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

‘As long as you have good references, I think they’ll just be happy to find someone. At least that’s the impression I got from Elsa - she’s my sister. She works in the kitchen there so at least there would be a friendly face looking out for you.’

‘References …,’ Norah stammered, ‘might be a bit of a problem. You see I’ve only worked at Collingworth Hall for about nine months and then I had to leave … well, rather suddenly. I don’t think I could ask them for a reference.’

‘No, no, you don’t need to say anything about Collingworth. One of my other sisters, Anne, worked there for a time and she too left in difficult circumstances. Don’t worry,’ she continued, seeing the way Norah’s face had paled. ‘Arthur didn’t say anything about what happened to you but if your situation is anything like Anne’s, then of course you couldn’t stay there. No, I was thinking about references from people like the vicar and maybe your old headmaster. You are a young lady from a good family who has fallen on hard times. I’m sure you’d be just what they are looking for. I have the address here written out for you.’ She handed Norah a piece of paper from her pocket. It was written in an exuberant, flowing hand which matched perfectly with Cissy’s bubbly personality.

‘This is very kind of you. Thank you.’

‘No trouble at all. I’m happy to help, although do you mind if I ask you something? Jack said I shouldn’t because that would be interfering but I have to ask you and it’s quite all right if you don’t want to answer. Just tell me I’m a nosy busybody and it’s none of my business.’

Norah smiled. She could not help but like Cissy’s irrepressible manner. ‘Go ahead,’ she said, ‘but I may not be able to give you an answer.’

‘Oh, you are a good sport!’ she exclaimed. ‘Righty oh, here goes. Why are you looking for a job at all when you have a perfectly decent chap willing to marry you? All the single women in the village are after Arthur Fletcher but, so Jack tells me, he’s always only had eyes for you. Apparently, he was heartbroken when you left before and now here you are back again and even living with him in his cottage so you can’t dislike him that much. I just don’t understand it. Sorry ... I know I probably shouldn’t have said anything. It’s just, last night, Arthur seemed so down and he’s just such a nice chap. Oh dear, I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.’

Cissy reached across the table and took hold of Norah’s hand as she saw her eyes filling with tears.

‘You’re right. I can’t talk about it,’ she murmured.

‘That’s fine. Oh, I am sorry, Norah. I didn’t mean to upset you. Is there anything I can do?’

‘No … it’s just that … you’re right. Arthur did want to marry me. He asked me before I left to work at Collingworth Hall but I didn’t want to get married then. I had these fancy notions about being independent and saving up to go to university. Also, at that time, I could only think of us, Arthur and I, as friends. And he is … a really good friend. That’s why I turned to him when … when I needed somewhere to stay. But now I feel I’m overstaying my welcome.’

‘Nonsense,’ Cissy said briskly. ‘Arthur’s upset that you’re suddenly in such a rush to leave. He wants you to stay, I know it.’

‘I can’t stay.’ Norah withdrew her hand and stood up. ‘Another cup of tea?’

‘No, no more tea for me thanks. But why can’t you stay? You and I have only just got to know each other,’ Cissy persisted. She sighed and shook her head. ‘You don’t exactly seem thrilled to be leaving. There must be something … Has someone said something to you?’

‘It’s not that. I’m used to disapproving looks when I venture out.’

‘Then something else has happened. Oh, I wish you’d confide in me. I might be able to help. I come from a family of ten so I’m familiar with plenty of relationship problems.’

Norah sighed and then clasped a hand to her face as a wave of nausea took her by surprise.

‘Excuse me … I’ve just got to go …’ She rushed outside and was promptly sick on the vegetable patch. After a few moments, she felt Cissy’s arm go around her and together they walked back into the cottage.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Norah began. ‘It must be something I’ve eaten.’

Cissy shook her head sadly. ‘You poor, poor girl. That explains everything. You’re pregnant.’

◆◆◆

When Arthur returned that night, he immediately asked Norah to go and sit down. ‘I’ve spoken to Cissy,’ he said flatly.

She felt the colour flood her cheeks. ‘I wish she hadn’t told you,’ she muttered, her eyes downcast. ‘I begged her not to but she said she thought you had a right to know.’

‘I’m glad she told me. There is a simple solution to this problem. We marry straight away and everyone thinks the baby is mine.’

Norah sighed. Arthur was such a good man and she knew now that she loved him dearly but she could not allow him to sacrifice his future in this way. The baby was her problem - not his.

‘That’s very gallant of you but not necessary. It would be very unfair of me to saddle you with another man’s child. You deserve so much better than that.’ She looked up at him and tried to smile. ‘I’ve made such a mess of things but it’s my mess and I need to sort it out.’

Arthur took a deep breath and clasped her hands in his. ‘Look, Norah, I want to help you. I don’t want you to have to face this on your own.’

‘I know but I can’t bear to be a burden to you and that’s what I would be. The child is obviously Lord Collingworth’s,’ she