It had been a year since Phillipa Thamesman had taken up the housemaid's post advertised in the Daily Herald. The summer of 1890 was one to remember, from euphoric daydreams materialising to untimely reunions, the events of July and August solidifie...
The sandy toned stone and the elaborate glasswork of Calendar Hall had been ever-so kind to me over the past year - before I knew it, it was summer again! I find it shocking that the three foundlings have been working alongside Agnes, Jack and I for a year already, it feels like they've been here longer that I had myself! Unfortunately, Ada left Calendar Hall to go and seek work in New York, only months later did Agnes and I find out that she was taken by tuberculosis, that still lingers over us like a grey cloud, despite the countless cloudless skies we've already had this year. I haven't heard much from the other girls, or my parents, except I did receive a letter from my father just after Miss Emily's minor disappearance, the letter went as follows:
Calendar Hall, Hampstead, NW3
Phillipa,
It saddens me to inform you that your mother and I have sold our family home in Crouch End. We came to the decision to sell it some time ago. My dearest apologies for not telling you sooner - I assumed your mother had told you, to be fair.
However, I am so pleased to hear about your new job! The Calendars have always been pleasant, particularly with the Herald. I hope that your new environment gives you good luck and prosperity, and I am glad to hear that the staff have been treating you well.
I am moving on to Italy next, I shall be sending you postcards when I'm there. It's a real shame I haven't been able to see you recently, but once I'm back from Italy, it will be my first priority to see you, my sweet girl. Please, do write to me in the meantime; I love to hear about what you've been doing. Continue to work hard, strive, and always remember that I am with you even when I'm far away.
Love always, Pa x
At first, I didn't really know how to feel about them selling the house. In one way I felt relieved, it'd never really felt like a home as such, Calendar Hall was my home now. I just hope that the both of them are as happy as I am now. It was all change at Calendar Hall though, Mr and Mrs Calendar were expecting a baby and it was almost Miss Emily's 16th birthday. The family were in the process of planning a party for her. How exciting! It was quite a quiet morning that day, the staff had just stepped right into work mode - I delivered a tray of tea to Miss Emily's room and on my way out, Agnes caught my eye.
"Phillipa, Mrs Calendar wants to speak to the staff downstairs" she explained.
"Oh, right, okay" We walked down the carpeted stairs to the centre of the house, everyone gathered beneath the glass dome, Mrs Calendar began to address us.
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"Mrs Penhaligon left Calendar Hall this morning, and will not be returning. All time off is cancelled until further notice." she said. She strode back up the stairs, cupping her belly.
"I was supposed to be seeing Ida this afternoon!" Hetty told Sheila, disappointed. Ida was the name of Hetty's mother, Sheila had explained to Agnes and I once before.
