The Girl Who Dared to Dream by Diney Costeloe

Author:Diney Costeloe [Costeloe, Diney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781801109789
Publisher: Head of Zeus

25

When Mabel reached her room she saw that all Lizzie’s things had been removed, making it clear she was to have no contact with her cousin, or anyone else. She wished she could have spoken to her as she would have liked Lizzie to explain exactly what had happened while she was away. For example, had they really searched all the servants’ rooms, or had they simply homed in on theirs, on her bedside locker? Feeling more alone than she could ever remember, Mabel lay on her bed and fought back the tears. It wasn’t fair. She had not taken anything from Miss Lucinda’s room. Clearly someone had, but who and when? She remembered that she’d bumped into William on the backstairs as she was leaving on Saturday. What was he doing going up to that landing in the middle of the day? Surely he hadn’t taken the ring and put it in her locker? Not William, she couldn’t bear it if it was William, whom she’d grown to like over the past weeks. No, of course not William. Why on earth should he do such a thing? What had he to gain, except her dismissal, if and when it was discovered? And Lizzie? She wouldn’t have done it. She knew how much Mabel needed her job, she wouldn’t have wanted to get her sacked. She’d have nothing to gain, either. But then Mabel thought of the trip to the country; she had been chosen to go with the family and Lizzie had been left behind. Had Lizzie been jealous because it was she who was going? She might have been disappointed, but surely she’d never have schemed to get Mabel sacked?

Beyond the tiny window, the sun sank in a blaze of colour. As it dipped below the skyline, the evening sky deepened, first to twilight, slashed with streaks of fire, orange, cerise and plum, before drifting through the deep purple of summer darkness into full night.

Mabel didn’t see the brilliance of the sunset, or watch it fade to a warm afterglow; nor did she switch the light on, to keep the darkness at bay.

Though she’d heard footsteps on the landing as the rest of the staff came up to bed, no one had come near her since she’d been sent up to her room.

Just like a naughty child, she thought. And the turmoil of her thoughts turned from confusion to anger. No one would believe her, of course. They’d all think she’d taken the watch and the ring, and deserved whatever was coming.

She thought of Mam and Dada at home. What would they think? Would they believe her?

Surely they’ll believe me, Mabel thought bitterly. They’ll believe I didn’t steal.

Finally, exhausted and hungry, she was just drifting off into a muddled slumber when the door opened softly and a shadow slipped in.

‘Mabel?’ Lizzie’s voice was a whisper as she closed the door gently behind her.

Mabel sat up at once. ‘Lizzie?’ she whispered back. ‘Is that you?’

‘Yes, I’ve brought you a sandwich.

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