Chapter 5
Hetty stood with her aunts in the door of Etta’s cramped studio flat and surveyed her belongings.
‘And this is all she has?’
‘Things are different, my dear. Very different. This flat is rented and was almost beyond Etta’s means.’
‘She was lucky to have something so central, she really was. And so close to the park!’ Jemima added.
Hetty hesitated. ‘Is that a privvy? Right next to the kitchen?’
Aggie pursed her lips.
Clearly not the right question, Hetty decided to try another. ‘Where does the maid sleep?’
Hetty started in surprise as a snort of laughter made its way out of Jemima. She looked between her aunts. ‘No … no maid, then? Very well. I think I have much to adjust to. Perhaps you could be so kind as to point me towards a contemporary etiquette book or pamphlet?’
Aggie stepped forwards. ‘Hetty, no. You shall live with us.’
‘But, Aunt! My intention was to live independently and freely. To make a small, peaceful life for myself, without becoming a burden on others.’ Hetty saw her aunts were both ready to interject, but she continued.
For once, it was time to stand up for herself.
‘I need very little, truly. Food, shelter, that is all.’
Her aunts looked at each other, and then back at her. She noticed with horror that a tear ran down Jemima’s cheek. She produced a brightly patterned handkerchief from one of her many pockets and sniffled into it.
‘Really, truly,’ said Hetty. ‘I need nothing. I will be fine. I am here merely to calm and refresh my spirits a while. But I would be truly grateful if I could have your direction, so perhaps I might write to you for advice …?’
‘Oh, Hetty. You poor little thing.’ Jemima stepped forward and before she knew it, Hetty was pulled into a soft hug.
Hetty stood awkwardly, unsure what to do. She hadn’t been embraced like this many times before and rare hugs from Nanny and Mother had slowly become more, well, business-like, as she’d sunk into increasingly low moods. Being hugged by Jemima was like falling into a feather bed of emotion.
Aggie put an arm out and pulled Jemima back, sensing Hetty’s discomfort.
‘Hetty. We can tell you’re clever, but you might not be able to walk into Etta’s office and keep on doing— Oh, Jemima, what was her job again?’
‘God knows, Aggie. Who knows what anyone does for work any more? Computers, probably.’
‘Exactly,’ continued Aggie. ‘You have a lot to learn, but you’re still young.’
‘I feel I have lived an entire life already – I’m already so tired.’
Aggie eyed her thoughtfully. ‘How are you feeling, Hetty? Do you often feel low? We should discuss that, you know.’
Jemima was pulling clothes from a chest of drawers and stuffing them unceremoniously into a suitcase. ‘Come on. No arguments. You’re coming with us. Let’s grab as much as we can and go home. You can come back for more later.’
Hetty stood by what she realised must be a modest cooking station and opened a cupboard. It was filled with small metal cannisters and odd little jars.
One low cupboard was different to the others, with a heavy, shiny white door. A wash of cold air rushed out at her as she prised it open with her new, strangely robust arms.
‘What is all of this? Is it … food?’
Jemima wandered over, looking mischievous. ‘If you think that’s odd, watch this.’
She twisted something on the complicated-looking metallic plate next to them and suddenly, of all things, blue flames shot into vision. Hetty leapt back with a faint scream, then felt rather silly as her aunts both stared at her.
Aggie was the first to speak. ‘Yes, you’re definitely coming with us.’
Jemima shoved a large bag into Hetty’s hands, and just like that, there was no more arguing.
‘And where do you live?’
Jemima almost vibrated with excitement. ‘Oooh, Aggie, do you think she’ll recognise it?’
Aggie rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, I’m sure she will, Jemima.’