The Orphans of Ardwick

by Emma Hornby

  Dashing away her spilling tears with the back of her hand, cursing the day she’d ever set eyes on Bracken House, Pip picked up her skirts and ran.

  What took her down Garrick Street’s narrow road, she didn’t know. Her feet seemed to have taken on a life of their own. Or perhaps she wanted to feel close to her mam? Either way, she wished she hadn’t; the sight of the sad-coloured, tightly packed terraced houses had her shivering with grief. Misty eyes sought out their cellar of old, and for an age she simply stared at it, thinking, feeling. It appeared more run-down than she remembered. Or had love cast it in a pleasant sheen when she’d lived here with her poor mother? She couldn’t say. Her gaze strayed down the steep steps to settle on the battered door. Again, she pictured in her mind it swinging open and her mother emerging, matted shawl draped across her shoulders, brown curls bouncing and lips parted in smile. The sting of her tears grew unbearable; she closed her eyes.

  ‘Pip?’

  The word tapped on the edges of the fog filling her head. Breath catching in her throat, her eyelids parted slowly. Half expecting that she’d conjured the past back to life, she blinked at the door below. But no – still it stood closed. No mam filling the doorway. No one, nothing. Her lips trembled in disappointment. Hunger was toying with her, had her senses confused, that’s what. Shaking her head, she squeezed her eyes shut once more.

  ‘Oh, lass.’

  There was no mistaking it this time; someone was speaking. But … who …? Pip opened her eyes again, turning this time, and her brow creased in a deep frown. The woman standing behind her wore her shawl wrapped tightly, not lying loose. Nor was her hair rich chestnut and unbound, but iron grey collected at her nape in a knot. It wasn’t Mam, but Cook. And Simon was by her side! How, why …? What were they doing here?

  ‘Cook? Eeh, Simon!’

  ‘God alive.’ Cook gazed back in amazed relief. ‘Thank the heavens above! Ay, lovey, where’s tha been?’

  Before Pip could answer, the lad caught her in a crushing embrace. Then, pulling back, he shook her none too gently by the shoulders. ‘Where the hell have you been? Me and Cook, here, have been scouring these streets in search of thee for most of the night. You’ve had us worried summat sick!’

  Tears welled up at his harshness. She tried to hug him again but he sidestepped her, eyebrows knotted, face dark. ‘Lad—’

  ‘Why didn’t you settle down in the privy, as we normally used to of a night? I’d have found you right away if you had. Daft, that’s what you are!’

  ‘I, I did! But that fella, you remember the gentleman what tried hurting Mack, he were at it across the way from me with another and—’

  ‘You went after him?’ Simon’s tone was incredulous.

  ‘What’s this, now?’ Cook looked horrified. ‘What gentleman?’

  ‘Some filthy bleeder we’ve crossed paths with afore,’ Simon ground out, ‘who’s a taste for young flesh – and this ’un, here, went after him!’

  ‘I had to. The poor little mite were crying … but he escaped and I managed to, an’ all. A kindly man offered me shelter in a lodging house for the night, so all’s well.’

  ‘All’s … all’s well? After the night we’ve had? We thought we spotted thee at one point, called out your name, but nay.’

  Simon broke off to give an angry shake of his head and Pip sighed inwardly. She’d believed, had she not, that she heard her name called last night when fleeing from that varmint? Yet injury and numbing terror had affected her logic. Oh, if only she’d turned!

  ‘Owt could have occurred,’ added Simon.

  ‘I just … didn’t think. You weren’t there!’ she burst out on a sob.

  ‘Aye, for you abandoned me and Bread, that’s why! Norra goodbye, nowt!’ He dragged a hand across his mouth. ‘What were you playing at, fleeing from Bracken House like that without a by-your-leave?’

  ‘You talk as though it were of my own choosing.’ Anger was filling Pip, now; he had no right to talk to her so, as if she was in the wrong. ‘I were slat out in case you’d not heard.’

  Slowly, the animosity faded from his face. He heaved a sigh. ‘Aye. I know. All this … none of it’s your fault. I were just so bloody … nearly out of my mind with …’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘It matters not, now, anyroad. You’re well, so no harm done.’

  He’d been afraid for her safety and not a little hurt that she’d run out on him. That was the reason for his anger. Although, being Simon, he wouldn’t say it, it was written all over his face. Pip’s eyes softened. Tentatively, she reached for his hand and curled her fingers around his. ‘Sorry, lad. I were fair mad with upset, weren’t thinking straight.’ She tightened her hold and he reciprocated. ‘By, I ain’t half missed you,’ she murmured. ‘Mack, an’ all. The lad’s all right?’

  ‘Aye.’ It was Cook who spoke. Her expression was one of deep guilt. ‘Oh, love. That I disbelieved you for even a second …’

  ‘You mean …?’ Pip looked from one to the other. ‘Cook, you know I were speaking the truth? You see it, now?’

  ‘I do. The master and his son along with me. Miss Lucy, she broke down shortly after you scarpered, told how she’d been forced to speak them wicked untruths. Eeh, the poor lass, she’s in pieces. Me and Albert, that we could be hoodwinked like that … It’s a good lass you are, we should have known. Oh, we’re that sorry, aye.’ Her eyes were watery. ‘I’d a feeling it would be worth checking this here street, recall you saying this is where you once dwelled and figured your memories of your poor mam would draw you here.’ She put her hand on Pip’s shoulder in a tender touch. ‘Come back, lass. Will thee?’

  The sweet feeling of justice! She could have wept with relief. They believed her, finally. They thought ill of her no longer, wanted her home! ‘And her what put the young miss up to it?’ she forced herself to ask, for how would she ever know peace again there amidst Caroline’s evil doings?

  ‘Huh! That one’s gone.’

  ‘She … has?’

  With a satisfied sniff, Cook nodded. ‘Aye and for good and proper, an’ all.’

  Shock and confusion filled Pip but before she could probe further this extraordinary news, the woman spoke again:

  ‘Anyroad. There’ll be time aplenty for the telling of all that once we’re home.’ She flashed a hopeful smile. ‘That’s if you’ll have Bracken House, and us, back?’

  Pip laughed tearfully. ‘But the master; he really wants me to return, an’ all?’

  ‘He does. So? What says thee?’

  As if she even had to think about it! ‘Aye. Oh ta. Ta, Cook.’

  As they turned for Ardwick Green, a host of thoughts swirled through her mind. Caroline was gone! But where? And what of Mr Philip? Cook had said that along with his father, he now knew the truth – what had his reaction been? More importantly, what reception would she receive from him upon her return? The guilty party was, after all, his wife … Just what had gone on?

  Oh, but she ached to see Lucy, to reassure her she blamed her for naught, that they were still friends. Mack, Tabby also, she’d missed something awful. As for her mistress … ‘Oh, Miss Josephine!’ Pip stopped in her tracks to turn concerned eyes to the woman by her side. ‘She’s all right, ain’t she, Cook?’

  ‘Well as can be, you know? She’ll be fair pleased to see thee, mind.’

  ‘And me her. Eeh, I’m going home,’ Pip added in an excited whisper. Yet when they reached the corner, she hesitated.

  Glancing over her shoulder, she cast a soft smile in the general direction of Nan Nuttall’s decrepit abode. In her mind, she thanked Peter for his kindness and promised she’d not forget him.

  Then she linked her arms through her companions’ and the three continued on their way.

  Chapter 13

  PIP WAS AWARDED a grand return. The moment she stepped over Bracken House’s threshold, Bink and Lunar, the master’s Labradors, hurtled across the kitchen to greet her with wet tongues and wagging tails. Mack, a grooming brush in his hand, wa
sn’t far behind. With a grin as bright as a summer sun, he threw himself into her arms and clung to her, as though afraid she’d vanish again if he let go.

  ‘Eeh, lad.’ Closing her eyes, Pip pressed her cheek against his. ‘Now, then. I’m back, I’m back, don’t fret.’

  ‘Why did you leave us, me and Simon? Did you stop loving us for a bit, Pip, is that it?’ the youngster asked brokenly.

  ‘’Ere, what? Never! You two are what my heart beats for, allus shall.’ She glanced to Simon over Mack’s shoulder with a tender smile. The one he returned to her was, uncharacteristically, just as soft.

  ‘Right, now. Let Pip here up for air, my lad. The lass needs a sound feeding, I’ll be bound, poor love.’ Cook shepherded her to a chair at the table beside Tabby, who hugged her close and told her she was glad she was home, then bustled around the fire with purpose. Pip’s stomach growled in anticipation – if there was one thing the woman could be relied upon to do, it was to stuff your guts close to bursting. Oh, she was back!

  In no time at all, the hot beef and onions and large helping of potatoes, not to mention thick floury bread, and all washed down with two cups of tea, had vanished and she felt much better. Cook had just placed a generous helping of ginger cake and fresh cream before her when the baize door opened and Hardman appeared. Catching her eye, Pip gave her a knowing look.

  It was obvious to her now why the housemaid hadn’t shown for their arranged meeting: Caroline was gone so whatever she’d been plotting, there was no need for it now. Although Hardman didn’t look exactly brimming with joy at the development, Pip noticed. She’d had a sneaking suspicion why Hardman yearned for Caroline to be out of the way – Philip. With his wife gone, she’d surely assumed she would have the master’s son to herself. Then why was her mouth downcast and obvious displeasure lurking behind her eyes? It didn’t make sense but Pip pushed the questions from her mind with a shrug. None of that mattered, now. She was back, and neither wanted nor needed to concern herself with it.

  Plonking Albert’s empty lunch tray on to the table, Hardman flicked her gaze to Pip. Discreetly, she gave her an almost disappointed shake of the head, and Pip’s puzzlement returned. What was wrong with her?

  ‘Master were asking just now whether you’d returned and if you’d had any joy locating this one,’ the housemaid told Cook. ‘He said when so, you were to inform him right away.’

  The cook nodded. ‘I’ll take Pip up shortly. Poor thing’s famished and needs to finish her meal.’

  ‘Could I call in to Miss Josephine first, please, Cook?’ asked Pip, pushing her empty bowl away. ‘I’d like her to know I’m back, that I’m here for her again. Been worried about her summat awful, I have, since yesterday.’

  ‘Best you visit the master first, lovey. He’ll not keep thee long, then you can see Miss Josephine—’

  ‘Nay, she can’t.’ Hardman shook her head. ‘Doctor’s in with her and gave strict instructions they’re not to be disturbed.’

  ‘Oh no. Were the poor miss taken ill in my absence?’

  Hardman nodded. ‘Mr Philip couldn’t calm her so sent for the doctor. Mind, he’s been up there a while, now.’

  Pip’s stomach dropped. Miss Josephine had been forced to rely on him again because she hadn’t been here? But he didn’t understand her ailment, wasn’t making matters better with his daft diagnoses of rotten blood and suchlike. Oh but she felt guilty, she did, for she felt she’d let Miss Josephine down. Had she had another attack? She must have been so afraid. And she’d promised the lady she wasn’t going anywhere, that she would do her utmost to help her conquer it. She must see her, check she was well.

  ‘Can we see the master, now, Cook?’ she asked, scraping back her chair. The sooner she’d fulfilled Albert’s request, the quicker she could go and see her mistress. After all, the doctor should have left by then; Hardman had just said herself that he’d been here some time.

  Miss Josephine was still on her mind when Cook showed her into the master’s room minutes later. Though all thoughts melted and she shuddered to a halt to see Lucy sitting cross-legged on the bed playing cards with her grandfather. The girl looked around at their entrance. Instantly, her eyes widened and filled with tears, and Pip’s did likewise. Though Pip knew her own gaze shone with only reassurance, Lucy’s eyes were filled with raw guilt. She rose slowly and came to stand in front of her.

  ‘Pip …’

  ‘It’s all right, Miss Lucy,’ she murmured with a soft smile.

  The blue eyes creased further. ‘You’re not angry? Oh, but I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I’m sure. What I said … that wicked lie against your good character … I’m sorry! Oh, I am, Pip, really! I never meant … never wanted to …’

  ‘I know, Miss Lucy, I know. You’re not at fault, nay never. You’re my friend, allus shall be.’ Pip barely got the words out before the girl flung herself at her and caught her in a crushing hug. Smiling, she returned the embrace. Eeh, but she did love this innocent lamb, had missed her as much. She was so very happy things were well again between them.

  ‘Where did you go to, Pip? Were you quite safe? We have been worried so, Grandy and I.’

  The thought of polluting her pure mind with the reality of life beyond these walls, the slums and all they contained, filled her with horror. She forced another smile. ‘I were all right, honest. Don’t matter none now, for I’m returned – and oh, sir,’ she added with feeling, turning to Albert, ‘I’m that thankful. Ta ever so for having me back at Bracken House.’

  He and Cook had looked on quietly with sad smiles as she and Lucy made their peace; now, Albert released a heavy sigh. He indicated for her to come closer. She did and to her great surprise, he reached for her hand and held it between his. His kindness brought tears to her eyes. Not for the first time, she marvelled at the grand good fortune that had first brought her to this door.

  ‘We have indeed been worried. Dear Pip … we have treated you with great dishonour. I can only apologise with unreserved sincerity. Rest assured, the perpetrator has left this house and shan’t set a toe inside again. Why she did it …’ He shook his greying head. ‘I don’t know, nor do I understand, what she wished to gain from such an act. Again, I’m sorry I doubted your word. We all are.’

  ‘She really ain’t coming back, sir?’ Pip was agog with astonishment. This, from Albert’s own lips! And yet neither he nor his granddaughter appeared upset at the loss, not a bit. This really was rather surprising; Caroline was, after all, Lucy’s mother. Not a very good one, it was true, given the distress she’d put her child through but still … And Mr Philip? Where was he? How did he feel about all this? Just where had Caroline gone?

  ‘Certainly not. She packed her effects and vacated this house yesterday evening.’

  ‘And halloo to that!’ Lucy added, covering her mouth with a giggle when Albert wagged a finger at her in mock sternness. ‘Oh, Pip, imagine it! She’s left at long last.’

  ‘You’re not … upset, Miss Lucy? Even a little?’

  The girl gazed at her as though she were mad. ‘Why of course not!’

  ‘And Mr Philip?’ Her surprise mounting, Pip murmured the question to the master.

  ‘I shouldn’t think so,’ he replied with an easy lift of his shoulder.

  ‘Oh. Well. Well, I …’ She didn’t know what to say. She’d known Caroline was a devilsome piece, but by! This lot, her own kin …?

  ‘Ah! You’ve returned, I see.’

  The voice, followed by the approaching footsteps behind her, made the hairs on the back of Pip’s neck stand to attention like well-trained soldiers. Her head swivelled around and she could do nothing but stare in confused horror at Caroline standing in front of her. No. No … But what … how …?

  ‘Pip, isn’t it?’ A disarming smile stroked her lips, though Pip was certain she detected an altogether different emotion lurking behind the ice-blue eyes. ‘On behalf of myself and my husband, please do accept our regret for the recent wrongdoing towards you. Given
it was a member of our personal staff who committed the act, our consternation is stronger still, as you can imagine. However, as I’m sure my father-in-law has assured you, Finch has gone and for good.’

  Finch? Oh my … of all the slippery, double-dealing … Pip swallowed hard. Obvious, at least to herself, smugness now glistened in the lady’s gaze and Pip felt bile rise in her throat. She’d wormed her way out of it. She’d placed the blame at her employee’s door and the family had fallen for it. No wonder they hadn’t appeared overly concerned at the loss of the guilty party, in particular Lucy – they had been referring to Finch all along! Whilst all the time, she’d believed, had hoped it was the real villain who had been shown the door. For despite what she’d discovered, she just knew that the nursemaid hadn’t been the one with a hand in this whole sorry mess. Caroline had.

  Given her position, she’d successfully shifted the blame to cover her own back. And what did this mean for her, for the lads? Surely her vendetta against them wouldn’t stop here? No, this wasn’t over. But God above, what have I done to deserve this? she silently beseeched the Almighty, biting down on her lip to curb the tears threatening to escape.

  ‘Of course,’ Caroline was saying now, though Pip barely registered the words through the sad fog clogging her mind, ‘I shall ensure that the next nursemaid we take on is of a more agreeable nature. The recent incident shall not be repeated, I assure you.’

  Silence hung between them, then: ‘Pip, say thank you to Mrs Goldthorpe,’ murmured Cook, giving her a small nudge. ‘She’s the one what insisted that Finch piece be got rid of and pronto.’

  I’ll bet she did. ‘Ta, thanks, Mrs Goldthorpe,’ she forced out on a painful breath.

  Caroline flashed a too-nice smile, nodded to the others, and was gone as swiftly as she’d appeared.

  ‘Oh, but Grandy, I don’t want another nursemaid!’ whined Lucy, snuggling close to him, her rosebud mouth puckered in a pout. ‘I shan’t have one, no! I shall tell Papa; he will persuade Mama that I’m not in need of one. Won’t he, Grandy?’