Ragged Rose

‘You’re early, miss.’ She gave Maisie a knowing look. ‘Another one, I suppose.’

‘Is my aunt up yet, Sukey?’

‘I don’t think so, Miss Rose. I’ll go and see.’

Sukey shambled off towards the staircase and Rose ushered Maisie into the parlour.

‘Well, I never did,’ Maisie muttered as she gazed around the room. ‘I never seen nothing like this in all me born days.’

Rose was used to the somewhat bizarre collection of memorabilia, but seeing it through a stranger’s eyes she had to admit that it was a little eccentric. ‘My aunt was a celebrated performer in her day,’ she said by way of an explanation. ‘She sang and danced on most of the great stages in London.’

‘Really?’ Maisie’s eyes widened and she stared at Rose open-mouthed. ‘I’d give anything to go to a music hall. I’ve seen buskers singing on street corners, but I’ve never been in a proper theatre, have you, Miss Rose?’

‘Well, I …’ Rose was saved from answering by the sudden appearance of Polly, who made a grand entrance wearing a diaphanous silk wrap and a frilled nightcap. She came to a halt, peering at Maisie through her lorgnette. ‘Who is this child, Rose?’

‘This is Maisie, Aunt Polly.’ Rose turned to Maisie, raising her eyebrows. ‘What is your surname? I’m afraid I forgot to ask.’

‘I’m Maisie Monday, and before you enquire as to how I come by such a moniker, they give it me at the foundling home because it was on a Monday morning when they come across me on the doorstep.’

Polly shooed Spartacus off the chaise longue and took his place amongst the colourful cushions. The cat arched his back and his tail twitched angrily, but as if to show his independence he strolled over to Maisie and rubbed himself against her skirts. With a cry of delight she had scooped him up in her arms, before either Rose or her aunt could warn her that Spartacus bit and scratched, as the mood took him.

‘You’re a beautiful pussycat,’ Maisie cooed, rocking him in her arms like a baby.

‘I’d be careful if I were you,’ Rose said hastily, but Spartacus, contrary to the last, closed his eyes and began to purr.

‘Bless my soul, who would have thought it?’ Polly threw up her hands. ‘That creature can kill a rat with one bite, and now just look at him. You must have a way with animals, Maisie Monday. Can you charm the birds out of the trees?’

‘I dunno, miss. I never tried.’

‘Maisie is in need of your help, Aunt,’ Rose said calmly. ‘I’m sure she’ll tell you her story in time.’

‘First things first, Rose. Ring for Sukey, please. I’m in desperate need of sustenance. One of my girls went into labour after you left last night and it took three of us to get her over to the Lying-ln Hospital. Poor thing, she was convinced that they would take the baby from her and sell it to the highest bidder. Lord knows where she got such an idea, but she struggled back across the road at four in the morning with the child in her arms. One of the attendants from the hospital ran after her, trying to persuade her to return to her bed. It was quite a scene.’

Rose tugged at the bell pull. ‘You must be fagged out, Aunt. I’m sorry I disturbed you but Maisie is in dire need of a place to stay until her baby is born. Her employer threw her out on the street, and when Cora and I came upon her last evening she was in a desperate state.’

‘Quite so,’ Maisie said emphatically. ‘I were about to jump off the bridge when the young ladies come upon me and dragged me to the ground. Ever so kind, they was.’ Her brown eyes filled with tears and she buried her face in Spartacus’s fur.

Rose held her breath, hoping that Spartacus would not suddenly turn feral, but he was behaving like a pampered pet.

‘I 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.