The Leaving of Liverpool Read Online Free PDF

What did the bold rossi want to do instead?’
    ‘Wanted to go on working in a factory, that’s if she could have got a job. The pay is better and she liked the company of the other girls.’
    ‘So, what really changed her mind then?’ Edwin asked. He’d been glad to get his old job back. So many of his mates hadn’t been so lucky, but then Mr Mercer was an honourable man. He didn’t make empty promises and good staff were getting harder to find. Higher wages could be earned in the factories and shops, when work was available.
    Emily finished her tea. She’d have to tell them and it was better that they heard it from her and not strangers. ‘Mam’s getting married again and Phoebe-Ann’s being awkward. She won’t come with us to live with Mr Davies.’
    ‘By, that’s a turn up for the book!’ Cook didn’t try to disguise her surprise. In her position she felt she didn’t have to.
    Emily was instantly on the defensive. ‘Why shouldn’t she? He’s a good man, he has his own cart and horses and he owns the house!’
    ‘Oh, get down off your high horse, girl! I didn’t mean anything. I’m just a bit taken aback that’s all. But if anyone deserves a bit of comfort in her life, it’s your mam. Each time I’ve seen her she’s looked worn to a frazzle.’
    Emily was placated and she smiled at Edwin who tapped the side of his nose with his forefinger. She knew what he meant. Cook was a nosey woman who liked nothing better than a bit of gossip.
    ‘So, that madam has got all uppity, has she?’
    ‘She just said she was going to live in, so we thought it best to let her get on with it.’
    ‘Must be bad if she’s all set to lodge here. She always swore she’d have to be desperate.’
    ‘Don’t you start teasing her Edwin Leeson or she might decide to move back home and we can do without her hysterics, thank you!’ Although her words were sharp her smile softened them. ‘I’ll go and start in the dining room.’
    ‘The fire’s laid but there’s no need to light it, it’s warm enough. Just put the screen in front of the grate,’ he called as she moved to the door.
    ‘Thanks. I’ll set the table.’
    ‘You’ll need these then.’
    Emily picked up the tray on which the cutlery had been laid and Cook stirred herself with a heavy sigh.
    ‘You, Kitty, move yourself! Tidy this lot up while I make a start on the kedgeree. Shake yourself, girl! You always look half asleep, what time do you get to bed?’
    ‘Never later than ten, ma’am, an’ that’s the God’s own truth! I’m worn out, gettin’ up at four an’ all.’
    ‘Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain! I’ll not have it in my kitchen and especially from a chit like you! When I was a young skivvy I was up at four and not in me bed until midnight most nights. Soft, that’s what life is for you now!’
    Kitty pursed her lips. Soft. She called this soft! She must be joking. As soon as she was old enough she intended to get a job at Ogden’s like their Annie. The hours were shorter and the money nearly three times what she got here.
     
    Emily had begun to lay out the fine china and heavy silver cutlery. She smoothed the crisp, white damask tablecloth. It was good to be back, to be surrounded by good things and good friends. She was contemplating the future, idly polishing a knife on her apron, when Edwin came in carrying a huge tray on which were half a dozen covered dishes.
    ‘I’ve already done that! Here, give me a hand with these, seeing as you’ve nothing better to do than stand day-dreaming!’
    ‘I wasn’t!’
    ‘You can’t kid me, I know you too well. Standing there looking all gormless and polishing a knife that’s already been polished to death and, what’s more, you watched me doing it! I thought we’d seen the last of you.’
    ‘I hated that damned factory! It was filthy work, some of the stuff turned your hair green and rotted your fingernails. I’m glad you came through it all, I really am,’ she said,