’
‘I’d rather not do that. It would be better to wait for Benjamin and he will settle this matter in the right way.’
‘Don’t be foolish, Emma! You are responsible for the running of this household, and it is up to you to deal with this now! You cannot have a thief in the house. The girl must be sent away at once.’
The captain’s wife sighed deeply and then looked up at Ruth. ‘You will leave this house immediately and forfeit any pay due to you. I shall, of course, give you enough money for your train fare home.’ She placed some coins on the desk.
Ruth had to get out of here – she would be sick any moment. Gathering up the money for her fare, she turned and ran out of the room. She just made it to the bathroom, and when she staggered out the butler was waiting for her and caught her arm.
‘Steady.’ He helped her back to her room and stood just inside the door while she began to gather together her few belongings.
‘Will you wait outside, please?’
‘I’ve been told to stay with you and see you off the premises.’
Tears were streaming down her face and she was shaking badly. ‘I need to change out of the clothes they gave me. I’ll leave with only the things I brought with me. I’m not a thief?! I didn’t take the brooch. I never saw it when I was in the sitting room. How can they believe I would do such a terrible thing? If you don’t trust me you can search my bag before I leave.’
Without a word, Green left and shut the door behind him.
It didn’t take her more than five minutes. The fact that the captain’s mother had wanted to call the police terrified her, and all she could think about was getting out of here. Opening the door she thrust her bag at the butler. ‘You’d better check this.’
‘That won’t be necessary.’
‘I demand that you search my bag. I will not risk being accused of taking anything else from this house.’
He opened the bag, quickly looked inside, and then handed it back, shaking his head sadly. ‘I don’t like what is happening here, but I have to follow orders. Do you understand?’
She nodded and wiped away the tears that were clouding her vision. ‘You have a member of your staff who can’t be trusted, but it isn’t me, and you would be wise to find out who it is.’
‘Will you tell me who you think it is?’
‘No, because I have no proof, and I will not be the cause of another person being accused of a crime they haven’t committed.’ Without another word she began to make her way down the servants’ stairs, holding on tightly to stop herself from falling. Her legs didn’t seem to belong to her.
The butler escorted her to the gate and Ruth walked away without looking back. It was a long way to the station, and she hoped she could make it. If her legs gave out she would have to sit beside the road until she felt strong enough to carry on walking, but she wouldn’t allow her weakness to show until she was well away from the house.
As she gritted her teeth and put one foot in front of the other, she cried for Bob. This would never have happened if he’d been here. He would have sorted it out, as he had always done when she’d had any problems. But he wasn’t here; she was on her own and so frightened.
The sound of a horse coming up behind her made her heart race in panic, and she began to run. They’d sent the police after her! She would be put in prison . . .
‘Ruth! Please stop.’ The buggy kept pace with her.
Recognizing the voice, she looked up, gasping for breath, and her terror plain to see. She stopped and stood there trembling.
Jim cursed under his breath. ‘I’ve just heard about this and came to give you a lift to the station. It’s more than two miles, and they should never have left you to walk this far. It’s a bloody shame the captain is away; he would never have allowed this to happen. Let me see you to the train. You’re in no fit state to look after yourself at the moment.’
She doubled over to catch her breath, and Jim was immediately holding her up. ‘Easy, Ruth, I’ll take you to a kind woman, Mrs Trent, who will put you up for the
night, and then you can go home tomorrow when you’re feeling stronger.’
‘No, no, I must get home now! I didn’t do it, Jim,’ she sobbed as she tried to get into the buggy. ‘I’m so frightened.’
‘Of course you didn’t.’ Jim lifted her into the seat. ‘Let’s get you home to your family.’
The journey home seemed endless, and it was getting dark as she walked in the back door of their house. She cried out with relief as she reached the safety of her home and family.
‘Ruth!’ Steve rushed to catch his daughter before she collapsed, and lifted her to a chair.
Daisy was also there, pushing the hair away from her ravaged face. ‘Dear God, what’s happened?’
A glass of water was put in her trembling hand. ‘Tell us what’s happened, sweetheart.’
After taking a couple of gulps of water, she stammered, ‘They turned me out. They said I was a thief. I’m not . . . I’m not. I didn’t take the brooch. They’ll send the police after me . . . I’ll go to prison . . .’
‘Oh, no you won’t!’ Steve swore furiously. ‘I’ll sort this out, Ruthie. Only a fool would believe you’d steal from anyone.’
‘Don’t you worry, darling. You’re home now and we won’t let anything happen to you. Dad will clear this up. Do you feel up to telling us exactly what happened, or would you prefer to leave it until the morning?’
Ruth caught her breath and began to talk, and by the time she had finished, Steve and Daisy were grim-faced with anger. They were not going to have anyone call their gentle daughter a thief?!
Sixteen
‘Is she asleep?’
Daisy sat next to her husband at the scullery table and reached for the teapot. ‘Yes, at last. She cried so much Sally woke up. She rushed across the room and clambered into Ruth’s bed, snuggling up to her, and that quietened her down until she fell asleep. I’m so angry, Steve! Those women have treated her cruelly, and I don’t care if they are upper class, they should be ashamed of themselves. We can’t leave it like this, darling.’
Battles Lost and Won Page 10
