Read Online The Workhouse Girl by Dilly Court - Free Book Online

workhouse.’
    Cook stepped over Betty, who had not stirred from her straw-filled palliasse by the range and was snoring loudly. ‘He won’t do that, but he might well report the matter to the governors.’ She left them staring helplessly at each other as she went upstairs.
    â€˜I hope he’s gone to bed,’ Sarah said, biting her lip. ‘I don’t want any trouble.’
    Nettie finished making the cocoa and passed a cup to her. ‘Looks like you got it, whether you wants it or not, love.’
    Cook returned just as they finished their warming drinks. She was flushed with triumph and slightly out of breath. ‘The master was in his study and he was horrified and then furious. He said he’s already told the board of governors about Trigg but he’ll let them know about the attempted kidnap. It might not be anything to do with the workhouse master, but he’s going to report the matter to the police in case the man is known to them. I can certainly give a description of him, and you two might be asked to put your twopenn’orth in as well. Anyway, off to bed with you.’
    The constable noted down everything that Sarah said. Mr Arbuthnot sat behind his desk, making encouraging noises when she was at a loss for words, and Mrs Arbuthnot sat beside her, holding her hand.
    â€˜That will be all for now, sir.’ The constable closed his notebook. ‘I’ve taken a description from Mrs Burgess and the other young girl and it will be circulated, although I have to say it could fit any number of the criminals known to us.’
    Mr Arbuthnot rose from his seat. ‘I understand, constable. Anyway, thank you for attending so promptly.’
    â€˜The officer on the beat will keep an eye on the house, sir.’
    Mrs Arbuthnot squeezed Sarah’s fingers. ‘That makes me feel much better. At least we’ll be safe in our beds at night.’
    â€˜Yes, ma’am.’
    Mr Arbuthnot moved to the door and opened it. ‘I’ll see you out, constable.’
    Sarah gazed anxiously at Mrs Arbuthnot. ‘I’m sorry to have brought trouble to your door, ma’am.’
    â€˜Nonsense, my dear. None of this is your fault, and you mustn’t be afraid. We will see that no harm comes to you.’ She released Sarah’s hand with an encouraging smile. ‘You may go about your duties as usual, but you must on no account go out alone. I don’t know why the workhouse master is causing us so much trouble, but I promise that we won’t ever send you back to that dreadful place.’
    Sarah bobbed a curtsey. ‘Thank you, ma’am.’ She left the room and went to find Dorcas, who was dusting the drawing room on the first floor.
    â€˜I seem to have missed all the excitement,’ Dorcas said, tossing a duster to her. ‘Be careful with Mrs Arbuthnot’s Dresden figurines. She’ll be very upset if they get damaged.’
    â€˜Yes, Dorcas.’ Sarah picked one off the side table, hardly daring to breathe as she dusted the soot from the fragile piece.
    â€˜So what did the peeler say? Did he know who it was who leapt out at you?’
    â€˜I don’t think so. He said it could be any one of the villains known to the police.’
    â€˜But the master thinks it has to do with that horrible man Trigg.’
    â€˜I think so, but I can’t understand why he would want me back. Mrs Trigg used to call me Sal Scratch and made me wear a placard with my name written on it for everyone to see. She said I was the devil’s daughter.’
    Dorcas uttered a hollow laugh. ‘Did she now? Maybe she’s the one related to Old Nick; it certainly sounds that way.’ She gave a start as Sarah picked up a dainty porcelain shepherdess. ‘Oh, do be careful of that one, that’s her favourite of all.’
    Sarah put the ornament back on the table and when Dorcas was not looking she blew the dust off the delicate face