The Royal Lacemaker

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Do I sense trouble, Lily?’ Aunt Elizabeth asked, leaning forward and tentatively taking her hand.

  ‘Well, we did have words …’ Lily started, but she was interrupted by the clock on the mantel chiming the half-hour. Glancing towards the window, her aunt got quickly to her feet.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Lily, I must go. I have an appointment to see Lady Clinsden and cannot miss the stagecoach.’

  ‘Why are you seeing Lady Clinsden?’ Lily asked.

  ‘My dear, we’ve had such a short time, I haven’t even told you my news. Lady Clinsden wishes to open a charity school for the children of lace makers. Although I love my brother dearly, he’s set in his ways and doesn’t need my help at all. Anyway, Lady Clinsden sent me a communication asking if I could visit her. She seems to think I could be of assistance. It would be wonderful to be working with children again. As long as she finds me suitable, that is.’

  ‘Of course she will, Aunt Elizabeth. Why, this means you’ll be living back in Devonshire,’ she cried.

  ‘Well, let’s not count our cockerels, but it would be lovely to be near you. We have so much to catch up on,’ she said, glancing at the clock and frowning. ‘Lily, I must go now. The driver made it clear he wouldn’t wait,’ she said.

  Impulsively, Lily threw her arms around her aunt.

  ‘Good luck, Aunt Elizabeth, although I’m sure you don’t need it.’

  ‘Thank you, my dear. I will let you know how things work out. Take care of yourself and make sure you get in touch with Tom when you return to Bransbeer. He’s a really nice young man,’ she said, gathering up her things.

  As Lily opened the front door to let her aunt out, the stagecoach drew up alongside. Her aunt gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then climbed into the carriage. Waving goodbye, Lily hoped it wouldn’t be long until she saw her aunt again. They had broken the ice now and there was so much she wanted to ask her.

  Making her way back to the front room, she retrieved the parcel from the chair and untied the string. Inside was a beautifully carved miniature clock and she was just admiring the workmanship when Mrs Bodney bustled back into the room.

  ‘That’s a fine clock, Lily. Would you like me to read that to you?’ she said, pointing down to the note attached to the paper.

  ‘Please, Mrs Bodney,’ Lily said handing it to her.

  Dear Lily

  I trust you are well. I am working very hard and am enjoying learning my new trade.

  With much help from Uncle Vincent I have made this miniature clock as a betrothal present for you and Tom. When I receive the invitation to your wedding I will make you a full-sized model.

  Please give my regards to Tom.

  Your loving brother, Rob

  ‘Well, that’s a fine betrothal present, Lily,’ said Mrs Bodney, handing her back the note. But Lily felt the tears welling and could only nod. Would there be a wedding, she wondered.

  ‘You’d best return to the others, Lily, or they’ll be thinking you’ve left them in the lurch,’ said Mrs Bodney, breaking into her thoughts.

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she said, putting the note in her pocket and gathering up her parcel.

  ‘Coo, you got a present,’ Rosie said, as Lily entered the sewing room. ‘Have you a got a fancy man, then?’

  ‘Don’t be nosy,’ Caroline chided. ‘And get back to your work. If we don’t get this veil finished soon, Mrs Bodney will give us a right dressing-down.

  Carefully, Lily placed the clock on the dresser then picked up a sprig with its exotic flower design and began to attach it to the others.

  ‘So, who came to see you, then?’ Rosie persisted.

  ‘Really, nosy Rosie just about sums you up right now, young lady,’ Caroline rebuked.

  ‘Well, it’s not every day you gets a present and I just wondered what it was, that’s all.’

  ‘I’ll show you later,’ Lily promised. ‘Now, I really must concentrate. I need to make up for the time I’ve lost.’

  They worked on until the shadows crept around the room and Mrs Staple came bustling in, bringing with her the delicious aroma of cooking stew. She lit the candles and carefully placed them where they would all benefit from the extra light reflected through the water bowls.

  ‘Something smells nice, Mrs Staple,’ Lily said, her rumbling stomach reminding her she was hungry. She couldn’t believe how quickly she’d got used to eating three meals a day.

  ‘Why, bless you, dearie, ’tis a nice bit of rabbit stewing with some vegetables. I’ve made dumplings for extra sustenance too, seeing as how you’ve all been working so hard.’

  ‘Three cheers for Mrs Staple,’ said Christina, and as they gave a rousing cheer, the woman flushed with pleasure, then hurried back to the kitchen.

  ‘Well, we might be working longer hours, but I’ve never eaten so well,’ Caroline said, and they all nodded in agreement.

  ‘Wonder if she does puddings too. I likes jam roly-poly,’ Rosie said, licking her lips.

  ‘Yes, I can believe that,’ laughed Lily. ‘Now come along, we must get this finished before supper, otherwise Mrs Bodney won’t be happy.’

  They returned to their sewing and the room fell silent once more.

  They had nearly finished their supper when Lily realized Mrs Bodney hadn’t appeared. ‘Is Mrs Bodney not joining us tonight, Mrs Staple?’

  ‘No, dearie, she’s gone out for the evening.’

  ‘Ooh, maybe she’s got a fellow,’ Rosie said, her eyes widening. ‘You was going to tell us if you had a beau.’

  Lily opened her mouth to reply, then realized she didn’t know the answer herself. She thought back to her last meeting with Tom, and again berated herself for acceding to Mrs Bodney’s wishes. Why hadn’t she grasped the opportunity to spend time with him? She should have stood her ground and gone with him to Coombe. But if she had disobeyed her employer, she’d have lost her job and then what would she have done? Muttering something noncommittal, she excused herself and left the table.

  Lying in the little bed, she thought of Tom. Was he thinking of her too? Did he wonder where she was? With a shock, she realized he probably thought she was still working at Picky Pike’s. In frustration, she thumped her pillow. It was all very well Mrs Bodney saying she could influence the direction of her life, but how could she do that when she was stuck here in Honiton?

  Realizing her dreams of marriage to Tom might never come to fruition, she thumped her pillow again. How could she have been so stupid?

  CHAPTER 42

  Next morning, Lily woke early. In dire need of a hot drink, she made her way through to the kitchen where a young girl was riddling the ashes in the range.

  ‘Oh, miss, you made me jump,’ she whispered, looking at Lily as if she’d been scalded.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to,’ she said smiling at the girl. ‘What’s your name?’

  ‘Sally, miss,’ the girl answered timidly.

  ‘Well, my name’s Lily. Now you see to the fire and I’ll go out to the pump and fill the kettle,’ she said smiling.

  ‘I knows who yous is, miss, but yous mustn’t do that,’ she answered, her eyes wide as pot lids, as Lily lifted the kettle. ‘I’ll be in trouble with Mrs Staple as it is.’

  ‘Why?’ Lily asked, frowning.

  ‘’Cos I’m meant to have all this done and be back in the scullery before anyone comes down, miss.’

  ‘Well, it’s not your fault I’m up before dawn and feeling parched. And please call me Lily,’ she said, lifting the kettle from its hook over the fire.

  ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that, miss. Yous in charge of them ladies.’

  ‘Not really, I just oversee their work. We all have our jobs to do.’

  ‘And should know our place.’ Mrs Bodney’s strident voice sounded through the open door, making them both jump. ‘Come along, Lily.’

  Turning to Sally, Lily made a face. ‘Come along, Lily,’ she mimicked, making the young girl giggle.

  ‘There you are, Lily,’ Mrs Bodney
said as she entered the front room. ‘I must say I’m surprised at you fraternizing with the scullery maid. Will you never learn your place?’

  ‘Sorry, Mrs Bodney,’ she said meekly. How she detested this class thing, which seemed to matter so much to her employer.

  ‘Well, Lily, is this not the most glorious day?’ Mrs Bodney trilled, holding out a gilt-edged card. ‘And is this not the most marvellous thing you’ve ever seen?’

  ‘What is it, Mrs Bodney?’

  ‘This is an invitation from Queen Victoria herself, no less. Can you imagine it, Lily? I, Jean Bodney, am invited to be a guest at Her Majesty’s wedding. Is that not the most exciting thing you’ve ever heard?’

  Lily nodded and then smiled. Clearly, the other woman was beside herself with joy. Of course, it was hardly likely the Queen had written the card herself, but who was she to upset her employer by pointing out such a minor detail?

  ‘Right,’ Mrs Bodney said, snapping back to her brusque, businesslike self. ‘How is the sewing up progressing?’

  ‘It’s coming along well. As you know, the flounce is finished and also the veil. We just have the collar and—’

  ‘Spare me the detail,’ her employer said, waving her hands at her as if swatting away a troublesome bluebottle. ‘The entire commission needs to be finished and parcelled ready for collection next week. It is your job, as overseer, to ensure everything’s ready and up to standard. Although I shall, of course, carry out a final inspection of all the lace before it is packaged.’

  ‘Next week? But you said we had until the end of the month,’ Lily said, staring at the other woman in dismay.

  ‘I actually said the 25th, our patron saint’s day,’ the other woman corrected, as ever a stickler for detail. ‘However, the Palace now requires the finished lace to be delivered by next week. Would you care to argue with our dear Queen?’

  ‘No, of course not—’ but she had no time to finish for Mrs Bodney held up her hand.

  ‘I have a wedding to prepare for so I shall leave everything here in your capable hands, Miss Rose.’

  Miss Rose? Blimey, that invitation had certainly given her airs and graces, Lily thought.

  ‘Well, run along, or you’ll be complaining you’ve not got enough time to finish everything,’ Mrs Bodney snapped, waving her away.

  Making her way down the hallway, Lily noticed the first rays of early morning sunshine filtering in through the window. Was it only just sunrise? Why, she felt as if she’d done a day’s work already. Laughter emanating from the kitchen informed her that the ladies were enjoying their porridge. Not wishing to upset their first meal of the day, she decided to wait until they’d finished before telling them about the change to the schedule.

  Hurrying through to the sewing room, she began assessing the amount of work they still had to do. She knew they’d already made good progress but was relieved to find that, provided they made a concerted effort, they should just make the new deadline.

  Then a thought struck her. Hurrying back to the front room, she found Mrs Bodney enjoying tea and toast, whilst admiring her invitation. Clearly, their employer no longer felt she should eat with them in the kitchen.

  ‘Well?’ demanded the other woman, looking up and frowning. ‘I didn’t think you’d have the time to stand around with arms both the same length.’

  ‘No, you’re right, of course. However, before I inform the ladies of the change of plan, I wish to check something with you, Mrs Bodney,’ Lily said, looking the other woman straight in the eye.

  ‘Well, what is it?’ her employer sighed, reluctantly putting aside her invitation.

  ‘It’s about our money …’ Lily stuttered to a halt as the other woman’s eyes widened.

  ‘What about your money?’ Mrs Bodney asked, slowly enunciating every syllable.

  ‘When Maria, erm, left, you promised that as we still had the same amount of work to do her wage would be shared between us.’

  The other woman’s eyes narrowed. ‘And I shall keep my word. I never renege on a promise,’ she said, putting her nose in the air as though talking about money was now beneath her.

  ‘Of course you wouldn’t, Mrs Bodney,’ Lily said quickly. ‘However, you said earlier that the sewing up must now be completed by next week.’

  ‘Yes, I did. What exactly are you getting at, Lily?’ she snapped impatiently.

  ‘As the ladies are still going to have to do the same amount of work, may I tell them they will be paid up to the end of the month, like you promised?’

  Mrs Bodney stared at her, tea cup poised halfway to her lips. There was a long silence. Slowly, she returned the cup to its saucer. Then to Lily’s surprise, peals of laughter echoed round the room.

  ‘Oh, Lily, well spoken. You really are turning out to be a fine little businesswoman. Your development these past few months has been a joy to behold and, what’s more, I think I may take some of the credit for that. Of course you’ll all be paid the full amount, you chump. I’m nothing if not fair. Now go and tell the others. Then, for heaven’s sake, get on with finishing the job.’

  Lily hurried back down the hallway, her employer’s tinkling laugh following after her.

  ‘You missed your meal,’ Rosie said, looking up as she entered the room. ‘Mrs Staple said she would keep some back for you if you was hungry.’

  ‘That’s very kind of her, but I don’t think I’ll have time this morning. Now listen, everyone, I’ve a new instruction from Mrs Bodney.’ She paused as they all stopped what they were doing and looked questioningly at her. ‘The sewing up of the lace now has to be completed by next week.’

  Their faces fell and her announcement was met with stunned silence.

  ‘But that’s not possible, surely?’ gasped Christina, the first one to recover.

  ‘Well, I’ve assessed the work and I think we can just about make the new deadline. It means we’ll have to keep at it, though. Work on even longer into the evenings,’ she said, anxious to reassure them.

  ‘But why?’ asked Caroline, shaking her head.

  ‘Apparently the palace has asked for the lace to be delivered earlier than planned.’

  ‘No, I mean why should we work on longer in the evenings? If we finish earlier, we’ll not earn as much, will we?’

  The others muttered in agreement and Lily held up her hand.

  ‘Mrs Bodney has assured me we will be paid until the end of the month as agreed.’

  ‘You mean if we finish next week we’ll still get all our money?’ Rosie asked.

  ‘Yes, that’s exactly what she said,’ Lily assured them, smiling at their surprised faces. ‘And remember, we will all get a share of Maria’s wage too.’

  ‘Well, come on, everyone, what are we waiting for? Let’s get sewing,’ Caroline cried, and laughing, they picked up their needles and began sewing furiously.

  ‘The stitching still has to be of the finest quality,’ Lily reminded them, and they nodded without missing a stitch.

  There was a hesitant tap on the door and she looked up to see Sally hovering with a mug in her hand. The poor girl was shaking with nerves and Lily got up quickly and went over to her.

  ‘Mrs Staple said yous couldn’t work without something in yous stomach. I said yous said yous was parched, and she said if I promised not to spill a drop, I could bring yous some tea, miss.’

  ‘That’s most kind of you, Sally, thank you. And please thank Mrs Staple,’ Lily said, taking the mug from her and watching as the little maid scuttled off like a timid mouse. Gratefully, she took a sip and gave a sigh of contentment as the liquid warmed her insides.

  ‘Do you think this piece goes here?’ Rosie asked, holding up one of the smaller sprigs patterned with a scroll.

  ‘Don’t look quite right to me,’ said Christina. ‘Maybe it should be that one with the leaf that goes there. What do you think, Lily?’

  Carefully placing her mug on the ledge behind her, Lily went over to look.

  ‘I’m not sure. Where’s the dra
wing?’ Lily asked, frowning.

  ‘It’s here,’ said Caroline, sliding it across the table. As they stood poring over the design, it took them quite some time to work out exactly which way the sprays were meant to be joined together. Then, happy they’d got it right, and conscious that every minute counted more than ever, they resumed their stitching like women possessed. Even when Mrs Staple called them for their midday broth, they ate quickly, anxious to get back to their work.

  All afternoon they sewed, never moving from their seats, other than to consult the drawing, so that by the time the room was darkening and Mrs Staple appeared with the candles and flashes, they were stiff and goggle-eyed.

  ‘My, it’s perishing in here,’ said Mrs Staple. ‘Why don’t you let me serve supper early? Then I can get a fire lit in the grate whilst you’re eating. That way the room will be nice and warm when you come back again.’

  They all looked hopefully at Lily.

  ‘I think that’s a marvellous idea, Mrs Staple. Are you sure it won’t put you to any trouble?’

  ‘No, of course it won’t, dearie. I don’t like to see all you ladies working in the cold,’ she said, shaking her head. ‘If I had my way, I’d light the fire earlier in the day, but I’ve had my instructions,’ she sniffed, leaving them in no doubt as to what she thought about those. ‘Anyway, come on through to the kitchen when you’re ready; I’ve got a nice hotpot cooking.’ Then, as she opened the door to go out, yet another appetizing aroma wafted in, and they all sniffed the air appreciatively. Mrs Staple’s cooking was superb, and stools clattered on the flags as they hurried after her.

  ‘We’d better cover our work in case Mrs Bodney comes in to inspect it,’ Lily called after them, but they’d already disappeared into the kitchen. Carefully, she covered the work, gratified to see how much they’d achieved during the day. But there was still much to be done if they were to meet the new deadline, she thought, as she went through to join the others.

  Their meal was delicious and the respite from sewing welcome. As the heat from the range warmed their chilled bodies, they relaxed back in their chairs chattering excitedly, so that it was only Lily who heard the cry of despair coming from the next room.