The Ghost at Chingford
Chapter 1
3rd of March , 1897 .
" Feed the horses while you get the water at the well! ," Mrs . Chingford shouted . " Yes , Mrs . Chin... I mean , Madam ,"I sighed , dragging the water bucket at my feet . Mrs . Chingford frowned curiously at Me . " Why are you dragging that bucket in such a manner , Alice? I do wish you would brighten up at this moment , we're having so much trouble with the kids ," . I sighed again but quietly , I didn't want to lose my job . I walked down the marble staircase , heaving the bucket up and down while it knocked at my knees . Rose and Laura skipped in front of Me , waving their beautiful brown hair , side to side in their Sunday best dresses . Both of their dresses had a white base , frills on the bottom and a thin silk bow around the waist . " Do get out of our way Al , or otherwise you'll trip and get in trouble with mother ," Rose and Laura said at the same time , giggling . I hurried further until I got to the well . I dragged the bucket towards the stables and carefully put down the bucket . I patted my favourite horse , Chesnut while scooping up some grains and sprinkling them into every horses mouth . The stars were in the sky and it was full moon . The birds were chirping , like they were having a midnight party . Everything else sounded silent . Soon every horse got it's filling and I sat down on the cement path and gazed up at the stars . It was so peaceful after all the work I did today . I'm not supposed to work here , anywhere but I needed to earn some money for my family up in Timaru . I get 9 pounds a year , a pound each for how old I am and if I worked harder at least 10 pence more . I looked at the Chingford mansion , all the marble and expensive statues made Me feel that I wanted to kill myself . Suddenly I saw a flicker inside the mansion . Smoke started to spread inside and around the house . I ran as fast as I could towards it . I fought the flames and found George , the youngest child in his cot , sleeping but not breathing properly . I ran back outside to meet Mrs . Chingford , Rose , Laura , Daniel and the other servants all wheezing and looking utterly confused with black marks on their face and clothes . Mrs . Chingford wept to see George in my arms and kissed both of his cheeks . " Where is the master? ," I asked . I already new what had happened . Mrs . Chingford gave Me a foul look but then brightened up , since I had saved her baby boy . To be continued ...
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The Ghost at Chingford .
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