Unforgettable (Gloria Cook) - By Gloria Cook Page 0,66

to remain above all other folk.

Finn found Mrs Mitchelmore bossy and starchy, with a hint of kindness, but also personal reserves. While spelling out her first instructions it seemed she quickly became aware she was standing too close to him and she’d backed away.

‘You are to tidy and stack, tidy and stack, that’s all you need to do,’ she had barked at the outset, leading him out from the scullery where he had entered the house. ‘Before my husband’s day everything unneeded was just pushed down into the cellars and they’re in a right merry mess. Except the wine cellar; Mr Mitchelmore was most particular about the way he kept his wine. You’ll find all sorts, from old clothes, unwanted furniture and a hideous rocking horse – that can come up, I’ll see if it’s worth restoring. Put it carefully in the corridor. When you’re completely done, Finn, I’ll take a look and see if there’s anything noteworthy or of value. Take the rubbish outside and make a bonfire of it. Ellery will tell you where.

‘Right, now to safety measures. I’ve propped the door open so it doesn’t get accidentally shut on you. There are no windows down there so don’t stay down too long at a time. Be careful you don’t pull something down on yourself. There’s the toolbox for you in case it’s needed, and brushes, a dustpan and rags.

‘I’ve shown you where the cloakroom is. Soap and towels have been put in there for you. Wash up at several intervals. I don’t want to see you looking like a coalman.’ The cellar door in question was opposite the side of the descending servants’ stairs and next to the laundry room. A narrow bench ran between the two rooms. The walls towering upwards were of flaking greenish paint – shabby, but in a proud aristocratic way. ‘A jug of water and tumbler will be placed on the bench for you. Have you brought a packed lunch and something for mid-morning?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Finn had patted the rucksack hanging over his shoulder. ‘A flask of tea and sandwiches.’

‘Good chap, your mother packed it for you, I’m sure, but tell her there was no need – Mitchelmores have never begrudged hospitality to casual workers. Food and drink will be provided for you from tomorrow. If you have any questions, then clean up and seek someone out and ask. I’ll stick my nose in on you from time to time. Let me know the minute you’ve finished all. Well, good luck and get to it!’

Finn had found the darkest recesses of the cellar had been left empty. He could understand the servants of former times not wanting to venture so deep into the corners. The jumble of discards had been packed almost to the bottom of the stairs, the last of it, he fancied, just chucked in on top. First he had squeezed into the recess behind the stairs and swept it out, coughing and choking until he took off his shirt and wrapped it around his nose and mouth. It was hot and airless and stuffy and he sweated, in his words, ‘like a hog on a spit’. Time and again he filled the giant-sized metal dustpan full of dust, splinters and masonry debris then tipped it into a box he had emptied of dog-eared papers to carry outside to the dustbins. It was a long trek down to the kitchen garden and beyond it with the burnable rubbish but his lungs gratefully inhaled the fresh air, damp today from the light misty rain.

The general maid had told him where to locate the rubbish heap. He had seen her at the Summer Fair, neat and shiny-faced in her dreary uniform of calf-length beige print dress, apron and cap, on duty and enjoying the sights she could not take part in while on duty. She had looked vaguely familiar and he realized why when she told him her name was Matilda Vercoe and she was a cousin to Jenna, and sister to Cathy who was in service at Meadows House. ‘Everyone calls me Tilly except Mrs Mitchelmore. I wish I could pull out the things down there with you,’ she had squealed excitedly. ‘Who know what you might come across – love letters, wedding dresses, photos torn up over a long lost sweetheart.’

Finn had taken to Tilly. She reminded him of Eloise, all sweet and pert and lots of chuckles. She was sixteen years old but looked a couple of years younger.