Hannah

I did as Fred suggested, and spent an hour with my Bank Manager, Mr. Taylor, this morning. He assured me that the idea of buying my property was not out of the question. Benjamin’s farm realised a substantial sum for my use, which was invested in the bank, but living frugally as we do, I have not eaten into the capital, and have managed to live on the interest over these past years.

He also advised me, which was important to know, that if I was thinking of marrying again, that any property that I might buy would not automatically be part of my husband’s estate. I could of course share the property or gift it to a second husband, but he would not be automatically be given ownership of it through marriage. He quoted, “1882 Married Women's Property Act. Under the terms of the act married women have the same rights over their property as unmarried women. This act therefore allows a married woman to retain ownership of property which she might have received as a gift from a parent. Before the 1882 Married Women's Property Act was passed this property would have automatically become the property of the husband. The passing of the 1893 Married Women's Property Act completed this process. Married women now have full legal control of all the property of every kind which they owned at marriage or which they acquired after marriage either by inheritance or by their own earnings.”

I put on my lavender dotted linen gown, with lace and embroidery embellishment in the front and back, a V neck, and 3/4 sleeves. The lace extends from the bodice and down the front center panel of the skirt. I chose my best summer dress for the meeting at Horatio’s house. I know it is silly to wish that he would notice me, and find me attractive, as he is married and nothing can come of it. But I do find myself listening intently to every word he says, and I get shivers when I hear him sing at Church.

I spent more time than usual on my hair, with Mary, my neighbour making all sorts of comments, thinking I was prettying myself for Fred’s benefit. Let her think that. It is much easier for me if she assumes that I have an interest in him, but he is so shy and boring really. I doubt if he’ll have a bit of conversation as we go over to the meeting tonight. I want a man that makes me take notice and keeps me interested in life. I think that sounds as if Florence is at the door.

“Hello, Florence, dear. It is so kind of you to come out for us. I know you have had a hard day at work.”

“I don’t mind at all, Mrs. Harrison, as if I were at home, I would be doing a lot more work at home than I shall be required to do here, and I do like Annie. You look very lovely tonight.”

“Thank you Florence. Annie, too, is excited that you are here to care for her. You can fix yourself some tea, and there are some homemade biscuits in the tin. Annie needs to be in bed for 8.30 at the latest. I expect to be back by 10.”

“All right, Mrs. Harrison. Mother made sure I had some mending with me, to keep my hands occupied after she goes to sleep, but just maybe I will have a go at one of your books, if that is all right.”

“Certainly, that is fine, Florence. You may take one home with you if you wish, and bring it back when you have finished it.”

“Good night, darling,” I said to Annie, as I kissed her on the cheek. Just then Fred arrived, and I went straight out the door, so as not to keep him.

“Have a nice time,” Annie said as I closed the door, seeming quite anxious for me to be gone. Since I might need for her to be cared for on other occasions, it is good to know that she is happy to have Florence around.

“Thank you again, Fred, for this evening. I hope it won’t be too boring for you.”

“Not at all, Mrs. Harrison. I am quite looking forward to it.”

We started walking quite smartly down the lane, side by side. There is little traffic on this road in the evening.

“Please call me Hannah. I am not that much older than you. How old are you after all?”

“Just coming up to 30, but I know better than ask you how old you are,” he said with a cheeky grin.

“Well, older than you, that is for sure, but not old enough to be your mother.”

“Did you manage to see Mr. Taylor at the bank?”

“Yes, I called in this morning, and he seems happy with my financial situation, if I want to buy my house. Of course, it all depends on the asking price, and the arrangements and things like that. Did you have a busy day today? I don’t even know what it is you do exactly.”

“I’m a stone mason now, at the quarry up Hollywood way, working for Joseph Rowbottom. It’s the same trade as was my father before me, back when we lived in Bollington, but he did mostly carving for monuments. He died back in 84, and my mother soon after in 85, mostly of a broken heart, I think. Blanche was only 5 then, so she was adopted by the Allsops, and moved up here. I lived with my older brother for awhile, but when I was old enough to get a job, I looked for one to be near Blanche. I have lived with Mr. Dawson ever since but I was a warehouseman for awhile. Much better now that I am doing what I really want to do. What did your father do?”

“He was a farmer - as were all of us who are related to the Dawsons.”

“What did your husband do?”

“He owned an 80 acre farm at Ernocroft. We were only married five years, and Annie was just three when he died.  She doesn’t really remember him much. It was lucky that this house was available to rent after he died, and it means I am still close to my relatives. Do you know my brother Samuel? He farms at Charlesworth.”

“Only to say hello to, as he has called on Mr. Dawson on occasion, but I never spoke to him properly. I expect you still miss your husband.”

“Yes, but not like I once did. But I shall never stop being grateful to him for providing me with such a good income. It does mean I don’t have to work, as often widows have to. And now I perhaps can invest it in such a way that will benefit Annie and me in the future.”

“Well, I think you must think very carefully about who you trust your money to. I don’t really know Mr. Whittington at all, but I have heard others, and Mr. Dawson in particular, saying that he is known for sharp practices. He is very young to be managing director of a company. I’d like to know how he advanced so quickly in life.”

“I think everyone is most unkind to the man. I think he has done marvelously well, and I for one intend to put my trust in him, unless I am given a very good reason for not doing so,” I said stoutly.

“Sorry, Mrs. -um Hannah. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Well, let’s say no more about it for now. Look we are nearly there. I wonder how many others are coming. I heard that the Higginbottoms are interested, but don’t know of anyone else.”

“I have heard the Salts are coming tonight, but we shall no doubt know exactly in a few moments.”

Fred knocked hard on Horatio’s front door, and Blanche opened it - beaming when she saw Fred standing there. “Well, I never,” she said. “Certainly didn’t expect you here tonight, our Fred. And good evening, Mrs. Harrison. Nice evening and all.”

“I am here to give moral support to Mrs. Harrison,” said Fred, softly to his sister. “I’m not putting any of my money into this.”

Horatio came to the door. “Hannah, lovely to see you. And you Mr. Hodkinson. I wasn’t aware that you were interested in our little venture.”

“I asked him to accompany me, Mr. Whittington. I hope you don’t mind. I thought he might be able to help me understand some of the financial matters.”

“Certainly,” said Horatio, rather shortly, and I got the impression that he was more than a bit annoyed at seeing Fred here with me.

We moved into the room, and it was the first time I had seen the inside of Horatio’s house. We were just in the garden on our previous visit. There was a magnificent blue carpet decked with roses, and the curtains were Chinese patterned silk. It was ever so posh, with good quality velvet chairs and an ottoman, with beautifully made dining chairs brought in to add extra seating There were numerous wonderful oil paintings on the walls. I couldn’t stop looking, and Mrs. Whittington noticed me, and smiled.

“I see that you are admiring our paintings, Mrs. Harrison. Of course, much of this came from my home, when my mother moved in with us. And Horatio has the chance to buy from his work quite often, bargains that others would never even know about. Have you met my mother, Mrs. Hayes?”

I quickly compared what I was wearing to what these other two women had on, and was pleased that I had made an effort. Louise wore a pale pink two piece dress of soft linen fabric with exquisite handwork. It has a high neck of net which is supported with stays and it has tiny pearl buttons on the center of yoke.

Mrs. Hayes was also dressed for a special occasion. As she is still in mourning, she was wearing black silk, with a high neck and front bodice insert of colourful heavy textured embroidered fabric in dark red, beige and cream. The skirt has a center panel of the same trim. No doubt the inserts were not used when she was in full mourning, but her husband has been dead more than a year now, so she can legitimately add a bit of colour.

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure” I said.

“Mother, may I introduce you to Mrs. Harrison from up the road. She is a widow with a lovely little girl, Annie. Annie was so polite and helpful when you were last here for our al fresco tea party.”

“How do you do?” said Mrs. Hayes, stiff in carriage and feature, and clearly not caring in the least how I did.

“Are you settling down well, with us in the outskirts of Ludworth?” I asked?

“I so miss my friends from Prestwich. And of course, most of my life I have been abroad. I can’t tell you how much more pleasant a life I had before. My husband was a physician you know, and we travelled a lot. My daughter and I intend to go to Prestwich to visit friends soon. And I greatly look forward to our planned holiday in France in September.”

Not able to think of anything more to say, I was very pleased that it appeared that all the expected guests had arrived, and Horatio signalled that he was about to start the meeting.