Cherry Tree Lane by Anna Jacobs

find me.’
    ‘Is he the one who beat you so badly?’
    Her colour deepened and a shamed look came onto her face. ‘Yes.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Because I wanted to get married. He crippled the man I was to marry and he left town in a hurry.’
    Jacob could see that he was distressing her, so didn’t press the matter. But if that stepfather ever tried to touch her again, he’d take great pleasure in giving him some of his own medicine. Jacob never started fights, but he knew how to look after himself – and those he cared about. That thought made him blink, then he told himself it was natural to care about someone whose life you’d saved.
    When he sat her at the table with some bread and cheese, and a wizened apple from last year’s store, she said. ‘Jacob … I couldn’t help noticing that Sarah’s clothes are too small for her. I’ll try to let them out, but if you would purchase some material, I’d be happy to sew a new summer dress for her before I leave. It needn’t cost more than a few shillings. Miss Newington might get some material for you. She’s very kind, isn’t she?’
    He stopped eating, not liking the thought of never seeing Mattie again. ‘You talk about leaving, but it’ll be a while before you’re fit enough to go. And where would you go, anyway? Do you have anyone who’ll take you in until you can find work for yourself?’
    Mattie shook her head, looking sad. ‘No. But I’m a good worker. Maybe I’ll find myself a job as a maid in a big house. Or in a hotel. You get bed and board that way.’
    He felt relieved. ‘Then there’s no need for you to rush away. We could make you up a bed in the attic once you’re well. We could do with a bit of help here, as you can see, a sort of housekeeper. There are two little bedrooms up there in the attic.’
    ‘You’re such a kind man.’
    ‘It’d help us all to have you here.’
    The back door opened and Miss Newington came in. He was sorry that stopped him and Mattie talking. His visitor was such pleasant company.
     
     
    Emily looked across the room, pleased to see the invalid up and about. She saw the touch of colour in her cheeks, the way Jacob was smiling at his guest, and wondered what they’d been talking about. ‘Are you feeling better, Mattie?’
    ‘Yes, thank you, Miss Newington. I’ve just been thanking Jacob for saving my life.’
    ‘He definitely did that.’
    Jacob got up, looking embarrassed. ‘Anyone would have done the same. Now, I’d better get back to my garden. It’s my busy season.’
    ‘He’s a fine man,’ Emily said thoughtfully once the door had shut behind him.
    ‘Yes, he is.’
    ‘How do you get on with the children?’
    ‘I haven’t seen much of Luke, but Sarah seems to have adopted me and is treating me like a pet puppy.’ Mattie chuckled. ‘She’s a delightful child, as kind as her father.’
    ‘Good. Good.’
    There was silence as Mattie closed her eyes and when Emily didn’t speak, the younger woman’s breathing deepened and she fell asleep again.
    Emily studied her companion. She seemed a sensible sort and was pretty enough for any man, now she was looking better. She had lovely blue eyes and a nice, open expression on her face. You could tell a lot about people from their eyes, Emily always felt. She began to tidy up quietly, noting that someone had made a start on that. She began sorting out the washing, which was piled anyhow in a corner of the scullery. She’d send her scrubbing woman down one day to do it.
    After an hour had ticked away, she woke Mattie. ‘Do you need any help before I go back?’
    ‘No, thank you. I’m a lot better today and I managed to get to the outhouse all right.’
    ‘Very well.’ Emily went to stand by the window and watch Jacob work. She’d never seen him idle.
    She made a cup of tea, chatted for a while, wanting to get to know the young woman better. As she walked slowly home, she admitted she felt rather tired today. She was getting old and it was