Her aunts looked at each other, and then back at her. She noticed with horror that a tear ran down Jemima’s cheek. She produced a brightly patterned handkerchief from one of her many pockets and sniffled into it.
‘Really, truly,’ said Hetty. ‘I need nothing. I will be fine. I am here merely to calm and refresh my spirits a while. But I would be truly grateful if I could have your direction, so perhaps I might write to you for advice …?’
‘Oh, Hetty. You poor little thing.’ Jemima stepped forward and before she knew it, Hetty was pulled into a soft hug.
Hetty stood awkwardly, unsure what to do. She hadn’t been embraced like this many times before and rare hugs from Nanny and Mother had slowly become more, well, business-like, as she’d sunk into increasingly low moods. Being hugged by Jemima was like falling into a feather bed of emotion.
Aggie put an arm out and pulled Jemima back, sensing Hetty’s discomfort.
‘Hetty. We can tell you’re clever, but you might not be able to walk into Etta’s office and keep on doing— Oh, Jemima, what was her job again?’
‘God knows, Aggie. Who knows what anyone does for work any more? Computers, probably.’
‘Exactly,’ continued Aggie. ‘You have a lot to learn, but you’re still young.’
‘I feel I have lived an entire life already – I’m already so tired.’
Aggie eyed her thoughtfully. ‘How are you feeling, Hetty? Do you often feel low? We should discuss that, you know.’
Jemima was pulling clothes from a chest of drawers and stuffing them unceremoniously into a suitcase. ‘Come on. No arguments. You’re coming with us. Let’s grab as much as we can and go home. You can come back for more later.’
Hetty stood by what she realised must be a modest cooking station and opened a cupboard. It was filled with small metal cannisters and odd little jars.
One low cupboard was different to the others, with a heavy, shiny white door. A wash of cold air rushed out at her as she prised it open with her new, strangely robust arms.
‘What is all of this? Is it … food?’
Jemima wandered over, looking mischievous. ‘If you think that’s odd, watch this.’
She twisted something on the complicated-looking metallic plate next to them and suddenly, of all things, blue flames shot into vision. Hetty leapt back with a faint scream, then felt rather silly as her aunts both stared at her.
Aggie was the first to speak. ‘Yes, you’re definitely coming with us.’
Jemima shoved a large bag into Hetty’s hands, and just like that, there was no more arguing.
‘And where do you live?’
Jemima almost vibrated with excitement. ‘Oooh, Aggie, do you think she’ll recognise it?’
Aggie rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, I’m sure she will, Jemima.’
Chapter 6
1817
As they headed down the corridor, Etta could see Bessie shooting her quick, curious looks. As hungry as she was, there was no chance at all she was going to breakfast without getting Bessie to spill the tea.
‘Bessie, we need to talk. Where can we talk?’
Bessie looked behind them apprehensively, then back at Etta. ‘Not now, miss. You’re expected at breakfast – Nanny sent a maid to tell them. But yesterday evening you bade me give you this today.’
Furtively, Bessie handed Etta a piece of tightly folded paper. Unsure of what to do with it – and to Bessie’s evident dismay – she quickly tucked it into the bosom of her dress.
‘Bessie, Nanny mentioned you trained in London. Do you come from there?’
‘Yes, miss.’
Etta smiled. ‘Bit too quiet for you here, I imagine. I think we might go back to London, don’t you?’
