Pengelly's Daughter by Nicola Pryce

not there. You’ll need them for next Tuesday.’
    Madame Merrick looked horried at my insistence. ‘You will have them tomorrow , Miss Pengelly,’ was clearly all she was prepared to say.
    Mother came in from the storeroom, her eyes darting from one of us to the other. She was carrying a roll of soft grey cotton which shimmered in the sunshine. ‘Look, isn’t this the most beautiful material?’ she said, smiling shyly, obviously trying to make amends. ‘Madame Merrick’s given it to me to make a dress. I can hardly believe it. See, I’m going to decorate it with this.’ She laid a spool of Belgian lace gently against the cotton. ‘It’s going to be that beautiful. Look.’ She held up the fabric, her face glowing with pleasure. ‘Madame Merrick’s been so kind…so generous, I feel that spoilt.’
    Madame Merrick permitted herself a half-smile before turning brusquely away. I felt terrible. Mother had obviously wanted to keep things pleasant between us and my manner had been abrupt and insolent. Had Mother wanted to protect me from Madame Merrick or Madame Merrick from me? I hardly recognised myself any more. It was not my anxiety making me quick to anger; it was our poverty turning me so sullen.
    I tried to make amends. ‘You’ll both look so lovely in your new gowns – Lady April Cavendish is bound to agree to be your patron. I know I would, if I were her.’
    â€˜Thank you, Miss Pengelly – that is very kind of you, but looking lovely is of no consequence if Lady April is never to see us.’
    â€˜What’ve you done to attract her attention? Have you sent her your particulars? She can’t be your patron if she doesn’t know you exist.’
    â€˜What can be done? Everyone is trying to attract her attention and no-one can approach her before she sends a calling-card. I am beginning to think having her patronage can only remain a dream.’
    It was always the same. Madame Merrick was an accomplished dressmaker, yet her future depended on the whim of people who did not care one jolt whether she even existed – let alone prospered.
    â€˜People like Lady April care nothing for the likes of you or me,’ I replied. ‘They only care for their horses and dogs! You’d do better choosing your nest silk, embroidering it with your most delicate stitches and sending her a cushion for her hideous pug!’ I had spoken in anger but, suddenly, I realised the truth behind my words. ‘Why don’t you do that? Edge it with your best lace, thread it through with your nest satin ribbons and send it to Lady April with your compliments . Enquire after her dear dog’s welfare. After all, the poor thing’s had a long sea voyage and may be incapacitated by the upheaval! You never know, it might just get her attention.’ Madame Merrick’s eyes sharpened. She did not smile, but nor did she raise her eyebrows.
    If I had seen him coming, I would have dived into the storeroom but it was too late. Mr Tregellas was mounting the steps, two at a time, his brows contracting in a frown. I was powerless to escape. ‘Good afternoon, Madame Merrick, Mrs Pengelly, Miss Pengelly.’ His bow was curt, barely even noticeable.
    â€˜Good afternoon, Mr Tregellas. What a nice surprise. I trust we nd you well?’
    â€˜Well enough, Madame Merrick – but in very bad humour.’
    Madame Merrick raised her eyebrows. Mother’s hands gripped the back of a chair and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my fear.
    â€˜What can have happened?’ Madame Merrick said, closing the door before offering Mr Tregellas a chair.
    Turning his back on her, he waved her brusquely aside. ‘Thieves broke into my house last night and stole something of great importance.’ He was staring straight at me, his cold grey eyes accusing me of theft.
    â€˜How terrible !’ Madame Merrick sat