Natural Justice
Nellie settled into a corner seat, tucked her suitcase away, and wrapped her cloak against the pre-dawn chill, wincing as she felt the bruise where Annie had pinched her arm yet again.
Well, Annie could find another kitchen maid to bully now. Nellie smiled, imagining the ruckus as they discovered the fires unlit, the breakfast table not laid.
She imagined Annie’s horror when she found her secret treasure gone from under her mattress – all the pennies filched from the master’s trouser pockets as she washed and pressed them.
The whistle sounded, the train chugged away, and Nellie was free.
*****
For Friday Fictioneers, kindly hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
I introduced Annie and the household that Nellie’s escaping from a few weeks ago. If you’d like to revisit that story, you’ll find it here.
Onto the page 
You paint the picture well
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Thank you, Neil.
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It would almost be worth risking hiding in the bushes to actually see Annie’s face 🙂
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It would – maybe another story there.
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There’s something weirdly reassuring about ill-gotten gains being recycled. A satisfying read, Margaret – a visit here is always worthwhile.
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Recycled – that’s a good way to put it. And perhaps the reassuring feeling comes from seeing a victim take revenge. I know there are ethical issues in that, but isn’t it good that we can sidestep some of those in fiction? Thanks, Sandra, for your lovely comment.
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Dear Margaret,
I’m so happy for Nellie. I didn’t feel the least bit of sympathy for Annie. Like Ali, I’d love to be a fly on the wall to see her face in the morning. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We all like to see the underdog come out on top now and again, don’t we? Thanks, Rochelle.
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I had a Down Town Abbey feel reading this. Well written 😀!
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The photo was right out of that era, if you ignore the modern clothes of the people at the station. Thanks, Tannille.
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Time to start anew, hopefully somewhere more pleasant. Delightful
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Yes, that’s Nellie’s hope too. Thank you, Keith. Glad you enjoyed.
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“So, we contacted your former employer who said they would not rehire you. You didn’t give two-weeks notice. You didn’t even start the fires before you left. You listed your reason for leaving as ‘Child was a nightmare.’ You don’t work well with children. I have some other interviews today. We’ll be in touch.”
Maybe Nellie should have just fed Annie to the monster thing from my story.
Jokes aside, good for Nellie for getting out of a bad situation. It takes strength and courage to pick up and move on.
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Oh no – the all important reference. Nellie didn’t think about that, did she? Does your monster have a business card? Maybe Nellie could have one – she might have a need for his services in the future.
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Maybe the monster will hire her. Eating children is probably a messy habit. He could use someone to clean up. Though, given her track record with children, she might not be right for the job.
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Good for Nellie! By telling us about the bruise on her arm, you painted a vivid picture of the way Annie treated her. Nicely done, Margaret.
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Thank you, magarisa. I fiddled a lot with that sentence, trying to include enough detail to paint in the background without using up too many words. Challenging.
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You’re very welcome, Margaret. It is indeed challenging to provide enough detail in a concise manner.
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delightful story-telling. i enjoyed it very much. 🙂
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I’m so happy about that. Many thanks, Plaridel.
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That was an unpleasant household Nellie escaped from. I hope she finds something better. Annie will just have to build up her treasure again. Well written, Margaret. —- Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. Nellie’s quite resourceful – I’m sure she’ll land on her feet.
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Go, Nellie!
This was a wonderful read, Margaret. Well paced and described.
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So glad you enjoyed it, Dale. Thank you for your kind comment.
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I was right there with Nellie – I could almost taste the freedom. What a wonderful escape by a clever girl.
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That’s so nice to know – if a reader can connect with my characters I’m happy. Many thanks, Jilly.
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Wooooo go, Nellie! I really feel how bullied she was and how excited she is to escape
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That makes me happy – so glad you were ale to connect with her. Thanks for commenting so enthusiastically, Laurie.
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It is natural justice. If Annie had been nice to Nellie, Nellie wouldn’t have left and she’d still have her hidden pilfered coins. Nellie will be able to put them to good use, glad she got away from the torment!
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Exactly. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Nellie – life was tough for young women like Nellie in those times.
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That was really good! I can taste that freedom cemented by that extra cash.
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Yes, a little extra cash can make all the difference. So glad you enjoyed the story – thank you, Fatima.
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Yay Nellie!
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Indeed. Thanks Dawn.
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Yes Nellie!
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🤗
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I guess Annie got her comeuppance. Nicely written.
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She did. Let’s hope it teaches her to be a little kinder. Thank you, Iain.
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