Jasper looked away, feeling guilty. He could hardly tell her that Hugo was tiring of her now that he had had what he wanted from her, could he? Or that he was in terrible trouble with his parents because of the huge gambling debts he had run up.
When Abi entered the house at the back of the club a short time later, she saw Maria coming down the stairs yawning. She was still in a flimsy negligee and her hair was in disarray as she had slept the day away after spending most of the night with an ardent customer.
‘Been somewhere nice, ’ave you?’ she asked Abi, stifling another yawn with her hand.
‘I’ve been to see my aunt,’ Abi informed her as she removed her bonnet.
‘Oh, right . . . I thought p’raps lover boy ’ad come back an’ taken you out.’ Everyone who worked at the club was aware of Abi’s infatuation with the young lord.
‘No such luck,’ Abi sighed and Maria felt sorry for her. The poor little cow had no idea what a cad Lord Hugo Medville was. It wasn’t so very long ago that he had bedded her.
‘Why don’t yer come into the kitchen an’ we’ll ’ave us a nice cup o’ tea,’ Maria suggested and as she had nothing better to do until it was time to get ready to go into the club, Abi followed her.
‘Look .?.?.’ Maria said tentatively after a while seeing as they had the kitchen to themselves. ‘I don’t want to interfere but .?.?. Well, I wouldn’t get too involved wi’ young Hugo, if I were you.’
Abi was instantly on the defensive as she glared at her. ‘And why not, may I ask? Hugo and I are in love. He’s going to introduce me to his parents when he gets back from visiting his grandfather.’
Maria stared down into the steaming cup in front of her before trying again. ‘I’m sure he told you that but yer know, yer both very young an’ young men tend to flit from one girl to another. I’ve seen it ’appen time an’ time again since I’ve worked ’ere. How do yer think I ended up wi’ me belly full, eh? But soon as I got wi’ child, I didn’t see ’im for dust.’
‘But my Hugo isn’t like that!’ Abi said defensively.
Maria realised that she was wasting her breath. ‘Ah well, at least him bein’ away made time fer you to go an’ see yer aunt,’ she said cheerily, happy to change the subject.
‘Yes, although I thought for a time I wouldn’t be able to earlier on. I felt really ill when I first got up. I hope I’m not coming down with something.’
‘In what way ill?’ Maria asked with an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
‘Just sick,’ Abi told her and it was all Maria could do not to voice her fears.
‘Happen if yer feel the same tomorrer yer should have a word wi’ Lilly an’ she can get the doctor in to check you over?’ she suggested.
Abi laughed as she rose from her chair and snatched her bag up. ‘Oh, I’m sure it will be nothing. But now I think I’ll go and have a bit of a rest till it’s time to get ready for work.’ And she tripped away leaving Maria with her thoughts.
Thankfully the club wasn’t so busy that night and Abi was able to go to her room shortly after midnight, which was early compared to most nights. She slept like a log but woke the next morning feeling sick again, so sick that she only just managed to make it to her chamber pot before she was violently ill. Her breasts felt tender too and she wondered if she was due to have her course, before realising that she should have had it over two weeks ago.
It’s probably late because I’ve been upset about Hugo being away, she thought. But an hour later, after resting on the bed for a while, she felt as bright as a button again and forgot all about it.
Chapter Twenty-Six
‘It’s a shame that we couldn’t go to the ’ouse at the coast this year, ain’t it?’ Aggie said glumly the following week when Emmy went into the kitchen to fetch her aunt her mid-morning drink.
‘I hardly think my aunt was up to the journey,’ Emmy pointed out, but she had no time to say more because at that moment there was a rap on the front door and after quickly removing her apron Aggie hurried away to open it.
She came back smiling broadly to announce, ‘There’s a lady ’ere, Miss Emmy. She says she’s your ma.’
Emmy was so shocked that she almost dropped the tray she’d prepared and slamming it on to the table she hurried into the hallway, much to Cook’s and Aggie’s amusement.
‘Mama!’ Emmy gaped at her mother. ‘What a lovely surprise. You should have told us you were coming.’
‘Why? I am family and allowed to visit, aren’t I? Even if I haven’t seen my sister for decades.’
‘Yes, of course you are.’ Taking her elbow, Emmy almost hauled her along the hallway. ‘I’m so pleased to see you,’ she gabbled. ‘And I’m sure Aunt Imogen will be too.’
‘Hm, well that remains to be seen,’ Dorcas said stoutly as she removed her bonnet. ‘But I have to say you are looking well. And have you seen anything of Abi?’
Emmy shook her head feeling guilty at the lie. She still hadn’t given her mother Abi’s address for fear she might turn up at the club. She could only imagine how horrified she would be if she was to see where she was living, but luckily Abi had written to her so at least Dorcas knew she was all right.
‘You’re just in time for morning coffee. Will you be staying?’ Emmy asked eagerly. Her mother looked well.
