A Carriage for the Midwife by Maggie Bennett Page B

bright-eyed child who had chatted and laughed with him – how long ago was it? He had been sent away to school soon after, and had largely lost touch with events in Beversley. He and Osmond had been home for Easter, but had to return to Winchester in two days’ time. Looking at this poor, barefoot girl who had almost run under his horses hoofs, he was obscurely ashamed of his privileges in the face of her poverty.
    A tray arrived with a teapot, milk jug, cups and saucers, and Miss Sophia looked thoughtful as she poured out the fragrant brown brew that Susan had never tasted before. Edward handed her a cup balanced on a saucer, which she gingerly took with both hands.
    ‘You deserve this more than I do, Susan. Here, let me put in a spoonful of sugar for you,’ he said.
    ‘Thank ’ee, Master Edward. Thank ’ee, Miss Glover.’
    As far as Susan was concerned, this fourteen-year-old boy was like a being from another world, so finely dressed and clean. Yet he spoke to her as if she were one of his sisters, with kindness and courtesy. She had never known a man to be gentle like this, and her heart swelled. Miss Glover was smiling at her, so she was not going to be chastised again. She sipped her tea gratefully, and felt that life could hold no greater bliss.
    A sudden loud ringing of the doorbell announced the arrival of Edward’s elder brother, who strode into the parlour, nodding to Sophia and completely ignoring Susan.
    ‘What the devil have you been up to, Neddy? Could you not keep your seat on young Juniper?’
    ‘If you had not taken my Duchess, I wouldn’t have needed to saddle him,’ retorted Edward.
    Osmond shrugged and went to the window. He looked bored and discontented as he accepted a cup of tea from Sophia.
    ‘How dull it has been in Beversley these two weeks, with Henry away at sea! Even Winchester has more to offer a fellow.’
    His light blue eyes roved round the room, and briefly lighted upon Susan. She felt his contempt for her poor gown, and was conscious for the first time of her bare feet in Miss Glover’s parlour. She blushed crimson as she looked down at them, tough and leathery, with grime ingrained between the toes. In an instant her elation vanished; she was reminded of her low status and with it the unspeakable secret burden she carried. She felt unfit to be in this room among this company, and she hung her head in shame, unable to meet Edward’s eyes again. Just suppose he knew about
that
: how horrified he would be – and Miss Glover! Her mind reeled away from the very thought, and she did not notice Sophia Glover eyeing her attentively.
    Osmond laughed at his brother’s bandaged head.
    ‘Good God, Neddy, you’ll frighten the populace out of their wits, looking like a corpse on horseback, pale and bloody! Come on, let’s be going. We have to meet with the carriage at Pulhurst, and Father will be complaining as usual. I shall say I had to stay and tend you. Good day, Cousin Sophy. Come
on
, Ned!’
    Susan still sat with lowered head, so did not see Edward’s bow to her as he left.
    As soon as Miss Glover had gone to see the brothers on their way, Susan rose to leave; but the lady came back and asked her to stay a few minutes longer.
    ‘Sit down, Susan. I have something important to say to you.’
    The girl braced herself for the scolding that Miss Glover must have saved until they were alone.
    ‘Don’t look so worried, Susan! I have been talking with Mrs Bennett and Mrs Gibson about you, and they both speak highly of your good sense.’
    Susan was so surprised that she raised her head and blinked. What was coming now?
    ‘And I think that you should be given the chance to learn the alphabet, Susan. Would you like to try?’
    Susan was utterly bewildered. ‘Beggin’ yer pardon, Miss Glover, but what do that mean?’ she faltered, though even as she spoke her heart leaped at the sound of the magic word, as if it could transform her life and begin her escape from the Ash-Pits. She