Among the Darkness Stirs

Audrey was working inside her schoolroom when the door opened to admit Chaplain Reed. He entered the room in a brisk fashion. “Ms. Wakefield.”

“Chaplain Reed, what brings you to my little corner of the workhouse?” she asked, setting aside her pencil.

“I thought I would check on you and the little heathens,” he asked. “How do they fare?”

Audrey closed her ledger and looked up at him. “I rarely see you except at meals and church on Sunday. You’re very scarce these days.”

“This flock doesn’t need me, Ms. Wakefield,” he said coldly. “They do what they wish, when they wish. They fear neither God nor the devil, and that’s dangerous.”

“If it’s true, then yes. But I think they fear many things. They are just more tangible things.”

The chaplain raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

“Being poor. Dying. Disease. Infirmity. Homelessness.” Those things were terrifying.

“Those are logical things to be afraid of. I’m sure we all fear such things. But a fear of God is what they need. ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come,’” he quoted scripture.

“I never cared for Revelations myself. It’s a bit doom and gloom,” she retorted.

“Hmph,” came his response.

“Chaplain Reed, these people need food and jobs first. God can come later,” Audrey countered.

He stared at her thoughtfully. “You’re very flippant for a vicar’s daughter.”

She met his stare. “I think this place has changed me.”

“Not for the better it seems.” He tutted.

She held her anger in check. “That’s one point of view.”

“I notice you spend much time with Mr. Ryland. Our board guardian.”

“He’s a good friend.”

“Is he?” He smirked. “She does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.”

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken,” Audrey returned.

“Indeed. I bid you a good day, Ms. Wakefield,” he said coolly and departed the room as quickly as he had arrived.

Audrey placed her papers in proper piles and locked the door behind her. Frances would be playing with the other children in the courtyard so she went in that direction. She was about to turn down the hallway when she saw Matron and the doctor speaking together. They spotted her, and the Matron turned away while the doctor came towards her.

“The Matron had some business to attend to,” he explained the retreating figure.

“She’s very busy,” Audrey agreed.

“And you. We’ve not much time to speak together. You must be the busiest staff at the workhouse,” he said as they walked down the hallway side by side.

“I do my best. It’s exciting to be with the children. They are like little sponges soaking up what I have to teach. It’s been fascinating to watch their transformation.” She met his gaze.

He hummed thoughtfully. “I imagine that’s true. Children are delightful. I’ve brought my fair share into the world.”

“I’ve even managed to teach one of the older girls some French. Though I guess it’s pointless. What will she do with French as a lady’s maid?” She shrugged.

“No, no, my dear. You think about it the wrong way. True. She might be a lady’s maid now, but by teaching her French, you open her mind to the possibilities,” he said as they entered the courtyard.

“The possibilities?” Audrey was confused.