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

crossed her fingers, hoping that Miss Parfitt would agree to be her tutor, and then one day, if she worked really hard, maybe she might be able to find work as a teacher or even a governess. Of one thing Sarah was certain: she would do something that would make her mother proud of her, and if they met in heaven Ma would say, ‘Well done, love. I always knew you’d amount to something.’ She paced the floor, waiting for what seemed like hours until the parlour door opened and Miss Parfitt emerged, followed by a smiling Mrs Arbuthnot.
    â€˜Sarah, I have good news for you. Miss Parfitt has agreed to come here once a week, on her afternoon off, to continue your lessons.’
    Miss Parfitt nodded. ‘I’d happily spend more time with you, Sarah, but my duties at the workhouse have to come first. However, you’re a bright child and I’ll set work for you to do on your own. Mrs Arbuthnot has offered to provide everything you’ll need to further your education. You are a very lucky girl.’
    â€˜I know that, miss. When do we start?’
    Miss Parfitt came once a week as promised and Mrs Arbuthnot purchased the necessary books, a slate and slate pencils and even some expensive paper so that Sarah could learn to draw. Nettie was envious at first, but she changed her mind when she saw the amount of time that Sarah spent reading and doing sums.
    On the Sunday before Christmas, Miss Parfitt arrived earlier than usual. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright with excitement as she took off her bonnet and cape. ‘Such news,’ she said, peeling off her gloves and handing them to Sarah. ‘You’ll never guess what’s happened at the workhouse.’
    â€˜Are you all right, miss? You’re not sick, are you?’
    Miss Parfitt threw up her hands and laughed. ‘I’m absolutely fine, my dear. It’s the Triggs. They’ve been sent packing. They’re leaving the workhouse in disgrace. Can you imagine that?’
    Sarah could, quite easily. She had been forbidden to venture out alone since the failed kidnap attempt, and she was certain that the man had been sent by Mr Trigg. ‘I’m glad, miss. They were bad people.’
    â€˜I think everyone at the workhouse would agree with you there, Sarah. No one knows quite how it happened, but the board of governors called a special meeting and they sent for both Mr and Mrs Trigg. That was yesterday, and they’ve been given until tomorrow to pack their bags and leave.’
    â€˜But that’s Christmas Eve.’
    â€˜I know. It does seem a little hard, but I can’t find it in my heart to pity them. I myself have been thinking of leaving because I couldn’t stand watching the poor children suffering. The only reason I stayed on was to try to make things better for them, but we must hope that the next workhouse master is a better person.’
    Sarah’s hands trembled as she hung Miss Parfitt’s outer garments on the hallstand, but it was relief that made her shake from head to foot. The Triggs would have nothing to gain by abducting her now. She was free from them forever and she wanted to sing and dance, but her time in the workhouse had taught her how to control her emotions and she resisted the temptation. ‘Do you know where the Triggs are going, miss?’
    â€˜No, but I hope it’s somewhere far away from here. I never want to see them again.’ Miss Parfitt opened the parlour door. ‘Let’s start our lesson. It will be the last one before Christmas and I must say you’re doing very well.’ She opened the cupboard where the books were put away in between sessions and selected one. She spun round to face Sarah, her dark eyes lustrous with excitement. ‘Actually I have a surprise for you and Nettie. I was going to wait until we had finished, but I can’t keep it to myself any longer.’
    â€˜What is it, miss?’
    â€˜Mrs Burgess told me how