Chapter Five

‘Eeh, lass, I’m not looking forward to further changes. First your da gives up the helm and you take over – not that that worried me, as you’re more than capable, but this man of yours hasn’t proved himself at being good at running a mill, now has he?’

Betsy was always outspoken, and the fact that she could speak this way to Mags was a mark of their friendship.

Mags feared for Betsy’s future. What will Harold do about Betsy? One thing I know: he won’t want to work alongside her. No, he’d want to appoint a male clerk. His ideas were firmly set, where women were concerned; and elevating them – especially working-class women, as he would view Betsy – was not something that he agreed with.

‘I knaw what you’re thinking, lass: me position ain’t safe. No man of Mr Roford’s standing is going to take to a woman holding such high responsibility in his factory.’

‘It isn’t his!’ But as she said these words, Mags knew she wouldn’t be able to do anything about Betsy’s position, other than . . . ‘Betsy, I’ve just had an idea. How would you take to working in my house? I – I don’t mean as a skivvy, but our housekeeper is retiring age now and—’

‘Eeh, lass, I would be honoured. By, I can’t believe as you’ve asked this of me. Not that I knaw how such a fine house is run, mind, but I can learn, can’t I?’

Relief swept over Mags. Her worries about Betsy and her fate evaporated. ‘Oh, Betsy, I’m so glad you think it a good solution.’

‘Well, I knew as I’d be a problem here. And I thought as you’d find me sommat, but to honour me in this way is more than I dreamed of. Ta, lass. You’re a good ’un.’

Mags laughed out loud – a reaction to how she was feeling, at the prospect of having the lovely Betsy still by her side, as much as at the way Betsy expressed herself. Though a niggling worry came over her as to how she was going to curb Betsy’s natural exuberance and keep their deep friendship from being noticed by Harold. To him, servants were servants and didn’t cross over to become friends – though they could be lovers . . . Oh God, I must stop these thoughts.

‘What is it, lass? You look troubled.’

‘Nothing. Sorry. I – I was just thinking how much my mother would have loved to have had you as her housekeeper, as she always laughed when I related your antics to her.’

‘Aw, ta, lass. We all looked up to your ma, you knaw. She were a good ’un an’ all. Look how she started the school for the young ’uns, and the Sunday school to see to their religious teachings; and every Christmas each one of them received a gift from her.’

‘I know, and I want to carry on these traditions. Not that I am aware of all that she did. As you know, my life has been spent around my father and his business, but you can help me, in keeping me informed of the needs of the workforce and their families. I already have plans to expand the healthcare available to the workers, to include their families.’