Daughter of the Dales by Diane Allen

Author:Diane Allen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK

16

‘Now, can you think of anything that I’ve not told you?’ Harriet looked at her new employee and at baby Georgina, who had taken instantly to her new carer.

‘No, Mrs Atkinson, I think you’ve covered everything. Besides, as you say, I’m sure Rosie will help me out if I can’t find anything.’ Mary Harrison smiled. She had been shown around Crummock and told the needs of the two youngest Atkinson children more times than she’d had hot dinners. But she understood their mother’s concerns and would have felt the same, if they were her own children.

‘The main thing is that Georgina does not get out of her routine, otherwise she becomes so bad-tempered that she doesn’t know what to do with herself. And don’t let Ben twist you around his little finger. His bedtime is seven, although I hope to be back by then. He’s usually home about four o’clock after school; he walks up home with the lad from Sowermire, so he only has the last half-mile to walk home on his own. If he’s any later than that you’d better go and look for him, as he’s known for dawdling.’ Harriet looked around her. She was looking forward to her new life starting in the morning, but at the same time she was dreading leaving her family behind. ‘Otherwise, I think you know where everything is. Rosie will see to the meals and cleaning. Not that she wants to, for she’s a love of the outside more than home-making, and she’s with her father now. She’d much rather be handling sheep than dusting and polishing.’ Harriet sighed.

‘I’ll help her, Mrs Atkinson, don’t worry. I can turn my hand to most things – us country lasses have to.’ Mary smiled; she was being generously paid by the well-to-do Fox family and knew when she was on to a good thing, despite the recent scandal and the awful death linked to James Fox. ‘And I’ll make sure Mr Atkinson senior is looked after, although he seems to be quite sprightly for his age.’

‘Mr Atkinson will look after himself. As long as he’s fed, he’ll potter around the house and farm. He’s learning to take it easy after all these years, giving my husband guidance on occasion. Although sometimes my husband does not appreciate his advice or help, as he is a bit set in his ways. He forgets that it is now 1913, and things have progressed from when he was a lad. Well, I think that is it. I look forward to seeing you in the morning. The breakfast table will be laid. You can eat with my family or on your own, whichever you prefer. Rosie knows what everyone has to eat, so don’t worry about that.’

Harriet held her arms out for Georgina, who was playing with Mary’s pendant around her neck. Georgina complained about being removed from her new plaything as her mother prised her away.

‘You can play with it again tomorrow.’ Mary smiled at Georgina. ‘Now, you behave for your mother.

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