Free The Workhouse Girl by Dilly Court Page A

where she’s content to stay by the fire. I’m not going to miss my night out for anyone.’ She marched up the stairs with Nettie racing after her and Cook following at a slower pace.
    Sarah took Betty by the hand. ‘There’s nothing to be scared of. If I can do it so can you. There’s nothing to worry about.’
    â€˜I won’t say nothing.’ Betty plugged her thumb in her mouth.
    â€˜Good girl.’ Sarah led the way and they found everyone assembled in the front parlour. The aroma of hot spiced wine wafted through the open door and Sarah gave Betty a gentle push over the threshold.
    Mrs Arbuthnot smiled benevolently. ‘Merry Christmas, girls.’
    Sarah was about to return the compliments of the season but she stopped short, gazing at Miss Parfitt in admiration. Her teacher had abandoned the severe grey poplin dress and cape she wore on schooldays for a gown of magenta cotton sateen with a matching velvet cape and a bonnet trimmed with cream rosebuds. ‘Oh, Miss Parfitt, you look so fine,’ she breathed.
    Miss Parfitt blushed prettily. ‘Thank you, Sarah.’
    â€˜You are beautiful. Like an angel.’
    â€˜That’s not true, dear, but it’s kind of you to say so.’
    â€˜The little girl is right.’
    Everyone turned to stare at Franz Beckman who until that moment had been standing quietly by the fireplace with an empty glass clutched in his hand.
    â€˜Well now,’ Mrs Arbuthnot said hastily. ‘This is all very pleasant and I hope everyone has a truly wonderful evening. It is Christmas, after all.’
    Cook raised her glass. ‘Merry Christmas, ma’am. And thank you for giving us such a wonderful treat. I’m sure we are all very grateful.’
    Mr Arbuthnot acknowledged the toast, smiling broadly. ‘It’s a pleasure to reward our loyal servants for all their hard work during the year, Mrs Burgess.’
    â€˜Perhaps we had better leave, sir,’ Franz said, placing his glass on the table. ‘We don’t want to be late for the show.’
    â€˜No indeed.’ Dorcas directed a pert smile in his direction. ‘How right you are, Franz, and we all feel much safer knowing that you are accompanying us.’
    He inclined his head. ‘Thank you, Miss Dorcas.’
    â€˜Then off we go,’ Cook said, tucking her umbrella under her arm. ‘Go back to the kitchen, Betty.’
    â€˜Not fair,’ Betty wailed. ‘Want to go. Always left behind.’ She began to sob loudly.
    â€˜Now, now, dear, there’s no need to get yourself in a state.’ Mrs Arbuthnot laid her hand on Betty’s shoulder. ‘You may have an orange and some walnuts if you do as Cook says.’
    â€˜Perhaps we ought to leave quickly,’ Miss Parfitt said, gently. ‘It won’t be so upsetting for her once we are gone.’
    Franz moved swiftly to her side, proffering his arm. ‘May I?’
    With a sidelong glance at Miss Parfitt that spoke volumes, Dorcas marched out of the room. ‘Some people have all the luck,’ she muttered, tossing her head.
    â€˜Behave yourself, Dorcas.’ Cook hurried after her. ‘Come along, girls.’
    Sarah put her arm around Betty’s heaving shoulders. ‘Do you want me to take you back to the kitchen?’
    â€˜Want to go too,’ Betty said, hiccuping. ‘Want to see the show.’
    â€˜For heaven’s sake come on.’ Nettie caught Sarah by the edge of her cape. ‘She’ll forget what she was making a fuss about afore we’ve got halfway down the street.’
    Mr Arbuthnot stepped forward to pat Betty on the head. ‘There, there, girl. You heard what the mistress said. Go downstairs and you will have a treat.’
    Mrs Arbuthnot snatched an orange, some nuts and an apple from the fruit bowl. She offered them to Betty. ‘Here you are, child. Let Sarah go and you shall have all these nice things to