The Dock Girl's Shame (The Waterfront Women) by AnneMarie Brear

Author:AnneMarie Brear [Brear, AnneMarie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

12

In the July heat, Lorrie hung out the sheets on the line strung between Bannerman’s shed and a large oak tree that had managed to survive in an industrial area. Lorrie was fond of the tree, one she remembered climbing as a child and being proud that in a world of buildings and cobbles, coal smut and smoke from a thousand chimneys, the boatyard had a beacon of greenery. The oak tree provided shade as the sun arched across the clear blue sky, but nearer to Bannerman’s shed was a sunny spot where the washing could dry away from the smell of burning tar.

‘There you are.’ Oswald pushed away a damp sheet to stand closer to her. ‘I’ve been looking for your father.’

‘He’s on the river.’

‘On the river?’ Oswald’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

‘Yes. It’s the first time since his accident. They’ve taken the sailboat out to test how she sits in the water.’ Lorrie half turned from him to peg out a pillowcase. ‘He’ll be back in an hour or so if you wish to return then?’

‘Or I could wait with you?’ His sly expression made her grimace.

‘I’m rather busy.’

‘I feel you are avoiding me, Miss Chambers. It’s been weeks since we have had a decent conversation. I told you I had forgiven you for getting rid of Saunders.’

Lorrie ignored that last comment. When Oswald found out about her sacking Saunders he’d ranted and raved in the office, only calming down when Bannerman came in.

Looking at the horrid man now, Lorrie wished he was as easy to get rid of. ‘I believe you have been away?’ Father had told her Oswald had left Wakefield last month. Creditors were after him or so Father had heard from not only Christian but clients who came for their boats to be repaired.

‘Business took me from home.’ Oswald studied his fingernails.

‘Successful business, I hope?’

Oswald’s gaze drifted away. ‘Indeed.’

‘Excellent. We have been busy as well.’ She hung another pillowcase on the line.

It was true that the boatyard had picked up more work, which was wonderful, but she had also kept herself fully occupied from the moment she opened her eyes until she closed them again, not wanting to think about Matteo or the possible future of there being a child. She woke at dawn each morning, vomiting into the chamber pot by the bed, trying not to make a noise and wake her father. The morning sickness didn’t ease, and her monthly show hadn’t arrived. In fact, the last one she’d had was in March and she and Matteo had shared that night together in April and now it was July. Her breasts were tender, and she ate raw cabbage at a furious rate. It was all adding up to a conclusion that terrified her.

‘Shall we indulge in a cup of tea, and you can tell me what keeps you so busy each day?’ His patronising tone matched his stupid grin.

Lorrie picked up the empty basket. ‘I really don’t have the time, forgive me.’ She stepped towards the lean-to behind the office where she did the washing in the big copper pot.

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