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by an adult. Such behaviour would have earned an instant reprimand from the Tickler. ‘I never learned to read in the workhouse.’ The words tumbled from her lips. ‘I picked it up in the theatre where Ma worked.’
    Cook looked up, her eyes widening and her mouth dropping open. ‘What theatre was that?’
    The sound of water gushing from the pump into the stone sink made Sarah jump. ‘I’d best go and help Nettie.’
    â€˜Not till you tell me more. I go to Wilton’s music hall on my nights off. It’s just round the corner in Grace’s Alley.’
    Encouraged by Cook’s sudden burst of enthusiasm, Sarah felt more at ease. ‘We lived near the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. That’s where Ma worked, scrubbing floors.’
    â€˜Are you coming, Sarah?’ Nettie shouted above the noise of the water swishing from the pump.
    â€˜She’ll be with you in a moment.’ Cook stared at Sarah as if she had said something incredibly interesting. ‘You must tell me all about the goings on at the Theatre Royal. I saw Barney Williams in
Our Gal
and William Templeton as Robin Hood. It was magnificent and I was transported to another world. Oh, how I love the theatre.’
    â€˜I know Barney and Mr Templeton,’ Sarah said, gulping back tears as the memories of happier times came flooding back. ‘They was kind to me and let me watch them rehearsing while Ma scrubbed the floors.’
    â€˜And your ma is no longer with us?’
    â€˜She died in the workhouse, missis.’ Sarah mopped her eyes on her apron.
    â€˜You poor little soul.’ Cook’s voice broke on a sob. ‘Come here and let an old lady give you a cuddle.’
    Enveloped in a large flour-covered bosom, Sarah could hardly breathe. She did not want to wriggle free and hurt Cook’s feelings, but then Nettie burst into the room demanding to know why she was idling away her time when she should be wiping the dishes. Sarah broke away from Cook’s warm embrace. ‘I’d best help.’
    â€˜You do that, sweetheart,’ Cook said, patting her on the head. ‘You can tell me all about the theatrical folk after supper when the work is done. I like to sit by the fire and put me feet up for a bit before I go to my bed.’
    â€˜Yes. Thank you.’ Sarah hurried off to appease Nettie.
    They had just finished and were putting the plates away in the dresser when Dorcas came hurtling down the stairs. She came to a sudden stop, her bonnet awry and her shawl slipping to the ground. ‘There’s such a to-do upstairs,’ she said breathlessly. ‘I’m wondering whether I should run out and find a constable.’
    â€˜Why? What on earth has happened?’ Cook hurried round the table to help Dorcas to a chair. ‘Sit down and catch your breath, my girl. Tell me what’s going on.’
    â€˜It’s the master. I never seen him in a temper afore, but he’s outside in the street having a set-to with a fat gent with a red face. I couldn’t hear all what was said, but it were about them two.’ She pointed to Sarah and Nettie.
    â€˜What did you hear?’ Cook demanded. ‘Pull yourself together, Dorcas.’
    â€˜The fat man was saying he’d been robbed. He said something about her being worth a tenner when she’s a bit older or even more to the right buyer. I tell you, Cook, I couldn’t hear most of it, but I thought the guvner was going to hit the other bloke.’
    â€˜Trigg,’ Nettie whispered. ‘It must be the workhouse master come to get you, Sarah.’
    There was a moment of stunned silence and then Cook headed for the door that led into the area.
    â€˜Come on,’ Nettie said, grabbing Sarah by the hand. ‘We’ve got to see this. I’ll put my money on Mr Arbuthnot.’

Chapter Three
    â€˜ HOW DARE YOU come here accusing me of foul play?’ Standing in the street outside his