Read Online A New Day by Beryl Matthews - Free Book Online Page A

brilliant mind and fought for a better life for herself and her family. Against all the odds she became a lawyer, and still fights any injustice she comes across. That’s why I went to her with your case. I knew she was the one person who would understand and do something about it.’
    Rose came over to them and sat beside Hanna. ‘Take them all in for tea, Jane. I want to talk to Hanna.’
    Hanna watched them leave the garden, and waited quietly to hear what Mrs Freeman had to tell her.
    ‘The situation at the orphanage has been dealt with. We carried out a thorough investigation, talking to many past and present members of staff and children. As a result of our findings several of the youngsters have been removed from unsuitable places and found other homes. They will be monitored to make sure they are treated well. I’m afraid the matron was taking money and letting the children go to the highest bidder. Her conduct will be taken further, but that need not concern you, Hanna; we have enough evidence to proceed without involving you.’
    Hanna nodded. ‘Thank you. I’m pleased about that.’
    Rose continued. ‘Your brother’s case should have been dealt with as soon as you reported it. Those responsible have been severely reprimanded and either sacked, or moved to another position. Mrs Buxton has been removed from the orphanage and is also facing further enquiries into her mishandling of the funds.’
    ‘She’s been stealing as well?’ Hanna gasped.
    ‘Let’s just say that she was not using the money wisely. I have personally chosen a replacement and things are already improving.’
    ‘It’s a great relief to know that other children will not suffer in the way Jack did.’
    Rose gave a wry smile, sadness showing in her dark eyes. ‘I can’t say that for sure, but we will be keeping a sharp eye on things from now on, and Talbot has been blacklisted. He will never be allowed to take another child into his home.’
    ‘Thank you very much for all you’ve done, Mrs Freeman.’ Hanna sighed. ‘I felt so helpless and didn’t know what to do next, but my brother settled that for himself.’
    ‘I’d like to meet him sometime. He sounds as if he’s got a lot of courage. If you would like to visit the orphanage and see the changes taking place, you would be very welcome to do so.’
    ‘No.’ Hanna shook her head emphatically. ‘I have put that part of my life behind me and so has Jack. I have no wish to see the place again.’
    ‘I can understand how you feel.’ Rose stood up and looked down at Hanna. ‘It must have been hard for you to break away from the unsatisfactory life you found yourselves in, and I wish you both a happy and useful life ahead of you. Don’t be afraid to reach higher. Impossible is not a word you should accept. I never have.’
    Nodding, Rose turned and walked towards the house, leaving that advice ringing in Hanna’s mind. She sat where she was for some time, deep in thought. With Jack’s announcement that he had joined the merchant navy their lives had changed dramatically overnight. She had been so concerned about her young brother that she hadn’t given a thought to her own future, but she ought to, because once the twins were old enough to go to school, Mrs Harcourt probably wouldn’t need her any more. What would she do then?
    Hanna gazed into space for a while, and then shook her head impatiently. That wouldn’t be for a couple of years yet, and she would deal with it when the time came. If she did her job well, Mrs Harcourt would give her a good reference and she could get another job. No point trying to cross that bridge before she got to it. Mrs Freeman was obviously a determined person, and Hanna really didn’t think she was anything like her. But to have a goal to reach for was quite a good thing, and her aim was to make a good home for herself and Jack. However, she would take one piece of advice and tell herself that although she had set herself a difficult task,