Workhouse Nightingale by Holly Green

Author:Holly Green
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Chapter 10

Lillden Hall was set on the south-facing slope of the North Downs, not far from Guildford. Elizabeth explained, as they approached it in the open carriage which had brought them from the station, that it had been originally a rather plain Georgian house, which her father had brought up to date with a number of additions. These included at one end of the building an octagonal tower surmounted by a pointed turret, mullioned windows, a gabled roof and a series of twisted chimneys. The drive leading to it ran through park land and was shaded by an avenue of limes and in front of the house the ground was laid out in a series of formal beds, bright with spring flowers.

The carriage came to a standstill at the foot of a double flight of steps leading up to the main door.

‘Here we are!’ Elizabeth said. ‘Come along in.’

Dora followed her up the steps with a chill feeling of anxiety in the pit of her stomach. This was far grander than any house she had ever been in, even in the days when her father was alive and the Latimers were entertained by local gentry in Liverpool. She did not know what to expect and she was afraid of making some faux pas, which would betray her ignorance. When the door was opened by Morton, the butler, with his habitual expression of disapproval, her fears were confirmed. The spacious entrance hall lived up to her first impression. The floor was marble and the walls were panelled in dark wood. To one side, a grand staircase with elaborately carved banisters swept up to a galleried landing and hanging on the wall beside it were a number of oil paintings, their colours and outlines dim with age. She hesitated, uncertain what to do next, but moments later reassurance arrived in the shape of Mr Warrender, who came running down the stairs and swept Elizabeth into his arms.

‘I thought I heard the carriage. It’s good to see you. Are you well?’

‘Very well, thank you, Papa.’

‘And Miss Latimer. I’m so glad you decided to accept my invitation. Welcome to Lillden Hall.’

Dora took his proffered hand. ‘Thank you for inviting me.’

He made an expansive gesture that took in their surroundings. ‘Well, what do you think? Does the old place make a good first impression?’

‘It’s very … grand,’ Dora said.

‘It is, isn’t it?’ he agreed earnestly. ‘Grand! That’s exactly it. Now, you are not to stand on ceremony. Make yourself at home, and if there is anything you require, don’t hesitate to ask.’

‘Thank you.’

‘You’ll be needing some refreshment after the journey, but perhaps you would like to see your room first, eh, Elizabeth? Is that the best way?’

‘Yes, that would be best,’ his daughter agreed. ‘At least give us time to take off our bonnets.’

‘Of course, of course. I believe we’ve put Miss Latimer in the blue room, next to yours.’

‘Good. Come along, Dora. I’ll show you where.’

Dora was slightly disconcerted when Elizabeth opened the door

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