The Royal Lacemaker Read Online Free PDF Page A

orangey-red fingers into the sea and decided not to dally too long. She didn’t
     wish to impose upon her aunt any more than she had to.
    ‘Here you are then,’ said
     Tom, returning with two jugs and settling himself beside her. ‘Have I told you
     I can’t wait till we’re wed, Lily my love?’
    ‘Oh, you might have mentioned
     it,’ she said, glancing down at the third finger of her left hand, imagining a
     gold band gleaming there one day. Tom, following her gaze, frowned.
    ‘We must see about getting you a
     betrothal ring, Lily. I’d love to buy you one with a stone the colour of
     flames, tomatch that fiery nature of yours, but I’m afraid
     you’ll have to wait until my boat comes in, as they say.’
    Knowing he didn’t have money to
     spend on fripperies, she patted his hand. ‘I’ll be content to wear your
     wedding band, Tom Westlake. Now, aren’t you going to ask me about my
     day?’ she asked, grinning at him.
    ‘Well, let me see,’ he said,
     studying her face. ‘You’re looking mighty happy so I’m thinking it
     must be because you’ve met up with me.’
    ‘Of course,’ she said,
     laughing, ‘and it has nothing to do with the fact I started working for Mrs
     Bodney today.’
    ‘I was wondering about
     that,’ Tom said, furrowing his brow.
    ‘That’s the strange thing,
     Tom. When I arrived home yesterday, Aunt Elizabeth was there. It seems the children
     she’s been looking after are going away to school and her services are no
     longer needed. She decided to pay us a visit, and has offered to stay on and help.
     Isn’t that amazing?’ she told him, her eyes shining.
    ‘That explains it then,’ Tom
     said, smiling. ‘Anyway, seeing as you’re bursting with excitement you
     can tell me more about your day.’
    ‘Mrs Bodney told us everything
     we’ll be making over the next few months and the lace makers seem friendly.
     It’s nice to have the company of others, but best of all, Tom, we’ll be
     getting all of our wages in cash.’
    He raised an eyebrow. ‘My, that
     will make a big difference, won’t it, Lily? You won’t have to worry
     about paying the bills.’
    ‘Yes, but we will only receive it
     at the end of each month,’ she explained.
    ‘Monthly?’
     He was frowning again. ‘How will you manage till then?’
    ‘Aunt Elizabeth said she has
     savings put by and is happy to help us until I get paid.’
    ‘It’s all a bit strange
     maybe, isn’t it?’ he asked.
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘Well, from what you’ve told
     me, you don’t really know her.’
    ‘Tom, you’re such a
     worrier,’ Lily said, punching him lightly on the arm.
    ‘That’s as maybe, but
     it’s only because I care about you, Lily,’ he protested.
    ‘It’s kind of you to be
     concerned, Tom, but she is my mother’s sister and wants to help. She’s
     even lent me her donkey-cart until I can get my boots mended.’
    ‘Get you, our Lily. Riding into
     town like a lady, eh? You’ll be considering yourself too high and mighty to
     walk out with the likes of a mere fisherman soon,’ he said, grinning.
    ‘Oh, don’t be daft. Anyway,
     it’s only a donkey-cart. But I’d best be on my way. I mustn’t take
     advantage of my aunt’s kindness.’ Draining her jug, she rose reluctantly
     to her feet.
    ‘Allow me to walk you to your
     carriage, my lady,’ Tom said, jumping up, affecting a bow and then holding out
     his arm.
    ‘Why, thank you, my good
     man,’ she giggled. Linking her arm through his they made their way through the
     cobbled yard to the stable.
    ‘Up you go then, my lovely,’
     he said, helping her into the cart. ‘Keep safe and, God willing, I’ll
     see you at the same time tomorrow.’
    ‘Oh, I’ll
     be an hour later, Tom,’ she said, frowning down at him. ‘Mrs Bodney let
     us off early as it was our first day.’
    ‘Doesn’t sound like Mrs
     Bodney to me; that one’s business through and through, so I’ve heard.
     More like she had something