by Anna King
‘Yes, Ruby, how long can you stay?’ Daisy asked, her voice full of hope.
Struggling to get free from Bertie’s arms, Ruby answered breathlessly, ‘I have to be back by six o’clock. Bertie, put me down, do, else I’ll spend my entire day in the hall!’
Gently lowering her to the ground, Bertie steadied her before placing his arm firmly round her shoulders, while Daisy continued to talk. ‘Lily, hang up Miss Ruby’s bonnet and coat, will you? Then ask Cook to make us all some tea.’ Lily bobbed her knee, then hurried off to the kitchen, casting a longing look over her shoulder, wishing she could stay and hear Ruby’s news.
As the family made their way to the parlour, Daisy resumed her questioning. ‘Didn’t Dr Benson come in with you? No, well, I expect he is a busy man. No rest for a doctor, is there, even on a Sunday? He keeps us informed of your progress, but I want to hear all about it from you. What’s this Lady Caldworthy like? Are you coping with the work? How do the servants treat you?’
‘Mum, please!’ Ruby pleaded. ‘Let’s wait until we’re all sitting down having our tea, and then I’ll tell you all you want to know.’
Bernard stood up as they entered the room, his face betraying nothing of the emotion he was feeling at seeing his daughter again after such a long separation. Laying his newspaper down carefully on the arm of the chair, he pulled at the bottom of his waistcoat before saying gruffly, ‘Hello, Ruby. It’s very pleasant to have you home with us again, even if it is only for a short while.’
Ruby looked at her father’s impassive face and felt a tug at her heart. She could see past the stoic countenance to the vulnerable man that lay beneath the surface of the facade he presented to the world. ‘Oh, Dad!’ she cried, the two simple words catching in her throat. And then she was in his arms, her defences down, as the worry, anxiety and homesickness she had been suffering in silence were finally given release.
Daisy looked on with mixed emotions. She was happy that Ruby and her father were so close, but there was a part of her that felt resentful and jealous of their relationship. She felt her smile slipping, and quickly stretched her lips into an even wider grin. She was being silly: all daughters had a special affection for their fathers, it was a known fact, and she knew in her heart of hearts that Ruby loved them both equally. Clearing her throat loudly, she said cheerfully, ‘Now that all the greetings have been dispensed with, shall we sit down? Lily will be bringing tea shortly, then we can all have a proper talk.’
Reluctantly pulling herself from Bernard’s arms, Ruby settled herself into the chair next to the leather armchair. When they were all seated, she looked from one dear face to the next, all of them smiling at her, and for one wild moment she thought how lovely it would be if she didn’t have to return to the house in Islington but could remain here among the people she loved. She was saved from making such a rash declaration by the arrival of Lily carrying a large silver tray.
No more words were spoken until Lily had placed the heavy tray on the table, saying, ‘Would you like me to pour the tea, Mrs Chadwick?’ hoping fervently that the answer would be yes, so that maybe she too would be able to listen to Ruby’s account of her new life.
Her hopes were dashed when Daisy replied brightly, ‘Oh, no, Lily, it’s all right, I’ll see to it.’
Bowing slightly, she was about to leave the room when Ruby’s voice stopped her.
‘Dad…’ she began hesitantly, ‘Dad, do you think we can dispense with formality for today and let Lily have her tea with us? I’ve such a lot to tell you all, and I’d like her to hear what I have to say.’ She saw the look of disapproval cloud her father’s face, and added quickly, ‘Please, Dad? Just for today.’
Bernard felt the five pairs of eyes staring at him, and, anxious not to let anything spoil the pleasure of the day, inclined his head in assent.
Clapping her hands with glee, Ruby cried out gaily, ‘Oh, thank you, Dad! Lily, you sit beside George, and while Mum pours the tea, I’ll tell you all the details.’ She waited until Lily, her cheeks pink with embarrassment and pleasure, was seated, and then she began to talk.
The next hour passed quickly, with questions being fired at her from all sides. Happier than she’d been for weeks, she answered each one with a simple truthfulness that touched them all. They listened in silence as she told them about the autocratic Lady Caldworthy, and how the old lady would treat her like an old and trusted friend one minute, and then rapidly change tack and order her around as if she were a common skivvy. These mood swings, Ruby surmised, were merely to remind her new companion that although she might enjoy a certain familiarity with her mistress, she was still only a paid servant, and the message was driven home at least once a week. The servants on the other hand, had gone out of their way to help her. She described them all in detail, starting with her favourite, Mrs Rodgers, the warm-hearted, jolly cook, before switching to Mr Masters, the elderly butler who had worked for Lady Caldworthy and her late husband for over 30 years and saw himself as master below stairs, thus showing a tendency to be aloof and condescending, when he could get away with it, especially with the two young housemaids, Agnes and Rosie. These two girls, together with Mrs Rodgers, had been the saving of Ruby. She had been in the house for only a week when she’d realised what a dreadful mistake she’d made in leaving home.
When she had told Lady Caldworthy she could manage the stairs, she hadn’t envisaged having to use them frequently every day. Lady Caldworthy had a voracious appetite, and it had fallen to Ruby to make the numerous trips to the kitchen for snacks for her mistress. It was on one of these occasions when, tired and weary, her stump aching from the unusual pressure, she had stood at the top of the landing, her eyes filled with despair as she gazed down on the sweeping stairway, that she had encountered Rosie, her plump arms full of clean laundry, coming up the stairs. She had been astounded when the young girl no older than herself had, after a moment’s hesitation, bobbed her knee to her. The unexpected action had saddened Ruby, for it was an action that said plainly, ‘You’re not one of us’, and she desperately wanted to be friends with the two girls. She had hastened to reassure Rosie that she herself was a servant, and thus was not entitled to any deferential treatment. From that moment on, Rosie, together with Agnes, had taken it in turns to climb the stairs several times a day to enquire if she needed anything from below. This simple, kind action had not only made Ruby glow with happiness, but had also served to-free her from the uncomfortable and often painful business of the dreaded stairs. She still had to use them, of course, since one of her duties entailed a daily visit to the kitchen to discuss with Mrs Rodgers the menus for the following day, and also to make sure everything was running smoothly. These visits had become the highlight of Ruby’s day.
In the afternoons, when Lady Caldworthy was having her sleep, she would make her way at leisure down the once dreaded stairs to the warm cosy kitchen where Mrs Rodgers would stop whatever she was doing to settle Ruby into the old brown armchair by the fire that was kept burning all day, whatever the weather. There she would sit comfortably for an hour or more while the cook prepared the evening meal, listening to her reminiscing over the events that had occurred in the house over the 30 years she had been in service. Ruby was fascinated by these stories and, through them, came to see what her employer had been like as a young woman.
She in turn had overcome her natural reserve and told Mrs Rodgers about her early beginnings, her lovely face animated as she spoke about her life in the rooms above the King’s Arms. Only when she’d touched lightly on her accident and the awful pain-filled months following it had her face clouded, her bright blue eyes momentarily dimmed by the memories. She had quickly skimmed through that part of her life and on to the events that had lifted her family from the East End into the beautiful house where they now lived. She had ended her tale at the evening of her 18th birthday party, and her decision to leave home to seek employment. When she had added that she’d made this decision not because of any discord at home, but sim
ply because she wanted to stand on her own two feet, she had stopped in mid-sentence, her eyes and mouth wide as she realised the irony of what she’d said before bursting into a loud peal of laughter.
Mrs Rodgers had been dumbstruck that anyone in Ruby’s condition could make a joke of it, and had been full of admiration for the young girl. When at last Ruby reluctantly hauled herself out of the armchair, Mrs Rodgers without fail would ask if she needed any help in climbing back to the top floor, even though Ruby had repeatedly told the anxious woman that she could easily manage the stairs. It had only been difficult when she had been encumbered with the heavy silver platter bearing Lady Caldworthy’s meals.
‘So, there you have the whole story,’ she finished proudly. ‘I can admit now that it was hard work the first week, and I was ready to waylay Dr Benson at the first opportunity and beg him to take me home. But thanks to the kindness and help I receive from the rest of the staff, I think I will be very happy in my grand position of companion, providing of course I am allowed my free time. I’ve missed you all dreadfully.’ She clasped Daisy’s hand, squeezing it gently, the gesture encompassing them all.
‘Is that all the staff there are, Ruby? It doesn’t seem much,’ Bertie said, puzzled. ‘Isn’t there a coachman and stable hands? And surely there must be a gardener? Dr Benson told us that Lady Caldworthy had beautiful gardens. Unless she sees to them herself!’ he added, smiling broadly.
Ruby felt the blood rush to her face and was inwardly furious with herself. Fanning herself with her hand, she exclaimed, ‘Goodness, it’s hot in here! Lily, would you open a window, please?’
Lily rose from her chair, her shrewd glance going to Ruby’s flushed cheeks before doing as she was bid. Ruby saw the look, and fanned her face harder. ‘Damn it, Lily knows it wasn’t the non-existent heat that was making me blush!’ Fortunately none of the others had noticed anything amiss, or if they had, it would be put down to her excitement at being home. Adopting a casual tone, she said airily, ‘Oh, Lady Caldworthy doesn’t have a carriage; she hasn’t been out of the house for years. As for the gardener,’ here she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, ‘he retired some time ago. I believe Lady Caldworthy has instructed Mr Masters to engage somebody, but there have been no suitable applicants yet.’
Now that all the questions had been exhausted, an uneasy silence settled upon the room until George, his earnest plump face showing his concern, asked the question that was on everyone’s mind. ‘Are you really happy, Ruby? I mean, if you’re just saying you are to make us feel easier in our minds, there’s no need. We all think you’ve done marvellously, and we’re all very proud of you. So if – if you would rather give up your job and return home, please don’t feel ashamed to admit it.’ He saw Ruby’s body stiffen, and before she could make a reply he hurried on, his nervousness making him stumble over his words. ‘What I mean is… Well, that is, what we would all like is for you to come back home for good. The house seems empty without you, Ruby. So, well… As I said, if— if you’ve any regrets, you know…’ His words trailed off miserably as he hung his head, afraid to look at his beloved fiery sister for fear of what emotions he would see in her face.
The genuine love and concern in George’s voice touched Ruby deeply. She felt the tension leave her body and as gently as she could, she replied, ‘I’m sorry, George, really I am, but I made a promise to myself, and I intend to stand by it. It’s something I have to do. Please try to understand, all of you. And yes, I am happy; you need have no worries on that score.’
‘All right, Ruby, just as long as it’s what you want to do,’ George said, his voice resigned.
‘Good! Now then,’ Ruby cried briskly, ‘I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starving! What time is dinner?’
The lightness of her tone had the desired effect so that the conversation turned to different matters, as everyone, bar Lily, began to fill her in on the happenings in their own lives since she’d been away. As the talk flowed freely, Lily rose quietly and left the room. For a short time she had been a part of the family, but now she slipped effortlessly back into her role of housekeeper and made her way to the kitchen to see how the dinner was progressing.
* * *
The precious hours flew past at an alarming speed, and now Ruby stood once more dressed in her outdoor clothes, her family gathered round her while Dr Benson waited for her in his carriage.
‘Goodbye, my dear. Let Dr Benson know if there’s anything you need,’ Daisy said tearfully, loath to let her daughter go.
‘Don’t let the old dragon do you out of your free time, do you hear?’ Bertie said, hugging her fiercely.
George was next to say his goodbyes. Shyly he put his arms round her shoulders, saying quietly, ‘Bye, Ruby. Look after yourself.’
Choked with emotion, Ruby could only bow her head, afraid to speak lest she break down and agree to stay with them, an action she would surely regret tomorrow. It was left to Bernard to walk her to the waiting carriage and Dr Benson. As he opened the front door for her, he tutted with annoyance at the sight of the teeming rain. ‘Blasted weather! I thought it had stopped for the day. Lily, fetch my umbrella for Miss Ruby while I run and open the carriage door.’ With a last wave to her family, Ruby stepped out on the path, her head close to Lily’s as they sheltered under the large black umbrella.
‘What’s he like?’ Lily whispered cautiously, her elbow digging the startled Ruby in the ribs.
‘What’s who like, Lily? I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Ruby stammered, her eyes darting nervously to where her father stood waiting only a few feet away.
‘Never mind. You can tell me all about him on your next visit.’ Then, raising her voice, she called out cheerfully, ‘Good evening, Dr Benson. Dreadful weather isn’t it?’
‘Indeed it is, Lily,’ Dr Benson replied from the comfort of his carriage, looking out at the rain.
Lily stood back as Bernard helped Ruby into the carriage. When she was safely seated, she leaned out of the window, saying, ‘Bye, Dad, I’ll see you soon. Bye, Lily.’
‘Goodbye, Ruby. I look forward to your next visit,’ Bernard said gruffly, and then for the second time that day he dispensed with formality as he hastily ducked under the umbrella with Lily and stood watching until the carriage was out of sight.
Chapter Sixteen
‘For goodness’ sake, Ruby, close that window before I catch my death of cold!’ Lady Caldworthy sat huddled in her armchair, the lower half of her body wrapped in blankets despite the hot July sun that streamed into the room. Ruby appeared not to have heard the querulous cry as she continued to look down on the large square patch of garden and the broad figure of the man who was at that moment busily digging over the flower beds. ‘Ruby, have you gone deaf, girl? Close the window; there’s a terrible draught in here. What’s so interesting about the gardens all of a sudden that you can’t tear yourself away from the window?’ The strident voice bellowed across the room, causing Ruby to start guiltily.
‘I’m sorry, Lady Caldworthy, I was wool-gathering. I’ll close the window immediately.’
‘See that you do, girl, and shut it tightly. I can’t abide fresh air, not at my time of life. What were you thinking of? You know I’m susceptible to the cold. And draw the curtains while you’re about it, I wish to have my afternoon sleep.’
‘Yes, Lady Caldworthy,’ Ruby answered demurely, anxious to fob off any probing questions. The old lady’s brain was still as sharp as a razor and she’d have to watch herself, else Lady Caldworthy would become suspicious. Pulling the window down, she leaned on the bottom sill to make sure it was shut tight. Just as she was about to draw the curtains, she caught sight of a figure entering the garden. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the tall figure of Agnes, her brown curls bouncing on her shoulders, saunter over to Michael, one hand holding a glass of lemonade, leaving the other hand free to touch his brown muscular arm. Ruby’s lips settled into a grim line of jealousy as she witnessed the deliberate act before
savagely drawing together the heavy curtains and plunging the room into semi-darkness.
Pausing briefly to make sure her employer was asleep, she quickly crossed the floor to her own room. Once inside, she stood against the door, her eyes closed, clenching, then unclenching, her small fists. ‘You’re mad, mad, mad!’ she whispered to the silent room. ‘He’s not for you! He could have any girl he wants, so it’s not likely he’ll set his cap at a cripple, is it?’
Taking a long shuddering breath, she forced herself to by-pass her window without looking out, but she couldn’t shut out the sound. Michael’s clear voice floated up to her room as he chaffed the delighted Agnes, and the sound was so painful that she clapped her hands over her ears in a futile effort to drown out their laughter. Lying on her bed, she stared at the high ceiling, her troubled mind trying to decide what course of action to take.
It had been over six months since she had first seen Michael O’Brien as they’d sheltered together under the porch. She had returned to the house that evening to hear from an excited Agnes about the tall good-looking Irishman who had been taken on as the new gardener. Even the level-headed Rosie, who had been happily walking out with a young man from a neighbouring household for over two years, had been impressed with the new addition to the staff. Ruby could recall clearly how her heart had hammered against her ribs at the news, while at the same time she maintained a show of indifference. Remembering the tremendous physical impact the man had made on her, she had wisely kept her distance from him for nearly a month. Then one bright cold afternoon she had ventured out into the garden, determined to face this strange man to whom she had spoken only once, but with such devastating effect. She had hoped that, once she saw him again and found him to be an ordinary working-class man, the foolishness she had been harbouring would vanish, and she could then dispel him from her mind. She had even envisaged laughing at herself for behaving as she had the first time she’d met him.
