The Windsor Girl (18 page)

Slowly, she went downstairs, dusting the green powder from her shawl, as she went.  She stood on the doorstep, gazing at the brown water of the canal and tried to decide what to do.  In comparison to this, Bet’s house was a palace.

Ellie found her sense of humour.  She laughed at the thought that, anyone in her right mind would consider Bet’s house a palace, in any sense of the word.

Just at that moment, a large rat scuttled over her feet, and disappeared under the step, on which she stood.

She looked up to the heavens, and spoke out loud, ‘oh Mam, I wonder if even
you
would see the funny side of this?’ 

At long last, she cried like a baby.   She cried for her mother, because she missed her so.  She cried for herself because she wanted Richard, and finally, she cried for her unborn baby, because it had no father.

An hour later, she returned the key to the landlord and not caring whether she offended him, she said, ‘what kind of fool do you think I am?  The place is a disgrace and no better than a shelter for animals.  I would not give you sixpence a week for it, let alone three shillings’.

The man stood there with his mouth open, as she added, ‘you are a robber sir’, and walked away, leaving the landlord speechless.

Now I feel better
, she said to herself, walking with a spring in her step.

She hurried, over the cobbles, of
Parson Street, not wanting to talk to the women who where standing around.  She was convinced that they got out of bed, went outside, and did not go back into their houses until it was time to climb back into bed.  It was little wonder that their homes, and children were so dirty.

As she went, she glanced across the cobbles, to admire the one, clean house.  As she did so, the door was opened and Jenny, baby in her arms, said, ‘why Ellie!  What are you doing here?’

Ellie smiled at her and explained, ‘my intentions were to visit you, later today, and tell you of my predicament’.

‘Oh do come in and we can sit awhile with a cup of tea, while you tell me about it’.

Ellie was relieved.  She could now avoid the company of the good, but disastrous Bet, and for now at least, be assured of a clean cup.

She sipped her tea from a delicate, china cup, and relayed the events of the last few days.  She omitted certain details and Jenny did not press her, knowing that if Ellie wanted her to know, she would tell her.

When the story was told, Jenny reassured her friend, ‘I’m sure things will turn out all right, although, it won’t be easy.  We would offer you a bed if it was possible, but no doubt you know that we are badly in need of extra room ourselves’. 

Ellie smiled, sadly, ‘I would have asked you to help me out last evening but, of course, I am aware of your situation.  However, as I have told you, your good neighbour Bet, has kindly offered to put up with me until I find somewhere of my own’.

‘Oh yes, I'm sure it’s very good of her, but the house, Ellie?  It doesn’t seem right for a young lady, such as yourself, to sleep in a dirty bed’.

‘Actually Jenny, Bet made sure that the bed was quite clean.  However, my sleeping partner?  Well, that’s a different story’.

Ellie laughed as she told of her shock at seeing Queenie’s dirty face, early, that morning.  ‘But I’m very grateful to Bet for helping out as she did.  She expects no thanks and considers her kindness normal behaviour.  She would have done the same for a stray dog’.

‘Yes I found her to be a generous sort.  Soon after Sophie was born, I offered my own thanks to her, by way of a cake I had made, and she seemed quite offended.  Nevertheless, she has been very friendly towards us since that time.  My only fear is, that she should ask me over to share a pot of tea, as I presume that her cups are in the same state as her doorstep’.

They both smiled at the thought, but Ellie knew first hand, that what Jenny said was only too true.

Jenny
marvelled at Ellie’s spirit.  The poor girl was in a terrible position, and yet, her beautiful face showed none of the turbulence that would surely leave the strongest of women unable to cope.

‘What are your plans now, Ellie?’ she asked.

‘I will have a bite to eat before I go out again, but I must look for work.  The little money I have will not go very far and I have to find accommodation'.  She shrugged her shoulders, resigned to the fact.

Jenny thought for a minute, then, hesitantly, addressed her friend, ‘I have heard of two jobs, locally, but I don’t think you will consider either to be suitable’.

‘Oh Jenny, please tell me.  Anything is better than nothing, and I don’t mind hard work’.

‘Yes, but in your delicate condition?’

‘Please Jenny?’

‘Well, the first one is at the enamel works, but it’s said that the work is bad for your well-being.  They use some sort of lead in their materials, which can cause lead poisoning, so I think that is out of the question, mainly, because of the child you are carrying’.

‘You’re right Jenny, it’s too dangerous.  I won’t risk my baby’s health at any price.  What about the alternative?’

‘I don’t think you will consider this either.  You may have noticed, on your way here, a public al
e house, by the name of ‘The Traveller’s Inn?’  Well they want a barmaid there.  It’s not as well paid as the enamel works, but it won’t harm your health’.

Ellie said, eagerly, ‘thank you Jenny.  I’ll go to see the proprietor immediately after lunch’.

‘But my dear’, jenny looked worried, ‘the place is overflowing with men; men of no refinement’.  How will you tolerate their cursing and coarse remarks that will, undoubtedly, be directed at you?’

Ellie smiled once more, ‘that is the least of my problems, believe me.  I can deal with it’.

Jenny reached for Ellie’s hand and wished her luck, ‘let me know how it goes, won’t you?’

Ellie said, ‘you will be the first to know, and thank you again Jenny’.

After eating a piece of thick coarse bread, spread with Brawn, which Bet had made out of a pig’s head, she left the house, determined to get the barmaid’s job.

She wore no bonnet, as she had left it with her new clothes at the Residence, and her hair flowed freel
y around her shoulders, looking for all the world, like a halo of gold.  Her dress was of the deepest blue, and buttoned high at the neck, not the type of dress that was most suited to a ale house, but it would have to do for now.

As The
Traveller's Inn came into view, Ellie pinched her cheeks, several times, which enhanced her glowing looks.

The landlord, who had a gut of great size, welcomed her to his abode.

‘Come in lass.  Are you after the barmaid’s job?’

‘Yes, Mister ere...’

‘Call me Albert.  I was called after Queen Victoria’s late husband’.

He gave this information with a certain amount of pride, although any resemblance to the late Prince Consort was lost on Ellie.

Nevertheless she smiled, showing her small perfect teeth, ‘yes Albert, I’m here for the job’.

‘Well now, you seem like a young lady of breeding, and I don’t know as I can see you as a barmaid.  Have you done this kind of work before?’

‘No I’m afraid not but I know I can do it.  I need the work, to survive, and you need a barmaid.  I learn quickly Albert, especially, when I have an experienced teacher’.

‘Well, young Miss, you will be certain to bring in the customers, with your bonny face, and no mistake.  When can you start?’

‘Will right now suit you?’

‘Right lass, your on.  What’s your name?  I can’t keep calling you lass, can I?’

Ellie, relieved and happy, laughed, ‘my name is Ellie.  Now, how much do you pay?’

‘I’ll say this much Ellie; you don’t beat about the bush.  It’s ten shilling a week and all the ale you can drink.  How’s that?’

‘That will be fine Albert’, and with that, she took off her shawl and revealed the dark blue dress.

‘Oh
dear!  That dress won’t do, have you got another?’.

‘Not one that’s suitable, but I’ll get one as soon as I get my first wage.  Will that be all right?’

‘I’ll tell you what.  I’ll buy one, and you can call it a bonus’.

He gave Ellie three shillings, ‘nip over to the drapers and tell her I sent you.  She’ll fit you up’.

And so Ellie started her job as barmaid, bottle washer, table clearer and confidant to customers and landlord alike.

She returned to the street and was met by Bet, along with Jenny, who seemed very excited.

Jenny, interrupted frequently by Bet, informed her that she had a house.

‘But how?  Where?’ cried Ellie with delight.

It would seem that Bet had found a house, with two bedrooms, several streets away.  The landlord, who was a fair man, had been reluctant to let it to a single person, saying, ‘there are people with children who would welcome a house like this’.

Jenny, who would appreciate such a house, went along, with Bet in tow, and was accepted as tenant.

‘This means that you can have my house’, she said, hugging Ellie to her.  ‘And I’ve had a word with the landlord and he has agreed to our arrangements’.

Ellie was overjoyed.  To have a house so soon, was
marvellous, but to have Jenny’s house, so spotlessly clean, was absolutely, wonderful.  She cried with relief and joy.

‘And not only that, love’, said Bet, ‘but when
you have
your
baby, I’ll be nice and handy to see to you’.

Ellie gave Jenny a knowing look and Jenny had to turn her face away, for fear of bursting into hysterics. 
Bet beamed her good intentions across to Ellie, and Ellie thought,
Well, I have seven months in which to educate her in the pleasures of cleanliness
.

Ellie was happy and, once more, her life had taken a new direction.

Chapter Twenty Two

Three weeks after Ellie had left the house Kate was relieved to receive a letter.  A young girl, who gave her name as Queenie, delivered it, to the kitchen.

Cook quickly invited the girl in, careful to seat her some distance from the table.

‘Come and sit down Dear, and I’ll get you a drink.  Will milk be all right?’

‘That’d be grand thank
you’, Queenie said, wiping her nose on the sleeve of her grimy coat.

Missus Blunt winced inwardly, at the same time, wanting to be kind to the poor girl.

‘Now tell me, Queenie?  How is Miss Ellie keeping?’

‘Well Missus, if
you mean, is she all right?  I can tell you she
is
.  But if you want to know where she’s living I haven’t to say anything because she doesn’t want you to know’.

Somewhat upset, Missus Blunt looked across at William.

William simply shook his head, as a warning to his wife to be silent.

He asked the girl, ‘who can you trust with her whereabouts then?’

After receiving a look of utter confusion, he rephrased the question.  ‘Did Ellie say who you could tell, about where she is living?’

Queenie took a gulp of the cold milk, which left a white rim around her mouth, ‘Yes Mister.  She said I could tell Kate and Mister Bunt and the cook’, she said, mispronouncing William’s name.

Cook smiled, ‘right dear, give me the address’.

‘I’ve told
you, I can’.  Are you the Missus of the house?’

‘Good heavens, no.  I’m Missus Blunt, the cook’, she laughed.  The child had, obviously, thought she was the Mistress, a mistake which, secretly, pleased Cook no end.

‘Oh that’s all right then.  It’s Parson Street, on Hunslet Road.  And it’s where I live, an all’.

She leaned towards Cook and said, in a confidential manner, ‘she slept with me, in my own bed, aye’!

‘That must have been very nice for you dear’, said Missus Blunt, not quite able to believe it.  ‘And does she have her own room now, Queenie?’

‘Oh aye, she has her own house.  Number 21, and it’s a posh house, an all.  It’s got curtains and a real knob on the door.  We just have a sneck’. 

She finished the milk in one last gulp.  ‘I’ll have to go now because my mam said I was to be back in time to go and get her a jug a stout’. 

As she made her exit, she shouted, ‘ta-ra then’.

Cook looked at Kate, who stood with the letter in her hand, still unopened.

‘Well, she was a little ‘urchin’, wasn’t she?’.  Then indicating the letter, Missus Blunt, said, ‘are you going to open it Kate?  I don’t think it will be bad news,
somehow.  You see, I know the address and I know she is with friends’.

Kate, tentatively, opened the letter, and read it quickly and silently, then passed it to cook.

William read the letter, over his wife’s shoulder, and Kate saw a tiny glimmer of a smile on his face.  He loved Ellie so much that it was there, on his face, for Kate to see.

It did not seem strange to Kate that everyone took to Ellie.  She herself loved her, more than anyone.  Even upstairs, many of the staff, and family alike, felt the same.  Kate had always known that Ellie was special.

Upstairs, Richard paced, backwards and forwards, across the breakfast room carpet.  His mother said, crossly, ‘for goodness sake, Richard, will you sit down.  You are driving me mad with your restlessness’.

‘Mother’, said Victoria, showing her concern, ‘have you thought that Richard may not be prepared to sit around, whilst Ellie is out there, God knows where, and with not a friend in the world?’

Louise glared at her daughter, ‘Well, he may as well get used to the idea, because there is nothing he can do about it.  And why he should want to find the girl is a mystery to me.  After all, it was with James that she had a relationship, not Richard’.

Richard raised his voice.  ‘Will the two of you please stop talking about me, as if I were not here?’

‘Calm yourself
dear.  Why can’t you see that she is a lost cause?  If James has got over it, and is willing to get on with his life, then why can’t you?’

‘Because I am no
t like James mother.  How he could go back to the farm, as if nothing has happened, I do not know.  He may be my brother, but I consider him ‘a bounder’ and not fit to call himself a ‘Courtney’’.  Richard bounced out of the door.

‘There Mother, see what a help you are to your son?’

‘Victoria Please, I can’t stand the strain much longer.  I believe I am going to be ill’.

‘At this moment, you are much stronger than either of your sons.  James is in love with Ellie, but afraid of losing his inheritance.  And Richard?  Richard is in love with her also, and willing to lose his very life for her, but you and father are too blind to see it’.

‘Don’t talk such utter nonsense, my girl.  Richard is just sorry for her, that’s all.  Although I can’t understand why, when she has obviously, set her cap at James, in the first place’.

‘And when have you known Richard to feel sorry for any girl?  He felt no sorrow for Elizabeth Goodyear, when she begged him to see her again.  And do you know why he refused her?  Because he had set eyes on our scullery maid, that’s why.  He did not
realise at the time, but he was in love with her, even then.  Yes Mother, even then.   Why he didn’t run off with her and find some happiness, I’ll never know’.

‘Oh
Victoria, how can you say such awful things, when you know how it upsets me?’

‘Mother, it upsets you because you are afraid that your friends, at the church, will find out and you would be ashamed.  Yes Mother, ashamed, of the fact that a son of yours could have anything to do with a mere maid.  You’ve managed to get one of them away, and out of harm’s way, but the remaining son will not be so easy to persuade.  And good for him, is what I say’.

Louise refused to sit with her daughter a moment longer and left the breakfast room, having eaten nothing.

Victoria
ate her breakfast and thought of Ellie and hoped she would find a way, to manage alone, with a child to support.

For a split second, she had a picture of Ellie, with her strong opinions and determined manner.  A glimmer of a smile flickered across her face as she thought about Ellie.  
She doesn’t ask for sympathy.  Oh no, not Ellie.  She goes out and does what she thinks is right.  She’ll manage all right’. 
And Victoria felt good about her thoughts.

She missed the girl, but was resigned to the knowledge, that she could have done nothing to prevent Ellie’s recent departure.

Her mother had hired a replacement to care for her, and as pleasant as she was, she was not Ellie, and could never be.

The children also missed her and asked what had become of her.  She reassured them that, one day, they would visit her when she got settled.  But it was a sad day for
Victoria when Ellie left the house.

She looked up to find Richard had returned.

‘Mother’s gone then?’

‘Yes Richard, I upset her as usual’.

‘She’ll get over it, I expect.  She usually does.  Mother has an awful lot to put up with, and as mothers go, she’s a good one.  I just wish I could make her understand, about Ellie.  Do you know if she has told Father yet?’

‘About what she heard, the day Ellie left, you mean?’

‘Yes.  I’m glad she heard, and if she’s told Father, then it’s all out in the open, and it will be a relief.  I won’t have to hide the fact that I intend to find Ellie again’.

‘You
are
still looking then, Richard?’

‘I can’t tell you the places I’ve searched.  They have no knowledge of her whereabouts in
Canal Street.  They say she could be with her Aunt but no one seems to know where she lives, except an old lady who recently passed away.  I must have called at every house in Beeston, but without success’.

‘What about the workhouse?’

‘I’ve even thought of that.  I didn’t think she would live in a place like that, but I had to try it.  I think I was a little relieved when I didn’t find her there’.

‘I’m so sorry Richard, really I am.  I never thought I would see the day when you would be so devastated about a woman.  I’m just sorry it turned out this way’.

‘Oh Vicky’, he said, quietly, ‘I don’t know how I will live with myself if anything should happen to her.  I could have prevented it if it had not been for my stupid pride.  However, I’ll keep on searching, until I find her, or die in the attempt’.

‘I hope you find her Richard, for I love her too’.

Richard stood up to leave and said, his voice hoarse, ‘I won’t rest until I do Vicky’.

Victoria
had never got on with her brother, Richard.  He was always so arrogant and argumentative, but in recent weeks she had seen another side to him.  His strength of character did not surprise her, but his sensitivity and persistence, most certainly did.

On the other hand, she was disappointed in James.   He had always been her
favourite, kind and considerate, well thought of and always nice to be with.  His weakness, in the face of Father’s anger, had left Victoria ashamed of him.  She hoped, with all her heart, that Richard would find his love, but whatever the outcome, he would always have his sister’s admiration.

Ellie walked home from the public house, darkness enveloping her, like a cloak.  It was not a long walk, for which she was thankful, but she felt tired and was glad to be near home.

As she unlocked the door and let herself into the house, a feeling of loneliness came over her and she let out a sigh.

It was not often that Ellie allowed a negative feeling into her head, as she found it much easier to be optimistic.  But tonight, she let the loneliness have its way.

She made a large pot of cocoa, which reminded her of happier times, then sat by the empty grate.  Her thoughts went to her family and friends.

She had been in this house for three months now and thought
she was lucky to have it.  She was grateful for Jenny’s friendship, and surprisingly, thankful for Bet’s protection of her.

Ellie was aware of Bet’s shortcomings.  She was also aware of her feelings for her.  Her kind neighbour looked on it as a duty, t
o see that she was feeling well and not working too hard.  Dear Bet!  Ellie recalled her voice when she had stood, with fists resting on her ample hips, ‘Fancy, a girl like you in a job like that, being a lady, an all’.

Bet did not believe that such a ‘lady’ as Ellie was meant to look after herself and enjoyed playing the ‘mother’.

Ellie allowed Bet to carry on this way because despite her, still unkempt, appearance, she was very fond of the woman.

Several weeks ago, Aunt Dora and the boys had been to look at the house, and although her aunt was horrified, about the state of the street, she had to admit that the house was cleaner than her own.

‘Eh! Ellie, you’re like you mother, that’s for sure.  She would have been proud of you, looking at this place.  You should be all right here, love’.  Then she added, ‘that is until you get on a bit and move to somewhere more suitable’.

Even Aunt Dora was a snob in her own way.

Sam and Harry were overjoyed to see her and, over a cup of cocoa, told of their school and their play.  It seemed to Ellie that the boys were happier than they had ever been.  They had more time to play, living with Aunt Dora, than they had in previous years.

‘You’re doing a good job with the boys, Aunt Dora.  I can see that they are well cared for.  Do they always smile as much as this?’

Dora ruffled Harry’s hair, ‘aye, they do lass.  Sometimes they drive me ‘potty’, and that’s a fact’. 

She laughed as she continued, ‘I can’t remember what it was like to have a bit of peace and quiet’.

Sam chipped in with, ‘awe, Aunt Dora, you know you have a snooze on a Saturday afternoon, when we go to play football’.

Dora laughed, then said, quietly to Ellie, ‘I’ll tell
you something Ellie.  I’ve never been happier.  Them kids are like me own that I never had’.

Ellie thought Aunt Dora looked younger, som
ehow, and she was glad the boys were with her.

They stayed chatting with Ellie most of the afternoon and it almost seemed like old times.  The only person missing was Maggie, and the jug of stout.  The void was only filled by the chatter of the younger boys.

Thomas, although not as demonstrative as his brothers, was relieved to see that his sister was all right.  He had worried about her when she had been up to see them at Aunt Dora’s, and told them about the baby. 

At first he had been angry with her for getting herself in that condition, but after thinking it through, had decided, no matter what she had done, she was still his sister and he wanted to look after her.

He was fifteen years old now, and still earned very little at the mill, most of which he gave to his aunt to help out.  But before he left Ellie, Thomas handed her five shillings and said, ‘it’s not much Ellie but it will help’.