The Leaving of Liverpool Read Online Free PDF Page A

there?’
    ‘None that I can think of,’ Cook replied, indicating that Phoebe-Ann put down her case. ‘You’d better see Madge first though.’
    Phoebe-Ann slipped off her jacket. She’d always been able to get round Mrs Webster, although she’d never dared to address her as anything other than ‘Mrs Webster’. The ‘Mrs’ was a courtesy title. Madge was a spinster, a tall, thin woman who looked constantly harassed, an expression that belied the calm efficiency with which she’d always run the house. The war years with the shortages both in staff and provisions had etched the worry lines more deeply. ‘Where is she?’
    ‘In the pantry, putting the last touches to the week’s expenses. You’d best go and see her.’
    Phoebe-Ann nodded as she smoothed down the collar and apron and donned the white starched cap.
    Emily, who had also taken off her jacket and was clipping on her cap, smiled at Edwin who was polishing the cutlery. A baize apron covered his morning livery. He was still the same cheerful Edwin, despite four years in the trenches from which he had miraculously returned unscathed. No sign on his face of the horrors he had witnessed and endured. She’d always liked him. He always had a quip and a smile that brightened the dullest hour and lightened the darkest moments. He had open, honest features and blue eyes that could shine with merriment or become cold and piercing when he was angry, which wasn’t often. His dark brown curly hair was plastered down each morning but refused to remain obedient to the brush or comb by early afternoon, much to his chagrin and everyone else’s amusement, except Madge Webster’s.
    ‘The Master told me a few days ago we were going to have the pleasure of your company again. How long for, though, I asked myself? I thought you’d both have been swept off your feet and married by now.’
    ‘Chance would be a fine thing! Besides, there’s not many princes or knights on white chargers come calling at munitions factories and, if they did, those awful caps and overalls and the stink of chemicals would soon have them “charging” in the opposite direction,’ Emily laughed.
    Edwin grinned as he laid the last knife down on the tray and took off the apron. They were so different, he thought. Some would call Emily plain but he didn’t think so and she was far more intelligent and lively than Phoebe-Ann who he had to admit was a real beauty. ‘It’s great to see you. Both of you.’
    Phoebe-Ann had returned, a smile on her face.
    ‘You might be changing your mind about that after she’s been back a few days,’ Emily laughed and nodded towards her sister.
    ‘Don’t you start, our Emily! Mrs Webster said she was pleased to see me and she’d hoped I would live in. So much more convenient. So sensible.’
    ‘Must be the first time you’ve ever done anything sensible!’ Edwin laughed.
    ‘And that’s enough from you as well!’ Phoebe-Ann tossed her head.
    ‘If Miss Olivia’s tray is ready, Cook, I’ll take it up to her.’
    Cook indicated the breakfast tray. ‘Needs the toast making. You’re keen to get going, it’s only seven and she won’t thank you for waking her up at this hour, no matter how glad she’ll be to see you back.’
    Phoebe-Ann hesitated. She wanted to appear eager, yet Cook was right. Olivia Mercer wouldn’t be overly delighted to be woken up quite so soon. ‘I expect you’re right. Maybe I should make up the bed and put this stuff away.’
    ‘Get the linen out of the cupboard, and I’d put a hot water bottle in that bed. It won’t be aired. It hasn’t been slept in for years.’
    Phoebe-Ann nodded her agreement and, picking up her things, went upstairs by the narrow back staircase.
    ‘Kitty, pour Emily a cup of tea. There’s time for one before we have to get going.’
    The girl did as she was bid and Emily sat down at the table.
    ‘She didn’t want to come back really. Mam said she had to because she’d promised.’
    ‘Oh, aye!