Egremont, 1896
I have a new school in Egremont which is even farther from home than Calderwod, but it offers me more pay and a longer contract if I do well.
But I must be unstoppable in the mornings to get to my school early enough to light the stove and have all ready when my students arrive.
It is black- dark when my little watch chimes at 4:30 AM and I arise somewhat stiffly, reluctant to leave my quilts to enter the frozen room that surrounds my warm cocoon. The instant my feet touch the icy floorboards I am jolted awake. I break the skim of ice on my water basin and cup my hands to bring the frozen slush to my face. Then quick, quick into my woolen dress and heavy knit stockings stuffed into my boots. Then dress my hair and gather up my books.
Will there be tea and porridge downstairs? My mind is on the letter I must find time to write to Nell tonight. It seems years since I saw her. I feel years older than my last birthday and I must write to tell Nell of my trials with my new boarding house and Mrs. Mac, my landlady.
I have a new school in Egremont which is even farther from home than Calderwod, but it offers me more pay and a longer contract if I do well.
But I must be unstoppable in the mornings to get to my school early enough to light the stove and have all ready when my students arrive.
It is black- dark when my little watch chimes at 4:30 AM and I arise somewhat stiffly, reluctant to leave my quilts to enter the frozen room that surrounds my warm cocoon. The instant my feet touch the icy floorboards I am jolted awake. I break the skim of ice on my water basin and cup my hands to bring the frozen slush to my face. Then quick, quick into my woolen dress and heavy knit stockings stuffed into my boots. Then dress my hair and gather up my books.
Will there be tea and porridge downstairs? My mind is on the letter I must find time to write to Nell tonight. It seems years since I saw her. I feel years older than my last birthday and I must write to tell Nell of my trials with my new boarding house and Mrs. Mac, my landlady.
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