Little Candleford (Chapter Two)
A Dolls House story of a Small Town, featuring its Buildings and Residents
Decisions
The Grand Opening of The Floozies shop was a great success. It seemed that everyone in Little Candleford and the surrounding villages attended including Lady Adelaide accompanied by The Squire. A large amount of money was spent and much to Sir Timothy’s delight Lady Adelaide discreetly purchased several corsets, stockings and garters.
After the Opening party was over, Timothy escorted Adelaide back to the Manor.
“Won’t you stay the night Timothy”, Adelaide asks,
“Do you mean?”……”
“Yes Timothy I mean sleep with me, after all I don’t want my new corset, garter and stockings to go to waste” replies Adelaide.
The next morning over breakfast, Adelaide asks “Will you come back tonight Timothy or better still why don’t you move back into The Manor permanently?”
A few weeks have passed since the opening of the shop, the days have been busy and at night both Katherine and Louisa have been in the Work room making and altering garments, the nights of passion spent in the small bedroom at The Bakery are becoming a distant memory and both girls are exhausted.
It is late in the evening after another busy day when the girls have their first argument started by Katherine (having been
prompted by Adelaide) suggesting that now the business is doing so well, they should expand the shop onto the upper floor of the building instead of having Living accommodation.
“But where will we live” Louisa asks
“Mama has suggested that we move into the Manor House with her and Papa but we must have separate chambers, replies
Katherine.”
“Katherine, I will not go, can’t you see this is another plot by Adelaide to split us up, she has lured Sir Timothy to the Manor
and now she is luring you knowing full well I won’t go and give up our dream of living together,”
Both girls are in tears as they agree they must make a decision, whether to expand the Floozies shop and live apart or keep
their dream to live together and make the upper floor of Floozies their home.
After the Opening party was over, Timothy escorted Adelaide back to the Manor.
“Won’t you stay the night Timothy”, Adelaide asks,
“Do you mean?”……”
“Yes Timothy I mean sleep with me, after all I don’t want my new corset, garter and stockings to go to waste” replies Adelaide.
The next morning over breakfast, Adelaide asks “Will you come back tonight Timothy or better still why don’t you move back into The Manor permanently?”
A few weeks have passed since the opening of the shop, the days have been busy and at night both Katherine and Louisa have been in the Work room making and altering garments, the nights of passion spent in the small bedroom at The Bakery are becoming a distant memory and both girls are exhausted.
It is late in the evening after another busy day when the girls have their first argument started by Katherine (having been
prompted by Adelaide) suggesting that now the business is doing so well, they should expand the shop onto the upper floor of the building instead of having Living accommodation.
“But where will we live” Louisa asks
“Mama has suggested that we move into the Manor House with her and Papa but we must have separate chambers, replies
Katherine.”
“Katherine, I will not go, can’t you see this is another plot by Adelaide to split us up, she has lured Sir Timothy to the Manor
and now she is luring you knowing full well I won’t go and give up our dream of living together,”
Both girls are in tears as they agree they must make a decision, whether to expand the Floozies shop and live apart or keep
their dream to live together and make the upper floor of Floozies their home.
Home Truths
After spending two weeks at The Manor, Sir Timothy returns to Little Candleford and visits Floozies. On entering the store
he notices there is none of the girlish giggling or laughter usually heard in the shop, he senses an atmosphere between Katherine and Louisa as they work in an unusual silence. Not wanting to discuss the problem in public, he invites them to dinner at his hotel.
During dinner Timothy breaks the silence and asks Louisa for an explanation. Louisa as always, faithful to Katherine plays down the problem as a slight disagreement.
“Louisa your loyalty to Katherine is to be admired but I know you are telling a lie” replies Timothy
“Katherine, perhaps you will explain?”
“Well Papa, now that you and Mama are a couple and you are living at The Manor, Mama suggested we should expand the business and live with you and her. I want to convert the upper floor into shop area but Louisa wants to convert it into our home.”
Timothy turns to Louisa and asks “so what have you decided Louisa”
“It seems I have no choice but to agree” Louisa replies.
Sir Timothy can hardly control his anger as he turns his attention towards his daughter,
“Katherine, have you forgotten all that I’ve taught you about loyalty and greediness, I think it’s time you learned some home
truths. For a start Louisa owns half of your shop and has an equal say in all matters”,
Katherine interrupts “But Papa you gave me the shop and said it was mine to do with whatever I wanted to”
“Indeed that was the case but when Louisa heard of our plans to build Floozies she insisted I used her inheritance from her
parents to invest as she wanted to repay me for looking after her and wanted to help you for fill your dreams”, As for me and Adelaide being a couple? How mistaken you are, yes I let Adelaide seduce me on the opening night of the shop
but I assure you it was a “one off” caused by my weakness and too much wine. I have not moved into the Manor but spent the last two weeks there sorting out the estates affairs, So Louisa, I wish to know why you have given in so readily when
you have an equal say in the Floozies”
Frightened at Sir Timothy’s rage, Louisa confesses that Adelaide had somehow found out about her “Secret” of owning
half of Floozies,
“Adelaide came to the shop when Katherine was out and demanded I sell her my half of the shop to her and agree to moving into separate chambers at the Manor or she would let all of Little Candleford know I was a prostitute in a house of IL repute after my parents died and was arrested in Ireland for soliciting on the streets of Dublin”
So Katherine, knowing this about Adelaide, Do you still wish to move into the Manor asks Timothy
“Oh my god, what have I done?” says a tearful Katherine, “Louisa please forgive me, I have been so gullible and naïve, I never thought Mama could stoop so low to get her own way, I got carried away by the success of Floozies and hurt you, the person I love.”
“So, there you are girls, you see, I will always have affection for the love Adelaide and I shared in our younger days but
there is no going back, Adelaide is a woman scorned and I’m afraid she will never change. Now can I take it that you two girls will start again and put all this behind you.” asks Timothy.
“Of course Papa, if Louisa can ever forgive me, I would love to make our home on top floor of the Floozies shop and keep to our original plans of living together” replies Katherine.
“Then I better put on some of our finest underwear and we can make up properly as us Floozies do” smiles Louisa and once
again the Girlish giggling returns as a red faced embarrassed Timothy, pleased that the problem is solved bids them goodnight.
he notices there is none of the girlish giggling or laughter usually heard in the shop, he senses an atmosphere between Katherine and Louisa as they work in an unusual silence. Not wanting to discuss the problem in public, he invites them to dinner at his hotel.
During dinner Timothy breaks the silence and asks Louisa for an explanation. Louisa as always, faithful to Katherine plays down the problem as a slight disagreement.
“Louisa your loyalty to Katherine is to be admired but I know you are telling a lie” replies Timothy
“Katherine, perhaps you will explain?”
“Well Papa, now that you and Mama are a couple and you are living at The Manor, Mama suggested we should expand the business and live with you and her. I want to convert the upper floor into shop area but Louisa wants to convert it into our home.”
Timothy turns to Louisa and asks “so what have you decided Louisa”
“It seems I have no choice but to agree” Louisa replies.
Sir Timothy can hardly control his anger as he turns his attention towards his daughter,
“Katherine, have you forgotten all that I’ve taught you about loyalty and greediness, I think it’s time you learned some home
truths. For a start Louisa owns half of your shop and has an equal say in all matters”,
Katherine interrupts “But Papa you gave me the shop and said it was mine to do with whatever I wanted to”
“Indeed that was the case but when Louisa heard of our plans to build Floozies she insisted I used her inheritance from her
parents to invest as she wanted to repay me for looking after her and wanted to help you for fill your dreams”, As for me and Adelaide being a couple? How mistaken you are, yes I let Adelaide seduce me on the opening night of the shop
but I assure you it was a “one off” caused by my weakness and too much wine. I have not moved into the Manor but spent the last two weeks there sorting out the estates affairs, So Louisa, I wish to know why you have given in so readily when
you have an equal say in the Floozies”
Frightened at Sir Timothy’s rage, Louisa confesses that Adelaide had somehow found out about her “Secret” of owning
half of Floozies,
“Adelaide came to the shop when Katherine was out and demanded I sell her my half of the shop to her and agree to moving into separate chambers at the Manor or she would let all of Little Candleford know I was a prostitute in a house of IL repute after my parents died and was arrested in Ireland for soliciting on the streets of Dublin”
So Katherine, knowing this about Adelaide, Do you still wish to move into the Manor asks Timothy
“Oh my god, what have I done?” says a tearful Katherine, “Louisa please forgive me, I have been so gullible and naïve, I never thought Mama could stoop so low to get her own way, I got carried away by the success of Floozies and hurt you, the person I love.”
“So, there you are girls, you see, I will always have affection for the love Adelaide and I shared in our younger days but
there is no going back, Adelaide is a woman scorned and I’m afraid she will never change. Now can I take it that you two girls will start again and put all this behind you.” asks Timothy.
“Of course Papa, if Louisa can ever forgive me, I would love to make our home on top floor of the Floozies shop and keep to our original plans of living together” replies Katherine.
“Then I better put on some of our finest underwear and we can make up properly as us Floozies do” smiles Louisa and once
again the Girlish giggling returns as a red faced embarrassed Timothy, pleased that the problem is solved bids them goodnight.
Vacancy - Sales Assistant Required, Apply Within
The young woman stood in awe staring through the Floozies shop window as she did most days but today is was a notice on the shop door that caught her eye. Vacancy – Shop Assistant Required, Apply Within. Both Louisa and Katherine had
noticed the young woman on many occasions and wondered why she had never entered the shop. Today Katherine would invite her in but as she approached the door, the young woman hurried away.
“I see you haven’t filled the vacancy yet “says Sir Timothy as he enters the store on his daily visit to see the girls.
No, we’ve interviewed several applicants but haven’t found anyone suitable yet replies Louisa. We need an attractive looking girl with a pleasant and artistic nature and an eye for colour.
I may know just the girl for you, she has no shop keeping experience but is Attractive, Pleasant,Very bright, intelligent and certainly has an artistic flair says Sir Timothy.
Who is she? And where does she work Asks Katherine
She is not in employment at the moment but she does earn a little money from selling her paintings, she hopes to become an artist one day and needs employment to finance her dreams. I have purchased a few items from her which you may wish to have for your new home, you will see just how artistic she is and if you think she could fill your vacancy then I will tell you all about her and introduce you. Here are her paintings . . . . . . . (Click on Photos to Enlarge)
noticed the young woman on many occasions and wondered why she had never entered the shop. Today Katherine would invite her in but as she approached the door, the young woman hurried away.
“I see you haven’t filled the vacancy yet “says Sir Timothy as he enters the store on his daily visit to see the girls.
No, we’ve interviewed several applicants but haven’t found anyone suitable yet replies Louisa. We need an attractive looking girl with a pleasant and artistic nature and an eye for colour.
I may know just the girl for you, she has no shop keeping experience but is Attractive, Pleasant,Very bright, intelligent and certainly has an artistic flair says Sir Timothy.
Who is she? And where does she work Asks Katherine
She is not in employment at the moment but she does earn a little money from selling her paintings, she hopes to become an artist one day and needs employment to finance her dreams. I have purchased a few items from her which you may wish to have for your new home, you will see just how artistic she is and if you think she could fill your vacancy then I will tell you all about her and introduce you. Here are her paintings . . . . . . . (Click on Photos to Enlarge)
The Interview
The next day the young girl was back staring in the Floozies shop window with envy at the exquisite lingerie, ladies under
garments and dresses that she knew she would never be able to afford. This time Louisa approached her but again the girl turned to hurry away, as she did she bumped into Sir Timothy “ah there you are Emma, I’ve been looking for you, I have good news”
Both the girls appeared at the shop door and Timothy introduced Emma to his daughter Katherine and her partner Louisa. “This is the young lady who is seeking employment and the artist of the paintings I gave you”
“Come in” says Katherine “We will go through to the workroom for a chat”
Both Louisa and Katherine were impressed to hear that Emma was a trained Seamstress, a trade she had learnt as part of her training as a housekeeper in her previous employment. “And where were you employed Emma? Katherine asks. “Err”…. Emma stutters, “Emma was employed at The Manor” interrupts Sir Timothy
“May I ask why you left” questions Louisa
“I was dismissed” replies a tearful Emma and there was a silence, the interview that was going so well had taken a turn for
the worse.
“Would you like to explain why” asks Katherine
The Squire interrupts again “Emma, would you please wait in the shop, why I speak to Katherine and Louisa and Emma leaves the room.
Papa, must you interfere, as lovely as Emma appears to be, she has no references and if Lady Adelaide dismissed her, I’m
sure there must have been a reason; I fear it may be a mistake to employ her says Katherine.
On the contrary Katherine “Lady Adelaide dismissing her? I think that would be a good reason to employ her” jokes Louisa.
“Well, perhaps I should tell you why Lady Adelaide dismissed Emma and then you can judge for yourself” Replies Timothy.
garments and dresses that she knew she would never be able to afford. This time Louisa approached her but again the girl turned to hurry away, as she did she bumped into Sir Timothy “ah there you are Emma, I’ve been looking for you, I have good news”
Both the girls appeared at the shop door and Timothy introduced Emma to his daughter Katherine and her partner Louisa. “This is the young lady who is seeking employment and the artist of the paintings I gave you”
“Come in” says Katherine “We will go through to the workroom for a chat”
Both Louisa and Katherine were impressed to hear that Emma was a trained Seamstress, a trade she had learnt as part of her training as a housekeeper in her previous employment. “And where were you employed Emma? Katherine asks. “Err”…. Emma stutters, “Emma was employed at The Manor” interrupts Sir Timothy
“May I ask why you left” questions Louisa
“I was dismissed” replies a tearful Emma and there was a silence, the interview that was going so well had taken a turn for
the worse.
“Would you like to explain why” asks Katherine
The Squire interrupts again “Emma, would you please wait in the shop, why I speak to Katherine and Louisa and Emma leaves the room.
Papa, must you interfere, as lovely as Emma appears to be, she has no references and if Lady Adelaide dismissed her, I’m
sure there must have been a reason; I fear it may be a mistake to employ her says Katherine.
On the contrary Katherine “Lady Adelaide dismissing her? I think that would be a good reason to employ her” jokes Louisa.
“Well, perhaps I should tell you why Lady Adelaide dismissed Emma and then you can judge for yourself” Replies Timothy.
Emma's Story
Timothy explains “Emma is the daughter of the late Mrs Townsend who was the housekeeper at The Manor for twenty five years. Mrs Townsend was highly thought of in the Middleton Household especially by Amos and when she fell pregnant with Emma rumours were rife that Amos could have been the father.
At the age of Fifteen, Emma was employed as a kitchen maid; she showed a lot of potential and was trained in various other skills. She shared Amos’s passion for Art and would often be heard having conversations with Amos about great paintings and artists. When her mother died of pneumonia, Emma at the young age of twenty was promoted and took over her mother’s position of Housekeeper. Lady Adelaide objected strongly but Amos insisted that Emma was given the job. Adelaide could not understand why Amos favoured the young girl so much unless the rumours of her parentage could be
true.
Prior to his death, Emma nursed Amos through his illness and when Amos died he left her a small inheritance. Lady Adelaide was so angry and at the same time frustrated because she never knew for sure whether Emma was Amos’s illegitimate daughter.
Shortly after Amos’ death, Adelaide wrongly dismissed Emma on the pretence that the young girl had made advances to Amos to gain his affection so she could inherit some of his fortune. Emma left The Manor and with the money Amos had left her she bought a small cottage in Little Candleford where she lives alone.”
“But Papa how can you be sure that Emma didn’t make advances to Uncle Amos in order to inherit his money” ask Katherine
“Because Katherine, Amos wrote to me before he died and told me that he and Emma’s mother were lovers and that she was his daughter. “Does Emma know that Amos was her father” asks Louisa
“No ! and it must remain a secret, Emma’s mother married just after she was born, her husband was an artist and brought Emma up as his own daughter, so you see Emma is quite innocent and unfortunately has been treated rather unkindly by Lady Adelaide .
Oh and further more girls, just to confirm Emma had no interest in Amos, she has no interest in any men and like yourselves prefers the company of young ladies. . . . . .
Having decided that Emma would be perfect for the vacant position, Katherine called Emma back into the workshop but there was no reply, Emma embarrassed and shocked at hearing that Amos was her real father which meant Sir Timothy was her uncle and Katherine her cousin had hurried shamefully out of the shop.
“Don’t worry girls, I know where she will be” said Timothy, “She will go where she always goes when she’s troubled”
Where’s that Papa? Asks Katherine
“To someone I’ve been meaning to tell you about and wanting you to meet for a while and perhaps now is the right time” replies Timothy.
Minutes later and before Timothy had had time to explain there was a knock at the door. Katherine opens the door and standing before her was an elderly woman. So you must be Katherine asks the elderly lady,
Yes and you are? Katherine replies, but before the elderly woman can answer Sir Timothy quickly interrupted, Katherine, let me introduce you, this is Lady Victoria Middleton your Grandmother. A shocked Katherine curtsies and offers her hand “Lady Victoria I’m so pleased to meet you.”
Lady Victoria!!! Replies the elderly lady, we’ll have less of the formalities; I have known you since you were a baby, and you may call me the same as Emma does…… “Granny Middleton”
At the age of Fifteen, Emma was employed as a kitchen maid; she showed a lot of potential and was trained in various other skills. She shared Amos’s passion for Art and would often be heard having conversations with Amos about great paintings and artists. When her mother died of pneumonia, Emma at the young age of twenty was promoted and took over her mother’s position of Housekeeper. Lady Adelaide objected strongly but Amos insisted that Emma was given the job. Adelaide could not understand why Amos favoured the young girl so much unless the rumours of her parentage could be
true.
Prior to his death, Emma nursed Amos through his illness and when Amos died he left her a small inheritance. Lady Adelaide was so angry and at the same time frustrated because she never knew for sure whether Emma was Amos’s illegitimate daughter.
Shortly after Amos’ death, Adelaide wrongly dismissed Emma on the pretence that the young girl had made advances to Amos to gain his affection so she could inherit some of his fortune. Emma left The Manor and with the money Amos had left her she bought a small cottage in Little Candleford where she lives alone.”
“But Papa how can you be sure that Emma didn’t make advances to Uncle Amos in order to inherit his money” ask Katherine
“Because Katherine, Amos wrote to me before he died and told me that he and Emma’s mother were lovers and that she was his daughter. “Does Emma know that Amos was her father” asks Louisa
“No ! and it must remain a secret, Emma’s mother married just after she was born, her husband was an artist and brought Emma up as his own daughter, so you see Emma is quite innocent and unfortunately has been treated rather unkindly by Lady Adelaide .
Oh and further more girls, just to confirm Emma had no interest in Amos, she has no interest in any men and like yourselves prefers the company of young ladies. . . . . .
Having decided that Emma would be perfect for the vacant position, Katherine called Emma back into the workshop but there was no reply, Emma embarrassed and shocked at hearing that Amos was her real father which meant Sir Timothy was her uncle and Katherine her cousin had hurried shamefully out of the shop.
“Don’t worry girls, I know where she will be” said Timothy, “She will go where she always goes when she’s troubled”
Where’s that Papa? Asks Katherine
“To someone I’ve been meaning to tell you about and wanting you to meet for a while and perhaps now is the right time” replies Timothy.
Minutes later and before Timothy had had time to explain there was a knock at the door. Katherine opens the door and standing before her was an elderly woman. So you must be Katherine asks the elderly lady,
Yes and you are? Katherine replies, but before the elderly woman can answer Sir Timothy quickly interrupted, Katherine, let me introduce you, this is Lady Victoria Middleton your Grandmother. A shocked Katherine curtsies and offers her hand “Lady Victoria I’m so pleased to meet you.”
Lady Victoria!!! Replies the elderly lady, we’ll have less of the formalities; I have known you since you were a baby, and you may call me the same as Emma does…… “Granny Middleton”
Granny Middleton
Lady Victoria Middleton (nee Edmonton) married Sir Edward Middleton and had two sons Amos and Timothy. In the latter years of their marriage before Edward’s death the marriage was an unhappy one. Edward favoured the wayward Amos whilst Victoria tried to protect Timothy who was always bullied by his father and brother.
After her husband’s death when Amos married Adelaide, Lady Victoria strongly disapproved because she knew Adelaide had broken Timothy’s heart and was also carrying his child. This disapproval incensed both Amos and Adelaide and particularly Amos when she also suspected that he was the father of Emma, Mrs Townsend’s illegitimate baby. So much so that Lady Adelaide banished her from the Manor House. Fortunately Victoria had saved enough money to live a modest life in a small dwelling in Little Candleford but she became a recluse barely leaving the house. When Katherine was born and sent away, Victoria and Timothy found out the whereabouts of the baby and Victoria secretly cared for the child until Sir Timothy had found a safe place for him and his daughter to live.
Victoria also played a large part in Emma’s upbringing often taking care of Emma when her parents had to work. It was hard for Victoria knowing this little girl was her Granddaughter and not being able to tell her. Timothy always kept in touch with his mother and lengthy letters were exchanged informing her of Katherine’s progress and him of Emma’s. When
Timothy returned to Little Candleford with Katherine, Victoria was overjoyed but still remained a recluse and refused the leave her house until Emma came to see her as she often did and told her of the conversation she had heard in Floozies,
Seeing Emma so upset at finding out that Amos was her real father, Victoria left the house for the first time in many years and visited Sir Timothy and Katherine hoping to find a solution to all this upset. . . . . . .
After her husband’s death when Amos married Adelaide, Lady Victoria strongly disapproved because she knew Adelaide had broken Timothy’s heart and was also carrying his child. This disapproval incensed both Amos and Adelaide and particularly Amos when she also suspected that he was the father of Emma, Mrs Townsend’s illegitimate baby. So much so that Lady Adelaide banished her from the Manor House. Fortunately Victoria had saved enough money to live a modest life in a small dwelling in Little Candleford but she became a recluse barely leaving the house. When Katherine was born and sent away, Victoria and Timothy found out the whereabouts of the baby and Victoria secretly cared for the child until Sir Timothy had found a safe place for him and his daughter to live.
Victoria also played a large part in Emma’s upbringing often taking care of Emma when her parents had to work. It was hard for Victoria knowing this little girl was her Granddaughter and not being able to tell her. Timothy always kept in touch with his mother and lengthy letters were exchanged informing her of Katherine’s progress and him of Emma’s. When
Timothy returned to Little Candleford with Katherine, Victoria was overjoyed but still remained a recluse and refused the leave her house until Emma came to see her as she often did and told her of the conversation she had heard in Floozies,
Seeing Emma so upset at finding out that Amos was her real father, Victoria left the house for the first time in many years and visited Sir Timothy and Katherine hoping to find a solution to all this upset. . . . . . .
Genes Reunited
After taking afternoon tea, Granny Middleton became acquainted with her Granddaughter and listened with interest as Katherine told her about herself and Louisa and there future plans. Granny was so pleased that this young lady who she had only known as a baby had grown up to be such an independent young woman who was happy and content and that in Louisa she had found her perfect partner who obviously loved her and was a great influence.
It was decided that Emma would be perfect to work with Katherine and Louisa but she must be welcomed into the business as part of the family rather than just an employee.
Returning home to tell Emma the good news, Granny Middleton felt happy and content that her two Granddaughters would finally be able to get to know each other and that at last she had a family again. She knew in her secret heart that Emma was far too ambitious to remain as a “Floozies” Sales Assistant for too long and would want more out of life but for now it would be a good start for her future. . . . .
It was decided that Emma would be perfect to work with Katherine and Louisa but she must be welcomed into the business as part of the family rather than just an employee.
Returning home to tell Emma the good news, Granny Middleton felt happy and content that her two Granddaughters would finally be able to get to know each other and that at last she had a family again. She knew in her secret heart that Emma was far too ambitious to remain as a “Floozies” Sales Assistant for too long and would want more out of life but for now it would be a good start for her future. . . . .