Fine ladies wearing fashionable bonnets and smelling of heady perfumes passed by her and disappeared inside the brass-edged doors.
If I buy anything there I’ll be skint, but it won’t stop me looking, she decided. She walked all around the fashionable part of town and then meandered down to where the streets became narrow, winding and cluttered. Here she came across a large general store. A cheery bell rang as each customer made their entry. A middle-aged woman directed Peggy to the clothing area. There was rail after rail of dresses and neat piles of folded blouses and aprons. A long drawer-unit held displays of stockings and warm vests and such things. Peggy looked over the rail of coats. They were mostly black or dark green or a deep burgundy. They felt and looked warm. She shuddered when she saw the price tag and decided to purchase a warm pair of woollen stockings instead. Then she was lured into buying a small jar of honeysuckle-scented handcream, which promised to ‘banish dry chafed skin’. That was enough for one day.
Back outside she asked a red-faced man for directions and started to walk briskly towards Number 49, Empire Hill. As she climbed up the hill she passed a corner building. The windows were covered in portraits of women, men and children. They were not paintings, and they looked so real! They were sepia-coloured mostly, though some had been tinted with colours. There was a notice on the window: ‘The perfect gift to send home – a treasure for loved ones to keep. One sitting and a guaranteed print. Walk inside to our daguerreotype studio.’
Peggy looked at the pictures and noted the address for another time. Today she had other fish to fry. Quickly She traced her way to Number 49 and rang the bell. Nancy opened the door.
‘Hello, Nancy. I’m looking for Sarah. Is she still here? I’m sorry I haven’t time to chat,’ said Peggy breathlessly.
Nancy shook her head. ‘Sarah Connolly left about ten days ago. She’s lodging with her brothers in rooms at the back of Russell Street and is still working in Goldman’s shirt factory.’
‘I’ve missed her, then. I have to get a lift back at six o’clock.’ Peggy was very disappointed.
‘Well, wait now – you can run down the street and catch her as she gets out of Goldman’s. She should be finishing her shift in a few minutes.’
Promising to visit again when she had the chance, Peggy took to her heels, wrapping her shawl tightly around her. She was back down the hill and across the two streets in no time, then she saw the tall ugly building that she knew was Goldman’s.
After ten minutes’ waiting she was rewarded by a glimpse of Sarah Connolly stepping through the heavy rust-coloured doors. Sarah spotted Peggy and ran straight to her.
‘Oh, Peggy, I’ve missed you,’ she said.
‘Sarah, I’ve so much to tell you. But how are things going for you?’
‘We have rooms two blocks away and I’ve been put to doing button work at Goldman’s.’
They were both so delighted to see each other that they could hardly stop talking and neither could get a word in edgeways. Peggy held on to Sarah’s arm as they walked through Russell Street towards the large ramshackle building and up to the third floor where Sarah’s new home was.
They had two bedrooms and a small living and cooking area. A row of shirts and long-johns hung from a rope across the long window. Straight away Sarah began to refuel the simple stove and then lifted a pot of thick soup on to cook. Peggy realised her friend was all done in. Her face was pale, with deep purple shadows under her eyes, her hands were zig-zagged with cuts and looked sore and stiff. The nails were broken and chipped, and blackened and darkened from the button work. After a hard day’s work at the factory which started at seven o’clock in the morning, Sarah then had to turn around and cook and clean for herself and her two brothers, John and James.
‘When the boys get better jobs and have learnt a bit about the building trade we’ll be able to afford a nicer place,’ Sarah assured Peggy.
Peggy refused anything to eat, but managed to swallow a quick cup of tea.
‘I have to go, Sarah, but maybe if I get my Sunday off in a few weeks we’ll see each other then.’
The other girl looked so lost and lonely that Peggy didn’t know what to do. On an impulse she reached into the large pocket of her dress. She pulled out the jar of honeysuckle handcream, still in its wrapper.
‘I nearly forgot, I bought you a little present.’
Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes as Peggy clambered down the stairs two at a time, and ran to get her lift. Peggy’s heart felt heavy and she was silent as the horse clip-clopped its way back to Rushton.
CHAPTER 19
The Missing Ring
THE FOLLOWING WEEK PEGGY was working in the music room.
‘Peggy, you’re to pay special attention to washing the floor and polishing the woodwork,’ Mrs Madden ordered.
‘I’ll get some fresh water, Mrs Madden, and do it straight away,’ Peggy said.
‘Apparently the dust and dirt has an effect on the piano, so make sure it’s spotless.’ The housekeeper went off upstairs to check Kitty’s work.
The music room was beautiful. Peggy let the cloth-covered mop glide over the maplewood floor. She’d polish it up when it dried.
The piano and music stand were the centrepiece of the room. Two or three spindly chairs were placed around the walls, which were lined with crowded bookshelves. Often Peggy would stop and gaze at the inscribed leather-bound covers, longing to read what was inside.
She had to kneel and almost crawl down on the floor to reach the wood under the curved window seat. When she put in the wet cloth there certainly was plenty of dust. She was just about to squeeze out the cloth when she noticed a glint of silver. It was a ring designed in a pattern of entwined snakes. She lifted it up. She didn’t like it much and shoved it in her pocket to give to Mrs Madden.
She longed to lift the lid and run her fingers on the ivory keys of the piano, but resisted the temptation. Once she finished the music room, she went back to the scullery to empty the bucket.
Kitty ran in.
‘Mrs Madden wants you, Peggy, straight away in her office!’
Peggy dried her hands, ran upstairs and knocked on the housekeeper’s door.
Roxanne was standing in the corner of the room, pretending to look out at the yard.
‘Yes, Mrs Madden?’
‘Did you just clean the music room, Peggy?’
‘Yes Ma’am, I did as you asked,’ she answered.
‘Did you touch the piano?’
A blush of colour suffused Peggy’s face. Roxanne was looking at her.
‘No, Mrs Madden, I didn’t touch it.’ God, maybe it was broken and they were trying to blame her.
‘Are you sure?’
Peggy nodded, trying to appear calm.
‘She’s a liar,’ Roxanne declared fiercely. ‘A liar and a thief.’
Suddenly it dawned on Peggy what this was all about – that old snake ring she had found in the corner under the window seat.
‘I left my good ring on top of the piano when I was practising. She’s stolen it.’
Peggy reached into her pocket to get the ring and put it on the desk and explain where she found it. It was gone!
‘Mrs Madden, I demand you search her. We don’t want a thief at Rushton.’
‘I’m sorry, Peggy. Have you anything to say?’
Peggy didn’t know what to do. How could she tell the truth if she couldn’t produce the ring? Then she’d be in real trouble.
Mrs Madden emptied out Peggy’s apron pockets and the pockets of her uniform. She then made her open the buttons on her sleeves.
‘You must be mistaken, Miss Roxanne,’ the housekeeper said, trying to soothe the girl.
‘Search wherever she’s been and her room. She could have hidden it there!’
Kitty was called in and sent to search the scullery. Mrs O’Connor had to sit in the office with Peggy while the housekeeper searched her bedroom. Miss Roxanne followed her up to the attic stairs.
Peggy
felt numb. The ring had not been on top of the piano. If it was she would not have touched it. Mrs Rowan was always leaving pairs of fine earrings all over the house – in the dining-room or the drawing-room or the bathroom. They were never touched. But the snake ring had been in the most out-of-the-way place. It could never have got there by accident.
Mrs O’Connor said nothing to Peggy.
‘I didn’t steal it!’ pleaded Peggy.
The cook was embarrassed and fidgeted with her apron. She would not meet Peggy’s eyes. Kitty came back, and stood leaning against the wall, pretending to stare out of the window. Twenty minutes later Mrs Rowan came down to see what all the fuss was about. She stood outside the door talking to the housekeeper, the cook and Roxanne. The two maids were left on their own.
‘Peggy’s a thief. I know she stole it. Get rid of her, Mother,’ they heard Roxanne shout.
‘Kitty,’ whispered Peggy. ‘Kitty!’
The other girl did not turn towards her.
‘You’ve got to help me. Please, Kitty, search and see if you can find the ring.’
Kitty refused to answer.
Peggy felt like screaming at her or even hitting her. ‘I didn’t steal it, I swear!’ She kept her voice low. ‘Kitty, we’re friends – please!’
Kitty swung around. Her face had the look of a hunted animal. ‘Stop it, Peggy. I don’t want any trouble. I’ve had enough trouble already, so just leave me alone,’ she hissed.
Peggy’s heart sank. She realised Kitty was weak and afraid and wouldn’t stand up for her. Just then the others filed back in to accuse Peggy again.
Roxanne ranted and raved.
‘Thief … Peggy is a thief … I know she stole it. Get rid of her, Mother.’
Mrs Rowan looked flustered and upset.
‘Roxanne, dear, calm down. We have no proof that Peggy took your ring. I suggest we let the matter lie and see if it turns up. Now, everyone, back to work.’
Mrs Rowan disappeared back upstairs with Roxanne.
But the damage had been done. It was clear that the others were not sure if Peggy had stolen the ring or not. Kitty avoided her for the rest of the day. Mrs Madden and Mrs O’Connor were cool towards her, speaking to her only to tell her what to do. By dinnertime they were ignoring her. Peggy felt shaky and near to tears. No one would believe her!
Kitty went off to bed early and did not offer to help with the washing up. There was a mountain of it to do – plates and dishes and all the pots and pans and roasting tins.
‘They’re all to be done tonight, Peggy,’ ordered Mrs O’Connor as she left the kitchen and disappeared up to her room.
The tears Peggy had bottled up since that afternoon slid down her face. It isn’t fair, she thought. Why don’t they believe me? They’ve no proof I took it.
She wondered would she be dismissed for stealing. How would she ever get another job then? This time there could be no going back to Number 49. Peggy rolled up her sleeves.
The scullery was freezing but after an hour or so sweat dripped off her. Her hands were raw and her eyes stung. By the time she had finished it was one o’clock in the morning by the kitchen clock.
She tiptoed up the back stairs. She was exhausted and miserable. Kitty had turned on her side, facing away from her.
Peggy fell into bed in her uniform. She would have to get dressed in a few hours anyway. At least she would be ready to face the morning.
CHAPTER 20
Maids of All Work
THE NEXT MORNING PEGGY FELT totally drained and worn out. Kitty lay hunched and asleep in the other bed.
Sleep in, you weasel, see if I care! thought Peggy. She crept out of the room and busied herself downstairs. There was no sign of the other maid appearing.
Peggy could tell Mrs O’Connor was trying to avoid talking to her, but in the end she was forced to ask where Kitty was.
‘If she’s still asleep go up and wake her immediately, or the breakfasts will be late,’ ordered the cook.
Peggy raced up the back stairs two at a time and pushed in the bedroom door.
‘Kitty, are you awake yet?’ Peggy looked across at Kitty. Her face was a greyish white and her breathing was shallow and rasping.
‘Kitty, Kitty, are you feeling all right?’
‘Peggy, get someone!’ Kitty murmured softly.
Peggy felt scared. ‘Don’t worry, Kitty, I’ll go down and get Mrs Madden.’ Needles of guilt pricked her.
The other girl nodded. She could barely speak.
The housekeeper came to her door in a large white nightdress and frilly nightcap. Peggy spoke so fast that Mrs Madden couldn’t get the gist of it.
‘Calm down, Peggy! What in heaven’s name is it?’
‘It’s Kitty, she’s really sick! You have to come. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.’
The housekeeper saw it was urgent and followed her back up to the attic room. She pushed Peggy aside and knelt down at Kitty’s bed. She felt her forehead, then lifted her wrist and held it for a minute.
‘Peggy, go down to the landing and fetch up two blankets for her. She’s freezing. Get two spare pillows as well and we’ll see if we can raise her up to get her to breathe more easily.’
Peggy was back in an instant, and the housekeeper issued further instructions.
‘Tell Mrs O’Connor we want one of her special honey and lemon drinks, and you’re to bring it straight up to Kitty before you make a start on the breakfast.’
Down in the kitchen Mrs O’Connor was still unforgiving. She made the drink and passed it in silence to Peggy.
‘Don’t dare dilly dally, Peggy, as you’ll have to serve the breakfast.’
A few minutes later, Peggy was shaking with nervousness as she carried the heavy silver tray upstairs.
There were only two for breakfast, the Master and young Simon. The Master was engrossed, reading over some document, and Simon was busy making patterns with his scrambled egg.
The ladies did not ring for their breakfast until mid-morning and had it served on trays in their bedrooms. Peggy kept her eyes down and did not look either of them in the face. Neither seemed to notice that she had replaced Kitty.
Over the next few hours Peggy learned the difference between an upstairs and a downstairs maid.
‘A maid of all work, that’s what I am now!’ she moaned, running to answer the bell yet again. Being upstairs gave her a chance every hour or so to pop up the extra flights of stairs to check on Kitty. She wasn’t much better and barely touched the chicken broth and fresh bread Peggy had brought her for lunch. Peggy carried the tray back down to the kitchen.
That night Peggy fell into bed. Kitty had rolled over on her side to sleep.
‘Are you any better, Kitty?’
The other girl didn’t seem to have the energy to answer. Peggy felt sorry for Kitty, and decided that it was no use being angry with her anymore. She lay still in her own bed, looking at the wooden beams of the ceiling. A tiny spider was working away on a web. The draught kept blowing through the wood and knocking her off her perch. Undefeated, she’d jiggle back up her swinging life-line and begin again.
Not one person had had a kind word for Peggy all day. She closed her eyes. There’s no point in feeling sorry for yourself, she thought. Tomorrow’s another day.
The next day Mrs Madden requested that the Mistress call in the doctor for Kitty. He arrived mid-morning and Peggy was told to stay downstairs as Mrs Madden led him up to the attic bedroom.
Peggy paced up and down. Now she was very anxious about her friend. It wasn’t until lunchtime, when she was sitting eating some leftover vegetable pie, that the housekeeper sat down beside her.
‘Peggy, I know you’re worried about Kitty. We all are. She has developed some type of infection in her chest which is affecting her lungs. She’s very weak and will probably start to run a fever. The doctor has left a prescription which I’ll get filled this afternoon. She’s also to have plenty of fluids and be kept warm. She needs a hot flannel w
ith turpentine poured on it placed on her chest to help her breathe – you can bring it up to her in a few minutes. She will need plenty of rest and someone to keep a good eye on her …’ Mrs Madden trailed off.
‘I’ll do it! All I care is that she gets better,’ declared Peggy.
‘Good girl, I knew I could rely on you.’
* * *
Roxanne still pestered Mrs Madden.
‘That girl should be dismissed,’ she demanded, pointing her finger at Peggy.
‘You have most likely mislaid the ring, Miss Roxanne,’ suggested Mrs Madden.
‘Mislaid it! I certainly did not mislay it! I put it where she’d find it because I knew she’d keep it …’ Roxanne stopped, realising she had said too much.
Mrs Madden was shocked.
‘That maid Peggy O’Driscoll is a troublemaker,’ said Roxanne defiantly, ‘and is not fit to work here.’
Mrs Madden stood up. ‘There’s no proof that Peggy did anything wrong, Miss Roxanne.’
Roxanne stormed out to the garden.
Mrs Madden went down to the kitchen where she and Mrs O’Connor had a heart-to-heart. Then they called Peggy in.
‘Roxanne set you up, Peggy,’ said Mrs Madden. ‘It happens sometimes!’
‘Did you see or touch the ring, Peggy?’ asked the cook.
Peggy could only tell the truth. ‘I found it in my duster all covered in dust from under the window seat. It was a nasty-looking thing so I stuck it in my pocket to give you, Mrs Madden.’
‘Why didn’t you say so, you silly girl,’ groaned the housekeeper.
‘But it was gone – it must have got lost. I put it in this pocket,’ and she pulled out the pocket to show them.
Right where the seams joined a tiny split had opened. ‘I forgot to sew it,’ wailed Peggy, ‘and the ring must have fallen out somewhere when I was cleaning.’
Wildflower Girl (Children of the Famine) Page 10
