The Workhouse Girl by Dilly Court Read Free Book Online Page A

hard work, but she soon realised that Dorcas as the only housemaid in the establishment had duties that kept her fully occupied. There was the back-breaking task of carrying coal up several flights of stairs, not to mention the pitchers of hot water needed to fill the washbowl in the master bedroom. The chamber pots had to be emptied before the night soil collector called to take away the stinking human waste, and the potties had to be washed and dried before being replaced beneath the beds.
    â€˜We must feed you both up,’ Cook said, filling Sarah’s bowl with porridge when it was time to stop for breakfast. ‘You and young Nettie are like a pair of skinned rabbits. You need more meat on your bones.’
    It was hardly a flattering description, but Sarah took it meekly, although Nettie scowled as she spooned food into her mouth. ‘I can work as hard as the rest of you,’ she said sulkily. ‘But I ain’t going to be a housemaid all me life. I’ll tell you that for nothing, missis.’
    â€˜You address me as Cook, or Mrs Burgess, and I don’t want any of your lip, Nettie. It’s up to the mistress if she chooses to employ you on a permanent basis, so if I was you I’d keep my mouth shut and only speak when spoken to. We’re not interested in what you want or don’t want. We all have work to do.’
    Nettie subsided into silence and quickly mopped up a second bowl of porridge.
    Dorcas came clattering down the stairs. ‘The mistress wants to see you in the front parlour, Sarah.’
    Sarah jumped to her feet and Nettie half rose but Dorcas shook her head. ‘Not you, Nettie. Just the young ’un.’
    â€˜Have I done something wrong?’ Sarah asked nervously. ‘I done everything you told me to, Dorcas.’
    â€˜It’s no use asking me. I don’t know what she wants.’ Dorcas took her seat at the table. ‘My corns are killing me. It’s these blooming boots; they’re too small, but I can’t afford a new pair until next quarter when I get paid.’
    â€˜I told you not to waste your money on that new bonnet, girl,’ Cook said, slapping a plateful of porridge on the table in front of Dorcas. ‘You only bought it to impress that young man of yours. You should have been more sensible.’
    â€˜Wally thought it was very pretty and he don’t look at my feet.’ Dorcas stared pointedly at Sarah. ‘Why are you still here? The mistress is waiting for you.’
    Sarah sent a mute plea for help to Nettie, but she shook her head. ‘I can’t hold your hand all the time, nipper. It seems you’re the favourite round here and I’m just the skivvy.’
    â€˜That’s enough of that talk,’ Cook said severely. ‘Perhaps you’d rather go back to the workhouse if you don’t like it here? The master went there to get strong lads to help in the sugar house and all he brought back was two little girls, so watch your tongue, young lady.’
    Nettie subsided into silence, her mouth pulled down at the corners and her jaw clenched. Sarah gave her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder before making her way to the parlour.
    She hesitated outside the door, taking deep breaths as she plucked up the courage to knock. What would she do if Mr Arbuthnot had changed his mind and decided to give her back to Trigg and his wife? The mere thought of it made her feel faint with anxiety. She tapped gently on the oak door panel.
    â€˜Enter.’ Mrs Arbuthnot’s voice sounded friendly enough.
    Sarah peeped into the room, half expecting to see the workhouse master, but to her intense relief Mrs Arbuthnot was seated in a chair by the fire with an embroidery hoop clasped in one hand and a needle threaded with pink silk in the other. She was alone and she looked up, her face breaking into a smile. ‘Come in, Sarah, and close the door.’
    Sarah did as she was told but she hesitated, not