When she stepped into the candlelit hallway, the innkeeper noticed she had mud on her shoes, and that the hem of her dress was wet, and mud splattered. Come along now miss, I'll get the wife to help you. Out at this time alone, well I never, he restated.
His wife appeared in a dressing gown and a pair of slippers. Oh miss, what a mess you're in, come along with you. She led Victoria up the stairs and into a small bedroom at the end of the corridor. Where have you come from at this time? she asked.
From Easingborough Hall, over the fields.
The Innkeeper's wife looked quizzically at her. The old Duke was dead, so it wasn't one of his women.
Is there a coach from here to York tomorrow?
Yes, it calls here every day at nine am.
Three days, three whole days, Mr. Picford shouted. Where have you been all this time?
Pleas sir, I've been at home. I wasn't too well.
Nonsense. On the second day, Mary went to see where you were. You were not at your cottage. Where were you, and I want the truth?
Lizzie had told Victoria to expect a showdown when she went into the mill but she hadn't told her that Mary had been to the cottage. Perhaps she didn't know. She would have to think of an excuse and fast. I have an aunt, in Haslemere. She's gravely ill. I went to visit her, she lied.
He was walking around her as she stood in the middle of his office. He leaned into her and sniffed her scent. It reminded her of a dog, and she began to feel faint. Well whatever the truth, you have missed three days. You will not go back to work in the mill.
But, Mr. Pickford, please.......
Today is Friday, on Monday morning, you will report for work in my cottage as one of my assistants. If you refuse, I will have nothing more to do with you. He smiled before delivering the rest of his terrifying message. You will not work at the mill, and you will not live in one of my houses. You will be on the streets. Is that clear? She nodded.
Victoria waited for Lizzie on the wall at the entrance to the mill. Lizzie was covered in dust when Victoria saw her. What happened to you? Victoria asked.
Mary had me cleaning out some of the air pipes, they're full of dust and rat droppings. Lizzie took Victoria's arm, and she wanted to pull away. Rat's droppings didn't sound too healthy. As they went down the hill towards the village, Victoria told Lizzie all about her trip to the solicitors and then to Easingborough Hall. When she came to the end, Lizzie was in tears. You mean, you refused the Duke's offer?
Yes.
You're mad, Lizzie said.
He's just like all the others. He should have given it back to me, expecting me to be the manager is.....well I don't know, but it isn't honest.
Lizzie wanted to say that it was her father's fault really, but she refrained.
Pickford wants me to start work in the assistants house on Monday.
Jesus Victoria. Go back to the Duke and accept his offer.
No never. He's just as dishonest as his father,
Lizzie didn't understand. You’re bloody headstrong, and it's not good for you.
At the village green, Jack was waiting. Lizzie kissed Victoria goodbye and went towards her house.
Can I walk with you Victoria? he asked.
Yes I'd like that, she said. He almost jumped in the air, it was a result he wasn’t expecting. They walked together without saying anything until they reached Victoria's cottage. Thank you, Jack, that was nice, she said.
It's my pleasure. I was wondering if you would like to walk with me on Sunday, after church? he asked, holding his breath.
Yes, Jack, I'd like that very much, she said. When she closed the door behind her, she slipped to her knees and began to cry.
On Monday morning, Victoria was not dressed in her usual mill workers clothes, but in her best dress. She'd picked some daffodils and put one in her bonnet. It was gone eight, and if she'd been working in the mill, she would already have been at work for two hours. Nine o'clock was her new start time. At eight forty, she was ready to walk up the hill to the first street on the right, Calderdale Avenue. Number three belonged to Mr. Pickford, and she was to report there. She put on her bonnet and took the bunch of daffodils. She went to the kitchen took a carving knife and hid it in the flowers she was carrying.
When she arrived at her new place of work, she was greeted by three other women, all equally well dressed. They showed her to what they called, her room. It appeared each of them had their own room. When Mr. Pickford comes, he chooses one of us, and we go with him to our own room. He likes it that way a woman called Isabella said.
At nine thirty, Mr. Pickford knocked on the door. Splendid, Victoria, you're here. I've been looking forward to seeing you all weekend. Show me which is your room.
Victoria didn't say anything as she walked up the stairs with him behind her. When they entered the room, the daffodils were lying on the bed. Please sit down next to me on the bed, she told him.