The Whistle Echoes by M. Liza Marte

Author:M. Liza Marte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-09-08T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY

Margaret knew Hannah always kept a close rein on the workers, but watching her that afternoon, she felt her mother-in-law should have shown more trust by allowing the workers to work instead of dogging their footsteps. With John still resting, she had gotten up and dressed. She felt cooped up indoors so she ventured to the mill, hoping to speak with Nicholas or just watch. She was fortunate to find him in the piecing room. There had been so little time for conversation the past few weeks. As always, he was happy to see her, and when she asked about Mary and the other children, he couldn’t answer her query fast enough.

“They are growing faster than weeds, Mistress. Why my Mary can barely cook fast enough to fill their bellies.”

“Does she still work here, in the kitchen?”

He nodded. There was no mistaking the look of pride in his eyes as he spoke of his daughter. “Yes, she does and a fine cook she’s become. You won’t find anyone here who doesn’t praise her meals,” Nicholas exclaimed.

Margaret watched as his eyes sparkled while he regaled her with stories of Mary’s newfound qualities. He also mentioned in between breaths how young Thomas was fast become a proper little scholar.

“The master mentioned before how he would possibly help in the boy’s schooling. But of course, that was a while back. I don’t expect him to remember what he said then.”

“No. Don’t think that, Nicholas. If Mr. Thornton made an offer to help, he will remember. I can speak with him if you like.”

“Thank you, Mistress. I think young Thomas would be very grateful.”

“What of his father? Would he be grateful as well?” she asked.

Her words ended in a teasing manner. He was ready to reply when a loud cry from across the room made him stop. A loud grating sound soon followed as he rushed over in time to see the cause of the commotion. A roller had come loose. Several workers were attending to the problem but as a small crowd quickly gathered around the troublesome machine and the poor worker. To make matters worse, a large bolt of fabric had also slipped from the roller that held it in place and had unravelled on top of the long table. Discovering the problem was one thing, seeing that it was put to right, was another matter. Nicholas called out to a few of the men and motioned for each to grasp one end as he lifted the latch that would hold the roller in place.

“That’s it, bring her about slowly,” he ordered while he struggled against the metal lever, pulling it hard as the men eased the roll back in place. It was heavier than any of the men anticipated, slowing their efforts. Those around stopped to watch, leaving their work unattended. All in all, it took a good ten minutes to resume work at the cutting table. The temporary lapse in production was spotted and noted by Hannah. Timing was against

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