THE DEPRIVED... Chapter 3... Part 15.

A continuation of my book.

For the next half an hour, Beth stood over Mrs. Samuels with the parasol held so that she sat in its shadows while Mr. Samuels played any game that Dora demanded and being chided by her if he missed a catch. Beth watched them play and smiled, wishing she would be allowed to join in the fun.
“I shall take over the sunshade duties Beth.” said Mr. Samuels, returning from the game and taking the parasol from Beth. “You can open the basket and lay out the picnic plates and the food.”
“Mind the flies, Beth! There’s the hair-whip from the basket and use it to keep the flies away!” demanded Mrs. Samuels.
Beth continued to flay at the air with the hair-whip with one hand while putting food on the plates and handing the plates round to the family who now sat on the blanket.
“Please hold the sunshade over Mrs. Samuels while we eat, Beth.” said Mr. Samuels.
“I will save you some of these cakes and a glass of fresh juice, Beth.” called Dora.
Beth did not mind seeing the family eat as she held the parasol in one hand and used the hair-whip with the other. It reminded her of her position and that no matter how friendly the family treated her she was still there to serve them and do their bidding. Beth closed her eyes in pleasure, feeling the warmth of the day and hearing the delighted squeals of laughter from the children who ran about, wheeling hoops and the gaiety of others who sat with parents and made daisy chains. She was free, out in the open air and smelling the new mown grass. The children who played with their parents were well presented, well dressed and well spoken. These were not the children of the slums. There were no Mudlarkers here even though the distance from the Cesspits was no bar to the smell in the heat of the day.
“Don’t fall asleep Beth!” called Mrs. Samuels, rebuking Beth for allowing the sunshade to move away from her head.
Beth lifted the shade and stopped her thoughts.
“Here, Beth. You may eat now.” said Mr. Samuels, rising and taking the parasol from her.
“Let me keep the flies from Mama!” cried Dora, snatching the hair-whip from Beth’s hand and seating herself behind Mrs. Samuels and flailing the hair-whip over her mother’s head.
“Sit down, Beth. Sit there, where I’ve left you some cakes and a glass of juice.” instructed Dora.

The carriage had drawn up and once again Beth was hoisted up in the seat to the rear of the coach, with the coach driven at a fine trot through broad streets which narrowed as the way to Whitechapel drew nearer.
“Wash up the picnic things, Beth and then see to Mr. Samuels clothes. They’ll need a launder after being out. Look sharp, girl!” ordered Mrs. Samuels before taking to her bed with the day’s adventure too much for her delicate nature.
Beth was late to bed that night although her mind still savoured the memory of freedom and such fun when, having eaten, she was allowed a time off to play ball with Dora.

 

The days seemed to hurry by, happy days of sharing the family life. Then came a day when the family took to a carriage which would take them to the shipping offices further into the City. Mr. Samuels seemed highly excited, with Beth hearing him talk of his ships being sighted at the port of Bristol before leading off to round the coast of England and to arrive at a mooring in the Thames Estuary.
Beth sat alone in Mrs. Samuel’s armchair, enjoying the soft comfort even though her face was drawn to fret-lines as she prayed her stay with the Samuels would last at least a few more months. It was at that time there came a light tap on the door, followed by Walter’s face as it appeared round the open door.
“Beth.” he called. “Would you like to come and see Bertha?”
Beth jumped up, clapping her hands.
“Wait!” she squealed and ran into the bedroom collecting up the new shawl that Dora had given her.
Walter led her along the corridor and opened the door to the cell. Bertha was seated on her mattress, playing a game of ‘Clap-Hands’ with one of the women and then shouted in delight as she espied Beth coming into the cell. Jumping to her feet the large woman ran to clasp Beth close and lifting her off her feet in a strong bear hug.
“Well, look at you in a ‘La-Di-Da’ dress and smelling as sweet as a new apple fresh picked from a tree.” Bertha cried, loosening her grip and pushing Beth back to study her.
“This is my good friend as has done herself proud and gives me a fine sense of pride, seeing as how I was the one who got her in higher quality!” Bertha shouted to the women who sat in the cell.
“Here.” said Beth, somewhat embarrassed by the women who studied her. “I’ve brought you a gift.” she said, handing Bertha the shawl.
“Oh, now does I look the fancy!” cried Bertha as she spread the shawl over her shoulders and twirled for the audience.
Beth sat with Bertha, sharing the mattress in animated conversation for a good hour before Walter came back and hurried them to finish.
“I think the Samuels will be leaving soon.” said Beth as she rose. “I am not sure what will happen to me then.”
Bertha hugged her, whispering. “Don’t have a care in your thoughts. Big Bertha will see to it that you come back to me.”
Beth kissed Bertha lightly on the cheek before leaving her and being led back to the Samuel’s rooms.