Among the Darkness Stirs

“How have you been, Audrey? I know this must be a difficult time for you and your family,” he asked.

“It has been difficult. You know my father and I were always very close. We used to play chess on cold winter evenings, and I would walk with him to church. He would write his sermons, and I would read. I miss those quiet times with him.” Audrey said as she touched the handle of the teacup.

“It’s unfortunate that such a weight has been placed upon you. With no relatives on your father’s side, and a falling-out on your mother’s, the burden is entirely on you, I’m afraid.” He shook his head.

“I’m not sorry for that, Dr. Thomson.” Her spine straightened a little. “I think perhaps my father was wise to have wanted me to receive an education. Perhaps he thought that at some time I might need it.”

“Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps your father knew that an education would help you and your family,” he said as the three-tiered tray of food arrived. Dainty finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries were piled upon the three tiers.

Audrey took one of the miniature sandwiches. “It almost looks too good to eat.” She took a bite of the cucumber sandwich.

“I’m not in London often, but when I do come, I like to take tea at Brown’s. So, shall we get to the business at hand?” he said matter-of-factly.

“Please.” She sipped her tea, enjoying the sweetness.

He folded his hands on the table and got serious. “When we first spoke and I learned of your troubles, I wasn’t exactly sure how I could be of assistance. You and I discussed a possible governess position, but that was obviously not a solution. So, I thought long and hard, and then it came to me. We must utilize your education from college.”

That sounded promising. “Go on.”

“It was then that the thought came to me suddenly. I’ve been friends for a very long time with a Samuel Ryland. University and all that. He was a first-rate solicitor, and I admired him.”

“He was a first-rate solicitor?” Audrey asked, emphasizing the verb tense.

Enoch agreed. “Smart. Yes, was. He passed away this last year. But he has a son, Henry. Henry followed in his father’s footsteps and is also a solicitor.”

Audrey took a delicate scone and sliced it in half. She added cream and raspberry jam and took a bite of it.

“Henry’s trade is the law, but his passion is helping those less fortunate than him. He is on the Board of Guardians for the Bowthorpe Road Workhouse.”

“A workhouse?” Audrey frowned and thought of the things she had heard about them. She thought of the dark, damp places where poor people went when they were desolate and were never heard from again.

“The workhouse functions like its own little world,” Enoch explained. “There is a master and matron who run the day to day of the place, and they have staff like a sort of small village. They have a bakery, laundry, stables, and staff that run it. A porter, a schoolmistress, a cook, a chaplain.”

“Where is Bowthorpe located?” she asked.

He didn’t blink. “It’s in Norwich. In East Anglia.”

“So far,” she breathed.

He leaned forward. “Listen to me. I spoke to Henry. I explained the situation. I told him of your loss and your need to find employment. The workhouse would pay you twenty-five pounds a year plus room and board for you and your family to be their schoolmistress.”

“Twenty-five pounds a year!” Her eyes went wide with disbelief. “As schoolmistress!”

“Yes. Now nothing has yet been settled.” He drummed his fingers on the table. “I spoke to Henry and now I’m speaking to you. Henry agreed to meet with you. In fact, we are supposed to see him within the next hour. If he agrees to take you in as the schoolmistress, that would be the answer to your prayers. But you don’t have to agree. I don’t want you to feel as if I’m forcing you. I will continue to look if this doesn’t suit you.”

Audrey licked her lips. “Yes, you could continue to look. But as you’ve said, I’m a young woman with education but no experience.”

“Audrey—”

Audrey cut him off, shaking her head. “No. I’m not feeling sorry for myself. After my father died, I looked through the advertisements. I realized I’m fit to do very little. If Mr. Ryland would give me the opportunity to teach while I earn a living, I can ask for nothing more.”

“Audrey, Henry is a good lad,” Enoch said, sounding sincere. “If he is willing to recommend you, you’ll have that on your side when you enter the workhouse.”

“And if he agrees to take me on, they will take Mother and Frances as well?” Audrey asked carefully.

“Yes. I’ve heard different things from different workhouses. Some staff live out and come into the place as they would any job. Others live on-site to be available at all times, such as the Master and Matron, but Henry appears willing to let you live on-site,” he said, taking another sandwich.

“You’ve been very kind, Dr. Thomson. I look forward to meeting Mr. Ryland today,” Audrey replied, meaning it. As he said, this could be the answer to their prayers, and Audrey was willing to do whatever it took to take care of her family.