Among the Darkness Stirs

Chapter Nine

They entered the cathedral with the Gothic vault of the Nave, and Audrey took it all in. It was a gorgeous building with intricate carvings. They sat together in the pew, and she sadly thought about how her father would have loved the beauty of the cathedral.

They walked further into the cathedral into the pulpitum, where a screen represented the church’s symbol of the meeting of earth and heaven.

“It’s seven hundred and forty years old. Imagine that,” Henry said quietly as they walked together, admiring the carvings.

They passed the fifteenth-century oak stalls that contained misericords, leaning seats, to support the monks during long services. They showed a range of images, often humorous, from daily life. They made their way to the passageway, which led medieval pilgrims around the central worship space. Relics of saints were kept on display, and the wall and ceiling paintings dated back to the twelfth century.

When they had completed their walk of the cathedral, they went outside to view the cloisters. The cloisters were passageways that linked different parts of the monastery. In the center of the cloisters was a patch of green, and they walked through it together. When they finally left the cathedral, the sun was setting.

“I’m sorry. I think your books will have to wait,” Henry said suddenly.

“It’s another day I’ll be able to see more of the city. I’ll have to see if my guide is available.” She glanced at him.

“I’ll be available whenever you wish,” he said sincerely. “Let me see you back to the workhouse.”

Warmth filled her. “Thank you.”

After they had entered the cab, she sat back into the cushion. “I thought you’d like to know, things are better in the schoolroom. I’m trying to change a few things and see what works and what doesn’t.”

“I’m glad. Originally, we spoke about a month but if you need more time…” he told her.

“No. It’s not that. I think a month is good. If I can’t pick it up in a month, then I should move on. But if I can, then that gives me hope. And I can bring my family?”

“Have you heard from your mother?” He leaned back in his seat and got more comfortable.

“She wrote me once. I think she’s worried, but she shouldn’t be. If not the workhouse, I’ll find something else.”

“I could always find you something else.” Before she could think to speak, he rushed ahead. “No, don’t worry. I’m not about to suggest my office.”

The corners of her mouth twitched. “I’m not worried. This will work. You’ll see.” She was confident.

When she exited the cab, she thanked him for the afternoon, and she meant it. She had had a lovely time seeing the cathedral and spending the day outdoors away from the workhouse and its troubles. As she walked down the long austere hallway, she could hear the noises of people in their rooms, and she realized it was past supper.

When she unlocked the door to her room and entered, she was taken aback by the sight that greeted her. Matron was sitting in the chair next to her desk.

“Matron,” she stuttered, stumbling to a halt. “I-I didn’t expect you here.”

The Matron stared at her unblinkingly. “I wanted to speak with you, Ms. Wakefield.”

“Certainly,” she said, pulling off her gloves and placing them and her hat aside.

“I’ll be very candid with you,” she started, her tone brusque. “I think we can both agree that’s best. I wondered why you had come here and even more why you had been approved. With no experience, I thought perhaps someone owed your family a favor. It happens.”

Wordlessly, Audrey eyed the older w

oman and sat upon her bed, facing her as she spoke.

“When I first met you, I saw quite obviously what was at play here. I didn’t approve, and I don’t approve now. I want you to know that,” Matron said coldly.

Audrey looked at the Matron. “I don’t understand.”

The Matron crossed her arms over her heavy bosom and sighed. “You have a position here to teach young children. That includes young boys and young girls. They may be from the streets, but they are impressionable nonetheless.”

Audrey tried desperately to follow the conversation. “I agree.”

“As such, the schoolmistress has a duty to be an example. To lead by example,” Matron told her.