The Earnest Amity of Charlotte and Lucy

This is a story about a friendship between two young people coming from different background, the aristocrats (or toffs as the other side might called them) and the commoners during the time just after Princess Victoria was crowned as the Queen of England in a fend-for-yourself society,. With deeply entrenched aristocratic upbringing, Frank and Rosaline Yardley have high expectations for their children, especially their eldest daughter Charlotte who recently turned thirteen. The Yardley family live in the affluent neighbourhood of Mayfair, with live-in Governess teaching their children, never miss church on Sundays, had plum pudding and a large roasted turkey every Christmas. Most would think that Charlotte was the luckiest lass in the county with all the comfort living and luxuries surrounding her, but little did they know that did not provide her solace as all Charlotte wanted was to have a true friend and honest companion, who she could share secrets and care for each other. Charlotte found most of her peers within her circle were just plain snobbish and selfish. It was a fairly warm and arid Sunday with a slight refreshing breeze as the Yardley family stepped out from the church. Charlotte tore away herself and hurried to the carriage with the heels of her shoes spats clicked against the stone pavement. Suddenly she heard someone called out her name from the direction of the gate of the church and as she turned her head to look back, she saw her mother waving to her, calling her back. Charlotte! Well be stopping by the Islington Market for a while. Would you like to come along? Rosaline asked briskly, reaching out her gloved hand towards Charlotte who nodded in agreement. She climbed onto the carriage with her younger brother and sister in tow. Not long after, they arrived at Islington Market and Charlotte stoked with delight, as she always enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, whiff aroma of freshly baked farm bread and pastries, the colourful things people put on display on and the mysterious charm of antiques. Her first stop was the bakery for every visit without fail she would buy a bakewell tart or two. You may wander around on your own, if you like but dont go too far. Meet us back here in an hour. said Frank to Charlotte as he put a few crowns into her hand. She thanked her father and wandered off quickly, making sure no time is wasted. Charlotte strolled around the market with deep in her thoughts. She came to a halt to register the surroundings before proceeding. She was now at the edge of the market, marked by the old oak tree. The place was little more quiet and few people around. However, the road leading to the market was lined with carriages waiting for custom. Suddenly, a loud voice startled her and snapped her out of her thoughts. Stop that girl! Shes nailed me tokes! Charlotte looked up from the stone road, spotted a girl about her age with a loaf of bread tucked under her arm, dashing across the market towards her direction. The men in top hats and women with parasols stepped aside, ostensibly attempting to avoid being pushed by the girl. At her tail, Charlotte

saw a man chasing after her, presuming it was the owner of the bakery from where the girl stole the bread from. He was dressed in a white shirt and pants, a white apron and a bakers cap. He was rather plump, with short neck and was pointing a sausage finger to the girl. His face was red and sweat running profusely down his face. With the girl still running to get away from the market, he suddenly stopped, resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath. He was too tired to continue with chase and was no longer interested to catch the girl. The girl glimpsed back as she slowed down before continue with her escape. Charlotte was clearly shaken with what she had just witnessed. She has been living a sheltered life and never seen such tumultuous incidents in her life. Before she had chance to recover her composure, she heard someone sniffing behind her. With her heartbeat racing, Charlotte turned around and blinked as she met the dull brown eyes of the girl. Now that she can see the girl closely, Charlotte observed that she was not the neatest or tidiest person in the county. The shade of the oak tree obscured them from the view from the market. M names Lucy. the girl grinned with a missing front tooth. Her dark wiry hair was tucked under a beige felt hat that was slightly oversized which drooped to her eye-brow. In contrast, Charlottes blonde ringlets were tucked neatly under her lavender bonnet. Lucy wore a rough and baggy brown dress, with the sleeves going past her hands, leaving her to fold them, under a white worn out apron. Her face was smudged with old chocolate stains and there was a bruise on her forearm which Charlotte tried to avoid looking at it. Whats yer name? she asked again. Charlotte flinched at her hoarse voice and responded faintly, Charlotte Yardley. Yer werry posh, arent ye? Lucy kept her grin on, clearly enjoying Charlottes company. My family lives in South Audley Street, Mayfair. Ah! Everyone always had addressed her so formally. A change shouldnt hurt. Well, Im a piecer. You know, we join pieces o thread togeer at the coon mill. She continued, picking on the bread she still held. She ripped a small piece and popped it into her mouth. She took another piece and reached it out to Charlotte. Wan one? Milk bread? Charlotte shook her head and politely said No, thank you. Actually, I should be returning to my family now otherwise they will get worried., trying hard not to offend her new found friend. Oh, wait! Lucy stopped Charlotte in her tracks, lightly tugging onto her shoulder. Can we meet again and be friends? Charlotte beamed with delight and exclaimed, Yes, of course! I will love to meet you again Lucy couldnt hide her happiness. She reached into her left apron pockets and took out a pair of cameo earrings with silhouettes of the Queen on them, with a midnight blue background.

I nailed these luggers from a stall las year. She whispers, handing one of them to Charlotte. I was goin ter sell embut then I waned to give em to someone special. This will symbolize our friendship! Thank you. Charlotte smiled, holding the earring in her palm. Indeed it showed the head of Queen Victorias head. Charlotte had received a necklace with a similar pendant from her grandfather for Christmas last year. We will meet each oer again, righ? Lucy asked, hope dripping from each word. Definitely! ~~~ When Lucy returned home to her little run-down house which her mother and siblings shared with three other families, she pondered whether or not she should tell anyone about her new found friend. Ma! Lucy called, skipping into the sitting room. It wasnt a very big one; it is a square room and the wallpapers were peeling at the edges of the ceiling, a used emerald green sofa in the corner facing a small fireplace (which Lucy was thankful for) and two rusty standing lamps on each side of the room. Some old toys and books were scattered across the floor. Lucys mother, usually called by the name Hattie in the house, sat in the sofa while rocking a baby in her arms. Lucy! Where have y been? Havent been stealing again, have y? said her mother sternly, a line visibly forming above her eyebrows, her eyes on the loaf of milk bread Lucy still held protectively. Its for Grace, Arthur and ye, Ma. Lucy said, partly attempted to change the subject. I met someone at the market. Really? her mother asked, perking her head up in interest at Lucy. Who is it? Her names Charlotte Yardley. Lucy began, taking a seat next to her mother, setting the loaf of bread on the coffee table between the sofa and the fireplace. Shes quite jemmy, she is but you know, shes really nice. Yardley, eh? her mother mumbled, as if thinking deeply where she heard that name before, until it hit her. An image of a newspaper article for last month popped into her head, but she said nothing. Alrigh. I believe yer. Now hook it before Mrs Kippling catches ye with at saddle. Yes, Ma. Lucy nodded, leaving the room and climbing up the stairs towards her room , where her younger brother of seven was sleeping, softly snoring. Lucy smiled. Today and tomorrow were the only days Arthur was able to have time off from work at the factory and he only earned about five shillings a week. Lucy quickly put the bread in an old tin where they used to keep food from the other families at the back of their closet. The only other item in the tin was a glass bottle with less than half filled with milk. Lucy had stolen it from a baroness picnic basket couple of days ago.

~~~ So what have you been doing at the market, Charlotte? I cant help but noticing that you havent bought any bakewells today. Frank said to Charlotte mock suspiciously when they arrived home later that day. Oh, I havent. Charlotte replied, taking a seat by the fireplace with a book in hand. She was keeping her encounter with Lucy a secret, although, she wasnt sure if Lucy was. Just walked around for a bit. Have you seen that insolent child who stole a loaf of bread? That poor baker. Franks words stung, knowing he was referring to Lucy. Next thing you know, theyre stealing barkers. Do not associate with animals like them, Charlotte Louise Yardley. Charlotte flinched; her father only said her full name when he was being serious. In other words, if Frank finds out that she had formed a friendship with someone like Lucy, she would be punished one way or the other. Not wanting to face the repercussion, she decided to keep it to herself. Two days later, Charlotte was left alone in her house, while her parents were out and Harry and Ruth went to their governors house. She sat on a bench outside her house, trying to read but her mind was miles away. Once again she was brought back into reality from a commotion taking place down the road. Curiosity brought her to follow the noise and see what was happening, leaving her book on the bench. Arriving at the end of the road where it meets another road creating a T-junction, she finds a neighbor Mr Pearce, threatening at who appears to be Lucy. Intrigued, she approaches them, ignoring a few of those who were watching. Excuse me, Mr Pearce. She spoke, folding her arms behind her. Please let me handle this. Do you know her, Miss Yardley? Mr Pearce asked, raising his brow in suspicion. Charlotte shook her head. I asked her to come here today, sir, to return something she has of mine. Charlotte said sternly, in an attempt to convince Mr Pearce that it was only her business that Lucy was in her neighbourhood that day. Charlotte was anxious for a moment before Mr Pearce nodded. All right; Ill leave it to you then. Mr Pearce tipped his hat and left. Have a good day, Ms Yardley. Charlotte made sure there were no longer any onlookers so she could take Lucy somewhere else, but not where either of them could get in trouble, mainly Charlotte. She gestured for Lucy to follow her. When the two were out of hearing distance from the main street, stopping by mews, Charlotte turned around and said to Lucy, Do you know how dangerous it could have been for you to come here alone without notice? I wanted to see where you lived. Said Lucy straight.

Charlotte blinked. How did you even find your way here? Thats not difficult. I just asked few people and here I am. Lucy shrugged, not at the least upset that she was not really welcome by the residents of the area. I like yer dress. It matches yer hair. I wish I had a dress like at. Charlotte looked down with pity, directing her eyes to the hem of her light blue day dress. Lucy was wearing the same clothes she had worn back at the Market. Wellthank you. She replied, uneasily. What happened to the bread? Oh, I gave it ter me Ma and Arthur and little Grace. If Im lucky and I work hard enough, I can earn about twelve shillings a week. I hope to save enough to get us a house where we can live in and little Grace wont have ter work but she jus go to school. said Lucy quite ambitiously, turning up the corners of her lips into a smile. We have ter share it with three oer families. It must be hard for your family to live in such a cram place then. Charlotte said thoughtfully, imagining herself in a house where she has to share it with three other families she hardly knew. The thought of that gives her shivers down the spine. You never told me where you live in London. I live in a rookery near Islington. Lucy said blankly. But I don like it there, thats why I want ter earn money an move somewhere else. If I could, Ill help you! Charlotte said empathically and clasped her hands together. When Im older and make my own fortune, I promise you that Ill invite you to live with me if youd like! That sounds splendid! I hope it does happen! What would you be when you are older, then? Charlotte asked. Oh! I want to be a teacher! Lucy exclaimed with delight. I dont go to school because me Ma couldnt afford it. What abou ye? Well, my father wants me to be a clerk, but I want to travel around the world and be a painter. Charlotte confessed. I admire art. Its everlasting. ~~~ Weeks passed since Charlotte last saw Lucy. After she accompanied Lucy home, receiving a few leery looks on the way, she returned home. Her book was still on the bench just as she had left it. Her parents werent home yet, and she felt relieved, otherwise they could have caught her with Lucy. [These two paragraphs disconnected] It was a dark evening with slight drizzle when her father decided to go out to visit relatives outside London. Charlotte stared out the window of the carriage as it slowly made its way on the cobbled road. Her sister, Ruth was asleep on her lap and her brother leaning on her shoulder, also sleeping. Her

parents were sitting opposite her, talking about politics and how bad the government is running the country while her thoughts was trying to find reason for her father impulsive decision to visit relatives in Oxford. Perhaps, it was a promise that was made long time ago which was long overdue because father was too busy and never had time to fulfill the promise. She came out from her deep thought and brought back to reality when she saw Islington Market, very different from when she met Lucy. The stalls were covered with sheets and the area was lit up only by dimmed flickering light from the top of the lamp posts. The ground was damp and not a soul could be seen in the Market. However, as she looked down at the alley, she saw an old woman, with rags on her, standing at the end of an alley, cradling a baby. The carriage moved slightly to the left so there was a distance between the carriage and the alley that was likely to heading to a rookery slum. She then remembered that Lucy lived in this neighbourhood, not too far distance from the Market. From the window, she saw the woman who appeared to be in despair and hoping for compassion from people who could help her. Look away, Charlotte. Rosaline hissed. They might come in droves if you start helping one. Charlotte did as she was told; for she was also frightened by the way the woman looked at her. She sighed quietly and let the journey continue. All of a sudden, she felt a strong jolt from the back of them carriage and it felt as if it was happening so quickly. She heard the horse neigh loudly and impulsively, she hugged both her siblings tightly to her as the left wheel at the back of the carriage came undone, letting out a loud screech. She was thrown backward and hit her head rather hardly on the side of the carriage just by the window. Frank and Rosaline held onto their dear lives holding on to the brass railings where they were seated, but were thrown of the seat, bumped their head on the floor and became unconscious. Charlotte felt dizzy and her vision became blurred, but she still tried to crawl out of the carriage that landed on its side. She heard some people shouting from the direction of slum. Her brother and sister groaned with pain and murmured as though they wanted to say something. She was relieved that they werent badly hurt. Oh dear! We mus help em, Mrs. Kipling! I know that, ye silly woman! The poor chavy! Quick! Charlotte sensed that someone was trying to force open the door of the carriage and she tried to look up, she saw someone was looking into the carriage. Are ye alright, dearie? Charlotte heard an old womans voice with worry in her tone. I-Im fine. She stuttered. But can you please help my brother and sister first? Help er out, Hattie!

Yes, Mrs. Kipling! another woman came, trying to reach her hand out for to pull her young siblings out from the wreckage. Don worry. Well help ye. Sub-consciously, Charlotte saw her sister reached out and grabbed onto Hatties, while her legs tried to push her body out of the carriage, followed by her brother. Charlotte herself was aided out of the carriage, collapsing onto the wet road, surrounded by people dressed similarly toCharlotte! Are you alrigh? she recognized the high-pitched voice of Lucy coming from the small group, and running towards her, still lying on the ground, clutching what looked like a bowl with a cloth hanging over it, a woman checking to see if she had any injuries. The old woman, Mrs Kippling, Charlotte believed, and a few men trying to turn the carriage over to its side. My parents! Will they- Calm down, Ms Yardley! Mrs. Kipling wailed. We are tryin what we can! She spotted the coachman with the help of other men from the slum attempted to retrieve Frank and Rosaline. Charlotte curled her body in shock and anxiety, with tears running down her pale face. It wasnt long while Lucy held a cold cloth to Charlottes forehead that she blacked out. ~~~ Lucy was grateful that none of the Yardleys were seriously hurt. They just had minor concussions and a bit bruised. Other than that, she had no qualms of helping them to hospital, even when she was aware that Charlottes class often looked down on commoners like her. Most of the people from her rookery who helped went home after the hospital took them in, but Hattie, herself, a few concerned neighbours and surprisingly, Mrs. Kipling stayed to make sure they were fine. Seeing that Frank and Rosaline had woken up before Charlotte, trying to recall what had happened, but after Mrs. Kipling and the doctor explained to them, shock was written all over both their faces. Lucy then stepped up and told them about her first encounter with Charlotte at the market that day (getting a look of surprise from Frank). They thanked Lucy and apologised. Not too long after their awakening experience and the arrival of their relatives, Charlotte regained consciousness in the ward. Lucy saw a dark bruise on her temple, but she reassured Charlotte to remain calm, giving her some clean water. When Frank was able to stand, he gave Lucy a small embroidered linen pouch. She opened it and found it was filled with crowns. He leaned down and whispered, Spend it wisely. Thank you, Mr Yardley! Lucy gasped, closing the pouch. Also, do treat Charlotte well. She has always wanted a friend. So did I.