Diamonds in the Dust by Beryl Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

soon find out.’ Dora placed a hand over her heart as if the action would stop it racing. ‘He’ll be round as soon as Stan’s told him.’
    ‘No doubt.’ Tom glanced at the clock. ‘You’d better hurry, Dora, or you’ll be late. I’ll get Lily up and take her to school. Can I have some money to get something for tea?’
    Dora counted out two shillings. ‘Get some bread and perhaps a few biscuits as a treat for Lily.’
    ‘I’ll get the broken ones. They’re cheaper, and Lily won’t mind.’ Tom pocketed the money.
    ‘If you both want to stay at home today, I’ll write notes for you and drop them in on my way to work.’
    ‘No!’ Tom was emphatic. ‘It’s better if we carry on as usual. I don’t want to miss any lessons. You know how important Mum said our schooling was. So off you go.’
    ‘Oh Tom, you’re so sensible in a crisis.’ Dora could have hugged her brother, but he’d never been one to showhis feelings – except with Lily. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
    He shrugged. ‘We’ve got to help each other as much as we can. I can’t let you take on the whole burden. Mum lied to us, Dora, and she was the one who always told us to be honest. I just don’t understand it. Goodness knows what’s going to come to light. But whatever happens, we’ve got to look after each other.’
    Dora agreed with every word Tom said, and felt so ill she wondered how she was going to get through the day. What she wanted to do was go with Stan, but that was out of the question. They were relying on her money now, so she must just grit her teeth and get on with it.
    When Dora arrived at the house she found everyone in a high state of excitement. Trunks, cases and boxes were being dragged up from the cellar, and every member of the staff was rushing around.
    ‘What’s going on, Cook?’ Dora asked.
    ‘We’re moving to Scotland.’
    ‘How long for?’
    ‘For good. The master’s inherited a place up there. A castle, I’m told.’ With a disapproving snort, the cook carried on rolling out pastry for the meat pie she was making for lunch. ‘Bound to be cold with terrible draughts – and what’s the rush, I ask?’
    Dora was so stunned by the news that her feet wouldn’t move. The nightmare she was living had just got worse.
    ‘Good, you’re here.’ Mrs Marsden, the housekeeper, bustled into the kitchen. ‘You’ve heard the news, Dora?’
    She nodded, speechless.
    ‘You’re a good, reliable worker,’ the housekeeper continued, ‘and the mistress said there’s a permanent place on the staff for you at the new residence. This house will be closed in a week’s time.’
    The room swayed and Dora held on to the table for support. Oh, dear God, she prayed silently, not this as well. Her world was collapsing around her and turning to dust.
    ‘What is your answer?’ Mrs Marsden was obviously irritated when Dora didn’t speak.
    After taking a deep breath to clear her head, Dora struggled to maintain her dignity. Another thing their mother had always impressed upon them was that they must never make a scene in public. ‘That’s very kind of the mistress, but I won’t be able to leave my family.’
    ‘That’s a great pity. I shall be sorry to lose you, but you’ll be given an excellent reference.’
    ‘Thank you,’ was all Dora could manage to say. Memories of the many interviews she’d had to go through before she had been given this job were still vivid in her mind. Most households wanted a maid who lived in, and that was something she couldn’t do.
    The rest of the day was a blur of activity. It was no small task to move such a large house, and by the time Dora reached home she was exhausted. But even worse, there was a feeling of hopelessness. What were they going to do if she couldn’t get another job quickly?
    ‘You look like you’ve had a rough day,’ Tom remarked, studying his big sister with concern.
    Dora hugged Lily. ‘How are you, sweetie?’
    ‘All right,’