Page 97 of My Gentleman Spy
Chapter Thirty-Eight
There wasa certain sense of déjà vu the following morning when Hattie and Edgar argued over her refusal to take a maid with her when she left the house. The very same argument she had had with Will only weeksearlier.
“I have walked the streets of St. Giles alone many times with our parents' approval, I do not need a chaperone. You agreed to let me keep doing my work as long as I stayed out of Plumtree Street,” Hattie firmlystated.
The males in her life, seemed incapable of accepting that she was no feeble female. She was more than capable of looking after herself. Hattie was determined to hold out against Will and he was far more stubborn thanEdgar.
Attempting to keep matters cordial between them and avoid another family schism, Edgar finally conceded defeat. He did however make his displeasureknown.
“You cannot expect to continue this life indefinitely. I expect William Saunders to make an offer of marriage to you any day now. As he is a good man, with wealth, and a first- class background I will be most inclined to approve his request. You need a husband to keep you incheck.”
Hattie wrapped her scarf around her neck and shoved her hat down over herhead.
“Yes, brother I hear you,” shereplied.
She was in a hurry to get out of the house and away from Edgar. She needed a morning of being away from men who were trying to tell her how she should live herlife.
As Hattie passed number forty-three, she glanced up at the windows of the upper floor of the house. The curtains of Will’s bedroom were still fullydrawn.
It was still odd to think of it as Will’s home. She had been born in the house. It would forever be herhome.
She hastened her steps to pass by the front door. Even if Will was his usual late abed self, she knew he would have eyes watching the street, looking forher.
“Bloody over protective stubborn man,” shemuttered.
Hattie’s day progressed much the same as most others since her return to St. John’s. She spent time helping to clean the church. Reverend Brown, however was in an odd mood all day. He was not his usual self. From his constant yawning, it would appear he had not gotten a full night’ssleep.
After completing her work at the church, she headed over to Covent Garden markets and collected the vegetable scraps with which to make soup for the poor who would be attending the church later thatday.
It was late by the time she finished preparing the soup and feeding the parishioners. She was washing out the last of the large soup pots when little Annie Mayford appeared at the door to the churchkitchen.
“Hello sweet heart, you are out late,” saidHattie.
She quickly finished with the pot and dried her hands. She gave Annie ahug.
“How is your mother? I am sorry I have not been to seeher.”
Tears formed in the little girl’seyes.
“Joshua says you shouldn’t come and visit because of what the gang did to you,but.”
“Butwhat?”
“Mama is dying. She hasn’t eaten anything for the past few days. All she does now is cough up blood. I’m frightened,” sobbedAnnie.
Hattie put her arms around Annie and held her close. She had always known that there would come a time when Mrs. Mayford’s health would eventually fail. Annie would then be left in the care of her two gang affiliated brothers. It would not be long before Annie was drawn into the world of the Belton Street gang. Life in the rookery had a certain predictable pattern toit.
She was torn as to what she should do. Only last night, she had told Will she didn’t knowingly walk into dangerous situations, and this very morning she promised Edgar she would stay out of PlumtreeStreet.
On the other hand, if Mrs. Mayford died and Hattie had not been able to see her before her passing, she wouldn’t be able to live withherself.
“Is Joshua home?” sheasked.
Annienodded.
The news was encouraging. If Joshua and Baylee were home, then it meant the gang did not need them any further for the night. If she was careful she could slip into the rookery, visit the Mayfords, and the Belton Street gang would be none the wiser. It was worth the risk to be able to say one final farewell to Mrs.Mayford.
“I shall come with you. Let me get my coat and hat. I have some apples which I think Baylee wouldlike.”
