The Angel Of The Abbey

Chapter 12: 4th August 1914 - The Worst News In Decades

The day of the garden party has finally arrived, and I'm in the kitchen making the final touches to the cakes. "And.....done." I placed the piping bag down and sighed in relief.

Suddenly, the telephone rings from Mr. Carson's pantry.

"Oh, my Lord, listen to that." Mrs. Patmore stared at it. "It's like the cry of a banshee."

I chuckled. "I think you're over exaggerating, Mrs. Patmore."

The phone continued to ring as Tom walked in. He pointed at it while looking at the three of us. "Mr. Carson's telephone is ringing." I glanced at Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Patmore. No one made a move at all. "Well, isn't someone going to answer it?" It ringed again.

Mrs. Patmore shook her head. "I wouldn't touch that thing with a ten-foot pole."

I rolled my eyes and washed my hands quickly before drying them on a towel. "I'll go and answer it."

I walked around the work top and into Mr. Carson's pantry. I picked up the telephone, placing the speaker in my left ear, and picked up the stand with the microphone on it, holding it close to my mouth for me to speak into it. "Hello, this is Miss Robinson speaking."

"Miss Robinson, is Mr. Carson there?"

I shook my head. It took me a moment to realise that whoever is on the other end of the call couldn't see me. Tom stifled a laugh. "Oh, no, Mr. Carson's busy. I can take a message, if it isn't any trouble?"

"It's no trouble at all, Miss Robinson. This is Mr. Bromidge speaking. I was given Mr. Carson's details by Lady Sibyl regarding Miss Gwen Harding, whom I had interviewed not long ago regarding the position as my secretary. It would be most appreciated if you can pass on the message to Miss Gwen Harding herself."

I frowned. Oh, no, please don't be another one she gets turned down for. "Of course I can, Mr. Bromidge. One can only hope you have some good news for her. She is a dear friend of ours here."

"It is as if you read my mind." Mr. Bromidge chuckled. "Please inform her that the position of Secretary is hers for the taking. She did ever so well in the interview."

"That's wonderful news!" I smiled, ignoring look of confusion from everyone. "I will let her know immediately."

"Thank you, Miss Robinson." He said. "Take care."

"You as well, Mr. Bromidge." I placed the speaking back on the stand and placed the stand carefully back down on the table before doing a happy dance with a grin. "Yes!!"

Tom placed both hands on my shoulders, forcing me to stop what I was doing. "Eve? What did Mr. Bromidge have to say? Did Gwen..."

I nodded, still grinning. "She did!"

"What on Earth is up with you youngsters?" Mrs. Bird asked.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Patmore. I'll be stealing her for a while." Tom smiled widely and grabbed my hand, pulling me along with him through the outside of the building and in through the garden party.

I laughed while running beside him hand in hand. "I'm guessing we're going to find Sybil and Gwen?"

"Your guess is correct." Tom said before we reached Sybil, who is standing around chatting to other women in a circle, including Lady Edith. "We've got news, my Lady." He whispered in her ear. "Gwen's got the job."