Free Sins of the Father by Kitty Neale

expect his belly will be full of ale as usual,’ Dick snapped.
    ‘It ain’t fair,’ Susan grumbled. ‘Bella will get round him as usual, and he’ll give her some of his pears. He always does.’
    Emma closed her eyes against her sister’s words, but knew they were true. Bella’s was a doll-like prettiness. She had already learned to manipulate her father, becoming his favourite. Dick and Luke could be wheedled round too, the males of the family unable to resist her delicate looks. Emma rose to her feet, took the last two halves of pear from the jar and cut them into pieces before sharing them out.
    ‘There, are you satisfied?’ she said impatiently.
    Dick ate his, then said quietly, ‘Emma, can you ask Mr Bell how much is left owing on the arrears?’
    ‘He only discusses the rent with Dad so it’s unlikely he’ll tell me. Anyway, why do you want to know?’
    ‘I’ve heard about a job in the café. The pay isn’t bad, and you’d like the old girl who runs it. Mrs Bright is a good sort and has a heart of gold. If the arrears are nearly paid, you could go for it.’
    ‘It sounds all right, but to be honest, I don’t mind working for Mr Bell. I never dreamed I’d enjoy cleaning, but the house is lovely and with most of the rooms closed up it isn’t hard work.’
    ‘From what you’ve told me about the place, the man must be worth a mint. Rumour has it that he owns lots of property, raking in rent from all of them.’ Dick’s eyes flicked around the room. ‘If this place is anything to go by he’s tight on repairs too.’
    ‘I don’t think he’s poor, that’s for sure, but I don’t understand why he got rid of the staff when his wife died. He doesn’t own a car either.’
    ‘Well, going by the state of this place, I reckon he’s a skinflint and doesn’t like spending his money.’
    ‘I doubt that, especially as he’s been so generous with the food from his pantry.’ Emma rose tiredly to her feet. ‘I’d best get this lot cleared up.’
    ‘We’ll do it,’ Luke said.
    Susan pulled a face, her voice a whine. ‘Bella can help him. I’ve got a tummy ache.’
    ‘That excuse is wearing a bit thin,’ Dick told her. ‘If you all muck in it’ll be done in no time.’
    Dick’s voice was firm, and sulkily Susan began to help the others. Emma knew they did their best when they came home from school, but there were still jobs they were unable to tackle. The washing and ironing for starters, and if truth be known, with only the evenings to do these chores, Emma felt worn out trying to keep up with it all. Not only that, the school summer holidays would be starting soon and she dreaded leaving the children alone all day.
    ‘Why the long face, Emma?’ Dick asked.
    ‘I’m worried about the kids when they break up from school.’
    ‘They aren’t babies, they’ll be all right. Mind you, it wouldn’t hurt to have a word with them,’ Dick said. He called Luke and Susan to his side. ‘Whilst Emma and I are at work during the holidays, Luke will be in charge.’
    ‘But—’
    ‘No buts, Susan. Luke is the eldest, and he’ll be leaving school next year, which makes him almost a man.’
    ‘He ain’t a man. He’s a cissy.’
    ‘I ain’t a cissy!’
    ‘That’s enough!’ Dick’s voice was loud. ‘Luke will be in charge and, as before, Emma will have a word with Alice. You can go to her if you haveany problems, but I don’t want you running to her to sort out your silly spats. Now is that clear?’
    They both nodded. Dick turned his attention to Bella and Ann. He went over the same things with them, only adding, ‘I’m not far away at the market if you need me, but woe betide any of you if you get into trouble.’
    Emma hadn’t interrupted while Dick laid down the law. She knew that her brother was right, and Luke was old enough to be left in charge, but she couldn’t entirely dismiss her worries.
    The evening passed with the occasional squabble, but they were all in bed when Emma