Ragged Rose. Dilly Court

suppose it’s the usual story,’ Polly said, sighing.

      ‘Yes, I’m afraid so.’ Rose kept her gaze fixed on Spartacus and was ready to snatch him from Maisie’s arms should he show signs of growing tired of her embrace, but the cat appeared to be completely relaxed and his purring echoed round the room. He did not even stir when a tap on the door preceded Sukey barging into the room.

      ‘You rang, Miss Polly?’ She caught sight of Maisie and the cat and her jaw dropped. ‘Best put him down, girl. He’ll have your eye out in a minute. Nasty beast … he’s got an evil streak.’

      Maisie cuddled him closer. ‘No, you’re mistaken, ma’am. He’s a sweet little puss, and I love him already.’

      ‘Has this one escaped from the lunatic asylum across the street?’ Sukey turned to Polly with her hands outstretched. ‘We’ve got enough trouble with the other harlots, miss. You aren’t going to take a loony on as well, surely?’

      Rose was about to protest but Polly waved Sukey’s protest aside with a casual flick of her fingers. ‘Maisie Monday has come to join us, and she is saner than you or I, if it comes to that.’

      ‘That’s a matter of opinion,’ Sukey muttered, just loud enough for all to hear. ‘What do you want, miss?’

      ‘Coffee, Sukey. A large pot of coffee, and you can add a nip or two of brandy.’

      ‘At this time in the morning, Aunt Polly?’ Rose glanced at the clock on the mantelshelf, which was partly obscured by a large ostrich feather fan. However, she could make out most of the numerals, and it was only a little after half-past eight.

      ‘As I said, Sukey, coffee and a touch of brandy to revive me.’

      ‘Yes, Miss Polly.’ Sukey hobbled out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

      Polly turned to Rose with a bright smile. ‘You might find yourself resorting to such tactics in time to come, my pet. I have a busy day ahead of me and I dare say that you have too. I suppose Eleanor has taken to her bed as usual.’

      ‘I haven’t seen Mama since yesterday afternoon,’ Rose said quickly. ‘She was quite well then.’

      ‘My sister is a good woman, but she has always used her delicate constitution as an excuse to get her own way.’

      ‘That’s not fair,’ Rose protested.

      ‘I’ve known her a lot longer than you, Rose. It started when we were children and Eleanor discovered that illness was a useful tool when it came to dealing with our father, who was inordinately strict. His parishioners were terrified of him and his sermons could conjure up visions of hellfire that had them trembling in their seats.’

      ‘He was a fierce old gentleman,’ Rose said, chuckling. ‘I was always very good when we were taken to visit him and Grandmamma, but Cora was his favourite.’

      ‘Cora takes after your mother. You, alas, are more like me. I was the rebel who challenged authority and suffered the consequences.’

      ‘I’m no rebel, Aunt.’

      ‘Are you not?’ Polly put her head on one side, eyeing Rose with an amused smile. ‘I’ll say no more on the subject.’ She tapped the side of her aquiline nose, nodding in Maisie’s direction. ‘Little pitchers have big ears, as they say. Anyway, I won’t keep you as I know you have a long day ahead of you. Leave the child with me. I’ll look after her and I’ll see you and Cora this evening.’

      ‘You will, of course.’ Rose moved to Maisie’s side, but when she attempted to stroke his head Spartacus opened one eye and stopped purring. She withdrew her hand hastily. ‘I’m leaving now, Maisie, but I know you’ll be well cared for here, and I might see you this evening.’

      ‘You’re coming back just to see me?’ Maisie stared at her in surprise. ‘Really?’

      ‘Of course. I want to make sure that you’re happy and settled, but Cora and I usually call in to see Aunt Polly after work.’

      ‘You work? What do you do? I thought you was rich.’

      ‘It would take too long to explain now.’ Rose looked to her aunt for help, but Polly shrugged. ‘But we’ll talk about it some other time.’

      Maisie set Spartacus down on the floor. ‘You won’t just leave me here, will you, miss?’ Her voice rose in panic as she caught Rose by the sleeve. ‘I’m scared.’

      ‘There’s no need to be frightened,’ Rose said, giving her a quick hug. ‘Aunt Polly is the kindest person I know, and I come here often so you’ll see quite a lot of me. I won’t abandon you, Maisie.’

      With obvious reluctance Maisie released her hold. ‘All right. I believe you, miss.’ She shot a sideways glance at Polly. ‘If you’re sure she’s all right.’

      ‘I may seem old to a child like you,’ Polly said irritably, ‘but I’m not deaf. Come and sit down, you silly girl, and I’ll tell you what your duties will be.’

      Rose hesitated in the doorway, giving Maisie an encouraging nod and a smile.

      ‘I ain’t afraid of hard work.’ Maisie perched on the edge of a chair. ‘I’m used to scrubbing floors and washing dishes.’

      ‘That’s as maybe, but we have all those jobs in hand. I think I will put you in charge of Spartacus. He’s a grumpy old chap and most of my girls are scared of him, and Cook chases him with a carving knife when he steals food from the larder. It will be your job to take care of him and make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.’

      Maisie put her head on one side, eyeing Polly like an inquisitive robin. ‘If he’s such a pest why do you keep him?’

      ‘Because he’s a brilliant mouser and rat catcher. He earns his living, but he has to be kept in order. Can you do that? Speak up if it’s too much for you.’

      ‘It ain’t much of a job. I’d say it was more a pleasure. I’ll do it and more.’

      Polly held out her hand. ‘Then we have a deal.’

      Rose was smiling as she left the house. Aunt Polly had hit on the one thing that would make it easier for Maisie to settle into her new home. Coming as she did from a reasonably close family, Rose could only imagine what it must be like to be raised in an institution. She quickened her pace; this was the day when she and Cora visited the sick and the needy in the parish, taking jars of calf’s-foot jelly and beef tea. If Mrs Blunt was feeling particularly generous she would add some of her small sweet cakes, which she said would tempt the most jaded appetite. Rose took charge of these in case Cora was tempted to sample a few during the long walk; a habit that had endured since childhood when their mother had been well enough to undertake parish duties.

      She arrived home to find Cora alone in the dining room, yawning and seemingly half-asleep over a bowl of porridge.

      ‘Have you seen Pa this morning?’ Rose asked.

      ‘He was called out to baptise a newborn that wasn’t expected to live,’ Cora said sleepily.

      Rose reached for the coffee pot and filled a cup, adding a dash of milk and a lump of sugar. The walk in the chill of the early morning had sharpened her appetite, and, even though she had eaten earlier, she buttered a slice of toast. ‘Is Ma up yet?’

      ‘I don’t think so.’ Cora pushed her plate away. ‘Mrs Blunt said you’d taken Maisie to Aunt Polly.’

      ‘I did and you’ll never guess what happened.’ Rose bit into the toast, chewed and swallowed. She reached for the raspberry jam and spooned some on the side of her plate.

      ‘I’m too tired to work out a conundrum, Rosie. I couldn’t sleep for thinking of Gerard.’

      Rose paused with the toast halfway to her lips. ‘Gerard? Who is he?’

      ‘The handsome young man I was talking