Page 11 of A Dream of Redemption
“Well, I’m here now so, Mary, take Peters and Nancy and get her to show you the female staff accommodations then meet us back here, while Antonia and I chat to Mrs. Thorn.”
Once Mary had ushered Nancy back upstairs, Mrs. Thorn indicated two chairs near the fire, which was burning bright, and the ladies sat while Mrs. Thorn pulled up a stool.
“I’ve been praying for Her Grace’s visit. I wouldn’t keep my pigs in this hovel let alone little children. I do what I can but the money they give me for food is pennies. I have tried to get the children washed, and I help to darn their clothes but really all the bedding and clothes should be burned. Full of lice and other nasties.”
“How is it that you seem to have a nice warm fire and the rest of the house remains cold and damp?”
“I threatened to write to Her Grace. Glover believed me, but I can’t write that’s why I didn’t let her know sooner. Still he gave me enough wood but I have to light the fire myself. The children help me as it gives them a chance to get warm.”
“He didn’t try to get rid of you?” Antonia asked.
“He likes his food too much. He eats differently to the children.”
“What else can you tell us, Mrs. Thorn?”
“Other than I suspect he’s pocketing the donations? Something else is going on here. I can’t put my finger on it but there are comings and goings here at all hours of the night. Men arriving, and he has secret meetings with Nancy.”
Just then Mary arrived back, and she looked like she was about to cry. “This place is dreadful. We can’t leave the children like this; it has to be cleaned immediately. Why don’t we send for some of Her Grace’s staff and your brother’s staff, and clean this place from top to bottom.”
“No need. Mr. Brown’s team will be arriving soon.” Mr. Homeward stood in the doorway, his clothes slightly messy, as if he’d been in a physical altercation. “I’ve shown Mr. Glover and Nancy the door. I’ll stay on until the others arrive and oversee the cleanup. And who have we here?”
“Mrs. Thorn is the cook and has been telling us about Mr. Glover. I would like to retain her services.”
Mr. Homeward looked around and nodded, obviously noting how well maintained the kitchen was. “Mrs. Thorn, I promise we will have a new overseer and matron very soon. Could you start by heating water for baths? I suspect the children will be as dirty as the house.”
She jumped to her feet. “If I can have some of the young lads down here to help lift the pots and fetch the water it won’t take long. I’ll have two tubs in the girls’ dorm and two in the boys’ dorm within the hour.”
“You have enough coal and wood?”
She nodded. “I’ve been stocking it behind the coal shed, which is also full, knowing you’d be along any day.”
“Good work, Mrs. Thorn. I’ll go and inspect the boys’ dormitory and perhaps you could inspect the girls?” he asked of Helen.
Helen stood. “Of course. Antonia, why don’t you stay and help Mrs. Thorn organize the baths and perhaps a warm drink for the children. Mary, perhaps you could show me the way.”
Chapter 4
It was far worse than anything Helen had been expecting. She wanted to take each and every child home with her and—and what? She had never felt so angry at the world and disappointed in human nature. Who could treat a dog, let alone children, like this?
Together with Antonia and Mary, Helen organized the children into groups. The older girls helped the younger ones get ready for their baths. The filthy mattresses and bedding were tossed out the window and soon a pile was burning in the courtyard out back.
Mrs. Thorn and the older boys and girls began scrubbing the building from top to bottom, starting with the dormitories so they could sleep clean tonight.
Eventually the team that Mr. Brown had assembled arrived. Thankfully the wagons carried new bedding and clothes for the children. The children had gotten over their initial fear of the visitors bringing sweeping changes, and with some hearty food in their bellies and fresh clean clothes over clean bodies, the look of awe and joy on their faces at seeing their new beds with clean sheets and warm blankets would stay in Helen’s memory forever.
Simple basic needs that she took for granted every day of her life and these children thought it was Christmas.
The doctor was still upstairs. He’d been called as soon as she saw the state of them. He was overseeing those who were sickly and undernourished. In fact, she would ensure that all the children were given a thorough examination before the doctor left.
“You look exhausted. Why don’t you ladies go home? I’ll stay here tonight and oversee the cleaning of the rest of the building and the new staff. I still want to talk with the children too.”
Her heart began to pick up its beat as soon as she heard Clary’s voice. She had not had time to miss his company. Helen watched him smile at the little girl hiding behind her skirts, and just like the little girl she fell under his spell. His white shirt was covered in grime, his breeches covered in dust, and his curly hair was a mess, but he still looked handsome beyond words. She instinctively ran a hand through her hair and down her gown. Thank goodness for the apron Marisa had given her. She must look a mess too.
“I haven’t finished talking to the children either, but perhaps Antonia and Mary might like to leave.”
She could see the look of relief on Antonia’s face but the young girl had done as much work as anyone. She was proud of her. Mary nodded too.
“No. It’s safe—I mean better, if you all go home. You’ve done more than enough, my lady.”
