Midweek Tease ~ 7 February 2018: The Locket

Welcome to Midweek Tease. As always we give a big thank you to Angelica Dawson who organizes the Tease each week.

This week my offering carries on the scene from last week. Sorcha is introduced to her living quarters and other maids. Enjoy. Then please click the links to read the other teases. Remember, all comments are gratefully accepted.

Sorcha ate the sandwich and drank her drink gratefully and quickly, almost greedily, for she didn't realize just how in need of sustainance she was. She hadn't had anything to eat for hours. When the cook looked over and saw her empty plate she laughed.

“Well, that seemed to go down well, didn't it. Now don't you worry about washing your plate. You'll get plenty of washing up once you actually start work.”

“Thank you. I suppose I'd better get some rest now. Could you tell me where to go.”

Mrs O'Dowd called over in the direction of the scullery. “Beth, Fran, leave that and come here. I have a job for you.”

Amidst moans and groans, the two scullery maids ambled over. Both girls looked in their latter teens. The cook introduced Sorcha to them and said, “An extra bed has been put in your room. Sorcha is to sleep there, so please take her there now, then come back to finish your work. She'll need to rest after her journey before starting work tomorrow. And Sorcha, you will find your uniform on the bed.”

“Yes cook.”

Sorcha picked up her bag and followed the two girls back out of the kitchen, round to the back of the building to a small, sparse room under some stairs, next to a broom cupboard.

“I'm sorry about the size of the room,” Fran said as she led her inside. “And it looks even smaller now there's a third bed in it.” Fran was small, skinny and had whisps of dark hair escaping from underneath her white cap. She spoke with a cockney accent.

Beth on the other hand was plump and had blond hair. Her accent was more northern; Sorcha recognized it from when she first arrived in England. “Looks like your bed needs to be made up. I'll help you. Anything to avoid the scullery.”

“Oh, thank you,” Sorcha said. “And don't worry about the size of the room. I'm used to small, overcrowded rooms back in Ireland.”

Midweek Tease ~ 31 January 2018: The Locket

Welcome to Midweek Tease. As always we give a big thank you to Angelica Dawson who organizes the Tease each week.

This week my offering carries on the scene from last week which can be read here. Sorcha meets others she will be working with. Enjoy. Then please click the links to read the other teases. Remember, all comments are gratefully accepted.

“Well don't stand there dawdling. Come inside.” Mrs Madison had a sharp tongue, almost as severe as the long dark sombre dress with high collar that she wore. Sorcha didn't recognize the dialect, but it was nothing like the Irish accent she knew so well.  From the way she waved her arm to show Sorcha the way inside seemed like she was herding cattle.

She gladly stepped inside finding herself directly in the large kitchen, then sat down on the three legged woodenn stool she was offered. She looked around and tried to take in her surroundings.

The kitchen had a stone floor, a huge ceramic sink, with a large window over. and wooden

cupboards were around the walls. A large cooking range was at one wall and copper pots and pans hung up overhead. In the centre of the room stood a large wooden table that looked well worn. One or two maids stood, working in a small scullery at the far end of the kitchen, busy doing washing. They seemed happy in their work, chatting and laughing. A small plump rosy cheeked woman in a white dress and hat, whom Sorcha took in cook, who was preparing vegetables for a meal. Warmth and welcoming aromas from the range filled the air and surrounded surrounded Sorcha.

Mrs Madison seemed in a hurry to get off. She look down at Sorcha saying, “Introduce yourself to everyone here and maybe cook can find you some supper. You'll have to sleep with the other girls tonight, and I'll see you in here at six am sharp to go through your duties.” Without so much as a smile she turned on her heel and disappeared through a door into the main house.

Once the housekeeper had left the room Sorcha looked over to the cook and smiled, introducing herself. In return she got a smile as the cook started to make her a sandwich and pour cup of tea. “Hello Sorcha. Don't you mind Mrs Madison and her temper. She's like that with everyone. I'm Mrs O'Dowd, from your part of this world so it's nice to have a fellow Irish worker here. I expect you are hungry after your long journey” She pushed the plate and cup toward Sorcha. “Here, have these, then the girls will show you to your sleeping quarters.”

The faint Irish lilt was comforting to Sorcha.“Thank you, you are very kind,” she replied as she drew her stool up to the table. “Yes, I am tired, and don't want to be late in the morning.”

~~

More next week

Naomi x

Midweek Tease ~ 24 January 2018: The Locket

After a writing break I'm back. And this week I bring you an exerpt from my WIP The Locket. Here we find Sorcha, sent from Ireland to England to work in service, has just arrived at the house where she is to take up the position of a maid.

They finally arrived at dusk. Leaving the road, the horses guided the carriage down a long, fir lined driveway and finally drew up to a halt at the front of Grantham House. Sorcha looked out, her mind filled with anticipation at the huge stone building that was going to be her future residence.

Sorcha carefully got down from the carriage, smoothed down her skirt and checked to see if her hair was still tidy. She thanked the coach driver, who had done a sterling job getting her safely there, gave the horses a quick pet and picked up her bag heading toward the house, each footstep crunching on the stones underfoot.

In the dim light of late evening, Grantham House transcended before her, huge, like no place she had ever seen before, almost menacing. Sorcha suddenly wished she was back home in Ireland, sitting by a cosy fire, surrounded by her brothers and sisters, talking to her Ma. She scolded herself inwardly, for not looking forward to this new adventure. She lifted her arm up to knock the door. Taking hold of the doorknocker, a huge brass one with a lions head,the weight and enormity of it surprised her and as Sorcha lifted, it slipped from her fingers and returned to the huge oak door with a large thud.

After a few minutes the door opened and a man of medium build, who wore a dark suit, and dry, aging skin peered down at her. He had thinning white hair and heavy bags under his squinting blue eyes, and before Sorcha could speak, he barked a couple of questions at her.

“Hello. Are you expected? What is your name.”

Sorcha suddenly found her voice again. “I'm Sorcha, and I'm the new maid. I am expected.”

“Ah. Well, you're late. I'm Lambert, butler to the house. You'll need to go around to the side, where the servant's entrance is.” His look softened as he gave her a thin lipped smile, then pointed out the direction Sorcha should go. “I'll let the housekeeper, Mrs Madison know that you are here.”

Sorcha thanked him and picked up her bag again, following the butler's directions to the servants entrance. The door was far less grand than the main door, although still oak only had a small less ornate doorknocker. Shortly after knocking, the door was opened by a tall, thin, very angular looking woman, who Sorcha guessed was in her forties.

Midweek Tease ~ 7 December 2016: Night Ride

Welcome to Midweek Tease. A weekly blog hop aranged by the lovely Angelica Dawson, where amazing authors share a snippet of their work. It may be from something completed, or a WIP. Please follow the links to read everyone's offering. And remember, a comment is encouraging to a writer, it means so much. I have a small snippet this week that continues on from last week from my WIP Night Ride. Enjoy.

The carriage felt hot and sticky, being filled with strange bodies cramming, and rubbing against Madison. And the air , thick with a raised level of voices, seemed to be louder than usual tube train chatter. Even the swoosh of the doors opening and closing at stations seemed louder. She could barely hear herself think. The tube train jerked and jolted as it rattled along the ageing rails. Madison wondered why they always had the crumbiest trains running at night , that always felt like they could break down at any moment "I hope I can find a seat soon too," she replied with a strained laugh, as she struggled to keep a grip on the rail.

Suddenly, the train gave an alarming jolt and Madison lost her balance and grip on the rail, falling forward and almost onto the ginger haired man's lap. Her scarf caught on something, and Madison heard a tearing sound... Her coat fell open, and her white silk shirt gaped as she leaned toward him, part revealing the curve of a breast. Madison desperately, with arms flailing, tried to grab onto something so as to steady herself. This ended up being the man as she came to a rest part sitting on his lap, his big black coat rubbing against her stocking clad legs and causing her skirt to ride up a little.

"Well hello there again. If you had wanted to sit on my lap you only had to ask. It's not the best of pick up tactics, but seeing as you're here, I'm Bryn, what's your name?" His eyes wandered to the gape in her shirt, then averted them quickly, hoping she hadn't noticed.

"Madison. And I'm so sorry. I'll move."

"Well it looks like you've lost your rail. So you may as well stay here, and chat with me for a while. That is if you don't mind. I'd be glad of the company."

"On one condition. No talk of work. I've had a hellish day."

"Deal."

Midweek Tease ~ 30 November 2016: Night Ride

Welcome to Midweek Tease. A weekly blog hop where amazing authors share a snippet of their work. It may be something completed, or a WIP. Please follow the links to read everyone's offering. And remember, a comment is encouraging to a writer, it means so much. I have a small snippet this week that comes from a WIP Night Ride. Enjoy.

 Madison could usually beat the escalator if she ran down the steps, and tonight she didn't want to take any chances on missing the tube. Ahead of hershe could see quite a few people waiting; it seemed unusual to her to have that many waiting for a late tube, she didn't know of any late night shopping in that area, nor any late football matches, but then again, she could be wrong. After all, she had been stuck inside all day, attending one of the most boring meetings ever.

Lights at the sides of the tunnel shone, and a sudden woosh of the late tube sounded as it neared and slowed at the narrow platform. Madison got caught up in the myriad of bodies and the sudden surge forward, as people almost fought to get onto the tube and find a decent seat. She could barely distinguish one from the other, and definitely didn't notice the tall redheaded man who wore a heavy black coat. Madison never realized how much the man would figure in her night time journey.

Unfortunately, by the time Madison found a carriage that didn't have drunks hurling abuse at each other or making lewd suggestions toward her, and all in the space of about three minutes, she found herself in a carriage where all the seats were taken and she found herself having to cling on to one of the pivoted grab handles while jammed between an old man in a tweed jacket and a woman who did her best to send a text using her other hand. Looking down she noticed the redheaded man in the heavy coat, who smiled upward giving Madison a sympathetic look.

"I'd try to do the gentlemanly thing and change places, but I think several others would grapple for the seat and get here first. Hopefully you'll get a seat soon."

Midweek Tease ~ 23 November 2016: Night Ride

Welcome to Midweek Tease. A weekly blog hop where amazing authors share a snippet of their work. It may be something completed, or a WIP. Please follow the links to read everyone's offering. And remember, a comment is encouraging to a writer, it means so much. My snippet this week comes from a WIP Night Ride. Enjoy.

 Late again and Madison cursed the fact that her car had gone in for repairs. A meeting at the Lambeth office that Madison had been assured would finish at 6pm, in plenty of time for her to make the return journey acroos London, had overrun. Toward the end of the meeting, Madison had found herself stifling yawns, and hoped that no-one had noticed. Finally it ended and she got up from the uncomfortable chair she had shifted about on. Madison dragged her cream colored Mac on, and not even bothering to do it up properly, she raced out of the building into the cold night air.

The cold did not really bother her though, the main worry was the time, and as she hurried, coat tails flapping behind her, along Streatham High Street and past Brixton Central Library, where she had spent so much time studying. A new moon shone brightly, lighting up the dial on the old clock, and looking up at the time, Madison realized that she had no time to lose if she wanted to get the last tube of the night, affectionately known as the Night Ride.

Finally, she reached Brixton station and her high heels echoed as they clattered down the grey stone steps to where she could see the train just pulling in. Madison heaved a sigh of relief and pulled her coat in tighter, feeling a gust of wind race around her, wishing she'd had the good sense to wear a scarf.

Midweek Tease ~ 13 April 2016: The Inheritance

Happy Wednesday to one and all!  It's time for the Mid Week Tease! Where an  amazing group of writers gather to tease you with an excerpt from a completed work or WIP. Please follow the links and show some love by reading and commenting on the writer's awesome work. It means so much to them.  

This week my excerpt comes from a WIP

Frank eased down from the train on to the platform and looked all around him. There were quite a few people milling around, and he didn’t see anyone at first that he knew. Suddenly he heard a shriek.

“FRANK!”

The sound of his name rang in Frank's ears as someone charged toward him.

As they neared, Frank recognized a short, dark haired woman of about nineteen, who was Ruth, his younger sister. He stopped, and dropped his bags on the platform, holding his arms out to her, laughing.

She launched at him, however and flung her arms around his body, almost knocking him flying.

“Hello Squirt,” Frank laughed as he swung her around. “Still a titch I see.”

“And you’re a beanpole,” she retorted. “And a pale one at that!”

“Missed me?”

“Like a hole in the head! Of course I have, you daft thing.”

Frank looked down at the wedding band on Ruth's third finger. He frowned, realizing she had gone through with the marriage despite his reservations. He remembered receiving a short letter from Ruth, explaining that after her pregnant, Ruth's boyfriend Derek had promised to make things legal and marry Ruth.

Frank didn't trust him, however, and knew this would be the end to all of his sister's plans for the future. He had taken an instant dislike to Derek, the first time he set eyes on him. There was something he reckoned he was keeping from Ruth and therefore someone not to be trusted.

Midweek Tease ~ 24 February 2016: The Locket

Happy Wednesday to one and all!  It's time for the Mid Week Tease! Where an  amazing group of writers gather to tease you with an excerpt from a completed work or WIP. Please follow the links and show some love by reading and commenting on the writer's awesome work. It means so much to them.  

This week my excerpt comes from a WIP, The Locket. Here, Sorcha begins her journey away from the family,  across the Irish sea to England, where she has been offered a place in service.

Bad weather ensued for the majority of the crossing. Heavy rain poured down and the wind whistled around. Dark clouds hid all trace of the sun. The day was truly a miserable one. Sorcha tried to smile as a tear ran down her cheek. She missed being with the rest of the family already . The unknown, although exciting, appeared slightly daunting too. She had never met her employers and wondered what they were like.

It had been a blessing when she had been offered this position in service. She was really grateful for the work and after many hugs and tears dockside, she promised to send money back to her mother in Ireland to help look after the rest of the family.

She drew her random colored knitted woolen shawl closer around her body to try and keep warm, but it did not help much with keeping out the cold. Also, her long plain dark dress was thin and shabby; one that had been passed on to her, and she had altered herself to fit her own body.

Sorcha had few belongings with her that she carried in an old faded carpet bag; a change of clothes, a small purse that contained a few pennies, a jam sandwich, the slice of cake she had been given and an apple. This was a feast to Sorcha. She also had her treasured copy of The Bible. Something that brought comfort in her dark moments.

When they docked at Liverpool, a wave of great excitement rippled through the newcomers, and they bumped into each other in their expectant descent to the English port. Novum Vitae. New life, new beginning. Sorcha picked up her bag, now wet from the rain and made her way to Terra Firma.

Various horse drawn carriages were waiting, ready to collect people for the next leg of their journey. Sorcha searched, but there was no indication as to which was the one assigned to transport her. She went from one to another in search, and had almost given up, when she noticed a strange looking man walking toward her.

He was small, slight in build with a weathered face. She guessed that he was in his fifties. He wore patched trousers, a dark shirt and an open waistcoat. None of his clothes were made from rich cloth, yet they were slightly better than Orchard’s own. Around his neck he wore a red scarf, made from an oddment of material, and a flat cap covered his head. He removed this for a moment scratching his head which hardly had any hair on it, and replacing the cap looked toward Sorcha.

“Pardon me, but are you waiting for someone miss,” he said in a low gruff voice.

“I’m supposed to be collected here and taken to my new place of work. I was not given the name of anyone to contact however.

“I’m waiting for a Miss Sorcha O’Grady. Is that you?”

Sorcha looked him up and down. She wished she‘d been given more travel details. Her fingers dug into the handle of her bag nervously. “I’m traveling to Richmond, London, to the Mellor household. I’m Sorcha. I’m not used to traveling alone though.

The man smiled kindly. The sort of smile that spread slowly across his face and lit up his dark brown eyes, proving it’s ingenuity. “I’m so glad I found you. I am to take you there. Now tell me. where is your luggage?”

Sorcha picked up her bag, saying that was all, and she would keep it with her. She followed him to a wooden carriage drawn by four patiently waiting chestnut horses.

“I’m Jack.” said the man as he helped her step up, and get inside the carriage.

Although Sorcha could understand his speech, Jack's gravelly voice had a dialect that was completely alien to her. She wondered if everyone in England spoke that way.

Jack sat up front and took up the reins. “We'd better make a start,” he called down. “It is a long journey and we have got to a make a headway to an travelers inn halfway. We have to stop and rest there overnight. So it would be the sensible thing if you try and get some rest.”

The seats were upholstered, if somewhat narrow, and Sorcha put her bag at her feet and tried to get comfortable.

She was not the only traveler; another woman sat with a little girl, who Sorcha guessed to be her daughter. The woman looked to be in her mid twenties and Sorcha wondered if any husband was around. Her dark hair was braided and held in place at the nape of her neck with an ornate comb. She didn't say anything to Sorcha, however, just nodded an acknowledgment, and after looking Sorcha up and down, and gave a surreptitious sneer at the clothes that Sorcha wore. Then she turned her head and looked out of the window, just occasionally looking back and checking on the girl, telling her not to make too much noise. 

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Naomi x

Midweek Tease ~ 17 February 2016: A Weekend Away

Happy Wednesday to one and all!  It's time for the Mid Week Tease! Where an  amazing group of writers gather to tease you, thanks to the wonderful Sandra Bunino. Please follow the link and show some love by reading and commenting on the writer's awesome work. as it means so much to them.  

This week my excerpt is from my WIP A Weekend Away. After a fun filled Friday night, Judy and Linda are waking up slowly on Saturday morning.

****************

Saturday morning brought with it a bright new sun. It's warm, welcoming rays that found their way through the window and dropped onto the pale cheek of Judy. She half opened her eyes, blinked a couple of times as, with a fuzzy mind she realized her situation.

Judy's head was resting on Linda's shoulder, while Linda had a soft, protective arm around her body and had snuggled up to her. Thoughts of the previous night came flooding back to Judy. At first, she couldn't believe that she had behaved in such a way, dropping so many inhibitions, but then, remembering everything and how she had felt sent every modicum of guilt flying out of the window. Being very careful, so as not to wake her sleepy friend, she turned on her back and pulled the white  cover over her naked body. A smile spread across her face as the previous night became clearer.

Linda stirred a little. Murmuring, she moved her head and changed position, and a few strands of hair landed on her cheek and obviously tickled, because even though she was asleep, she moved her arm from around Judy and brushed them away, before turning away and settling again.

Pangs of doubt suddenly crept into Judy's mind. Maybe last night should never have happened. A drunken mistake that should never have happened. And yet, if that was the case, why did she enjoy herself so much and why did she want more?

Unsure what to think, and not wanting to take any chances, Judy turned onto her side, closed her eyes and eventually drifted off into a light sleep.

A little later in the morning, Linda opened her eyes and glanced at the clock on a side table. It was mid morning and they had both slept late. She had the makings of a hangover and rubbed her head. I need coffee, she thought. Glancing over she noticed Judy still had her eyes closed and seemed to be asleep. So very carefully, trying not to disturb Judy, Linda lifted the cover and got out of bed, replacing the cover quietly. She reached over for and donned her pink silk dressing gown, while slipping on some fluffy pink slippers.

Smiling back at Judy, Linda then turned and quietly went downstairs where she put on a pot of coffee and while it was brewing, set a tray of cups, spoons, cream and sugar ready to take back upstairs. She also put two glasses of fresh orange and serviettes.

Judy finally awoke to the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It's tendrils floated up the stairs and into the bedroom. Mm, one of the best smells of the morning she thought. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs and sat up, nursing her own hangover, just as Linda, just like a vision bearing gifts, walked into the room carrying the tray of juice and steaming coffee.

Sitting down on the bed, she put the tray on her table. Then she turned to Judy, smiled, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Good Morning Sunshine. I thought you could use a coffee.”

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Naomi x