Free A Place Called Home by Dilly Court Page B

fifteen pounds. Surely she would regret her decision and return one day, saying it had all been a terrible mistake.
    Lucy turned with a start as the door opened and Mrs Hodges marched in. ‘Why aren’t you dressed, child? Have you had a wash?’
    â€˜I had a bath yesterday, and it’s only April. I’ll catch me death of cold if I keep washing meself.’
    â€˜Stuff and nonsense. I never heard such silly talk. We keep clean in this household, Miss Lucy.’ Mrs Hodges folded her arms across her bosom. ‘If the water’s cold it’s your fault. Now wash your hands and face and clean your teeth. When you’re done you’ll get dressed and come downstairs for breakfast. Sir William has decided that you ought to join him in the dining room. Heaven help us all.’
    Washed and dressed in the tartan frock that Miss Appleby had made for the child who succumbed to scarlatina, Lucy had to suffer while Mrs Hodges raked a comb through her hair. ‘I never saw such a wild mop,’ she said crossly. ‘But at least it’s clean and it will have to do.’ She stood back, looking Lucy up and down with a critical eye. ‘Come with me, but the dog stays here.’
    â€˜He’ll be scared on his own,’ Lucy protested.
    Mrs Hodges grabbed her by the ear and propelled her out of the room, shutting the door before Peckham had a chance to follow them. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she said sharply. ‘And when you’re in Sir William’s company remember your manners. Speak only when spoken too and don’t bolt your food.’
    Lucy said nothing. It seemed best to say as little as possible when in the housekeeper’s company, and she allowed herself to be led downstairs to the dining room. Mrs Hodges opened the door and thrust her in first, as if she feared that her charge might make a sudden dash for freedom.
    â€˜Will there be anything else, Sir William?’ Mrs Hodges asked, giving Lucy a none too gentle push towards the vast dining table, which was laden with gleaming silver, crystal and fine bone china.
    â€˜That will be all for now, Mrs Hodges. My advertisement for a governess should appear in
The Times
tomorrow, and I’m hoping to get a response quite soon. In the meantime, I suggest that you find something to occupy the child’s hands. She should sew a sampler or whatever girls this age do to pass the time.’
    Mrs Hodges did not look impressed. ‘Very good, sir. I’ll do my best.’ She bobbed a curtsey and backed out of the room.
    â€˜Sit down, child,’ Sir William said, waving his knife at her.
    Bedwin stepped forward and pulled out a chair. Lucy perched on the edge, not knowing what to do next. Her grandfather was tucking into a plate of buttered eggs, bacon, kidneys and two fat sausages. He paused with the fork halfway to his lips. ‘Aren’t you hungry?’
    She stared blankly at the array of silver cutlery set out in front of her.
    She wondered if the servants would suddenly appear and fill the empty chairs set around the table, which would seat at least twenty people. ‘Don’t I have to wait for the others?’ she whispered.
    He stared at her, frowning. ‘The others?’
    â€˜There’s so many empty places. Do the servants come in when you’ve finished filling your face, Grandpapa?’
    â€˜Where did you learn that vulgar expression?’ He dabbed his lips with a starched white napkin. ‘No, don’t bother to tell me. I should expect it, I suppose. You really do have a lot to learn, Lucy.’ He speared a kidney on his fork and popped it into his mouth.
    Lucy’s stomach rumbled, but she sat very still hoping that someone would bring her food on a tray, as had happened the previous evening. Bedwin picked up what she thought must be a teapot, although it was silver and very ornate. He hovered at her side. ‘Would you like some hot chocolate, Miss