Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 4 Part 3

Herbert Davis got in the first chair with Amelia, William held out his hand to help Millie into the next one, Mary Davis and James got in the one after that, with Philip and Amanda climbing into the fourth, and Charlotte and Daisy taking up the fifth.

Once the wheel was nearly full, the Showman set it slowly spinning. Each time they neared the top, everyone on the wheel would wave to each other, or complete strangers in the crowd, or pointed at landmarks in and around the town, especially the Folly on the Mendip Hills beyond.

All to soon the showman slowed the wheel to a stop, with Millie and William right at the top.
After a few moments there came a buzz of conversation. The couple at the bottom had got off but the wheel hadn’t moved.
Then the operator called out, “Hoy, William!” Everyone looked at the man except Millie’s friends and family, who instead looked at the young couple at the top of the wheel.
“I ain’t letting you off ‘til you ‘ave kissed your lady fair.” The Showman shouted up.

Millie blushed and William was frozen in his seat. From just behind and below, the gruff voice of Millie’s father said, “Go on lad. It’s now or never.”
Then the gentle voice of Millie’s mother called out, “Go on love, it’s all right.”

The noise of the fairground barkers, shouts and catcalls from various shows, and shrill steam whistles all seemed to fade for a few seconds as those on or near the wheel appeared to be holding their breaths.
Then there were shouts mixed with the sounds of laughter and applause. They had kissed, and once more the wheel began to move in stages to let people off, but Amanda was confused. Amongst all the commotion she could still hear, “Like this” echoing inside her head.
Philip was looking at their friends now, but she was sure that a few seconds ago he had been looking at her as he spoke the words still fading in her mind, and that just for a moment his lips had brushed hers.

Had it happened? Had he kissed her? If so, was it just to encourage their friends to do the same, or did it mean something else? He was acting as if nothing had happened but she was quite sure it had.
Then they were all down and in a group. William had his arm around Millie, both looking somewhat shocked and embarrassed, but also smiling at the same time. Philip, with a huge grin on his face was shaking the Showman’s hand, slipping another shilling to him as he did so.
“Right,” said Mr Davis, “Let’s go and get something to eat afore we head home.”

Seated on benches at a long trestle table, they tucked into freshly made hot pies. Nobody said much, but there were many smiles and looks both happy and conspiratorial, with the odd wink thrown in.

Master Philip had written a letter to Millie’s mother explaining how her daughter would glance at William when she thought nobody was looking, and how she would turn away with a smile when William eventually looked at her.
Philip described how William did exactly the same, how he was a kind and hard-working young man, how the two had become friends and grown sweet on each other over the years, but were both too shy to make the first move. William needed a nudge so Philip had come up with the idea of stopping the Ferris Wheel. Luckily it had worked, but it was only the sight of Philip kissing his long-time friend in public that finally gave William the courage to kiss Millie.


© December 2021

Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 4 Part 4

Master Philip never did understand why Morning Calls always took place in the afternoon, but two afternoons later whilst working in his father’s study, he observed Mrs Higson alight from her carriage and climb the steps to the manor house.
She was a fussy, sour-faced woman who looked down on almost everyone simply because her husband was a rich merchant, and they lived in a fine town house with more servants than they needed, just for show.

They had a daughter “of marriageable age” called Esme. Philip had met her a few times and thought she was pleasant enough, but there was no spark between them. Their union would have been a suitable marriage as far as her parents were concerned, but Philip was adamant that he would only marry for love.

A murmur of voices came from the entrance hall. “I shall go and see if Mrs Marsden is in,” said the butler. He knew that she was, but this was proper etiquette. If the homeowner did not want to meet the caller, the message that she/he was out would be returned, and the caller would be sent on their way.

Philip’s mother never refused a visitor, even if she did not like the caller, so Mrs Higson was admitted to the parlour where Sarah Marsden joined her. Tea was called for, and then it began. Mrs Higson was unhappy, and her shrill voice was raised, but Philip couldn’t make out his mother’s replies.

Philip wanted to work, needed to work, but he couldn’t concentrate with the annoying tones of the woman in the next room rattling around his head. He was about to leave when he heard the woman say his name. He would not normally eavesdrop, but his curiosity was piqued, so he quietly opened the door between the two rooms, bringing him out unnoticed, directly behind Mrs Higson.

Putting a finger to his lips and giving a slight shake of his head, his mother immediately got the message and leaned forward as if interested in what the woman had to say.

“ … Well, as you can imagine, I was shocked. Your son, cavorting with not one, but two common maidservants, without a chaperone!”
Lowering her voice slightly, but not very much, she continued. “Now I’m not one to tell tales,” which nearly made Philip snort, “but if it got out that Master Philip was carrying on with women from the lower classes, it could have a disastrous effect on his chances of a suitable marriage. Quite disastrous.”

“How so?” At the sudden sound of Philip’s voice, Mrs Higson gave a cry of alarm and spilled her tea.
“You used the word cavorting. Tell me prey, what exactly did you see,” Philip continued as he walked round from behind the visitor.

Initially spooked by Philip’s unexpected appearance, she began, “I, I, well, I was told you were seen, um, kissing and cuddling with serving girls, in public.” Philip could almost see her climb onto her high horse as she continued in a haughty tone, “Do you not see how that could damage your chances of a suitable marriage to a lady?”

“Told? You mean you did not actually see what happened? Am I to be tried and convicted upon pure hearsay? How monstrous!”
“I am a grown man and have come of age. If you wish to discuss my personal life, though it is none of your business, then you should have the good grace to do so to my face, not come and tell tales to my mother behind my back.”
“As far as I am concerned, a suitable marriage is one where both people love, respect, and trust each other no matter what their status.”
“I pity any woman who has been taught from an early age that their only purpose in life is to marry someone with money, or power, or a title, and must then spend the rest of their lives in tedium with someone they do not love.

“If I am one day lucky enough to marry, I will choose my own wife as she will have chosen me. It won’t matter if I fall for a Princess or a beggar, a Viscount’s daughter or a tavern maid. I will only marry for love.”

“Your comment about a lack of chaperone is quite insulting. A chaperone is only needed where someone cannot be trusted.”

“Saying that I will have reduced my chances of a suitable marriage is absolute poppycock. How can spending a day in the company of several intelligent, interesting, attractive young ladies possibly do anything of the sort?

“As for cavorting, I do not see how holding hands, walking arm in arm, escorting ladies in a gentlemanly manner, or kissing three of my closest friends could be considered anything of the sort.”

“Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do. Good day to you.”

Worried that Philip might see them if he came through the door into the corridor, Millie and Amanda rushed off in different directions to make sure they didn’t get caught because they had been listening outside the parlour as their friend gave the horrible woman a telling off.

Up until then, Amanda still hadn’t been sure if she had been kissed by Philip. It had happened so fast, if at all, and she didn’t want to make a fool of herself by asking Millie or William what they had seen, especially if she had imagined it.
Now she knew it was true. She had seen Philip kiss his friend Charlotte, whom she knew was in love with someone else, and she had been right next to Millie when Philip had kissed her lightly on the cheek after paying off the showman.
Just a few seconds ago she had heard Philip say that he had kissed his three closest friends at the fayre. It was true then, Philip had kissed her atop the Ferris Wheel. She hadn’t imagined it.

Whether he had done it for any reason other than to encourage William to kiss Millie was another matter though. Still, that coupled with the comments about choosing his own wife, and only marrying for love, irrespective of their status had given her hope.
Perhaps one day they could be together.


© December 2021

Re: Knowl Park

If anyone is still interested, I have three more chapters in my head, and one on my hard drive that needs to mature for a day or two before a final proof read.

The last chapter is just that, the end of the story (I think) although I have the germ of an idea for another chapter I could possibly expand and slip in between one of the others.

Re: Knowl Park

I'm up for reading it Fruitcake

Re: Knowl Park

Thank you for your kind words.

Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 5 Part 1

Cries, shouts, and the crack of a whip striking flesh were so commonplace around the town that Master Philip thought nothing of what he had just heard until Mrs Jacobs recoiled in horror, and pointed behind him.

Mrs Jacobs had been a neighbour and friend of his parents when they all lived in the same terraced street near the canal.
The two families had kept in touch after Albert Marsden had inherited the Knowl Park estate, and they still met up a few times a year. Philip’s friends William and Millie were shopping in the town centre with Mrs Pearson the cook, whilst he was helping Amanda carry a few items she had been tasked to buy as well.
On their way back to meet the others, Mrs Jacobs had called out to Philip when she saw him from across the road, so he and his friend had stopped to talk. Mrs Jacob’s two young daughters, who were eight and ten, were standing politely by their mother as she brought Philip up to date on things in his old neighbourhood.

At the sudden change in the woman’s demeanour, Philip and his friend turned round to be greeted by the sight of a man in his mid-twenties standing over a skinny girl of around eleven who was cowering on the ground at his feet. The man was enraged and shouting incoherently whilst brandishing a riding crop, the girl crying and flinching every time it came near her face.

Philip immediately began to run towards the pair, shouting over his shoulder for his friend to get the girl away as soon as it was safe.

“You will do as I say or you will be out on the street,” bellowed the man.

“Please, no!” cried the girl. “I have nowhere else to go. Please don’t make me”

“You should have thought of that before you chose to defy me,” and brought the crop down onto the girls face in a vicious arc.
The girl shrieked, her eyes screwed tight shut, and held up a hand in supplication attempting to ward off yet another blow … but it never came.

She opened her eyes to see a stranger holding her attacker by the wrist, forcing him to his knees before wrenching the hated riding crop from the man’s hand and throwing it into the street.

The man was bigger and stronger than Philip, but the element of surprised had enabled him to subdue the girl’s attacker.
Nodding first to her, then over towards his friend he said, “Go to her now, she’ll keep you safe.” Then to Amanda, “Get over by Mrs Jacobs, quick as you can”.

The man was cursing and writhing, but Philip had him in a firm grip and had twisted his arm behind his neck, forcing his face into the grass at the same time.
Now it was Philip’s turn to be enraged. He was normally a placid, peaceful young man, but would not tolerate violence against someone who could not protect themselves. In a cold, hard voice, Philip spoke into the man’s ear, “The girl is now under my protection. Do you understand me?

Before the man could reply, another voice began shouting. “What the devil are you doing with my son?

“He attacked me father, without provocation!” lied the younger man.

Philip let go of the son and turned to face the newcomer who was puce with rage, and was trying to angrily strike him with a silver-topped cane.
Philip was swift and easily dodged the middle-aged pot-bellied man’s stick. At the man’s third attempt Philip took the cane, and shattered it against a wall.

“Your son attacked a defenceless child. You should be ashamed of him.”

“She refused to do as she was told so I punished her,” whined the son. She refused to do her work and ran outside, but then this man attacked me.”

Pointing at the younger man, Philip spoke in a barely controlled low voice to the father. “He struck the child with a riding crop as if she was an animal. Her employment is terminated. She no longer works for you, and you will pay her any wages due up until this moment, d’you hear!”

The older man flustered and blustered, saying, “I’ll do no such thing. She chose to leave my employ and I have no intention of paying her another penny.”

“We’ll see about that sir. We’ll see about that.”

Turning on his heel, Philip walked back to where a small crowd had gathered. The young girl could barely stand, even with Mrs Jacobs supporting her.

Amanda spoke quietly to Philip so nobody else could hear what was said. Nodding to the two men, she informed her friend that between sobs, the young girl had told her the son had ordered her to attend him in his room, alone. He had touched her inappropriately a few times when he had been in his cups, and she was terrified about what he would do to her this time.
She had refused to go, saying it would not be right for her to be there with only him present, but he had been insistent and tried to drag her there. She got away and ran outside but was caught and struck in the face by the riding crop.
From where he was standing, Philip could see a nasty red wheal forming on the girl’s cheek, and felt immediate sorrow and pity for her, as well as anger towards her attacker.


© January 2021

Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 5 Part 2

“She can’t go back” Amanda continued, “but what can we do to help?

Walking towards the girl, but stopping a few paces away lest she was afeared of all men, he began to speak in a gentle voice. “My name is Philip, this is my best friend Amanda, this is Mrs Jacobs and these are her daughters Alice and Helen. You are safe now and I give you my word that no one will harm you. What’s your name? Do you have family you can go to?”

“I, I’m Clara Shergold sir. My family live two towns over. My Da can’t work and my Ma takes in washing, but I’m the oldest of six and they can’t afford another mouth to feed. That’s why they sent me away to work.”

When Philip asked how old she was, she replied, “I’m thirteen, sir.”

Everyone in the group was shocked. The girl was skin and bones, short for her age, stunted even, and obviously malnourished. This was not unusual in these times, but it was unusual to see someone working in service so thin.

“Did your employer not feed you?” Philip asked.

“Only whatever was left after they had eaten sir.”

“Good grief, that’s horrible.”

“What will happen to me now sir?” she pleaded.

“Can you walk a little? There is a tea room just around the corner run by a Mrs Beasley.” Gesturing to Amanda he continued, “We were on our way there to meet our friends and our cook for something to eat and drink. You should join us whilst we decide what is to be done.”

“I have no money sir.” The girl said dejectedly. “They made me pay for my food, my uniform, and cleaning things. I never made enough to have any money left over. They even made me pay for the coal I used to keep me warm in Winter.”

“That’s monstrous” Mrs Jacobs said, barely containing her fury.

“You’ll not need any money today,” Philip said kindly, “and I’ll make sure you’ll not be put out on the streets either.”

Turning to Mrs Jacobs and her daughters Philip asked, “Ladies, would you care to join us for afternoon tea?”

“Thank-you Philip, but I need to take the girls home now. I’ll walk with you though if it will help to calm the poor mite.”
“I must say I like your young lady by the way. How long have you been stepping out together?

“Oh, um, we aren’t courting. She is my best friend, strange as that may seem, but we are not romantically involved.”

“Oh, what a shame; I think you would make a lovely couple.”

Once they all had arrived at the tea room, Philip bade farewell to Mrs Jacobs and her daughters before opening the door for the other two girls to enter.

Suddenly it went quiet, then there were hushed whispers as several pairs of eyes swivelled across to the young man in country wear, the maid, and the ragged child in torn and dirty clothes.

The young woman that greeted them was not unkind, but did wonder about the three young people who had just entered. This was once a place for the monied middle classes to be seen in public whilst flaunting their wealth.
Mrs Beasley had for some time made way for the lower classes to eat here, having created a platter of sandwiches and simple cakes with a pot of tea that a group of servants would find affordable. The place had become popular with nannies and servants to the rich as a result.

Master Philip enquired if Mrs Beasley might be available. The young woman went to find her employer, and was somewhat surprised a moment later to see her hugging the young man before directing the small group to a table.
The Marsden family had been customers of the tea rooms for over twenty years and still visited to this day. Mrs Beasley had known Philip since he was a child.

After a brief conversation, toasted tea cakes, a mound of bread, butter, and a large pot of tea with sugar was ordered to be brought out to the trio.

At first the tiny girl was wary, confused, and unsure. Philip picked up a slice of bread and began to butter it. His friend Amanda did the same with the top half of a tea cake. The two friends pointed to the food on the table then to young girl, and began to eat, pretending not to notice what else was happening.

The girl tentatively took a slice of bread. When nobody shouted at her, she picked up a knife and tore the bread as she inexpertly plastered it with a thick layer of butter, before furtively putting it in her mouth and biting off a chunk lest someone take it away from her.
When nobody did, she chewed and swallowed, and did the same again. In seconds she had consumed the whole slice, at which point Amanda passed her the bottom half of her tea cake. The young girl’s face lit up in amazement as she tasted it, and began to wolf down the rest of the treat.

Master Philip leaned towards her and said in a friendly but warning tone, “Don’t try to eat it all so quickly else you will be sick. Nobody is going to take it away, so just slow down a little,” Picking up the teapot he continued, “You should have some hot sweet tea as well”.


© January 2021

Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 5 Part 3

The girl crumpled in a heap and began to sob, drawing disapproving looks from others in the tea-room.
“Oh sir, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what you want from me although I thank you for the food.” With eyes red and an imploring look, she continued, “You appear kind sir but I fear you want something from me that I do not want to give. I am thankful yet terrified.”

At that point Amanda put her arm round young girl, held her tight, and whispered in her ear.
“Philip is my best friend and he wants nothing from you. He saved me once when I was attacked without any thought for reward, and he did the same for you today.”
“He will not harm you, nor will he allow anyone else to harm you. I trust him with my life and my honour. Now eat. Lord only knows, you need to.”

When the girl looked up, she saw the young man talking to the tea-room owner. When he returned, he asked, “Have you ever tasted hot chocolate Clara?”

“I have heard of it sir, but never had it.”

As Philip opened his mouth to speak, the door opened and Mrs Pearson entered followed by William and Millie.

Philip met them just inside the door to explain what was happening, then introduced them to Clara.
She thought the older woman was very motherly, and immediately took a liking to her. The young man was handsome, but seemed only interested in the young woman by his side whom Clara thought was quite beautiful.

The newcomers tucked into the bread and tea cakes, indicating Clara should do as well. It all felt unreal. She hadn’t experienced this feeling of kindness for months since she had left home.
Soon afterwards, mugs of thick, brown, steaming, sweet smelling liquid were placed in front of everyone. The group all picked up their drinks and took a sip, encouraging Clara to do the same.
She almost swooned. It was delicious and she had never tasted anything like it in her life.

Once they had all had their fill of hot chocolate drink and food, Philip asked William to fetch the landaulette in order to take them all home.

Clara decided she had no choice but to go with these people. They had saved her and fed her, yet she knew not what else would befall her, knowing only that it would probably worse if she tried to survive on the streets on her own.

She sat opposite Mrs Pearson, between Millie and Amanda on the journey back, and fell asleep to the gentle clip-clop of the horses as they trotted along for the half hour it took to reach the village next to the Knowl Park estate.

When the carriage stopped, Clara awoke, unsure of her surroundings or what would happen to her now. The girl called Amanda pointed to the Smithy and adjacent cottage, telling her that was her home. A woman came out and greeted everyone before briefly embracing the girl sitting next to her. She smiled at Clara, but said nothing as if it was quite normal for these people to be travelling with a ragged child.
After a short conversation, the carriage was on its way again, passing through a pair of imposing stone gate-posts before curving round a gravelled drive and then stopping in a yard behind a large manor house. Clara was awestruck.

The young man called Philip immediately went inside. The three women stepped down and helped Clara through a door and into a large kitchen, carrying all the things they had bought as they went, while the handsome young man walked off, leading the horses and carriage.

It took Clara three days before she began to believe that she was safe. She had been told by a Mrs Marsden that she wouldn’t be paid, but that she would be fed and kept safe until employment could be found for her.
This was no different than her last ten months of employment, except that she had enough to eat, was never accosted, and never beaten.

A week later, Millie entered the dining room carrying several plates before setting them down in front of the assembled Marsden family.
“Mrs Pearson says to try these with honey, pointing to the pot on the table.”

All three declared afterwards that they were the best pancakes they had ever tasted.
“They are called drop-scones apparently, and Clara made them, Mrs Marsden”
“Well then she is to be congratulated” replied Philip’s mother.

“I have to go to the bank in the next few days,” began Philip, “so I’ll enquire at the two agencies in town if they can place Clara in suitable employ.”

Albert added that he wanted to go to the bank as well to look up some information, but didn’t say what.
He had given up his post as bank manager when he inherited Knowl Park, but to keep himself occupied he had become a trustee and director of the bank, so still had significant influence there.



© January 2021

Re: Knowl Park

Chapter 5 Part 4

Without being asked, Clara had helped out around the large house, feeling that it was the least she could do. When asked if she could cook, she said that she could, but only certain things. “I’m quite good at drop-scones though.”
Mrs Pearson had never heard of them, but watched with interest as the girl made the smoothest batter she had ever seen, skilfully pouring it swiftly into separate thick pools around a large, very hot frying pan, the same one that Amanda had previously used as a weapon against the footman who had attacked Millie.

“At home we sometimes add whatever we can spare to make it go further such as potatoes and swede, or bits of bacon fat, or some scrag end. My favourite though is something sweet like a spoonful of honey if we can afford it.”

Everyone in the kitchen tried the hot, flat pancake-like scones as soon as they were made, and then again with honey, a sprinkling of sugar, marmalade, jam, and anything else sweet Mrs Pearson could think of.
Everyone agreed that honey was the best accompaniment, and Clara was tasked with making a batch the following morning for their employer’s breakfast.
When compliments came back from the dining room, Clara was at first pleased but then quickly became morose. When questioned why she was unhappy, she said that she wished she could stay at the manor, because everyone was so kind.

Two weeks later Master Philip sat down at the kitchen table next to his friend Amanda, and asked Clara to sit opposite, before passing the girl two envelopes.

“Open this one first” Philip began, indicating the thinner one of the two.
With shaking hands, Clara began to read the letter inside, but seemed to be struggling with the content.

“I’m sorry sir, I don’t read too well”.
Passing the letter to his friend, Philip said, “Perhaps Amanda could read it out loud for you.”

After she had finished, the girl asked, “I don’t understand. What does it mean sir?”

“It means you are to start work for Mrs Beasley at her tea rooms next week, helping in the kitchen and serving customers”

“She came here last week to see how you were faring. You were asked to make drop-scones for afternoon tea that day and she tried them. She was very impressed.”

“She lives above the shop and has a spare room where you can stay. The amount written on the back of the letter is how much you will be paid to start with, and if you do well there is the possibility of an increase at a later date.”
“A uniform will be provided at no cost to you. You will be fed, and given half a day off in the week, as well as all day Sunday.”

“If you like, I will help you write a reply. I assume you will want to accept the position,” causing Clara to nod enthusiastically whilst trying to wipe her eyes at the same time.

Whilst Philip had been speaking, the girl had started to cry. She couldn’t believe it. A job, wages, clothes, a room of her own. Everything she wanted, and the possibility that she might be able to give some of her money to her parents.

“Now you need to open this” Philip continued as he slid the bigger envelope across to her. Inside were a number of coins including a few silver ones. It was more money than she had ever seen in her life.

“What is it sir? What do I do with it?”

“My father is a director of a bank, and remembered when he was the manger there that he had arranged to lend a lot of money to your former employer so he could buy his house.”
“Father wrote a letter to the old man demanding payment for your work there, listing the things you were made to pay for, saying this should not have happened and that you should have been paid in full.”
“He then said that if payment was not made, the bank would assume the man was not capable of paying his debts and they would take the house back to ensure they received the money he had borrowed.”
“M’father got a solicitor from the bank to write another letter, a bill, for all the money you are owed plus extra for the cost of replacing your torn clothes.”
Pointing to the money on the table Philip continued. “This is it. The man paid up after a visit from the current bank manager, the chief clerk, and bailiffs.”
“It’s your money. You can keep it, put it in a bank, buy new clothes with it, give some or all of it to your family; anything you like. It isn’t a huge amount, but it is all yours to do with as you will.”

With tears running down her cheeks she rushed round the table and threw her arms round Philip. “How can I ever thank you” Breaking away she continued, “All of you. You’ve all been so kind”

“Just do the best you can at your new job, and above all, be happy. Now, if Miss Prentice isn’t too busy, perhaps she will accompany us to my father’s study so we can write this letter to Mrs Beasley.”

“I’ll get one of the ladies to accompany us tomorrow over to the tea rooms to drop your letter off, and I'll arrange with my mother for my friends and me to take you to see your family at the weekend so they will know you have a new job and a home where you will be safe.”

As they walked through the house, Philip put his arm around Amanda's waist and pulled her to him before kissing her on the top of her head.

"What was that for?" she asked.

Philip just smiled and gave her an inscrutable look before opening the study door and ushering the two girls inside.



© January 2021

Re: Knowl Park

If anyone is still reading this thread, I have another chapter ready to post as soon as I have proof read it.

I have two more chapters part written, and I have an idea for another one for the ending in my head, plus an Epilogue to tidy up loose ends already completed.