“I believe I do.” Frowning, he tried to recall what else he knew about her. “A midwife, I think, but if I recall correctly, she is often called to attend the sick. Our local doctor thinks very highly of her and her abilities. Would she undertake this task?”
Someone else round the table asked, “Does she drink? We can’t have a drinker.”
“She’s taken in a child recently,” said Stephen. “A girl she says is from the barges. I’ve heard she’s done wonders with her, training her in household tasks such as cooking and cleaning.”
“I can vouch for the fact she’s no drinker,” interjected the first speaker. “Shall I enquire, Chairman?”
“Please do. Mister Short, could you arrange an interview with her if she’s willing?”
The Pride of Bermondsey swept into the shelter of the Swale, the motion changin
