The Girl in the Scrapbook by Carolyn Ruffles (reading women TXT) 📕

easy company; she found herself entertained by his recount of his day’s events. Every day, he would have something amusing saved up to tell her. By comparison, she felt dull and uninteresting. There was little exciting she could tell him about her day.

She was also painfully aware that his brown eyes made her heart flutter and she could not help but notice his lean, muscled torso. At odd times of the day, she found herself imagining him taking her in his strong arms and asking her to marry him again. This time, she realised, she would gladly give him a different answer.

However, he gave her no sign that he thought of her as anything but a friend. He was a perfect gentleman around her. That was just typical, she thought in frustration. Before, he had definitely hinted of his love for her but now he seemed to be completely indifferent to her charms. Sadly, she wondered if her disclosure had anything to do with it. Although he had gallantly come to her aid when she most needed it, any love he had felt for her must surely have dissolved at the thought that she had been another man’s lover, however unwillingly that may have been.

The days continued to shorten and the annual corn harvest was just around the corner.  Norah had been under the weather for several days and had been feeling queasy, particularly at mealtimes. Arthur had noticed her lack of appetite and asked after her health but she had insisted she was fine. It was just a bug and would soon pass, she thought. The sickness had continued, though, and she wondered if she should pay a visit to the village doctor, old Dr Bell. Certainly, Arthur had encouraged her to do so when he discovered she had been taking a bucket with her at bedtime in case she was sick in the night.  Norah, who was hardly ever ill, continued to dismiss his concerns right up until the moment she was struck by a truly awful thought.  The moment of revelation occurred as she noticed her old school friend, Elsie Thickthorn, waddling up the lane.

‘Poor Elsie. She’s put on a lot of weight,’ thought Norah. Then Elsie drew level with the cottage and Norah could see that she was, in fact, heavily pregnant. Instantly, she realised her own terrible truth. She was expecting a baby!

◆◆◆

Arthur returned that evening and found Norah quiet and morose. When he asked her what was wrong, she told him that she had to find employment as soon as possible.

‘I really feel I am outstaying my welcome and people in the village are talking. You have been so kind letting me stay here as long as you have but I need to get on with my life.’

‘You’ve never worried about people talking before,’ he protested. ‘Has something happened?’

‘No, nothing,’ she lied. ‘I just feel I need to make a break from here, that’s all.’ She smiled ruefully, ‘If I stay too much longer, I’ll never leave.’

Arthur shrugged. ‘What’s wrong with that?’ he asked. ‘I’ve told you you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’

‘I know. You’ve been far kinder than I deserved.’ She laid a hand on his arm. ‘Thank you for all you’ve done for me but I need my independence.’

‘Very well.’ He turned away from her and headed towards the door.

‘Where are you going?’

‘I’ve just remembered I’ve been invited for supper at Jack and Cissy Richards’ house. Cissy has a big family, many of whom are in service. She may know of something that would suit you,’ he replied coolly and he shut the door firmly behind him.

◆◆◆

Norah was in bed when she heard Arthur return and he'd left for work when she surfaced in the morning. She had slept badly and felt terrible. Just when her life seemed to be getting back on an even keel, she had been dealt another cruel blow. The thought of carrying Lord Collingworth’s child filled her with horror and she could think of no solution. She had heard gossip all her life about unmarried mothers and knew that she could no longer stay in Great Chalkham where everyone knew her. The shame would be too great to bear. It would be better to find a position where no one knew her and then, perhaps, when the baby was born, she might be able to find someone who wanted to adopt a child.

Miserably, she poured herself a cup of tea and sat down at the table. She had never felt so helpless - so utterly alone - and she felt hot tears prickle down her cheeks.

Just at that moment, there was a knock at the door. Hastily wiping the tears from her eyes and taking a deep breath to pull herself together, Norah opened the door. Standing in front of her was the prettiest girl she had ever seen. She was about Norah’s age or a little older, with golden hair swept into a bun and enormous, cornflower blue eyes.

‘Hello, Norah. I’m Cissy - Cissy Richards. Arthur was telling us all about you last night and I just know we’re going to be friends so I had to come over and visit. I hope you don’t mind.’

She was smiling warmly and Norah immediately felt at ease with her. ‘Of course not. Please come in. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Would you care for a cup of tea?’

‘Absolutely. Two sugars if I may.’ Cissy bustled in and sat herself down at the table. ‘Arthur was saying you are presently looking for a position. I have a sister who works at Marchmont Manor in Lincolnshire and in her last letter she was telling me all about the problems Lord and Lady Marchmont have been having finding a nanny for their children. Between you and me, I suspect they may be holy terrors! If you’re up for a challenge, I’m sure you would be suitable, being from a good family and all that.’ Cissy paused for breath.