Authors: Sylvia Burton
‘Edward do ‘hush’ dear or you will make yourself ill’. She turned to James who entered silently, his face a picture of misery.
‘What is all this James? Surely it can’t be right?’
‘I’m not afraid to say it’s true. I am in love with Ellie, Mother, Victoria’s maid. She is to have my child’.
‘Oh James’, his mother sat down, heavily, ‘what on earth made you do such a thing’.
‘Oh what’s the use? You would never understand’.
Victoria and Richard entered the room and were informed, by Louise, of the ‘terrible state of affairs’.
Victoria was the first to speak. ‘Well I, for one, think it’s a lot of fuss about nothing. If James marries Ellie, then I would say, he’s a very lucky man, and as she is ‘with child’ he should, in all conscience, do just that’.
Richard commented briefly, ‘I agree with
Victoria. James should meet his responsibilities’.
Edward
interrupted his voice, cutting, ‘have you gone out of your minds? She’s a scullery maid, for God sake. She cannot possibly marry into this family. We will be the laughing stock of the district’.
‘But Ellie is different Father’, said James, desperate for his father's approval, ‘and she’s no longer a scullery maid’.
‘Yes James?’ he spat, ‘in what way is she different? I suppose you are going to tell me that she is not interested in your money or position? That she is a simple girl who just happened to fall in love with the Master’s son? Get a grip of the truth son; she is nothing but a fortune hunter and a social climber. You would be laughed at for your folly’.
Richard saw red at his father’s words.
‘Ellie is not any of these things. She is a good, honest girl who has been unfortunate to fall for a man of little spirit’, he said. Then turning to his brother he shouted, ‘tell him James. For God’s sake man, defend her’.
James hung his head, ‘he won’t listen to me. What’s the use?'
‘What indeed?’ said Edward, ‘she is a common girl and not exactly our type so, you had better get the whole thing out of your mind because I will not allow you to do otherwise. If you think you will go ahead, anyway, you will not get a penny from me’.
James said nothing.
Victoria, with tears spilling from her eyes, cried, ‘Father, you make me ashamed. Ellie is not like other maids. She has the manners and demeanour of a well brought up girl. She would fit in very well; really Father’.
‘
Victoria, you talk rot. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear and I will not allow her to bring my family down’.
But the child she is carrying is your grandchild. A Courtney. Doesn’t that mean anything to you Father?’
‘I won’t listen to any more. I am going to my study and want to hear no more on the subject. The girl goes’.
Louise took, the now sobbing,
Victoria out of the room, leaving the two brothers alone.
Richard turned on his brother, ‘what a spineless cad you turned out to be. How could you let him speak that way about Ellie? You’re supposed to love her’.
‘I tried Richard. I really did but he wouldn’t listen to me. I don’t know what to do. God, how did I get myself into this mess?’
‘By taking advantage of an innocent girl
, that’s how’.
James did not say that Ellie was not the innocent girl Richard thought her to be. He said nothing for he felt defeated by everything his father had said. He was a coward, in the face of his father’s wrath.
Richard was furious with James and made no secret of the fact.
‘I’m going for dinner in the dining room. If you want to eat, though God knows why you would, eat somewhere else for I cannot abide your company a moment longer’. With this, he loudly made his exit.
Ellie was summoned to Miss Maud’s sitting room and dismissed. The housekeeper disliked the maid and found no difficulty in the duty she had to perform. However, she had to admire the girls composure as Ellie thanked her for her employment over the last few years and said she would pack her belongings and be gone within the hour.
Kate was very upset at the events of the day and had clung to Ellie with the, futile, hope that somehow she would say it was all a joke and she was not going away, after all.
‘But what will you do Ellie? Where will you go?’
‘I will find somewhere and let you know as soon as I am settled. Please don't worry about me, I’ll be fine’.
‘Is there no hope that the father will marry you?’
‘No Kate. He knows nothing of the baby and I will not approach him’.
‘Ellie, I know it’s none of my business but tell me,
is
it James?’
‘James is a good friend to me and tried to help. But no, he’s not the father’.
‘Then who Ellie?’
‘That I cannot tell you Kate, as much as I love you’.
Kate was hurt that Ellie could not confide in her and would never understand how it had been possible for her friend to have a young man and she not know about him. She hardly ever went out of the house.
Kate’s heart ached as she watched Ellie neatly fold her working uniform, and place it carefully on her stripped bed. Her nice warm cape was replaced with her mother’s old shawl, but she still wore her good, black leather shoes, which William had given her, years ago.
Ellie said her goodbyes to cook and William, who were shocked and saddened by her leaving. Rose kissed her tearfully and said, ‘look after yourself Ellie and if you ever need anything let us know’.
‘I will Missus Blunt, and thank you for your
kindnesses, she turned towards William and added, ‘you have both been good to me. I’ll be in touch’.
William held out his hand and Ellie reached out to take it.
‘We will miss you Ellie. Please keep us informed of your well-being’.
‘I will William’, she said.
As she removed her hand she saw that he had left a five-pound note in her own.
‘Thank you William, I appreciate the gesture but I have a little money of my own’.
‘Take it Ellie. You may need it’.
She accepted the money and hurried out of the door; afraid she would break down and be unable to carry on.
James was standing by the drawing room window and watched as Ellie walked down the garden path, her shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She walked through the gates and out of his life. He did nothing to stop her and hated himself for his weakness.
He stood there for a long time, seeing nothing outside but the reflection of his own image. He turned when he heard the door open and saw his brother standing there.
‘James, I’ve been thinking. We two could help Ellie. We could find her somewhere to live with her child and that way we can ensure that they are well cared for. After all you want to be sure that the child is well nourished, don’t you? Father need never know anything about it. What do you say?’
‘She’s gone Richard’.
Richard could not believe what he was hearing.
Ellie gone so soon?
‘But James, she had nowhere to go. How could you let her go?’
James did not answer. It was as if he was in a trance. Richard could not contain himself and grabbed James by the collar of his suit, his face a distorted mask of hate.
‘You bastard, h
ow could you do this to her? She deserves better than a snivelling boy like you. Why didn’t you stand up to Father and act like a man? You could have had it all, you fool’.
James lowered his head. Everything his brother said was true.
He was not worthy of Ellie and he wished with all his heart that he were dead.
Richard let loose his grip and made as if to throw James from him. ‘You’re not worth my anger’, he said and made for the door. ‘But let me warn you James, I will find her, if it should take forever, and I will care for her as my own. Nothing will stop me, not even father. You see James, I love Ellie and I was a fool not to
recognise it sooner. If anything should happen to her because of your cowardice, then I promise you brother, I will kill you’.
He turned to go and there, standing in the doorway, was his mother. She stared at him in shock, ‘Richard? What are you saying?’
He did not answer but swept passed her. The door to the drawing room banged, almost shaking the foundations.
James stood there with tears of sorrow streaming down his face. He spoke quietly to himself in the darkened room.
‘I’m so sorry Ellie. Please forgive me’.
At that moment, there was a flash of lightening, as if God himself had answered him.
Chapter Twenty One
Aunt Dora listened to Ellie as she told her everything. Everything, except the name of the man responsible for her condition.
Dora was shocked that things had turned out this way, ‘I don’
t know what you poor mother would think, God rest her soul, I don’t really’.
‘I’
m so sorry Aunt Dora, for letting you down like this. But there is nothing I can do about it now, is there?’ she said quietly, her eyes downcast.
‘You’ve not let me down lass. It’s yourself you’ve let down’, she said, ‘but I suppose something could be done, but it wouldn’t be very pleasant and I don’t know that
you could live with it on you mind’.
Aunt Dora hesitated, feeling sure she already knew Ellie’s answer. Nevertheless, she went on, ‘would
you think of having it taken away? You’re nor but a few weeks are you?’ praying that God would forgive her.
‘No Aunt Dora, I would never even consider it. This is my doing, my ch
ild, and no matter what happens its life will not be sacrificed to save my face’.
‘Well maybe it wasn’t such a good idea but it will be hard for
you Ellie, whatever you decide to do, you know that, don’t you? It’s a harsh world and people will look down on you for what you’ve done’.
‘I know all that Aunt Dora, but som
ehow I’ll get through it, and I will bring up my child the best way I know how. I can find some kind of work until the child is born, but just now, I need somewhere to live’.
‘Well Ellie,
you know I would help you if I could, but with having the boys here, we have no more room’.
She hesitated, before going on, ‘and I may as well be honest lass, your Uncle Albert wouldn’t have it.
You living here, I mean, not the way you are. You have to understand Ellie that Albert was brought up strict and can’t abide things like this’.
‘I do understand and I know I cannot stay here with you. I did wonder though, if you knew of any house for rent, or indeed, a single room to let? I have a little money which will suffice until I can find work’.
‘Eh! lass, I don't think I do, you know what it's like? Them who got you old house, in Canal Street, moved in the very day you took you mother’s furniture out’.
‘Well, I must find something, and before today is over, otherwise I will have nowhere to sleep’.
Dora suggested, ‘look lass, lets get us a bit of dinner, and then we can think clear. I’ve got a piece of mutton an a few vegetables. We can have that. The lads and Albert can have a bit of last night’s stew when they get home, it won’t do them any harm to make do for one night’.
Ellie made a move to help but Aunt Dora protested, ‘nay lass,
you sit yourself down and have a rest. You’ll soon have plenty to do when you leave here so make the best of it while you can’.
Ellie sank back down into the comfort of the armchair. Her mind went over the day’s traumatic events, and the sadness she felt at her leaving the Courtney Residence.
She felt no animosity towards James; he had just not been strong enough to stand up against his family. Perhaps it was just as well for she could never be to him, what her heart would not allow.
Her thoughts turned to Richard.
Richard, of the arrogant taunts. Richard, the protector of young maids. Richard, the reveler, drinking himself into oblivion. Richard, the love she must now put behind her.
She pictured him, as he lay bes
ide her on that, fateful, night, his soft lips touching her eyelids, her neck and, finally, her breasts. She could still feel the rapid beat of his heart, as it vibrated through her body.
‘Come on love, come and eat’.
Ellie started, as Aunt Dora burst into her daydreams, ‘oh, yes, thank you Aunt Dora’, she said and followed her into the small, neat scullery.
They ate their meal, talking occasionally, and Ellie had to admit, she felt much better for the food. She had eaten breakfast, but it seemed so very long ago. She had not realised how hungry she was.
Ellie knew she had to go, before the boys came home from school, she didn’t want them to be upset by her dismissal.
‘Please don’t tell the boys about this, not just yet. When I get settled, I will come to see them and explain about everything. It will be better that way’.
Aunt Dora agreed and with tears in her eyes, gave Ellie a hug. ‘I’ve got a bit of money spare and you welcome to it Ellie’.
‘Thank you, but no. I have enou
gh for the moment. Don’t worry I won’t let this finish me off’. She smiled. ‘You know me Aunt Dora, I’m as strong as an Ox and twice as stubborn. I’ll be all right’.
They waved to each other, as Ellie walked down the street, Dora dabbing at her eyes with her large spotted handkerchief.
What is to become of the poor girl? She thought.
‘May God help her’, she said as she went in and closed the door
behind her.
Ellie walked from Beeston, in the direction of the Dewsbury Road, where she thought there might be one or two rooming houses.
She shivered as she passed by the workhouse, which looked dark and foreboding. She said a
prayer as she passed the high, iron gates, and avoided looking into the grounds. She knew she must find somewhere tonight, but if she was not successful, she vowed she would not step one foot inside those gates.
She found several rooming houses, but all were full. She was tired and weary, the further she went the heavier her small bag seemed to be. She stopped to catch her breath, by the side of the dusty road, when someone yelled, ‘is that you Ellie?’
Ellie turned to see who had called her name and was pleased to see Bet, of the ‘dirty hands’, waving to her from across the road. She walked across and greeted her ‘dubious’ friend.
‘Hello Bet, how are you? What are you doing around here?’
Bet took one look at Ellie and said, ‘never mind about me lass, what’s up with you? You look all in’.
Ellie put d
own her valise, ‘I must say Bet I
am
very tired. I am looking for a room, to put me up for a while, until I can find a house to rent. I don’t suppose you know of one do you?’
Bet asked for no explanations, but replied, ‘well, yes I do. For a start
you can stay with me’.
‘But Bet, I can’t allow you ..........’
‘No, I want no arguments about it. You can think of houses when you’ve had a good night’s rest’.
With that, she picked up Ellie’s bag, took her by the hand and led her towards
Hunslet Road.
Ellie was too tired to protest, and to be honest, she cared little as to where she spent this night. So long as it wasn’t at the dreaded ‘workhouse’.
After a cup of hot cocoa, served in a large, cracked mug, Ellie watched as Bet’s children played marbles on the flagged floor. She wondered at their cheerfulness, for they had little in life to be happy about.
There were four of them still living at home. The rest had left, for one reason, or another. It seemed that two older girls, were married, both having wed as soon as they were old enough. A boy of sixteen had left home, without a word to anyone, and had not been heard of since. The four children playing in the house were three girls, between the ages of eight and twelve and a boy of about four years old.
‘It’s a hard life with six kids to look after. Course its easier now with only three. The little lad, there, is not mine. I’m looking after him for a neighbour. You can think yourself lucky you haven’t got none’, was Bet’s next statement.
‘I was under the impression you had seven children Bet’
‘Aye well, I sometimes forget that I haven’t got little George no more. You see, he was taken from me a year ago. Nice little fella, he was; eleven years old and not a bit a trouble’.
‘I didn’t know Bet, I’m sorry’.
‘Nay lass, don’t be sorry, it’s them that owns the sweatshop that should be sorry because it were them as killed him’.
Ellie could
sympathise with Bet. Dirty, she may be, but she had a good heart, and looking around the dilapidated bits of furniture, she thought that she, too, would not have the inclination to clean, in a place like this.
She felt the weight of the long day, upon her and Bet, quick to notice, said, ‘
you can get yourself off to bed if you like. I have to put you with Queenie, she’ll show you where to go’. She indicated the eldest of the girls, who got up from the floor and took hold of her valise.
‘I’ll take it up for
you, Miss’, she said with a broad smile, showing surprisingly white teeth.
‘Why thank you Queenie, that’s very kind of you’.
They climbed up narrow stairs, which curved around the bend, much the same as Maggie’s old house. Queenie led her into a small bedroom. There were no curtains at the dusty window and the bed was little more that a narrow cot and, although it looked uninviting, Ellie was very grateful for the use of it.
Queenie spoke to Ellie now, in a hushed voice, ‘
Mam’s put a blanket on the bed, because you’re a lady. She said I was to say nothing about it, but I thought you would want to know’.
Ellie smiled and remembered her own, revered thoughts, on ‘blankets’. It was good that she could still remember for she would, in the near future, know such hardships again.
As the girl made for the door, she said, ‘don’t worry about leaving room for me, I’ll squeeze in with you somehow’, and off she thundered down the stairs.
Ellie undressed in the semi darkness and slipped into the bed. She was conscious of the lumpy palliasse, but managed to shuffle into a groove of comfort. Within minutes she was oblivious to her surroundings and the lumpy bed beneath her.
Ellie remained undisturbed, when Queenie slipped into bed beside her, some two hours later. She gently put her arm around Ellie, mostly to keep from falling out of the narrow bed.
Queenie, in the light now drifting in from the gas lamp outside, gazed at her unexpected ‘bed mate’, and was overwhelmed with admiration.
She thought,
Mam’s right. She’s a lady all right, cause look how clean she is. I bet she has a bath every week’.
She continued to stare at Ellie’s face until her eyelids drooped and she fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Ellie awoke to Bet, shaking her roughly.
‘Ellie, get up lass. There’s a house for rent across the canal, and they tell me it’s only three shillings a week. I’ve made you a pot a tea’.
‘I’ll come down now Bet’, she whispered, trying to clear the sleep from her eyes.
‘And thank you’, she called after her.
She untangled herself from the arms of Queenie, who was still sleeping, and quietly got out of bed. She dressed as quickly as she could, in the same clothes she had worn yesterday.
She had been too tired to take notice of anything, the night before, so now, looked around for a bowl, or a water jug. It was obvious that there were no toilet facilities, at all.
Before she went downstairs, she glanced at the sleeping Queenie. Her young face was as black as a pit worker’s, and Ellie wanted to cry for her. She wondered what kind of a life the girl could expect, but Ellie knew that there were lots of young people who would never get beyond their own districts, and not many of them would ever think of trying. It was all they knew.
She shook her head, in despair. It was a fact of life that there were the rich in their fine houses, and the poor in their overcrowded conditions, and the distance between the two seemed to grow with every year. Bet had, probably, not even noticed that Queenie’s face was dirty.
Ellie made her way down the stairs, to face the grimy mug, which contained her tea.
Half an hour later Ellie was on her way to see the house. It turned out that it was almost on the waterfront of the canal. She was shocked at the state of it. The rented property was situated up a dark passage and she could smell the overflowing ‘water closet’ as she approached the
yard. She held her handkerchief to her face as she proceeded, already wondering if she could possibly live in a place like this.
Ellie turned the large key, in the lock, and after pushing with all her strength, managed to open the door.
This led into a small room with a stone sink in one corner, badly in need of repair. There was a rusty old fire grate, on top of which, was a narrow metal shelf. Ashes over-spilled onto the small enameled hearth and over much of the flagged floor.
‘So much for the ‘most important piece of furniture in the house’, said Ellie, sadly.
She examined the flags. They were broken and dirty, with pools of stagnant water seeping through from below. She went up the dark stairs to find one room in much the same state as the one below.
She rested her head on her arm and leaned against the green ‘distempered’ wall. She would be a fool to take it, but if she could not find anywhere decent, she would have no alternative.