Riches to Rags Read online

  Ten o’clock that evening and bedtime found her numb with fatigue and close to tears. Her hands were so painful she could hardly move them.

  ‘Let me look at your hands.’

  Jenny held them out and Edna tutted when she saw them. ‘Oh, dear, I can see you’re not used to hard work. I’ve got something to help.’ She fished out a jar and an old pair of gloves from the bottom of the cupboard.

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘Cook’s special remedy. It’s got butter in it, but I’m not sure what else. It works, though.’

  Jenny gasped in pain as Edna began to smooth the thick cream over her raw and cut hands. Her nose wrinkled at the smell, making her roommate laugh.

  ‘Shocking, ain’t it, but you’ll be glad in the morning.’ Edna eased the gloves on her, giving a sympathetic smile. ‘There, keep those on all night. You’ll soon get used to the hard graft. You did well today.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She jumped in bed and yelped when she hit something hard … but warm.

  ‘I put a hot brick in your bed for you. You’re going to need a good night’s kip if you’re to survive another day.’ Edna chuckled. ‘We’ve got all the beds to change tomorrow as well.’

  ‘I’m glad I was the fastest runner in my school.’

  Edna laughed again. ‘Yeah, you can’t hang about in this job. What school did you go to?’

  ‘One in Lambeth. You wouldn’t know it.’ Jenny’s heart raced. That was careless of her.

  ‘You come from Lambeth?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You don’t sound as if you do.’

  Jenny’s mind was working like mad. One unguarded remark and the questions came. ‘Blame that on my dad; he was a stickler for talking proper.’

  Edna’s ready laugh erupted again. ‘I’m glad you came, Jen. The last girl was a right misery, but you’re nice. You come to me if you need help. I’ll see you’re all right.’

  Jenny turned her head and smiled at Edna in the gloom. ‘Thanks. I’m glad I came too. Can we be friends?’

  ‘Sure, I’d like that. We can go out together on our time off.’

  ‘That would be nice.’

  ‘Yeah, night, Jen.’

  ‘Goodnight, Edna.’

  Once again the silent tears began to flow, but the new under housemaid was determined to make this the last time.

  The weeks passed and Jenny grew in confidence. For the first couple of weeks she’d been on edge waiting for her Aunt Gertrude to storm in and drag her back. But when nothing happened, she began to relax. They had probably given up looking for her, and anyway they would never think that she was working as a servant.

  The work was harder than she could ever have imagined, but with Edna’s help she soon fell into the routine. Her hands had toughened up and were not giving her as much trouble now – cook’s special cream was good stuff. Mrs Douglas was so pleased with her willingness to work without complaint that she had been made a permanent member of the staff already. She didn’t dare look too far into the future because the outlook was bleak. But for the moment she was housed, clothed, fed, paid and her aunt hadn’t found her. That was enough for now.

  6

  There was a good fire burning in the grate; the curtains were drawn across the windows to keep out the cold December weather; a mother and father were reading peacefully with their three sons around them. An idyllic family scene, but Matt Stannard was about to disturb the calm.

  He laid his book aside, drew in a deep breath and said, ‘I’m not going back to university, Father.’

  His father looked up from his newspaper, seemingly unperturbed by his youngest son’s announcement. ‘Having difficulty managing on your allowance, are you? I’ll see what I can do in the New Year.’

  ‘It hasn’t anything to do with money.’ Matt stood up. His father was a reasonable man, but he wasn’t going to like this. ‘I mean it. I’m not studying any more. I’ve finished with Oxford. I’m going out to work.’

  Now he had everyone’s complete attention: John was on his feet and frowning fiercely; Luke was grinning as usual; and his mother had set aside her book, calm as ever.

  ‘But why?’ his father asked. ‘You have a good brain, better than the rest of us, if the truth be told. You could end up as a professor.’

  ‘I don’t want to be a professor.’

  ‘Where did this sudden idea come from, Matt?’ His father looked perplexed.

  ‘It isn’t sudden,’ he explained. ‘I’ve thought about it very carefully. I want to leave university.’

  ‘If your mind’s made up, then I suppose we could find you a position with the bank.’

  Matt sighed quietly. They had all been given freedom to choose their own careers, but, nevertheless, they were going to find this hard to understand. ‘No, thank you, Father.’

  ‘Well, what do you want to do?’

  ‘I intend to be a car mechanic.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ John exploded. ‘What kind of a career is that?’

  ‘A very good one. Cars are the future. There will come a time when almost every family will own one.’

  ‘Haven’t you been listening to the news lately?’ John was now pacing up and down. ‘The Wall Street stock market has crashed and it’s being felt everywhere. There’s going to be a depression. The signs are all there. Who’s going to buy cars then?’

  ‘John!’ Their mother spoke firmly. ‘Raising your voice won’t solve anything.’

  He threw himself back into his chair, looking thoroughly disgruntled. ‘He’s a blasted idiot, giving up the chance of an academic career for some ludicrous whim. Matt’s damned clever.’

  ‘I must agree with John,’ their father said. ‘This doesn’t appear to be a very sound notion, Matt.’

  ‘Maybe, but I’d like to give it a try. Give me two years, Father. If at the end of that time I can’t earn a living at it, I’ll go back to Oxford and pick up where I left off.’ It was a concession he didn’t want to make, but he had to be fair to his parents, and this would make them feel more at ease.

  ‘You’re determined to do this?’

  He nodded to his father, and then glanced at his mother, who smiled her support.

  ‘I see.’ His father was now leaning on the mantelpiece with a glass of brandy in his hand. ‘I’ll buy you a garage to start you up.’

  ‘Father!’ John was up again. ‘You can’t do that. Our bank has weathered the crash better than most, but we’ve still lost money and must be careful.’

  ‘We’ve suffered some losses, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.’ He looked at his eldest son with pride. ‘It was your insistence that we spread our investments and not be swept up in the euphoria of the stock market chase for fast money.’

  John appeared mollified by the praise. ‘We still need to be cautious.’

  Matt watched the exchange with interest. John might be young, but when it came to banking he was a master. Their father turned to him more and more for advice, and Matt didn’t think he’d ever been wrong in his predictions. In this instance the family had cause to be very grateful to John, for he had undoubtedly saved their bank from collapse. Although his elder brother could be a touch volatile at times, he knew what he was doing. Underneath his stern and serious nature lurked a kind man. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.

  ‘Don’t worry, John,’ Matt said. ‘I don’t want a garage. I’m going to take an apprenticeship and learn the trade that way – from the bottom up.’

  John’s mouth opened in disbelief. ‘You mean you’re going to work in dirty overalls and get grease all over your hands?’

  A chuckle of mirth came from Luke, who was keeping out of the conversation. As a future lawyer he already knew the wisdom of listening to both sides of a story.

  ‘I couldn’t strip down engines without getting greasy, could I?’ Matt said, laughing.

  His father appeared stunned and turned to his wife. ‘What do you think about all this, my dear?’

 
; ‘I think we should let Matt do as he wishes. He’s promised to return to his studies if it doesn’t work out and you know he always keeps his promises.’

  ‘Hmm. Yes, you’re quite right. Many young men take time out from studying to travel, so Matt might as well get this out of his system.’ The worry faded from his expression. ‘Where do you have to go to get this apprenticeship?’

  ‘I’ve already spoken to Mr Porter of Mayfair Automobiles. He’s the best in the business and is prepared to take me on after the Christmas holiday.’

  ‘Ah, I know the man. He’s the owner of a very prestigious garage. Only works on the best cars.’ He drained his glass and smiled broadly at his youngest son. ‘Very well, you may get your hands dirty for two years with my permission.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Matt went over and shook his father’s hand. He was aware that they all thought this was something he would grow out of; he knew differently. This was a desire he’d nursed for a very long time.

  ‘You’re mad,’ John said. ‘There are going to be tough years ahead. Some people have lost entire fortunes in this disaster.’

  ‘Yes, it’s truly dreadful,’ their mother said. ‘I’ve heard some men have killed themselves because they’ve lost everything. Is that so, John?’

  ‘I’m afraid it is. Peter Tarrant killed himself and at least two Americans I’ve heard about.’

  ‘Poor souls.’ Her eyes were full of sadness.

  ‘Do you remember that American gentleman we met at the Stock Brokers’ Gala Ball last Easter, my dear? We spent most of the evening with him.’

  ‘Yes, I remember him. He seemed a pleasant man. Unusual colouring, if I recall. He had dark hair and eyes of such a pale brown they looked almost gold.’

  ‘My word, the things you ladies notice,’ her husband remarked. ‘As I was saying, I heard a couple of weeks ago that he was dead. Don’t know the details, though.’

  ‘How terrible.’ Mrs Stannard was clearly shocked. ‘Didn’t he have a young daughter?’

  ‘He did and was very proud of her. He told anyone who would listen what a charming girl she was.’

  ‘Oh, poor child.’ Their mother stared at the fire.

  Christmas Day and Matt was excited about the future. He had always loved working with anything mechanical and couldn’t wait to start his apprenticeship. He now had two years to do something he was really interested in. He didn’t intend to fail because going back to the academic life was the last thing in the world he wanted to do. He found it too easy. While the other boys were spending hours studying, he had only to read something through twice and he retained the information. Quite frankly he soon became bored, longing for a challenge. Now he would have one.

  ‘Put your jackets on, boys.’ Their mother swept into the drawing room. ‘And stand up. It’s time to give the staff their gifts.’

  Her husband groaned. ‘Do we have to go through this performance every year?’

  ‘We most certainly do.’ She chivvied him out of his chair and herded her sons into line. ‘We must show our appreciation. They work well for us all year. We hardly know they’re around.’

  ‘You’re right as usual, my dear. Are those the presents?’ He indicated a pile of brightly wrapped packages on a side table.

  ‘Yes, they have the names on them. When Mrs Douglas introduces each one, you will give them the gift.’

  ‘I know the routine.’ He sighed again. ‘We do it every year, but couldn’t you hand them out this time?’

  ‘You are the head of this house, Gilbert. It’s your job.’ She smiled encouragingly. ‘It will only take a few minutes.’

  He kissed her cheek. ‘Of course, Louise. I don’t know how you put up with a grumpy old devil like me.’

  There was a tap on the door and the housekeeper came in.

  ‘We’re all ready, Mrs Douglas,’ Louise said. ‘Send them in.’

  Matt watched the staff file in. Most of them had been with them for a long time, except for the young girl last but one in the line. She had her head bowed and was obviously uneasy about being in the presence of the entire family.

  ‘Who is that?’ Luke whispered in his ear.

  ‘From her position in the line I would say she’s the under housemaid.’

  ‘Hmm. She’d be quite pretty with a touch of rouge and better clothes.’

  Matt was about to tell his brother to keep his eyes off her, but didn’t have a chance, because the servants were walking along the line and bowing to each of them before leaving the room. He was well aware of Luke’s tendency to chase any pretty girl he saw. He would have to keep an eye on him, because this girl was too young and shy. She hadn’t looked up once. She curtsied gracefully in front of his parents and accepted her gift with a hesitant smile. Still she kept her eyes lowered. Why? They weren’t that frightening as a family, surely? For some strange reason he didn’t think it was because she was shy. There was something else. It was almost as if she didn’t want to be seen.

  She reached Luke and he said, ‘I haven’t seen you before.’

  ‘No, sir, I only started two months ago.’

  ‘I hope you are happy here?’ Luke persisted in trying to gain her attention, without success. She still had her gaze lowered.

  ‘Yes, thank you, sir.’

  She moved along to Matt and the words he spoke surprised him as much as her. ‘I wish you a happy and safe New Year.’

  Her head came up and what he saw made him draw in a deep breath of appreciation. What beautiful eyes; she was going to be a real beauty in a couple of years.

  ‘What have you got, Jen?’ Edna asked.

  She unwrapped her parcel, trying to stop her hands from shaking. That had been an ordeal. She felt safe down here with the servants, but was terrified she would meet someone upstairs who might guess who she really was. The deception was a constant worry in case she slipped and said something revealing. In a way the hard schedule of work she had to do every day was helping to push the fear to the back of her mind, but at times like this it came rushing back.

  ‘Oh, that’s lovely,’ the cook said as Jenny held out a bright red scarf and matching gloves.

  They all showed their gifts, smiling with pleasure as they inspected each one. All were things servants would not have been able to buy for themselves. Jenny couldn’t help wondering if her mother had been this kind …

  ‘Back to work,’ the housekeeper ordered. But there was a smile on her face for once. ‘Edna, Jenny, cook will need your help today.’

  The time flew as they hurried from one job to another. It was nearly eleven that night before the final clearing up had been done. It was then they had a party of their own in the servants’ hall. They had a wind-up gramophone and some records, and this was played after they had eaten their fill of the Christmas food. They danced to and sang the popular tunes of the day. Tomorrow was still a working day for them, so at midnight they began to bring the party to an end. The footman put on a record by Jenny’s favourite singer, Al Bowlly. He told them that it had only been recorded the month before, and he’d bought it last week. It was called ‘S’posin I Should Fall in Love with You’. It was a sentimental song and touched Jenny’s heart, as she listened to his lovely voice. It brought back such happy memories of their dancing lessons at Templeton. Her friends would all be enjoying a family Christmas now. For a moment sadness tried to overwhelm her, but she fought against it. She was doing well on her own, and mustn’t dwell on the past.

  Jenny joined in the laughter as they washed their plates and glasses, feeling much more relaxed. It had been silly to get in a panic about meeting the family upstairs. No one would see her as anything but a lowly under housemaid. She was safe here.

  7

  They were even busier on New Year’s Eve, when they prepared the house for a lavish dinner party in the evening. Mrs Douglas didn’t scold as Edna, Jenny and the footman, Ron Stokes, ran up and down the servants’ stairs.

  The family had a late breakfast at ten o’clock, which was a bl
essing, and by the time they’d finished eating, the fires were burning, floors cleaned, guest rooms prepared and everything was gleaming without a speck of dust to be seen.

  Edna leant on the banister at the bottom of their stairs and mopped her brow, still grinning broadly. ‘We made it.’

  Jenny was beginning to wonder if anything put her friend in a bad mood. No matter how hard the work, she seemed to sail through it with a smile on her lips and a joke or two.

  The footman, Ron, slithered down the stairs. ‘Is that all you’ve got to do?’ he joked.

  ‘Just catching our breath. Look at poor old Jen, she’s gasping for air.’

  Jenny giggled, enjoying the friendly banter. There was a strict order of rank among servants and, being very low in the order of things, she hadn’t expected it to be this friendly. But it was. It never ceased to amaze her and she couldn’t help wondering if this household was unique in that way. If it was, then she had been very lucky to get this job. She didn’t always feel like that of course. Many nights, as she crawled into bed absolutely exhausted, she felt anything but grateful.

  ‘Well, make sure you recover by tonight because while the Stannard family are enjoying themselves we’re going to have a knees-up of our own.’ Then he was off as Mrs Douglas appeared at the top of the stairs.

  ‘Jenny, collect the tea tray from the library. The family have just retired to the drawing room.’

  ‘Yes, Mrs Douglas.’ She waited for the housekeeper to come down and then sped up to carry out her task.

  Finding the library empty, she stood in the middle of the room and gazed at the shelves of books, breathing in the lovely smell of leather. This was something she missed so much. She walked over to a small table, picked up a leather bound book and ran her fingers over it, her eyes dreamy. She’d always loved reading, but now there wasn’t time for such things. When she reached her bed at night she was too tired to do anything but sleep. Again her thoughts turned to her friends at school, remembering how they had read at night using their torches. They’d had such fun.