Victorian Romance: The Ragged Maid (#1, The Winds of Misery Family Sagas)

Chapter 04

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'We are very happy, of course, to help Sister Mary with these types of arrangements,' Eleanor Dawson said in a manner that seemed very smug to Charlotte, but nevertheless, Charlotte smiled.

'Sister Mary is very grateful for your offers.' She nodded as she sat in the parlour, having tea with the Dawson sisters. Fine porcelain with a blue and white pattern graced the small table between them. Sunlight poured into the tall windows and made the polished silver sparkle.

Charlotte pushed the fabric of her grey wool dress down in a nervous manner, knowing it was nothing compared to the fine silks that the Dawson sisters wore. But it was not simply her dress that made her nervous; it was the events of the night before. Did these sisters know what had happened in her room? Perhaps they were just easing into the conversation and were testing her. They wanted to see how much she would say of the truth on her own.

'Now, we have had substantial luck in placing young women from the convent as governesses in the homes of our acquaintances and society. Indeed, many of our relations come to us for such a thing. Is that not so, Louisa?' Eleanor stated proudly.

'Indeed, it is. It is our own charity, if you will.' Louisa nodded in self-congratulatory celebration with her sister. Charlotte now understood that these sisters did not do this out of the kindness of their hearts but as some sort of social status elevation. They wanted to be seen by society as charitable.

'Now, we would love to have you come to us at our place in Mayfair,' Eleanor said.

'That's in London,' Louisa chimed in.

'But the timing is not agreeable. Our brother wishes us to remain here because the air in London has grown black from the new factories. Is that not right, Louisa?'

'Oh, yes. We wish to be in London instead of the country. Such delights to be had in the city. The Great Exhibition only four years ago was held at Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, and it was a grand event.'

'Do not remind me of such fun things. I miss the city so,' Eleanor replied, and Charlotte was starting to grow dizzy with their conversation, which had nothing to do with her so far.

'But that brings us to you, Miss Sutterfield. We have several families in want of a governess but would like to see how you do here before we place you. You see our reputation is on the line as well. We cannot have a woman that we placed in a fine family not live up to such a position. Therefore, you are to stay with us and then we will decide on where you shall go.'

'Thank you kindly.'

'Do you have questions for us?'

'Well, just one. If you do not feel that I am a good placement, what shall happen to me?'

'I suppose... you can always get work in a factory.' Louisa shrugged, and Eleanor restrained a smile.

Charlotte knew what happened at the factories that had flooded London. Everyone knew. Workers faced horrible working conditions with poor pay that did not cover living expenses. Most lived in squalor and worked in facilities that lacked proper water and clean sewage or ventilation. These horrid stories had infiltrated all country houses and even the convent. It was like being sentenced to hell, the sisters would say.

'I understand.' Charlotte nodded.

'Now, tell us of your skills. You can read, write, know history, and French?'

'Yes, I do. I also play the pianoforte, and I taught the younger girls at the convent, so I am quite skilled in the act of teaching others.'

'That is good, very good,' replied Louisa.